Nova #11

Nova #11

Chapter XI: Pawn Takes Knight

Writer: Gerry Duggan

Penciler: Paco Medina

Inker: Juan Vlasco

Chapter XI: Pawn Takes Knight resumes from the results of last issue with Sam having been stricken 'blind' as he re-entered the earth's atmosphere after a rescue effort in space. The majority of the issue is mostly just a filler story, dealing more with Sam's civilian life than his Nova exploits.

That being said, we do get far more time with his supporting cast, fleshing out the relationships, and even possibly introducing a new cast member with Sam's 'encouraged' membership in the chess club. Amusingly enough, it's taken the change in writers from Jeph Loeb to Duggan to have Sam's writing and persona feel more like the Sam Alexander in the Loeb-influenced Ultimate Spider-Man cartoon.

Despite my love of Medina's space visuals, and Sam's in-costume appearance, I do believe there's something to be said for the style he draws their civilian faces. There's just something about the aesthetic that doesn't quite appeal, especially the doctor, who's nose looks as if he's been in one bar fight too many. At the same time, it is a signature style, and he does well at showcasing differences in ethnicity from character to character. The art and writing team also showcases a good grasp on how schoolchildren act and carry themselves, as is evidenced by the body language and expressions at times of the background kids as well as the main cast.

The end half of the issue is back into space, and setting the stage for an all-new Nova nemesis, and deepening the mystery of what has happened to all other non-Annihilation Wave destroyed Novas. With New Warriors around the corner, things are heating up for the title with a nice standalone issue in this age of massive inter-connected story arcs and event comics. Compared to other series, Nova's a great jumping on book for newer readers, as you're given a pretty thorough crash course in Cosmic Marvel without it being overwhelming to new readers.

Rating: Worthwhile, especially if it's in a TPB as it's dependant on previous events in the series.

Amazing X-Men #2

Amazing X-Men #2

Amazing X-Men #2

Writer: Jason Aaron

Penciler: Ed McGuinness

Inker: Dexter Vines

Price:  $3.99

Amazing X-Men #2 picks up as Part Two to the "The Hunt For Nightcrawler" storyline.  The fan favorite character died and was given the peace in heaven that he was so deserving.  His father, Azazel, with his band of demon pirates and little demons called Bamfs, went on a search for him.  Nightcrawler is still remianing scarce and his fathers demons are unable to find him.  The X-Men, while still on earth, stumbled upon a portal that the Bamfs were building at the school to transport to and from different realms.  This portal sucked the X-Men (Wolverine, Storm, Iceman, Northstar, and Firestar) in and seperated them.  Their adventure led Wolverine and Northstar into heaven and Storm, Iceman, and Firestar to hell.

Both teams were attacked by groups of Azazel's demon pirates.  The group in hell were at a vast disadvantage.  There is no wind in hell so Storm's powers cannot work, and is there any worse place for a man made of ice to be stuck.  Meanwhile in heaven, Wolvie and Northstar get assistance from a person that is not expected (Quite a surprise).

The artwork was top notch, but some of the inks were a little heavy in places.  The writing also was very well done, and I am interested to see where the story goes.  Unfortunately, in this age of writing for the trade paperback, where all stories end up being 5 or 6 issues, it looses the anticipation of how things are going to resolve.  All in all, fans of Nightcrawler will definitely want to see what happens to their favorite character.  

Rating:  Borrow It

Superior Spider-Man #24

Superior Spider-Man #24
"Darkest Hours: Part 3 of 4"
Writers: Dan Slott, Christos Gage
Penciler: Humbero Ramos
Inker: Olazaba
Price: $3.99



Part 3 of "Darkest Hours" picks up from last issue, during which Superior Spider-Man removed the Venom symbiote from Flash Thompson and bonded with it himself. As you can imagine, Otto quickly embraces the symbiote and its power, believing himself more worthy and capable of it's mastery. Otto is eager to test the symbiote to its full and lethal potential, even after being warned by Flash. But interestingly, the symbiote recognizes something is different with it's former host and seems confused and almost upset by the unknown change. The symbiote is not the only one noticing the change in personality. It now seems that everyone is Spider-Man's life is starting to realize that the man they thought they knew is become more and more unhinged. Otto is clearly loosing his grip in maintaining Peter's relationships with friends and family. Things begin to boil to a head with several of those closest to Peter as Otto begins to more closely resemble his former self, resulting in confrontations with both May and Mary Jane.

This issue is packed with sub-plots, including Carlie Cooper's experience as she is held captive by the Green Goblin who prepares his goblin army to move against Spidey, Captain Watanabe's investigation into Spider-Man, Ana Maria and her distress over her relationship with the Parker/Jamesons, the Hobgoblin, Cardiac.....*whew* There is a lot going on in this issue! But the story doesn't suffer from that. Instead, the story flows at a fluid pace. Non of the sub-plots feel disconnected or unnecessary.  

The artwork is filled with excitement and seems to glide from panel to panel wonderfully. The extreme emotions portrayed in Ramos' artwork convey nicely and never seem over the top. Everything about the look of this book is fantastic, including the design of Superior Venom. In my opinion, Ramos art has been near flawless for a while now and is at the top of Marvel titles.

If you have enjoyed the current status quo in Superior, the current Venom title or are looking forward to the upcoming "Goblin Nation" arc, then this is for you. The arc wraps up in a double-sized next issue which will also include the Avengers. 

Rating: BUY IT