Master of Kung Fu Volume Two Issue 3

Posted by John Klein III on March 5, 2016
Posted in: Reviews. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Master of Kung Fu V2 3

Writer Haden Blackman

Penciler Dalibor Talajic

Inker Goran Sudzuka

Colorist Miroslav Mrva

Letterer Travis Lanham

The issue opens with another flashback to the beginning days of K’un Lun.  The Iron Fist school was the first.  Quan Yaoiu was the first Iron Fist, the school was always the first, at everything – realizing that the war will ruin the region and the first to win the Thirteen Chambers.  Danny Rand, the current Iron Fist, knows that Zheng Zu had Shang Chi murder Lord Tuan.  Rand wants to defeat Zu, in the Thirteen Chambers, so that he can be the emperor – then Shang Chi would have no place to hide.

Zheng Zu opens the doors and addresses his people.  Today is the day of the Thirteen Chambers tournament, apparently it is only suppose to last one day.  The other masters of the schools are – Wise T’Challa of the Panther Clan / Brave Ava of the House of the Jade Tiger / Savage Lord Namor from the Halls of Atlantis / Mysterious Drew of the Spider Cult / Unyielding Karnak of the House of the Terrigen Mists / Noble Creed of the Tooth and Claw / Shattered Spector of the Faces of the Moon / Most Deadly Lady Mandarin of the School of Spirit Blades / Loyal Red Sai of the Red Hand and Rand-K’ai of the Iron Fist.

If Zu wins this day, he will be the first emperor to rule K’un Lun for one hundred years.

Master of Kung Fu V2 3 Lock 1

Like a pimp, Shang Chi arrives, claiming he is the Master of the Lowest Caste.  Rand is not thrilled by this and Zu is surprised.

Master of Kung Fu V2 3 Lock 2

Shang Chi states, according to ancient rule, he is allowed to participate as he has a school and students.  Zu has to allow his son to enter the tournament.

Master of Kung Fu V2 3 Lock 3

Zu dictates who Shang Chi’s opponents will be.  Zu raises the stakes, once he defeats his son, he will kill all of his students!  So we need Shang Chi to win (or at least Zu, to not win) so that Kitten and Lock survive!  Rand looks forever to facing Shang Chi in the tournament.

Zu raises his hand and a giant statue comes out of the ground.  Everyone enters through the giant mouth of the head and. IT. IS. ON!

For a seqeunce that this series has been leading up to, for three issues, this does not disappoint!

Master of Kung Fu V2 3 Kitten 1

Shang Chi feels that Kitten has been following him, and asks her to come out of the shadows.  There are no rules to observers, but none survive – which I’m super curious why that is.  The issue doesn’t explain that but the battles are pretty intense, so I imagine that it is due to either debris falling on the audience or bodies being thrown into them.  Shang Chi explains that no one really knows how the Thirteen Chambers, really work or how they came to be.  It changes every year.

Master of Kung Fu V2 3 Kitten 2

Round One!  Namor v Shang Chi!

Master of Kung Fu V2 3 Kitten 3

Namor gets the early advantage in the fight, as he can breath under water.

Master of Kung Fu V2 3 Kitten 4

Since Namor can breath underwater, that means his lungs are making that possible.  Shang Chi has the ability, the Mortal Blade, to turn his hand into a blade (get it?) and he punctures both lungs of Namor’s.

I like how the tournament doesn’t require the deaths of the masters, that way, they can get better and stronger AND there isn’t a new one every year.

Master of Kung Fu V2 3 Kitten 5

We get a montage of the other fights.  Which is disappointing, only in that I was expecting maybe two issues dedicated to the tournament.

Shang Chi defeats several masters – the Spider Clan person, Karnak, White Tiger, Lady Mandarin (maybe?), Moon Knight, maybe Sabretooth (who wanted to fight Iron Fist first, which has to be a reference to his first appearance being in Iron Fist, right?) and Black Panther.  Black Panther reveals that he has fought in more tournaments than any other great master – which I had to reread twice as I was thinking how he could have fought more than Zu but he is the Emperor and not a mere master.

Shang Chi isn’t fueled by desire of power, he just wants to unseat his father.  No one else can do it, but him.

Master of Kung Fu V2 3 Kitten 6

I wish we got more of the Black Panther fight, besides the two panels, as Shang Chi tells Kitten that T’Challa ruptured something of his.  Shang Chi has nothing else left, in the tank.

Of course, the issue ends, with his next opponent revealed . . . IRON FIST! dun Dun DUN!

I like how Iron Fist promises to make this, not quick.  This series keeps getting better!

X-Men Apocalypse – Super Bowl 50 Trailer

Posted by John Klein III on March 4, 2016
Posted in: Fun With YouTube. Tagged: , . Leave a comment

Thanks to 20th Century Fox for hosting this video!

So glad the Broncos won, that made my mother-in-law very happy!

This wasn’t a bad trailer, it felt short at 30 seconds but YouTube states it is 44 seconds, but it moved so fast!  Also, nothing new was really shown, as far as I could see.

New was the nuclear missiles firing.

I really do wish Iceman could be in this film.

Olivia Munn Psylocke Super Bowl 50 Trailer

Psylocke slicing through a truck was bad arse!  Olivia Munn wants her own solo film so bad and I want it too!

I don’t think I realized that this was coming out Memorial Day weekend.

My wife asked me if I knew who Storm’s actress was.  She’s Alexandra Shipp but I don’t recognize her from anything.  She was in an episode of Switched at Birth, so that’s where my wife probably recognized her from.  She is also in Straight Outta Compton, a film I still need to watch.  Yet another reason to do so.

The ad was only 30 seconds with 13 seconds added for the other links and such.

Not to shabby.

Someone asked me if Hugh Jackman was in this and as far as I could tell, he isn’t but that seems like a shame as he’s in every single one of these X-Films but we have to start getting use to him not being there and we might as well start with this film.  I can see him in the post-credit scene setting up Wolverine 3 but they barely finished the script for that film, so it is too late to tack it on now.  Though he could just be doing some random activity and it would count as being in the film.

