Vintage

"The first piece of Amazing Spider-Man's "Gauntlet" storyline, featuring the return of Spidey's more notorious foes like Rhino and the Lizard, continues this week. This initial arc features Electro, and the presence of a more recognizable villain, coupled with a stellar creative team, results in one of the best issues of this series in some time." That's a quote from IGN editor Bryan Joel's review of issue #613. He immediately notes that one of the things he loves most for this issue is the artwork of Paul Azaceta, as having a palpably Silver Age influence to it. Don't look now but last ish I did mention it as strikingly reminiscent of vintage Jack Kirby with a dash of Steve Ditko going through a dark, moody phase--and I believe my description is the more accurate. Mark Waid also brings a rare credible core to Electro as he imbues this erstwhile two-dimensional villain with heretofore unrealized flesh and character, even as he manages to seamlessly introduce granularity and atmosphere from the very start of his work on the title. IGN gave this issue an "Impressive" 8.3 out of 10 rating. I disagree. You may say I'm biased, but, going by IGN's ratings system, it is at least a "Great" 8.9 for me.

The issue solicitation promises a revamp of many of ol' webhead's classic foes and starting with Electro, it does exactly that. Writer Mark Waid not only manages to craft a strong detailed tale of how Max Dilon became Electro but convincingly portrays Peter Parker's persona and all his baggage and angst as well. One other great thing going is the artwork of Paul Azaceta, which is strikingly reminiscent of vintage Jack Kirby with a dash of Steve Ditko going through a dark, moody phase. As all true believers know, Steve Ditko co-plotted with Stan Lee the very first issues of Spider-Man and also drew it. It's like the Amazing Spider-Man back to its roots. Three thumbs up.

is the second five-issue limited series entitled “Ultraspacial Dreadnought Vanaheim”, of a comic book written by Warren Ellis with art by Facundo Percio and published by Avatar Press. The first limited series also consisted of five issues. It's a sci-fi thriller with lots of action, lots of new concepts, and a general sense that you’re reading something you’ve never seen before--vintage Ellis at his best. Percio's artwork is no slouch, either, filling the pages with panel after panel of gorgeous, detailed--even intricate--drawings in a distinctive style that fits the storyline like a glove. There's witty dialogue and thoughtful scientific and sociological concepts. High-concept blockbuster movie comics at their best.

This covers the five-part story arc titled above that began with issue #116 and concludes with the latest release, the landmark 500th issue. Lately Marvel has been renumbering a lot of its longest running comic titles to reflect their "original" numbering. Thor went from issue #12 to #600, with similar changes for Captain America and Hulk, the change specifically for milestone issues or "round" numbers. Like #500 or #600. So by the original numbering, Issue #116 would also be issue #496, issue #119, issue #499, and what better time to have a switch, than for issue #500. The story arc can be summed thus: With nothing to lose, makes a drastic moral compromise that will change the direction of the book for some time to come. As for the title of the story arc itself, it refers not just to the Kingpin, as you'll find out.

The comics that defined the Mouse! Floyd Gottfredson, artist of Mickey Mouse from 1930-1975, made it the most popular cartoon-based comic of its time. Unafraid to tackle social satire and grown-up action-adventure, Gottfredson produced a Mouse for all ages. Today as Disney's Epic Mickey video game brings Mickey’s gutsy side to a new medium. Fantagraphics’ Mickey Mouse series shows just how long Mickey has been a hero! In this book you’ll relive Mickey’s fight with pirates on desolate Treasure Island; his quest with Goofy to catch ruthless counterfeiters; and his battles to save windy Horace Horsecollar from mad scientists, a robbery frame-up — and himself!

¡El calor aparece en este segundo número de tamaño gigante! El Webwitch de Matt Martin es un tour de force de terror sexy que lleva a los fanáticos a un emocionante viaje de súper espías y extraterrestres seductores. Nina tiene que lidiar con la maldición de su ADN alienígena y ahora el destino de la espeluznante nación araña y toda la humanidad descansa sobre sus hombros. ¡También continuamos con la presentación a todo color de la serie Webwitch de Tim Vigil!