My Week in Comics: Easter Catch-Up

Welcome back to Face It, Tiger. After a refreshing Easter break, there’s plenty to catch up on, so let’s dive right in!

#Duckface

You know what, I’m loving Howard the Duck. Okay, so we’re only two issues in. But the first one was a blast, and the second follows suit. We catch up with Howard immediately where issue 1 left off – with Howard, lost, in space! We’re on an all-animal team-up here as Howard joins forces with Rocket Raccoon (not a werewolf!) to steal, then escape, from the collector’s lair.

It makes sense to team Howard up with the Guardians – given his brief appearance in the Guardians movie – and he fits right in! A bonding moment between the duck and the raccoon gives a touching insight into working through the anger, frustration, and isolation of being considered a freak, or an outsider. Howard might be the only walking talking duck waddling around the streets of NYC, but his experiences of feeling out-of-touch and wanting a normal life sure aren’t unique!

Howard the Duck may not be an overly groundbreaking comic book series, but the joy of reading it makes it a worthwhile addition to your pull-list.

Wall Crawlers

There’s not a lot I haven’t said about the spider-women of marvel by now, but I’m still sticking with them – and that says something.

We’re three issues in to Spider-Gwen, and it’s going from strength to strength. Sure, she’s still not defeated the Vulture (of all villains…), but it’s a compelling read, and a fantastic portrayal of women being heroes without it being punch-you-in-the-face preachy that “wow! Women can kick-butt too!”

I love the personal drama that we see alongside the Vulture-punching! We have a young girl growing up, in those awkward teenage years where you still need to listen to your parents, but you want to start making your own life choices. Gwen understands that her Dad’s right in worrying about her, but ultimately decides that now is the time to begin making those choices for herself. I believe the saying goes, “with great power, comes great responsibility” – or something like that!

Jessica Drew took her new costume out for another round in Spider-Woman #6 as well! We’re following on directly from last issue, where J.Drew’s combining her spider powers with super-sleuth skills, clearly working towards something much bigger. It feels almost like a slick spy comic, rather than a supers book this issue – crazy costumes aside! And it’s clear, from all the encounters in this issue, that we’re building up to a bigger end-game. Let’s hope it’s worth playing along.

Who is Thor?

We’re getting so close to finding out who our Mjolnir-wielding woman is in Thor!  A few suspects have been struck off the list in Thor #6, and the frustration felt by the original God of Thunder as to who now holds his hammer is paralleled in the reader the whole way through this issue! The urge to flip to the back of the book was overwhelming, and we’re still none the wiser! It’s a tantalising ride, but not one that’s frustrating or boring. If there’s one thing Jason Aaron does well, it’s write Thor stories, so I have total faith the answer will be amazing. I’m in hope that it’s an unknown – someone totally new. The idea that anybody could be worthy of the power of a Norse God is an exciting idea, and keeps that spark of hope that anyone can be a hero alive.

The Walking Dead #140

Gregory is an idiot. The Whisperer camp is amazing, if slightly insane. And Negan is out?!

Wytches

I am loving Scott Snyder’s Wytches (from Image comics). It’s compelling, it’s scary, it’s original, it’s beautifully written, and stunning to look at. It’s ticking all the horror-comic boxes. And horror comics are a difficult thing to get right. Jock’s art style is absolutely wonderful, and, combined with Matt Hollingsworth’s colours, adds so much to the book. The patchy, blotted colours and blurred art mimics the notion of memory – how things are never totally clear or remembered exactly as it was. It also creates that blur between reality and imaginary. We’re not quite sure if what’s going on is real, and that distorted view is mirrored in every page. Portraying a grotesque sense of truth, Wytches has been a great series so far, and one I’d urge you to pick up. It concludes next issue in the grand finale, so catch up while you can!

Ms Marvel: Generation Why

G.Willow Wilson’s incredibly popular run on Ms Marvel (aka Kamala Khan) continues in this second trade paperback collection! Having accepted her newfound heroism and crazy powers by the end of the first collection, we see Kamala becoming more involved in the superhero world in Generation Why. Although she’s determined, she’s not afraid to ask for help, or accept it when it’s thrust upon her. We see her being guided by Wolverine and Medusa, and even adopt mutant dog, Lockjaw. She’s brilliantly straddling the line between being a hero for the citizens of NJ and looking up to those she’s idolised for so long. It’s totally how I would be if I gained superpowers and found myself battling mutant crocodiles in a sewer with Wolverine! Pause for a selfie!

