Two of Marvel’s new flagship titles – Uncanny Avengers and All-New X-Men – shipped their second issues this week, and one of them came out the clear winner. The other one needs to pick up the pace if it hopes to keep up and stay relevant. I wonder if the books are in any kind of direct competition. They seem to be telling the same story – how the world of superheroes reacts to the new anti-mutant hysteria – but they’re going about it in very different ways. Are some people buying one but not the other? Regardless, the one book people should be buying is the new Thor: God of Thunder! The second issue continues the awesomeness of the first, and rides a winged horse to a clear Comic Book of the Week!

That was not a euphemism

Comic Reviews: All-New X-Men #2, Aquaman #14, Batman: Incorporated #5, FF #1, Red Lanterns #14, Talon #2, Thor: God of Thunder #2, Uncanny Avengers #2.

All-New X-Men #2

All-New X-Men #2
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Stuart Immonen

Now this is more like it. I should have had more faith in Bendis to make this premise exciting. I actually really enjoyed the use of the time-traveling “little X-Men” in this issue as they come to the present day and have to come to grips with the current state of their lives. At heart, it’s a fascinating twist on the classic time-traveling story. Characters are always visiting post-apocalyptic futures in comics. But usually it’s the present day characters traveling into the future. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen older versions of the characters coming to the present, which from their point of view might indeed seem like a post-apocalyptic world. Considering the state of the X-Men these days, especially the original five, this is definitely a new and different world. Kudos to Bendis for nailing that feeling.

So the young X-Men agree to follow Beast to the present day in order to make Cyclops see reason and halt his mutant revolution. The younger X-Men meet up with the present day X-Men, and it’s a very fun scene, especially Iceman’s reaction – both of them. Wolverine tries to kill the young Cyclops without question (what an asshole), but eventually Beast is able to explain what he’s done, even though not everybody is very happy about it. Beast then passes out due to his mutating body, and he’s rushed into surgery. Meanwhile, the young X-Men come to grips with the state of things and decide to steal a Blackbird to go confront Cyclops themselves.

Comic rating: 4/5: Good!

While I’m still generally annoyed at how everybody is treating Cyclops (He’s the real hero, dammit!), this was definitely a fun issue. Bendis is a master of dialogue, and I’ve always been a fan of his work. So all of his scenes of the young X-Men meeting the current X-Men were a lot of fun (aside from Wolverine’s rude bloodlust). I really hope that when they do meet the current Cyclops that he talks some sense into them and explains that he’s not the war criminal that Beast and Wolverine believe he is. And considering Wolverine just tried to kill the young X-Men in a berserker rage without asking a single question really shows you how hypocritical that character has become in the face of all this. But that’s just me ranting. Seriously, if you had any doubts (like me) about the value of this series, I think Bendis lays them to rest with this issue. I’m definitely excited to see what happens next.

Plus, this is some of the best work of Stuart Immonen’s career. Brilliantly drawn, eye-poppingly colorful and simply fantastic on a superhero book.

Aquaman #2

Aquaman #14
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Pete Woods

After the exciting Others story, Aquaman slows down to take a breather and transition into the next sea shanty, which is apparently going to be so huge that it crosses over with Justice League! I’m definitely looking forward to that. But for now, how about a conversation between Aquaman and his brother, the King of Atlantis? It’s a pretty entertaining conversation, hampered by the strange decision to never show his brother in the light, even though he’s right there on the cover. Seriously, the guy is only ever shown in shadow. What are they trying to hide? He’s right there on the cover!!

Many years ago, the U.S.S. Essex got into a fight with the king and queen of Atlantis. They rescued her after she was attacked by a shark, but the queen repaid their kindness by fighting back and killing two of the crew. So they killed her. The king then retaliated, and the crew killed him too, but then the Atlanteans attacked the ship en masse. In the present day, Aquaman has a chat with his half-brother Orm, the king of Atlanties. We learned a few issues ago that Orm is kind of evil, but Aquaman gave up the throne anyway. The two chat amongst the wreckage of the Essex, and Orm tells the story from the Atlanean’s side, using it as a fable about how crazy and unkind the humans are. Aquaman asks if Orm is trying to attack the surface world, and Orm denies such a thing as ludicrous. Meanwhile, Black Manta turns down an offer to join the Suicide Squad and someone unleashes the monstrous Trench from the ocean floor.

Comic rating: 4/5: Good.

