Amazing Spider-Girl #7 - This was probably my least favorite issue of the restart so far. I think DeFalco is really dragging out this whole thing with Pete and MJ being disappointed in May taking up web-slinging again. I'm ready for that to be resolved so that May can start being criticized for how she handles the hero thing, rather than because she's risking her life to do the hero thing, know what I mean?In other news, the Ladyhawks make their first appearance since the restart. For those who don't know, the Ladyhawks were two sisters with costumes themed on the Falcon's old green outfit (something I'd never noticed until a character mentioned it this issue) that fight crime. They got trashed (along with all Spider-Girl's other crime-fighting friends) by the Hobgoblin near the close of the last series (which is helpfully referenced by an editor's note! Holy cow, this really is a throwback book). Here we find out that one of them (Regina) fared a little worse than the other, and her sister (Rosetta) wants revenge on Hobgoblin. Regina calls in May to keep an eye on her sister, which means May's back out in the webs risking her neck again.
In the meantime, the Hobgoblin is still trying to consolidate his power base by bringing in other crime lords with him, but that's not really working too well. Oh, and Gene Thompson is still an overprotective jerk, though May seems mildly amused by him. Not a bad issue, but still weak, 2.7 out of 5.
Nova #1 - I think this book is gonna need all the sales it can get, so you better believe I'm on board. Besides, I'd just have to start buying it in a few months when it ties into Annihilation: Conquest (man, I still think that's a bad idea, tying this ongoing into that so soon). Provided, that Annihilation: Conquest is good, of course. This issue gives a look into what Nova has been doing since he finished the recovery he was taking at the end of Annihilation #6 - tearing ass around the universe responding to emergency calls. I want to give a quick shout to Sean Chen for his work, though I think the base of Nova's bucket/helmet seems too fluted at times. But I really like the visible stubble on Richard's face, indicating how hard he's been working.The ongoing theme of the issue is that Rich is really having to work to clean things up, being the only Nova left and all. There's always another emergency, and Nova is determined to answer all of them, which has the Worldmind a bit concerned. It says it's worried because if Rich bites it, the Worldmind goes with him, but I wonder if it hasn't been in Nova's head long enough to grow attached to him. Tone-wise, the Worldmind reminds me of one of those smart-arsed butlers from any number of TV shows (like Alfred in Batman: The Animated Series). By the end of the issue, Rich has pushed things a bit too far, which brings us to the chance for Nova to kick Tony Stark's butt next month.
I liked it. Considerable action, Abnett and Lanning did a fine job laying out the situation for people new to the game, about how Nova is so powerful, and why he's having to scramble around the universe so much, and the issues related to his having the power that let's him do that. So I'll say an even 4.0 out of 5.
That's all you get today.
7 comments:
i just got convinced i need to get nova.
gabesummers
Nova was pretty fun, one of the best solo uses of the character since his original 70s series.
Hope Annihilation II won't be a jumping off point.
On a unrelated note, did you look at New Avengers? You were right about Tony Stark's vison of fear.
We got Nova to review for SBC, and I quite liked it. I find it interesting that you're worried about the new title tying into Annihilation II, when I'm much more concerned that we're going to be mired in Civil Bore nonsense next issue. I'm not looking forward to another issue of Iron Man saying how being a dick is for the good of mankind. Bleh. Abnett and Lanning need to get Nova in, deal with his feelings over the New Warriors thing, then get him back out into space, because he's going to get sucked into the shite the longer he's on Marvel Earth.
gabesummers: That's what i want to hear! More Nova readers!
fortress keeper: I was right? Crap. Where's the fun in that?
kelvingreen: I'm hopeful that Nova's pitstop on Earth will do three things: 1) Result in a buttkicking for Iron Man, 2) Give Speedball a much needed wakeup call, that he needs to cut this "Penance" crap out, 3) convince Nova that there's no point in hanging around on Earth, and he's better off in space, where he can make more of a difference.
My concern with the Annihilation: Conquest tie-in is that with that following the three issues on Earth, Abnett and Lanning are doing issues related to big events for the first seven months of the title, and that could make it harder for them to establish the tone and pace they want.
I kind of think that's what happened to Peter David on Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. He gets this new book, and the first four issues are part of The Other, so it was awhile before he could start to do his own thing.
Yes, fair point, but by the same token, Nova is getting stuck into Civil Bore leftovers in its second issue.
Stupid Marvel.
Calvin, I think your third option is the most likely. Marvel is apparently trying to make Iron Man THE premier hero of the Marvel U., and they seem to love the idea of Penance (ugh).
-M
kelvingreen: But if Abnett and Lanning use Civil War to demonstrate how awesome Nova is, what with his not caring about stupid legislative debates, it might turn out OK. One can only hope.
matt: Well, I'll take that I suppose, though as a greedy person, I really want all three.
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