Pick of the Brown Bag
March 11, 2020
by
Ray Tate
The Pick of the Brown Bag returns with all new reviews of Ant-Man, Hawkeye Freefall, Immortal Hulk, Marvel Action Captain Marvel, Thor, Starring Sonya Devereaux and Wonder Woman. If you haven’t the time to check out the full text, look up my tweets: #PickoftheBrownBag.
The Black Winter is a big cosmic menace of undetermined nature that only Galactus can stop. Unfortunately, due to the current climate of Marvel attitude, Galactus is on the skids.
The devourer thus sought a new herald to pinpoint planets he can eat. That herald is Thor, now King of Asgard and still God of Thunder. Thor however isn’t the only God of Thunder. Due to the literal wording of the rune on Mjonlir, others deemed worthy lifted the hammer and drew the power of Thor. One such being is Beta Ray Bill.
Last issue, Bill challenged Thor for reasons that were vague at best. Beta Ray once beat Thor in fair combat. Odin, Chief of the Norse Gods, in turn forged for Bill Stormbreaker, a new hammer. However as any Beta Ray Bill fan will tell you, Beta Ray is Marvel’s Anguirus.
Godzilla’s ally and scout, Anguirus is the poor fellow who first gets the business from any evil Kaiju.
That's not Godzilla about to hand down the worst beat down Anguirus ever felt. Just a remarkable likeness. Seriously, if you don't wince when watching that scene, you're just not human.
Thor like so many others beat the crap out of poor Bill. I mean, yeah, Thor was polite and asked Beta Ray to leave, but Bill had a bone to pick with Galactus. So Thor handed Beta Ray his ass and would have finished him had it not been for Sif.
Those expecting a throw down between Thor and Sif will be disappointed. Sif is no dummy. Girl power and all that, but Thor even on his worst day is more powerful than Sif. Tho, she now harbors the abilities of Heimdal, All-Seeing Guardian of the Rainbow Bridge.
Sif deals with Thor in a different way. Simultaneously humiliating him, adding humor, advancing story themes, presenting her agency and of course rescuing Beta Ray Bill.
Other than this first act and the curious incident with Loki, Thor is mainly a showcase for Nic Klein’s impressive artistic imagination and skill, which is easy to recommend even for those not particularly interested in Thor.
Once dubbed the Hulk, Xenmu is a Jack Kirby and Stan Lee monster from the Silver Age. The creature later returned and took his place in the Incredible Hulk's Hulk Smash Gallery. Xenmu's shtick is hypnosis and being a huge cyborg yeti. He's back with a scheme of global proportions.
In Immortal Hulk Xenmu hypnotized the world and did the unthinkable. He beat the seemingly unstoppable Hulk by mentally subsuming every superhero. Xenmu became every memory of every superhero. Including the Hulk. All of him.
People now only know the Hulk as Robert Banner. Which doesn't really have a ring to it. Xenmu undermined the symbolism the Hulk needs to change the world. Of course, the Big Guy, the Hulk-no-like-Hulk-smash Hulk, knows the truth, but the other Hulks and and now Robert Banner rein him in with multiple psychological blocks.
However, Xenmu couldn't have predicted one weak spot in an otherwise brilliant scheme. One of the Hulk's team begins to see through the illusion. Dr. Charli McBride, acquired in a hostile Hulk takeover of black ops enemy Shadow Base. Dr. McBride's perception occurs due to a very fitting rationale.
You know, until The X-Files I never heard of the Mandela Effect. Far earlier, Doctor Who producer John Nathan-Turner coined the phrase, "The memory cheats." We remember hearing the chilling, grating voices from an army of Daleks in Day of the Daleks. When in fact, these Daleks sound a helluva lot like this...
Oh, and there's about three of them. When the BBC released the DVD, they made certain to create a special edition of the episode that matched our memories.
Oh, and there's about three of them. When the BBC released the DVD, they made certain to create a special edition of the episode that matched our memories.
Al Ewing set up the Immortal Hulk as a horror story. He emphasized that Bruce Banner suffers and benefits from science fiction influenced multiple personalities that go way beyond Jeckyll and Hyde. Ewing returned the Devil Hulk, the original from Jack Kirby and Stan Lee. Although not gray. This version of the Hulk seemed unstoppable, and if you thought you came up with a bane, another Hulk manifested to thwart that. Here we see the Hulk at his most vulnerable. His very identity and legend erased by cheating memory. Leaving a devastated Bruce Banner exposed and unprotected. This is true horror.
