Captain America and the Falcon, Vol. 1: Two Americas

The Falcon has gone rogue!

Sam Wilson has infiltrated Guantanamo and broken out a prisoner. Now reports have it that the Avenger has taken the escapee to a known drug lord's Cuban compound. What's going on here? Has Wilson reverted back to his Red Skull evil origins?

Captain America has been granted 24-hours to locate the Falcon and get to the bottom of the rogue hero's actions. When his time is up, SHIELD will neutralize the Falcon without prejudice. Normally, such an assignment is easy peasy for the Sentinel of Liberty. But an incoming hurricane to the Caribbean is making it difficult for Steve Rogers to safely arrive on Cuban shores. 

Eventually, the Captain catches up with Sam Wilson and the escaped prisoner. It turns out that the fugitive is a reporter for the Daily Bugle who uncovered a biological weapon in one of the operations of the drug cartel. Post-9/11, the kingpin has been providing key information on terrorist cells to the American intelligence community in exchange for immunity. To wipe out such valuable Intel would severely hamper the new war on terror. 

Thus, the CIA or some other clandestine government agency has sought to silence the reporter who happens to be a close associate from Sam Wilson's past. With Captain America now on the scene, it appears Sam's friend will return to the Big Apple to reveal the scoop of the century. But when Captain America slaughters the drug lord's entire headquarters of bodyguards and lieutenants, it's revealed that something is seriously wrong. There's an impostor Cap assigned to terminate all parties related to the blotched biological weapon, including the real Steve Rogers!

This 2004 book was one of the worst Captain America and the Falcon volumes that I have ever read. Actually, the writing was pretty good. Christopher Priest, going just by his last name at the time pens an Ed Brubaker level story of espionage, betrayal and conspiracy. It was the art and the layouts that were a hot mess. So maybe this is one of the worst stories starring some of my favorite characters that I have ever looked at.

First is the artwork by Bart Sears. The heroes look ridiculous. Overly muscular. Proportions are all wrong. The eyes look googly, like they're all cross-eyed. And the body language is rather silly looking like our heroes have to pee really bad. It would be funny if this was a work of parody like MAD or Not Brand Echh.

Then there's those layouts. They're all over the place. Several pages are framed with unnecessary posed images of Cap and the Falcon. Then there's those 2-page splashes that are supposed to go from left to right and somehow end up those wandering paths taken by Billy in The Family Circus. If ever those black trail dashes were needed to guide the reader's eyes as to where to travel, it was here in the pages of this opening salvo. 

The first of 2 volumes, other than what was the truth behind the super bug bio-weapon that Falcon and his reporter friend discovered, I've no interest in knowing what happens next. That's how awful Sear's art was. Maybe if I found a copy for $3 or less. Otherwise, a quick search on Wikipedia should suffice. This one is definitely getting turned back in for trade credit.

Not Worth Consuming!

Rating: 3 out of 10 stars.

Spider-Man: Black, Blue, & Read All Over #1

First of all, I love the cover. It looks very retro, like the live-action Spidey TV-show of the 70s, which I love fondly despite knowing it was very hokey.

Then there is a great companion piece with a reprint of ASM #12 in which a very sick Spider-man is unmasked as Peter Parker by Doctor Octopus. The twist is everyone thinks Petey was trying to be heroic and isn’t the wall-crawler at all.

Lastly, there’s the title tale in which Spider-man convinces Jonah Jameson that he’ll unmask if the Daily Bugle will publish the wallcrawler’s side of the story for a change. It’s a nice tale that shows you how hard it is to be a hero. But, the ending is lame.

Average everything out, and I give this tale a 6 or of 10. But, it’s still very good and Worth Consuming, but just barely.

Rating: 6 out of 10 stars.

The Pulse #10

 

 Welcome to the House of M. In this alternate timeline of the Marvel Universe, mutants are the dominant species over the human race. They are lead by Magneto and his two children, Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch. The House of M is due to the fractured psyche of the Scarlet Witch, who went insane upon discovering that the children she mourned over so passionately were figments of her imagination. Unable to cope with this revelation, the mutant viciously attacked her closest friends, the Avengers, killing several and subsequently this resulted in the team's ultimate disbandment.

  In this House of M crossover, one of the victim's of the Scarlet Witch's assault has returned from the dead- Hawkeye. Possessing knowledge that he shouldn't be alive, Clint Barton infiltrates the archives of the Daily Bugle is order to learn more about this new version of reality. His break-in attracts the attention of a Bugle reporter who assists him in his quest for knowledge. But with anti-human Sentinels closing in, will the reporter be able to continue with Hawkeye in his quest of returning the universe back to normal by killing the Scarlet Witch?  

