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Captain America Reborn #1 REVIEW

Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Captain America Reborn #1 of 5
Marvel Comics
Brubaker, Hitch & Guice

The return of Steve Rogers is upon us. This comic has one major thing going for it that makes jump from an average comic to a very good comic. The idea behind how Steve Rogers will be saved is different and unexpected and definitely a refreshing look at returning from the dead. The story content of the comic is very typical for an opening issue of a mini series overall. There is some task that’s executed to get all the main players introduced and set up the gravity of the situation. It’s a good comic but it is not a true indication of how well the whole series will actually be. We’ll have to see how the return from the dead actually plays out.

Comic heroes seem to return from the dead by reuniting their soul with their bodies, like Green Arrow or Green Lantern. Or the hero wasn’t really dead to begin with, they were just in a deep stasis, like Superman or Captain America in the 1940s. When Rogers was launched into the ocean after he died a couple of years ago I assumed he would just get frozen and then found and revived at some point. This is not the case. Instead, Steve Rogers appears to have been body switched and sent to another time and place.

I understand there is some level of uproar because this was apparently done in the TV show Lost. However, I don’t watch Lost and can claim to find this idea unique to the super hero world. I simply didn’t expect this type of execution when dealing with the return of Steve Rogers. If it was lifted from Lost then it lucky out with me because I wouldn’t have been the wiser.

However, it isn’t just that Rogers was never really killed, just kidnapped, but that the Red Skull had further plans for him. We still don’t know the full extent of what the Red Skull had in mind for Steve Rogers but its clear his plot involvement is far from over. When you can run a villain’s involvement for some fifty issues in a comic series you clearly understand how to write a great comic book story, which is the case here.

The comic itself really just has Bucky and some of the other members of the supporting cast searching for pieces of the Red Skull gadgets that were used on Sharon when she was captured and tortured by the Red Skull. It pits Bucky and company against the Dark Avengers and adds a new obstacle to knock over: Norman Osborn. The story really is fairly basic and serves to introduce everyone.

The artwork is good but you could make a case that it seems unpolished and that this is a result of rushed work. Its impossible to say whether or not the comic was racing to meet a deadline and that the art suffered but I can say that the art holds much of the dark feel that we’ve seen in virtually the entire run of this series. I personally like the art style but it is not the usual super hero fluff and that might not sit well for the event seekers out there.

The story definitely steps up an interesting return, if indeed it is as straight forward as it seems in this issue. The intriguing thing about the set up isn’t just that Bucky has two layers of villains to fight through, but also that Steve Rogers may be in a space and time that he doesn’t want to leave. Maybe he has no interest in returning to a world where he battles Tony Stark or one where HAMMER is run by Osborn. We’ll see as the series unfolds more and more.

4 out of 5 geek goggles

Original post blogged on ComicList.

The Punisher A Man Named Frank REVIEW

Suspended Animation Review

The Punisher: A Man Named Frank, published by Marvel Comics in 1994, 48 pages, cover price $6.95.

Classic westerns are one of my favorite indulgences. Well-defined heroes and villains, as well as clear lines of right and wrong, black and white. That’s “classic”, in my book. That’s also an apt description of The Punisher: A Man Named Frank, from Marvel Comics.

The story isn’t much different from the modern-day origin of this hard-edged scourge of crime. A man loses his wife and children to outlaws and seeks revenge afterward. And, even though the reader is left with the assumption that his war on crime continues at tale’s end, perhaps the fact that we only see the guilty parties reap the whirlwind is why this Frank Castle seems a more sympathetic figure than his 21st Century counterpart. And, despite the lengths he goes to avenge his family, there is never any question that Frank is the hero of the story. That sympathy, as well as the dastardly and despicable nature of those vile villains, is why praise for entertaining characterization has to be laid on the shoulders of writer Chuck Dixon, a long-time comics mainstay.

In comics, however, a good story isn’t worth much without pretty pictures with which to tell it. That’s where John Buscema comes in. What can one say about Buscema’s art work? Plenty! John is a legend in the biz, and for good reason. His penchant for strong heroes, thoroughly unpleasant villains and grand action are evident by his expert ability to illustrate them in awe-inspiring fashion. His work grabs the reader and doesn’t let go without a fight. Of particular interest is the unbounded suffering and determination etched in Castle’s face early on, as he struggles to survive a harrowing fate. Very nearly epic.