Inferno 3

Posted by John Klein III on March 3, 2016
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Inferno 3

Writer Dennis Hopeless

Art Javier Garron

Colors Chris Sotomayor

Letters VC’s Joe Sabino

Limbo.  Illyana’s Lair.  Colossus, finally at the spot where he failed a year ago – stands before Illyana’s black onyx door.

There is an ad for the Powers Season 1 BluRay, now I can watch that show!  I do like how Michael Avon Oeming’s name comes before Brian Michael Bendis’, that is a nice touch.

The problem is that Darkchild is not at home.  Madelyne Prior is also surprised that Darkchild is not sitting on her throne but she doesn’t care.  The empty seat is ripe for the taking, and that’s all Maddie wanted.

Colossus and Domino share a moment, he is worried about their limited time in Limbo.  Domino is whispering but that is pointless as Maddie has telepathic powers.  Maddie can see what Darkchild is up to.

Inferno 3 Darkchild 1

X-Headquarters.  Unfortunately, Darkchild is about to switch targets in this war.

Scott shits himself, as the demons and their leader, are right outside his door.

Colossus wants to take everyone home to fight off his sister’s army.  Havok and Maddie (and the others) laugh at the idiot.  There is a giant forcefield that is keeping everyone inside Limbo.  Darkchild and her army are no longer stuck, as they can use Nightcrawler, who is soulless now and being ridden like He-Man’s Battlecat.  Colossus is sadden over Kurt’s current state.

Pryor tries to draw attention to the bright side of this.  She is the new Queen of Limbo and Colossus got his evil sister, out of Limbo.  Maddie implies that Darkchild was all powerful in Limbo, but out there, she is limited in her resources.

Inferno 3 Shadowcat

See an inch below Banshee?  That’s Shadowcat, taking names!

Jean, who apparently didn’t die in the first issue, refers to the Nightcrawler themed creature as, Bamf Dragon.  She reads its mind and realizes that it is Nightcrawler.  This information stuns Scott.

Inferno 3 Magik 2

Darkchild makes short work of both Captain Britain and Rogue.  I sort of love this Illyana, completely free of her good side and playing for keeps.

Inferno 3 Darkchild 3

Scott calls his X-Men, to him.  They must keep the forcefield up or the entire city will be destroyed.  The magic crew – Brother Voodoo, Forge, Nico, Vision and Broo come onto the scene.  Scott isn’t happy as they are needed to keep the magical forces at bay.  Forge claims that Beast and Doctor Strange can hold the forcefield together.  That is when Scott realizes that Darkchild is not on the battlefield.  With the protection spells, in place, Illyana can’t teleport into the building.

Inferno 3 Darkchild v Beast and Doctor Strange

Beast and Doctor Strange are taken by surprised when Darkchild, riding Nightcrawler, comes into their room.

Domino has a quick chat with Colossus.  She tries to finally get him to recognize that his sister is lost.  Colossus has to realize that their fight is over.  They kiss, as that’s all that they really can do.

Maddie calls the lovers’ attention to outside, as the forcefield crumbles.

Inferno 3 Darkchild 4

Scott can’t believe that Darkchild has allowed this to happen.  He asks her, foolishly, what is she doing.  Her response is so awesome – I’ve won.  Next issue is going to be intense!

Meanwhile, the issue ends with the reveal that Mister Sinister is the puppet master.  It makes sense that he will show up, in this series, as he is the only player from the original crossover that hasn’t appeared yet.

Uncanny X-Cast 176

Posted by John Klein III on March 2, 2016
Posted in: Fun With YouTube, Podcasts, Songs, Websites. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

http://www.uncannyxcast.com/main/2016/2/16/episode-176-the-return-of-sunfire.html

Rob and Brian aired my ninth voicemail!  Mine airs and the discussion from 21:22 – 23:34.  This one is about how sad I was about Alan Rickman dying and not caring for the finale of Secret Wars 2015.

The guy did segue the voicemail into a discussion of Love Actually, a film that I only watched because of how the guys enjoyed it.  It really is quite good.  I would still rank Die Hard over it, for better Christmas movie.

The guys did hip us to this awesome YouTube video –

Lila Cheney featuring Dazzler& The New Mutants – I Will Steal Your Heart

Thanks to Greasy Pig Studios for hosting the video.

Crazy how dedicated to the New Mutants this video is.  I like Josephine Hies as Magik,

Giant Size Little Marvel AvX 2

Posted by John Klein III on March 1, 2016
Posted in: Reviews. Tagged: , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Giant Size Little Marvel AvX 2

Words and Art Skottie Young

Colors Jean-Francois Beaulieu

Letters Jeff Eckleberry

The issue opens with another theme song.

Giant Size Little Marvel AvX 2 Magik 1

The kids are about to pick sides, for dodgeball.  The team captains are Captain America and Cyclops.  Cyclops keeps the eye puns going but Cap gets to choose first.

Giant Size Little Marvel AvX 2 Magik 2

Once the sides are chosen, Cap announces that it looks like it will be Avengers v X-Men.  I love Storm’s sarcastic comment about how picking players was pointless.  Captain America is taken out first, and cheaply.

Iron Man tries to gets Cyclops out, but he optic blasts the ball away.  Hawkeye throws a dodgeball arrow, and they smashes his visor and Cyclops starts blasting dudes.   Iceman, seeing that non-regulation dodgeballs are allowed, starts making ice-dodgeballs.  The first one sends Hawkeye througha  wall.  Now that the rules have been broken, Black Widow declares it is war, now.

Giant Size Little Marvel AvX 2 Magik 3

I like how the rivalry of Magik and Iron Man, is continued.  Colossus is throwing balls at Captain America, and one of those ricochets back to Iceman’s face.  Hulk gets five balls, successfully, thrown at him.  I’m not quite sure where Rogue is throwing a ball towards.

Giant Size Little Marvel AvX 2 Magik 4

The recess bell rings and Colossus is laid out.  I adore that the Daredevil is blind running gag continues.  Colossus threatens to deal with Captain America, after school.  Xavier, their teacher, introduces the new students, the twins.

The twins’ names are – Zachary & Zoe, which I don’t believe are known characters.  The students get to ask a few questions.  Cyclops wants to know if they are mutants, they are not.  Captain America asks if they have ever been lost in time, but they are not.  Spider-Man asks if they have ever been bitten by an insect or animal, they have not.  Arcade gets a ‘yes’ out of them, as they do enjoy playing video games BUT they are not interested in playing a game titled, Murderworld.  Which makes sense.

