New Avengers #1 (2026 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

 Avengers: Disassembled.

It was the darkest day for Earth's Mightiest Heroes. The Scarlet Witch realized that her twin boys, Billy and Tommy, weren't real. It just wasn't humanly possible for a mutant and an android to produce biological children. Going into severe psychosis, Wanda destroys the Avengers Mansion, murders her husband, the Vision, and kills a couple other Avengers, including one of the Ant-Mans. Public and government sentiment of the Avengers reached an all-time low seeing Tony Stark and Steve Rogers disband the team in return.

Now it's 6 months later. There's one less super group to save Manhattan. Freshly outted as Daredevil, Matt Murdock travels to the Raft, an ultra-top security containment facility for most of Earth's most dangerous villains underneath Ryker's Island. With Luke Cage in tow as a bodyguard, and perhaps to keep up the appearance that he's not really the Man Without Fear, Murdock is conducting legal business on behalf of Mister Fantastic with one of the inmates. 

Meanwhile, a mysterious person has hired Electro to take out the prison's electrical grid and free as many of its occupants as possible. The motive behind this action is just as unknown as Electro's new benefactor, but the member of the Sinister Six is ready to prove the he's got what it takes to bring Manhattan and the World to its knees all by his lonesome. All those he frees have to do is one day owe Electro a favor.

Though issue #1 of New Avengers has quite a bit of action, don't expect the team to be back in action just yet. This issue is to primarily get most of the players onto the game board. Along with Murdock and Power Man, this episode adds Spider-Man, Spider-Woman and Captain America to the fray. There's also Reed Richard's mystery client. But I am pretty sure that there's still a couple more heroes to add to the roster who are unaccounted for.

Brian Michael Bendis penned this opener into a new chapter of the Avengers. I know he's got a lot of detractors out there. But I like him. He's a lot like Tom King in that he makes a lot of enemies by screwing around with fan's favorite characters by either killing them off, or making them gay or trans or making them into bad guys. But unlike with King, I am mostly okay with Bendis' changes because they're very well plotted and make sense. I think Tom King just has a singular plan to ruin my childhood...

David Finch is the artist for this issue. He did an amazing job. However, I think it must be said that it wouldn't have been so amazing if not for the masterful brush strokes of Danny Miki as the inker. It's got that George Perez/Frank Quitely quality to it of which I am such a fan!

The iconic, and oft recreated cover was crafted by colorist Frank D'Armata.

An amazing 2005 issue that kicks off one of my most favorite incarnations of the Avengers!

Completing this review completes Task #11 (An Avengers Comic from the 2000s) of the 2026 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

Worth Consuming! 

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Vision and the Scarlet Witch #8

1958 marked the first of many appearances of civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr in a comic book. Martin Luther King and The Montgomery Story tells of the Atlanta preacher's involvement in the Alabama bus boycott that came about from the incarceration of Rosa Parks after she refused to give up her seat to a white patron. What I am not certain about is the first instance of a comic book to take place during Martin Luther King's birthday, I very much may have read the very first one. 

The first push for a federal holiday honoring King was in 1968 just a few days after his assassination. The push for the ratification of a bill had gained enough momentum by 1981 that the US Senate was presented with a petition signed by some 6 million people after a brief march through the nation's capitol, led by King's widow, Coretta. After a few committee stalls and some contentious debate, a vote took place in the fall of 1983. The bill was signed into law by Ronald Reagan in November with the first official Federal holiday of Dr. King's birthday to take place in January, 1986.

This issue of Vision and the Scarlet Witch hit store shelves on February 4th, 1986, just 2 short weeks after the first official MLK, Jr. holiday observance. Other books might have come out before celebrating the unofficial observances of King's birthday. There might have been other books released by DC and Marvel (or some of the smaller publishers) earlier that year that also have stories that take place during that first MLK Day. I just don't know. For a fan of holiday themed comic books, this is my first experience with a story set during this event. There's been a couple of books I've read that mention the Federal observance as a part of King's legacy. But usually those books only have a single panel set during the holiday. This story is 24 pages of super heroes operating during the night of January 20th, 1986.

