Superman War of the Worlds (review)
This was a fascinating read. A modern interpretation of two classics. A simple change of the times could affect history so drastically.
To discuss it in depth is difficult due to the many differences in the timeline. It has showed, even if in retrospect, how perceptions have changed since that time.
Highly recommended. I rarely read DC and struggled through many Superman titles. This intrigued me.
The HulkTransofrmations (review)
Incredible Hulk: Transformations
Since getting entranced by all things marvel, I’ve embarked on a mad quest to read as many stories as I can, even if out of order.
I have mostly focused on the Hulk stories, as this is Mentors main obsession. I was confused by the many transformations that seemed to take place. Each was meant to change the series for the better but reading themas individual stories, I couldn’t see how.
This book was perfect. It was organised in such a way it made sense to newbies like myself. It was a good point of nostalgia for Mentor. Each story had a brief introduction about why the specific transformation had occured, and why it was relevant to the series as a whole.
I got lot out of it and didn’t think I would. Its highly recommended.
So I remember – other Hulk ones i’ve read:
- The Incredible Hulk, #87 (Comic Book)
- The Hulk Big Things (trade)
Marvel "Civil War" graphic Novel: Review
Gosh. I recall reading some time ago about Spider-man revealing himself as Peter Parker. I got into Spider-man through the films and it was my greatest wish that the public would learn his identity and stop being so mean.
The end of issue two in that series satisfied all wishes. Little time in the grapcic novel was dedicated to good ole spidey but the ones he were in were brilliant. JJJ’s disappearance from the frame was one of the most satisfying.
I didn’t get much out of the series because there was too many stories being told that I didn’t understand. I believe they were explored more fully through the stories in the main series. I have downloaded the torrent of this and will be going through all of them. I believe in supporting legals but I don’t understand how these big stories work.
I have read the Civil War: Amazing Spider-Man
I don’t understand exactly why the Civil War was necessary. It appeared to me that Tony Stark was exploiting the paternal relationship he had with Parker to use for some political purpose. Why were the other mutants so concerned and why were they all willing to fight?
I understand it was necessary for other storylines to progress. Could it be compared to the Infinite Crisis storyline in DC? (Is that the right one..?)
It was extremely fascinating and has me hooked now to many characters and storylines. I am still quite confused but that is half the fun!
Incredible Hulk: Planet Hulk (review)
Buy Incredible Hulk: Planet Hulk
This was the first complete adult story I had read since embarking on my comic journey. All other Trades were considerably shorter and rarely dealt with such subject matter. If all adults knew that comics could get this dark, they would refrain from many of their criticisms.
I loved it. I believe the complete style of comics has changed drastically; not always for the better. Is the colouring now outsourced? I understand many elements of the industry are now computerised yet at times, it appears to detract from the story.
The cover artwork and work from many of the battle scenes were amazing. I think the lettering is computer done as well, as the same flaws repeat themselves over the same page. Do the letterers just create multiple fonts to use within a story?
The plot itself was brilliant. I have struggled through many of the earlier stories due to intergalactic elements. The premise was amazing and the story itself heart breaking. Afterwards I was in shock at two of the deaths it was that powerful. I only have basic comic knowledge and was moved!
I highly recommend this story even to those knowing nothing about The Hulk. I am still a Spider-man Nut but Planet Hulk really intrigued me. 
The price for Incredible Hulk: Planet Hulk at Amazon is considerably cheaper than Australian Stores, too!
Origins of Marvel Comics by Stan Lee
This book is a must for anyone who has recently discovered the joys of comics, despite its 1974 publication date.
Stan Lee is an exemplory writer and it was an honour to be let into his life, and his mind. I got the background into all of the most popular and was able to understand the theories behind their creation. It had the dirt on Spiderman, The Hulk and Fantastic Four as well as ones I’d vaguely heard of, like Dr Strange and Thor.
I now feel equipped to get into a basic discussion of most immediate comic issues. Premature as it is, I have now been able to make basic decisions as to which characters and artists I now prefer.
It was brilliant just reading Lee’s writing in a longer form.
I wonder how many others like this there are out there, and where they can beobtained from.
The Savage She Hulk Essentials Volume One: Review
Having struggled through the first two Hulk essentials, I didn’t have much expectations for this. I was wrong. It is my favourite collection thus far.
Unlike The Hulk, whose storylines were too confusing, the entire story was held on earth. Even though she’d oft turn into the Hulk, there was an element of Humanity that at many times, the Hulk didn’t have. Of course, this is coming from newbie who has been completely overwhelmed by many storylines.
Nothing confused me, nor was forgotten. Every character and enemy remains. The storylines were ones I could identify with though I was assured it was purposely sexist, yet in a satirical way. The animation and story wasn’t great yet it didn’t overwhelm me.
I didn’t like how Skimpy the outfit was yet can’t complain as the original Hulk wears even less clothes :grins: It was also uber pleasing to get a whole story out of the way, rather than have multiple stories going.
Its not the best, but thus far its the complete story I’ve enjoyed the most.
Check out Essential Savage She-Hulk, Vol. 1 (Marvel Essentials) at Amazon!
Five Decades of Marvel Comics – Les Daniels (Review)
‘Comics are about what we are thinking, whether as children or adults’.
True. In 2007, its easy to peruse the past 100+ years of comics and associate certain social themes with that period.
One of the fascinating concepts that seemed to apply to all eras was that they strive to realism through dialogue. In a sense the characters have two identities. Arguably, not something you would see in DC’s Superman though I’m not sure how far this applies. By striving to this realism – especially through long conversations in the solitude of a bedroom – one is more able to convey certain social themes as well as convey this realism.
An example is the overall theme of comics during certain decades.
- The 60s heralded renaissance with the powers being as interesting as their personal life.
- 70s was about innovation and mutant heroes.
They did comment throughout on various clubs people joined. It wasn’t so much for profits, rather involving the reader. Early on this was making the kids feel important by joining the sentinels of liberty. A nice contrast to purchasing the candy superman himself was endorsing. Did you know about the MMMS? Neither did readers who read the name dropped into certain issues.
From an adults perspective this is so curious. I’ll admit to naivety for thinking that many of the flaws AND advancements in comics were modern developments. This will definitely be discussed in much greater detail later.
I end with this. If Spiderman can talk to himself in the privacy of his own home then so can I.
Want to read more? Check out Five Decades of Marvel Comics At Amazon.