What I really really love about Ms Marvel – and why I think it’s so important – is just how much fun it is while portraying the idea that anyone, yes anyone, can be a hero. Sure, it helps if you have super limbs that can shrink and embiggen, and healing powers. But it’s the choice. Not to lay down and let life pass you by, but to take the skills you’ve learned, and grown with, or been given, and use them. Work together towards the greater good instead of laying down and giving up.

If you’ve not been reading Ms Marvel, now’s the perfect time to catch up – with two trades, and the third on the way in a few months time, you can be up to speed and in the know about the most popular new superlady in no time!

Captain Marvel: Stay Fly

No one writes women quite like Kelly Sue Deconnick. And the second TPB of her most recent Captain Marvel run proves just that. Carol Danvers is a no-nonsense super lady. She’s amazing and she knows it. Not in an arrogant Tony Stark kind of way, but in that subtle self-confidence that allows her to save the world time and time again!

Space! Cats! Santa! It’s all in this second collection, which continues pulling on the thread that began to unravel in Higher, Further, Faster, More. There’s also tonnes of guest appearances! Captain Marvel will have her very own Wonder Women feature soon – so stay tuned for a more in depth analysis!

Daredevil

It’s finally here! On Thursday night, Netflix and Marvel launched their Daredevil series. 13 episodes, all online at once. Yes, I’ve watched them – a full review will be up in a few weeks (to give those of you who have a life plenty of time to catch up!). Summed up for those of you unsure whether or not to delve into Hell’s Kitchen: slick, stylish, brutal, and gritty – a perfect crime drama.

MCU Spider-Man: Confirmed!

It’s official! Spider-Man’s going to be, well, Spider-Man in his return to the MCU. Kevin Feige has confirmed that the big screen adaptation of the wall-crawler will still be Peter Parker, not Miles Morales as many speculated. Feige believes there’s still a lot of ground that hasn’t yet been covered in Parker’s high school years, so we can expect a 15-16 year old hero to continue the role! I guess that means no more Andrew Garfield, but it’ll be interesting to see who they cast in the role!

Wonder Woman Movie: Tagline – DC finally catches up!

Wonder Woman’s solo movie will reportedly begin shooting this autumn – and she’ll apparently have SIX different costumes! Not one, not two (in case one gets a bit muddy in battle), but SIX! Why? To confront petty female superhero costume complaints? To encourage jokes about women needing more than one outfit to do anything, including fight crime? Let’s hope it’s because she realises a tube top and hot pants aren’t overly practical in saving the universe. DC, we’ll be watching…

My Week in Comics: International Women’s Day Edition.

Webbed Women

Okay, so I’m backtracking a few weeks here. But I’m a big spidey fan – always have been. It’s no accident I named the blog after MJ’s infamous quote. So to say I’m excited by all the amazing spider-women coverage over the past 3 weeks is a massive understatement.

I may have read Spider-Gwen #1 at least 4 times. Like most, I instantly fell in love with the character when she appeared in Edge of Spider-Verse. A role-reversed version of the Peter/Gwen story, a fantastic female, a drummer in a rock band – there’s so much going for her. And that costume – amazing. Feminine, but comfort over cat-suit, and flats over heels. The colour scheme is fantastic. I can’t wait to see the cosplay response, and am desperately hoping Spider-Gwen hoodies will be a thing.

Issue #1 of Spider-Gwen takes everything we loved about her Spider-Verse appearance and builds on it. It’s a visually stunning book, from the cover all the way through. Rico Renzi’s colours are gorgeous – bold and bright shades working together to create subtle tones for different scenes. Each panel is a joy to look at. The art itself (Robbie Rodriguez) fits the book perfectly. It’s obviously a superhero comic, but has a completely different feel from 90% of the supers-books on the market right now.