Quicksilver and wife Crystal are visiting with Vision and the Scarlet Witch when Luke Cage comes crashing through the living room window of the former Avengers. This is supposed to be a peaceful day for Cage, reflecting on the legacy of Dr. King. Instead, a magical death cult has other plans for the Hero for Hire. 

Followers of a demon called Zor are looking for a set of idols that Luke Cage and partner Power Fist once confiscated and gave to Wanda for safe keeping. Wanda hid the idols somewhere in the World Trade Center. With brother Pietro in tow, Cage, Vision and the Scarlet Witch head over to the WTC to destroy the relics once and for all.

You might think that a story such as this has minimal references to MLK Birthday and you're right. Unlike an issue set at Christmas, Halloween or just about any other holiday, the settings are not full of posters of Dr. King and other decorations. We get Luke Cage reflecting on the civil rights icon. Scarlet Witch bestows Cage a blessing of the 'new holiday'. Then as things end for the story, Quicksilver makes a racist statement against humans and Cage comments that making strides for racially equality includes mutants and that was what Dr. King's dream was all about.

Yes- this issue really ends with Luke Cage doing his best impression of Linus from A Charlie Brown Christmas! The sapping ending kinda gives new meaning to Cage's trademark exclamation of 'Sweet Christmas.' Yet, in a time when not every state was willing to celebrate a holiday devoted to a black American, this issue was a big deal. Remember it wouldn't be until 1993 before Arizona would finally observe MLK Day and another 7 years before South Carolina would pay state employees for the day off work. So to have January 20th the setting of this Marvel issue, as passing or trite as the creative team might have made it's usage in this story, it was a huge step forward in bringing about normalcy and acceptance to the new holiday celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #136

 

All 3 multi-part stories come to a close in this issue.

The Iron Fist/Daughter of the Dragon adventure finally sees some action. In the vein of Jackie Chan's Rumble in the Bronx, Marvel's resident kung-fu fighters take on the Yakuza and Sabretooth among the tenements of the Big Apple.

The Wolverine/Cyber story has two results. One unexpected- a death! One expected- Cyber double-crosses Logan with typical Marvel fisticuffs!

As for Ghost Rider and Luke Cage. We get all the poop on why Darklove betrayed Mephisto and decided to become a demon of love instead of hate. It's a pretty good ending to a story that was fairly ridiculous. 

The one-shot tale involves Daredevil. I'm a few weeks behind on reviewing that which I've read. But in the case of this story, I just can't recall anything about it. Truly a forgettable story starring the Man Without Fear.

A better offering of MCP. Maybe because 3 very long stories are coming to a close finally. But still not the best issue I've read. Not even close.

Rating: 5 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #134

There's not really much happening in the Wolverine/Cyber unlikely team-up story. Same thing goes for the Iron Fist and Daughters of the Dragon Vs. Sabretooth and the Yakuza crime thriller. 

The one and done story stars Lance Astro of the original Guardians of the Galaxy. He's on a mission to save the crew of a crashed ship. In the year 3000-ish, Astro and his teammates are at war with the Badoon. But in this story, Lance learns that not all members of that bloodthirsty race are natural born killers. Some are lovers and the Galaxy Guardian must help this intergalactic Romeo & Juliet survive a Badoon terror squad that looks to eliminate those 'pure bloods' who fall into inter-species love.

Then there's the Ghost Rider/Luke Cage adventure. I'm still not a fan of it. But this chapter is of note because of it's locale- atop the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. It's just so hard to imagine that we've been without those buildings for going on 22 years now! Anytime I come across images of those buildings in a comic (or other type of media), my mind just can't help but go back to that tragic day in September. 

The one-shot story was amazing while all three of the team-up multi-parters weren't really all that impressive. Only the setting of the Ghost Rider epic is what's really all that memorable. 

Rating: 4 out of 10 stars. 

