BTP – Rogue Reviews

Since I wasn’t able to get a post out last week you get a double-shot this week.  The first half is last weeks comics and the second half is this weeks.  Enjoy!

DECEMBER 9th RELEASES

Black Widow – Deadly Origin #2 of 4: So far this mini-series has yet to disappoint.  I love Black Widow and it’s nice to see someone doing some awesome stuff with her origin.  The cover art is pretty bad ass too.  As with #1, this issue is a must buy for $3.99.

Deadpool #18: The conclusion to the “Want You to Want Me” arc makes you wonder if Deadpool isn’t as bat-shit crazy as everyone thinks.  Of course, hilarity ensues…including a rather disgusting fight between the D-man and Colossus that made me throw up in my mouth a little.  Good times.  Cheap and entertaining for $2.99.

New Avengers Annual #3: For those of you who have been longing for Jessica Jones to slip back into her Jewel costume, this is the issue you’ve been waiting for.  Our dear Mr. Barton (aka Hawkeye) decides he’s going to take out Norman Osborn all by his lonesome and he get’s caught.  Unfortunately, the only people who aren’t out on their own missions are the girls of the team (Ms. Marvel, Spider-woman, Mockingbird, & Jess).  Looks like she’ll be using her powers more after this issues, and to that I say “yay!”  $4.99.

Punisher Noir #4 of 4: The final issue of this mini-series ends on an awesome note (no spoilers, so go buy it if you wanna find out)!  Plus a wicked sweet, though somewhat freakish, battle between the Punisher and the transvestite Russian.  If you haven’t been reading this issue by issue, you’ll at least want to pick it up when it comes out in trade form in March.  $3.99.

X-Men Noir – Mark of Cain #1: Marvel is making the most of it’s “Noir” line popularity and releasing yet another mini-series, but this time taking characters that have already been established in the “Noir” timeline.  The “Mark of Cain” takes the X-Men out on a mission to find the Jewel of Cyttorak, but surprisingly does not use Cain Marko as the Juggernaut.  He’s actually a friend of the X-Men in this one.  That’s the nice thing about “Noir”, though…you can totally screw up the characters’ origins and it’s okay!  I’m at least going to check out the next issue and this one will cost you $3.99.

Secret Six #16: Gail Simone is back and it looks like she’s still trying to fill that sixth spot that’ll make the team…well…six.  Enter Dark Alice.  A creepy, skinny, emo teenager who has some attention issues and the ability to steal any magical powers she’s in close proximity to.  Again, I say creepy.  Still a weekly pick-up for $2.99.

Tank Girl – Dark Nuggets: This $3.99 Image release is a collection of 3 short Tank Girl stories that’ll take you back to the days before Lori Petty got a hold of the character (though I still love that movie).  Alan Martin is doing the writing for this edition and the art by Rufus Dayglio is a welcome addition.  The only complaint I have here is that it’s all in black and white.  Couldn’t spring for the colors?  Otherwise, I’ve got no complaints!

DECEMBER 16th RELEASES:

Captain America Reborn #5 of 6: The quest to bring Cap back from the clutches of the Red Skull continues!  Skull is in Cap’s body, but Cap is still there too and he’s trying his best to fight back.  The Bucky Cap vs. Skull/Steve Cap fight is pretty entertaining and by the end we still don’t know who comes out on top (though I’m pretty sure we all know how it’s really going to end).  $3.99 for this badboy.

Dark Avengers #12: The final fight between Molecule Man and the Dark Avengers is on and The Sentry is front and center.  Actually, The Void is front and center…and it is glorious!  Kind of makes me hope that The Void stays in control!  And we get to see ol’ Norman trying to keep himself together, which is always entertaining.  $3.99.

Realm of Kings – Imperial Guard #1 of5: Okay, I know this didn’t come out this week, but I did pick it up this week since it was right next to something else I wanted and it looked interesting.  Boy howdy, am I glad I got this!  After the War of Kings Gladiator is the new Majestor of the Shi’Ar Imperium, leaving him out of the action when the Guard go out to fight.  Is that going to stop him though?  Hehe, yeah right.  This issue takes me back to the early 90’s when the X-Men cartoons were good and I wanted to be  a Starjammer when I grew up.  I’ll be sticking around for the next installment of this one.  $3.99.

Realm of Kings – Inhumans #1 of 5: Now you know what “Imperial Guard” was sitting next to.  I’ve always had a soft spot for the Inhumans, even though it’s hard to find a story about them that’s been written well.  Dan Abnett (who writes “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Nova”) & Andy Lanning make a good go of it in this one.  After the War of Kings the Inhumans rule over both the Kree and Shi-Ar, and greiving for their lost leader Black Bolt.  Things are going well until a bunch of Alpha Primitives show up all pissed off and ready to go.  “Avengers Assemble!!”  That actually does belong there, but you’ll have to buy the issue to find out why…$3.99.

X-Force #22: As always it’s gorey, bloody goodness.  I was leery of the whole “Necrosha” idea, but it’s paying of in some epic battles that are so delicious they never get old.  $3.99.

Power Girl #7: What happens when a fratboy-like superhero from another planet decides to mate with P.G.?  Shenanigans, of course!  After his entire civilization, save himself, is sterilized, Vartox the Valeron finds the most voluptuous & powerful chick in the universe to repopulate his planet.  Enter Power Girl!  Even if you’re not a huge fan of P.G. herself this is a great issue.  Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti co-wrote this and the banter is brilliant.  Please go pick this up!  And it’s only $2.99!

Streets of Gotham #7: Looking for a Batman Christmas story that doesn’t come in a classic Christmas special?  Well, look no further!  Someone’s killing Gotham’s orphans and their primary suspect is…go on, guess…SANTA!  It’s a sad story, actually, but brilliantly done.  And as always the Manhunter Second Feature is great!  $3.99.

Honorable Mentions: A couple books from both this and last week that I didn’t feel needed a full review but are still worth your cash!  G.I. Joe #13, X-Men Legacy #230, Ms. Marvel #48, Unwritten #8.