Giant Size Little Marvel AvX 2 Magik 5

The final bell rings, and Xavier reminds them of their homework – five pages on the Kree-Skrull War, also this is Friday so the rest of the series could take place over the weekend.  I like that we get to see that the villains go to this school too, but the ‘heroes’ are so distracted with each other.

Cyclops and Iron Man, both, invite the twins to their respected secret clubhouses.  Captain America tries to entice them with free A-Phones.  Cyclops offers Bamfs, but Nightcrawler objects to this.

Later.  Venom goes home, Doctor Strange goes home.  Ghost Rider tells his parents that Xavier told him to not exact vengeance, during social studies.  Beast’s mother wants him to take a bath but he’s too busy trying to ruin interdimensional space.  Namor is feeding his pet fish.  Uatu the Watcher would like his father to quit watching him, as he sleeps – which is my favorite of these gags.

The Next Day.  The X-Men and Avengers Secret Clubhouses are about ten feet from each other, both up in trees.  Cyclops is having Storm and Rogue put out a Welcome banner.  Iron Man and Black Widow make fun of the pre-school craft project.  Black Widow goes as far as to say that she is surprised that macaroni wasn’t used.  Just then, the terrible Colossus, shows up with craft supplies – including macaroni, which embarrasses Cyclops.

Giant Size Little Marvel AvX 2 Magik 6

Iron Man shows off the Avengers fancy Welcome screen.  Cyclops goes for a low blow and attacks Iron Man’s father for being rich and that’s why the Avengers can afford all of these bells and whistles.

Zachary and Zoe, having different directions, realize that they are heading in the same location.  There is a giant explosion and they look over the hill to see what is happening.  Which is a giant battle, with explosions all around.  Cyclops and Iron Man are fighting each other, Angel is flying after Falcon.

Issue ends with Wanda taking out Cable.

The third issue cover has a fight cloud and we see Illyana’s soulsword so I will be buying that issue – for sure.

Ultimate Spider-Man 94

Posted by John Klein III on February 29, 2016
Posted in: Reviews. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Ultimate Spider-Man 94

Writer Brian Michael Bendis

Penciler Mark Bagley

Inkers John Dell with Mark McKenna

Colorist Justin Ponsor

Letterer VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Dated July 2006

Deadpool, Part Four of Four

Like Part One, Kitty is on nearly every page, except three of them.  I’ll have to decide which images to go with.  Most likely, I’ll just choose the ones that have both Shadowcat and Deadpool on the page.  Which would take me from 17 to 11, so that’s pretty decent.

Ultimate Spider-Man 94 Shadowcat 01

Beezer gives us a quick recap of what has been happening.  I do like how they keep repeating that Spider-Man is the guest-star of the adventure, even though we know that it is actually his comic book series.

Deadpool, as Xavier, is pleading for his students to escape.  The X-Men are quick to try to get answers from Xavier.  Spider-Man, the only who without a stake in the reveal, just punches Xavier’s face.

Ultimate Spider-Man 94 Shadowcat 02

Shadowcat and Storm start shouting at Spider-Man.  He knows that it is the shapeshifter.  The X-Men, so blinded by loyalty, can’t fathom the idea.

Xavierpool starts shooting at the X-Men.

Beezer cuts to Executive Producer Mojo, who is torturing Xavier.  Xavier has those Clockwork Orange eye thingies that keeps eyes open, all the time.  He’s also naked – which seems a tad aggressive.  Once the X-Men are dead, Mojo is going to lobotomized Xavier, on live television.

Ultimate Spider-Man 94 Shadowcat 04

Spider-Man is still trying to explain why he punched Xavierpool.  Colossus, weakly, tries to explain that they are exhausted and that’s why they were so quick to believe.

Deadpool is giving a motivational speech to the Reavers.  He wants to kill Spider-Man, as they didn’t plan on him being here and that’s why they are losing so much.

Ultimate Spider-Man 94 Shadowcat 05

Beezer tells Deadpool that the heroes are on their way, back to the mansion.  Storm wants to get to the studio, as once the broadcast ends, surely the villains would stop their attack.

Cruise has Spider-Man in his sights and fires.  Spider-Man goes down, with his head in flames.  Not really sure how he survives that hit.  The best part, is that Shadowcat gets so mad and does something she should have done in the previous issue.  She starts running through Reavers, causing them to short circuit.  She probably didn’t do it, earlier, due to it could have killed them.

Ultimate Spider-Man 94 Shadowcat 07

Shadowcat leads the X-Men on an attack, they must be on their third wind.  While Shadowcat is explaining her mutant power to the Reavers (for some reason), Deadpool shoots her in the back.

Ultimate Spider-Man 94 Shadowcat 08

Nightcrawler jumps on Deadpool’s back and places a bomb on him.  Amazingly, the bomb actually goes off and Deadpool drops to his knees.

Angel swoops in, grabs Deadpool and takes to the sky.  Deadpool makes the classic mistake of telling Angel to “let go.”  So Angel does, as that is the rule.  Deadpool lands on his back.  Once he gets to his feet, Spider-Man punches him back to the ground.

Ultimate Spider-Man 94 Shadowcat 09

Spider-Man, realizing that he should be dead from that sniper shot, cuts loose on Deadpool.  Spider-Man is somewhat impressed that Deadpool isn’t staying down.  Spider-Man takes off his mask again.

Ultimate Spider-Man 94 Shadowcat 10

This time, we see Deadpool’s actual face.  Well, what is left of it anyway.  He has clearly given up more of his body than we were lead to believe.  In the heroes’ moment of shock, Deadpool keeps firing his guns.

Ultimate Spider-Man 94 Shadowcat 11

Deadpool is holding his own against Spider-Man.  Shadowcat asks Colossus to throw her, I’m not sure if the fastball special has been given a name or been performed in the Ultimate Universe.  If it has, I’m sure she would have just said the term.  I’ll have to pay attention to that.

Deadpool has both guns to Spider-Man’s head when Shadowcat phases through Deadpool’s chest.