Marvel Comics Presents #133

We close the book on a lengthy and ludicrous Iron Fist story to roll right into... another Iron Fist story??? Steve Lightle is back on art duty. But the writer for this one is Dan Slott (Fantastic Four)! 

Now it's only the first chapter. But so far, so good. Assisting Danny Rand are the Daughters of the Dragon, Misty Knight and Colleen Wing. Unlike in the previous Iron Fist story, they're both being used appropriately. It's a good thing too, as they're all pitted against the Yakuza led by Sabretooth! Looks promising. Fingers crossed.

The one-shot story is a vampire tale starring Cloak & Dagger. A female vampire has her sights on Dagger- in particular that strange void-like power of his. As a kid, I always thought Dagger was a vampire. So it's interesting to see that the writer of this story, Chuck Kim (Doctor Strange) felt the same I did.

For our continuing stories- I'm in opposite directions. I love the Midnight Run sort of turn the Wolverine and Cyber story. That band of cannibal islanders has turned against Cyber. Seeing his mutant power as part of a well fortified meal, the Wolverine foe must team with Logan or else they'll both be on the menu!

As for the Ghost Rider and Luke Cage story, I've given up on it. The concept of some sort of demon that thrives on love instead of hate is just absurd. The parts where Cage is trying to solve the murder of one of his exes is great. Why writer Karl Bollers (Sonic the Hedgehog) couldn't have just stuck with that is a real head scratcher. I don't think Ghost Rider or any of his supernatural elements add anything to this story. 

A good offering with a promising introductory Iron Fist chapter.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #132

A new multi-parter starring Wolverine begins in this issue and I'm really excited about it for once. That's because Cyber, the one villain that actually scares the crap outta Logan, has returned! The X-Man is vacationing on an island paradise where he comes across a beautiful native being pursued by a blood cult! Not one to see a girl in distress, Wolvie attempts to play Superman and ends up in dank pit with his worst enemy- Cyber!

I really can't figure out the Ghost Rider/Cage team-up. On the surface, it's a crime noir mystery with Luke Cage trying to find the madman who killed an ex-flame of his. As we dig deeper into the onion, we find that Ghost Rider is trying to stop the demonic entity that is behind the motives of the serial killer. A being powered not by hate but love!

In the single issue story, Iron Man takes on an armored villain. Big surprise there...

Lastly, that horrible Iron Fist Vs. Hydra story comes to a close. This was an adventure that had a lot of promise. Yet poor use of back-up characters and really implausible plotting of Danny Rand made this an absolutely awful story that I couldn't wait for to end! Most people lament not wanting a story to end. How many people actually want something they read to conclude?

The Wolverine story has a lot of promise. The Ghost Rider/Cage story is interesting but also something I can't quite figure out. The Iron Man story was cliched. And finally, I can put to rest that Iron Fist tale. I'm going to rate this book a tad higher than I normally would if just for the mercy killing of that clunker of a kung-fu yarn.

Rating: 6 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Comics Presents #131

A sensual villainess that appeared in the very first issue of this series makes a return to Madripoor. It's her desire to cause a wedge between lovers Wolverine and Tyger Tiger. A lethal wedge!

Ghost Rider Danny Ketch teams with Luke Cage, who at this time is only going by his last name. A serial killer has murdered a old flame of the former hero for hire. In a weird twist, the killer is under the influence of not the living embodiment of hate but the personification of love!

Speaking of former heroes for hire, the Iron Fist story seems to have been powered (unfortunately) by the Energizer Bunny. This thing just keeps going and going and going. Please! Make it end!

Along with the Wolverine story which is a one-and-done tale, we've also got an 8-pager starring the Scott Lang Ant-Man. A thief has stolen some experimental materials from Stark International. As a security expert, Ant-Man is on the case. But for Scott Lang, as a father, this mission is personal as the thief has also taken a child hostage. 