As for storytelling, I’m very intrigued. I like that Spider-Gwen is a conflicted character. She wants to be in The Mary Janes, but knows she has responsibility, so walks away. I particularly like the attention to female friendships. We’ve all felt guilty because we’ve wanted to be involved in something with our best friends so badly but have had to step aside, and we’ve been annoyed at that friend who has to put other commitments first. But the girls don’t bitch about her. They’re not horrible girls you wouldn’t want to hang out with. They’re normal. They’re trying to find solutions – they want Gwen as a drummer, but she’s a no-show, what do they do? Fall out? Yes. But I have a feeling they’ll all be jamming again after a 10-minute cool-down. It wouldn’t be a supers comic if there wasn’t an ego-check lesson, after all.

Her father knows and is trying to help her clear her name, which is good. No family secrets – a nice twist to have someone in law enforcement on pro-webslinger for once! Finally, there’s the spider-sass. A vital component of every spider-character. She’s got the quick quips that seems to come with a radioactive spider-bite, but she’s also very aware of her limits, even if does come a bit late. The climactic battle with the Vulture particularly shows this: Too Far. Too Fast. Too High.

What I particularly like about Spider-Gwen is that it has a very feminine feel to it. Not in that every page is pink and guys would be embarrassed to like it, but more in: if Gwen Stacey had been bitten by a radioactive spider instead of Peter Parker, this is what it would look like. She’d be a real girl, facing real girl struggles, with all the difficulties of saving the world piled on top.

But Gwen’s not the only female wall-crawler staring in her own solo spider series this month. We also have Silk #1. Again, I have read and re-read this, and can confidently say I love Cindy Moon. For one thing, she took that spider-bite like a champ when Dan Slott first introduced her – barely flinching while Peter Parker made quite the scene rolling around the floor.

The events of Spider-Verse were centred around Silk. Having spent years hiding in a bunker from the Inheritors, Cindy Moon’s now re-joined the world. Here we have the classic ‘out-of-time’ hero trying to fit in: but here’s where Silk is different – she totally represents those awkward teenage/twenteenage years, that space between childhood and adulthood where you’re not quite sure what’s relevant and important anymore. Not, ‘omg, a mobile telephone? What are internet?’, but trying to fit in while still being independent. This is comically poked at when Silk questions the status of Pokemon today. Can she still joke about them? Sure, she’ll call Spider-Man for a chat, but she wants to figure things out on her own. Be on her own.

Again, the art is beautiful. Feminine, but strong.  And I don’t think I have to explain how fantastic it is to have an Asian female superhero. Pushing all the boundaries. Bravo, Marvel.

Finally, we have Spider-Woman #5. We surely all know Jessica Drew by now, so no introductions necessary. The most significant feature of this issue is, of course, the costume change! We’ve all known it’s been coming for a while, but it’s finally official: on the comics page itself!

I am loving the new look. Goodbye body paint, hello practical crime fighting gear. Jessica Drew is looking awesome: riding a motorbike in a spider-jacket, cool sunglasses, compact web-wings, and comfortable trousers, a new day has dawned for super-women and fashion! I think this could open Spider-Woman to a whole new world of readers, previously put off by her previous look (looking at you, Manara!). While the story was mainly setting up Drew’s departure from the Avengers, it’s a great hopping on point for new readers. Something’s clearly a-foot, with this Ben Urich character seeming as trustworthy as a snake. I’m curious to see how this new J-Drew progresses – a promising new debut.

Overall, 5 webs out of 5 for Spider-Women in comics!

Non-Compliant

If you’re not reading the amazing Kelly Sue Deconnick’s Bitch Planet, you’re not comicsing right. Deconnick has completely hit the nail on the head with this series, and I’m so happy it’s a thing. In case you’ve been living under a rock: Bitch Planet is a futuristic women’s prison in space, where women deemed troublesome and offensive by the patriarchy are shipped off until they learn to comply. Deconnick openly confronts the issues us ladies have in trying to cope with everyday life in a manner that’s entertaining, accessible, and eye-opening.

The latest issue (#3) focuses on Penny Role, and has perhaps been the most accessible portrayal of women in western societies today. Penny’s a big girl. Amongst various crimes (mostly assault), she’s on BP for her “wanton obesity”. She’s separated from her loving family, put in to care, taught to control her hair so it’s “either black or white” – not somewhere in between, and continually ridiculed for her weight. She has to “learn to see yourself through the fathers’ eyes”. It’s no wonder she has those assault charges!

