Uncanny X-Force, not to be confused with just X-Force, or
now Cable and X-Force, Uncanny X-Force is fairly young book with only 35 issues
before getting this re-launched with Marvel NOW, we get a brand new team inside
of the book as well as the creative team behind it. This shows that X-Force as
almost separated itself as its own brand now with in the X-Books. As we enter
the second volume of the title there is definitely a different feel to it and there
is one thing I can say about this issue and new direction. There is a lot of
cussing and it all coming from Psylocke?!
We should start at the beginning here, Wolverine has for
most part disbanded the X-Force team and this has left a few members stranded
to find a direction for themselves. In the case of Psylocke she tried to be at
the Jean Grey School, but certain incidents had made things hard for everyone
to be there. So Logan just in what can be assumed is one last mission to take
on so she can get back into the field.
And that is the only real back story you get between the end
of the last volume and to this current one, other dialog moments that come up
is a call back to other series like the end of Avengers vs X-Men when Storm
talks about how her marriage ended. And then a tease of something happening with
her and Logan which turned more to Wolverine and the X-Men, all the while they
are just heading to find their contact. The script here is solid enough with
well-established beats, but then while the story is progressing it shoots back
to these call backs that currently don’t have to do with the issue at hand you
are reading. When we are back to the issues main story it still moves slowly as
another character is introduced in Puck, the contact for the mission, and then
moving down to the main action sequence with Spiral and Psylocke. But,
everything goes back to the cursing; it is just so out of place and obvious.
Instead of using just the random characters or even blurred out the word, they
are these big black boxes in the text boxes. Your eyes draw right to that
trying to fill in the blank. And many times it doesn't come off a clever
writing, it just cursing because why not.
Courtesy of Bleeding Cool
I am not sure Sam Humphries was trying to push the idea that
Psylocke has herself letting herself go from the end of the last volume, where
she lost not only Angel but almost lost Fantomex as well. She sits on a hair
trigger now and becoming loose cannon. Written to try and forget the past by
throwing herself into these situations.
We are supposed to be caring about what should be a drug
bust of mind control pills being spread around. The return of Spiral who
Psylocke would love nothing more to just kill right in the middle of this club;
but the last section of the story is so fast and hectic we are quickly shuffled
off to the sudden return of Bishop last seen abandoned far into the future. And
then we meet back with Fantomex and his new ‘partner’ Cluster. Which has its
own twist to the story that the definition of narcissism to a literal extreme.
While the story for me is something that could be built on,
the start was leaving me a little cold and confused. But, there was very much
good going on, Humphries and artist Ron Garney are bring forth a different feel
of this book than many of the others. Some things feel familiar like the
location of Los Angles, but it feels different, like a new type of underworld
they are stepping into. One where a hover car traveling down isn't even given a
second look or six armed drug dealers can be the center of attention and is
welcomed from the populace. You want to see this more of this sometimes unseen
world. That goes to Garney on the art work, with only one moment towards the
end where Cluster is jumping around in a possible one of the more awkward
positions I could think of. But, also it is odd to say when we get the small
visit to France where is was bright and clean as the opposite where the team
current was.
Overall, the issue tries to quickly set up the team players
as best it can while trying to maintain the feel of the previous volume with
slight or in case of Psylocke’s vocabulary manger twist to try and leave a mark
on you. The art is the saving grace to everything though as the world we see is
something we want to come back to and expand on. It isn't as fast of a start to
the new volume as many might like, but there is a lot to build up from here
SCORE: 6.5 out of 10
Bryan "BAC" Clendening is a comic book review and some times video producer, you can follow him on Twitter at @BAClend
CABLE & X-FORCE Written by Dennis Hopeless Art by Salvador Larocca & Frank D'Armata Marvel Comics
INFORMATION:
X-Force has had many incarnations since it formed back in the early 90s. It was originally the evolution of the New Mutants to a full fledged military team, lead by Cable. As time went on, Cannonball had become leader for a team. Siryn had taken a stint as leader alongside Sunspot. Pete Wisdom had taken over X-Force for a short time as Warpath was able to fly for a while. Then things changed with a brand new roster that became a fan favorite by Mike Allred. That team became the X-Statix and X-Force disbanded for a time.