The Ant-Man story involves some of Lang's ants dying. I didn't like that. I've just resented the Iron Fist serial. I'm so through with it. The Wolverine story was interesting as I like Tyger Tiger and the femme fatale in the story peaks my interest. As for the Ghost Rider story, it seems rather ludicrous. But with the twist in modus operandi for the villain, I'm willing to give it a couple more chapters before really passing judgment.

A middle of the road issue of MCP.

Rating: 5 out of 10 stars.

ROM #23

Continuing from Power Man and Iron Fist #73, ROM the Spaceknight has followed a Dire Wraith into the Baxter Building. Now, ROM is convinced that one of the first family of Marvel is secretly one of his most deadly foes in disguised. Knowing that the fortress of the Fantastic Four is heavily guarded by the top security systems in existence, the Heroes For Hire decide to assist ROM in his quest. It helps that Luke Cage still has a security access card from his days as a security consultant and back-up to The Thing when he was stuck as Ben Grimm. 

Bill Mantlo takes over for Jo Duffy on this issue as the writer with Sal Buscema on art. Al Milgrom did the cover and I was a bit nonplussed with his offering compared to what Frank Miller did on the Power Man/Iron Fist opener. 

This issue was quite funny. Very exciting. And proof that despite the fact that I probably don't have very many companion issues to the ROM series from Marvel, it's worth finally reading!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Power Man and Iron Fist: Sweet Christmas Annual #1

Variant Cover

   It's taken him nearly 5 decades, but Luke Cage has finally been on the receiving end of much respect and love that he deserves. A large part is due to the Netflix Defenders project that Marvel has been unveiling over the past couple of years. Luke made his live action debut late last year on Jessica Jones and later starred in a series of his own this September. 
Both series have been huge hits and in response, Marvel Comics put out this holiday special starring Power Man and his partner, Iron Fist (who'll be getting his own Netflix series sometime in 2017.)
    It's Christmas Eve and everyone in New York wants the latest toy, a Pokemon knock-off called a Schnuckie. Iron Fist, Power Man, and his daughter are in line at a toy store in hopes of snagging one of the hot toys before the place closes at midnight. But when the clock strikes 12, the duo learn that there's a sinister plot behind the year's hottest toy.
    Featuring guest appearances by Spider-Woman Jessica Drew, the Son of Satan, and maybe even a certain jolly old fat man, this was a very fun holiday special. Marvel has undergone quite a few changes in the past 3-5 years, some good and some bad. Often the company has been criticized for turning it's back on it's established fan base. But Sweet Christmas was in my opinion a very good mix of humor, action, and holiday cheer that I think is directed at fans both young and old. 
     There's one slight bit of controversy with this book; but it has nothing to do with content. The problem is how to catalogue this comic. It's touted as the Power Man and Iron Fist: Sweet Christmas Annual #1. However, some comic book sites that fans use to manage their comics stash list this book as an annual to the current Power Man and Iron Man series run. So, if you buy this book and can't find it under Sweet Christmas, check it out under the Power Man heading.

    Worth Consuming

    Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

The Pulse #14

   In this, the final issue of the Pulse, Jessica Jones reflects on how she first met Luke Cage.

   The series that could ends with a very sweet story. While for the first time in about 5 issues, there's actually some action between superhero and supervillain. But sweet doesn't sell comics and that's part of why this book is highly underrated. But man, did Bendis sure try!

   At the end of this issue, one of the editors gives a small afterword explaining why the Pulse was to be no more. They claimed that because of upcoming storylines involving Cage and Jones in the pages of New Avengers, the publisher thought it was wasn't important to carry on this popular series. 

    Folks, that's code for this book isn't selling; no matter how popular the characters in this series might be. There's not a publisher on earth that's going to cancel a popular title. Well, unless they get the brilliant idea to reboot their entire line-up (I'm talking to you, DC) or don't want an upcoming film to be popular with audiences (Now I'm talking to you Disney/ Marvel.)

    The Pulse was a great little series. I've found many of these issues in the bargain bin and I highly recommend it. You could probably get the entire series for less than $30. You just have to dig these little gems out of the dollar boxes.

