So I’m still trying to catch up on my pull folder. I’m starting to wonder if I ever will at this point. But as long as comics come in, I’m going to review them. Still, I really need to lighten my library a bit. It’s getting out of hand. Still, let’s see what I can review this week.

Spoiler-blocked versions will be posted at ComiXology.

Marvel Adventures: Super Heroes #14

Marvel Comics (October 2009)

Featuring Hawkeye (and the Blonde Phantom)

WRITER: Paul Tobin

ARTIST: David Baldeon

COLORS: Sotocolor

LETTERER: Dave Sharpe

COVER: Williams & Soto

PRODUCTION: Damien

CONSULTING: Ralph Macchio

EDITOR: Nathan Cosby

A group of bank robbers have an unusual gimmick: Bruce Banner! Actually, it’s an impostor, but by threatening to unleash the Hulk on the people in the bank, they’re successful. Hawkeye and the Blond Phantom team-up to track down the crooks, who have their own meeting with Dr. Banner.

What they got right: A reprint of the old Blonde Phantom comics was recently published, so it’s a good time to introduce her to younger fans. At the same time, Paul weaves an interesting look at how people react to the Marvel characters. Although the Hulk is still considered a hero in what passes for continuity in the MA universe, he’s still “triggered” by Bruce’s anger, which can lead to some scary moments. There’s also an interesting discussion between Hawkeye and the Blonde Phantom in a diner during a stakeout that explains why 616 is such a lackluster “place” at the moment.

What they got wrong: At the same time, it is a reference to the post-Civil War world of the mainstream Marvel Universe, which I’d rather forget at this point. I’m hoping something similar isn’t in the works for MA:SH.

Recommendation: It’s neat just seeing Hawkeye (and NOT “Ronin”) in action. Beyond that, it’s still a good story.

Transformers: Tales of the Fallen #1

IDW Publishing (August 2009)

WRITER/LETTERER: Chris Mowry

PENCILER: Carlos Magno

COLORIST: Josh Perez

ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Denton J. Tipton

EDITOR: Andy Schmidt

COVER “A” (shown–also used for “RI” sans title): Alex Milne

COVER “B” by the comic’s art team–maybe I should have gotten that one

COVER “RE”: Fan Expo exclusive photo cover featuring Megan Fox as Mikela, in a scene from Revenge of the Fallen

Bumblebee arrives back at the Witwicky household, and tries to be helpful to Sam. All he ends up doing is causing trouble, and his parents aren’t happy. (Wait until the next flick.) However, Barricade is looking for the All-Spark fragment (but since this takes place between the two movies, Sam knows nothing about it) and kidnaps Sam in the hopes of finding Bumblebee, his guardian. Sure enough, it’s Bumblebee to the rescue.

What they got right: We’re told right on the credits page that this story takes place between the end of the Alliance prequel series and the beginning of Revenge of the Fallen. Apparently, this is the “All Hail Megatron: Coda” of the Movieverse, trying to fill in the gaps between IDW’s prequels and the movie. It’s funny to watch Bumblebee try to be helpful to Sam and fit in as his car again.

What they got wrong: Considering that the end of Alliance ends at the beginning of  ROTF, I find it difficult to believe that all this took place in the short span of time, unless a lot of time passed between the Shanghai incident and the first time we see how the Witwickys are faring. Also, you know how some people complain about how you can’t really tell what’s going on during the robot battles? Same thing here. I can tell who is Bumblebee and who is Barricade, but not who is hitting who and how. Once panel has Barricade flying but Bumblebee isn’t in a pose that indicates he either hit or threw him. Finally, why is the “photo” cover for the Fan Expo (whatever that is) featuring Mikela when she only shows up once (non-speaking) in the whole comic (also mentioned a few times)?

Recommendation: I only recommend this if you like the Movieverse, sequel notwithstanding. But it’s still a fun story.

Astro Boy Official Movie Prequel #4

FINAL ISSUE

IDW Publishing (August 2009)

WRITER: Scott Tipton

ARTISTS: Diego Jourdan & Jorge Santillan Studios

COLORIST: Tom Smith/Scorpion Studios

LETTERER: Neil Uyetake

EDITOR: Tom Waltz

COVER “B” (shown): Ashley Wood (also without titles for RI–cover “a” by the comic art team)

Astro Boy makes “contact” with the power source and learns that the Chiazzas stole it from the Lucertos. The power exists to keep the Lucertos alive, but without it they are dying. With the truth and his memories in hand, Astro Boy is now on the right side, joined by Elefun and Tenma to return the power source to it’s rightful owners. Astro also makes a new friend of the princess.

