Stuff I Read This Week 4/23/14

Original Sin #0: Unless you're a Marvel reader who has been living under a rock (not the one Cliven Bundy's been under, I hope), you know that the Original Sin even is imminent. Not much is known about what kind of event we're in for, but if you've been paying attention to the advertisments...."SOMEONE" is going to die. I don't know that this is something that anyone asked for, per se, but Marvel won some points as far as events go after Infinity (which ALMOST made up for the Shyamalan-esque travesty that was Age of Ultron), so I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.

Issue 0 is mainly a primer going into the main even that lets new readers get to know Uatu, the Watcher. Most of Mark Waid's story is told from the perspective of Sam Alexander (Nova) while Uatu himself is silent just as he is in Nova's solo series (you're really missing out if you aren't reading that, by the way). The book sees Sam searching for more insight about his new alien friend's purpose in the cosmic community. He actually ends up being the perfect character to lead the reader along this journey because of his gung-ho innocence. Having a main character who looks upon this sprawling universe with a wide eyed wonder gives it a much needed feeling of accessibility. Jim Cheung and Paco Medina co-penciled this issue which is usually sort of a hazard when artists differ in art style, but the dazzling ink work makes it less noticeable, making for a gorgeous book in addition to being well written. Though the story itself isn't necessarily groundbreaking here, the look of the issue definitely makes it worth the price of admission.

Bottom Line: Despite not having the most ambitious of plotlines, Mark Waid manages to bang out an engaging read that leaves us ready for the meat of Original Sin. 8 out of 10

Uncanny Avengers #19: It seems this book has started to pick up speed again. Who w It seems this book has started to pick up speed again. Who would have thought th ould have thought this book would make it's return to glory by doing something so revolutionary as actually making sense again? Rick Remender started this title so strong with the Avengers Unity Division taking on the Red Skull and then meandered off through time and space nonsensically until nobody knew or cared what was happening. Then, the series did something nobody expected that changed the game: it ended with the Unity Squad failing to save the Earth from ultimate destruction. 

This issue continues Alex Summers' fight to avenge the Earth while evading the ruling class mutants on Planet X. Kang and his recruits from all across time have joined the fray and it's probably one of the strongest points in the book. Usually, when comics deal with time travel, they seem to get bogged down in showing off alternative versions of known characters (which is ultimately to gauge what action figures the Big Two can hock). Rick Remender takes known alternate characters (Earth X May Parker, Doom 2099, Arno Stark, etc.) and makes them feel fresh and underrated instead of overused. Nobody ASKED for a Doom 2099/Blob fight, but we got one and it was pretty awesome. As far as villains go, Eimin seemed more engaging when she was a layered character who was being used by Kang. This story arc sees her become more of a typical, one dimensional villain. Meanwhile, Rememder is getting really good at writing Kang. His resolve to save the world so that HE can conquer it one day is a joy to read and his dickishness knows no chill. Daniel Acuna's artwork is spot on for this arc, really fleshing out this new world that's part Earth X/part Fifth Element.

Bottom Line: It is great to see this book finally getting its shit together again. 8 out of 10

Graduation Speech at the Xavier School for the Gifted.....

Congratulations, Class of 2013. Your being here this morning marks a momentous occasion. You have all not only learned a unique mastery over your gifts, but you've also demonstrated a willingness to harness those gifts in the interest of bettering society once you venture out into the world instead of being a complete tool like SOMEONE who will not be named...**cough** Erik **cough**. Anyway, your walk across this stage means that I have nothing left to teach you.

It also means you didn't die. Because, whew....could THAT have ever happened? I mean, giant robot death machines? I was trying not to freak anybody out but HOOOOOLLLLLYYYY SHIT we almost died fighting those things! And the Legacy Virus? Fuck, man.....talk about "not enough Thera-Flu in the world," huh?

Little joke there....really?...nothing? Okay, okay, too soon.

Moving on. We here at the Xavier Institute are 100% confident that we have thoroughly prepared you for the challenges you'll face out there in the real world. And make no mistakes, my fellow mutants, there WILL certainly be challenges. Like bigots who will hate you before ever actually meeting you because of your differences. And the future. Seriously, guys, the future will try to kill you. A lot. All the time. But persevere, hold your head high in the face of adversity and don't EVER give the future your credit card number. Trust me on that one. Oh my God, if I ever get my hands on that little...ahem...sorry. Got a little carried away there.

In closing, the Institute is honored to have been a part of your education and, ultimately, your lives. The bonds you've built, the fears you've conquered, the lessons you've learned....carry them with you always. Hold them close to your heart. Time flies quickly and you'll miss these days when they're gone. And remember: Humans good. We like humans. No vaporizing. Maybe a little mind wipe here and there, but no vaporizing. Please don't turn into a mutant overlord despot. Please. I can't stress that enough. I can't deal with more interviews with Fox News like last time. Honestly, that Sean Hannity guy. I don't see how he sleeps at night. Bottom line: No evil mutant shit.

My friends, my students, my fellow children of the atom....it is my honor, my privilege, my pleasure to welcome you to the first day of the rest of your lives. Also, the beginning of paying off your student loans. Because the government doesn't pay for this shit. Bear in mind, rocketships under the basketball court don't grow on trees.

Now, who wants a diploma!!!