Ms. Marvel, Volume 4: Last Days (Marvel Now!)

   With the universe on the edge of collapse, Ms. Marvel gets her affairs in order. But first, she finally gets a chance to meet her hero: Carol Danvers AKA Captain Marvel. It's a dream come true for the young hero as the two Marvels race to save Kamila's brother Aamir from kidnappers looking to turn him into an Inhuman weapon.
    This volumes collects the end of the Ms. Marvel series created by G. Willow Wilson. But it's not the end of Kamila Kahn and her band of friends and family. She returns obviously with a new series after the events of Secret Wars later in 2016. She had too- she's too gosh darn popular not to return!
    Yes, the new Ms. Marvel was controversial to many by having a Muslim character starting in their own Marvel comic. But I didn't hate this series. I think it was very delicate balance achieved by Marvel with exploring her faith and family morals while showing a young 16-year old girl find her way in a very modern Big Apple 2015. 
    I'm not opposed to new characters of different faiths, creeds, orientations, colors, and sexes taking over the mantle of what the media calls 'white-washed' superheroes. Having a new person as Batman or Spider-Man or even Ms. Marvel, albeit temporary or for good is a staple of comic books. Just don't make Bruce Wayne Jewish all of a sudden and without any explanation merely for the sake of pandering to new readers. That move is just a thinly veiled a cop-out to see more books over good art and superior storytelling.
   This series, not just this volume is the perfect Marvel Now! reading. It's very well written, lots of fun, and has lots of heart. One thing I'm one the fence on, however, is the art. Renderings by Adrian Alpohona and Giuseppe Camuncoli are okay. But for some reason, they both can't seem to get Ms. Marvel's face right. Some panels, she a beautiful young woman and the next, she looks like she's got Super Grover's nose and mouth. 
   CONSISTENCY! That's what the art is missing! It was on the top of my tongue. And don't get me started on the variant covers, they are what a good friend of mine of Facebook would call 'things that (he) could do better!'
    Along with the ending of this series, this volume collects issues from Amazing Spider-Man (2014-2015) #7-8 in which Ms. Marvel teams-up with the essential character in the Marvel Universe that you really must team-up with: you're friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man! A fun read that proved I really haven't been that caught up on the exploits of the wall-crawler.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

   

Deadpool, Volume 8: All Good Things

 After the tragic ending of Deadpool’s time as Zenpool, the Merc With A Mouth decides to run away from his family and friends and problems. Accepting a gig as a soldier of fortune from the Trapster (AKA Paste Pot Pete) (or Pete, for short), Wade Wilson ends up in the deserts of the Middle East, protecting some Roxxon oil claims from hostiles. But when it is revealed that the hostiles are actually refugees trying to protect their way of life, Deadpool has a change of heart and attempts to save the day.

     Oh, and this volume contains the death of Deadpool!

   What?! That's not a spoiler! The death of Deadpool is listed on the back of the book! Google it!

    Besides, this is Deadpool we're talking about… nothing ever is as it seems- or is it???

    Lot's of insane Wade Wilson fun. That means gross humor, surreal experiences, and lots and lots of death. Gory, funny death…

    Probably the best Deadpool storyline since his encounter with the zombie Presidents in issues 1-6.

   Worth Consuming.

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Deadpool, Volume 7: Axis

Move over Gwenpool and Dogpool, there's a new member of the Deadpool family- Zenpool!

  After the Freaky Friday events of AXIS, Wade Wilson has finally found inner peace. While his daughter and the criminal scum of the Big Apple are enjoying this new version of the Merc With a Mouth, not everyone is so pleased. His wife Sheklah thinks he's become a wimp (he has.) The Avengers think he's gone nuts (he already was.) And the now evil X-MEN want him dead! (who doesn't?)

 But the big question is this- will Wade Wilson be able to remain at peace with himself with the ever nagging knowledge of all the bad things he's done over the years.

   Just when I think that I've seen it all about Deadpool, he never ceases to amaze me. The writing duo of Gerry Duggan and Brian Posehn have really elevated Deadpool to new heights over the past couple of years. I know that their run has been panned just as much as it's been praised, but Deadpool is more popular than ever and I think those two have a little bit to due with it.

     A crazy fun read that has everything going for it but bad kharma.

  Worth Consuming.

  Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

X-Men: Battle of the Atom

 A few months ago, I noticed that both the collected volumes of Marvel NOW series All-new X- Men and Uncanny X-Men were missing a couple of issues. Battle of the Atom is the work that collects those missing issues. A couple of issues of Wolverine and the X-Men ( along with the 2-issue miniseries of Battle of the Atom) are contained within this volume as well. I assume that those issues are missing from the Wolverine trades, but my library doesn't carry that series, so I'm not sure if this is the case.