The Punisher: A Man Named Frank is recommended for those who enjoy westerns, or just an uncomplicated, straightforward action tale. Find it at comics shops, conventions or online retailers and auctions.

Review by Mark Allen

Original post blogged on ComicList.

MARVEL COMICS Extended Forecast for 07/08/2009

Updated shipping information for Marvel comics and products being released beyond the week of 07/08/2009, provided by Diamond Distribution and our friends at Things From Another World.

Remember, when you order any of these titles, whether here or at your local comic book shop, NOW instead of waiting closer to the release date, you save money AND you save the time of hunting down the issue after it sells out. To find a local comic book shop, please browse The Master List of Comic Book & Trading Card Stores.

Product Changes, New Printings & Variant Editions

• Crossfire #1 (Reg./Var.: JUN090465-6, $5.99) and #2 (JUL090480, $5.99) will now be titled Spin Angels.

• Daredevil Omnibus HC Vol. 2 by Bendis & Maleev (JUL090584, $99.99) will now contain Daredevil #61-#81, What If? Karen Page and Ultimate Marvel Team-Up #6-#8. It will no longer contain Daredevil: Ninja #1-#3, as originally solicited.

• Captain America Reborn #2 (JUN090439, $3.99) will have a cover by Bryan Hitch and not John Cassaday.

• The Marvels Project #1 (JUN090440, $3.99) will be Rated T+, and will not carry a Parental Advisory.

• Dark Reign: Sinister Spider-Man #3 DKR (JUN090498, $3.99) will have art by Rob DiSalvo, in addition to the previously announced Chris Bachalo.

• Hulk #13 DKR (JUN090512, $3.99) will be T+, not Rated A.

• Black Panther 2 #7 70th Frame Variant (JUN090525, $2.99), solicited with no cover artist, will have cover art by Ken Lashley.

• Incredible Hulk #601 (JUN090541, $3.99) will be Rated A, not Rated T+.

• Ultimate X-Men HC Vol. 9 (JUN090614, $34.99) will have 232 pages, not 240 pages.

• Amazing Spider-Man #601 (JUN090476, $2.99) will now include an all-new story by Brian Michael Bendis and Joe Quesada. The issue’s 32-page count and price are unchanged, but it will now have fewer ads.

• All New Savage She-Hulk #4 DKR (MAY090475, $3.99) will have pencils by Gabriel Guzman in addition to the previously announced Michael Ryan & Peter Vale.

• Spider-Man Magazine #7 (MAY090536, $6.99) will now be titled Spider-Man Magazine #7 Newsstand Edition.

• New Mutants #3 Benjamin Variant (MAY090542, $2.99) will now have a cover by Mirco Pierfederici, not Benjamin.

• Spider-Man: Spider-Man and Human Torch HC (MAY090575, $19.99) has been retitled Spider-Man & The Human Torch HC.

Click here for the complete MARVEL COMICS Extended Forecast

Original post blogged on ComicList.

Captain America Reborn #1 Is A Hit

Media Release -- It's the Marvel Comics story that has everyone from the New York Times to MTV buzzing and the verdict is in: Captain America Reborn #1 is a hit! The superstar dream team of Eisner-winning scribe Ed Brubaker (Captain America, The Marvels Project, Incognito) and red-hot artist Bryan Hitch present the return of Steve Rogers to the Marvel Universe! Plus, be sure to catch the dynamic covers by acclaimed artists Bryan Hitch, John Cassaday and Alex Ross!

The critics can't stop raving about this landmark issue:

"Hope, Brubaker, Hitch, Guice, and Mounts promise, is Reborn… The scope of this story resonates on each and every page."—Brendan McGuirk, Newsarama.Com

"Hitch and Guice are A-team talent and grace the book with fantastic action and the emotional nuances of the script are crystal clear."—Lee Newman, BrokenFrontier.Com

"[Captain America Reborn] is a good one"—Timothy Callahan, ComicBookResources.Com

"Captain America Reborn has a unique idea, strong ties to the story it's birthed from, and an interesting concept that net the first issue a solid A. Pick this one up; it's probably going to sell out fast."—Christopher, TheHomeWorld.Net

"Buy it… the artwork by Bryan Hitch and Butch Guice is nothing short of amazing"—Anthony Schiavino, PulpTone.Com

Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on Captain America Reborn, as the series continues to generate significant buzz from mainstream media. Don't miss Captain America: Reborn #1, ON SALE NOW! Plus, check out Marvel.Com on location with the fans as Captain America Reborn hits stores: http://marvel.com/news/comicstories.8604

For more on Captain America Reborn, visit the official Marvel.Com mini-site at www.marvel.com/reborn for news, exclusive merchandise, an exclusive prelude and more!