Turns out Hawkeye has been running around as another vigilante persona named Ronin. He intends to wipe out the Hood's growing criminal empire and establish an alibi for his more famous sobriquet. My telling you this spoils nothing. Writer Matt Rosenberg explained how all of this became possible, and it's beautiful science fiction. Essentially this issue is about Hawkeye hedging his bets and trying desperately to keep suspicion from the superhero community in check. Black Widow already figured it out and won't accept any argument. The good news is she's a former secret agent. Kills and theft of stolen goods does not bother her. Others however object, but Hawkeye convinced them he can't be in two places at once. The ruse continues. First up Daredevil.
I forgot that Hawkeye doesn't know who Daredevil is, nor the basis for his superpowers. I'm just so used to seeing heroes go, "Oh, yeah. Daredevil. Blind-Not Blind Superhero." So, it's a treat to actually see Hawkeye act like an idiot for different reasons and count his lucky stars that Daredevil only identifies him by heartbeat.
Skipping way ahead of important spoilers that are absolutely hilarious. Clint meets Spider-Man again. Only, their encounter isn't so friendly.
Ouch. This is really refreshing. Hawkeye and Spider-Man have been in the same room maybe twice. Rosenberg purposely connects Hakweye with old teammates as well as acquaintance allies to create a broad scope for a fun Marvel Universe street-level book.
Hawkeye though is no dummy. Yes, his plan is a complete disaster, and his subsequent attempts to reinforce the lie fail miserably. Every time he thinks he's on top of the situation, his solution bites him in the ass. However his plans to quash the Hood permanently take in account the money trail. The key to the Hood's power is multi-fold. Hawkeye attacks each facet of the Hood's climb.
Turns out Hawkeye has been running around as another vigilante persona named Ronin. He intends to wipe out the Hood's growing criminal empire and establish an alibi for his more famous sobriquet. My telling you this spoils nothing. Writer Matt Rosenberg explained how all of this became possible, and it's beautiful science fiction. Essentially this issue is about Hawkeye hedging his bets and trying desperately to keep suspicion from the superhero community in check. Black Widow already figured it out and won't accept any argument. The good news is she's a former secret agent. Kills and theft of stolen goods does not bother her. Others however object, but Hawkeye convinced them he can't be in two places at once. The ruse continues. First up Daredevil.
I forgot that Hawkeye doesn't know who Daredevil is, nor the basis for his superpowers. I'm just so used to seeing heroes go, "Oh, yeah. Daredevil. Blind-Not Blind Superhero." So, it's a treat to actually see Hawkeye act like an idiot for different reasons and count his lucky stars that Daredevil only identifies him by heartbeat.
Skipping way ahead of important spoilers that are absolutely hilarious. Clint meets Spider-Man again. Only, their encounter isn't so friendly.
Ouch. This is really refreshing. Hawkeye and Spider-Man have been in the same room maybe twice. Rosenberg purposely connects Hakweye with old teammates as well as acquaintance allies to create a broad scope for a fun Marvel Universe street-level book.
Hawkeye though is no dummy. Yes, his plan is a complete disaster, and his subsequent attempts to reinforce the lie fail miserably. Every time he thinks he's on top of the situation, his solution bites him in the ass. However his plans to quash the Hood permanently take in account the money trail. The key to the Hood's power is multi-fold. Hawkeye attacks each facet of the Hood's climb.
As you can see, the cover of Ant-Man depicts the Black Cat and Spider-Man. Their "announced" guest-appearance isn't really a spoiler because you cannot possibly imagine how much gorgeously comedic they will be in the story.
The opening centers on family. Scott Lang is trying to stop his daughter Cassie from moving to L.A. to join Kate Bishop's West Coast Avengers, which is still a thing, even though the title has been cancelled. She feels that he isn't and doesn't want to be a serious superhero.
Scott objects and decides to show her how much he cares about saving the world. This necessitates a trip to Avengers HQ. Scott's actually an Avenger. Once an Avenger, always an Avenger. He joined during Geoff Johns' brief run, and they all try to boost up his standing.