    Worth Consuming and worth the search.

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

The Pulse #13

    The event of the year is happening just beyond the front doors of Doctor Strange's sanctum santorum: the birth of baby Cage-Jones! And you folks get to witness it all!!!  From the nervous pacings of a dad-to-be to the extremely salty language of the mother in labor; The entire superhero community is on hand to provide crowd control and safety from the crowds outside and to providing state-of-the-art scientific monitorings of the health of the mother and baby. 

   Bendis once again takes us out of the battlefield and into the living rooms/ bedrooms/ kitchens of the superpowered elite in another fascinating chapter of the Pulse. With 3 straight issues not dealing with heroes battling villains, it's no wonder that this series didn't last that long. But, I am not one of the haters. 

   Stan Lee made the Marvel Universe what it is because he took people with extraordinary powers and abilities and made them relatable. Over the years, Marvel kinda lost it's way and focused more on action and less on the real meat and potatoes of a true epic written in the Marvel-style. Bendis was one of those writers in the new millennium that worked to put Marvel back on track to how their comics should be crafted.

    I'll even give credit where it is due, as if it wasn't for editor Joe Quesada, Marvel would have continued to produce the poorly inked and even poorer plotted fluff it was churning out in the 90s. Thank you, Joe Q, for despite all your flaws (and I can name quite a few), you did return the word 'Idea' back into the House of Ideas.

    Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars

The Pulse #12

  

   When you are a superhero in action, you can get away with bending a few laws here and there. You might even be able to commandeer a taxi or two. But when it's your girlfriend in labor, superheroes like Luke Cage still have to keep their cool and wait it out in traffic like everyone else. 

    While the father is stuck in traffic, mother-to-be Jessica Jones sees what it's like to be a superhero at a normal hospital. Fear over the possibility that she is a mutant and if her baby will start blasting people with laser eyes the moment they emerge from the womb, puts the locale of the former hero's delivery in some serious doubt. The Pulse might just have an exclusive here folks: 'Superhero gives birth on sidewalk in front of Big Apple ER!'

   It's a good thing Cage and Jones have some connections in the superhero community and might be able to pull a few strings. This is if they can reach the prospective parents in time.

    Another fun story by Bendis that focuses on superheroes trying to live out normal lives. Lots of laughs are contained in this issue. But what really sold this chapter for me were the protocols used by a hospitial that operates in a metropolis filled with super-powered people. This is just one of those things that unless your at your LCS, you just don't really think about. 

   I may have to bring this up the next time I'm at the store raiding the bargain bins.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

The Pulse #11

 

   Being a superhero doesn't alleviate the fears of being a new mom for Jessica Jones. So fellow superhero Carol Danvers arranges a special lunch meeting with the matriarch of the Marvel Universe, Sue Storm.

   Another masterpiece by Bendis. Some of the best stories don't involve superheroes being heroic and BMB is the master of these types of stories. Sometimes, the better tales have the hero dealing with normal fears that their powers can't control. With her boyfriend having almost died in the events of Secret War and the who Osborne-fiasco, Jessica Jones' fears of becoming a new mom are grounded. 

    The cover is also a classic by series artist Mike Mayhew. However, it's a little bit of a fake-out. Unlike what the cover shows, baby Cage-Jones isn't born in this issue- yet...

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

 

The Pulse #9

  In the Marvel Universe, if you want answers, there's one person you go to- Wolverine. Even if he doesn't know what you're looking for, he's that x-factor (forgive the pun) that will eliminate all other possibilities. He's the mutant embodiment of Sherlock Holmes' famous theory of deduction in which once you have eliminated the impossible options whatever remains is possible. Once Jessica completes her visit with Logan, journalist Ben Ulrich is able to deduce just where Luke Cage is. 

   Featuring a slew of twists and turns, this issue is a who's who of residents of Marvel Knights (Marvel's grittier imprint starring street fighter characters such as Jessica and Luke Cage.) Perhaps the biggest surprise is the appearance of a character that I didn't think remained in the Marvel Universe since their first appearance in a short-lived series of the same name from the 1970s. 

