New Avengers: Illuminati #5

Tags

Brian Michael Bendis, Brian Reed, Jim Cheung, Marvel Comics, New Avengers, New Avengers Illuminati

Brian Michael Bendis and Brian Reed assembled Marvel’s most powerful leaders for Illuminati, setting them up to confront some of the biggest threats. They deal with the Beyonder from Secret Wars in the 1980s, and Jim Starlin’s Infinity Gauntlet from the 90s, but the real bang comes at the end. Illuminati sets up the Marvel mega-event Secret Invasion, where the Skrulls have infiltrated the ranks of Marvel’s heroes. The whole idea is pretty far-fetched, true. Fans of Marvel’s long history of events, however, will enjoy Bendis’ crisp dialogue and the dynamic artwork of Jim Cheung, energetically augmented by Morales’ digital color palette and light show. A fun ride and a lavish visual treat.

Collector’s Guide:
– From New Avengers: Illuminati hardcover
– Also available in New Avengers: Illuminati softcover TPB
– Originally printed in New Avengers: Illuminati #1-5; Marvel,
– You may also like the companion book that explores this team even more, Illuminati Special Edition.

 

Ultimate What?

Tags

Black Widow, Brian Michael Bendis, David Finch, Ultimate X-men, Wolverine, X-men

Brian Michael Bendis saw into the future. We’ve recently seen one of the most ridiculous series titles in comics history: Ultimate Comics Ultimates. Marvel, come on! But Bendis predicted this branding insanity in a dialogue from Ultimate X-men in 2003.

Here, Bendis and artist David Finch parody Bendis’ own famous dialogue style by filling the page with 38 separate panels for a single conversation! And, in this snappy discussion between Black Widow and Wolverine, Bendis pokes fun at the name “The Ultimates.”

All kidding aside, this story – Blockbuster – may be our favorite Spider-man/Wolverine team-up since James C. Owsley (Priest) paired them in the Soviet Union in the 1980s. Throw in Daredevil and the Black Widow, and you’ve got some seriously action-packed adventure!

Collector’s Guide:
– From Ultimate X-men #35; Marvel, 2003.
– Reprinted in Ultimate X-Men TPB #7, “Blockbuster.”

Costume or No Costume, Electro?

Tags

Avengers, Brian Michael Bendis, David Finch, Electro, first issue, New Avengers

In the first issue of New Avengers, some very bad people charge Electro with breaking a bunch of nasty supervillains out of a high-security prison. They ask Electro, “Costume or no costume?” To which the high-voltage bad guy eagerly replies… “Costume!” Look out, Avengers – he’s going for the spandex! Art by David Finch, Danny Miki, and one of our favorite colorists Frank D’Armata; Story by Brian Michael Bendis.

Collector’s Guide:
– From New AvengersVol. 1, #1. You can also find this run in trades and hardcover.

Stop the Hustle or We Beat the $%#! from You!

Tags

Avengers, Brian Michael Bendis, Luke Cage, Mike Deodato, New Avengers, Power Man

Luke Cage tells Detroit how it’s going to be in the new era of… Impact Super-Hero Work?! Get ready for the Avengers to visit a neighborhood near you… Hey! Maybe they’ll help us get rid of all the damned taggers around here!

Collector’s Guide:
– From New Avengers Vol. 1 by Bendis.
Art by Mike Deodato.