But to no avail. The Avengers do give Scott a lead for solving his current predicament.
Jed MacKay is hands down the best Black Cat writer out there. He makes her incredibly fun. As I said in my review of her new series I always felt the dour, sad psychologically damaged Black Cat just didn't ring true.
Zeb Wells' Black Cat isn't as freewheeling, but she's happier and richer in depth. She makes a great guest star that creates an interesting dynamic with Ant-Man and his daughter. Indeed, when Spidey and the Black Cat arrive on the scene, the entire point of view smoothly shifts from star Ant-Man to Cassie. Who observes her father in action, interacting with real superheroes and uncovering and confronting a true threat. Take your daughter to work day is a success.
The opening centers on family. Scott Lang is trying to stop his daughter Cassie from moving to L.A. to join Kate Bishop's West Coast Avengers, which is still a thing, even though the title has been cancelled. She feels that he isn't and doesn't want to be a serious superhero.
Scott objects and decides to show her how much he cares about saving the world. This necessitates a trip to Avengers HQ. Scott's actually an Avenger. Once an Avenger, always an Avenger. He joined during Geoff Johns' brief run, and they all try to boost up his standing.
But to no avail. The Avengers do give Scott a lead for solving his current predicament.
Jed MacKay is hands down the best Black Cat writer out there. He makes her incredibly fun. As I said in my review of her new series I always felt the dour, sad psychologically damaged Black Cat just didn't ring true.
Zeb Wells' Black Cat isn't as freewheeling, but she's happier and richer in depth. She makes a great guest star that creates an interesting dynamic with Ant-Man and his daughter. Indeed, when Spidey and the Black Cat arrive on the scene, the entire point of view smoothly shifts from star Ant-Man to Cassie. Who observes her father in action, interacting with real superheroes and uncovering and confronting a true threat. Take your daughter to work day is a success.
I've been a fan of Captain Marvel since she was Ms. Marvel back in the seventies. It pisses me off when writers botch her character, even the well meaning ones. I immediately glommed on to Jeremy Whitley's Unstoppable Wasp. So, yeah, wild horses wouldn't have been able to stop me from buying Marvel Action Captain Marvel. Geared for a younger audience, the Marvel Action books equivocate Marvel Adventures, an umbrella for a series of all-ages titles.
Marvel Action Captain Marvel is written by Sam Maggs and illustrated by Sweeney Boo. What I instantly liked about this book is that despite being all-ages, the characters are exactly who they are in their more mature titles. Captain Marvel isn't a high school student. She's not a toddler. She's Carol Danvers, former USAF now superhero and Avenger. Nadia Van Dyne is the new Wasp, daughter of Hank Pym and adopted-stepdaughter of original Wasp Janet Van Dyne. Nadia is learning how to drive.
This theme started in Unstoppable Wasp with Avengers gentleman's gentleman Jarvis attempting the feat. As the story continues, Maggs introduces in cameo GIRL.
The think tank of female geniuses include girlfriends Shay Smith and Nadia's best friend Ying. So, we're not worried about disturbing the Bible Belt or protecting "family values." Good on Marvel, IDW and Sam Maggs.
Before you can say tail, Carol and Nadia quickly spot one in the mirror. It's those "adorable beekeepers" AIM. Albeit one with a better dress sense. AIM is the arch nemesis organization in Unstoppable Wasp. They originally harassed SHIELD and the Avengers. So, Carol and Nadia have a common cause. Unfortunately, AIM occasionally screw up into gold. That's the case here.
Nadia's Neat Science Facts complete the picture. Unstoppable Wasp wasn't just entertainment. It educated as well. Colors by Brittany Peer combined with the paper stock grant Marvel Action Captain Marvel vivid popping colors. Finally, Sweeney Boo's art is just perfect. Her inviting visuals express action, emotion and science fiction special effects equally well.
Marvel Action Captain Marvel is written by Sam Maggs and illustrated by Sweeney Boo. What I instantly liked about this book is that despite being all-ages, the characters are exactly who they are in their more mature titles. Captain Marvel isn't a high school student. She's not a toddler. She's Carol Danvers, former USAF now superhero and Avenger. Nadia Van Dyne is the new Wasp, daughter of Hank Pym and adopted-stepdaughter of original Wasp Janet Van Dyne. Nadia is learning how to drive.