   I was really excited to finally get this book as I have waited forever for it. I had requested that my local library carry this book since before Thanksgiving and it took until late last month to finally arrive.  But it was worth the extra wait.

    Pressure mounts for the original X- Men to return to their own time. With no one to trust, Jean Grey and Scott Summers make a run for it. But on their tails are a group of X-Men claiming to be from the future. They to want to see the original Children of the Atom returned to their proper place on the timeline.  Only this group of X-Men  more vindictive and cunning in pursuit of their goal, leads Wolverine to smell a rat and do something he never thought he'd do in a million years- team up with the present's Cyclops band of mutant freedom fighters in order to save and protect the first X-Men from being wiped out of existence.

   Battle of the Atom was an epic adventure that pits multiple X-Men teams from across the decades. The only team missing it seems is the Giant-Sized X-Men team created by Chris Claremont in the mid-70s.Written by Brian Michael Bendis, with Jason Aaron and Brian Wood, this trio actually gives Claremont a run for his money on this. The artwork lead by Frank Cho and Stuart Immonen was really good too. However, the last two chapters seemed to have a different inker as the art didn't quite look as clean as the rest of the book.

    Essential reading and a must to complete your Marvel NOW X-titles run, especially if you are collecting only the trades.

  Worth Consuming

  Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

   

Ant-Man, Volume 1: Second-Chance Man (Marvel NOW!)

 

 After a pretty hard life in the Big Apple, Scott Lang follows his daughter to sunny Miami. Lang hasn't always been there for Cassie, what with being in jail and all, so he decides to stay close after his ex-wife relocates to the Sunshine state. The second Ant-Man hopes to capitalize on his name recognition and he starts up a new security business. Along with a fellow reformed super-villain named the Grizzly (who mistakingly tries to kill Scott after believing he is the Ant-Man who sent him to the slammer!), things seem to be going great at this new business (except for the customers who mistake him for an exterminator...) 

   But Scott should know not to look on the bright side for too long as a trio of his old foes has arrived on the scene, gunning for revenge. Just don't call them his arch-enemies, okay? These baddies do have a reputation to uphold!

    I liked this series. It did a fairly decent job playing off of the events that occurred in last year's Ant-Man movie. Author Nick Spencer has Lang be the narrator for this volume and I think that was a great idea. Spencer seems to really be able to get into our anti-hero's head and with that being said, I really can hear actor Paul Rudd's voice throughout this book. This Ant-Man has all the mannerisms, quirks, and foibles of the actor who is set to portray the diminutive character for a number of upcoming Marvel films. It was brilliant.

   There are just two little things that I think are missing from this series. The first thing is that I think Miami was a little bit of a mistake. In the Ant-Man film, the lead character lives and operates in San Francisco. Now, I know that in the comics all of the characters operate out of New York and that's where this story opens up. But I also know that Marvel wants the books to more closely resemble the films. So, instead of Scott pick up stakes and move to Miami, Spencer should have him set up in the Golden Gate area.

   The other issue I had was an editorial problem. This series only ran for 5 issues and an annual. The short run is all likely due to the massive shakeup of Secret Wars. But Second-Chance Man only contains issues 1-5! Where is the annual at? Is it going to be reprinted somewhere else? And more importantly, why isn't it contained in this volume?

   This was a great book, though a little incomplete. Hopefully, after Secret Wars, we'll continue the adventures of Scott and Cassie Lang. I gotta say, if Marvel doesn't return to the adventures of this Ant-Man, they'll be coming up 'short' on a perfect opportunity involving a fascinating character.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9.5 out of 10 stars.

Captain Marvel, Volume 3: Alis Volat Propriis (Marvel NOW!)

   Carol Danver’s sabbatical in space is about to come to an end. But before it does, Captain Marvel must rescue her beloved cat, Chewie from a band of space pirates. But her mission won't be easy as her ship has been sabotaged and Chewie’s captors have a commanding lead over the cosmic powered Avenger. Good thing she's located a wormhole that should beat the catnappers to their destination. Too bad Carol didn't get the message to 'avoid the space envelope’ from her extraterrestrial friends.

  Then the series of Captain Marvel comes to a close when friends of Carol's pay a fond farewell to a fallen friend. Is the dearly departed Captain Marvel or someone close to her? I won't spoil it, folks. You'll just have to read this for yourself to find out.

   This volume contains the last issues of the 2014-15 series before the continuity skewing events of last year's Secret Wars. This volume was a fun read, but it lacked a little of the charm of the previous volumes. I think that's mostly because the only characters in this book are Marvel and her sarcastic spaceship, Harrison. They have some classic moments of banter but most of their interactions involve really horrible puns. 

( Hmmm… Harrison… Chewie… I think someone's got a thing for a certain scruffy- looking Nerf Herder…)

 The final chapter, however, was something special. It had that little spark of heart and humanity missing from the rest of the book. Plus, it cleared up several questions that I had from the 2012 series that contains events just prior to Danver's mission of self-discovery in the furthest reaches of outer space.