Wolverine had reformed X-Force as the leading tracking and assassination team for mutants, dealing with Black Ops. After his first roster was "disbanded" by Cyclops, Wolverine and Archangel formed a new Uncanny X-Force ... which just recently ended. Now ... X-Force is about to split into 2. And Cable is back.
FLIPPING THROUGH:
The book starts at an interesting point where the team is formed ... and found with a LOT of unarmed dead bodies by Havok and the Uncanny Avengers. Yep ... Cable is stopped by his uncle Alex. And it does not look good. While Alex tries to get Nate to give him the 411 on what's going on, Captain America wants to arrest them fast ... and gets shut down by Alex for it. Cable and his team doesn't go and then we look to see how that team is formed.
Plus, we get to see what Hope's been up to since the end of Avengers vs X-Men. Plus, you find out that Cable is having a hard time adjusting to not having the techno-organic virus after so long (since X-Factor #68 to be exact). And while Colossus is the only person we don't really see get thrown into the mix ... we do see that this team is definitely going to be smarter with both Forge and Doctor Nemesis on it.
ART:
The style that Larocca's art has evolved to is beautiful and wonderous to look at. Here ... it seems that he's starting to fuse his current style with some of his older sensibilities. And it looks GREAT. People are really detailed and specific. Emotions and action are wonderfully rendered. D'Armata's colors really help set the tone and mood alongside Larocca's pencils & inks.
The character's have a slightly darker pitch to them than they did when Larocca's was on Iron Man. Yet, it works every well here. The extra detail helps distinguish age in Larocca's work which is definitely welcome.
WRITING:
This is my first exposure to Hopeless's writing. And I will admit, I am impressed. He has the character voices down pat. From Domino, to Alex, to Forge to Cable to Dr. Nemesis ... Hopeless has really done a great job showing us these characters in a true light. I loved how Cable decided to watch his daughter from afar ... which definitely fits Cable's M.O. and personality.
Domino was still Domino and I loved it. The pacing in the issue was good but felt a bit ...incomplete. While I like how the issue ended, it felt like there should have been more to this issue up to that point. Hopeless utilized what he had very well. But I just felt that there was a scene missing. Not necessarily Colossus but something else.
Otherwise, the issue definitely built itself up as a great start for this new X-Force.
OVERALL IMPRESSION:
Hopeless, Larocca & D'Armata bring a fresh new look with some old familiars with Cable & X-Force. Outside of the law again but their formation comes from necessity it seems. We have some great designs. An interesting group of characters. A familiar looking threat. And some great plot lines starting up for this first issue. Besides that feeling I have of something missing, this was a great, solid issue.
Welcome to the 9th Edition of CBC News. Let's Hit the ground running.
BARKER CHANGES HELLRAISER IN ONGOING
For the last several months, horror fans have had the joy and rapture of reading many of their favorite franchises as new miniseries or even ongoings. BOOM! Studios recognized this right away as they launched the new Hellraiser ongoing, written by Christopher Monfette and Hellraiser creator and prolific writer Clive Barker himself. As assured to many readers before the first issue of the new ongoing launched, everything that happens within the new Hellraiser ongoing is IN CONTINUITY by Barker himself. The first 4 issue set up the ongoing as the second arc within the ongoing is about to begin. Here's a solicitation for Hellraiser #5:
BRAND NEW ARC! Great jumping-on point for new readers. One of the greatest horror franchises of all time returns, now under the control of its original creator! Clive Barker has touched HELLRAISER only twice: once to write THE HELLBOUND HEART, and once more to write and direct the original HELLRAISER film. Now witness Barker’s long-awaited return to tell a new chapter in the series’ official continuity—a trajectory that will forever change the Cenobites…and Pinhead! Kirsty Cotton faces her greatest foes…both new and old. And Pinhead is her greatest fear! But what could he have planned for her?
Hellraiser # 5 will hit stores September 14th, 2011, with art by Jesus Hervas and written by Clive Barker & Christopher Monfette for $3.99.
VESCELL TRAILER GIVES IMAGE TEETH
Honestly, it's a trailer you have to see to believe with the brand new series; the first issue out now.
