Here are today's Guest Reviews by John McCubbin from Imagination Centre for Marvel's; X-Men: Battle of the Atom #1, All-New X-Men #16, Infinity #2, and Iron Man #15. I have also added my rating after each review. If you have any questions about my rating or want to discuss anything just leave me a comment.
X-Men: Battle of the Atom #1 - Battle of the Atom Chapter 1
The past, present and future of the X-Men collide in this 50th Anniversary event crossover! When investigating a new mutant, something truly horrible happens to the All-New X-Men that shakes time and space to its core. This is so dire that X-Men come from THE FUTURE with a message: THE ALL-NEW X-MEN MUST RETURN TO THE PAST!
The ten-part crossover starts here with superstars BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS and FRANK CHO!
Preview
When Sentinels Attack
Finally Battle of the Atom is here, and we are lucky enough to have both part one, and two out in the same week, with All-New X-Men #16 being the second part. I for one have been looking forward to this for a long time, and am glad that it's finally here.
Plot
After finding a powerful new mutant on Cerebro, Kitty Pryde takes the younger X-Men to help recruit her.
Review
This was a fantastic issue, and a phenomenal start to this event. Brian Michael Bendis did a brilliant job of kick starting this event, showing just why most X-Men events are good. The way he made this fun, yet exciting, and dramatic was brilliant, which was truly amazing. The action in this issue was also outstanding, being very explosive, and exciting, adding a lot of energy to the issue. I also loved how due to this it quickly got into the classic X-Men tone, by putting the characters in a dangerous situation that they utilise to have fun. I also loved the dialogue in this issue, as it was very dynamic, and entertaining, adding to the tone of the issue.
The art in this issue was also amazing, as although there was the odd imperfection here, and there, it was overall brilliant, and Frank Cho did a fantastic job. The detail for the most part was outstanding, standing out beautifully, being very vibrant. I also loved the layout from Cho, as it was very dynamic, also adding to the tone and atmosphere of the issue. The action, and emotion in this issue was also perfectly handled by Cho, with the action being very exciting, and entertaining, and the emotion adding to the drama, and depth of the issue. This issue would also have some art help by Stuart Immonen, and although I usually love his art, I don't feel it helped this issue, as his style is much different to Cho's.
My Rating
Cover & Solicit - 3/5
Art, Colors & Inking - 5/5
Layout & Flow - 5/5
Story - 5/5
Verdict - 4.7 - (Buy X-Men: Battle of the Atom #1) SAVE 10%
All-New X-Men #16 - Battle of the Atom Chapter 2
BATTLE OF THE ATOM PART 2!
Wolverine vs. Future X-Men!
Young Scott Summers and Jean Grey run away to stay in the present day!
Preview
Time Travel and it's Consequences
We aren't just lucky enough for Battle of the Atom to have started, but we get two parts in one week, as following X-Men: Battle of the Atom #1 this is the second part in the storyline that I personally have been looking forward to for quite a while.
Plot
Following Cyclops' near death experience a team of future X-Men come back to warn the X-Men of the consequences should the younger X-Men stay.
Review
This was a brilliant issue, and although not quite on par with the first part, it was still extremely enjoyable, and very interesting. Brian Michael Bendis is certainly on a role, as given his last issue of Uncanny X-Men was slightly mediocre I was hoping that it wouldn't flow into Battle of the Atom, which it hasn't, with Bendis bouncing back brilliantly. The dialogue in this issue was simply amazing, and with the issue being mostly all talk, with little action it needed to be. Besides that Bendis managed to add a lot of atmosphere to the issue, with there being some light humor, and excitement as well. I was however not overly happy with him repeating parts, but that wasn't a huge deal, and was probably needed.
Stuart Immonen did a fantastic job of the art on this issue, as although it's not the best work that I've ever seen from him it was still amazing. The detail was however slightly inconsistent, as although most of the issue was very highly detailed, there were a few imperfections throughout, and especially near the start of the issue. His layouts were however as usual perfect, adding a lot of depth to the issue, as well as helping the story to flow smoother. I also felt that Immonen's art was very dynamic, helping create a brilliant atmosphere for the issue. I also loved how Immonen handled the characters emotions, as with the lack of action it was really needed, and Immonen didn't disappoint.