   Though this series is through it is not the end of my doings with the Carol Danvers Captain Marvel. I happened to get my hands on her Secret Wars miniseries but don't worry, I haven't spoiled the ending of this series by revealing my reading list as Secret Wars is an amalgamation of different Marvel stories and timelines.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Avengers Assemble, Volume 2: Science Bros (Marvel NOW!)

A friendly wager between Tony Stark and Bruce Banner takes the heroes on a global race against time to locate and rescue a missing scientist with Captains Marvel and America playing the role of referees. But this competition is no longer fun and games when the Avengers come face to face with a bio- terrorist whose kinda a big deal. Well, at least in HIS mind…

  Then the Black Widow's past comes back to haunt her when she is summoned by the widow of one of her hits requests that she find her missing daughter. Widow's search joined by Hawkeye and Spider-Woman will lead them to a mysterious sewer lair where the laws of nature have been horribly perverted.

  Quests seem to be the theme of this volume as the final story involves a newly reconstructed Vision who is struggling with his role in a world that passed him by after being disassembled by his ex-wife, the Scarlet Witch. His latest mission is to locate a corporate hero who has recently learned that he's outlived his usefulness to the execs at Roxxon. As the Vision sees how discarded this fellow hero is, it causes the Avenger to reevaluate his own position on a team that he no longer recognizes.

   Avengers Assemble starts off with the humor and fun banter that won me over as an Avengers fan. After some pretty heavy plots involving the end of the universe and numerous betrayals, it’s great to finally get some laughs. It just seemed weird to up and forget these horrors that had yet to come to a definite conclusion. It was also a little confusing but I got over it and enjoyed the stories regardless. I figured they'll get back to those crises eventually.

Well…

  See this book is actually a series I haven't gotten into yet. Since Marvel has this unfortunate habit of canceling titles and renumbering them all under the Marvel NOW! Imprint, I accidentally skipped volume 1. Plus, now Marvel has started to carry over different series into the trades instead of issuing them as separate works making for even more confusion. (For example, All-New Hawkeye #1-6 were collected as Hawkeye Volume 5 instead of ANH Volume 1.) So just what exactly did I read?

Avengers Assemble is a series from 2012 meant to reflect the cinematic version of the team. To be a starting point for new readers is all well and good, but Spider- Woman, Captain Marvel, and the Vision don't even appear in the first Avengers movie. But these characters do play heavily into the plots of the 2014 Avengers series that I thought this book was a continuation of. Geez… no wonder I was confused.

  Still, this wasn't a bad read and I'm more than willing to give volume 1 a go. But come on Marvel- get with it. You're giving my wish list fits with your convoluted numbering!

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Spider-Gwen, Volume 1: Most Wanted? (Marvel Now!)

  After being bitten by a radioactive spider, young Gwen Stacy garners amazing powers and becomes the Radioactive Spider-Woman!

   Spinning from the epic multi-dimensional Spider-Verse storyline from 2014 comes Spider-Gwen! In this universe (Earth-65), Gwen Stacy- NOT Peter Parker, gained powers from a spider bite and becomes everyone's favorite web-crawler- except for the police, led by Gwen's father, Captain Stacy! See, Spider-Woman's been falsely accused of killing Peter Parker, who was inspired by Gwen's exploits to be a superhero himself, only his experiments went terribly wrong and the carnage resulted in his death.

   By day, Gwen juggles being the drummer of the up-and-coming band, the Mary Janes. At night, Spider-Woman tries to save the day while eluding the police who have an APB out for her immediate capture! With Detective Frank Castle now on her trail and the criminal mastermind Kingpin out to make her either his newest accomplice or next victim, the stakes have never been higher for Gwen Stacy...

   Most Wanted? was a great introduction to the character of Spider-Gwen. I had been on the fence about her. Not because it's a female superhero but I thought that outside of this comic's title, I was afraid that the general public of Earth-65 actually referred to this heroine as Spider-Gwen. That's like Superman calling himself Super-Clark. But thankfully, that's not the case.

    The only real problem I had with this book was the angle of Gwen being a drummer for the Mary Janes. Yes- this is an interesting take on Mary Jane Watson being a rival of Gwen's without it being some sort of love triangle with Peter Parker or another boy. But member of a girl band??? Really? Critics argue that comics don't feature enough strong women in comics. But having Gwen have to deal with the petty squabbles of being part of a band seems to me actually detracting from this title's potential girl power. 

   I'm open to reading more Spider-Gwen in the future. I especially want to read Spider-Verse. But if I do get my hands on volume 2 of this series, I hope it matures a little bit. Spider-Gwen might be a fan favorite of girls and cosplayers, but at this point in her legend, she's not in the same league as the Carol Danvers Captain Marvel or Kamala Kahn's Ms. Marvel. Not by the end of volume 1, anyways...

