Nerdopolis

“M-Day cut the mutant population down from millions to just under two hundred. Since that day, mutants had suffered deaths but not a single birth. But hope returned…in the form of an infant girl.”

Reverend Mathew Risman, leader of The Purifiers, orchestrates a cunning takeover of a S.H.I.E.L.D. installation in North Dakota in pursuit of “…something so important, he risked everything to get it…” and now it’s only a matter of time before The Purifiers use it against mutantkind. These events lead to the reformation of X-Force under the sanction of Cyclops and Emma Frost—despite Wolverine’s reluctance to endanger more lives, after the death of Caliban.

Cyclops recruits Warpath, who continues to mourn Caliban’s death; Wolfsbane, who volunteers for reasons unknown; X-23, a female clone of Wolverine wielding adamantium claws and without a dominant will of her own; and Wolverine as the squadron leader. Their mission is to track down and destroy Risman and his flock in order to retrieve and secure the stolen threat to the dwindling population of mutants, at all costs. Meanwhile, the severed head of Bastion is used in an attempt to reactivate Nimrod, the ultimate Sentinel from an alternate future where mutants have been hunted into extinction. This all culminates in an all out conflict with the Purifiers and Risman is forced to prove his deadly resolve.

Craig Kyle and Christ Yost handle the writing chores exceptionally, while artist Crayton Crain illustrates the story with his detailed paintings. It’s a visually pleasing title with smart and edgy plot work. I will be following this one for at least the duration of the Angels and Demons story-arc, the span of six issues.

The cover pretty much says it all: Red Hulk! You read it right, a Red Hulk! At first I was taken aback by the gimmick and it all smacked of shades of Superman Red & Blue. I’m not really a DC fan, so it’s safe to say I avoided these issues like the bubonic plague. It was Ed McGuinness’s credit on the cover that finally tempted me to pick up Hulk #1, despite my apprehensions. I can safely say I do not regret the decision.

The series seems to revolve around the mystery of the Red Hulk- is this another form of Banner’s monstrous alter ego, another manifestation of his split personality disorder? Or is it something more sinister? Who is the Hulk? The first issue starts out with Doc Samson and She-Hulk investigating the scene of a murder of superhuman proportions that has decimated a small village in rural Russia. They are joined by Iron Man and Thunderbolt Ross. The issue also features an appearance by (and subsequent skirmish with) The Winter Guard- Crimson Dynamo, Ursa Major, The Red Guardian and Darkstar.

From the outset, Jeph Loeb has weaved an enthralling premiere issue to this series, never giving the reader all of the pieces of the puzzle and making promises of exciting answers to come. Mark my words, the cliffhanger ending will ensure that you go out and buy the next installment. McGuinness, as expected, does an amazing job of presenting the visuals in his trademark muscle bound style, a perfect fit for the ever-aggro giant that is the Incredible Hulk; now made doubly fearsome with burning embers for eyes and scarlet skin. It remains to be seen what the end result will be, but I will be following this one just to find out who this Red Behemoth is.

Marvel Zombies Vol. 2 has been one of the surprises of the year. I, like many people, was wondering if Marvel was milking this cash cow too much and release a bad set of comics. I, like many people, was wrong. Marvel Zombies Vol. 2 surpasses the first volume and everything else that the cannibalistic zombie heroes have starred in before.

This is mainly due to the fact that the writers have given the zombies moral thinking. It sounds lame, but it’s what makes this comic so enjoyable. Morals or not, we all know that the zombies and the public will get what they crave as ex-heroes rip apart every food source they can find, a.k.a. humans.

A good foundation set in 2007 for the Marvel Zombies all but guarantees a stellar end for this volume.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Ultimate X-Men 89 is a transitional issue, setting status quo for the next arc, tying off loose ends, that also manages to one-shot the Shadow King and show more about Storm’s past. Bishop is gaining the trust of his team, even Wolverine, which will obviously be put to the test some time in the near future. Finishing off the barely mentioned cloning Wolverine storyline was a good idea, and brings the Sabertooth/Wolverine family relationship back to the forefront. Reader’s always love to hear about Wolverine’s past, and if the Ultimate line can be more specific and less ridiculous than the main universe, Logan’s character will be the better for it.

The Shadow King was one of the more deadly foes of the X-Men, so his handling here seems a little quick, and him a little under-powered, but I doubt we’ve seen the last of him. This is also where we see the origin of the brood, cleverly sidestepping their alien roots, which really have no place in the Ultimate Universe (or at least Ultimate X-Men). We also see the resolution of the Beast/Wolverine/Storm love triangle, once again leaving Logan dumped for the good guy. Last time that happened, he tried to kill Scott, so it’ll be interesting to see his reaction this time. All in all, a well written issue that touches on a number of important plot points.