The conversation between Aquaman and Orm was actually quite well done, with a simmering darkness just below the surface. Orm was not as sinister as I think we’re supposed to believe, and that goes a long way towards making him a legitimate character. But what the hell was with keeping him in shadows? It’s not like he was purposefully hidden. The guy was out and about, walking and swimming with Aquaman. But whereas Aquaman was bright and in the light, the art just bathed Orm in darkness. It was really annoying, especially since, again, he’s right there on the cover! Oh well, at least he’s being built into a good antagonist. The rest of the issue was also strong, especially Black Manta’s scene. He’s turning into just as much of a badass as Aquaman, and I’m excited to see him some more in the future. We also get a little teaser about Aqualad in this issue, which is a hoot.

Batman Inc #5

Batman: Incorporated #5
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Chris Burnham

At the very least, this issue provides us with the idea of Joker zombies. Usually the victims of Smilex gas just wind up with a big, rictus grin on their faces. But what if they became the angry, wild, dangerous zombies of 28 Days Later? Clearly they would bring about the Apocalypse, as this issue foretells. Once again, Grant Morrison takes us on a trip to the future to see what Damian would be like as Batman. Unfortunately, I have no more interest in this series, especially not an entire issue set in a future that will never happen. Once upon a time, Morrison’s Batman Inc. was the flagship of the Batman franchise. It was the book to read. But he has been surpassed by Scott Snyder and other Batman comics, and other comics in general. Now this is just a story that has outstayed its welcome and shows no end in sight. Morrison’s writing is still fine, and Burnham’s art is great. But man, oh man, this just keeps going on and on and on.

At the end of last issue, Batman told his son Damian that he could no longer be Robin. Batman has seen the future, where a Batman is set to doom Gotham City. So he has surmised that Damian is that Batman, and that his mother, Talia al Ghul, always intended Damian to become Robin so that he would be in line to become that doom-bringing Batman of the future. Most of the issue is a glimpse into that future, where Gotham City is burning and overrun with Joker zombies. The survivors, including Commissioner Barbara Gordon, are holed up in Arkham Asylum, while Damian goes out into the city trying to help find a cure – only to mess up and instead bring a carrier into the Asylum, infecting all the survivors. This definitely is the Apocalypse. Back in the present, Batman again tells his son that he can’t be Robin anymore, even though Damian pleads with his father. And in another building, the members of Batman Inc. walk into a trap and are caught in a big explosion!

Comic rating: 3/5: Alright.

Look, this is a good comic, if you’ve been following along. And I’m sure it’ll be even better if it’s read all in one sitting. But as far as I’m concerned, Morrison has lost all of his momentum. Between delays and the whole New 52 shakeup, this series just doesn’t matter much anymore. Especially not with Scott Snyder writing an even better Batman series elsewhere. Morrison’s epic tale, which he’s been writing for what feels like forever, just doesn’t matter anymore. It’s a relic that keeps lumbering along based on his reputation alone. Sometimes he has a good idea or a really fun scene, but as a whole, the Batman: Incorporated ship has sailed. But I suppose I’ll keep reading to see if it goes anywhere interesting. Though threatening to just straight up kill all the cool Incorporated characters does not count as interesting. Spare us your tired comic book theatrics.

FF #1

FF #1
Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Michael Allred

Not as exciting as I was hoping for, but the new FF is off to a good start. Like Indestructible Hulk last week, FF is one of my most anticipated new series in Marvel NOW! I’m a big Scott Lang fan, so the idea of him stepping up to be a new superhero leader definitely appealed to me. Couple that with the iconic and amazing art of Michael and Laura Allred and I was definitely excited for FF. But this is more of an introductory issue, which I guess should be expected for a new team like this. We meet all the cast members, get an understanding of the plot and basically just set up where we’ll go from here. It was entertaining enough, with some great character work, so I’m definitely still excited for FF.

Something is wrong with Reed Richards, but not even he knows what. So he has decided to transcend time and space to try and find a cure. Rather than worry his family, however, he’s led them to believe that they’re all just going on a time-traveling vacation together. And since this is time travel, Reed has planned it out so that it will seem like the Fantastic Four will only be gone for 4 minutes. So each member of the Fantastic Four is sent out to recruit someone else to stand in for them as a temporary Fantastic Four for those four minutes (or longer, if something goes wrong). Reed picks Ant-Man Scott Lang, a scientific genius who’s daughter was recently killed in a superhero battle. So Reed thinks Scott could use something new to do with his time besides grieve. The Invisible Woman picks her old friend Medusa, the queen of the Inhumans. The Thing picks She-Hulk, who has always been a reserve member of the Fantastic Four. And the Human Torch forgot all about the trip, but he’s probably going to end up picking the random girl he slept with last night.