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Hawkeye, Volume 4: Rio Bravo (Marvel NOW!)

    Clint Barton's war with the Track Suit Bros comes to a head with the addition of Clint's brother Barney (AKA Trickshot) and a clown-faced assassin cum real estate lawyer. But the biggest shocker in a story line about things coming to an end is the epic run of writer Matt Fraction and artist David Aja. 

   Together Fraction and Aja reenergized the character of Hawkeye into a grittier more human character instead of a purple costumed buffoon. I hate to see them go. I am quite afraid that without Fraction this series is going to lose its heart. And without Aja, all of the unique art techniques and creative framing will be no more. 

   My wait will not be long. Along with this volume, I was able to get my hands on volume 5. I'm eagerly anticipating Jeff Lemire's run on Hawkeye as I really have enjoyed what he did with Justice League United. But replacing Fraction is with anyone, no matter how talented, is like substituting Jim Morrison for John Lennon. He's great but the Lizard King just wouldn't work as the lead man for the Fab Four. 

  Matt Fraction = unreplaceable!

  Worth Consuming

  Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Indestructible Hulk, Volume 4: Humanity Bomb (Marvel NOW!)

 

    With the destruction of Attilan, the Inhumans' reserves of terrigen mist have been unleashed upon an unsuspecting populace. Anyone with even the slightest bit of Inhuman DNA is in danger of transforming into an unimaginable assortment of beasts, mutated humans, or even a super-powered hero like the Kamala Kahn Ms. Marvel. Leading the charge for a cure is Bruce Banner and his think tank of scientists at SHIELD. However, when it's revealed that Banner's cure is in the form of yet another bomb, the Avengers have visions of gamma disaster that created the Hulk. In other words, Iron Man, Beast, and Ant-Man typically act before they speak and massive carnage ensues.

   Unfortunately for one of Banner's team, the cure unlocks their latent Inhuman potential and is transformed into a ferocious monster that feeds on anger. How will the Hulk be able to stop the newest member of the Inhuman family when this new foe keeps siphoning away any trace of rage and continuously reverts the Hulk back into a human? For once, Bruce Banner will have to save the day!

   This volume marks the end of the Stan Lee/ Jack Kirby Hulk. Up next are the reality changing events of Secret Wars that reboots the original Marvel Universe in DC Comics Crisis fashion for the first time ever. Unfortunately, the ending left me really confused as the volume ends with a cliffhanger and the promise to be continued in Hulk #1!

   What Hulk #1 is it? Is it Totally Awesome Hulk which star wunderkind Amadeus Cho taking on the role of the Green Goliath? Or is the answers to the end of this series found in one of the many one-shots and miniseries that accompany the Secret Wars storyline? For the sake of spoilers, I've not been able to find out what happens next. (But, folks, if you know- please feel free to spill the beans. Because I have to know what happens next!)

   Another Marvel NOW! triumph by Mark Waid with a cool Bruce Banner/ Tony Stark team-up by Jeff Parker.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Indestructible Hulk, Volume 4: S.M.A.S.H. Time (Marvel NOW!)

 

    Disappearing Airports... Rampaging Dinosaurs... Invading armies comprised of Vikings, pirates, and P-47 Thunderbolts... Someone is messing with time and only the Hulk can save it! 

    Because his gamma radiation can withstand the destructive currents of the time vortex, the Big Green Machine will team up with some of your favorite Marvel heroes of yesteryear in order to save tomorrow. But since the Hulk isn't really known for keeping on task, he'll be aided by a drone that comprises the brain patterns of Bruce Banner. For the first time ever- it's mighty Hulk and puny Banner teamed together to save time itself. Yet there's a caveat- should the Hulk calm down at any point during his quest, he'll morph back into his human self, stuck in a vegetative state  somewhere past unable to reconnect with his Banner persona.

   This volume was a fun ride. I love stories about time travel and this chapter of the Indestructible Hulk doesn't disappoint. Guest-starring the Black Knight, Kid Colt, Betty and Thunderbolt Ross, and a slew of characters that exist in the Marvel Universe's past, I was so stoked. I only wish that Hulk traveled to more time periods and meet further characters (maybe a few real-life historic figures too!) 

   This volume was written by Mark Waid, who I've really become a fan of with his work on latest runs of Daredevil. He's known as the only man to have ever read everything ever published about Superman. Well, I must say I think he's done quite a bit of reading up on the Marvel Universe as Waid crafted a story that paid loving tribute to the Marvel Age of Comics created by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and many more comics legends. 