    I had read the House of M many years ago and I loved that alternate reality mutant thriller. Like with just about any Marvel crossover event, there are dozens of tie-in issues and storylines contained in the pages of the publisher's monthly titles.        

   Maybe it's because I erroneously thought that Marvel only tied in the X-titles. (Silly Madman...) Since I've been trying to collect and eventually read this entire series, this is my first real glimpse at the House of M from a non-mutant point of view.

   The Pulse #10 was very interesting. By making humans second class citizens, the tables have been reversed with the mutants getting the accolades, positions or power, and chance to rule for once. I had always thought of House of M as a dynamic alternate history story. But at its heart, M is a top notch look at civil rights. The added twist is that the majority (humans) are in fact the minority because they do not have special powers.

    Bendis just keeps writing gems like this. I don't know how he does it and I am a little jealous. This story is self-contained enough that you do not have to read House of M to follow or enjoy this issue- but you really should! Also featured really excellent art by Michael Lark (Daredevil) and yet another wicked cover by series artist Mike Mayhew.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 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 #4

 

  With evidence mounting, Ben Ulrich gets not only the blessing of the Daily Bugle to go after Terri Kidder's murderer- he's also got Spider-man watching his back too! 

   A great chapter is which one of the biggest baddies (and biggest jerks) in the Marvel Universe finally gets what's coming to him. 

   This story is over 10-years old, but it's got a major spoiler that if you haven't read this by now, you must be really new to comics. I'm not even going to reveal the cover to this issue as what happens here is something that truly devoted fans of Spidey and the Marvel Universe had waited for since the early 60s. 

   I really am enjoying this series. Bendis has done a fantastic job. I'm just a little confused about one thing. The first issue seemed to imply that Jessica Jones was going to be the star of this series. But she's been grossly underused since that premiere issue. In fact, this has been more of the Ben Ulrich show than just about anyone else. Well, the star of this series is really the Daily Bugle. It's got a great ensemble cast feel to it like the TV shows Cheers or ER.

   But why add Jessica Jones to the mix, along with boyfriend and baby-daddy Luke Cage, if their role is nothing more than background scenery? It just doesn't make sense. Maybe Bendis just didn't find a connection between those two characters. But it really isn't like him to just avoid certain characters especially since just about every superhero and villain ever created by Marvel is used by Bendis is some form in the Ultimate comics universe. Maybe the master has something up his sleeve for a later issue in this awesome series...

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 8 out of 10 stars. 

The Pulse #3

   The staff of the Daily Bugle reels at the death of one of their own.

    It's ironic that I review this book today. Just yesterday, a very troubled man killed two reporters live on Virginian television. Though journalist Terri Kidder wasn't killed on TV, her murder occurred while she was on the clock and it makes the other Daily Bugle reports feel vulnerable as if it happened to her, it could happen to them.

    Both the community at the Bugle and the reporting community in real life have a dual role that is very difficult to perform. They have to report the story and grieve at the same time. Ben Ulrich and the staff at the Bugle have the added task to memorialize the fallen journalist while getting to the bottom of who committed the crime. But in real life, the colleagues of the fallen in Roanoke, Va. don't have the added benefit of Spider-man to assist them in bringing down the villain responsible. 

   A powerful and moving story that hits that much more closer to home in light of current events. 

   Worth Consuming.

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

The Pulse #2

    Meet Terri Kidder... She's the newest beat reporter at the Daily Bugle and she's not having a good first week. None of her stories has been approved by the editors. She's in danger of losing her job. And her biggest scoop results in her body being dredged from the Hudson River. 

    This issue was a fantastic story that was brilliantly written by Brian Michael Bendis. It was engaging from the very first page up through the final tragic panel. Oh, and if you didn't know, the folks as the House of Ideas killed Lois Lane!

    Take a look at our intrepid reporter's name: Terri Kidder. Lois Lane was played in the movies by Margot Kidder and on TV in the 90s by Terri Hatcher. Then take into account that she mentions that she moved from a big metropolis to the even bigger Big Apple and that the pictures of her husband on her desk look an awful lot like a certain farm boy from Kansas with glasses and a curly cue. 

    A fantastic chapter in a series that hasn't disappointed me. Yes- this is only the second issue but I feel really good about what I've read so far and with Bendis at the helm, I don't think I'm going to be either. 

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 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.