The issue shows all the various recruitment scenes, interspersed with interviews from all the children in the Future Foundation. A year or two ago, Reed Richards turned the Baxter Building into a school, of sorts, to try and expand the legacy of the Fantastic Four. They’ve got mutants, moloids, robots, aliens and at least one member of the Power Pack, and this issue gives a little introduction to all of them as they try and explain the purpose of the Future Foundation to Scott Lang, who isn’t quite sure he wants to be around so many kids after his daughter was killed. But after Reed confides in him about his illness, Scott comes around by the end of the issue.

Comic rating: 4/5: Good!

Like I said, this issue is mostly introduction. Scott and Reed get the most focus, though I’m not sure if Reed will play any part in this series. We also meet most of the other new FF team members, with some really great character work done with them. Johnny Storm has a particularly funny moment, but again, I don’t think he’s sticking around. You have to read Fraction’s Fantastic Four series to follow their adventures through time and space. I’m not reading it. I liked Scott Lang, I liked She-Hulk, I really liked all the new FF, and I’m eager to get to know Ms. Thing, Johnny’s one night stand/girlfriend. I’m also eager to see what Fraction will do with all the children in the Future Foundation. They were created and put together by the previous FF writer, Jonathan Hickman, so they’re kind of his brainchild. Will Fraction embrace the other writer’s creation? I’m eager to find out.

Red Lanterns #14

Red Lanterns #14
Writer: Peter Milligan
Artist: Miguel Sepulveda

I don’t think any New 52 series has disappointed me more than Red Lanterns. Out of all the new rainbow Lantern Corps created in the past few years, only the Red Lanterns earned their own series in the reboot, and I was very excited. I couldn’t wait to see this evil team of vicious anti-heroes spread their rage and anger across the galaxy. I wanted blood and brutality, a real extreme adventure pushing the limits of human thinking and creativity. This series was set to explode! So imagine my disappointment when Peter Milligan instead wrote a slow, meandering, series about his angry characters in deep contemplation. The great Atrocitus, a real power house of a character, spent the first several issues deep in thought standing over a corpse, wondering if he truly was angry anymore. Gah! What the heck? Milligan’s Atrocitus is such a wuss! And this was the guy who wrote X-Statix for crying out loud!

So the remaining Red Lanterns do battle with the villainous Third Army, and manage to kill them all, though they lost a random cannon fodder member of their team. They take one of the bodies back to their homeworld and Atrocitus uses some of his blood magic to discern its origins, pointing towards the Guardians of the Universe. If they’re going to war, they’re going to need to get stronger, he figures, so he orders his Red Lanterns out into the universe to kill more evildoers and bring their blood back to empower the Red Lantern Power Battery. Atrocitus sends the human Red Lantern, Rankorr, back to Earth to kill the man that initially brought upon his rage, that way he’ll be complete. But Rankorr is having second thoughts about being a killing machine. He heads home to Earth with Bleez, while the cat, Dex-Starr, tags along to get some of his own revenge on Earth. Oh, and Dex-Starr can talk now, for some reason. Meanwhile, Atrocitus returns to his own homeworld to try and resurrect the Manhunter androids, which he figures he can use to fight the Third Army. But when he arrives, he starts to hallucinate (or something) the destruction of his homeworld.

Comic rating: 2/5: Bad.

This issue is all over the place. Milligan is trying to build a small group of Red Lanterns to focus on, which is a good idea, but few of them feel like complete characters. Milligan spent many issues creating some kind of Red Lantern Civil War, but now that’s apparently in the past. Rankorr has been a big disappointment. Too many of Milligan’s Red Lanterns are filled with doubt and lack conviction in their rage. They need to embrace their anger! That’s why they were chosen to be Red Lanterns. Leave the superheroics to the Green Lanterns. I want to see some hardcore brutality! Oh well, at least the art is decent enough.

Talon #2

Talon #2
Writers: Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV
Artist: Juane Jose Ryp

I want to like Talon. I really do. I was a bit skeptical when the series was first announced, but after reading the first three issues, I think DC really has something here. Star Calvin Rose comes off as likable and very skilled. His costume is cool, his back story is cool and he has a lot of potential to become part of the extended Bat-family. And when was the last time we really had a new member of the extended Bat-family? We’re still in the dawning months of a new rebooted continuity. We could have a whole ‘nother 20 years of his rebooted universe. Where could someone like Talon go from here? But sadly, the series so far is kind of just…mediocre.

