MEANWHILE: Skrull Jones doesn't understand

REVIEW: Secret Invasion - 4

So we've hit the halfway point with Secret Invasion. But is it still the roller-coaster ride of previous months? Or is it starting to peter out a little?

***HEFTY SPOILER ALERT***

As you might expect after the cliffhanger ending of issue three (Nick Fury's entrance / Spider-Woman messing with Iron Man's mind) - the action picks up almost immediately, taking a quick moment out to link in some moments from the tie in books (The Sentry fleeing earth, Ms Marvel leaving a Skrull in space, Agent Brand in earth's atmosphere, etc), before throwing us into the heat of the battle in Times Square.

Nick's Commandos start kicking some ass and taking some names, and Phobos helps turn the tide of battle by turning the Skrulls against themselves. Not before Nick Fury blasts Ms Marvel into Skrull territory however.

Back in the Savage Land, Tony is still on the receiving end of Jessica Drew's mind-games, which are doing their job in making him believe that he could be a Skrull. The Black Widow provides a timely intervention in the shape of an injection of adrenaline, but Spider-Woman appears to escape...

Over in Times Square, a flash of lightening can be seen, and from the heavens the outline of Thor descends - all watched by Captain America from a distance... But which Captain America?

Happily - Bendis and Yu show no signs of letting up with Secret Invasion, once again delivering a golden example of good storytelling and excellent artwork. Every month that goes by is a testament to the sheer brilliance of this double-act, which I hope (perhaps vainly) will continue far beyond this series.

On a slight downer - I couldn't help but think that maybe it was time for the battle to change location. People are still fighting in Times Square and the Savage Land, and although this is only a few hours (or probably less) for everyone involved - its been nearly four months for us...

Pete's Score: 4 out of 5
(ongoing battle or no - still an excellent comic - recommended)

MEANWHILE: Cyclops is doing well

REVIEW: She-Hulk - 30

Well, it's nice to say that issue thirty of She-Hulk continues the pace from book twenty-nine (which fans were crying out for), but has Peter David finally found his feet in telling Jennifer-She-Hulk tales?

Short answer - probably not. Slightly longer answer - good lord I hope not.

***SPOILER ALERT***

Although this book is a fun read (Jennifer ending up in bed with Hercules, then booting him out with his trousers around his ankles did make me smile), it's still not up to the standard of Dan Slott's run. Yes, I know I probably should be cutting Peter a little more slack than I am at the moment, yes, I know he did define much of Hulk history, and yes, I know all about how Dan has a different writing style.

And yes - I do know that Dan's latest work has put him on my 'kick in the balls' list.

But you know what - this is a good comic book, but it isn't Dan Slott She-Hulk good. Peter seems to have forgotten how to write anything above 'good' or 'passable' Jennifer stories. And although this issue does fall into the 'good' box - I'm still not feeling it as a series so far.

So, by the skin of its teeth (because of the ending, and the nice Herc cameo), She-Hulk issue 30 scrapes a score of...

Pete's Score: 4 out of 5
(pick it up and give it a go - then let me know what you thought)

REVIEW: Avengers: The Initiative - 14

Woah. Looks like Dan was holding out on us with issue 13... This book's a complete belter. And when you read it alongside Mighty Avengers 15... Well... Damn.

***SPOILER ALERT***

Just as The Mighty Avengers did, the Initiative issue 14 takes a look at the work of the Skrulltastic Henry "Hank" Pym, and how he's been using his connections to get other Skrulls into some highly strategic positions. Strategic positions such as - one on every single fifty-state Initiative team.

Dan Slott has done a top notch job with this issue's script, making you wonder what he was upto a month ago, and why it took a tie-in to inject a little life into the book following the original team's departure.

That minor dig aside - Stefano Caselli crafts some truly magical scenes, leaving you genuinely surprised by some sequences, and truly impressed with his stylistic accomplishments.

A marked improvement, worthy of your cash.

Pete's Score: 4 out of 5
(much better than the previous issue - worth picking up)

MEANWHILE: No Skrulls here...

REVIEW: Hulk - 4

Phwwwooaaarrr...

