The Ettatorial for the Week of 1-21-09
A huge week of releases this week, making up for both the quality and quantity of last week’s poor performance. Because of that, we have three picks of the week. There were almost more, as some books really brought their A-game, but these three were real stand-outs.
First for the week is Thunderbolts #128. Now that the Thunderbolts (and even more shocking, the Avengers-more on that in a bit) are under Norman Osborn’s control, things are changing. The Thunderbolts are now Norman’s top-secret, off the books, black-ops team, and that changes the everything. This issue is the build up to Norman building that team, and as such a great jumping on point for new readers. Readers are also treated to President Obama making an appearance, and unlike last week’s cute (but not really that good) bit in Amazing Spider-Man, this one shows just how our new President might interact in the Marvel Universe. Writer Andy Diggle has definitely got a hit on his hands with this new team of Thunderbolts, and I’m on board to see just where this book is going to go in this age of Marvel’s Dark Reign.
Second up this week is Dark Avengers #1. Now that the Avengers are under Norman Osborn’s control, this book is the result. While they’re not actually called the Dark Avengers, this book’s team are most assuridly not the heroes the public thinks they are. While the book should almost be titled Thunderbolts Ver. 2.0 (those that know the origins of the Thunderbolts title should understand that), this book has a lot going for it. The cast is an interesting mix, with some from the previous Thunderbolts roster, some from the Mighty Avengers book, and a couple of surprise members as well. The team dynamic present here is ripe for exploration, and the character interactions are what this particular issue shine. What happens when Norman Osborn and Ares walk into a diner? Hilarity, at least going by this issue. If the quality here can be maintained, the book will be a winner. While I am concerned about Marvel pricing this book at $3.99 an issue, I also know that I’ll be paying it to read the title every month.
Our third pick for the week is Mighty Avengers #21. Now under the guidance Dan Slott, Mighty Avengers is set to be the Avengers book for fans of the classic flavor of Avengers. Almost the opposite (not in a bad way) of Bendis’ Avenger books, this book is for those that remember the old school Avengers and characters of that time. Slott starts his first arc off building his team in an interesting way, and under the “leadership” of a founder not used to getting the attention. With a team made up of members diverse enough to call both the Hulk and Jocasta members, the book is already showing a ton of promise. A special bit of praise goes to Slott including Hercules and Amadeus Cho here, as I feel that their book, The Incredilble Hercules is one that fans should be keeping their eye on. The book also has the return of a classic Avengers villain that hasn’t been seen in quite a while, but in a way both new and also a obvious way. All and all a good book, and a welcome return the the taste of the Avengers I fondly remember.
So there you go folks, your picks for the week. We’ll see you back here next week, same time, same channel.
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Seriously, at this point can’t we just assume that if there is an “Avengers” or “Avengers-related” title released it will be in the Ettatorial (or for that matter anything by Warren Ellis, Ed Brubaker or Greg Rucka)?
Really, Cory, can’t we get more variety than this? Week after week it’s the same stuff. Maybe the Ettatorial should change itself to a monthly format.
Food for thought.
Alright, lets make this clear. The Ettatorial is a weekly column of what I have picked out as best of the week’s releases from what I PURCHASED AND READ. In this economic climate, I’m only able to afford so much, and therefore review so much. I’d love nothing more than to have more books to read and review, but without buying them, I have no way to do that. I’d love to share the love of other books, just off the top of my head The Incredible Hercules, Nova, Green Lantern, Action Comics,Agents of Atlas and more stand out. But I don’t currently purchase those, and as such, they don’t fit the Ettatorial’s criteria. Not to mention I read a lot of trade paperbacks, limiting my reviewing issues of such favorites The Walking Dead, Fables, Invincible, Scalped, DMZ, The Boys, JSA, and so on. As for my choices, yes, there are a lot of Avengers books picked-but considering there are a lot of Avenger books published, and right now that is a central part of Marvel’s line, the odds of a Avengers book getting the nod are higher. As for writers getting more attention, there’s a reason for that-they’re gifted writers who put out great product-and I’m not alone thinking that. Reviewers from all over will attest to that. So, if you or anyone else can make other books available for me to read and review the week they come out, I will gladly do so and put them in the running for my picks. Otherwise, the Ettatorial will continue on in it’s regular format.
(Come on, it is the only weekly material we have here-hint, hint).