Quickies

Ultimate X #2

Wow, this series keeps taking me by surprise. I haven't decided whether it's really that good, or if it's because my expectations were so low heading into it that not being terrible makes it good. Food for thought!

This issue introduces the second character of team Ultimate X, Karen Page. Her introduction is far darker than Jimmy Hudson's. It's riddled with tragedy, you really feel for Karen as you learn more about her life as a mutant in hiding. Towards the end of the story, a couple of familiar faces show up and cause what was foreshadowed on the cover of this issue. It's an intense moment where you really get to see what Karen can do with her mutant powers. It's pretty awesome.

If you've been weary of giving this title a shot, I recommend that you do. It's taken me by surprise, and I'm loving it so far. Oh! I'll leave you with this. Karen Page is not her real name! Read it and find out, it's cool!

Star Wars: Purge

I love stories where you get to see Darth Vader be a bad ass. That's why I liked this issue!

Set between episodes 3 and 4 of the movie series, we find Darth Vader overseeing the construction of the first imperial walkers. Occasionally he is drawn to battle outside of the factory, where he quickly dispatches the rebels. Vader's frustration is growing, as he senses a Jedi in the distance of this planet. Despite the Emperor's warnings to not pursue the Jedi, Vader takes off to find him. What follows after that is a cool, but tragic, result that typically happens to Vader.

If you're a fan of Star Wars, then you should pick this one up. The art is great and the story is awesome. Also, it has giant monsters in it. You can't go wrong!

Spider-Man: Fever #1

First off, I loved this issue because Spider-Man is in it. Second, it has Dr. Strange in it, which makes it doubly awesome. Third, Brendan McCarthy makes this look like a beautiful acid trip and that makes it triplely awesome! Triplely is not a word guys, I just made it up!

The story involves Dr. Strange opening an ancient book he shouldn't have. This is a pretty common thing for Dr. Strange. It releases some magical energy, which then opens a gate that allows some ancient spider creatures to enter our world. Naturally, Spider-Man gets caught up in this mess and well...it's a trip and a half. I can't put Mr. McCarthy's art into words, while doing it justice. You need to hold this book in your hands and experience it for yourself.

This book has a cool story, awesome art, and features Spider-Man. What more could you ask for? Also, it's a lot cheaper than buying the drugs necessary for you to see ancient spider deities. That's me just saving you money right there.

Thor and the Warriors Four #1

It's no mystery that we love books like Tiny Titans and Lockjaw and the Pet Avengers at Coast City. With that being said, it didn't surprise me that I really enjoyed this issue.

The issue starts off with the kids from Power Pack finding out that their Grandmother is dying. Yikes! That's a bumout. Luckily for them, they live in the Marvel Universe. Where things like Asgard and apples that cure all diseases are. The gang sets out to find Thor, but instead finds Lockjaw and the Pet Avengers (yay!). This is great for them as Frog Thor, who is Asgardian, is on that team. He agrees to help them out, and shenanigans ensue from there.

I can't speak highly enough of the fact that there is a character called Frog Thor. He's Thor, but a frog...it's flippin' genius! I hope someone in the Marvel offices got a bonus for this guy being created.

Seriously though, this book is a lot of fun. It's actually something you can read with your kids, if you have them that is. I don't have kids and I still liked it though...I guess it's just enjoyable for everyone. Just read it already, it has Frog Thor in it!