Ultimate Spider-Man 94 Shadowcat 12

Since Ultimate Deadpool must be 85% machine, he haywires like crazy!  Not only that, but he explodes in front of the young couple.  Shadowcat had the presence of mind to grab Spider-Man’s hand and phase them.

There is a full page ad for MC2’s Last Planet Standing.  I wish that line had a better chance but those Spider-Girl fans gave it their best shot.  I still wish we got to see what Kitty was up in, in that future timeline, but the X-People never really got much play there.

The Reavers are motivated to kill the X-Men, in Deadpool’s memory.  Before they can take a step, Cyclops blasts in front of them and they stop.

There is a full page ad for X-Men Fairy Tales, which should have been better.  I read it but no references to Kitty so I didn’t keep any of those issues.

The heroes siege the studio.  Beezer asks the authorities to help save them from the mutant terrorists.  Jean Grey asks the authorities to help shut the island down.

Shadowcat turns to the camera, as people are clearly allowed to do that now and says “hey kids, if you’re watching this at home.  Watching this televised hate crime.  You’re the reason your life sucks, not us.  Sit in the dark and think about that.”  Which is pure awesomeness!  With that, the broadcast is over.

Mojo wants the soldier’s gun but the solider isn’t moving.  Xavier’s collar comes off and he has words with Mojo.

The X-Men turn a corner and see Xavier rolling up on them.  He has found a blanket to cover his body.  Xavier thinks Mr. Parker for coming to their aid.  If he wasn’t there, the X-Men probably would have been dead.  Xavier will fly Peter home.  Peter would like to move in with them, as his aunt is going to kick him out of the house.  Xavier smiles at this, as it is such a good idea.  Where is that Ultimate What If. . . ? story!

Ultimate Spider-Man 94 Shadowcat 17

The X-Plane flies off, as we see Deadpool is sttill standing.

Kitty is just exhausted by all of the hate that surrounds her.

Back at the Parker House.  Peter, who has a sweet new X-Shirt, is going to explain to Aunt May that he is Spider-Man  He’s been missing for a full day and he can’t hide this secret anymore.  Kitty, being the excellent girlfriend that she is, will stay with Peter as he reveals his secret.  He tries to fight her on this but it just makes sense.

Ultimate Spider-Man 94 Shadowcat 19

They open the door and the house is empty.  They worry that Aunt May is out looking for Peter.  Aunt May did leave a voicemail, her date went well (very well) and she is staying over there.  She’s with Warren Miles (the Proper Unverse’s Jackal) so that isn’t good.  Especially as the Clone Saga is coming, like in a few issues.

As far as I remember, Warren Miles doesn’t appear in that storyline nor does May keep dating him.

Such a great storyline this was.  Kitty coming into this title, really gave it new life!

Letters from – Ausuran Stein and Henry Yung / Paul Dale Roberts / Andrew Galgoci / WebHobbit / Paris Kelvakis / Ty.

Next issue – Morbius!  Blade!  Spider-Man!  And who’d guess — but they don’t get along!  You’ll never forgive yoruself if you miss “Morbius” Part 1!

I recall that this is only a two part story.

Inside back cover ad is for X-Men the Official Game.  The Iceman levels are not great and I wish there were more Nightcrawler levels.  The Wolverine levels were superb as that’s where they put their interest in.  I bought it as the IMBD page listed Kitty Pryde having a voice actor in it but I never saw Kitty, nor heard her voice.

Back cover ad is fro Rampage, Total Destruction.  I read a rumor that someone is going to try to make a Rampage movie.  As cheesy as that would be, I wouldn’t mind watching a movie where a giant  warewolf, gorilla and lizard tore through famous capitals.

. . .

Thus, Deadpool Month comes to an end!  Thanks everybody for visiting during Lockpool Month or Deadheed Month!

Excalibur 113

Posted by John Klein III on February 28, 2016
Posted in: Reviews. Tagged: , , , , . Leave a comment

Excalibur 113

Story Ben Raab

Pencils Pete Woods

Inks Scott Koblish

Letters Richard Starkings & Comicraft / KS

Colors Kevin Tinsley

Cover Dated October 1997

This was during the great time, at Marvel, when they were doing gatefold covers, with a very informative inside cover.  Unfortunately, for Excalibur, this is also the time that Ben Raab was given the editorial mandate to break up Pryde and Wisdom and slowly bring Excalibur to an end.

Inside gatefold cover ad is for the new TNBC lineup – Saved by the Bell : the New Class / Hang Time / City Guys / NBA Inside Stuff.  I was still watching these first three shows.  I still wish Megan Parlen still acted.  Whenever I see Anthony Anderson, which is pretty regularly, I think of Hang Time.

Excalibur 113 Recap

The cast of the title is – Nightcrawler / Shadowcat / Colossus / Wolfsbane / Meggan and Pete Wisdom.

What happened previously – Colossus and Meggan were traveling back to Muir Island, when a bomb went off in their plane.  Now they are stranded in the Swiss Alps.  Colossus, while carrying Meggan, has lead them to Wundagore, and unless you are going to see Bova, the sweet cow lady – it is never a good idea to go to where the High Evolutionary lives.

Meanwhile, Kurt and Wisdom are in Kassel, Germany – looking for Wisdom’s old Black Air friend, Peckman.  She finds them, before they find her and ambushes them.

Rahne hugs Moira goodbye, as she is heading towards New Mutants : Truth or Dare reunion miniseries.  So great that they are making a point of writing Rahne out of the title, for an issue.  For some reason, Rahne is going to Westchester, on a boat.  I guess if Colossus took one plane and Kurt & Wisdom took another, they don’t have a third plane but that still seems weird.  Moira is worried about Bastion, as this is during the Operation : Zero Tolerance era.  The two ladies are sad, as Moira is dying and her time is limited (though we know, now, that she has a couple more years) but Rahne only sees her former teammates, on rare occasions.

Before her boat can ship, Douglock comes running along, to give her her diary.  They kiss goodbye, which surprises the both of them.  Odd that Douglock isn’t coming along for the reunion – as he counts for two New Mutant members.  Was there ever a follow up story with Rahne and Warlock, about their brief romance during this era?  I don’t recall that.

