Pick of the Week
What did the
iFanboy
community think?
Pulls
Size: pages
Price: 3.99
This one was easy.
I’ve been a bit lukewarm on the whole Captain America Reborn thing. It’s not bad, in fact it’s really good, but it doesn’t feel like the Captain America series I fell in love with. People got very excited when they heard about Bryan Hitch doing this story with Ed Brubaker, and who can blame them? But when I heard about The Marvels Project, with Steve Epting? Now that is something I can get behind. The preview got me very excited, and as soon as I got a couple of pages past that while reading this issue, it was a no brainer.
I’m a history buff. Specifically, World War II history. Savvy readers will also know that my heart really does lie in the Marvel Universe. Combine those two with Ed Brubaker setting the scene better than anyone else at Marvel, and I am there. Let me put it this way. I’d been reading comics for hours and hours, and didn’t want to
read any more comics. But I didn’t want this issue to end. If I had all the issues, I’d have torn straight through them. What X-Men Forever is to Ron, this is to me.
The Marvels Project takes us through the early days of the Marvel Universe when humanity is just coming into contact with super powered beings. We start with a legacy character like the Two-Gun Kid, a concept that should be silly, but one that Brubaker makes work. From there, we shoot to men of power making plans that will change everything from their expensive yacht. Then we find out just exactly what made Namor so mad to join up with the Allies, in what might be my favorite Namor page in a long time. As if all that wasn’t enough, we see a wonderful depiction of The Human Torch’s introduction to the public, and how that goes wrong. Finally, we find a young Nick Fury fighting his buddies over women in a pub in England. All of these dominoes are perfectly placed and the stage is succinctly set. It’s not a new story, but it’s one that hasn’t yet been told so elegantly, and in a modern style.
I love that the Marvel world is so tied up in the machinations behind what would become World War II. Their claim, as a publisher, has always been that their world takes place in ours, or an approximation of it. Brubaker makes some excellent strides to bring this into a modern sensibility. Nations move the pieces around in anticipation of the coming conflict, with little regard for the long term consequences. They don’t know what they’re unleashing. They have no way of knowing that eventually they’re going to be visited by Galactus, and it was Roosevelt and Hitler’s fault! And while these stories may have indeed been told before, the excellent 70th Anniversary specials leading up to this issue have proven that it’s time for a reinterpretation for all the new readers.
I’ve been an Ed Brubaker fan for a long time, but there have been times when the work ebbs a bit. It’s not that it’s bad, but sometimes, you’ve just got to do the work. But when he’s completely into what he’s doing, there is simply nobody better working at Marvel Comics. That was the Ed Brubaker writing this issue, and it was so good to see.
When I looked on the credits page, and I saw the team, I knew I was in for something special. Not only was Brubaker paired with Steve Epting, his best artist on Captain America, but they’ve got the best colorist in comics, Dave Stewart, and the best letter man, Chris Eliopoulos. That is always a good sign. And in every way that Brubaker was on, these guys were too.
It’s funny, because on paper, I don’t think I should be a fan of Steve Epting. His style just isn’t my preference. But in practice, he’s a favorite of mine, and this issue was as good as the best work he’s done on Captain America. The pages have the feeling of the past, but still work in a modern comic book. The page where Namor pops out of the wave is fantastic. The combination of Epting and Stewart depicting the Torch’s burning of New York City is a thing of beauty. It’s not flashy though. No single panel screams “look at me!” but read as a whole, and experienced as a combination of words and art to form a complete story, it just works. When we talk about craft and storytelling, we’re talking about guys like Steve Epting.
After reading nearly 20 comics today, I left The Marvels Project #1 for last. I’m so pleased that this book is living up to my expectations so far. With all the hype and press announcements and special ship dates, it’s easy to become jaded and betrayed by your anticipation. So I’m very glad to report that The Marvels Project #1 delivers all the goods promised, which is certainly no mean feat.
Josh Flanagan
That is just a dumb place to store the burning robot.
josh@ifanboy.com
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Agreed. This was a fantastic issue. I haven’t finished my books yet, so I don’t know if it’s my pick. Definitely a very strong book this week though.