This is usually the part where I put the “What they got right/wrong” part of the review. However, It’s really kind of average. But good average. I like the art and the story holds my attention, but I find myself wondering if the “gemstone” and it’s connection to Astro Boy isn’t something we’re going to see in the upcoming movie.

Recommendation: If you’ve been reading the first three, the ending is satisfactory, and opens doors to further adventures (perhaps the movie). It’s worth picking up if your an Astro Boy fan. If not now, then get the GN collection once you see the movie.

Lockjaw and the Pet Avengers #4

FINAL ISSUE

Marvel Comics (October 2009)

WRITER: Chris Eliopoulos

ARTIST: Ig Guara

COLORIST: Chris Sotomayor

LETTERER: Nate Piekos

COVER “A” (shown): Karl Kerschl

COVER “B”: Niko Henrichon

PRODUCTION: Irene Lee

EDITOR: Nathan Cosby

It’s the Pet Avengers (thus named by Ms. Lion) versus Thanos for control of the Infinity Gems. Ms. Lion takes a shot meant for Hairball, and the rest of the team isn’t fairing any better, until Lockjaw uses the Gems to trick Thanos. With the Gems now safe, Lockjaw uses them to create a psychic link between the Pet Avengers, so they can be summoned the next time there is trouble. Which considering Pet Avengers #1 is mentioned at the end of the book, there soon will be. Too bad Reed decides to keep things hush hush about how they got the Gems because “who would believe that a pet saved the universe”.

What they got right: MS. LION FINALLY DOES SOMETHING! I said previous reviews that he (who SHOULD BE A SHE, AND NO, I’M NOT TO GET OVER IT!) should take a shot meant for one of the others just to do something worth while. I still don’t understand the point of the character, but at least SHE gets some use here. Otherwise, the ending is satisfying, Ig’s art is still top notch, and the door is open for an ongoing.

What they got wrong: Did I get the right message from the final scene at the White House? Is Bo really going to be a Pet Avenger now? He’s even more useless than Ms. Lion! And why is Reed such a jerk (again) to Lockjaw?

Recommendation: See me in 2010 to find out how the ongoing works out. In the meantime, despite how Ms. Lion is treated, it’s a good story. You should read it.

Sonic The Hedgehog #203

Archie Comics (October 2009)

WRITER: Ian Flynn

PENCILERS: Steven Butler; Jamal Peppers (story 2)

INKERS: Terry Austin (both stories) & Jim Amash (story 1 only)

COLORIST: Matt Herms

LETTERER: John Workman

COVER: Patrick “Spaz” Spaziante

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Paul Kaminski

MANAGING EDITOR: Mike Pellerito

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Victor Gorelick

Some of the local kids throw rocks at Monkey Khan because he disrupted the concert. Sonic “saves” him, but wonders why he semi-friend isn’t his usual anger-prone self. He doesn’t have time to be concerned, because the Iron Queen and Snively pay the village a visit. The Queen uses her technomage powers to take control of Bunny’s cybernetics and sicks her on the Freedom Fighters. Sonic get her to safety after a long battle (and some soul-searching on Khan’s part), just as the Queen takes control of Monkey Khan’s cybernetics—and Monkey Khan himself!

In the back-up story, the Queen has sent Espio to get the Master Emerald, which means he must fight his old compatriot, Knuckles.

What they got right: Unintentionally or not, this story is more about the Iron Queen’s powers than anything else. You get a real idea of just how powerful she is even in a post-Robotnik world. Technology still looms large on Mobius, and she can control technology almost by magic. I think the final page also gives us an idea as to just what happened to Monkey Khan’s village.

What they got wrong: As much as I’m enjoying the “30 Years Later” arc over at Sonic Universe, I would think Espio’s current situation would be better suited there than a few pages of the main story.

Recommendation: I really picked a good time to get back into the Sonic Universe. If you’re not back, this is as good a time as any.

Best Scene of the Week

Transformers: Tales of the Fallen #1

click to see just what kind of harm

And so another week closes on my collection. Will I ever empty my pull folder? Stay tuned and find out!