Marvel Comics

Posted On Today at 05:36:44 pm EDT by Menshevik [Reply] [Quote] [New] Quote:Quote:But I have a problem with the contention that Brubaker's run on Captain America was only as great as you say it is because he resurrected Bucky Barnes. If Brubaker is as great as he say he is, then he should have been able to write stories that are as great or better without using Bucky Barnes for instance by using some other Golden Age character (resurrecting not Bucky Barnes, but the guy who replaced him in the closing stages of World War 2) or creating a new character with personal ties to Steve Rogers like e. g. Arnie Roth in the 1980s. Quote: But he didn't. He resurrected Bucky. Judging him on the merits of how good a writer he would be seen as if he never resurrected Bucky is sophistry. Quote:If his work's not good it's not good. Brubaker should be judged on the work he did not on how crappy you think he would be if he hadn't gotten away with violating the resurrecting Bucky taboo. What I'm on about is the way a lot of people seem to conflate "breaking a taboo" or "breaking the rules" with "good writing", to mistake the former with the latter. And I think Blargh's contention Quote:Quote:Quote:Without Bucky coming back from the dead, we would never have had Brubaker's wonderful runs on Cap and Winter Solider. comes dangerously close to that. So I wrote that if Brubaker is as great as his admirers say then I see no reason why his runs on Captain America and Winter Soldier couldn't have been as great with a Winter Soldier who wasn't Bucky Barnes. (It shouldn't surprise you that I think any competent writer should have been able to do this). This was not, as you seem to think, an attempt to have Brubaker judged on stories he didn't write. But I would like to remind people that breaking rules/taboo can be and all too often is just a sales ploy, a way of generating publicity. In this case, was resurrecting Bucky Barnes essential to the Winter Soldier stories, or was it primarily a way of attracting people to pick up those stories which, not being readers of Captain America, they might not have done with a Winter Soldier who wasn't Bucky Barnes? I think that if a rule is considered important (as the taboo against resurrecting certain characters was), it should generally apply to everyone. It should only be broken for a very important reason, and I do not consider the addition of yet another grim and gritty character to Marvel's roster of heroes important enough, not even for the (Golden Age and Cold War) nostalgia appeal, especially as we already have Jack Monroe.

Posted On Today at 04:01:34 pm EDT by Reverend Meteor [Reply] [Quote] [New] Quote:I don't think it made sense at the time or now. Perfect clones don't melt and Kaine had degeneration and when he was killed his body stayed intact. Clones don't melt post death unless they die of degeneration. Quote:All this proved to me at the time was that another clone had died, not Ben. It may be lame but the way they wrote it was. It was unnecessary to have Ben melt unless dead clones do that and they don't. THE FREAKIN SKELETON IN THE SMOKE STACK SHOWED THAT FOR PETE SAKES! Ironic. They tried to have him melt from clone degeneration to definitively prove he was the fake when in actuality that left room for doubt because he was supposed to be the perfect clone who didn't suffer from degeneration. Quote:I think he died a hero but he should have stayed as Spidey and not been killed off. Ben as Spider-Man was my favourite run of Spidey stories ever and the mad rush to get Ben out and Peter back in was a totally gutless move by editorial. Having Peter back just brought back all the reasons why they got rid in the first place and brought us the horror of OMD and OMIT. Quote:Seriously, they dropped the ball. They blinked. Quote:Now? Quote:I still want Ben back, if only out of a sense of justice to the poor guy. Yes. An injustice was done to him. It must be fixed. I've given this theory before on why I think Ben isn't dead but here it goes again. The Ben that melted was in fact...Spidercide. This was all a long con by Norman. Here's my illogical reasoning. 1. Spidercide was killed when he fell off a building? A being who could shape shift, had complete control over his own molecules and Peter's powers could not survive falling off a building? He could survive a plague, being shattered into a million pieces, and being caught in the explosion of a propane truck but he can't survive a fall off a building? 2. Spidercide whether he was alive or dead his body was taken somewhere. This body that looks exactly like Peter Parker. The same man who had just recently been heavily featured in the media when he was accused of being a serial killer. Yet from what we can tell a corpse with spider powers that looks like the guy who just got off of a serial killer rap didn't raise any eyebrows anywhere. I'm thinking Norman Osborn could have had the influence to ensure Spidercide would be delivered to a facility that had people working for him. 3. We know Spidercide worked for Scrier(s). Scrier was the minder for Judas Traveller. An highly powerful telepath AND psychiatrist who was apparently being manipulated by Norman. Spidercide would not have Ben's memories UNLESS they were implanted into him. We also know the Jackal had the technology to record memories so that's two ways Norman would have to give Spidercide Ben's memories. 4. Peter and Ben were knocked unconscious before Spider-Man 75. This is when the substitution of Ben for Spidercide would be made. Spidercide was given Ben's memories and made to think he was Peter. I'm assuming in the months in between Maximum Clonage and Revelations Spidercide underwent a dehumanizing amount of brainwashing into thinking he was Ben but the actual memories came from right before Spider-Man #75. 5. In Amazing Spider-Man #404 Scrier appears to Spidercide touches his forehead and Spidercide is given an epiphany about his true purpose in life. We were never told what this purpose is. 6. Spidercide like Ben shouldn't be able to melt from clone degeneration right? Scrier removed the clone degeneration for Spidercide. BUT Spidercide also had control over his own molecules. He could APPEAR to melt and probably even survive as ashes and reconstitute himself later. 7. Baby May. Norman's an evil heartless shit but would he really kill Peter's own infant daughter? Not saying he isn't heartless but wouldn't