I was hoping for Adventure Comics to take the POTW, but I can’t complain here – Marvels Project was great. My only (admittedly minor) issue with it was that it felt like a slight retread of some of the stuff from Marvels.
I had a feeling you we’re going to really dig this. This one didn’t do much for me, it had a few cool moments, but an average book overall. Still going to follow it, and have no doubt that it’ll be worth it.
I couldn’t decide if I should get this or not this week since I already had a big week going…sounds like I should have picked it up instead of leaving it for next week when I expect to have a smaller week. Good review, I’m sold…maybe I’ll even pick it up before next Wednesday.
Couldn’t agree with you more Josh. I’ve been on a major Nick Fury high since Secret Warriors by Hickman and Bendis, and seeing his character being developed is something I’m looking forward to. Also, that image of Namor coming out of that tidal wave was totally bad ass. Epting RULES!
Wait, didn’t this come out last week? Or did it only come out in certain places last week?
Some people got it last week, but I think most got it this week.
@jstump- Yeah thats what I thought too. Damn I thought I went crazy for a moment.
It was shipped to some stores early so that they could release it on Tuesday for Marvel’s 70th anniversary, but a few stores broke the release date and put them on the stands last week. Just another confusing publicity stunt. Haven’t gotten to the LCS yet, but it looks amazing.
The point of view of the story arch was refreshing and the fact it starts out with an old dying cowboy that knew his doctor was going to become a hero is very neat. Kind of like reborn – the Two Gun Kid knew what he had to do because he had done it already. Nevertheless, the 616 in the World War II era just is begging for stories to be told in in.
Clearly this means that there should be two POWs then 😛 j/k.
Also who else caught the Steve Rogers panel? It made me happy and I agree this book was awesome, I hope this team returns to Captain America after this.
I be waiting for the trade on this one, but glad to hear that the first issue shows promise. But honestly, you can’t go wrong with that all-star line-up of creators. Can’t wait to read this.
My POTW was Blackest Night #1. It was between that and Walking Dead #64. But when you have Aquaman calling a group of great white sharks to mame a few bitches, it’s hard to not go with it. Who’s lame now!??!!? Not Aquaman, that’s for sure.
I’m only halfway through my stack for this week and all I can say is "Wow! What a week!" Some really great stuff. I had my socks blown off by Adventure Comics #1 in a (for me) oddly stealthy Geoff Johns book. It snuck it’s way into my buy pile and rewarded me handsomely.
In an unrelated matter….. is it wrong for me to ask if Josh and Geoff have had a falling out? Perhaps he did not approve of your moderating style? 😉
"Savvy readers will also know that my heart really does lie in the Marvel Universe."I’ve been a member for over a year and this is the first time i’ve thought of you as a marvel "fanboy." With that said, one more thing, the more I get into comics the more I appreciate the coloring of Dave Stewart, for once marvel made sure not to %^*# up the coloring on a premier book.
@drakedangerz was the Steve Rogers panel in the movie theatre with the news reel?
Haven’t gotten my books yet this week, but I have to say I’m a bit surprised to see this as POTW, but not shocked. It was a book I was leery to get in on, and before making my internet order this week, It was in and out of my cart four times. I think it came down to "Why not?" But this makes me feel a bit better about it. I have to admit, my POTW will most likely be a pitched battle between Adventure Comics and Blackest Night. I’m an unabashed GL fan, so I’m a sucker. But Johns got me to love Kon-El. And heck, he had me convinced Kon-El would become Superman during Infinite Crisis. Anyway… hopefully my books come sooner rather than later.
@bwhancock-what?
Fantastic read. The Marvel series of the summer if it stays this good!
@bwhancock – I think that was suppose to be directed to me. The answer is yes.
To quote M.C. Hammer — PROPER!
Great! Now we owe Hammer a nickel!
Criminally low pulls on this.
Heh. Criminally.
Hey, the Hammer NEEDS that nickel!
When I saw Josh had the pick, I figured it was this or Lockjaw! I wasn’t that enamored with ‘The Marvels Project’ — it seemed a little disjointed to me — but I’ll give it another read before the podcast and think about the points you raised in this review. Excellent article!
With a couple of glaring exceptions, this is shaping up to be a pretty great week of reading. It’s only gotten more fun as the night has gone on.