Read the rest of John McCubin's Review on Imagination Centre
My Rating
Cover & Solicit - 4/5
Art, Colors & Inking - 5/5
Layout & Flow - 5/5
Story - 5/5
Verdict - 4.9 - (Buy All-New X-Men #16) SAVE 10%
Infinity #2 - Fall
The Inhumans pay the tribute.
Victory in deep space.
The secrets of Thanos.
Preview
Thanos' Demands
So far Infinity has been amazing, but theAvengers, and New Avengerstie-ins has been what's stolen the show so far, being extremely entertaining, as well as developing the story in a perfect, but subtle way. Now Infinity continues and hopefully this is shaping up to be the Marvel event we deserve.
Plot
Following Thanos invasion of Earth, Corvus Glaive heads to Attilan in search of the remaining Infinity Gem. Meanwhile the Avengers continue their fight against the Builders.
Review
This was an amazing issue, and although it wasn't quite as good as the first issue, being slightly disappointing considering the phenomenal Avengers/ New Avengers tie-in issues, overall this was a very good issue, and a terrific continuation of the storyline. Jonathan Hickman has done a great job of allowing this storyline to flow throughout the three series' he works on whilst allowing them to re-root back to this issue, meaning that people who don't get the Avengers and New Avengers won't miss much, also adding a quick recap of both issues to help with that. The drama, and suspense in this issue was also outstanding, and Hickman has added the right tone to this story, also being exciting, and entertaining.
The art on this issue was divided between Jerome Opeña, and Dustin Weaver, both who have worked on the Avengers series prior. I have to say that although I love both artists work I have to give the edge to Opeña as his art is simply phenomenal. Weaver did however do a brilliant job as well, with both artists artwork being very highly detailed. I especially loved the emotion that both artists added to the characters, as it really allowed the story to come alive, and given the drastic events so far, this is really needed. The action was also handled perfectly by both artists, being very explosive, and exciting. I also loved the colouring from Justin Ponsor, and feel that it helps keep the same tone to the story.
My Rating
Cover & Solicit - 3/5
Art, Colors & Inking - 3/5
Layout & Flow - 3/5
Story - 4/5
Verdict - 3.4 - (Buy Infinity #2) SAVE 10%
Iron Man #15 - The Secret Origin of Tony Stark: The Best Offense Part Three
MORE MIND-BLOWING REVELATIONS AS "THE SECRET ORIGIN OF TONY STARK" CONTINUES!
451 VS TONY STARK. The final battle.
451 VS TONY STARK. The final team-up.
And then it ALL goes wrong.
Preview
Iron Man vs. 451
Overall this series has been fairly poor, as although it's had a few good moments, with the last issue being a considerable improvement, it all seems too little too late. There however is still hope in for the series, and if Kieron Gillen can do the same kind of stories he was prior to Marvel NOW!, now he can turn this series around easily.
Plot
Iron Man (Tony Start) is finally rid of 451's control, but now he has to try and stop the Godkiller from destroying the Earth.
Review
This was a brilliant issue, and quite possibly the best issue that the series has seen, let alone the story. This issue showed exactly what kind of comics Kieron Gillen can produce when he wants to, and following the fantastic last issue there may be hope for this series after all. I really enjoyed the energy that Gillen added to this issue, as most of this story has been extremely dull, having a very slow pace. I also loved the excitement in this issue, and how Gillen managed to get extremely creative, showing Tony in his glory with all the tech around him. This issue would also have some emotion to it, as well as plenty of suspense, and drama, and if Gillen keeps this up throughout the remainder of this story I may keep getting it.
The art in this issue was also the best of the series, as although both Greg Land, and Dale Eaglesham have done amazing work, Carlo Pagulayan's art on this issue was out of this world. The detail in Pagulayan's art is simply wonderful, and the fact that he has a slightly similar style to Land helps keep a bit of continuity to the series. I also felt that Pagulayan's layouts were very dynamic, adding a lot of depth to the issue. I also loved how Pagulayan handled Tony's emotions in this issue as it really helped make the story feel more alive, and realistic. The best part of Pagulayan's art however had to be the action, and the suits of armour, which looked phenomenal, adding a lot of excitement.
My Rating
Cover & Solicit - 3/5
Art, Colors & Inking - 4/5
Layout & Flow - 4/5
Story - 4/5
Verdict - 3.9 - (Buy Iron Man #15) SAVE 10%
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