I Love Comics (Blah, Blah, Blah….)

NEW COMICS 4 THIS WEEK (06/05/24)
*All comics will be rated on a scale from 1 to 10*

Amazing Spider-Man # 51
Batman # 148
MAD Magazine # 1 (Facsimile Edition)
My Adventures With Superman # 1
Shazam! # 12
Space Ghost # 2
The Ultimates # 1
Wolverine: Blood Hunt # 1
X-Men # 35

Amazing Spider-Man # 51– Peter Parker becomes The Spider-Goblin and unleashes his menacing aura against The Sinister Six which comes off as exciting and chilling all at the same time shows what would happen if Spidey had absolutely no right or wrongs in his actions that gives us plenty of twists and turns that many longtime Spider-Man fans will enjoy especially when you see who shows up at the end to stop Spider-Goblin (**NO SPOILERS**); While it may take the next couple of issues to see Spidey fight the influence of The Green Goblin, this is another excellent issue of ASM that keeps the suspense at an all-time high but also shows us that they are still some surprises headed our way.

MAD Magazine # 1 (Facsimile Edition) – A reprint of the first landmark issue of MAD! that parodies the leading comic book genres of 1952, including the EC Horror-inspired terrorizing tales of Hoohah, the expansive science fiction future world of Blobs!, not to mention the wacky Western-themed Varmint! and a crime spoof called Ganefs!. Reading these stories for the first time is simply timeless and the works of such icons as Harvey Kurtzman, Will Elder, Jack Davis, and Wally Wood showed us how far this magazine has come over the decades and is a great way for MAD fans to revisit these classic tales of comedy so yes, I would recommend anyone to add this to their collection.

My Adventures Of Superman # 1– This tie-in to the acclaimed MAX series bridges the gap between seasons one and two with success and it’s a brilliant Superman story! The story itself kicks off with Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen planning the perfect outing for Clark since it’s his first Christmas in Metropolis; At first, it comes off as being memorable but unfortunately, The Parasite attacks that it’s only when Superman realizes that this is a different version of Parasite he’s fighting. At the same time, there’s something much more sinister going on. I enjoy the work that showrunner Josie Campbell put into her script as it’s a story that can be followed with ease. Still, it’s the characterization and dynamics between Superman, Lois and Jimmy that made the series such a hit among fans and they will absolutely love how those precise elements from the show transition well into this issue; It also helps that the artwork adapts the designs from the show that looks polished and definitely feels like a classic Superman story. Does this series capture the feels of the show? Yes, and it’s a fun romp that will make anyone proud to be a Superman fan.

The Ultimates # 1– While the original Ultimates ushered in a more modernized way of storytelling, this newly relaunched version exceeds all the expectations to bring the readers an edgier tone but brings with it a whole new vision; Introducing the members of the team while adding in the time-traveling aspects to great effect that “Avengers: Endgame” could never do as Tony Stark (aka Iron Lad) brings the key characters together to continue to reshape the world after The Maker made a mess out of it but I should also point out the extreme fight sequence featuring Captain Britain that ends in disaster for him (**NO SPOILERS**) but at the same time establishes the team as outlaws willing to fight for a better tomorrow. Right away, the creative team of Deniz Camp and Juan Frigeri proved that their bold and originative storytelling is just the right formula this title needs to distance itself from the volumes that came before this, and with them at the helm, The new version of The Ultimates harkens back to the earlier days of the MCU with major excitement that’s worth anyone’s attention.

X-Men # 35– This issue, which also doubles as Uncanny X-Men # 700, brings the curtain down on the Krakoa era after five years of harmony and bringing something unique to the X-Men’s world that ties up some loose ends, leaves the door open for a return while showing why this concept was so beloved since its inception in 2019 but the main story, crafted by Al Ewing, Gerry Duggan and Kieron Gillen along with every artist who works on the X-titles, actually serves its purpose by wrapping things up for the upcoming relaunch. What really impressed me, however, is how this story got a happy ending even though we’re witnessing the end of an era that leaves the readers satisfied to say the least; The last 10 pages of this issue, by Gail Simone and Jed MacKay, offers a glimpse of what’s to come and being told by the eyes of Charles Xavier made it epic but it’s the return of Chris Claremont showed the uniqueness of the X-Men’s world while brining ou the best of these beloved characters. The “From The Ashes” relaunch looks very promising but for the most part, Krakoa will definitely be missed.

Well, that’s it for me this week, Thanks for sticking around and I will see you all next time.

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