The Marvels Project has been a particularly pleasant surprise. I didn’t think it had anything new to say to me, so I opened it skeptically, but it drew me in, pulling me by the heartstrings.
Excellent review, Josh, I look forward to reading the book.
To change subject for a second. i got advanced tickets to District 9, the new movie production from Peter Jackson, and watched the film last night.
Everyone, EVERYONE on the site has to go out and watch that movie this weekend. Bloody Brilliant !
Great review josh. It was a good first issue, but I didn’t find it the best. It’s basically a MARVELS clone, to me, and I’m sure most people would disagree with that. But I just thought it was a longer version of that particular story.
Although I should ask this cause I think it’s a legit question. Should this be considered eligible for POTW? Considering it came out for a good amount of LCS’s last week. I’m not saying it can’t be the best of the week; but considering a lot of people could actually buy it last week….does it really count for this week? I’m seriously asking, cause it’s something I don’t think has ever happened before.
With Captain America: Reborn leaving me a little cold last issue, I get the feeling like maybe I backed the wrong horse.
Well it IS pick of the week, so it’s sort of a pointless question.
@josh: So your saying a book that was released last week can be eligible for pick THIS week? Thanks for clarifying.
Well, let me check with myself.
@josh: Your formidable opponent I see. I’m sure everything will be straighten out.
I thought it was a legit quesiton; but I guess no one gives a shit.
It officially comes out this week, so yes it should be eligible. I don’t even know how that’s a legit question.
@miyamotofreak: It came out last week. I don’t give a shit what diamond comics said. Guess who shipped those issues early for last week? Diamond comics. So it’s offically last week Marvels Project #1 was sold to people.
Please let it go. You made your feelings known. Move along.
I say if the "intended" release date was this week, as most early press releases said, then I don’t understand why question it as PoTW. I know most LCS’s and Diamond, Marvel, whatever, had a communications breakdown, but that doesn’t mean we should nit pick with someone who chose, or had to get their issue this week and rather enjoyed it. I’m actually glad it happened and became PoTW because I didn’t pick up last weeks comics and forgot this was coming out, because I grab mine on Thursdays, so now I know….
@TNC Marvel routinely sends shops "Preview" copies of the following week’s books. Some stores choose to sell these issues, some don’t. Doesn’t change the week they came out.
It’s POW. It’s eligible.
Case closed. We don’t need arguments about that cluttering up the thread. Thank you.
Please just drop it, this is embarassing for us all.
And am I the only one floored by the fact that Lockjaw kicked Thanos’ ass??
the reson the pulls might be low becaust it wasn’t on the list at 1st and people didn’t know it was out
Yeah, we got it on there as soon as we could.
Yeah, like I said before, I didn’t even realize it was coming out so iFanboy helped me out. Especially, if it’s sold out by tomorrow, then I’ll know to put my name down to hold a copy next week.
The idea of Epting coming back together with Ed Brubaker is tempting. I don’t know if I can hold out for a trade wait.
Lou Dobbs also feels this book is ineligable.
The PoW isn’t like an officially sanctioned election with the strictest of rules and guidelines. I mean, Ron once picked like 7 or so books! If Josh was of the mind to make the pick a pamphlet he read at the doctor’s office, he could do so and my life would in no way be in turmoil (frankly, I’d be very much amused by the commentary on it). What it comes down to is that it wasn’t in Josh’s hands last week, thereby, he who co-runs the site, can go ahead and make it the pick should he be so inclined.
I didn’t read all of this because I’m Hardcover waiting (I still can’t justify caving to the $4 an issue thing with no extra content) but I’m glad this is the pick. I know the popular one is going to be Blackest Night 2, but I’ve never read anything like that that’s the epitome of a 7/10 issue that people really want to be really excited about (and rightfully so, it’s a promising event) and call a 9 or 10/10.
Yeah, I completely agree with this as POW. I think I just have Fables left to read but I don’t see that topping this. Blackest Night got a pretty big "meh" from me this week. This was the first issue of Green Lantern Corps. I’ve bought and was pretty underwhelmed and Blackest Night proper just seemed like a solid chapter in a larger story, nothing amazing, but nothing bad by any means. I was really impressed by this book though, especially since I’ve been completely underwhelmed by Reborn. I had little expectations for this being great but it completely delivered from story to art. Probably my favorite Epting art so far, especially that Avengers panel. Way to go Marvels Project, way to go.