***SPOILER ALERT***

Green Hulk going up against Red Hulk in an all out war = Petegasm. What can you say about issue four of Hulk? Well, let's start with the art by Ed McGuinness, and try to sum it up in three words. Hmmm. How about...

Jaw. Droppingly. Brilliant.

Yeah, that's a fair assessment.

So next up, what about Jeph Loeb's script? Let's give this only a couple of words.

Fricking. Stunning.

From the opening moment where Red Hulk decks the Watcher (yes - that's right - the Watcher) to the closing moments with Red Hulk and Thor standing face to face atop what appears to be the Brooklyn Bridge, this book is a complete powerhouse.

So if that's the case - why have I give it a four, and not a five? Well - just as with Ultimates 3 issue four - I'm getting tough on 'crime', and docking Hulk a point for lateness. Yes, we had some badass books in between because of the delay (such as King-Size Hulk and Giant-Size Incredible Hulk), but you know what?

We all wanted this book to come out, because we knew how badass it would be after reading issue three. And now that its here - guess what. It's everything we wanted it to be.

Pete's Score: 4 out of 5
(get the book quickly - it will fly off the shelves)

REVIEW: Ms. Marvel - 28

What an absolutely excellent issue.

One of the hallmarks of a good comic is how quickly you get through it without missing any dialogue. I absolutely consumed this book. Were there seconds available, I'd be coming back around now, reading plate in one hand, spoon in the other.

***SPOILER ALERT***

Brian Reed does a fantastic job of creating a truly memorable Ms. Marvel tale that sits in the heart of Secret Invasion, with Adriana Melo showcasing a truly wicked side of our heroine (a person who delights in the death of an enemy, and loves the heat of battle). Oh - and the ending? Well, if that doesn't bring you back for more - I'm not sure there's anything we can do for you.

Truly brilliant stuff.

Happily - I think I can safely carry on recommending Ms. Marvel for awhile...

Pete's Score: 5 out of 5
(brilliant - another perfect jumping on point for Secret Invasion - just like New Avengers 42)

REVIEW: The Ultimates 3 - 4

This is one of those 'was it worth the wait' books. Issue three came out quite awhile back, but was a damn good read (as were the first two issues), proving well that the book stands up alongside Mark Millar's original Ultimates, and Ultimates 2.

Buuuuutttt... As great as the artwork by Joe Madureira and script by Jeph Loeb is - both would be even better if issues of The Ultimates 3 actually came out on time. Something that seems to be the curse of the Ultimate Marvel Universe.

***SPOILER ALERT***

That aside - you can't deny that Joe's jaw dropping work compliments every tense moment in the book, making some truly awe inspiring moments with Sabretooth / Hawkeye, Juggernaut / Wolverine, and Thor / Magneto.

Sadly, as wonderful and as truly grim (in some places - see Valkyrie's final expression followed by Pyro's errie words) as this book is - I just can't forgive the delay. It took me half the book to remember what was going on - which is never a good thing.

Therefore - Ultimates 3 issue 4 - docked one point for timekeeping.

Pete's Score: 4 out of 5
(late - but brilliant nonetheless)

REVIEW: The New Avengers - 42

Wow. What a stark difference to Final Crisis issue two.

***SPOILER ALERT***

Finally, Brian Michael Bendis has given us what we've all been crying out for - what happened to Spider-Woman, and what she's been upto since she became all Skrull-tastic.

To say that this issue has some surprising moments (the Skrulls' three main priorities for example) is an understatement. Jim Cheung effortlessly portrays some amazing moments, and some truly man-tastic scenes (naked Jessica Drew on a table).

Unsurprisingly - this is the best book in the Secret Invasion saga thusfar.

Pete's Score: 5 out of 5
(if you're looking for a good jumping on point to the Marvel Universe, and / or Secret Invasion - this is it)

REVIEW: The Mighty Avengers - 15

What a great book. Since the start of Secret Invasion, there's been a big old 'how did Henry Pym get swapped for a Skrull' question looming - and now, finally, its being answered.

***SPOILER ALERT***

Cast your minds back right to the dawn of the New Avengers, somewhere around the 'Breakout' storyline. Dr Pym is a lecturer on advanced genetic analysis, and his eyes fall on a girl... Janet and Henry break up, and naturally, our good Dr Pym runs to said woman's arms, only to learn (much later down the line), that he ran to a Skrull...