This theme started in Unstoppable Wasp with Avengers gentleman's gentleman Jarvis attempting the feat. As the story continues, Maggs introduces in cameo GIRL.
The think tank of female geniuses include girlfriends Shay Smith and Nadia's best friend Ying. So, we're not worried about disturbing the Bible Belt or protecting "family values." Good on Marvel, IDW and Sam Maggs.
Before you can say tail, Carol and Nadia quickly spot one in the mirror. It's those "adorable beekeepers" AIM. Albeit one with a better dress sense. AIM is the arch nemesis organization in Unstoppable Wasp. They originally harassed SHIELD and the Avengers. So, Carol and Nadia have a common cause. Unfortunately, AIM occasionally screw up into gold. That's the case here.
Nadia's Neat Science Facts complete the picture. Unstoppable Wasp wasn't just entertainment. It educated as well. Colors by Brittany Peer combined with the paper stock grant Marvel Action Captain Marvel vivid popping colors. Finally, Sweeney Boo's art is just perfect. Her inviting visuals express action, emotion and science fiction special effects equally well.
Wonder Woman wants to make Boston her home again. Boston isn't sure it wants any superhero around because they attract trouble and cause horrendous amounts of property damage. Previously in Wonder Woman Diana won a parole by aiding Boston during natural disaster, under the watchful eye of Officer Nora Nunes.
Nora speaks of Bronze Age hero Valda, the Iron Maiden, lover of Arak the Thunderer. Valda appeared in the present day and ingratiated herself with the natives by killing one of them. Wonder Woman became involved and turned apparent killer into ally. It's what she does. In this issue Valda and Wonder Woman address the strange unexplained beast that brought it and Valda to the present day.
The fight becomes a teaching moment as Wonder Woman challenges Valda to save the innocent from crushing death. A contest appeals to the Viking, and she quickly finds worth in the acts themselves. Wonder Woman's plan all along. It's what she does. She sees the good in people. She teases it out so the person can recognize the spirit of kindness inside.
Orlandos's insistence that we sympathize with idiot villain Paula Von Gunther provides a sharp contrast to the fight and the saves so beautifully and kinetically choreographed by artists Max Raynor and Romulo Fajardo Jr. The answer is no, Steve. No. I will not like this moron.
What the she-beast said. Originally, Paula Von Gunther was a Nazi, but William Moulton Marston created Wonder Woman as the antithesis to the more violent superheroes of National Periodicals. He wanted to show submissive love to be a force to be reckoned with. Redemption and psychiatric help existed for any who needed it.
Paula Von Gunther committed terrible crimes and battled Wonder Woman to the fullest of her capabilities. She did this secretly under duress. The Nazis took Von Gunther's daughter Gerta as hostage. Wonder Woman defends Von Gunther in a court of law. She and the Amazons reform her on Paradise Island, and she and her genius daughter become allies. It's what she does.
No, honey, you're not a Nazi, and that's the problem. Orlando detailed your story in a Wonder Woman Annual. Wonder Woman rescued the new Paula Von Gunther from her parents. They were members in good standing of a racist militia group. Diana neglected to tell Paula the true story for all the right reasons.
Paula Von Gunther grows before the immortal Wonder Woman's eyes into a Jane Bond for ARGUS. Hot flash villain Leviathan pulled up and laid out the cards. For that, just for that, Von Gunther throws away her entire meaningful existence. She should be hugging Wonder Woman and saying, "Thank you for saving me from a conditioned life of diseased thinking."
Still, I must recommend Wonder Woman for the main story which is utterly brilliant and fosters a speech for Valda that transcends mere comic book dialogue.
Nora speaks of Bronze Age hero Valda, the Iron Maiden, lover of Arak the Thunderer. Valda appeared in the present day and ingratiated herself with the natives by killing one of them. Wonder Woman became involved and turned apparent killer into ally. It's what she does. In this issue Valda and Wonder Woman address the strange unexplained beast that brought it and Valda to the present day.
The fight becomes a teaching moment as Wonder Woman challenges Valda to save the innocent from crushing death. A contest appeals to the Viking, and she quickly finds worth in the acts themselves. Wonder Woman's plan all along. It's what she does. She sees the good in people. She teases it out so the person can recognize the spirit of kindness inside.
