All-New X-Men #13
Rating: ★★★★★
Thoughts: So far, I’ve been enjoying Brian Michael Bendis’ All-New X-Men, even though the first twelve issues of the series have been fairly hit and miss. However, although I wasn’t particularly anticipating this issue, #13 of All-New X-Men is easily the best issue of the series so far. #13 finds the X-Men bringing the fight to Mystique and her team of mutants, whose goals are finally revealed in this issue. For an issue that wasn’t the most action-packed, #13 still has a lot going on, and includes a lot of twists and turns even in its first few pages (the first double page spread alone is pretty damn shocking!). Surprisingly, this issue also delivered its share of heartfelt moments, including a moving speech from Kitty Pride regarding Alex Summers and the infamous m-word, as well as some hilarious character moments that had me laughing out loud. Things took a very interesting turn here. Bendis has done a better job of giving each of the characters in this book an identity and personality than ever before, and thanks to that All-New X-Men has become the best X-Men title on shelves now. It’s also down to the fact that Stuart Immonen’s artwork is only getting better, and Bendis’ writing is more exciting and flows better than ever. I haven’t been more excited for the next issue of All-New X-Men yet, but Bendis really pulled out all the stops here, and I can’t wait to see where the events of this issue lead.
Young Avengers #6
Rating: ★★★★1/2
Thoughts: Being one of my favourite series, I was looking forward to seeing two new characters join the already all-star line-up of Young Avengers, and this issue far from disappointed. If anything, #6 hugely surpassed my expectations, going above and beyond the call of duty to make these characters lovable and exciting to us readers whilst also introducing a new threat to them and the whole team in the form of a sinister new villain whose identity is still a mystery. Like past issues, #6 was packed with fun and comedy, but took a surprisingly dark turn towards the end, which certainly grabbed me and made me immediately want to find out what happens next. The issue ends on a cliff hanger, that’s for sure, and it’s likely we’ll see the issues here resolved in upcoming issues of Young Avengers when the team decide to open their ranks to heroes such as Speed and Prodigy as they embark on a new adventure. As a duo, Gillen and Kate Brown (guest artist for #6) are able to establish each characters moods and personalities within just a few panels – proving that they are perfect for this book. Although I’m a big fan of Jamie McKelvie’s work on the series, Kate Brown certainly did an excellent job capturing everything that’s loved about Young Avengers in this issue and using it to (re)introduce some new characters to their world. Overall, this issue was everything I’d hoped for and more providing the usual mix of humour and drama and, although it lacks action, set the stage for what is sure to be an action-packed new story arc to follow.
Guardians of the Galaxy #4
Rating: ★★★★
Thoughts: So far, Guardians of the Galaxy has been one of the best comics to come out of Marvel NOW! The first three issues were an action-packed rollercoaster ride that established the characters on the team as well as the threat they faced and wrapped up the first epic story arc of hopefully many to come. #4 acts as the aftermath to the Guardians’ first epic space adventure as well as setting up the next story arc. Bendis does a good job of wrapping things up here, as well as introducing some new sub-plots into the mix and allowing us to get to know the characters a lot better, all without letting this one issue feel like an in-between. There’s very little to complain about here; Bendis’ introduces drama and intrigue and turns this simple story arc into so much more. And although I missed McNiven’s artwork, Pichelli does a great job of filling his shoes. Although her art can feel a little bit too cartoonish at times, it makes the comic feel a lot more fun – which is how it should be for this more light-hearted issue. The adventure continues in this exciting issue that, although lacks the momentum of previous issues, gives us a more in depth look at the individual characters of the team and sets up what should make up for an exciting bunch of issues to come.
Hawkeye #11
Rating: ★★★★★
Thoughts: As a huge fan of Matt Fraction’s Hawkeye, I was eagerly anticipating this issue that would continue the murder-mystery of The Clown and would, according to Fraction and Aja, take place entirely from the perspective of Pizza Dog – and they did not lie. In #11, Fraction and Aja deliver one of the most exceptional, unseen reads that brings more to the table than I’ve seen a comic do in a long time. By sticking to their guns and going ahead with what had the potential to be a complete failure, Fraction and Aja instead deliver one of the most interesting and exciting reads of 2013. Not only have they found ingenious ways of telling their story from a whole new perspective through unheard of panel designs and layouts, but they’ve also continued to build up this mystery whilst also mixing the perfect blend of humour and genuine fun. I’ve said in the past how much I love Hawkeye, but it’s truly difficult to do this comic justice. As an aspiring comic book writer, this issue was inspirational and truly eye-opening, proving that risk-taking and just not being afraid to try something new can, in the case of Pizza Dog, payoff big time. Overall, this issue was a breath of fresh air. The first of (hopefully many!) Pizza Dog’s adventures did a fantastic job of building suspense and intrigue in Hawkeye’s latest arc. It also allows us to partly shy away from the recent dark direction that the series has taken to provide some more humours moments whilst maintain the threat of the series’ new antagonist: The Clown. Right now, I’m looking forward to seeing how Hawkeye’s encounter with this new villain concludes, and what it will mean for the future of the series. But in time, I would certainly love to see another adventure of Lucky, the Pizza Dog!