CAPTAIN AMERICA REBORN #1 (of 5) (MAY090412)
CAPTAIN AMERICA REBORN #1 (of 5) CASSADAY VARIANT (MAY090413)
CAPTAIN AMERICA REBORN #1 (of 5) CASSADAY SKETCH VARIANT (MAY098044)
Written by ED BRUBAKER
Penciled by BRYAN HITCH
50/50 Covers by BRYAN HITCH & ALEX ROSS
Variant Cover by JOHN CASSADAY
Rated T+ …$3.99
ON SALE NOW!

Original post blogged on ComicList.

The Marvels Project #1 Preview

Marvel is pleased to unveil your first look at the hotly anticipated The Marvels Project #1, from the Captain America Eisner-winning team of Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting. Discover the hidden connections that bring together Marvel’s earliest super heroes as the world stands on the brink of war! Who will create the first super soldier? And how does this affect the Marvel Universe today?

How Do You Create Tomorrow? Find out as the race for the super human begins in The Marvels Project #1.

THE MARVELS PROJECT #1 (of 8) (JUN090440)
THE MARVELS PROJECT #1 (of 8) PAREL VARIANT (JUN090441)
THE MARVELS PROJECT #1 (of 8) 70TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY VARIANT (JUN090442)
THE MARVELS PROJECT #1 (of 8) MCNIVEN VARIANT (MAY098010)
Written by ED BRUBAKER
Pencils & Cover by STEVE EPTING
Variant Cover by GERALD PAREL
Variant Cover by STEVE MCNIVEN
70th Anniversary Party Variant by PHIL JIMENEZ
Parental Advisory …$3.99
FOC--7/14/09, On-Sale—8/12/09

Original post blogged on ComicList.

Marvel Kicks Off the Summer With Red-Hot New Printings

Media Release -- Bored just sitting around at the beach and getting a tan? Infuse your summer with a little super hero action as Marvel spices up the season with new printings of their hottest series! Marvel is pleased to announce that Thor #602, X-Men Legacy #225, Amazing Spider-Man #598, New Avengers #54, and X-Men Forever #2 have sold out at Diamond (though copies may still be available at retail level) and will return with second printing variants!

The catastrophic events of Thor #600 are still being felt throughout Asgard, and things only heat up in Thor #602 Second Printing Variant! Superstar Eisner award winning writer J. Michael Straczynski & acclaimed artist Marko Djurdjevic deliver the Asgardian Thunder God in this time of peril and chaos! What is Loki's next sinister scheme? Be sure to catch the stunning interior art of Djurdjevic on the cover!

Professor Xavier answers the mysterious call of Exodus and his deadly Acolytes in X-Men Legacy #225 Second Printing Variant! The fan favorite team of Mike Carey and artist Philippe Briones weave the tale of Xavier's treacherous odyssey! As his journey comes to an end, will Professor X survive his encounter with the Acolytes? This second printing variant features an all new Black and White version of Acuna's cover!

The thrilling "American Son" arc rages toward a conclusion in Amazing Spider-Man #598 Second Printing Variant! Famed writer Joe Kelly and lauded artist Paulo Siqueira present an intricate tale of treachery as Spider-Man faces off against true evil! Like psychotic father like psychotic son, what do Norman and Harry Osborn have planned for the web crawler? This new printing features the vibrant art of Siqueira on the cover!

The deadly struggle to prevent the evil Hood from gaining absolute power continues in New Avengers #54 Second Printing Variant! All-star Eisner award winning scribe Brian Michael Bendis and rising star artist Chris Bachalo present Dr.Strange and his quest to find the New Sorcerer Supreme! What mysterious figure takes up the mantle and the power? Don't miss the exciting Black and White stylized version of Bachalo's cover on this new second printing!

