Brief Mentions: Kirkman… You Scare Me…

Destroyer #1

Written By: Robert Kirkman

Art By: Corey Walker

This book almost passed me by. I did not even know of this book until 3 hours after I had already purchased my books for the week. A few days later, I returned to my local comic shop and purchased Destroyer #1. After some intense research, (going to wikipedia) I found some interesting information on this long forgotten hero of yesteryear. Destroyer’s origin is very similar to that of Captain America and was created in 1941 under Marvels old moniker, Timely Comics. Behind the mask is American Journalist, Keen Marlow, who is captured by Nazis during WWII. An anti-Nazi German scientist gives Marlow the super soldier serum and Marlow joins the ranks of superhumans. Since his debut in the 40’s, Destroyer slowly fell from the comic pages and forever trapped in the pages of the golden age, until now. Creative team Robert Kirkman and Corey Walker (Invincible anyone?), decide to revive this long dead superhero under the MAX comics banner. Here is some advice… KEEP THIS COMIC FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR out of reach of children. The MAX title is not a joke. I haven’t seen this much blood since…o wait… I guess the last issue of Invincible… but it’s still really bloody. Kirkman really jumps into the story and develops and excellent first issue and raises many plot devices and questions. Corey Walker’s art is simply astounding and is able to make gore even gorier. This five issue miniseries is going to be a great read and a very intense rollercoaster ride. Witness the resurrection of Destroyer!


The Invincible Iron Man #12

Written By: Matt Fraction

Art By: Salvador Larroca

The reign of darkness continues and things are becoming bleaker for our ironclad hero. Norman Osborn is now the center of American defenses. And Pepper Potts: Superhero? Eleven issues ago I did not read Iron Man and had no prior reading experience with the character. I never personally cared for the character of Tony Stark because he caused the demise of one of the most beloved comic characters of all time. He just seemed like a drunk that I could not relate to…. O how wrong I was. With just twelve issues, Fraction and Larroca has truly made me come to love this character. Every hero is a definition of the hardships they face (I promise I’m not quoting zoom) and Stark’s heroism is being put to the test. Also seeing Pepper Potts in an iron man suit is one of the coolest ideas seen in comics in a long time. I loved Pepper Potts in The Order and am glad to see that the character didn’t disappear into nothingness. If there is anyone out there who loves this book and hasn’t read The Order…. GO READ IT NOW!!!! The Order was the first exposure I ever had to Matt Fraction’s work and I have been a fan ever since. I don’t think I need to say that Larroca’s art continues to be stunning as always and really helps the book come to life. As we know (from the KC PlanetComicon special) things are going to get worse for Tony but hey… he’s made of iron for a reason right?

Brief Mentions: Gods vs. Men

**Spoiler Alert**

Superman #682
Written By: James Robinson
Art By: Renato Guedes

Supermen have been gracing the pages of comics since the very beginning in 1938. Since then, many superheroes have come into existence and I’m going to shed the spotlight on these titans of panels. First up, Superman #682, written by James Robinson and art by Renato Guedes, the sicth part of the New Krypton event, was an absolutely amazing issue. Clark continues to struggle with the death of his father while Kryptonians from the bottled city of Kandor slowly begin to assert their dominance over Metropolis and possibly the world. Atlas sits silently and waits and the very non-human Bizzaro feels some very human emotions by the death of Pa Kent (could his death be any more heart-breaking!!). And the ending features a character placed long ago within the Phantom Zone. With each passing issue, Superman rises among the ranks of greatest comic titles on the shelf. Though its hard not to with the Johns, Robinson, Gates trifecta. And one thing that makes this title is so great, and has so for many years, is the conflict between Clark’s human self and his Kryptonian self. This conflict once again resurfaces, as Clark must decide in the laws of man or of Krypton. It is this very conflict that makes Superman an enjoyable character for all generations to enjoy week after week, month after month. Renato Guedes…. someone needs to give you a high five because you are doing a phenomenal job on this book, A++. This book reminds everyone why Superman will remain one of the most cherished characters of all time. A character, that above all else, strives to be good.

Thor: Man of War
Written By: Matt Fraction
Art By: Clay Mann & Patrick Zircher

On the other end of the side of things, Marvel also dishes out its heavy hitters. And perhaps one of its heaviest hitters is none other that Thor: Man of War. Written by Matt Fraction with art by Clay Mann and Patrick Zircher, Thor is character I was never familiar with. When I Marvel released that Matt Fraction would be doing a series of one-shots featuring this character, I decided now was the time to familiarize. These series of one-shots have been fantastic. Fraction takes a new approach to an old character, and describes Thor’s residence in the Hall of Asgard, his celestial home. Filled with violence and action, reminiscent of Conan the Barbarian, Fraction really delivers and explores just why Thor is a god. Throughout this issue, Thor lays waste to all of his father’s (Odin’s) creation to catch his attention. During this godly tantrum, Thor spars with Odin and ultimately is cast out of Asgard and placed into the body of Arkin Torsen. In hopes of teaching his son compassion, Odin casts him to Midgard… Earth where we see a hero transformed. Thor successfully learns compassion and humility and opens the doors to the beginning of the character Thor many have grown to know and love. With great story and great art, Thor: Man of War is a great issue for anyone who loves mythology (especially Norse) and anyone who is a fan of Conan the Barbarian or other similar titles. This is one of the most unique origin stories and is a story I would love to see on the silver screen…Marvel I’m talking to you. These characters show that Gods are good but it is humanity that makes them great.