Wundagore.  Colossus and Meggan are awakened by Bova.  Bova warns that a war is coming and Colossus recognizes the name.  Bova, shyly, brings up that she is a friend of the Avengers.  Sir Ram gives Bova grief for bringing new faces to the tower.  Sir Ram recognizes Colossus and instantly wants to murder him!  Colossus armors up and this surprises Sir Ram, so I’m not sure who he thought Colossus was.  Colossus recognizes the name, Wundagore, but not sure from where.  That guy is the worst.

Sir Ram knows Colossus from his Acolyte days.  By days, I mean, literally days, I don’t think he was a member for that long.  Exodus is running that crew now and he may be at war with the High Evolutionary.

Sir Ram disrespects Meggan by calling her “a little minx” and she tosses him up in the air and he gets stuck on one of the ledges.

Kassel, Germany.  Wisdom is chained to a column.  Peckman has not only tied him up, but placed a neural inhibitor on the back of his neck – so he can’t melt the chains.  Kurt is nowhere to be seen.  There is a splinter group of rogue Black Air that she is a member of.

Wundagore.  Lord Gator and Grizzly Lady Ursula, are leading the troops, as they prepare for battle with Exodus.  Gator doesn’t trust Colossus but he tries to prove his worth with how Exodus’ battle strategy would be.  I can never spell “strategy” right, the first time.  Just then, a voice silences Colossus.

Excalibur 113 Lockheed 1

Back at Muir Island.  Douglock and Moira are talking about how Lockheed is missing and how Kitty is looking for him.  He’s been missing for eleven issues, or almost a year – our time.  Lockheed, who is being drawn like a Disney character.

Excalibur 113 Lockheed 2

Poor Lockheed is being hunted and taunted.  Lockheed is confused, as he thought these peeps were his friends – which makes them laugh.  As we won’t be revisiting this, for some time, these are evil Bamfs that will be coming to their own storyline, soon.

In the air, towards New York.  Rahne is glad to be seeing Cannonball, Sunspot, Karma and Dani again.  She wishes Illyana could be there, but she’s dead now, as is Doug.  Another odd reason for not including Douglock.  Maybe Raab didn’t want to lose two characters for a few issues.  Not like Douglock is doing anything at the moment.  Rahne enjoyed that kiss with Douglock.

Wundagore.  High Evolutionary has two items that Exodus wants – the tower and Magneto’s granddaughter, Quicksilver and Crystal’s daughter, Luna.  Apparently, Crystal is dead and Quicksilver is having High Evolutionary watch over Luna, as he mourns Crystal.  Which is insane to me!  I’m sure Luna is mourning her too and probably wants and needs her father at a time like this.  That Quicksilver is a douche bag!  At this time, I was really enjoying Quicksilver’s solo title but I must not have had this thought, back in the day.

High Evolutionary last saw Colossus during the Evolutionary War, way back in Uncanny X-Men Annual 12.  Which came out in 1988, which was then nine years ago.

High Evolutionary doesn’t need Colossus and tells the two of them to leave.

Bullpen Bulletins.  X-Force 70 starts their “on the road again” storyline.  Men in Black came out.  Spectacular Spider-Man 250 is coming out, with the Green Goblin!  Stan Lee answers a few questions – his thoughts on Heroes Reborn, any regrets not writing novels and any news about the X-Men film which is still three years away.

Comics available August 27 –

Captain America 12
Deadpool 9
Elektra 11
Gambit, 2 of 4
Generation X ’97
Marvel : Heroes & Legends ’97
Marvel Vision 23
Silver Surfer 132
Spectacular Spider-Man 250
Star Trek : Early Voyages 9
Venom : Sign of the Boss, 2 of 2
Wolverine 117
X-Force 70

I don’t own any of these but I know I read Deadpool, Spectacular Spider-Man and the Captain America title.  The Heroes Reborn titles did a silly crossover for their 13th (and final) issues as Lee / Liefeld’s contracts were only good for twelve issues / one year.  I also read X-Force and maybe the Wolverine issue.

High Evolutionary teleports (with a wave of his hand) Colossus and Meggan to Paris (as the Eiffel Tower is in the background).  This sets up the Colossus One Shot, that guest stars Meggan.  Not sure why they didn’t bill it as “Excalibur : Colossus & Meggan” they would have in today’s marketplace.

SwordStrokes, letters are from – Michael Slark of Mackenzie, BC, Canada and David Newbold of Long Eaton, Nottingham, England.

Next Issue : Pete Wisdom held captive!  Colossus and Meggan back from his one-shot!  Lockheed resurfaces!  And Kitty Pryde is off to become an Agent of SHIELD!  All that in just 22 pages!  In only 30 days!

Except, we won’t be as this the end of our third Lockheed Month!  Thanks for joining us for the fun.

This is also, Post 975!!!

Ultimate Spider-Man 93

Posted by John Klein III on February 27, 2016
Posted in: Reviews. Tagged: , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Ultimate Spider-Man 93

Writer Brian Michael Bendis

Penciler Mark Bagley

Inker Danny Miki

Colorist Richard Isanove

Letterer VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Dated June 2006

Deadpool, Part Three of Four

Unlike the previous two issues, we finally get Deadpool and Shadowcat on the same page – so finally, Ultimate Deadpool is on the S&FwM!

The issue opens with Augustus Beezer, the Ryan Seacrest of Krakoa.  He’s providing even more story points from Ultimate X-Men’s Most Dangerous Game (issues 54 – 57).  I really should review those issues, one of these days.

Twelve different countries are broadcasting this race crime.

Ultimate Spider-Man 93 Shadowcat 01

As if, in anticipation, Bendis has Ultimate Deadpool’s caption boxes be in yellow text.

Deadpool name checks, the Reavers.  Deadpool is going to give beers to the one who collects the most mutant heads.  Spider-Man starts a running thread of stating that he isn’t a mutant.

Cyclops tells the X-Men to go for higher ground.

On the bottom of the pages, we get a pre-taped Deadpool interview.  I’m surprised Bendis had Deadpool be super racist.  Probably explains why Ultimate Deadpool only appears in Ultimate Secrets 1 as well as Deadpool Kills Deadpool 4.

