Milo, aka “Bane of Kings” runs down the Top Marvel Comics to look out for in August 2013.

The features that debuted last month is back, and Bane of Kings covers the Top Marvel Comics to look out for in this month.  We have a lot of interesting stuff coming up, so it’ll be very interesting to see what progress develops Marvel wise – especially some of these titles look particularly awesome – as we edge closer towards January of 2014, with the début of several new Wave 2 titles.  This month though, All New X-Men  sees the potential start of a romance between Jean Grey and an original X-Man who isn’t Cyclops, Journey into Mystery concludes, Captain America reaches the finale of Steve’s adventures in Dimension Z, and Thor’s battles with the God Butcher come to a titanic conclusion. One thing’s for sure, this is going to be a very interesting month in the Marvel camp – with some great titles coming your way.

7 August 2013

All X-Men #15

Story: Brian Michael Bendis | Art: Stuart Immonen

Love is in the air! Cyclops heart and future start to fade before his eyes.

WHY? All New X-Men is my second favourite Marvel Now! title behind Hawkeye, and Brian Michael Bendis is really excelling so far with the last two issues being superb. Whilst I’m rather reluctant to see romance play a role between the original X-Men, particularly when it’s not the canon pairings of Jean/Cyclops – it presents an equally interesting mystery. Who could Jean’s new love interest be? It obviously can’t be Cyclops or Iceman, due to the fact that it’d be kind of a giveaway for Iceman and Cyclops is also featured in the cover. And Angel is currently off in Uncanny X-Men – so that leaves original Beast, right? It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out regardless though.

Avengers #17

Story: Jonathan Hickman | Art: Leinil Francis Yu

“ALL QUIET”  The Avengers recruit more members to deal with the soon-arriving threat to Earth. The Builders enter the Marvel Universe.The Finale of the Prelude to INFINITY: Part Four. 

WHY? I haven’t been following Avengers, but I’ve managed to read the odd issue here and there, and it’s proving to be a very interesting title – but not a proper Avengers title, if you get what I mean. A book with Avengers in its name should be more along the lines of Avengers Assemble, which is currently in the middle of a Captain Marvel Crossover. I’m not following that one as well, but Hickman is pretty much taking the main cast of Marvel superheroes in directions that I’m not a big fan of. However, with the buildup to Infinity, the reason why I put this on the list is that it could prove very interesting indeed to see what comes next.

Daredevil: Dark Nights #3 (of #8)

Story: Lee Weeks | Art: Lee Weeks

Lee Weeks concludes his chapter in this special series of extraordinary creators celebrating the Man Without Fear!Everything may stand in his way but nothing will stop Daredevil from rescuing a young life!Will Matt Murdock survive the senses-shattering finale to ANGELS UNAWARE?!

WHY? This is the first time I was aware that Dark Nights was a multi-writer series, so it’ll be interesting to see how Weeks can bring Angels Unaware to a conclusion and who will be replacing him next. This comic has a history of not arriving on time at my local store (the first two issues being delayed), so hopefully that won’t happen this time. It does look a pretty interesting comic though – and Weeks has really excelled on the first two issues.

Hunger #2 (of #4)

Story: Joshua Hale Fialkov | Art: Adi Granov

• The fallout from AGE OF ULTRON rips open a dangerous rift in the universe! • Prepare for a hunger so strong, that no universe is safe. • Is this the beginning of the end? • All the details will be revealed when Age of Ultron #10 hits stands everywhere! • PREVIOUSLY SOLICITED UNDER THE CLASSIFIED NAME OF AGE OF ULTRON #10 UC

WHY? Despite hating Age of Ultron, Joshua Hale Fialkov’s first entry in the Hunger mini series was a very solid instalment and I really enjoyed it. #2 has a great premise and another awesome cover – so I’m certainly on board for this, and looking forward to seeing where it goes.

The Superior Spider-Man #15

Story: Dan Slott | Art: Humberto Ramos

“Run, Goblin, Run!” Part 1 of 2 What’s it like to be a villain in the Marvel Universe…once the Superior Spider-Man sets his sights on you?Find out, from Phil Urich’s point of view, in what might be the final days of the Hobgoblin.Plus, what is the secret of “The Tinkerer’s Apprentice”? Who’s been helping the Terrible Tinkerer? And how is he, of all people, the reason everything in Spider-Man’s life will be changed forever?!