As you might expect, Bendis does a truly fantastic job on the script. He interweaves plot moments from past issues of The New / Mighty Avengers effortlessly, and showcasing the more sinister intent of Henry, as he has been drifting through storylines almost unnoticed.

John Romita Jr (in partnership with Klaus Janson and Tom Palmer) does nothing less than you would expect in delivering a truly brilliant book, including a particularly grim moment in a student bedroom (you'll know it when you see it).

Event in its spinoffs - Secret Invasion isn't stopping to take a breath. It's just ploughing on - creating quality all the way.

Pete's Score: 4 out of 5
(very very very close to being a full score - thoroughly recommended in every sense)

REVIEW: The Incredible Hercules - 118

Firstly, if you've read my last Incredible Hercules review, you'll already know that I'm pretty impressed with how the series has been going so far. But how does issue 118 shape up?

***SPOILER ALERT***

Pretty damn bloody well, that's how!

Happily, Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente don't show any signs of letting their excellent storytelling up, ensuring that issue 118 delivers some of their best scriptwork to date. Rafa Sandoval once again pencils the issue beautifully showcasing some truly amazing twists and turns as Herc's rag tag team travel through the dreamland, encountering a pretty crafty Nightmare...

Now, you might have noticed that this review is a little bit short. And, to be honest, there's a reason for that. This book has a truly fantastic Secret Invasion moment in it - a true surprise that is genuinely brilliant. And if I made this review any bigger... Well, I'd be tempted to let you know what it is.

Take my word for it - pick this book up.

Pete's Score: 4 out of 5
(a brilliant continuation of the Sacred Invasion, with a truly killer twist)

REVIEW: Secret Invasion: Who Do You Trust?

Just to get it out of the way - Who Do You Trust was very nearly a five out of five. But in even allowing myself to think those words, I had to immediately draw a comparison to the five out of five 'yardstick' - Walking Dead 48 - which made me knock it down a notch. But only a tiny one. If I had a four and a half score - this book would be getting it.

But I don't. So a four it is.

As for why it's a four...

***MAJOR SPOILER ALERT***

...that one will really speak for itself. Secret Invasion: Who Do You Trust is a collection of five short stories focusing on the sub-plots and fallout of Bendis' epic crossover.

Five short stories, each with five potentially huge questions hanging over their heads.

Story one - Captain Marvel seemingly falling into line with the Skrulls, perhaps as part of a larger plan to 'save' earth?

Story two - Agent Brand, lost in the vacuum of space, pondering which of the objects around her will mark her end, all the while thinking back over recent events - slowly unravelling the clues that were always right under her nose...

Story three... I'll come back to in a moment.

Story four - Marvel Boy - building an army of his own from Cube prisoners? Certainly something big going down there...

Story five - the reappearance of The Agents of Atlas. And a mightily nasty reappearance at that. Never let it be said that heroes in the Marvel Universe don't know how to get their hands dirty. Dirty, in this instance with Skrull body parts. Grim just doesn't cover it. Think Mars Attacks, and you'll be along the right lines.

Now - each of those stories deserve high scores in their own rights, but story three - 'Skrull' Beast (Hank McCoy) and Wonder Man... That's potentially epic right there. If, and it's a big if, Hank has been away on 'Skrull island' for as long as it appears - then there are some pretty bloody monumental happenings about to go down over in X-Men.

Who has been looking for a 'cure' to House of M again and again, and always 'failed'? None other than... Hank McCoy.

I've learned to never trust what I see on the page in front of me until multiple sources confirm it - but - man alive... This could be massive - no?

Pete's Score: 4 out of 5
(potentially - this issue has setup a year's worth of quality comic books, and possibly a huge X-Men showdown - buy this book)

REVIEW: Secret Invasion: Fantastic Four - 2 of 3

I got a lot out of the last Secret Invasion Fantastic Four issue. A bunch of surprises, a major cliffhanger and a feeling of quality throughout. So, based on how well the second issue of Invincible Iron Man issue did after a truly stunning start, I was a little worried that SIFF might go the same way.