Ultimate Spider-Man 93 Shadowcat 02

The X-Men didn’t retreat fast enough for Cyclops’ taste, so he tells them again to not fight.

Ultimate Spider-Man 93 Shadowcat 03

Nightcrawler decides he won’t give in to Deadpool’s hate but he gets chocked out.  Spider-Man kicks Deadpool to his face and that frees Nightcrawler.

We see that Spider-Man and Shadowcat run off in the same direction.

Ultimate Spider-Man 93 Shadowcat 04

Beezer can’t believe that Spider-Man is on the island.  Deadpool doesn’t know much about him, so he states how he came across Spider-Man at the mansion.

Cameras have caught up to Spider-Man and Shadowcat.  She is about to say his real name but he stops her.  He suspects there are cameras and microphones, everywhere.  She’s worried that he’s going to break up with her, over this.  She has no control here, and he knows that.  Plus, one doesn’t break up with Kitty for foolish reasons.  He’s worried she will break up with him, as he is going to be grounded for a long time.  Which I like, as she come have come off as a typical girl but since he’s talking about her breaking up with him – they are on the same level.

Shadowcat realizes the only person she hasn’t seen yet, is Xavier.

Ultimate Spider-Man 93 Shadowcat 05

Spider-sense goes off and Spider-Man gets himself and Shadowcat out of there, before the explosions can get them.

We catch up with Cyclops, as Deadpool straight cold knocks him out, with a big ol’ punch to the face!

A helicopter has Angel in their sights but Nightcrawler teleports into the helicopter, punching the pilots.  Kurt finds a camera angle and tells the X-Men he has a helicopter.  Which is odd, as none of the X-Men would be in front of a television set.

There is a two page ad for Marvel Legends action figures.  The Build-A-Mojo is featured, sadly, no X-Babies – which I was really looking forward to buying Shadowkitty.

Ultimate Spider-Man 93 Shadowcat 06

Deadpool has changed his mission, he really only wants to kill Spider-Man now.  Beezer and the production team show some clips of who Spider-Man is.  They do confirm that Spider-Man and Shadowcat are dating.  So there goes the plan from Part One, wherein Kitty was hoping to date Peter Parker.

Spider-Man and Shadowcat are heading towards the mansion.  On the way, Spider-Man spots a camera and starts freaking out.  He wants one of the viewers to call Nick Fury or the Kingpin, anyone who can do something about this.  Shadowcat tells him to calm down, as freaking out is exactly what production wants.

Spider-Man makes the mistake of repeating that he isn’t a mutant, to which Shadowcat tells him to stop saying that.  She doesn’t like how that belittles her and her people.  Spider-Man doesn’t like that Shadowcat starts fighting with him over this.  She’s totally in the right, though.

Ultimate Spider-Man 93 Shadowcat 07

Shadowcat holds Spider-Man and phases the two of them, through all of the gun fire.  Since they were so close to production, so they feel the explosions.

Storm arrives on the scene, and whips up a tornado.  Spider-Man gets swept up and punches a camera.

Ultimate Spider-Man 93 Shadowcat 08

Since Cyclops is knocked out, the X-Men decide that they can fight the Reavers and they do so in uncanny style!

Deadpool calls Shadowcat, a mutant shank, which sends Spider-Man off the deep end.  He starts straight wailing on Deadpool and rips off his mask.

Ultimate Spider-Man 93 Shadowcat 09

Issue ends with the awesome reveal that Deadpool is really . . . Professor Xavier!  Look at that face Kitty is making!

Excalibur 102

Posted by John Klein III on February 26, 2016
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Excalibur 102

Writer Warren Ellis

Penciler Casey Jones

Inkers Rob Haynes / Jason Martin / Scott Koblish

Letters RS & Comicraft

Colors Ariane Lenshoek

Enhancements Malibu

Cover Dated October 1996

Look at Lockheed, maybe his second cover of this spotlight month?  It is, as he is on the back cover of issue 100.  Not too bad.

This is the Post-Onslaught issue.  The news reports that – The Fantastic Four, Captain America, Iron Man, Thor and other members of the Avengers (those poor no-namers!) – are all presumed dead.  The news makes a big point of stating that the X-Men have been untouched.  ooof!  That is going to play well to the flatscans’ fears!

Kurt can’t believe that these heroes are gone and Moira repeats, that the world needs Excalibur, more than ever now.

The Chalk & Cheese.  Pryde and Wisdom’s favorite place to go.  Wisdom can’t believe that the Prime Minister is going back to only giving Excalibur “some credit” to the events of issue 100.  Now that the world may be angry at mutants, he doesn’t want to come off pro-mutant.  Or “pro-racism” as I like to think of it.  The Labour Leader, on the other hand, is all for Excalibur – which is nice.  Kitty isn’t quite a fan of being a political football.

Kitty isn’t comfortable with having the likes of Cyclops and Wolverine being outlaws and her being beloved by the press.  Wisdom (I imagine speaking for Ellis, who I read is a lot like him – sort of like John Constantine – who Wisdom is the Marvel counterpart of) goes off about how Cable’s gun is the size of him and that comes off pretty scary.  Wisdom goes on to repeat one of the more famous lines about the X-Men – one always knows where they have been, as they leave a trail of destruction, in their wake.

Pryde tries to make the conversation have a lighter tone by pointing out how horrible Wisdom eats, like a man who never knows when his next meal will be or if he will have one.

Muir Island Station.  Brian is telling Meggan of a time where he fought beside Captain America.  As if Meggan doesn’t recall Excalibur 59 & 60!  But Brian’s tale is from before those issues.  Brian talks about how America loved Captain America more so than how Britain loved him, as Captain Britain.  This doesn’t hurt Brian, as the two countries are vastly different, especially with how they treat their heroes.  Meggan hopes that works in the other direction.  That Britain will not hate mutants, as much as Americans do.  Meggan changes the topic and wants to set a date for their wedding.  Which is now, t-minus 23 issues – not like the characters know that.

There is an ad for the film “Alaska” which sounds up my ally.  “A missing father.  A desperate search.  An unforgettable adventure.”  A very young Thora Birch (I assume) is in it, as is Charlton Heston!  Unfortunately, it isn’t on Netflix.  shoot!