WHY? Like Uncanny Avengers, Superior Spider-Man is a title that whilst perhaps not being great, is certainly good – and it’s one of the few double shipping Marvel books that I’m currently following at the moment, and is very much in my Top 10 Marvel titles. It’s fun, and has provided a look into Spidey books that I’ve never quite been able to get into before due to not knowing where to start, and having followed this book since #8 and have since gone back and read every issue bar #6AU and #7, it’s certainly been an enjoyable read. Looking forward to seeing where this arc goes, especially with the awesome cover from Humberto Ramos.

X-Factor #260

Story: Peter David | Art: David Yardin

The End of X-Factor, Parts 4 & 5 of 6 Peter David’s epic tale, decades in the telling, draws near its close…Sibling rivalry between Polaris & Quicksilver

WHY? I’m way behind on my X-Factor reading, having only read #1 on Comixology – but I really, really liked what I saw and would love to read more of this title. It’s a real shame that this is getting cancelled soon though – I’d have loved it to continue.

14 August 2013

Avengers Arena #13

Story: Christos Gage | Art: Karl Moline | Cover: Kalman Andrasofszky

Hank Pym searches for the kidnapped Avengers Academy students…by the special guest creative team of AVENGERS ACADEMY’s Christos Gage and Karl Moline! 

WHY? Having jumped on board Young Avengers, the one main other series that I wish I could follow is Avengers Arena, but sadly can’t due to budget issues. It looks to be a pretty entertaining comic though, especially when you consider that Christos Gage is behind it – whilst I haven’t read a solo coming by him, his issues with Dan Slott on The Superior Spider-Man have been some of my favourite of the series, so it could be interesting to see what he does here.

Deadpool #14

Story: Gerad Gorman Duggan | Cover Art: Kristafer Anka

Deadpool re-teams-up with Iron Fist & Luke Cage 40 years after last issue! The threat the Trio-For-Hire faced in the 70’s resurfaces…wanting VENGEANCE!

WHY? I’ve only read #1 and #10 of Deadpool,  but it’s been a pretty solid book for me so far – #11 has a premise that certainly looks intriguing, and seeing Deadpool interact with Iron Fist and Luke Cage should be quite fun.

Fantastic Four #11

Story: Matt Fraction | Art: Christopher Sebela | Cover: Mark Bagley

The Fantastic Four…trapped in a doomed universe! Spacetime have had quite enough of the First Family of the Marvel U running rampant across her! Things are about to get cosmically punitive.Could someone or something be behind the illness that’s befallen the First Family?

WHY? I read the first issue of Fantastic Four and would really love to get on board this title (maybe even instead of Avengers Arena, which I mentioned earlier as being one of my most-wanted-to-get-on-board titles). Matt Fraction is excelling on his Hawkeye books and I’d love to read a Fantastic Four ongoing. I get the feeling that I may check out the next issue when I can – as I’ll be abroad for the  week that this hits the shelves,  and the one after that.

Infinity #1 (of #6)

Story: Jonathan Hickman | Art: Adam Kubert

The oversized kickoff to the year’s most anticipate Blockbuster summer event, changing the way you view the Marvel Universe! • The outbreak of war on two fronts: Earth and Space, with our heroes torn between them. • The world-shattering return of Thanos! • Includes material from FREE COMIC BOOK DAY: INFINITY

WHY? Despite the mess that was Age of Ultron and Avengers vs. X-Men, the only two Marvel Events that I’ve read, Infinity is looking set to be awesome. Whilst I’m somewhat annoyed that I’m going to pay extra, most likely for only the FCBD Infinity material which I already have – I’m not going to pass this one up as it looks set for an awesome run. And besides, it’s not Bendis doing events, for once. Don’t get me wrong – I love Bendis’ X-Men series, but his events so far from my experience have been pretty awful. However, as it’s Hickman, I’m looking forward to seeing where this goes.

Thor: God of Thunder #11

Story: Jason Aaron | Art: Esad Ribic

The grand finale of the epic time-travelling saga of the God Butcher that began in issue #1.After the dust clears, what gods will be left?

WHY? Thor: God of Thunder is in my list of Top 5 Marvel titles right now and it’s really good – the wait for this issue is going to feel like forever, particularly as it’s one that we’ve been building to for almost a year now. I mean, where else can you get three Thors in one place – drawn by a brilliant Esad Ribic, and scripted by none other than the legendary Jason Aaron?

21 August 2013

Daredevil #30

Story: Mark Waid | Art: Chris Samnee | Cover: Jock

When soars the Silver Surfer! What weird menace unites Daredevil with the Cosmic Rider of the Spaceways?

WHY? Daredevil is in my top favourite Marvel Now series at the moment and considering I jumped on board with #26, that’s pretty impressive given what it’s managed to do over four issues. I can’t wait to see where Mark Waid takes the reader from here, and a confrontation with Silver Surfer looks set to be pretty interesting, especially when you consider that Silver Surfer will have his own ongoing series soon.