   I know this issue is almost 10-years old. But there are some major spoilers that really would ruin the mystery that has built up over the past 5 or 6 issues. Fantastic writing job by Bendis with killer Marvel Knights style art by Michael Lark.

   This is my favorite issue in the series, thus far.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

The Pulse #8

   Jessica Jones, in a bid to find Luke Cage after he was kidnapped from his hospital bed, returns to their apartment in hopes of uncovering clues as to his whereabouts. Assisting her is Ben Ulrich, whose been in constant contact with an informant at SHIELD which is in turmoil following the ousting of Nick Fury as its Director head. The superspy's absence has created a power vacuum of which fringe organizations such as Hydra and AIM are more than happy to fill. Will Jessica turn to one of these groups in order to find the answers she is looking for and more importantly, her boyfriend?

   A great issue that reads like a game of cat and mouse or cloak and dagger. Just about every major espionage organization in the Marvel U is represented here. With SHIELD literally impotent without Nick Fury, the representative at Hydra makes a compelling case for filling in the void. Unfortunately, that means that the world would be made free from democracy under the watchful eye of a fascist organization.

   It's scary stuff if you stop to think about it. Leave it to the great Brian Michael Bendis to make comics not just entertaining but thought provoking.


    Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.  

The Pulse #7

Awesome Steranko-like cover.

Assisting Jessica Jones with learning who and why Luke Cage was targeted by a mutant suicide bomber, Ben Ulrich learns just how dire things are at SHIELD. Nick Fury is no longer in charge. Plus, it looks very likely that Congress will enact legislation forcing those with super powers to register with the American government. Also, another suicide bomber attacks the hospital in which Power Man has been treated and if that wasn't bad enough: during the ensuing chaos, somebody has kidnapped Luke Cage from his hospital room.

    A thrilling issue of the Pulse that continues to tie in the Secret War storyline. I had said that having a little bit of back story might help me to better enjoy these tie-in issues and I was right. Not only that, but you really can see the seeds of the Marvel Civil War storyline being sown in this issue. 

    Though Civil War is a couple of years away from when this issue occurs, the hints of a superhero registration act are starting to appear. Plus, with Nick Fury in hiding, the events in this chapter will have ramifications for Marvel's Secret Invasion and Dark Reign story arcs as well. 

    The writing by Bendis is high quality. I just love the mystery he's woven. But now as the plot deepens and Luke Cage goes missing, I'm on the edge of my seat waiting to know what happens more than ever before.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

The Pulse #6

   A mutant with the powers to detonate blows herself up in Jessica Jones and Luke Cage's apartment. Cage shield's Jessica from the apparent suicide bomber. But the lover's heroic actions result in Power Man being badly injured. Now in a coma, with his life hanging in the balance, Jessica will use her resources with the Daily Bugle to get to the bottom of her beloved's near fatal encounter.

    Thus begins a multi-issue tie-in to Marvel's Secret War. Not Secret Wars or even Secret Wars II, both of which starred the mysterious Beyonder. I'm not even familiar with Secret War. So, I had to do a little research because I even got this storyline confused with Civil War- that's how out of the loop I am with this.

    Sometime prior, Nick Fury recruited Captain America, Wolverine, Luke Cage, and others to conduct a clandestine operation on Latveria. Well, the high ups of SHIELD weren't too happy about that and they will do any and everything in their power to ensure that those heroes who participated in the mission don't live to see another day.

    I wish I had read this backstory prior to having reading this issue. But, that's how it goes sometimes. Sadly, I just didn't enjoy this issue. 

    I love the Marvel stories that involve SHIELD and espionage. Nick Fury is freakin' awesome. And if you know me at all, then you'll know that Cap is my all-time favorite superhero!!! So, on paper, I should love Secret War. (It's now on my radar and wish list.)