Feast your eyes and check it out now.
DC COMICS RELAUNCH . . . SELLING OUT!
DC Comics started this journey not long ago. Back in the beginning of June, fans got the announcement from DC that they were going to relaunch their ENTIRE line. Every book was going to start again with # 1 starting in September. Well, it's September. And while many people were skeptical about this 'soft reboot' coined by some . .. it seems to be working. Many of the new books have sold out all over the world. Not just one or two but a good chunk of the new books have been selling out. Justice League International # 1, Batgirl # 1, Action Comics # 1, Animal Man # 1, Hawk & Dove # 1, Detective Comics #1 and next weeks Batman & Robin #1 have already sold out! Batgirl, JLI, Hawk & Dove and Action Comics # 1 will receive second printings with a possibility that Animal Man, Detective Comics, and Batman & Robin not far behind them. What is even crazier is that Justice League # 1 has sold out . . . TWICE. Yes. You heard me . .. . TWICE. Justice League# 1s second printing is already sold out and going in for a third. DC Comics' hard work and advertisements seem to be paying off as many new faces are popping in and getting comics. So far, DC's plan to help sell their line and revitalize comic books are work. And Marvel is listening as they have been aggressively started their own campaign to sell their books themselves. With 3 more weeks of books coming out (one of those books already selling out), what will happen next? And which books will join them for sell out status. You'll get more on these developments as the relaunch continues.
THIS JUST IN: As of late Monday, September 12th, DC and Diamond distribution released that ALL 27 titles from Justice League #1 to Action Comics # 1 to Animal Man # 1 to all 13 number #1s coming in today (September 14th, 2011) are sold out based on numbers and the other 26 issues will be receiving 2nd printings. How is that for historic? 27 sell outs. That is unprecedented. More of this relaunch and the effects it has on the industry as we continue to cover it.
NEWMAR BECOMES BLUEWATER'S PUURFECT HEROINE
Spinning out of the now to be ongoing Misadventures of Adam West, the legendary Batman for the campy 60s tv series; former Catwoman from the same show, Julie Newmar, will soon have a brand new miniseries to join it. The Secret Lives of Julie Newmar. The new miniseries, debuting in February 2012, will feature the actress going from her back yard one minute and then dropped into a laboratory in a different time the next. She must accept the mission to stop Dr. Vertigo and his assistant Onyx from destroying the space/time continuum or she will never see her time again. Being forced to join the organization known as Hour Glass, she is fitted with a micro chip that lets her travel through time; taking on different missions through time to reflect different points in the actresses life. Written by Marc Shapiro, who is working closely with Newmar on the project. Art duties are being handled by Cindy Mehrich. Marc comments on his excitement on the project:
"This series has been have been so much fun to do. And it is an homage to the kinds of stories that first appeared in the mid-60's. 'Secret Lives' is just a straightforward adventure that will entertain all ages."
The Secret Lives of Julie Newmar hits stores February 2012.
FLASH GORDON RETURNS IN DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT . . . FOR A DOLLAR
The popular character that spawned movies and serials from the near beginning of movies and television returns in comic book format this November by Dynamite Entertainment. The new series, Flash Gordon: Zeitgeist will grace stands, written by Eric Trautmann with art by Daniel Lindo. And the first issue will hit comic shops . . . for a dollar. No. I am not joking. Dynamite Entertainment is giving us a new Flash Gordon series and its first issue is a dollar. $1.00. American. As for the story: The year is 1934, a time of two-fisted swashbuckling, of fearsome threats and wild adventure-and of ever-growing threats on the horizon. Three valiant humans -- Flash Gordon, Dale Arden and Dr. Hans Zarkov -- are plucked from the Earth, traveling to the distant planet Mongo. Their exploits are legendary, battling the machinations and terror schemes of the dreaded emperor Ming, the All-Seeing Ruler of Mongo. But they did not fight alone...
Flash Gordon: Zeitgeist # 1 written by Eric Trautmann with art by Daniel Lindo will hit stores in November for $1.00.
MUTANTS HAVE CHOSEN SIDES: X-MEN LINE UPS REVEALED AT LAST!