On Muir Island.  Moira has agreed to release her prisoner to Alistaire.  The agency he is now the director of, is called “The Department” – I’m disappointed by the lack of a better title.  That mutant is Spoor, and he is very loud.  Rory should have stayed away from that fella!  He would have had his leg still!

A German Countryside.  Amanda has teleported herself, Colossus and Wolfsbane.  Amanda is searching for her mother, Margali, and suspects that she returned home.  Amanda is going to go inside the house but Wolfsbane takes the lead, as Kurt wants Amanda to stay safe.  Once Wolfsbane gets to the door, a siren goes off.

Back at the bar, Wisdom and Pryde are about to leave.  As they head outside, they are confronted by four goons.  This is such a great scene, as the couple has some real fun banter between each other as they don’t take the threat seriously – as they shouldn’t.  Wisdom whispers that Pryde shouldn’t kill any of them. They beat the fools, quick and easy!  Wisdom tells Pryde to watch out, as a guy comes from behind her.  She is fully aware of that guy, as she’s more of a professional than he is!  The two just haven’t worked together, that much.

Pryde goes as far as to say that these fools are a mere workout, and Wisdom only likes to see her get sweaty.  She wouldn’t mind some applause and general worshiping.   I do like how neither of them needed their powers.

Making this comic hard to read, is two trading cards, one of Reed Richards, drawn by Jim Lee.  The other is an Overpower playing card.

The two go to the remaining still conscious guy, for some answers.  He is with the American government, he has a message that they are no longer welcome in America.  The two head back to Muir Island, they gag him and pretend he is the last prisoner that Alistaire needs.  Moira goes along with it, claiming his name is Crimson Goatgouger.

Bullpen Bulletins.  Ghost Rider is getting a new costume.  Adam Kubert gets a spotlight.  There is an Avengers : The Legend, one shot coming out – celebrating 30 years of their history.  Not sure why Fantastic Four didn’t get this type of memorial issue.

Checklist for August 28 –

2099 : World of Tomorrow 2
Avengers : The Legend 1
Iron Fist 2 of 2
Marvel Fanfare 2
Silver Surfer 121
Spectacular Spider-Man 239
Venom : The Hunger 3
Wolverine 106
Wolverine ’96
X-Force 59
X-Force / Youngblood
X-Men : Pryde & Wisdom 2 of 3 – Kitty Pryde and Peter Wisdom’s adventure of epic proportations continues!  By Warren Ellis and Terry Dodson!
X-Men vs. Brood Day of Wraith 2 of 2

Wisdom claims his power is that he controls people with this voice and he breaths through his fingers.  Kitty leaves a note for Alistaire, to let the guy loose, after a bit.  Pryde and Wisdom start cracking up, once the plane departs.

Excalibur 102 Lockheed 1

What is Colossus doing, putting on his gauntlets while everyone else is relaxing?

Casey likes to draw Lockheed as if he is the size of a dog!  I wish we got more scenes of Moira and Kitty together, I feel like they barely talk to each other.

Excalibur 102 Lockheed 2

Moira reveals that X-Factor’s current mission is to bring in Xavier.  Everyone gets sad, but team morale booster – Pete Wisdom – gets everyone out of the dumps and they head off to a pub, as the issue ends.

SwordStrokes, letters from – Sean Williamson of Freeland, MI and Matt Bib of New Castle, DE.

Next Month : Strange Locales!  Surprising Guest Stars!! and a Final Farewell (*sniff sniff*) from Warren Eliis & Carlos Pacheco!!! Not to be messed!!!!

We will be skipping that issue and going to our last issue of Lockheed Month . . . Excalibur 113.

We get preview pages from Heroes Reborn : Fantastic Four and Captain America.

Inside back cover ad is for TNBC shows – Saved by the Bell : The New Class, Hang Time, California Dreams and NBA Inside Stuff.  Whenever NBA Inside Stuff came on, I knew it was time to turn off the television and get something to eat.

 

Excalibur 101

Posted by John Klein III on February 25, 2016
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Excalibur 101

Writer Warren Ellis

Artist / Storyteller Casey Jones

Inker Tom Simmons

Letters Richard Starkings & Comicraft

Colors Ariane Lenshoek

Enchancement Malibu

Cover Dated September 1996

This is one of those great down time issues, after a big storyline.

Muir Island, Late Morning.  Moira has gone back to the crypt and Xavier had recorded a special message, once she was alone in the room.  Did he feel super silly making these videos?  His video message is essentially that Moira is now the keeper of the dream, also all of his mutant research.

Rory Campbell calls Moira, Excalibur is landing.  Moira heads out, to greet them.  Rahne is holding Douglock.  Meggan is holding Brian.  Colossus is carrying Wisdom from his belt, with Shadowcat enjoying this and Wisdom hating it.  Kurt is in front of everyone.  Wisdom, apparently, hurt his leg but I didn’t notice that, last issue.  Moira is overly concern with Brian being shot and that something is clearly wrong with Wisdom’s leg.  Kurt asks her to calm down and Moira breaks down – Xavier has gone insane and he is trying to kill all of the American superheroes, including the X-Men.

Everyone wants to get back on the plane and get to America. Moira tells them that they are not going, they are exhausted and wounded – they will be no help to the America teams.  Which must have been really awkward, for Ellis, to write his team out of the big crossover.  Though, I have to wonder, why he didn’t just set 101 right after the battle in Central Park, instead of writing it as if they could have gone to help but chose to just sit it out because their lady doctor friend told them they couldn’t go.

In a lighter moment, Moira puts her jacket over Douglock, to cover him up as he is only wearing pants.

Excalibur is watching the news and this is how we get caught up on what is happening, in the main event.  An EMP is set off, shutting down all electronics on the East Coast.  Another reason why Excalibur can’t go, as they would be flying in blind.  I like how one newscast shows the logos of the X-Men (X), Fantastic Four (4) and the Avengers (A).  Good thing that they have iconography for such purposes.  The last newscast implies that a mutant of Magneto level portions may behind the EMP, so one station is already spinning the hate / fear mutant manifesto.

