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Legendary Star Lord 1

Posted by John Klein III on September 9, 2014
Posted in: Review. Tagged: , , , . 2 Comments

Legendary Star Lord 1

Writer Sam Humphries

Penciler Paco Medina

Inker Juan Vlasco

Colorist David Curiel

Letterer VC’s Joe Caramagna

I had to add the Midtown Comics variant to my Wishlist.  Such a fun cover of Rocket hitting on Kitty with Quill shocked in the background.

Issue opens 20 years ago, after the funeral of Quill’s mother.  Quill narrates that he did not have a good life after that, as he lived in an orphanage.

Which segues us to the present, where he is in an alien orphanage.  Some Badoons (the race of aliens who killed his mother) are trying to rob the orphanage.

Quill’s mask thingie, from the cover, disappears.  I am not quite sure what its function is.

The Badoon are there to steal the Mandalay Gem.  They imply that is also why Quill is there.

I prefer to refer to him as his last name rather than his hero name.  Probably due to him not really having a set uniform.  Seems like the only constant is his mask / helmet thing.  Face guard, maybe?  Also, his last name is one word, hero name is two.

There is a bounty on Quill, so the Badoon take him alive.

Once on their ship, they take his gun but can’t work it.

The alien who wants Quill alive is. Mr. Knife.  Quill, nor I, have heard of him.

The leader asks what the Guardians of the Galaxy have been up to that they haven’t heard of Mr. Knife.  We are treated to a splash page of what they been up to.

Medina is a terrific artist.  My only problem is that there are two images of either flirting or about kissing that I don’t care for.  I doubt he and Kitty have had the talk about if they are going to see other people, when they are apart.  They haven’t defined the relationship yet.  Which we all know from the Definitions episode of HIMYM that it is very important to do so.

There is also a cute section where Quill, Rocket and Groot are enjoying a round of karaoke.  Which is Japanese for, empty orchestra.  We learned that in the Pineapple episode.

For fans of the Guardians of the Galaxy, there are plenty of references to the team.

In the break out new character of the year, Thumbnail – the ship’s resident muscle – hates repartee and knocks Quill out with a lead pipe in the cell.

Thus, we come to my favorite three pages of the title :

Speaking of which, my pal Kaiolino screen capped the second image :

Legendary Star Lord Kitty 1

Legendary Star Lord 1 Kitty skype

Legendary Star Lord Kitty 3

Thanks!  I really like these two characters together.  I know in issue three, Kitty is physically going to be in the comic and that is going to be awesome!

I added the first and third image.

Curiel does an excellent job with Kitty’s Skype coloring.

I like how Kitty has been calling him, that makes sense.  He is essentially a space pirate, so she has to make the first move and he will have to call her back.  Plus, he probably has no idea what time it is on Earth. Also, she is busy too.

I like how he is all concern about the safety of Earth, until he notices she is in bed.

She tells him that she is grading papers, but it looks like she is reading a book.  Also, what papers is she grading?  The New Xavier School doesn’t do actual school work.

Rocket calls Quill, Baby Boo.  My wife calls me, Boo Boo Baby, so now I feel a little closer to the character.  She also calls our son, Walker Dennis, Baby Boo Boo.  We are pretty cute here at Klein Manor.

The Badoon eventually hear talking and investigate.

Thumbnail hates cute talk, I know it doesn’t make sense for him to keep appearing, but I would like it.

Quill’s boots were not taken, so he escapes.  He blasts his way out of the ship, his face guard works as a breathing mask.  He stole back the gem.

We see a lady and her crew are watching Quill.

Quill goes back to the space orphanage, telling them that he sold the gem and gave them the money he made from it.  Turns out, he kept the gem and only gave them his emergency cash.

Issue ends with the lady captain confronting Quill.  Turns out, she is his half-sister.  She is Captain Victoria, Commander of the Spartax Royal Guard and daughter of former emperor, J-son.  I did not know J-son was no longer the emperor.  That must have happened after the Guardians of the Galaxy / X-Men crossover.

Such a great issue!  Glad I am set on getting the series going forward.  Hopefully, Kitty keeps getting skyped in.

Guardians of the Galaxy Volume Three Issue 14

Posted by John Klein III on June 21, 2014
Posted in: Review. Tagged: , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

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Writer Brian Michael Bendis

Pencils Nick Bradshaw with Jason Masters & Todd Nauck

Inks Nick Bradshaw, Walden Wong, Jason Masters & Todd Nauck

Colorist Justin Ponsor with Jason Keith

Letterer VC’s Cory Petit

I like how Flash Thompson, Agent Venom, is added to the team via the recap page.  Or does it happen in a side comic I didn’t read.  He is there because the Avengers wanted to keep in touch with the Guardians.  That must have went over well.