Orlandos's insistence that we sympathize with idiot villain Paula Von Gunther provides a sharp contrast to the fight and the saves so beautifully and kinetically choreographed by artists Max Raynor and Romulo Fajardo Jr. The answer is no, Steve. No. I will not like this moron.
What the she-beast said. Originally, Paula Von Gunther was a Nazi, but William Moulton Marston created Wonder Woman as the antithesis to the more violent superheroes of National Periodicals. He wanted to show submissive love to be a force to be reckoned with. Redemption and psychiatric help existed for any who needed it.
Paula Von Gunther committed terrible crimes and battled Wonder Woman to the fullest of her capabilities. She did this secretly under duress. The Nazis took Von Gunther's daughter Gerta as hostage. Wonder Woman defends Von Gunther in a court of law. She and the Amazons reform her on Paradise Island, and she and her genius daughter become allies. It's what she does.
No, honey, you're not a Nazi, and that's the problem. Orlando detailed your story in a Wonder Woman Annual. Wonder Woman rescued the new Paula Von Gunther from her parents. They were members in good standing of a racist militia group. Diana neglected to tell Paula the true story for all the right reasons.
Paula Von Gunther grows before the immortal Wonder Woman's eyes into a Jane Bond for ARGUS. Hot flash villain Leviathan pulled up and laid out the cards. For that, just for that, Von Gunther throws away her entire meaningful existence. She should be hugging Wonder Woman and saying, "Thank you for saving me from a conditioned life of diseased thinking."
Still, I must recommend Wonder Woman for the main story which is utterly brilliant and fosters a speech for Valda that transcends mere comic book dialogue.
The dialogue in Starring Sonya Devereaux is as often as painful as the plotting in Vampire Academy 4.
That's just because Sonya Devereaux is a B-Movie actress who stars in atrocious films. This hilarious series from Todd Livingston and Nick Capetanakis returns with a vengeance on the funny bone.
I suppose there are some out there who fail to see the humor in bad films. For those poor souls I can only shake my head in sadness. That these ladies and gentlemen will never appreciate a treasure like Rifftrax's Manos the Hand of Fate is a tragedy. Vampire Academy 4 of course isn't that bad, but it does try.
So, the story is exactly what you think. A sire vampire becomes the teacher for Vampire Academy, where young vampires learn the ropes about killing and being evil. He sends his students out for their first grade. This involves slaying stupid horn-dog boys and even dumber individuals.
There's a loopy love story subplot. There's gratuitous lesbian scenes all done for the male gaze. There's gore galore and more, but it's only a movie. It's only a movie.
I'd pay good money to see this atom bomb that's nevertheless in context smarter than a lot of vampire films that I've seen. Indeed, the writer within the film actually makes good use of the cliches and traditions inherent in the genre.
Because of the art, Vampire Academy, enjoys higher production values than most of these films can present. This is also seen in array of photos for an interview with Sonja Devereaux at the tail end of the book.
That's just because Sonya Devereaux is a B-Movie actress who stars in atrocious films. This hilarious series from Todd Livingston and Nick Capetanakis returns with a vengeance on the funny bone.
I suppose there are some out there who fail to see the humor in bad films. For those poor souls I can only shake my head in sadness. That these ladies and gentlemen will never appreciate a treasure like Rifftrax's Manos the Hand of Fate is a tragedy. Vampire Academy 4 of course isn't that bad, but it does try.
So, the story is exactly what you think. A sire vampire becomes the teacher for Vampire Academy, where young vampires learn the ropes about killing and being evil. He sends his students out for their first grade. This involves slaying stupid horn-dog boys and even dumber individuals.
There's a loopy love story subplot. There's gratuitous lesbian scenes all done for the male gaze. There's gore galore and more, but it's only a movie. It's only a movie.
I'd pay good money to see this atom bomb that's nevertheless in context smarter than a lot of vampire films that I've seen. Indeed, the writer within the film actually makes good use of the cliches and traditions inherent in the genre.
Because of the art, Vampire Academy, enjoys higher production values than most of these films can present. This is also seen in array of photos for an interview with Sonja Devereaux at the tail end of the book.
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