With the help of his new benefactor, Sebastian Clark, Talon sneaks into a famous Gotham City hotel, which was built by a Court of Owls grandmaster and contains their largest treasure horde. Calvin is led to believe that the safe in the hotel contains all of the Court’s files on him and the two women he’s trying to protect. But in reality, he only discovers a ceremonial Court of Owls mask. Sebastian sent him into the hotel on false pretenses. After defeating the evil Talon guarding the hotel (the son of the grandmaster builder, who was turned into a zombie Talon after turning his back on his father) and destroying the treasure horde, Calvin returns to his lair and gets into an argument with Sebastian. He’s mad that Sebastian lied to him, and Sebastian is mad that Calvin tried to sympathize with the evil Talon. Meanwhile, the remaining members of the Court of Owls have recognized Calvin as a threat, so they unlocked the Tomb of the Unworthy, where they’ve stored all the past rejected Talons. They have decided to resurrect the Gotham Butcher, a serial killer from the 1800s who was chosen as a Talon but was locked away because he was mad. This should work out well for everyone involved.

Comic rating: 3/5: Alright.

I wanted to rate this issue higher. I really did. But after sleeping on it and thinking it over, the issue isn’t much more than mediocre. I still think Calvin meeting Sebastian has been rushed. They only met last issue, and already they’re having dueling hissy fits at each other? Why the hell would they continue to work together? I still think we should have seen Calvin on his own for awhile. But then I suppose he wouldn’t have anybody to talk to. Calvin is definitely proving to be a fun protagonist, though part of him comes off as just another unbeatable, super-fighter Batman figure. They should play up his escape artistry more instead of just being generally good at everything. The evil Talon in this issue was actually a pretty cool character, so it’s a shame they killed him. I thought for sure that they were setting up a re-occurring foe. There’s also this weird disconnect when we learn new facets of the Court of Owls. I can’t help but wonder why these secret hordes and sinister plans weren’t used in the fight against Batman. But such is the disconnect between Snyder’s original ideas for the Court of Owls and Tynion’s new Talon ideas created after the fact.

Though I do like the idea that the Court of Owls acted to take the serial killing Butcher off the streets. Granted, they turned him into a Talon, but the idea that the Court would do such a thing adds a new dimension to their villainy.

I’m going to keep reading, because this book has a lot of potential. The art was very good, nice and detailed how I like. But as of right now, the series is very mediocre. Calvin is a hero type we’ve seen before, and Sebastian does not make for a compelling supporting cast. I’d like to see Talon branch out into more heroic entanglements. Like a recent episode of Arrow, where Oliver Queen learned to fight all crime instead of just pursue his vendetta. That sort of story would work well for Talon, I think. I’m definitely going to maintain my faith in this series and hope for the best.

Thor #2

Thor: God of Thunder #2
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Isad Ribic

Hot damn! The new Thor series may be the absolute best that Marvel NOW! has to offer! It’s definitely the best I’ve seen so far, and the second issue continues the awesome start from the first. The series is grounding Thor is a simple sort of realism, which I love, but the story itself is all manner of epic. The art and narration combine to tell a truly mighty story, with Thor rising to the occasion as an exciting protagonist. I’m reminded more of Lord of the Rings than I am of the actual Thor movie. It’s got that kind of epic, swords-clashing kind of feel to it. And the decision to mix up the story with looks at the past, present and future Thors is definitely a neat touch, boosting each individual version into a better character than they would be on their own. We also get our first glimpse of Gorr the God Butcher – though it’s a bit too soon for my tastes.

In ancient times, before Thor has ever even lifted Mjolnir, he and his viking followers wage war on Russia. But whereas Thor expects a nice fight with the Russian gods, he is instead ambushed by Gorr, who has already slaughtered the Russian deities. The fight is brutal as Gorr taunts the young godling, easily outmatching him as they battle in midair, with Thor balancing on a pair of winged horses. It’s only through a badass use of thunder that Thor is able to survive and escape. Though considering his encounters with Gorr in the present day and in the future, it seems this battle is far from over.

Comic rating: 5/5: Great!

This is an awesome comic. Thor: God of Thunder is full of grace, majesty and some downright badass battles. Young Thor’s battle with Gorr is very exciting. Though if I’m being honest, I’m not quite sold on Gorr’s appearance. He’s a vicious looking man in with an all-white body, a dark cloak and an awkwardly placed black cod piece. He’s got a ‘naked Voldemort’ kind of vibe. But at least he sounds brutal enough. I also think it may have been too soon to reveal him in full. Aaron and Ribic did a fantastic job in the first few pages with Gorr stalking Thor in the fog, but then he fully reveals himself to fight and kill Thor. That he nearly succeeds is pretty cool, but Thor’s ‘thunder god’ moment is simply more badass. This series is definitely a winner if you want to see some big time comic books.