Indestructible Hulk #12

Story: Mark Waid | Art: Matteo Scalera | Paolo Rivera

“AGENT OF T.I.M.E.” PART 2!

The team-up you’ve been waiting for: HULK and. . . BRUCE BANNER?

In the last hours before the extinction of the dinosaurs, it’s Hulk vs. the CHRONARCHISTS! 
And who is the true TOMORROW MAN?

Guest starring KID COLT, TWO GUN KID and RAWHIDE KID!!!

WHY? Wow, this looks like it could challenge Wolverine and the X-Men for a spot of “Most Weird Marvel Series” at the moment, judging by that cover. Unfortunately, I haven’t been following Indestructible Hulk but from what I gather, Mark Waid is doing a pretty awesome job, so it’ll be interesting to see where this goes.

Nova #7

Story: Zeb Wells | Art: Paco Medina | Cover: Ed McGuiness

WHY? I haven’t been following Nova since #5, which is a real shame as I’ve been really enjoying this series, but can’t due to budget cuts – but a confrontation between Superior Spider-Man and Nova looks set to be pretty interesting – especially when you consider that surely, Spidey would be the obvious victor given Sam Alexander’s inexperience. However, it’ll be fun to see what happens regardless of the outcome, so on that basis it should be worth checking out.

The Superior Spider-Man #16

Story: Dan Slott | Art: Humberto Ramos

“Run, Goblin, Run!” Part 2 of 2

How has the Hobgoblin evaded the Superior Spider-Man for so long? And does that hold the key to the Superior Spider-Man’s greatest success–or greatest failure? It’s the end of the line for Hobgoblin, and possibly an end for a big chapter in the history of Spider-Man. 

WHY? I’m looking forward to this issue – mainly because of what I’ve mentioned earlier, and the fact that this book double ships is great – perhaps not for my budget, but that means we consistently get some awesome Spidey stories coming our way – I can’t wait to see the conclusion to this Hobgoblin arc and where Slott will take the reader from here.

Thunderbolts #14

Story: Charles Soule | Art: Jefte Palo, Julian Totino

INFINITY TIE-IN

New Ongoing Creative Team!

While the Avengers are away. . . the THUNDERBOLTS STRIKE!

Can they take out all of NYC’s mafia before. . . anything goes wrong?

WHY? As an Infinity tie-in, I’m not expecting much – but it’s got a premise that looks certainly entertaining and I’ve heard nothing but praise for Charles Soule – and I’m reading Superman / Wonder Woman from DC because of him (and Tony S. Daniel, and the awesomeness that is set to be Faora) so it’ll be interesting to see what he can do with Thunderbolts.

X-Men #4

Story: Brian Wood | Art: Oliver Coipel | Cover: Amanda Connor

After the game-changing events of PRIMER, the women of the X-Men must contemplate the future of their makeshift team.

Are the X-women ready for the BATTLE OF THE ATOM that’s right around the corner?

Meanwhile: Jubilee may still look like a kid, but she finds herself burdened with some very adult responsibilities. What kind of plans can a mutant vampire teen mom make for her own future? 

WHY? X-Men is one of the series that certainly fits in my Top 10 comics at Marvel right now, and this issue looks all the more awesome. Whilst not quite in my Top 5 list yet, it’s certainly up there – and I can’t wait to see where Wood can take this series. Count me on board this for certain.

GRAPHIC NOVELS

The Amazing Spider-Man: Dying Wish TPB

Story: Dan Slott  | Art: Humberto Ramos | Collects: #698-700

A dying wish for revenge!  Dr. Octopus was given a year to live, his body and brain in terminal decline after a lifetime of brutal battles with his arch-foe Spider-Man. So the brilliant madman used that time as you might expect. First, he mobilized an army of Octobots to take over Manhattan. Then, he assembled six sinister super villains to abduct Norman Osborn’s child. Finally, he pursued Spider-Man to the ends of the Earth while threatening to burn the planet to a cinder. And each time, his ambitious plans ended in failure. Or did they? Were his defeats further proof of his madness — or his genius? With Dr. Octopus just hours from death, Spider-Man is about to learn the answer, as one of his oldest enemies turns the tables on him with a dying wish that spells doom for Peter Parker and everyone he loves!

WHY? I haven’t actually read any issues of Amazing Spider-Man so I remain largely in the dark about the event that made Dan Slott one of the most hated Spidey writers ever (not by me, I think he’s doing a fantastic job) – aside from the obvious end results that see Otto switch places with Peter. As this is now released in a TPB format, I’ll be certainly on board for this.