The highlight of the issue, however, was when the patriarchy scanned Penny to discover her ideal identity and compare it to their own ‘goal’ of how everyone should be. But Penny’s ideal self is, well, herself. She is who she wants to be, and she’s embraced it totally: which is the most empowering thing anyone can do.

Every issue of Bitch Planet also contains an essay regarding feminism. And each issue, my eyes are opened a little wider to just how widespread these issues are, and how far we still have to go. These opinions and experiences are just as powerful as the comic itself. I strongly believe Kelly Sue is doing a fantastic thing with Bitch Planet, and would recommend everyone read it and ask: Are You Non-Compliant?

What the… Walking Dead?!

Wait…what?! Is Maggie..?! That eye-socket scene…?! Curse you, Kirkman!

I Love New Thor

Solid story-telling, brilliant art, fun plots. These pages pretty much speak for themselves. If you’re not reading Jason Aaron’s current Thor run, I’d recommend you rush to your nearest comics store now:

The Force is Strong in this one.

Yup, another #1. Princess Leia has her own comic! And, guess what?! That’s right – I loved it! Leia is perhaps one of the most famous female sci-fi figures, and now we have reason to admire her for more than just that gold bikini (seriously, get over it.)

As with most #1’s, this was very much a set up (again, with absolutely stunning art). The rebels don’t have a whole lot of time to celebrate or mourn following events with the Empire – and being in charge, Leia’s got herself a negative reputation already: the Ice Princess. Luckily, she’s not singing any songs about letting it go or building snowmen. Instead, she’s taking charge of the situation. She refuses to be held in Yavin, knowing she would be best out in the field, helping.

Enter Evaan: the fighter pilot with an attitude. A strong believer in continuing tradition, she has her issues with Leia. However, it’s clear a strong bond is being built and they’ll be besties before long. Both Leia and Evaan are headstrong and driven, they’re smart, cunning, and determined. And, significantly, they stand together despite their differing perspectives. I’m very interested in seeing where Marvel will take Leia and Evaan, aside from Naboo.

Ain’t No Thing Like Me, ‘Cept Me.

I love Skottie Young. His Oz series was amazing, I buy all of his variant covers, and have prints of his art. It’s adorable. So, of course I’d be reading Rocket Raccoon – and TPB #1 is finally here! Rocket Raccoon: A Chasing Tale. This book is so much fun. First of all, a tiny rodent with big guns – hilarious, in any situation. But Rocket really has heart. There’s no thing like him, except maybe there is. This first collection throws our favourite talking raccoon into the deep end when a mysterious doppelganger gets him into, well, more trouble than he’s usually in anyway.

Rocket Raccoon is pretty much everything you’d imagine it to be and then some. It’s funny, it’s colourful, it’s action-packed, and there’s such a strong sense of loyalty, friendship and – saving your own ass. A very welcomed addition to the usual Superhero titles.

This leads me nicely to Guardians Team-Up #1. Everyone loves a cross-over event, don’t they?! And what better than two of the biggest movie franchises teaming up – the Guardians and the Avengers. Cool! Again, first issues spend a bit of time setting up. The pacing is good, the idea solid, but the action was a bit of a mess once the Guardians crash-landed on earth. Too many cooks spoil the broth, as they say, and the same can be said for too many heroes throwing punches in one panel.

But, the final reveal has me intrigued. You win again, Marvel. Take all my money.

Age of Ultron

I need this. Now.

The new Age of Ultron trailer has been released and it looks awesome. See for yourself:

Supergirl Outfit.

Jessica Drew’s not the only one changing wardrobes this week. CW have released Supergirl’s new look for the upcoming TV series, and yay! It’s respectable! No low cut crop-top, no teeny tiny skirt and bare legs, no plastic boots. Just all-round practical crime-fighting gear (well, except the cape, but we can let that one slide). It’s still classically Supergirl, but with the modern grimey edge the CW DC adaptations seem to be taking. I’m a fan!

Real Life Heroes

Finally, Chris Evans upheld his side of the deal: after losing a Superbowl bet, the Captain America actor visited a children’s hospital in Seattle with Guardians of the Galaxy front man (and TV’s greatest FBI Agent/Karate legend), Chris Pratt. Real heroes using their powers for good. Way to go, guys!