Issue opens with Peter Quill, Star Lord, not being able to sleep.  He thinks about calling Kitty Pryde – hence, I now own this issue.

Guardians of the Galaxy 14 Quill thinks Kitty Pryde

Peter wonders why he can’t have a nice girl as a girlfriend.  Maybe he can settle down, get a proper job and live a good life.

Rocket wakes Peter up.  They are under attack by Peter’s father’s forces.  Also on their ship, us Groot.  The rest of the team are on their own adventures.

Planet Spartax.  J-Son, Peter’s father, the King of the planet.  He is being told that his son’s ship is being attacked.  He is asked if he wants the Guardians to either be killed or brought in for crimes and punishment.

Gamora, wherever she is, is being chased by a bounty hunter.  The same bounty hunter that was hunting her, apparently, earlier in the series.  The hunter’s dialogue reveals that Gamora is Thanos’ daughter.  Which I didn’t know.  She is captured.

Knowhere.  A port of call near the end of the universe.  Don’t eat the street vendor glorkin.  I really like the location captions in this series.

Drax and Agent Venom are heading to a vendor.  I’m not aware of what is going on with Thompson, except that he is the current owner of the Venom symbiote.

Flash can’t believe he is off Earth and on another planet.  Drax doesn’t care for Flash’s enthusiasm, he is a little embarrass by it.

Drax tells him to present himself with an air of authority.  Flash repeats the request, I should act cool.  Drax doesn’t know what that means, but if it means the opposite of what Flash is acting, then yes.

They enter a shop.  The vendor starts shouting that he doesn’t serve, their kind.  He doesn’t serve parasites.  Venom is confused, he doesn’t know anything about his suit.

Drax reveals the vendor’s name is Crakili.  They are in the store to get Venom an actual weapon.  His current gun is an embarrassment.

Crakili thinks Flash is funny with his ignorance.

Venom loves his gun.  They leave the store.  Venom keeps asking about his suit’s origins.  Drax is about to reveal some answers when they are attacked.  Drax is captured.  They fry Venom’s suit, revealing that Flash doesn’t have his legs below the knees.  Which sounds familiar.

Flash starts shooting his new energy gun, but the blasts have no effect on the fleeing ships.

The Venom suit reforms, and now he is stranded on a planet he knows nothing about.

The bounty hunter takes Gamora to those who hired him, the Badoons.

Peter Quill wakes up.  His father is sitting on the edge of the bed.  He wants to have a chat with his son.  He hopes they can exchange how they see the galaxy.  Peter doesn’t take the request seriously, being quite sarcastic.  J-Son wants him to take this serious.

Peter opens up.  He hates his father for coming to Earth, impregnated his mother.  Completely abandoned them.  When the Badoon came to kill his mother and himself, J-Son was nowhere to be found.  His father was off building his empire.

Actually, he isn’t mad about that.  He is mad that his father is a conniving warlord who wants the galaxy to answer to him.  Peter wants the galaxy to be free.

J-Son makes some great points about how all intergalactic races want to rule all the other races.  He, in turn, is disappointed that his son doesn’t follow in his birthright, of ruler of Spartax.

J-son also tells his son that the only way he was able to make peace with all of the enemies that the Guardians was to let each of their enemies take out one of the team.

There is no one who will be able to safe them.  Story ends with Captain Marvel on her way, she is the second new member of the Guardians that was promised.

Guardians of the Galaxy Volume Three Issue 13

Posted by John Klein III on April 6, 2014
Posted in: Review. Tagged: , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Guardians of the Galaxy Volume Three Issue 13

Writer Brian Michael Bendis

Art Sara Pichelli & David Marquez

Color Artist Justin Ponsor

Letterer VC’s Cory Petit

Trial of Jean Grey Part Six of Six

Issue opens with Jean confronting Gladiator.  No one present could handle being the host of the Phoenix.  She also talks about how silly this entire trial nonsense business.

Gladiator tries to speak up, big mistake.  Calling attention to himself, opens Jean to confront him about how every member of her family are dead.  Unless they are from an alternate timeline or a superhero.

All of this rage opens Jean to a major power upgrade.  Oracle later explains that it is a combination of her psychic powers and her telekinesis powers.  It takes the form of having Jean appear completely in pink, like a pink light version of herself.

So Pink Jean pink laser blasts Gladiator, off his feet in a gorgeous two page splash page.

Everyone is confused.  Rocket is glad they are winning, as they shouldn’t against the Imperial Guard.

Oracle tries to calm Jean by bringing her into Oracle’s mindscape.  The mindscape has a nice green hue.  It contrasts well with all the pink on the right page.

Starlord catches Jean, as she has passed out.  Gladiator is also out.

The X-Men come running to Jean.  Starlord introduces himself to Jean, which is nice as they don’t know each other.

Oracle tries to calm Gladiator as he gets to his feet.  He is not ready to let the fight end.