There have been teasers. They're has been solicitations. There has been a lot of build up for Schism and so far . . . it seems to be delivering. The split between mutantkind, particularly the X-Men, has been coming for a while and Marvel has been teasing us, cause we are fans just like you all, for a while now about the new line ups for the mutants that will stay with Cyclops in Utopia while showing the Mutants that will go along with Wolverine once Schism ends in October. It's been revealed with the split, the X titles will split . . . having X-Men and Uncanny X-Men stay with Cyclops while X-Men Legacy and the new Wolverine & the X-Men deal with Logan's mutants. It has been confirmed that most of the New Mutants and Generation Hope will side with Scott Summers; while on the other side with Wolverine is Uncanny X-Force and X-Factor; Honestly, both those titles seem naturally against Cyclops with Wolverine leading X-Force while X-Factor has had a long standing issue with Cyclops, Emma Frost and others since Civil War. With shadows here and there of members of both sides slowly being revealed for the past month. FINALLY, we get the scoop on the rosters for both sides.
As you can see, most of Generation Hope stays but Sebastian Shaw seemingly joins them.
Over in New Mutants, the team stands of: X-Man, Dani Moonstar, Cypher, Sunspot, Magma & Warlock.
Finally, the Cyclops's X-Men: Cyclops, Emma Frost, Coloss-naut (coined by a friend), Magik (who graduates up), Magneto, Danger, Storm, Domino, Psylocke, Jubilee & Warpath.
Suprised to see Psylocke, Jubliee and Warpath with Cyclops but you never know. And Scott's 'son' and 'granddaughter' side with him.
Over in Uncanny X-Force, we see AOA Nightcrawler coming in and am pretty sure it was his tail we saw in the Bachalo cover. Which is kinda awesome . . . having Kurt back without demeaning the original's sacrifice. And it seems Psylocke is doing double duty.
In X-Factor .. . that is a BIG roster. And I love it. But David has said he is gonna kill at least one member before Havok & Polaris come back to the fold and we will see everyone in #230. So, Havok, Polaris, Wolfsbane, Madrox, Strong Guy, Banshee, M, Layla Miller, Rictor, Shatterstar & Longshot will get together for the first and possibly last time. And bad enough that one of their members could very well be techinically dead . .. read X-Factor to know what I mean.
And finally, Wolverine's team of X-Men looks very strong: Wolverine, Beast, Rogue, Gambit, Iceman, Frenzy, Quetin Quire ( I know, I'm surprised too), Toad ( I think), Rachel Grey, Shadowcat (about time Rachel & Kitty were on the same team again), Lockheed and someone who I do NOT recognize in the background.
Cyclops team seems to be very much power while Wolverine's team seem to have a nice mix. The philosophical divide also divides the Summers family in half . . . cause while Nate Grey and Hope Summers stay with Cyclops, Alex Summers, Lorna Dane and Rachel Grey are going with Logan and Kitty. And I honestly believe that Kitty and Rogue may very well be helping Logan lead his side.
I guess we will find out come October & November, won't we? And that's the low down on X-Men Regenesis.
SUBMISSIONS, WE WANT THEM!!!
We are looking for people's opinions. We are looking for Your opinions for any and all of the books of the DC Comics Relaunch number #1s, the new Ultimate Spiderman, X-Men Regenesis and recent rise in indy books. We want your feed back. Just give us a paragraph to a page of your own views on any of theses and we will post them in up coming specials here at Comic Book Clash.
Plus, if you are looking to sell comics or want to promote your art and/or writing, feel free to email us and get posted. Email your submissions to francisco.k.rodriguez@gmail.com and we will give post your submissions on our specials or next news edition.
Thank you for interactiving with us here at CBC and J1 Studios.
CBC Head Frankie "Seraph" Rodriguez
J1 STUDIOS ARE LOOKING FOR ARTISTS
We here at J1 Studios are looking for artists to work on several comic book projects. We are looking for artists who have experience with comic book layout formats and can draw (obviously). For more information, give us an email at j1studios1@gmail.com or francisco.k.rodriguez@gmail.com.
And that is all for this week. See You All Next Week! Keep Clashing!!!