   Aiding Mark Waid is the stunning Mateo Scalera (Black Science.) His ability to capture 1,000s and 1,000s of years of history in a seamless setting of time periods was awesome. Plus, I think he stole some designs from his work on Black Science as the suits worn by some of the time travelers looked very similar to that of the time displaced crew of that crafty Image series.

   It's a nearly flawless time traveling romp that pays homage to the Hulk family.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Thor, Volume 2: Who Holds the Hammer? (Marvel NOW!)

 

  The saga of the female Thor continues in volume 2. The new hero has yet to give up her war against Roxxon and the Dark Elf, Malekith, who are divvying up the mineral rights to all of the nine realms. But Thor's most recent attack may have upset a clandestine SHIELD investigation by Agent Roz Solomon.

     Meanwhile, the Odinson is still seeking to discover the real identity of Lady Thor. With list in hand, the former God Of Thunder will revisit some old flames, ancient foes, and some painful memories.

    I am enjoying the new take on Thor. Essentially, the original Thor is still the same prideful powerhouse he once was, only he is without his ability to control the elements and his hammer, Mjolnir. But the title is called Thor and really the woman who now bears that title really shares the book almost equally with the Odinson.  I don't mind this. But I am surprised that more fans of the popular title haven't cried foul about it.
    
  One interesting thing about the change of Thor's is that it is hinted that Odinson might not even be the first God of Thunder. He certainly hasn't been the last what with Beta Ray Bill and Thunderstrike temporarily wielding Thor's hammer in the past. (By the way, if you have yet to learn who the new Thor is, you will get your answer by book's end.)

     Included in this volume is Thor Annual #1. It features a classic version Thor adventure, a first meeting between the Warriors Three and the new Thor, along with a tale of the Highfather Thor and his granddaughters. (Could this mean a return of Odinson to the mantle of Thor or does this take place in an alternate timeline?)

    Speaking of alternate time streams, this edition closes with a classic issue of one of my All-time favorite series from the late 70s. But I don't want to expound too much on just what is contained in the classic reprint least I give away the female Thor's true identity to those readers still not in the know.

    A good book that is in a sort of limbo for me as the Marvel reboot storyline Secret Wars takes place next. I really have no idea when I may return to this book since the Secret Wars series has yet to be completed due to numerous and lengthy delays.

    Worth Consuming

    Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Daredevil, Volume 3: The Daredevil You Know (Marvel NOW!)

   

   Matt Murdock agrees to defend an aged stunt driver in a copyright infringement case. Age and injury have caused the former thrill seeker to give up the rights to his original stage name, 'The Stuntman', to a pharmaceutical company. In turn, the corporation has hired out a young upstart that has taken to taunting his namesake.

     The attacks become so merciless, that the old man takes his own life unable to withstand the pressure of the looming court battle. This enrages Murdock to challenge the new Stuntman in order to restore his client's good name. But should the hero lose in a race across the Golden Gate Bridge, it will mean that he too must forfeit his right to the title of 'The Man Without Fear.'

     Speaking of the title- that's also what Murdock and his ghost writer Foggy Nelson is calling his autobiography. Making his deadline isn't going to be easy with a slew of baddies, mishaps, and betrayals will get in Daredevils way. All this leads to what is probably the worst Daredevil costume variant of all-time and in the superhero forging a deal with a most unexpected devil.

       Volume 3 is the penultimate Marvel NOW! collection by Mark Waid and Chris Samnee before the events of 2015's Secret Wars that will reboot not just the Daredevil franchise but the entire Marvel Universe. This was yet another fantastic offering by Waid and Samnee and it's Daredevil at his best.

     Things have been going pretty well for Matt Murdock lately. Yet, it can be said that Daredevil is at his best when he is at his lowest. And by the end of this volume, things are going to get so low, he may just have to sell his soul to his own personal devil if he's ever going to get another chance to make things right again.

    Worth Consuming but I wasn't such a big fan of the first story arc involving the Stuntman as I was in the rest of the comics reprinted in this edition.

    Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Ms. Marvel, Volume 3: Crushed (Marvel NOW!)

   Ms. Marvel continues her training as an Inhuman. But that doesn't mean life is all peaches and cream for young Kamala Khan. She still has to balance her home life and school work.

    When the son of a family friend moves into the neighborhood, it appears that Kamala has been bitten by the love bug. That affection seems to be destiny when the young man is revealed to also be an Inhuman. Sadly, Ms. Marvel will have to learn the hard way that just as there are good Inhumans, there are some rotten apples in the bunch too.

   Speaking of things not being as they seem, Loki- looking younger, hipper, and apparently on the side of good and not evil, arrives in Jersey City. (OK- When did this happen?) The former god of mischief's task, appointed by his mother Frigga, is to discover if there are any more threats from Ms. Marvel's arch-enemy, the Inventor. But in classic Marvel fashion, a battle between Ms. Marvel and the reformed Asgardian trickster breaks out before the two are able to realize that they are both fighting the same side for once.

