NEW COMICS 4 THIS WEEK (07/31/24)
*All comics will be rated on a scale from 1 to 10*
Amazing Spider-Man # 54
Immortal Thor # 13
Saga # 67
Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider # 3
Ultimate Spider-Man # 7
X-Force # 1
Amazing Spider-Man # 54– This issue, which always serves as the beginning of the end for Zeb Wells’ run, brings the curtain down on Spider-Man’s battle with Norman Osborn and once again shows what makes Spidey a heroic icon; Nothing is awe-inspiring (apart from the beautiful Ed McGuinness splash-pages) that will have reading wondering what happens next but the supporting cast that features Kamala Khan and breakout star Rek-Rap help in uplifting this arc with great humor that was a positive factor. At the same time, the action sequences range from unreal to chaotic which will definitely keep the attention of the readers but at the end of it all, it’s about Spidey confronting his greatest enemy that falls back on more familiar elements, but that’s okay due to this issue finding a cohesive conclusion to this surreal arc so with that, Amazing Spider-Man continues to be the standard-bearer of superhero comics thanks in part to the heroism of the wall-crawler.
Saga # 67– After another sabbatical, Saga is back!! What’s great about this series is that it makes good use of the serialization of every issue as it gives the readers such wonderful moments while surprising us every chance with some cliffhangers while watching the characters we fell in love with from the beginning grow with each issue. This particular issue is quite charming as Hazel narrates the status quo with a few changes and some new roles and characters that occurred during the time between stories while making sure that the readers take in much of the changes. Amazing and often riddled with heartbreak, Saga is still a series that captivates its audience even after a long break, it delivers on the consistency due in part to the stellar creativity of both Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples that keeps us enthralled when it comes to seeing Hazel continue to take her step towards adulthood.
Ultimate Spider-Man # 7– After six issues, Jonathan Hickman continues to deliver a Spider-Man arc that not only remixes classic moments but delivers new ones such as expanding on the Peter Parker/Harry Osborn friendship which I feel is the most exciting version of that plot thread since they’re both doing their best to be heroes while getting friendly with the Ultimate version of Otto Octavius (Can’t wait for him to break out the mechanical arms) and it’s tremendous to see such action sequences that bring a classic feel to it but are elevated to such edginess thanks to Marco Checchetto’s flawless artwork. I said it before and I will say it again- Ultimate Spider-Man will always stand the test of time and the crown jewel of the new Ultimate line…..and that will never change.
X-Force # 1– Yes, X-Force is back! Straight out of the “From The Ashes” relaunch, America’s favorite X-team returns with a “Suicide Squad” meets “Thunderbolts” feel to it that may or may not excite longtime X-fans and from what I read, the lineup looks promising as Forge, who’s doing his very best to play the role of leader, puts together a team that will help him fix the world as he gets numerous threats that look to destroy it. Rachel Summers and Psylocke do their best to be the heart and soul of X-Force with Sage, Surge, and newcomer Tank filling out this roster and yes, Deadpool is the first hire, and while he brings with him his usual fourth-wall-breaking routine to the forefront, it feels flat under the writing of Geoffrey “I hate Hal Jordan” Thorne as he tries his best to bring out the excitement with some flash action sequences but it just feels as if Thorne didn’t have enough time to make this new version of X-Force cohesive enough but Marcus To’s art makes up for the some of the weak spots in Thorne’s script which helps. Can X-Force be another hit for this new era of the X-Men? I have to answer yes it can, only if Thorne strengthens up his writing to where he can make this team likable while presenting Forge as a strong leader so let’s hope the next few issues will make up for this mild debut.
Well, that’s it for me this week. Thanks for sticking around and I will see you all next time.