@Humphrey – The issue was 28 pages, that’s extra content.
@Josh… Hello, Blackest Night #2.. It’s time for a twelve step program!
The best thing about Marvel’s whole 70th Anniversary celebration – besides the Agents of Atlas 70’s variant with disco Ken Hale – has been the revitalization of importance and interest in of the Golden Age charactes/material. And this is the best way to go about it: don’t just reprint everything, but give it a modern execution and effort that it rightfully deserves.
This wasn’t my PotW since Incredible Hercules was, well, incredible, and also since this first issue more or less seems like a path we have already been on numerous times already with Namor and Torch – I loved the Nick Fury bit, though. Still, I can tell that this series, so long as it gives attention to other, lesser-known aspects of Marvel’s Golden Age, will be a great and enjoyable read.
This was a great issue, but Blackest Night #2 is better.
I thought __________ was better.
This was really a heavyweight week for comics. Pretty much everything I read was great. Very impressive. You can see how good a week it’s been just by looking at the number of books that are rating a 4 or higher – a lot more then usual. It’s really pretty cooL!
I read this last week – I think most of the UK stores got this last week.
It really is a brilliant issue. The time is right for a proper, modern and respectful, retelling of these early characters and events.
Yes, they’ve been told before. But those golden age glimpses of early Marvel do not stand up to a modern reading. This DOES. I am so pleased that Marvel are doing this series, and so pleased to this creative team.
Wow I’m sorry I brought up that this book came out early for some of us along with making the joke about there needing to be another POW. Didn’t think people would give Josh a hassle over it.
There are some amazing images in this book. Namor in the waves? Total gravitas.
My experience reading this was made all the better because I knew that as much as I was digging it, Josh and Conor were probably going bananas over it. Good stuff.
I love me some origin stories. Also my PotW.
I was so mad I couldn’t make this my POTW last week, because it has been a while since I was so impressed with a Marvel book. I think iron man has been great, and Spidey has been terrific, but this really felt like something special. Great review, Josh.
I had more pulls this week than I ever have in the past and reading those books last night gave me a newfound respect for what you guys have to do every Wednesday to get this pick up at a reasonable time. I was only able to read 6 books before passing out and you read roughly 3 times that number, wrote a solid, relatively long article about your favorite, and then got it up and hung out in the comment thread for a huge chunk of the night. I absolutely could not do what you do and still enjoy these books. I don’t know how you even keep them straight while reading such a staggering number in such a short amount of time. Thank you for putting yourself through that for us.
Can I ask a bit of a technical question? THIS IS NOT A CRITIQUE OF THE PICK: When you read a book do you take the backmatter (like the backup in Adventure Comics #1 or the letter in BN #2) into consideration when rating it or determining your pick? Just curious.
Well, guess who the jerk that made his pull list early on Monday and didn’t look back. Completely missed the boat on this one. I can only hope that the shop still has it on Wednesday. I’ll spare you the rhetoric on why I thought Adventure Comics #1 is my POTW since I didn’t even read this (not that I didn’t want to). I’ve said this before but I don’t understand how we can criticize anybody for THEIR POTW. It’s a subjective thing. Isn’t this a space for discussion about the book, not the pick?
Can’t wait to read this next week.
I think it’s funny that some shops sold this early, because I went to one of those Marvel Birthday Parties (not even at my ‘home’ store) to get the book early and the guy wouldn’t even sell it to me until 5 til 9 (the store was closing at 9!) because Marvel told him not to. I’m sure he could have sold more issues if he hadn’t waited! Oh well, he probably sold his whole stock, anyway, and I did enjoy the book. Rereading it last night, I appreciated some of the aspects Josh highlighted. It still felt a little scattered, I thought, and Angel’s narration didn’t really work for me to tie the book together, but most of the individual scenes were excellent, and I was particularly taken with the Torch story.