Posted On Today at 12:45:20 pm EDT by Iron Man Unit 007 [Reply] [Quote] [New] Quote:the comic just feels quite pedestrian and there is no grand scheme or big plot to keep you interested. Well put. All this desire to be a hero on Ock's part and all he had to do to get started down this path was to essentially "kill" the real hero. Here's hoping the Goblin makes mincemeat out of Ock.

Austin Aries (image courtesy of Impact Wrestling) Photos courtesy of Impact Wrestling By James Viscardi with Ben Morse Teaming with fellow former World Champion Bobby Roode, Austin Aries represents one of the most talented teams in the history of Impact Wrestling. However, while the Avengers may bicker from time to time, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes have nothing on Aries and his partner when it comes to warring egos. Bickering aside, Aries and Roode will attempt to once again combine their gifts to recapture the World Tag Team titles at Slammiversary on June 2, available on pay-per-view. As “A Double” heads down to the road to Boston, Massachusetts, we caught up with him to look back on the biggest year of his career, scout possible future opponents, plus talk Iron Man, Avengers and more. Austin Aries (image courtesy of Impact Wrestling) Marvel.com: This year has been huge for you. You became World Champion and one of the top stars at Impact Wrestling. What have been some of the highlights? Austin Aries: Well, obviously, the World Championship would be the highlight of anyone’s career. But I think the whole journey in general and also where it’s going to continue to go in the next couple of years. I’m appreciative to get to go on the stage, to go out there and do something I love to do. Marvel.com: At Slammiversary, four teams will be competing for the World Tag Team titles: the current champs, Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez, you and Bobby Roode, Bad Influence, then James Storm and a mystery partner. What advantages do you think you have? Austin Aries (image courtesy of Impact Wrestling) Austin Aries: We were mentally prepared to have three teams in there, now they’re going to throw a fourth in. Something me and Bobby Roode, talk about: we’re not necessarily the World Tag Team Champions, but we’re a tag team of World Champions. Both Bobby and I know what it’s like to carry the top prize in the company. We know the pressure that’s associated with that and we’ve both thrived in that, so I think that’s an advantage we have. Any time you throw three other teams in there, it just kind of creates a situation where there [are] so many different factors concerning what can happen, but hopefully we can play against each other and find an opportunity to become successful. Marvel.com: Any guesses at who James Storm’s partner is? Austin Aries: You know what, I’ve had my people doing some research, some reconnaissance, and I think, believe it or not, it’s a guy from his local bar. His name is Coyote Joe and he’s a tough hombre. He’s known to ride his bike drunk into parked cars, and that doesn’t really affect him. And then the other thing I heard is he doesn’t really have many teeth, so as far as knocking the guy’s teeth out, it probably won’t be much of an issue. I’m starting a game plan on Coyote Joe, so we’ll see when Storm unveils him if that’s who he goes with. Austin Aries (image courtesy of Impact Wrestling) Marvel.com: Is there anyone potentially that would concern you if they show up? Austin Aries: Probably not more than Coyote Joe, because that guy’s like the unknown factor and it’s really hard to hurt people that are drunk. Marvel.com: Slammiversary is being held in Boston this year. Is that a fun city to work in? Austin Aries: Bostonians are passionate people. It’s a lot more fun to perform there than it is to navigate their street systems. I’ve gotten lost more than once in Boston, and it’s easy to do. Obviously coming to Boston had a little extra meaning this year, and we can give them a night of entertainment. Iron Man Marvel.com: In a lot of ways, you’re not unlike Tony Stark, aka Iron Man: cocky and accomplished. Did you think you guys would get alon

