New comics and life lessons from the Marvel Universe

It was New Comics Day, as is usually the case on Wednesday, and I got a handful of Marvel books and some other goodies. The best book I bought was Peter David and Scot Eaton's X-Factor #27, part 11 of 13 in the ongoing X-Men "Messiah Complex" story. Big reveals, awesome action, and plenty of intrigue. Loving this crossover to pieces. Key lesson from this book? If you insist on wearing a uniform in battle that shows off your bosoms, don't be shocked when you take three claws through the gut.

Lady Mastermind is let down by her combat bustier

Also, Layla Miller is hardcore.

J. Michael Straczynksi and Chris Weston's The Twelve had a strong debut this week, as #1 of 12 hit the stands. In it we learn the origin of a crew of World War II heroes who were frozen in time by nutball Nazi scientists, only to be revived in August 2008. It's an odd bunch of characters who have been revamped from their Golden Age appearances, and I'm kind of a sucker for this retro stuff. Lots of great moments in this one, but much like in X-Factor a key lesson involves superhero apparel. The Blue Blade demonstrates what it seems would be an obvious point -- superheroes should not wear fluffy pantaloons.

Iggy Pop? Is that you?

Hulk #1 by Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness was a pretty good start to the new series, admittedly better than I expected, with one important lesson for the future. SHE-HULK HATES GODLESS KILLING MACHINES. Unless, of course, they happen to be her cousin.


And she's a lawyer, too!
Mighty Avengers #7 hit the stands after a long delay, but is gradually catching up to the stories being told in sister books New Avengers and Avengers: The Initiative. Some plot movement here regarding a Skrull invasion, Spider-Woman changing teams, and a Symbiote invasion of New York City, but the most entertaining moments were probably when the Avengers were just being jerks.


Spider-Woman discovers how to turn on Ares, the God of War


Drunk or not, Wonder Man is kind of a tool

A feisty bunch, they are. A fun book here by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley.

Good times this week in the Marvel Universe!