Good thing Cyclops is there, as he is ready to end this.  Cyclops really proves himself here.  Cyclops announces that they are leaving.  He goes as far as to threaten to kill Gladiator, if he comes after Jean or even come close to Earth.

If Gladiator is foolish enough to try, Cyclops will bring the entire mutant race, the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, Asgardians, Atlanteans and Hulk monsters onto Gladiator.

Cyclops makes a great point with how he was able to bring the Guardians and the Starjammers with no notice.

Gladiator tries to safe face and Jean starts up a speech about how they are creating All New history.  Nice way to work the X-Men title into actual dialogue.

Starlord further states Earth is under the Guardians’ protection.

Oracle keeps mentally telling Gladiator that this is over.

Gladiator flies away, once he is two miles away (in a total wuss move), shouts – How many wars can you Guardians fight at the same time?

Starlord is quick with, seven.

Rocket lifts his gun, Gamora tells him not to shoot, they won today.

We are treated to an excellent two page spread.  I really like the coloring.  The Guardians are bringing the X-Men home.  Kitty is hanging out with Starlord, he talks about how his father is the worst.  Dudes with daddy issues.

Drax likes X23’s toe claw.

Hank checks in with Jean, probably trying to get a second kiss.

Angela is sharpening her sword.

Jean thanks Hank and Warren for their part in the rescue.  Warren awkwardly states they would do the same for him, right?  Is he making a reference to the numerous times Archangel has fowled up his life?

Gamora confers with Angela.  She doesn’t believe this was worth it.  They have the Shi’ar as enemies now.  The Spartax are mad at them.  Thanos is out there.  It is too much.  It seems like Gamora understands Groot.

Angela’s eyes turn red, as she stares at Jean.  Jean gets the final panel on this page, looking remorseful.

Guardians of the Galaxy V3 13 Kitty Phone

Another incredible two page spread.  I really like the first panel, establishing shot of the two spaceships landing.  There is just something about it.

Bobby is quick to start making snow angels, he missed the snow.  Hank is glad to be on Earth.

Gamora makes an awesome statement regarding how confused she is that people keep fighting over this planet.  Rocket seconds the sentiment.

Groot introduces himself to a tree.  Rocket tries to reel him in.

Jean thanks the Guardians for saving her.  Gamora is tired of it already, as Drax states that Jean has thanked them numerous times already.  This must be Jean’s reaction to overhearing Angela and Gamora’s conversation.  Angela states Jean owes them all a blood debt.

Gamora wants Bobby to stop flirting with her, as instead of a blood debt, they make dinner for them.

The bottom row is the true highlight of the comic.  Starlord gives Kitty a means to call the Guardians, any time.  Kitty implies that she will use the device only for emergencies.  Quill explains that it isn’t a distress beacon, it is a phone.  So she can call and say hi.  I’m glad he did explain that, as I also thought it was a beacon in that exact moment.

Starlord further explains that in all if his adventures, he has met seven cool people.  Five are in his team, I figure.  Kitty is one of the other two.  He would like to keep in touch.

Guardians of the Galaxy V3 13 Kitty Kiss Cheek

Kitty kisses Quill on the cheek.  A moment we all predicted once he told her his name is, Peter.  That lady has a type.

Bendis has found a way to get me to keep buying the Guardians’ title.  I really do hope the covers or solicts clearly state when Kitty is going to appear in that title.  I will have to keep a lookout for any news, on that front.

Kitty runs over to the other heroes, as Starlord rubs his cheek.  I really like the staging of the gathered heroes panel.  We can clearly see Scott talking to his father, Corsair, in the distance.  Setting up the next big moment.

But first, Rocket tries to get Groot away from the trees.  Then two raccoons come out from the bushes.  Groot falls in love these these, which is awkward for Rocket.

Scott draws attention to himself, he announces that he is leaving with his father, for some space time.  I like how he doesn’t ask permission, he is going.  Two days ago, he thought he was an orphan, now he has his dad back.

The X-Men are shocked.  Kitty doesn’t want him to go, but this is an once in a lifetime opportunity.

Scott and Jean have a moment.  He even puts his hand on her face, a thing I never do.  He tells her, that they both know that they don’t end happily ever after.  So maybe this way, they can.

Scott turns, telling them he loves them and to be safe.  He asks X23 to keep them safe.  Poor Laura, no more hugs.  With that, the Starjammers are gone.

Bobby is in disbelief, that was fast.  Warren wants to know what happens if they find a way home, what happens then?

Issue ends with Jean on her knees, with her pink energy coming out of her eyes.  Is this suppose to be tears?

Next issue of Guardians, is their 100th issue.  I had no intentions to buy it, but now I am tempted.

Odd how this issue ends on such an X-Men note, not setting up the Guardians at all besides what Gamora stated earlier.