***SPOILER ALERT***

Last issue's revelation that Lyja was one of the invading Skrulls pretty much made my jaw hit the floor. Looking back, it made a lot of sense, but at the time - Pete met a brick wall very quickly.

Issue two picks up the story very well, taking us through some of Johnny's past loves, quickly highlighting the important ones, and landing finally on Lyja. A mini-battle ensues, with Johnny ultimately saving Lyja's life from a car hurtling through space, only for a giant jellyfish to come between the pair. While this is going on, Ben is squishing space cockroaches as Franklin and Valeria find their very own battle suit...

Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa has done a bang-up job with the series thusfar, as has Barry Kitson in providing us with some top notch art. Happily, this issue is a great continuation from the first. In fact, its so good, that you can't help but wish that Roberto and Barry were on the main Fantastic Four book too...

Pete's Score: 4 out of 5
(recommended on multiple levels - brilliant use of Marvel history and fun throughout)

REVIEW: Iron Man: Legacy Of Doom - 3 of 4

Now here's an interesting one. I was pretty critical of the last Legacy Of Doom installment, fearing that the mini-series was nothing more than a poor cash in on the Iron Man movie hype. But this issue... Well, it seems to have corrected most of the mistakes...

***SPOILER ALERT***

Before I tell you about the good stuff however - I've got to get a mini-rant out of my system. I almost missed this book. It isn't on my pull list, so I just grab it when I'm in the comic shop.

Now you know what doesn't help me find a book? When each cover looks exactly like the last one. If I didn't have my wits about me - I would have completely missed issue three in amongst other books. I actually walked past it twice before I twigged.

But anyway, that aside, David Michelinie's script is a big improvement over issue two, now including some genuinely funny moments, such as Merlin in lederhosen or the awful pun-based cliffhanger (I challenge you not to smile when you read the title for issue four).

In addition to David's good work, Ron Lim seems to be finding his stride with the book, showing a truly awe inspiring mystical Iron Man armour on the penultimate page that conjures up images of everything from Ronin to Usagi Yojimbo.

I really wish the book had been infused with the energy of this issue back when it started. If it had, I'd probably be calling for a follow up right about now.

Pete's Score: 4 out of 5
(a nice upbeat issue, filled full of wonderful set pieces which is worth getting - although you'll want to read the first two issues beforehand)

REVIEW: Avengers / Invaders - 2 of 12

Here's one definition of a good comic book.

"A book that stays with you almost a full week after you first read it."

***SPOILER ALERT***

After reading this book, I was planning to give it a 3 out of 5 score, as I'd decided it was a fairly average book. But then my Dad came down, and I got a little sidetracked. Consequently, I didn't get a chance to post a review. Or much else.

(sorry about that)

But as it happens, it's probably a good thing that I didn't. As around about now - I'd be posting my first ever retraction.

I was going to tell you how I wasn't quite as gripped as I was expecting to be, and how I would have liked to see a little more in the issue, but now... Somewhat surprisingly... I have a different opinion entirely.

This issue of Avengers / Invaders stayed with me throughout the past week. I couldn't help but remember scenes from the book;

• Captain America, and the Sub-Mariner emerging from a night in the subway;


• Iron Man putting the Invaders 'down' with the help of some 'Mighty' Avengers;


• The (original) Human Torch, kept captive in an indoor rainstorm;


• Bucky cutting his arm open to facilitate an escape;


• the 'New' Avengers plotting to 'save' the Invaders.

Having thought about it - I think I can explain why my opinion changed. All of the above scenes carry weight. Not just a 'good story' weight. But a 'historic weight'.

Jim Krueger, Alex Ross and Steve Sadowski have created something quite wonderful. So wonderful in fact, that it fits squarely in that 'blink and you'll miss it' area of our collective vision.

If you read issue 2 like I did the first time - quickly, in amongst other books - I bet you'll be of the same opinion as me a week ago. Average.

But read it when you're free of distraction, sitting in a relaxing chair, by an open window, with a coffee, and you'll read a true piece of Marvel history.

This series is shaping up to be more than good. Its shaping up to be special.

Pete's Score: 4 out of 5
(think coffee - think favourite chair - think relaxing breeze - think avengers / invaders issue 2)

NEWS: Britain is filled full of superheroes

There I was - sitting on the sofa in front of the tv, reading the latest issue of Top Gear (180 - July 2008), when lo and behold - what do I find on page 86...?