    On paper, Ms. Marvel/ Kamala may seem to be the least Marvel-like superhero title currently out. The title's star is Muslim, she's Afghani, and she's a she. But this is probably the one modern Marvel title that is written consistently in that classic Marvel House of Ideas style. Let's compare Kamala with the character that defined the classic style of Marvel, the one, the only Peter Parker!

     Both began their careers as teens. Both are outsiders mostly for being geeks. But they are both brilliant nerds and rely on those smarts to save the day. Both teens come from working-class families and that makes things like costume repair a pressing concern when money is tight. Plus, with the two being in high school, a large number of their adventures take place in public education both as students and superheroes. And of course, there's the fair share of unrequited love and teen angst.

    Are you sure Stan Lee isn't writing this series?

    Lastly, for you fans of Agents of SHIELD, this volume contains a Ms. Marvel team-up with Phil Coulson and Agents Simmons. One of the students at Kamala's school is selling stolen super-villain tech. With SHIELD on his tail, the seller is quickly apprehended. But one of his stolen wares got mixed in with some of the food in the high school cafeteria. Thus, the ever popular pizza day is going to be one that Ms. Marvel's teammates will remember for years to come.

    I'm already a fan of this series and thanks to the bonus SHIELD issue, I'm a big fan of that series too. (I've been wanting to read it but on the fence as to whether it's worth $4 to find out. It is!) The quality of the new Ms. Marvel keeps getting better and better. This series deserves some Eisner Awards and a Hugo or two. For those of you feeling that it's unpatriotic to enjoy a book like Ms. Marvel, I say it's Un-American not too. 

   The Khan's are a typical immigrant family in that they keep their old world traditions alive while being proud to become Americans. Yes- Kamala's mom and dad are afraid that their daughter will be Americanized by their new homeland, but they are just as fearful that their son will fall in with the wrong Islamic crowd (in other words militant.) Plus, I don't know of any decent parent that doesn't want to lose their child to a growing ever so dangerous world of sex, drugs, crime, or death. 

   And no- this book is not some secret ISIS training manual or propaganda for luring kids into becoming followers of Islam. If you are that concerned, maybe you should read this book with your child. It will show an interest in things they like, such as reading comics. Plus, you can then be ready to answer or further research any questions about Islam or the war on terror that might pop up afterward.

   A quality series that keeps getting better with one of the single best issues of 2015 (SHIELD #2) inside.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

She-Hulk, Volume 2: Disorderly Conduct (Marvel NOW!)

   A business neighbor of Jen's hires She-Hulk, not for a case but to complete some superheroing work. The neighbor is a scientist, who along with his partner, are making strides in the field of shrinking organic material. Only, the partner has gone missing, and presumed shrunk- also, there's the nasty business of the formula not quite being perfected yet, so he might explode at any moment and take half of New York with him. Enter the pioneer of shrinking technology, Hank Pym, who along with She-Hulk and Hellcat, race against time in an adventure straight out of 'Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.'

    Then She-Hulk must travel to the West Coast to defend Steve Rogers in a wrongful death case dating back to his days before becoming Captain America. But will she be able to defend the aged Sentinel of Freedom when she learns that her civil court opponent is none other than the Man Without Fear, Matt 'Daredevil' Murdock.

   Lastly, Jen gets to the bottom of the mysterious Blue File. But, with nobody able to remember just what happened in the Dakotas, She-Hulk will have to use all of her technical legal resources available to find the answers she's looking for. Plus, she'll probably call in a few favors from the superhero community as all New York lawyers are able to do as well.

    This volume marks the end of yet another dynamic She-Hulk series that just couldn't find an audience. She's a fan favorite (and a favorite of mine), but she's more often looked at as a comedic sex-pot like Marilyn Monroe as opposed to a serious kick-ass superheroine. This should be considered a crime because while she's a very funny character, She-Hulk a top-notch Marvel hero to boot. 

    Another thing Jennifer Walters is is a crackerjack lawyer. But it might be this very reason that the series ended way too soon. The series writer, Charles Soule, claims in the book's afterword, that this series was meant to be heavier on law as opposed to action. Maybe that kept fans away but as a fan of the comedic law thriller 'Supernatural Law' I enjoyed the Law & Order approach to this series. 

   Some might argue that She-Hulk wasn't meant to go more than 12-issues because of everything going on with the Marvel reboot series Secret Wars. But, if that was the case, then She-Hulk would be returning with an all-new series later this year and that just doesn't seem likely to happen. Soule claims that this series was only planned for a year's worth of issues but I've heard that line so much, it's become a cliched excuse when a series ends early.