On a personal note, though, I’m finding it a little weird how openly the existence of gods is acknowledged and expected. When Thor and his vikings arrive in Russia and confront the Russian armies, Thor asks where their gods are, and the Russian soldier replies “they’re on their way.” Like it’s perfectly normal that their gods will join them in a battle as if they were any other soldier. Or in the last issue, how Thor visited the alien planet, learned about their gods and then just flew right up to visit the gods’ citadel. Can the word ‘gods’ really be applied to these types of people? What differentiates all these different gods from just regular superheroes? And what about other gods like the Christian god? Does he exist too? It just sounds a little weird, the way Aaron is writing about gods. But perhaps I’ll get used to it.

Uncanny Avengers #2

Uncanny Avengers #2
Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: John Cassaday

Unlike All-New X-Men, this new issue of Uncanny Avengers is a little disappointing. It’s still an entertaining read, don’t get me wrong, but it lacks the fun spark that All-New X-Men #2 has. Parts of this new issue are actually kind of dull, as Remender starts building up his new version of the Red Skull and slowly puts his team of Avengers and X-Men together. There’s a lot of talk, especially from the Red Skull, and a lot of restating the premise. Fortunately, there is some exciting action as well, and the promise of some really weird things to come. Too bad the Red Skull’s team of henchmen continue to bore the heck out of me.

Wolverine arrives on the scene of the destruction caused by Avalanche last issue. He grumbles to himself about the state of mutants these days, then grumbles to Captain America for just randomly picking Havok as the new face of mutants. But Havok is lending a hand with the cleanup, and even gets a hug from a nice old man who doesn’t hate mutants. There’s also a brief moment from Wolverine about how Avalanche was reformed (possibly put into the story for me personally), so I’m glad that was acknowledged. Meanwhile, Rogue is being held captive by the Red Skull’s henchmen (one of whom is Avalanche’s previously unknown daughter, for some reason). Rogue breaks free from the goons and goes to rescue Scarlet Witch, who is also Red Skull’s prisoner. We learn that this Red Skull is a clone created during the 40s, and has been in suspended animation ever since. He uses the brain of Professor X to mind control Wanda into joining his side to wipe out all mutants. Rogue finds her, the two fight, and then Wanda breaks through the mind control when they find Xavier’s body just lying on an operating table.

Comic rating: 3/5: Alright.

While being a fine action issue with some team building, Uncanny Avengers #2 doesn’t have any sort of spark behind it, I don’t think. Especially not compared to something like All-New X-Men. The aftermath of Avalanche’s attack is kind of dull, especially since Wolverine spends the whole time being a Debbie Downer. Havok, who is supposed to be the star, is just a background player. And Thor’s declaration that he will no longer stand by and watch mutants being persecuted is kind of laughable. Thanks Thor, but you’re several decades late to the party. At least the action with Rogue is cool, as she uses her powers in a very creative way to make her escape. The henchmen are still boring (especially the revelation that one of them is Avalanche’s daughter for no discernible reason), and the Red Skull spent so much time talking in this issue that he kind of erased his own menace. Last issue saw him cutting the brain out of Professor X’s corpse! This issue he takes a pleasant stroll with the Scarlet Witch, completely explaining his origins and his goals, all while looking kind of goofy with his buggy, lidless eyes. So the villains aren’t winning me over, but I think the series still has potential if you’re looking for a classic superhero adventure.

Also, I don’t know what it is, but John Cassaday’s art is kind of letting me down. We all know he can do amazing work, but this feels kind of…I dunno, flat, maybe? I think it might be the more muted colors. Something just feels off about the art, like it’s not living up to its potential. Which makes matters worse considering that Cassaday’s art is already causing extreme delays in this series. This second issue was pushed back several weeks from its initial publication date, and the third and fourth issues have been pushed back even further. If this series remains so uninspiring and has such long delays, it’s not going to last long in its current incarnation.

And here’s a nitpicky question: why did the Red Skull lobotomize Avalanche and have him attack New York City? Clearly he’s using Xavier’s brain for mind control, so why not wait until after he’d secured the brain to then just mind control Avalanche? It’s not like Avalanche’s attack was a distraction in order to steal the brain and kidnap Wanda. Avalanche attacked outside Avengers Mansion. Xavier was buried at the Jean Grey School in Westchester, and the attack on the tomb took all of five minutes. Even if they had attacked the tomb without the distraction, there’s no way that any Avengers would get there in time to stop them. I don’t know. I guess I’m still just a little miffed at Remender using Avalanche as cannon fodder. The character deserved much better treatment.

The comics I review in my Hench-Sized reviews are just the usual comics I pick up from my local shop any given week, along with a few impulse buys I might try on a whim. So if there are any comics or series you’d like me to review each week, let me know in the comments!