The search for the last remaining Acolyte takes a deadly turn in X-Men Forever #2 Second Printing Variant! Legendary scribe Chris Claremont & talented artist Tom Grummett portray the aftermath of Magneto's shocking death! How does the suspenseful hunt for Fabien Cortez end? The powerful art of Grummett is featured on the cover of this new printing!

Marvel urges retailers to check orders on all of these hot summer hits, as these action-packed second printings will ensure that this summer will be one to remember!

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #598 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (MAY098088)
Written by Joe Kelly
Pencils by PAULO SIQUEIRA
Cover by PAULO SIQUEIRA
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—7/9/09, On-Sale—7/29/09

NEW AVENGERS #54 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (MAY098089)
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Penciled by Chris Bachalo
Cover by Chris Bachalo
Rated A …$3.99
FOC—7/9/09, On-Sale—7/29/09

THOR #602 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (MAY098090)
Written by J.MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Art & Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC—7/9/09, On-Sale—7/29/09

X-MEN FOREVER #2 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (MAY098091)
Written by CHRIS CLAREMONT
Pencils & Covers by TOM GRUMMETT
Rated A …$3.99
FOC—7/9/09, On-Sale—7/29/09

X-MEN LEGACY #225 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (MAY098087)
Written by MIKE CAREY
Art by Philippe Briones
Cover by DANIEL ACUÑA
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—7/9/09, On-Sale—7/29/09

Original post blogged on ComicList.

Captain America Reborn #1 On Sale Now!

Media Release -- The comic book event of 2009 is here as the legendary Captain America is given new life in Captain America Reborn #1, ON SALE NOW! The man who chronicled the life and shocking death of Steve Rogers – two time Eisner Award winner Ed Brubaker – teams with superstar artist Bryan Hitch and presents the Sentinel of Liberty's return to the Marvel Universe! The Red Skull's maniacal plot reaches its apex as heroes race to stop him, but will the prodigious talents of Steve Rogers' greatest enemy prevail? Plus, be sure to catch the dynamic covers by acclaimed artists Bryan Hitch, John Cassaday, Alex Ross, and Joe Quesada!

Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on Captain America Reborn, as the series continues to generate significant buzz from mainstream media. What is the true scale of the Red Skull's plan? How does Captain America return from the grave? Now's your chance to witness the resurrection of this iconic hero in Captain America: Reborn #1, ON SALE NOW!

CAPTAIN AMERICA REBORN #1 (of 5) QUESADA VARIANT (APR098376)
Written by ED BRUBAKER
Penciled by BRYAN HITCH
Cover by JOE QUESADA
Rated T+ …$3.99
On-Sale—7/22/09

Original post blogged on ComicList.

Read CAPTAIN AMERICA REBORN: PRELUDE For Free

Media Release -- New York, NY (June 30, 2009) – Marvel is proud to announce that fans can now get a look at the exclusive prequel to Captain America: Reborn #1 courtesy of Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited at www.marvel.com/reborn. Captain America Reborn: Prelude, from Eisner-winning scribe Ed Brubaker and fan favorite artist Luke Ross, reveals just what happens before the hotly anticipated Captain America: Reborn #1 hits stores tomorrow! The entire world knows of the tragic event that transpired in Captain America #25, when Steve Rogers, the man who fought as our nation's Sentinel of liberty for over 70 years, was brutally gunned down on the steps of a New York courthouse. But now, miraculously, there may be a way to save Steve Rogers and the key could lie in the hands of the daughter of his greatest enemy. How does the Red Skull's femme fatale offspring play into all of this? What does she know about the assassination of the world’s greatest hero? And will this information save our greatest icon or doom him forever? Find out now in the eight-page Captain America Reborn: Prelude, free to all readers at www.marvel.com/reborn

Plus, don’t miss an exclusive preview of Captain America Reborn #1 at www.marvel.com/reborn one day before Steve Rogers makes his triumphant return to the Marvel Universe!

For fans of Captain America and those wanting to own a part of this historic moment in Marvel history, visit your local comic book retailer on July 1, 2009 to purchase Captain America Reborn #1. To learn more about this landmark event and get a jumpstart with Captain America Reborn: Prelude, go to www.marvel.com/reborn for the exclusive digital comics and a free preview of the series!

And if you want even more exciting adventures of Captain America, Iron Man and all your favorite Marvel heroes, sign up for Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited at www.marvel/digitalcomics. Subscription rates start as low as $4.99/month, making it affordable to new readers and longtime fans!