Amazing Spider-Man was my pick, for the MJ + Harry reunion scene (which I suppose was what I wanted and didn’t get last issue, so patience pays off sometimes). Van Lente makes the Chameleon creepy as hell, too, and I always enjoy seeing Barry Kitson’s art.
Blackest Night #2 was better. Can we get Connor to fill in when issue #3 of Blackest Night comes out.
Matthew
wow, totally missed this-sounds pretty cool tho
I bought this last week, was it supposed to come out this week?
Yes.
Wow, I did not see this pick coming.
Don’t be ridiculous, @miyamotofreak, ___________ was clearly superior to both __________ as well as Marvels Project.
I dig comic book history too, especially the stuff that I don’t know as much about. The early stuff in MARVELS is about the extent of my knowledge about this time period of the Marvel Universe. I’m looking forward to checking this out now. Thanks, Josh!
I’ll read this in paperback. See you in a year Marvels Project!
@OttoBott- Please, _________ was contrived and poorly drawn. ___________ stands head and shoulders above it, _________, and Marvels Project
OK, let’s please let that die now. We need no further provocation. Thank you.
I think the Ultimate Origins & Project Superpowers was Project Marvel months and months ago.
Red Herring #1 was POW for me, right out of nowhere!
Decidedly underwhelmed by the Marvels Project.
I love the concept of this series, as its pretty much shows the turning point of the Marvel U where superheroes start to emerge. And having it tied to the espionage elements of World War II brings it very close to home, almost grounding these supernatural elements in our reality.
I describe this issue using an analogy of a pot roast in a slow cooker. It starts out with a slow simmer, but when its all done, its going to be utterly delicious!
@Josh – I’m afraid my question may have gotten lost in the feistiness above and below it , so I will repost it here:
When you read a book do you take the backmatter (like the backup in Adventure Comics #1 or the letter in BN #2) into consideration when rating it or determining your pick? Just curious.
I asked a similar question about DC’s co-features.
Cry For Justice’s backmatter has been great.
I read all my Brubaker, except for Criminal, in trade. I need to pick up Pet Avengers at another store so I’ll probably pick this issue up as well. iFanboy MAKES me buy too many comics.
I guess it depends. I don’t always have time to read it all. Sometimes I notice something I really like, and it just adds to why I like a good. I mostly focus on the main comic book story page though, if I had to ask. Might be different for the other guys.
@Josh – Thank you. That is essentially how I approach it.
@ScorpionMasada – I agree about Cry for Justice, the backmatter there is perhaps stronger than the comic book proper. It (coupled with his excellent interview in the last video) has really improved my opinion of him (and consequently his work).
Do you think this’ll wind up being a better series than ‘Marvels’?
‘cluttering’. LOL i love it, josh. teehee.
what does ‘Review by Richard Renteria’ mean? is it a bit like an editor?
I have no idea what that means. I just noticed it. Lemme fix.
@josh: I think you should have the pick of the week each time a new issue of Blackest Night comes out. Blackest Night 2 issues, POTW 0 issues. Be your own man. Fight the power! Screw public opin… wait that includes my opinion nevermind. I thumbed through this but didn’t pick it up. If your still into Marvels Project in your futurte reviews I may get it in trade later but at this point it didn’t pique my interest.
Will Ifanboy be adding a "Pull" for Spider-Woman on Itunes next week? That is a very important question! It would be great to see how many people pull that, and the response.
In fact Spider-Woman could be the first ever POW that is a digital comic. Aug 19.
BLASPHEMY! the picks word is law, prick!
Now, see, the thing with a series of ridiculous pick of the week picks; Spider-man: The Short Halloween over Wolverine 72 or Scalped 30 over Blackest Night 1 or X-men: Forever 4 over any over book, is that i can’t really take your recommendations on anything seriously anymore. This book could be absolutely terrible or the best thing since The Watchmen. I just don’t know
Self indulgence, egocentric behaviour and nonobjectivity equals no credibility.
Sorry.
josh the fixit man!
Great another week where I can skip the first 10 minutes of the Podcast. When it should have been one of 4 other books.
Wait, what the hell was that? It was cool whatever it was. I’ll explain…
I wrote a brainless reply to ‘ntn1015’s equally brainless comment…
"BLASPHEMY! the picks word is law, prick!"