Brian wants to take the Moonlight Flint, as it is a medical vessel and could be of use.  Kitty is in plain shock of the situation.  Kurt, in all of the excitement of issue 100, hasn’t had a chance to explain what happened to the Flint – it is in the ocean, at the moment.  This is fun as Kitty chooses this moment to go get coffee.  Meggan sticks around, as she likes Brian’s big Captain Britain voice.  Kurt tries to explain what happen.

Actually the Flint only has one engine so it couldn’t make the trip in a timely matter.  Also, they couldn’t put the supplies in the Midnight Runner, as there wouldn’t be room for the team.

Meggan takes Brian to the MedLab, so Moira can treat his bullet caused wounds.  Cut to the MedLab, and we see that Wisdom’s left leg is torn up.  He has a lot of scratches, caused by Scratch.  Wisdom explains to Moira and Rory (the future Ahab) that Black Air has been shut down.

Kitty actually did go for some coffee and Colossus has joined her.  Colossus is upset, as he spoke harshly to Xavier, when they spoke last.  Kitty can relate, as before he showed up on Muir Island – she had tricked him to come to her, so that they could fix his mental trauma.  She asks if Colossus is happy here.  He’s pretty happy, they saved London and he enjoys seeing Pryde happy with Wisdom.  He’s heard them “laugh at night” which seems like code.  He recognizes that Kitty is in an adult relationship, something these two never had together.  This scene ends on a fun note, with Colossus promising to note beat up anymore of her boyfriends.  A promise he has kept, thus far.  Whatever happened to this Ellis?  He went and gone hard science fiction writer, or something.

Everyone is pairing off, as Rahne and Douglock are walking around the island.  Douglock is wearing one of Wisdom’s suits, of which he has fifteen sets of the same outfit.  Wisdom has also promised to teach Douglock how to – smoke, drink and say disgusting things.  Rahne accepts this, with a nice smile.  Rahne recognizes that Douglock is his own person now – no longer a techno-version of Doug Ramsey but also not another member of the Phalanx.

Rory Campbell is in his (borrowed) office.  He is reflecting on the glimpse of the future that he saw, wherein he will become Ahab.  Rory has already lost his leg, trying to confront his fear of mutants.  He wonders if this Onslaught business will further his fear of mutants, and fear leads to hatred which leads to the dark side.  Alistaire is going to become the director of whatever comes of WHO / Black Air / Related Paranormal Activities – he offers Rory a position.  Rory accepts, as this will only help mutants and his relationship with them.

Moira, in the MedLab, is happy – she may be on the brink of a breakthrough with her Legacy Virus – which is slowly killing her.

Kurt puts his shirt on, in front of Amanda.  He, lightly, confronts her about not telling him about her mother.  Amanda was trying to fix the mess she caused.  They don’t know where Margali (I always want to spell it, Magrali – is that just me?) is.  I really do enjoy these two as a couple.

Also in the MedLab, Brian (with Meggan) tells Wisdom of the events from Excalibur 94 –

Excalibur 94

He explains to Wisdom how he was in a wheelchair, in fifteen years.  They all lost that battle but Brian thinks that they won, yesterday, because Wisdom was part of the team.  Brian hasn’t had any more flashforwards since yesterday.  Brian wants Wisdom to tell Pryde, that he loves her.  I feel like Brian and Kurt will both (together) confront Wisdom to do this.  Which seems cruel, as they break up, like an issue later (or some short time later).

So that is how Excalibur avoids Onslaught.

Excalibur 101 Lockheed

British news state that a half a million are dead, but it would have been worst – if Excalibur wasn’t there.

Look how great Jones’ draws Lockheed, watching Pryde and Wisdom.  Such a perfect moment!

The news turns to America, where there is still a media black out (as well as a regular black out).  Kurt still regrets that they are not there.  Kitty is ready to go, right now!  Brian says that if they can’t provide medical aid, they can be additional muscle.

Moira tells them to all shut up, with that sexy Scottish flair that we all loved from her.  If everyone dies (and most will) then all Excalibur will be doing, is adding to the body count.  The mutants of the world, need Excalibur on this side of the ocean.  Which ends the issue.

Bullpen Bulletins.  The 2099 line is becoming a single title – 2099 : World of Tomorrow, it will not last much longer.  Iron Fist is getting a new mini by James Felder, Robert Brown and Rey Garcia.  The Internet must now be becoming a thing as there is a link to http://www.Onslaught.com (which is no longer a website) but they make a big deal about calling it, the WorldWide Web.  Marvel Fanfare is also coming back, for a brief run.

The Checklist for July 23 –

2099 : World of Tomorrow 1
Avengers 402
Fantastic Four 416
Marvel Fanfare 1
Spectacular Spider-Man 238
Iron Fist, 1 of 2
Uncanny X-Men ’96
Wolverine 105
X-Force 58
X-Men 56
X-Men : Pryde & Wisdom – (I’m glad I remembered their order, correctly) – Kitty and Pete leap from the pages of EXCALIBUR into their wildest adventure yet!  By Warren Ellis and Terry Dodson!  (Such a great mini!)
X-Men Unlimited 12 – A tale of the Juggernaut, trapped in the world of teh Cytorrak Gem, following his confrontation with Onslaught!  By John Francis Moore and Ariel Olivetti!  There is some fun bonus pages in the back, that involves Kitty, so that’s why I own this issue.

SwordStrokes, letters are from – Wade Boger of Pottsville, PA / Janet Winters / Trevor Bibic of Oxford, England / Brandon Bennett of Port Orange, FL / Jessica Linker of Kensington, CT / Matthew Davidson of Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada / Sara Ching of Brooklyn, NY / Richard Denningham III of Cranston, RI / Camilla Shaumburg-Muller of Vedbaek, Denmark and Olav Beemer of the Netherlands, Europe.

Next Month : In the wake of Onslaught, what will become of our favorite UK Mutants, PLUS, there’s a menace on the horizon.  Who could it be?  Find out in thirty!

Which we actually will, but in two days!

There is a Rise of Apocalypse Preview page.  An ad for the upcoming Star Trek titles – Unlimited, Deep Space Nine, Voyager and Starfleet Academy.  There are pages from the upcoming Heroes Reborn titles – Iron Man & Avengers.  I forgot that Swordsman was used in that title.  Did that make any sense, at the time?