28 AUGUST 2013

Captain America #10

Story: Rick Remender | Art: John Romita

THE SHOCKING DIMENSION Z FINALE!

After over a decade in Dimension Z Captain America must make his final push to escape–but at what cost?

Enter: GODZOLA!

A shocking death and an action-packed conclusion that will leave Cap changed forever and leave you gasping for air!

WHY? It’s the finale to The Dimension Z outing for Captain America and it’s really looking like it’ll be interesting. I can’t wait to see where this goes, especially after the events of #8 (I’m yet to read #9). As a digital trade recently came to a conclusion, I’m going to start picking up this comic in print – which’ll be great, as Remender has made this a series that I look forward to each month. I still don’t know why I haven’t got around to reading #9 yet, but that will have to change – and soon.

Gambit #16

Story: James Asmus | Art: Diogenes Neves

Who is Gambit’s friend Fence? How did they meet? And what secrets is he hiding?

To save those dear to him, Gambit must attempt the impossible–and he’ll need all of his thieving skills to succeed!

The past is gone but not forgotten in this explosive penultimate issue! 

WHY? Gambit is another series that I wish I could be following, and this title looks really fun. It’s a shame that this series is coming to a conclusion soon though, as I would have loved to get on board at some point. I mean – just how awesome does that cover look?

Journey into Mystery #655 (Final Issue)

Story: Kathryn Immonen | Art: Valerio Schiti

The planet-shattering conclusion to Seeds of Destruction. . . !

Gaea gets in touch with her monstrous side?!

To save the ganGREEN goddess, Sif and Beta Ray Bill race to stop the mysterious Ark ship in the (nearly!) scuttled Skuttlebutt!

The finish line? Asgardia!

WHY? Like Gambit, I’m sad to see this go – particularly as it’s currently the highest numbering Marvel title unless I’m very much mistaken. It does look pretty interesting though – I’ll have to try and pick up a few trade paperbacks when I can – female lead books are always fun to read, and it’s a shame to see one go.

Thor: God of Thunder #12

Story: Jason Aaron | Art: Esad Ribic

THOR RETURNS TO MIDGARD! What does it mean to walk the Earth as a god?

Where does Thor go and who does he see when he’s not out saving the world with the Avengers?

Also, the return of long-time love interest, Dr. Jane Foster.

WHY? It’ll be interesting to see what threat Aaron can throw at Thor that’ll be able to beat the awesomeness that was the God-Butcher Arc, but Aaron and Ribic’s #12 certainly looks interesting – and it’s pretty awesome to see Thor: God of Thunder  double ship this month. Not so for my budget, but certainly for some hopefully gripping stories. One thing’s for certain though, regardless of what happens – I can’t wait for this.

Young Avengers #9

Story: Kieron Gillan | Art: Jamie McKelvie

We wanted to just write “Screaming! Screaming! Screaming!” for this solicit, but we’re told we need boring old facts.

Anyway! The Young Avengers road trip across the multiverse goes proper crazy as it reaches it’s destination. It’s destination is mainly EXCITEMENT and HEARTBREAK.

Several Young Avengers decide what to do next. The question is, whether what they do next is to be Young Avengers. . .

Honestly, screaming.

GRAPHIC NOVELS

Young Avengers Vol. 1: Style > Substance

Story: Kieron Gillan | Art: Jamie McKelvie

Legacy isn’t a dirty word, but it’s an irrelevant one. It’s not important what our parents did. It matters what WE do. Someone has to save the world. You’re someone. Do the math. The critically acclaimed team of Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie reinvent the teen super-hero comic for the 21st century, uniting Wiccan, Hulkling and Kate “Hawkeye” Bishop with Kid Loki, Marvel Boy and Ms. America. No pressure, right? As a figure from Loki’s past emerges, Wiccan makes a horrible mistake that comes back to bite everyone on their communal posteriors. Fight scenes! Fake IDs! Plentiful feels! (a.k.a. ‘meaningful emotional character beats’ for people who aren’t on tumblr.) Young Avengers is as NOW! as the air in your lungs and twice as vital. Hyperbole is the BEST! THING! EVER!

WHY? I actually own digital copies of #1-3 of this series and really enjoyed reading them – and whilst I’ve been following this, it’s only been from #8 – so this’ll be a great chance to catch up on this series, for both me and people or are not reading this book yet. It’s moved into my favourite Marvel Now! titles (Top 5) so far, and I just wish that Gillan could be doing the same with Iron Man – which he doesn’t seem to be as strong as with. But nonetheless, I urge readers to jump on board this series when they can – it’s awesome.