Last fall, the weekly Wednesday run to the local comic book shop was hurriedly made on account of one specific publishing company: DC Comics. With their New 52 launch, great, irresistible titles were out every week! Who could say “no” to that many cool first issues?
This week turns the tables with Marvel Comics leading the way, the entertainment company releasing a whole host of goodies.
It’s Avengers week, after all, didn’t you know?
Make the run to your comic book shop. You’re going to find something you’ll like. Here’s a quick sampling in case you need a few specific suggestions I’ve “avengingly assembled” for you:
Avengers: Kree/Skrull War Hardcover
Written by: Roy Thomas
Illustrated by: Sal Buscema, Neal Adams and John Buscema
Published by: Marvel Comics
So, are the Skrulls, the shape shifting, hobgoblinesque, evil alien race bent on earth domination, actually in the upcoming Avengers film? I’ve debated this question with more than one buddy over the last few months – and now, with the various images, trailers and cast interviews making the rounds on the interwebs, I can unequivocally say: yes, they kinda are. Huzzah! It’s what Avengers fans always wanted right?
Well, the bad-skinned antagonists in the film are probably more akin to a race based on the Skrulls. Actually, they’re probably more closely rooted to the Chitauri race from the Ultimate Avengers line of comics (a distinctly more 21st century, harder-hitting take on the superhero team) – which I’d also recommend. Look for the Omnibus hardcovers. Fear not the price of them.
I digress.
Avengers: Kree/Skrull War is a classic storyline in Marvel Comics lore, first published in 1971. Yes, it will give you some background on the various characters that make up the film version of our heroes but, more than that, it will make for enjoyable reading for any lover of sci-fi, superhero stories as well as amazing art. I mean, c’mon! Buscema and Adams laying out the pencils and inks on Iron Man, Captain America and Thor? You can’t go wrong here!
Next!
Fury MAX: Cold Warrior #1
Written by: Garth Ennis
Illustrated by: Goran Parlov
Published by: Marvel Comics
I didn’t follow the original Fury MAX series from a number of years ago, but I do know that it was quite highly regarded. Here, fan favourite writer Garth Ennis returns to the title, this time teamed up with artist Goran Parlov, both of whom collaborated on the acclaimed Punisher MAX series.
Fury MAX: Cold Warrior is the story of one-eyed special agent Nick Fury (played by Samuel L. Jackson in the upcoming Avengers film – and seemingly every other Marvel Comics film if you didn’t already know) right after the events of World War II. Judging by the cover, look for Fury to take on communism, as only Garth Ennis can showcase. As a 6-issue mini series, Fury MAX: Cold Warrior should bring maximum-styled action to any political state flying the red star, by our titular hero and resident S.H.I.E.L.D. director.
Next!
Avengers vs. X-Men #3
Written by: Ed Brubaker
Illustrated by: John Romita Jr.
Published by: Marvel Comics
I keep telling myself that I’m not going to fall for the “summer event series” from Marvel or DC Comics – and every May, June and July, I’m rushing off to the comic shop to pick up the very issues I swore I’d disregard.
AvX, as we in the community like to call it, enticed me with it’s sweet, blockbuster siren’s call.
This issue, it’s the promise of a Captain America-against-Wolverine brawl that’s got me hooked. Two characters making a stand for how they believe the world should be saved from the oncoming phoenix force. To do that, they gotta scrap it out. And I gotta see how it all goes down! Claws versus shield! Guile versus healing factor! A versus B…ub!
How could you not want to know who gets bloodied the most? It’s a fanboy’s dream!
So there you have it. Three different Avengers titles worth making the run for. And after that, you can run to the theater line to pick up your Avengers movie premiere tickets for this coming weekend.
Cos’ that movie is gonna have some crazy line ups. And you wouldn’t want to have to avenge your comic book honour by not having a ticket on opening weekend, now would you?
Would you?
Every Wednesday, JP makes the after-work run to his local downtown comic book shop. Comics arrive on Wednesdays you see and JP, fearful that the latest issue will sell out, rushes out to purchase his copy. This regular, weekly column will highlight a particularly interesting release, written in short order, of course, because JP has to get his – before someone else does!
Now I want to check out AvX! i’m being sucked back in!