   I want to go back to the art for just a second. I have mentioned that She-Hulk is a cult favorite because of her sex appeal. Well, in this series, she's attractive looking but she's not cheesecake material. Series artist Javier Pulido has more of a Latin style in his work. It's big on using pastels and watercolors to flesh out the art. It can also give a character a bit of a blotchy look to them and it's not the cleanest of art styles. It's not quite Impressionist art, but it's close and I think this style makes She-Hulk look less like a goddess and more down to earth. If anything, I would bet that it's how she and the other females in this book are drawn that kept the fanboys away. Yet another crime of passion against the great green female superhero of the Marvel Universe.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

All-New X-Men Volume 5:One Down (Marvel NOW!)

   Fresh from their adventure in outer-space, the original X-Men find themselves the target of a new kind of enemy with very familiar faces. These villains are the twin sons of Professor X-Men and Mystique, along with an alternate reality version of the Beast, Deadpool, and other mutants. Operating under the name of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, this team from the future seeks to do what Magneto could never do: destroy the X-Men.

    The X-Men seem to know these guys, but they are new to me. I had mentioned that the All-New (and yet at the same time original) X-Men had just returned from space. Those adventures have the team pairing with the Guardians of the Galaxy. Instead of comprising the fifth volume of this series of trades, the geniuses at Marvel decided to repackage that epic team-up as 'Guardians of the Galaxy/ All-New X-Men: The Trial of Jean Grey' and I have a sneaking suspicion that this is where the future incarnation of the Brotherhood make their first appearance.

    At this time, I've yet to get my hands on the Guardian/ X-Men team-up. I've been waiting for my local library to pick it up since they carry both Marvel Now! series on which the issues of the 'Trial of Jean Grey' were published. I'm starting to lose faith that my branch ever will pick it up. So, I'm going to have to add it to my wish list.

   Bendis continues to do a fantastic job with this team of mutants. The artwork by Immonen and Marquez is still just as awesome as before. But since so much seems to have happened in the 'Trial of Jean Grey' including Jean developing new powers and Kitty Pryde and Star Lord becoming an item, I feel like I missed out on something important. Thus, I just didn't connect so much with this book as other collections past.

  Sorry BMB...

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Deadpool by Posehn & Duggan, Volume 2

 Still possessed by the spirit of slain SHIELD agent Preston, Deadpool seeks to find the answers behind her death and the discovery that someone's been harvesting Wade Wilson's organs for decades. Their search will take them to some of the furthest reaches of planet earth, including North Korea, a duplicate helicarrier made by an evil spy organization, and Wolverine's bedroom! Plus, go back to Deadpool's early days as he team's up with the Heroes for Hire in the 1970s and takes a much-needed vacation in 1960s Wakanda.

   The team of Brian Posehn and Gerry Duggan continue to take the Merc with a Mouth to new levels- of insanity, action, and lots and lots of gore. I see lots of critics of modern day Deadpool on social media with fans saying he's too goofy, too weird, and too over-the-top. Yet, Deadpool continues to be a fan favorite, so Posehn, Duggan, and the editors at the House of Ideas are obviously doing something right. 

   Along with the outstanding writing, Scott Koblish does a fantastic job on the art adding lots of great Easter eggs throughout. Added to the mix are the awesome regular covers by Mark Brooks (issues 21-25.) I just loved this whole thing- especially the epic parody of Aliens! Game Over, Man!!!

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Ms. Marvel, Volume 2: Generation Why (Marvel NOW!)

   The adventures of the new Ms. Marvel continue. Last volume she went up against an all-new villain called The Inventor. Well, he's still on the loose and he's more determined than ever to put Jersey City's new guardian on ice! With an assortment of dangerous drones and crazy robots, Kamala Kahn and her friends find themselves targets everywhere they go. Things are going to get even more deadly when Kahn's powers start going wonky.

    In the meantime, Kamala gets some sage advice from one of her mosque leaders to find a mentor. This leads the young heroine to team-up with the least kid-friendly mutant of them all- WOLVERINE! Plus, Ms. Marvel learns of her Inhuman origins in when she becomes the proud owner of Lockjaw?!

    The combined team of writer G. Willow Wilson, Adrian Alphona, and Jacob Wyatt continues to do a superior job in this exciting new series. The dialogue is hip and fresh and funny. The plots are original and exciting. But the art, while exciting and at times dynamic, is all over the place. Ms. Marvel has the ability to change shape so when she has giant hands or an oversized foot, I overlook it. But there are times where Kamala looks more like a muppet than a superhero.

   Like I said,  I'd excuse that type of styling if it was during a battle or something heroic. But, Kamila usually appears to look like a long lost cousin of Bert & Ernie when she drawn from a distance, doing nothing more than standing in line or drinking a soda. Are we to just assume her genetic structure is in a constant state of morphic flux or do the artists just 'phone it in' during these scenes hoping viewers like me won't notice? 

    Consider this observation that only thing keeping this volume from achieving perfection.