Overall, not enough trial for my taste.  No real explanation why Gladiator wanted a Jean who clearly never met the Phoenix, to stand trial.

I am interested in seeing where Kitty and Starlord’s relationship goes. Or will it be a simple fling?  Wild space hookups?  What will happen?  I would like to know.

Guardians of the Galaxy Volume Three Issue 12

Posted by John Klein III on March 1, 2014
Posted in: Review. Tagged: , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Guardians of the Galaxy Volume Three Issue 12

Writer Brian Michael Bendis

Pencilers Sara Pichelli & Stuart Immonen

Inkers Sara Pichelli & Wade Von Grawbadger

Color Artist Justin Ponsor

Letterer VC’s Cory Petit

Trial of Jean Grey Part Four of Six

Issue opens with a flashback of Scott’s origin.  We get to see his mother state that she loves every part of them, which, for last words from your mother, are pretty grand.  Anyone know how the Summers boys go from landing in Alaska and be taken to an orphanage in Nebraska?

Guardians of the Galaxy V3 12 Cyclops Wake Up A Guardians of the Galaxy V3 12 Cyclops Wake Up B

Scott wakes up, once again, surrounded by everyone.  I really like how Pichelli draws everybody here, we only got a small taste of it before.  Her Bobby looks soft still in his snow form.  Kitty looks healthy which is good, though she really needs to get a new uniform.

Scott hugs Corsair, his father.  Rocket wants to know what he is witnessing, disgustingly.  Starlord tells him that that is what fathers are suppose to do to with each other.

We segue to Planet Spartax with Starlord’s father, the king.  He is being informed of Jean’s capturing from Earth and being sent to the Shi’ar throne world.  He is told this from his advisor, who is dressed all in white.  He was originally going to stay out of this and let Gladiator do whatever he had planned.  Now his son is involved, so now he has to be involved.  Neither character is named here so that’s the best I can do.

Gladiator, his Imperial Guard and Jean have made it to the throne world.  We catch up with them as Gladiator and the Imperial Guard are in training.  Manta is giving him some grief for his actions.  A Smasher states that Earthers don’t have the capability to travel from Earth to Shi’ar space.  Which is outright silly, as we just experienced Infinity, where the Avengers were in deep space, saving the universe.

Gladiator isn’t worried about the X-Men, let them come.  By the time they get there, Jean would already be punished.  For crimes she’s not even fully aware of committing yet.

Oracle stands up to Gladiator as well.  She knows he wasn’t telling her the truth earlier.  That he told her an, untruth.

We cut back to Corsair and Scott.  I love how awkward this is for Corsair.  I really get the sense that rather not rehash this entire conversation for the second time.  Scott asks if he is a space pirate.  Corsair states that they don’t call themselves that, they are the Starjammers.  I like how he doesn’t know how to refer to present day Cyclops.  He asks if they are good, and Corsair states that they are, which are they?  I guess they are.

If you ever get a chance, Uncanny X-Men 391.  Scott and his father have a great heart to heart, as they go camping.  We learn that Corsair has been under the impression that Scott’s optic blasts are heat generated but they are more of a force.  Scott is surprised that he doesn’t know how his powers work.  Another great thing about issue 391, comes right after 390, and that’s a fantastic issue.

Corsair is about to explain how Scott’s younger brother Alex even joined him for a moment when Scott asks the question.  His is mother still alive?  Which must have been devastating.  As poor Christopher has to tell his young son that his mother is dead.

All of this is a bit too much for the young Summers and he leaves to be alone.  X23 goes after him and gives him a hug.  Which is nice to see her return one to him.  Really love the coloring of the … what is it, reddish purple light in the room.

Then we get this four page sequence that is done by Immonen.  Jean is being told what needs to happen next by Oracle.  Jean needs to keep a cool head and stay as emotionless as possible.  The Shi’ar don’t care for tears on the stand.

Jean heads out where Gladiator is, and we see that it looks like a giant audience has been assembled to see this hackney trial.

Thanks to Kyle Moyer for this picture :

Guardians of the Galaxy V3 12 Kitty Quill Introductions

Back to Starlord as he officially introduces himself to Kitty, which is a very important page.  We find out his first name is Peter, which is like, oh no.  Kitty has a thing for guys name Peter.  Which is why Bobby and her didn’t work out.

The Guardians and the Starjammers finally get to the throne world.  They can see that there are spaceships and spaceships galore.  They need a plan of action to get to the surface undetected.

Issue ends with the sequence of Gladiator and his opening speech.  He shows footage of the last thing a ship saw as Dark Phoenix ate a sun and destroyed the D’bari home planet.  Jean is still stuck in that bubble.  He asks Jean how she pleads as the issue ends.

Next issue should be the issue I’ve been waiting for.  Though now I’m getting the impression it won’t be much of a courtroom drama, that I was hoping for.