…and then submitted it, and went onto the homepage to check if it was there. It wasn’t. So I went back on the page and it didn’t load. Then I refreshed it, and BOOM! my comment was there. But get this… it was four comments ABOVE! Then I wrote this exact message, and sent it off, but it dissapeared. So now I’m rewriting it.
I’ve finally found it. A glitch in the Matrix! Now I can escape to the real world! "I’m coming Trinity…!" [SPX: Zap!]
Your self indulgence, egocentric behaviour has paid off again, excellent pick.
don’t forget nonobjectivity
I’ll try to gather my courage to go on somehow.
it’s valid point.
or you could just continue to grow increasingly snarky and bitch some more
It’s just not worth the argument or the time involved. If you’re not happy with the site, that’s your prerogative.
Just like you have the prerogative to accept or shoot down an actual valid criticism ?
It is funny how simpiler life was for the Marvel Universe was back in the early 1900’s. Half a century ago their biggest problem was Nazi’s or Communists. Now the gotta deal with supervillains, Skrulls, other aliens, a fucking thing that eats planets.
Rough.
No, I just don’t agree with you, and I don’t see the value in defending myself. I respect my own opinion enough at this point that I don’t need to justify it any more than I have.
This space is for talking about the Pick of the Week, and what other books you liked or didn’t like. If you want to rail against how terrible we are are some more, please find somewhere else to do it.
@TNC – They brought it on themselves.
@josh: Technically it’s the Fantastic Four’s fault. I mean they brought in the Skrulls, Galactus, and other aliens to Earth. So basically they should banish them from doing anything from now on.
Whenever possible, I try to blame all the worlds problems on a Richards. Usually Ron, but Reed works as well.
@drake: You just suddenly see Galactus outside your window and scream:
RICHARDS!!!!
Half of these comments read like elementary children fighting. The POTW is opinion not fact. Take your trolling garbage somewhere else fanboys.
Sorry, everyone, i should post during the stressful time at work.
Ultimately, it was just a thought. I meant no offence to anyone
shouldn’t
MAYHEM!
I’m actually pretty glad Blackest Night #2 wasn’t the pick. It just didn’t really do it for me. It was just more of the same. We already know the Black Lanterns’ modus operandi, so I was expecting to get more than a rehash of that. I’ll still never understand why so many people get bent out of shape over the POW. It’s just one dude’s opinion. If you enjoy your books less because of it, you have bigger problems than someone not picking your book.
I think the fires in New York are the first example, and a harbinger, for the disasters of Skrulls, Galactus, etc. I hope next issue we see an early version of Damage Control lobbying the city for the exclusive contract in rebuilding after this kind of thing.
This was a tough week to pick. Ultimately, I think I’m going with Ultimate Comics Spider-man. I read that opening sequence twice. It was just brilliant. And then I actually uttered "WTF?" aloud when we got to the Gwen Stacy twist. Great start to the series.
JSA vs Kobra actually really clicked for me this week. Could have been the pick. As could The Marvels Project (which was alllmost my pick). Unwritten was great, too.
And this was technically out last week (though not on the west coast), but Luke Cage Noir was totally awesome. It wasn’t mentioned on the show, so i’m guessing no one else is picking this up, but I read the first issue this week and loved it. Cage in prohibition-era Harlem. Great stuff. Highly recommended.
I for one am SOOO glad Marvel is FINALLY acknowledging their past and we are getting so much great stuff out of their golden age. Sure it wasn’t as rich as DC’s past (outside of Marvels big three) but there are some amazing characters (The Destroyer anyone?)and I am loving ALL of what they’ve done in the past year!!!! YAY!
i got my copy last week in my store…is that good?? but it was totally awesome =)
@Edward I don’t think critics or reviewers should ever lose any credibility based on reviewsunless they accept money to give a property a good or bad review. If they’re honestly telling you what book they liked more than the others then there’s nothing wrong with that. Some weeks you’re in the mood for a crime story, some weeks your in the mood for cosmic adventure. Self indulgence is part of writing reviews. If you don’t talk about why you yourself liked something then what the hell else are you going to talk about? Why someone else liked something?