   But what to rate this issue? It wouldn't be fair to say that it's a stinker. But I just didn't enjoy this story. But I think now that I have a little bit of back story and no longer am confusing this story line with Civil War, I will probably enjoy the rest of the Secret War tie-in issues of this series better.

   So out of all fairness, I will rate this right down the middle. If you've read Secret War, you might like this one.  So please, don't let this rating detract you from enjoying this issue.

    Rating: 5 out of 10 stars

The Pulse #5

 

    In the pages of New Avengers, Norman Osborn becomes quite the thorn in the team's side, particularly with Luke Cage and Jessica Jones. This issue is the birth of that feud. 

  If you've wanted to see Osborn get what's coming to him, this (and issue 4) are the issues you've been demanding. Of, course, being like the 3rd richest person in New York means that it won't be easy for the good guys to bring Osborn finally to justice as he'll hide behind lawyers, lackeys, and even his Green Goblin persona to save his slimy hide.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

The Pulse #1

  With sales lagging due to the internet and 24-hour news, the Daily Bugle must do something fast or face shutting down. Since stories about superheroes sell papers, The Bugle looks to increase coverage. But readers don't like publisher J. Jonah Jameson's rants against them. So, the editor Robbie Robertson has decided to run a weekly insert devoted to positive stories focusing on the superhero community called the Pulse

    Along with veteran reporter Ben Ulrich, Jameson and Robertson have hired former superhero cum private investigator Jessica Jones as a consultant thanks to her numerous superhero contacts and experience. This sort of thing normally isn't Jones' sort of thing but her client base is near zip and she just found out that she's pregnant with Luke 'Power Man' Cage's baby. And she gonna need the health insurance badly...

     A very good but interesting premiere issue. It's not heavy on action. In fact, except for a couple of flashback panels, there are no superhero vs. supervillain melees here. But if you like a comic that's heavy on plot while focusing on those with amazing abilities, then this is the Marvel comic you've been looking for. Plus, the final page cliffhanger sets you up for a great mystery to be solved in the next issue.

   Marvel writer extraordinaire Brian Michael has done in again with the Pulse and the almost 2 years to collect the entire series (before reading it) was worth the wait. Assisting Mr. Bendis is the awesome Mark Bagley, whose art is just superb and a brilliantly painted style cover by Mike Mayhew.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

New Avengers, Volume 5 (2010-2013)

  

Luke Cage's tenure as leader of the New Avengers comes to an end. For the safety of his wife and baby girl, Power Man has agreed to leave the team and the Avengers Mansion. But before Luke and family can pack up the u-haul, the team's headquarters has become a crime scene. Things go from bad to worse when the bodies begin to stack up literally at the New Avengers doorstep. Now everyone on the team has moved from being a person of interest to suspect. The New Avengers better act fast as the feds and the Captain America led Avengers are moving in quick to take the team down before even more dead bodies turn up.

   The final volume of the New Avengers was a page turner. It had that comedic chemistry that many Avengers squads are missing. It had incredible moments of action and exciting adventures galore. Another thing this volume had was lots and lots of occult magic.

   Speaking of occult magic, the star of the story isn't Luke Cage. Though his impending dismissal from the team plays a large part of the plot, it's Doctor Strange whose the main focus of the story. At the beginning of this series, Strange was stripped of the title Sorceror Supreme. These final 5 issues tie up some loose ends from the series' first volume. Plus, by series end, all becomes right with the Marvel Universe by having Strange regain his cosmic destiny.

   You may think I revealed a major spoiler, but there were tons of twists and turns that I didn't even mention that I think are more shocking that Stephen Strange regaining the title of Sorcerer Supreme. Besides, I think by the middle of this series, it becomes apparent that he's going to wield the Eye of Agamatto again. It's the journey he make take that I didn't see coming.

(BTW- I'm not really a fan of Marvel's occult comics. It just a matter of personal taste. Though this volume is full of things arcane, it's not handled in an evil or menacing way. I do love a good horror comic and this book evokes those 70s Marvel horror classics. So, this was actually a fun read.)
   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.