Want more comics in the Marvel Comics App for iOS and Android? Your search is over! Check out these comics that just hit the Marvel Comics App and keep coming back every week for new additions to the growing library! That's right, we add new books every week to feed your need for super-heroic entertainment! Don't have the Marvel Comics App? What are you waiting for?! Download it for iOS and Android! Here's your official list of comic books hitting the Marvel Comics app today! Digital Comics On-Sale This Week:A+X (2012) #8AVENGERS (2012) #12DAREDEVIL (2011) #26DEADPOOL (2012) #10FANTASTIC FOUR (2012) #8FEARLESS DEFENDERS (2013) #4AUFORCE WORKS (1994) #6-7IRON MAN (1968) #310-312IRON MAN (2013) #258.3JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY (2011) #652MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS (1994) #169-172NEW X-MEN (2001) #155-156SCARLET SPIDER (2012) #17SPIDER-MAN (1990) #15, #18-23SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN (2013) #10ULTIMATE COMICS WOLVERINE (2013) #4UNCANNY AVENGERS (2012) #8AUUNCANNY X-MEN (1963) #435-443UNCANNY X-MEN (2013) #6WAR MACHINE (1994) #8-10X-MEN LEGACY (2012) #11YOUNG AVENGERS (2013) #5Digital Collections On-Sale This Week:AVENGERS BY BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS VOL. 4DEADPOOL CLASSIC VOL. 3NEW MUTANTS VOL. 4: UNFINISHED BUSINESSULTIMATE POWERULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN VOL. 18: ULTIMATE KNIGHTSUNCANNY X-MEN BY KIERON GILLEN VOL. 3The Marvel Comics App is available for iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch and all Android devices, and is available for free on iTunes and Google Play.

Posted On Today at 11:13:33 am EDT by AJ [Reply] [Quote] [New] The issue starts with Spidey tracking down White Dragon and the Owl using Ock's surveillance network, then beating them up. Their goons are picked up by people wearing Goblin tattoos. The Green Goblin (not sure which one, presumably Norman) has found a flaw in Spidey's surveillance network, and exploits it to attack MJ's nightclub. Meanwhile, MJ and Carlie continue to have suspicions over Spidey, although the reasons for their suspicions aren't particularly well articulated in this issue. 'Peter' has some good scenes at college, striking up a new romance, but the best scene is definitely 'Peter' with JJJ, JJJ Sr. and Aunt May, debating whether Spidey is a menace or not. The issue ends with some goons being introduced to the Green Goblin as "The Goblin King". Verdict: Not much really happened this issue. Spidey beat up some villains and the Green Goblin has returned as a threat, but this all seems like set up for next issue. The best bits were with 'Peter' and his supporting cast, but despite MJ saying that 'Peter' was acting very differently, he hasn't changed at all from last issue - so losing Peter's memories wasn't actually a HUGE development at all. The cover and the art are both good. Stegman returns as the artist and I much prefer him to Ramos. Overall I'd give this issue a B-. It's ok, but nothing really happens and I don't feel any urgency to this comic. Immediately before I'd read Daredevil #26 which is absolutely brilliant and there really is no comparison between the books. Daredevil features old and new villains who are genuinely scary, mysteries which slowly come together over several issues, a great supporting cast who we really care about, interesting cliffhangers and twists, and ultimately it leaves you wanting more. Spidey, on the other hand, is pretty much at the bottom of my reading list - despite the fact that a super-villain has taken over Spidey's identity, the comic just feels quite pedestrian and there is no grand scheme or big plot to keep you interested. AJ