    Worth Consuming

    Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Daredevil Volume 2: West Coast Scenario (Marvel NOW!)

   

   Mark Waid continues his epically fun run of the Man Without Fear in this volume that doubles as a tie-in to the 'Original Sin' storyline. In that miniseries, a character called the Orb has caused superheroes to relive their deepest darkest secrets. With Daredevil, he has visions of his beloved father abusing him and his mother, Maggie. Seeking answers, Daredevil learns that his mother has been arrested and extradited to Wakanda without due process. In order to save her, Daredevil will have to call in some favors at SHIELD and pull a few shrewd  legal eagle maneuvers that borderline as an international incident. 

   But before all that, celebrate Daredevil's 50th Anniversary with a special issue that looks at two potential futures and a rather forgettable moment in Matt Murdock's history. The first story takes place in the distant future of San Francisco in which something has caused most of it's residents to lose their vision. Speak about the blind leading the blind... Then in a prose story, a possible wife of Murdock's writes her last will and testament along with some of her personal history with the hero, to her unborn child. It's a chilling story that leaves the reader breathless at the very end. Lastly, while Murdock and Nelson are closing their practice, Reed Richards uncovers the last will and testament of Matt's twin brother Mike. It's a goofy tale taken from a rather goofy time in the life of Daredevil as a way to throw Foggy and Karen Page of the scent that Matt Murdock is really a superhero.

    Then wrapping up this volume is a story involving a villain named the Purple Man. I'm not familiar with this guy, but he's super strong, nigh invulnerable, has wicked mind control powers- oh did I mention he's purple. He just may be my new favorite Daredevil villain. I really would like to find more tales starring this super creepy baddie!

    A lot happens in this volume but Mark Waid and his artist in residence, Chris Samnee, did another marvelous job chronicling another chapter of the Daredevil family. (Okay- the Mike Murdock story was corny, but it ended on a high note.) Secrets are revealed, mysteries finally solved, and a lot of kick-butt action and thrills is had by all players. Another triumph of dynamic writing and cutting-edge art- both of which are lightyears ahead of their time

     Worth Consuming

    Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Thor, Volume 1: The Goddess of Thunder (Marvel Now!)

 This is it! The most controversial storyline of the second half of 2014! When Super spy Nick Fury whispers a secret into Thor's ear, it causes him to drop the hammer Mjolnir and become unworthy to possess it. As the entire Asgardian populace is also unable to lift the hammer, the hammer rests where it fell on the surface of the Moon. But then a stranger comes along and picks up the hammer and thus begins the reign of Thor- Goddess of Thunder!

   Many fans cried foul when they saw that Thor was going to become a woman. I was one of those voices. But it wasn't sexism against a woman being Thor as that I am in the camp of instead of changing our beloved superheroes, create new characters. Well, after reading the first five issues of this new series, I changed my vote from nay to yea because at least 2 new characters have been created within the scope of this storyline.

   The first new character is Thor, the Goddess of Thunder. Though it's been spoiled within the past couple of months as to who she really is when this book first dropped, there was a list of suspects about as long as this book. (Though the clues are there as to who this Thor really is. Just focus on her internal monologues and you'll figure it out pretty quick.)

   This Thor wears a war mask, so it hides her faces. Also for some reason, the magics of Asgard cannot see who she is when she changes back from being Thor. This Thor can also make Mjolnir sing and do incredible feats. The hammer seems to talk to her and though she must maintain a physical contact with the hammer, the new Thor is not limited to only 60 seconds away from the hammer like her predecessor was.

   Speaking of the old Thor, he too has become a new character- Odinson. His presence is very much felt in this book and thankfully, they didn't kill him off. But now more humble, more determined, and a little weaker, the old Thor still has his birth name but no longer his birthright.

   The combined team of Jason Aaron and Russell Dauterman have made the characters of Asgard fresh and even more interesting and that's an impressive feat considering some of these characters are thousands of years old. Sprinkle in some Ice Giants, Malekith the Dark Elf, the mega-corporation Roxxon, and a newly returned Odin and you've got an action-packed set of five issues. However, if you've been just reading the trades and are confused by the return of Odin and Roxxon's discovery of a giant skull, you are not alone.

   Volume 4 of Thor: God of Thunder stopped at issue #24. But there was an issue #25 before that series was cancelled. Why it wasn't included in Volume 4 is beyond me. So, I'm on the hunt for that issue in hopes of bridging some important plot gaps.

    I really enjoyed this volume and though I hope the original Thor will get his hammer back, I look forward to some new adventures with the Goddess of Thunder. The art in a couple of areas is a little rough with the over-sized sound effects. Sometimes, it got so crowded, I couldn't figure out what was going on and who was doing it. But for the story itself, it's fresh, fun, and full of mystery.

   A masterful work by Marvel who got it right for a change.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.