Astonishing X-men #14

Just got done reading it. Interesting issue. Can you say character development? Whedon does more of it in this one issue for Cyclops than years by other writers. A very adult comic (with a lot of sexual innuendo) but that's why it's so popular. Heck, teenagers don't read comics anymore, so why should they be written for them?

9/10

Sunday Slugfest!

It's time for the Sunday Slugfest between Marvel's twin monstrosities!
In this captivating issue, which sports one of the all-time great covers, Ben looks to
be going nuts after Reed has been experimenting with him to turn him normal. Of course, Ol'greenskin shows up, and mayhem insues. Ben does pretty good this time around, using his brains and quickness to battle the Hulk to a standstill, until that fateful moment when he hears Alicia.......

This was part of a great storyline, the coming of the "Over-Mind," a creature with the
combined intellect of a "billion souls." This is a tough issue to find in VF/NM condition, since the stark black background shows the tiniest imperfections.

Ahhh...nothing like a Sunday Slugfest!

It's Slugfest Sunday

so that means another Thing vs. Hulk spotlight:

In this classic, Banner wanders into the Baxter Building looking for help from
Reed to cure him of the Hulk. Of course, Reed is gone, but Ben mentions the "psi-amplifier," and Banner figures it out. Right when they are ready to use it to cure them both, banner turns into the Hulk, but in a twist, Ben's mind is in the Hulk's body, and vice versa. Mayhem ensues, streets get torn up. Thundra even shows up. As our two tortured souls fight, they end up in a pro wrestling match (!) Reed and Johnny find them, and Reed figures things out. He deftly finds some drugs in a medkit, injects Hulk (ben) and everything is cool! Great Stuff!

the Calm.....

before the summer storm of comics. I always look forward to the summer, for many reasons, not the least of which is the summer comic "events." This summer is no different, although I have to admit the Infinite Crisis story has set a high bar. I am looking forward to Marvel's Civil War storyline, although I am afraid it will just be a slugfest and then everything will return to normal.

Nothing has really stood out that I can rave about, except for Infinite Crisis #6. Oh, and this little book on the left. Not everyone's cup of tea, but a great, well-done book.

If it's Sunday.....

Sunday is Thing vs. Hulk day here at Graphic Payload. Nothing better than Marvel's two cursed monstrosities going at it.

Marvel Feature #11 was the first to feature the Thing, after previously starring Ant-Man. This must have sold well, becasue it wasn't long until Marvel-Two-In-One began a long string of the Thing starring with various other members of the marvel universe, as started here.

From what I remember here, Benji is wandering out in the desert after some adventure, and he runs into the Hulk. Battle ensues.

Great Stuff. Time to dig it out and read it again!

Planetary

Hands down Planetary has been my fav book over the last 3 yrs or so. After reading #25 today, it really starts to pull some things together that I was, uh, kinda unclear on. I've really enjoyed ellis' homage to the pulp heroes and other famous genres.

In fact, it's time to go back and read the whole series from start to finish. Some issues were so far apart that it was tough to keep everything straight.

Enough complaints, time to start reading!

slow week

A slow week for me (not all bad, save some $$).

I picked up:

Warlord #1 mainly because bruce jones is writing it. Unlike many, I liked his Hulk run.

X-Men: Deadly Genesis #5. Yeah, I know it's pretty weak, but i started it because I like brubaker.

Books of Doom #5. I AM really enjoying this, well written by the above.

Incredible Hulk#92. Thought i would give "planet Hulk" a try.

All Star superman #3. Pretty good. Lighthearted, a tip of the hat to the old days: Clark lets Lois "share his powers" for 24 hrs. Fun stuff. gotta give this a few issues.

My pic of the lot this week: Ares #3
NObody likes the bad guy until a worse bad guy shows up!