Original post blogged on ComicList.

JMS' Defining Run On THOR Concludes This September

Media Release -- One of most acclaimed comic runs of the decade concludes this September as award-winning scribe J. Michael Straczynski brings his historic Thor story to a stunning conclusion! Thor: Defining Moments Giant-Size #1, from JMS and Young Guns '09 artist Marko Djurdjevic, is an action-packed conclusion to the Eisner-nominated epic that IGN.Com calls "The best Marvel comic on the stands." As the final curtain falls, will Thor's closest allies save him from the machinations of Loki? What does Dr Doom have planned? And just who will rule Asgard? JMS delivers the Thor finale that no Marvel fan, new or old, can afford to miss.

"It's been a terrific run, and a lot of fun," said JMS. "Warren Simons and Dan Buckley are to be thanked in particular for giving me the room to play and the freedom to just tell stories, a rarity in this business. Creatively, Thor was a high-water experience for me."

Thor editor Warren Simons added, "We're extremely proud of the extraordinary work J. Michael Straczynski has completed on Thor over the last two years. Along with Olivier Coipel and Marko Djurdjevic, JMS seamlessly reintroduced Thor and the other Asgardians into the Marvel Universe, returning the God of Thunder to his rightful place as one of Marvel's greatest icons. From the brilliant set-up of Asgardians living side-by-side with salt-of-the-earth folks in rural Oklahoma, to the current storyline featuring Asgard divided, JMS deftly wove great humor with great action, and the combination has made Thor a critical and commercial success. We couldn't be happier with his work, and we continue to look forward to working with him in the future."

This September, JMS will leave your jaws on the floor in Thor: Defining Moments Giant-Size #1, as his award-winning run concludes!

THOR: DEFINING MOMENTS GIANT-SIZE #1 (JUL090554)
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Pencils and Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
RATED T+…$4.99
FOC—9/10/09, On-Sale—9/30/09

Note from Chuck: JMS explained to Comic Book Resources why he is leaving Thor:

The one concern at the back of my head was that of being pulled into a Big Event that could affect the forward momentum of the book and alter its direction... Prior to the reboot, when "Thor" was selling in the mid-50s, a Big Event wouldn't have been much of a concern, but now it was selling in the top ten month after month, and that increased visibility meant it could precipitate an event. And, again without saying much because this has to come from Marvel, such an event appeared on the horizon.

I agonized over this for months, then finally -- and I'm trying to remember when the email chain took place, but I think it was somewhere either just before or just after the first of the year -- I went to the ever-patient and wonderful [editor] Warren Simons, and the equally patient, warm and fuzzy [Publisher] Dan Buckley, and said of the coming event, "I really, really hate this, because creatively I'm having the time of my life, but I think I need to let go of the book or risk screwing it up when we hit the Event." It was an awful decision, not just because it's a hit book, but because it's the only place I could do that sort of faux-Shakespearean style of dialogue that I love so much. There's simply no other book out there where you can indulge in that.

There were no creative differences, no animosity, no rancor... just the question of how to handle being caught in the switches by my own shortcomings and ineptitude. I have to say here that Warren and Dan were absolutely understanding and supportive and gentle with me -- there are no horror stories here. They are gentlemen and scholars and the kind of business-men you want to work with, because through it all they remain human beings, and that's rare.

Original post blogged on ComicList.

Marvel Reveals John Romita Sr Amazing Spider-Man #600 Cover

Media Release -- Marvel is proud to unveil the Amazing Spider-Man #600 Romita Variant, from legendary artist John Romita Sr and colored by rising star Marcos Martin.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #600 (MAY090484)
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #600 ROMITA VARIANT (MAY090485)
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #600 QUESADA VARIANT (MAY090486)
Written by DAN SLOTT, STAN LEE & THE REST OF SPIDEY’S WEB-HEADS
Pencils by JOHN ROMITA JR., MARCOS MARTIN, MARIO ALBERTI & MORE!
50/50 Wraparound Cover by JOHN ROMITA JR.
50/50 Cover by ALEX ROSS
Variant Cover by JOHN ROMITA SR.
Wraparound Variant Cover by JOE QUESADA
All-New/Rated A …$4.99
FOC—7/1/09, On-Sale—7/22/09

Original post blogged on ComicList.