Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Order 4 Me?

Well, not much happening on the Alpha Flight front right now. Unfortunately. So there hasn't been a lot to say here for a while.

That being said, I have plans in the works to re-read the Omega Flight mini-series, and then to organize my htoughs through the keyboard and onto this blog, to type out a concise and completely biased accounting of the series, both what works and what does not work. Keep checking back here, you may just see that pop up soon!

Two days ago, I got my monthly order of comics delivered. One of these comics was none other than the first issue of Marvel Comics Presents (MCP # 1), featuring a Michael Pointer story in it. When I have the time, and the patience for it, I will review that comic (that story in it, rather) and put that review here on this blog-site. Promise.

Also in that order of comics that arrived, I received some real good comics that totally impressed my socks off. You should check some of these out! Avengers Initiative # 6 was another winner. This is the series that makes that whole Civil War thing worthwhile, the intrigue and mystery as well as the excellent and interesting character development in this comic series is astounding. Brit # 2 was a comic I already owned, but got again by mistake. Nevermind that though, this series is interesting enough that based on that one comic issue I have decided to continue to pick up this series on a monthly basis for a while and see where it all leads. Dynam 5 # 7 - what need be said about Dynamo 5 ? Let's just put it this way; in my opinion, this and Thor are the comics of the decade, the can't-miss ones that everybody should own. Speaking of Thor, issue 3 came in my order. Again, I was blown away. Thor hasn't looked better since the days of Walt Simonson, and his fight (his whooping of) with Ironman was a classic scene worthy of inclusion in the all-time great comic battles of the century. Gen 13 # 12 also came ot my door; i really admit I have become hooked on the Gen 13 crew, in all of their incarnations. I also got the 25th Anniversary Special of Groo, and it was special to laugh (and groan) again with Groo, everyone's favourite idiot barbarian. JLA Wedding Special # 1 was a lead-up to a comic I purchased last month (Green Arrow and Black Canary Wedding Special # 1), and as such was a good pick-up. I don't do many DC comics, but find it interesting how well-written the characters are, they are not so much superheroes as ordinary people who wear tights! Ms. Marvel # 19 came ot me as well, Ms. Marvel is a character that is truly growing on me, which is why I now collect the Ms. Marvel title monthly. I love the Sleepwalker character, very interetsing, as is Machine Man. Mostly though, I wanna know what the heck is wrong with Carol! Shanna the She-Devil:Survival of the Fittest # 2 was quite interesting, already issue two of this mini-series has thrown a curve ball. I thought I knew where it was going after reading issue 1, but they totally shocked me with all the new stuff they introduced in the second isue. A good read! And World War Hulk number 4. Brutal! Man, I thought the first issue of this mini series was a dud, but since then they have cranked up the power, the brutality, and the storyline. Now I am hooked, and just wish it wasn't all ending with another issue! Man, the chills I got when the Sentry blasted into action - I can't wait, I can't wait! Give me more!

Monday, October 01, 2007

Review - Omega Flight Issue 5

date recieved - Sept 19 2007

One part of me is very sad that this series is now over - Avon, Kolins, and Reber did a great job on these books, and should be commended. And, after all, some of these heroes are Canadians, and Alpha Flight-ers.

On the other hand, I am also glad this series is now over. This was Omega Flight. Not Alpha Flight. Not even close.

As a filler, Omega Flight was quite good. It tied in with Civil War quite nicely. In that context, it made sense. But if more of this is what Marvel will eventually try to pass off as the future of Flight here in Canada, then I want none of it.

Too much about issue 5 was predictable. Mikey Pointer saves everybody, and Sas and Talisman forgive him for murdering Alpha Flight. (Yeah, right!)

Seriously, this issue seemed rushed. Too much stuff stuffed into too small of a space. Beta Ray Bill saves everybody, he's the big hero, yet the other heroes never even got to actually meet him? And this is supposed to be one of the members of Omega Flight? How stupid is that!?!

The page showing Walt remembering Alpha Flight getting murdered is interesting, because it shows who was there; besides Sas, we see Major Maple Leaf Jr, Shaman, Guardian, Vindicator, Puck, and Puck II. Nobody else can be seen. Interesting...

Why does Talisman have less powers, less blessings, than she previosuly had, yet she has the power to open Shaman's medicine pouch, use it to help Walter, trap Tanaraq inside it, and then destroy his power?

I actually felt something for Pointer when he pledges to protect Canada, with a tear coming down his cheek. Then I turned the page, and immediately remembered that he is an imposter and a murderer and that I hate him and wished he were dead. And that made me feel better.

Yup, thanks for the "mini" series, Marvel. Now, bring back the real, the true, the only ALPHA FLIGHT!

Like others have suggested, I am removing this series from it's Alpha Flight designation in my comics storage area, and I am filing it under "O" for Omega.

I am gonna give this last comic in the series an underwhelming
3/10.
A more disappointing wrap-up to things, I have never seen before.

Overall, this series deserves a 5/10. Thanks for trying, appreciate the effort, but you can't fake the Flight by substituting something that isn't the Flight.

Review - Omega Flight Issue 4

date received - August 15 2007

The opening scene, with Rachel looking into the cell at Pointer, is great. I especially like the dripping maple leafs and blood-like "murderer" graffiti on the outside of the cell. Even the scattered chessboard helps to really set the tone.

"The Guardian? I'm not even Canadian." At least somebody listened to us fans, and decided against retro-ing Pointer from an American to a Canadian.

The "demon" battle from the helicopters is well-drawn; frantic chaos is shown exquisitively well.

Heroic Arachne saving the heros' 'copter is a good thing to see.

Why does US Agent swear so much?

"I'm Beta Ray...Bill..." It seems as if Bill thought about calling himself Beta Ray Thor, but then thought better of it?

I love the fight between US Agent and Sasquatch. The three panels where US Agent attacks and Walter throws him are hilarious!

The page where Pointer first attacks is amazing. KRAKTHOOM! Then he says he isn't good with his powers yet, and wastes a whole skyscraper with one shot. How many more people did this murderer just kill? !!

Of course, the last page is fearfully exciting. Unfortunately, Sas doesn't actually kill Pointer...more's the pity.

Great pace, great art, a few funny moments. The best of the bunch, so far!

9/10