Marvel Select Iron Man Mark 42 figure from Diamond Select Toys The wait for the ultimate Iron Man 3 action figures is almost here! Diamond Select Toys has given us a first look at the packaged shots for the Iron Man Mark 42 armor as well as the War Machine armor! Each seven-inch figure has 16 points of articulation, an interchangeable unmasked head and an armor bay display base -- all packed into oversized Select display packaging, with spine artwork for shelf storage.War Machine has a removable, articulated shoulder cannon and Iron Man comes with interchangeable fists! These figures will ship to comic shops and specialty stores in June, so check out the final product and reserve yours today! And stay tuned for the first look at two more exclusive Iron Man 3 Marvel Select figures! For more information, visit Diamond Select Toys.

By Brett White After making a bloody splash as an X-Force villain just over 20 years ago, Deadpool has grown from a cult favorite second banana to Marvel's most notorious leading mercenary. On June 25, 2013, comic book fans everywhere will get to experience life in the red and black tights when Deadpool's first ever video game breaks its way into stores. This marks Wade Wilson's first time headlining a game after appearing in other titles like “Marvel: Ultimate Alliance” and the Marvel vs. Capcom series. To celebrate this momentous occasion, we're giving you an in-depth look at Deadpool's history, from his humble beginnings as X-Force's snarkiest foe all the way to today. Be sure to visit the Marvel Digital Comics Shop and Marvel Unlimited to brush up on your 'Pool history! Deadpool came into the Marvel Universe kicking and screaming, as well as stabbing and blasting, in 1991's NEW MUTANTS #98. While mostly wisecracking free agent nowadays, the Merc with a Mouth started out strictly business with a side of snark. That business? Breaking into the X-Mansion and killing Cable at the request of the shadowy crime boss Tolliver. But Tolliver didn't count on Cable's new brat pack, the New Mutants, to go on the offensive. Deadpool made quick work of Rictor, Cannonball and the others before making his way to his target. If not for a last minute save by Domino and handful of daggers to Deadpool's back, the merc might have finished his job. Instead, the soon-to-be X-Force laughed off his attack and shipped him back to his employer. Despite his failed hit on Cable, Deadpool maintained Tolliver’s trust for a variety of other jobs. In his next appearance in X-FORCE #2, Deadpool clashed with Garrison Kane, also known as the all-new and half-machine agent code-named Weapon X. Their tussle over a shipment of Japanese software caused Deadpool to reveal his contempt for the Weapon X program, giving readers their first hint at his tortured back-story. DP got a few good punches and puns in before getting shot in the back. He cut his losses and teleported out. Deadpool laid low for the next few months, with Tolliver only hiring him to teleport the battered and bruised Black Tom Cassidy and Juggernaut out of harm's way after their defeat in X-FORCE #5. By now Deadpool had become a popular supporting character, with a fan base loyal enough to keep him around. But ‘Pool had been attacked from behind and disposed of in half of his appearances; not exactly the making of a modern comic book icon. In X-FORCE #11, readers finally got a taste of how vicious this character could be. After going stir crazy in an island base off the coast of Italy, Deadpool headed out to check up on the spy Tolliver had planted in X-Force's midst. It turned out Deadpool's initial assault way back in NEW MUTANTS #98 served as merely a cover to get his old flame, the shape-shifting Copycat, implanted into the team's ranks, posing as Domino. Now after months undercover, Vanessa had gone radio silent, prompting a visit from her ex. Deadpool fared well in his rematch, quickly taking out Siryn—a lady he wouldn’t soon forget—and sparring with Shatterstar before confronting Vanessa one-on-one. The two engaged in a brutal fight, demonstrating to Copycat that Tolliver tolerated no less than absolute obedience. Deadpool exited, leaving X-Force wondering why the mercenary took such special interest in their "teammate." Vanessa came clean in X-FORCE #14, revealing herself to be an imposter and spy. She agreed to lead a vengeful Cable straight to Tolliver's base. The duo blasted their way into the enemy compound in X-FORCE #15, only to find a surprise in the villa's lower levels: the real Domino, alive and chained up. Deadpool got the jump on the would-be rescuers, slicing through Vanessa and getting punchy with Cable until Domino blasted him from behind in a painful case of d&