Great Britain. Making superheroes since the early 40s, and banging them up ever since...

REVIEW: The Invincible Iron Man - 2

So - if you read my review of the first Invincible Iron Man comic - you'll already know that I thought pretty highly of it. But does issue two match up to it?

***SPOILER ALERT***

Well, yes... But also no.

Issue one was something pretty special. Matt Fraction and Salvador Larroca had managed to pull together a wonderfully emotive first issue, truly making people feel the significance of Iron Man 2.0 suicide bombers, by putting us in the shoes of a victim.

Something that created one of the most poignant openings in recent memory.

Issue two, continues this storyline pretty well, reminding people of the terror unleashed on the world with the invent of Iron Man 2.0. 'Monks' attack The Triumph Division (a Philippine super-team), wiping them and the surrounding crowd out in the process. Hundreds dead - without rhyme or reason.

Sounds interesting right? Damn right. So why isn't this at the start of the book? What need is there to have Iron Man 'battle' `M.O.D.O.G.', other than a good excuse for some 'action'? Honestly - there really isn't one. One of the most interesting things about issue one, was how well Tony was portrayed as being helpless.

A superhero, dressed in his battle suit, unable to do anything - utterly dazed and uncertain of what to do.

Now, taking this into account, it's a shame that in issue two Tony has been written as someone who is impassioned - but incredibly arrogant. Someone more like Robert Downey Jr's Tony Stark, than Marvel Comics Tony Stark.

And so, even though this issue does have some good points, when it's compared to the last one...

Pete's Score: 3 out of 5
(still worth picking up - but could have been better)

REVIEW: King-Size Hulk - 1

So it took a little while for me to review this issue, but now that I finally have - is it just a fill-in while we all wait for Hulk issue 4, or a decent comic in its own right?

***SPOILER ALERT***

King-Size Hulk does very well in its main (slightly secret) objective - filling some time. But it does however also serve to add an extra something. A layer of pure menace between She-Hulk's and Hulk Red, making a previously high octane scene now something which is truly frightening - and slightly worrying.

Add to this a level of sadness the reader will feel over Bruce Banner's confinement beneath the ground (observed as readers watch Bruce mulling over the death of the Abomination and the radiation emitted by Hulk Red).

Not only does King-Size Hulk give us these choice treats, but it also gives us something new to chew over when we watch Hulk Red murder a Wendigo. A Wendigo that appeared to be part of a pack of Wendigos.

A moment that surely must come back to bite Bruce (by default) at a later point...

These mini-tales, combined with reprints of Incredible Hulk 180 ("And the wind howls... Wendigo!"), 181 ("And now... The Wolverine!") and The Avengers 83 ("The Revolution's Fine!") make for a surprisingly effective comic - which is briliant value for money.

Final Crisis... Trinity - oh much you both have to learn - from this Marvel fill-in book.

Pete's Score: 4 out of 5
(recommended - thoroughly enjoyable on multiple levels)

REVIEW: Secret Invasion - 3

Secret Invasion has up until now, been a brilliant rollercoaster ride - keeping fans and casual readers happy alike. But now that issue 3 is out, is the series starting to drag a little?

Hell no!

Issue 3 offers up some of the tastiest treats so far, with utterly superb artwork from Leinil Francis Yu, and a twisting, turning rollercoaster of a script delivered by Brian Michael Bendis.

***SPOILER ALERT***

The issue starts off on the S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier, with Jarvis (of all characters) requesting agent Hill's full and total surrender, and quickly runs over to Captain Marvel throwing Venom halfway across Colorado before sitting down over a drink with Norman Osborn.

Interest piqued much?

Battles shift between locations throughout the issue, but ultimately come to rest in Times Square, with heroes falling left right and centre (including a grisly death), until a forgotten friend steps into the limelight to battle the Skrulls...

As you might expect, this issue is a great book - but its impact will be lessened to those not picking the series up monthly. It is however, a perfectly good book to get you up to speed on where things are at the moment - so if this is your first Secret Invasion book - you'll be well looked after.

Pete's Score: 4 out of 5
(well worth the price of admission)