Posted On Today at 08:16:44 am EDT by Reverend Meteor [Reply] [Quote] [New] Quote:He jumped in the way of the glider, it was his choice. He died a hero. If jumping into danger and throwing your life on the line to save your brother does no constitute a hero then I don't know what does. That's just my opinion anyway, but I am curious to see how they explain this one. I won't hold my breath that's for sure, but I am curious. Has anything been revealed about his return, how he survived and where he's been? Are people speculating that he's been with Jenine or has that been revealed? That would be pretty interesting, at least it would fit nicely since the same time Revelations happened, so did that tale with Kaine, Ben, and Jenine (sp?). It would make for a hell of an epilogue to it all, but still, like I said, I won't hold my breath. He did not jump in front of it. He was impaled before he had time to react. Quote:Edit: But the way they wrote Revelations, it seems they didn't want a back door since he turned to dust. I think it was really to prove without a shadow of a doubt that he was the clone all along to put it to rest, but it also made it so they would really need to stretch the imagination to bring him back, or get rid of that hero scene entirely which was one of my all time favorite memories of him and made me enjoy his older stories in a newer light with even more respect for the hero he truly was. He sacrificed his life, to allow a clone of himself to live for his babies sake and his one love at one time. That's too incredibly selfless for words to..just can't do it enough justice trying to explain it. Quote:Given marvels recent history this decade, it's likely they would cheapen that whole scene the way they did ASM 400 to bring Aunt May back by making that ending in revelations just be another clone (at least it wouldn't be a clone actress but still). I'd hope they put more thought into it than something so simple and obvious but..it will be interesting to see who was right. Ben was murdered. Killed from behind like a chump. Ben's last wish was denied. Ben died not even knowing he was a clone. No one except Peter and MJ knew or cared that he died (the only 3 other people who cared about him were Seward, Janine and Betty. Seward was dead, Janine was in jail and may not even know he's dead and I don't think Betty had enough clues to realize Spider-Man made off with Peter's "cousin" Ben's body)

So I've been getting into Warehouse 13 these past couple weeks (yes, I know I'm late to the party) and am already up to the start of Season 3. I've started dreaming in terms of chasing down artifacts, so I really need to purge the imagery via the blog. How about a discussion on some favorite artifacts from each season?Most WantDimensional Conversion Camera (Resonance)A camera that temporarily turns people into cardboard cut-outs? What's not to like? It's a neat, harmless weapon (well, so long as someone doesn't put a match to your cut-out, I suppose) and I bet it takes good pictures too. I'd use it sparingly to get some peace and quiet from time to time. Oh, who am I kidding? If I'd use it for that, I'd be using it ALL THE TIME. I wonder who it belonged to and how it became an artifact?Coolest But Way Too DangerousLewis Carroll's Looking Glass (Resonance, Duped)You look into it and your reflection is gifted with independent action. It can even play ping-pong against you! That's because your reflection is actually animated by a psychotic Alice Liddell, trapped for our own safety inside the mirror. You really don't want her to switch places with you. Unless you have to go to a ping-pong tournament. She's got mad skills. I bet she's good at croquet too.Cleverest/CraziestPersonnel Quarters Archive (Burnout)Inside the Warehouse is a huge mechanisms that can store and retrieve the bed&breakfast rooms of every agent that ever died or was otherwise "lost" on the job. The entire ROOM. You'd think this gimmick would only be good for a single, very specific case, but the show's used it several times, so I guess it's a good investment. How rooms are transferred from the B&B is a mystery and only adds to the craziness.It's a Curse - Keep It Away From MeFarnsworth (every episode)I'm sure the two-way video phone with unhackable frequencies and an apparently unlimited power supply is very handy for Warehouse agents, but you're reading the words of a man who 1) never turns on his webcam, and 2) doesn't own a phone - neither land line or cel. Throw in an annoying buzz-ring and you've got a gadget I never want to see in my house. If I were an agent, I guess I'd want to carry the Tesla. No ifs and buts about it.Throwaway Most Worthy of Its Own EpisodeTraining Flight 22 (Pilot)An aircraft pulled from the Bermuda Triangle, and the Triangle has been trying to pull it back ever since. How about our agents discovering the truth of this unnatural phenomenon when they board the craft and get pulled to warm tropical waters? Sounds like a cool episode to me!What are your choices from Season 1? Tell me about them while I start thinking about next week's Season 2 artifact selection!