The Heroic Age

Title
The Heroic Age

Library Link
The heroic age / writers Brian Michael Bendis ... [et al.] ; artists, John Romita ... [et al.]


10 Second Review
Evil/crazy Norman Osborn (The Goblin) has been defeated and replaced by Steve Rogers (original Capt. America).  The Superhuman Registration Act has been repealed and it is no longer illegal to be a super hero.
Basically, the Marvel universe is back to normal.  New teams are being formed with some small suprises.
 
While this book is larger then most graphic novels, there is not much in the way of story.
It appears to be single issues of several separate titles combined to form one book.
The good news is that this book can serve as a 'sampler' for readers that may be undecided over which title to follow.  Lots and lots of Marvel heroes are covered.

Notes
"Hulk is the smartest one there is."

Learning Curve
Low: This would be a good starting point for new readers

Dark Reign Skull Kill Krew

Title

Dark Reign Skull Kill Krew

Library Link
Dark reign : Skrull kill krew / Adam Felber ; artist, Paul Siqueira Felber, Adam. New York : Marvel ; London : Diamond [distributor], 2009.

10 Second Review
Remember when Reed Richards turned the first Skrull’s into cows?

Well, some folks ate those cows and it gave them Skrull-like powers and an intense hatred of all things Skrully. Now they roam the country side hunting shape-shifters to kill.

An interesting story line with some nice twist but this is pretty obscure stuff.
An action heavy book that will likely appeal to Punisher fans.

Notes
Wolverine shows up…for some reason.

Learning Curve
High: Even Marvel fans might get confused.

Reading Order
n/a

Ultimatum Requiem

Title

Ultimatum Requiem

Library Link
Ultimatum. Requiem / writers: Brian Michael Bendis, Joe Pokaski, Aron E. Coleite
Bendis, Brian Michael.

10 Second Review
This book wraps up some of the loose ends left over by the Marvel Ultimate series.
It includes stories from Spiderman, X-men and the Fantastic Four.

Good art and a fair story.

Will probably only appeal to those seeking a bit more from the Ultimate series.

Notes
Includes several obituaries of those that died at the end of this series.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Knowledge of the series would be helpful.

Reading Order
Read after Ultimatum

Dark Reign: Fantastic 4

Title
Dark Reign: Fantastic 4

Library Link

Dark
reign : Fantastic 4 / writer, Jonathan Hickman ; collection editor, Cory
Levine
Hickman,
Jonathan.

10 Second Review
Reed Richards decides to explore alternative realities to discover if recent traumatic events could have been avoided. Meanwhile, the rest of the Fantastic Four are inadvertently sent reality hopping while the kids fight off Norman Osborn.

Above average art and a good story line, this book should appeal to fans and new readers.
It has very little to do with 'Dark Reign' and the story is pretty standard for Fantastic Four.

Notes
Reed reaches some surprising conclusions.

Learning Curve
Low: New readers will probably be able to catch on.

Reading Order
N/a

Marvel Zombies

Title
Marvel Zombies

Library Link

Marvel
zombies / writer, Robert Kirkman ; artist, Sean Phillips
Kirkman,
Robert.

10 Second Review

This is a bit tough to follow….

…Marvel Zombies takes place in an alternate universe in the Ultimate Fantastic Four universe (which in turn is an alternative to the traditional Marvel universe).

Regardless, planet Earth gets the zombie virus and all super-humans get a bad case of the brain munchies.

Absurd but fun this book gives the reader a very unique look at their favorite heroes.

Notes
Try to guess the last super-hero to survive.

Learning Curve
Moderate to High: New readers will find this hard to follow.

Reading Order
Chronological

Fantastic Four Lost Adventures

Title
Fantastic Four Lost Adventures

Library Link

http://catalog.houstonlibrary.org/search~S1
Available
at Lakewood Public Library
Marvel Comics, 2009, by Stan Lee

10 Second Review
Several stories written by Stan Lee to include two different versions of the same story. Scripts and preliminary drawings are includes as well.

Typical writing and art from the 60's and 70's which may appeal to younger readers and fans of that era.

Notes
Includes one fairly modern story entitled 'Worlds End'

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
N/a

Fantastic Four: The End

Title
Fantastic Four: The End

Library Link

The
end premiere
Davis, Alan, 1956-New York : Marvel ; London : Diamond
[distributor], 2007.Year: 2007

10 Second Review
Set in the future, Reed Richard's utopian society is threatened by unknown forces.

Decent story but includes art that feels dated.
An odd choice for a story set in the future.

Notes
Almost everyone for the Fantastic Four storyline appears in this book.

Learning Curve
High: Even fans might be confused. Many un-introduced characters.

Reading Order
N/a

Fantastic Four: The Beginning of the end

Title
Fantastic Four: The Beginning of the end

Library Link

http://catalog.houstonlibrary.org/search~S1
Available
at Lakewood Public Library
Marvel Comics, 2008, by Dwayne McDuffie

10 Second Review
Dr. Doom travels from the future to thwart the Fantastic Four in the present and Diablo causes trouble by turning things into gold.

Good art and mediocre stories make this a decent read for fans.

Notes
See Diablo's origin story.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Those new to Fantastic Four might be confused.

Reading Order
N/a

Ultimate Power

Title
Ultimate Power

Library Link
Fantastic four,

Ultimate powerBendis, Brian Michael.New York : Marvel ; London : Diamond
[distributor], 2008.Year: 2008Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
The Marvel Ultimate series restarts their most popular titles with a more modern perspective.

Mr. Fantastic sends probes to an alternate universe with unfortunate consequences. While listed as Fantastic Four this book includes almost all the major players from the Marvel Ultimate Universe.

Great story and great art, this is a fun book to read.

Notes
Squadron Supreme plays a major role.

Learning Curve
Low to Moderate: Some new readers might be confused.

Reading Order
N/a

Fantastic Four: Worlds Greatest

Title
Fantastic Four: Worlds Greatest

Library Link
http://www.lakewoodpubliclibrary.blogspot.com/

Available at Lakewood Public Library

Fantastic Four: World's Greatest
written by Mark Millarillustrated by Bryan Hitch
Published by Marvel Comics

10 Second Review
Reed's old fling builds a robot to protect her new planet and it gets out of control.

Later Dr. Doom comes begging for help.

Excellent art and a gripping storyline with genuine surprises.
Fans will enjoy this book!

Notes
Who's the one person that can outsmart Reed Richards?

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers new to Fantastic Four might be confused

Reading Order
N/a

Fantastic Four: The Ultimate Guide

Title
Fantastic Four: The Ultimate Guide

Library Link
Fantastic Four : the ultimate guide

Fantastic 4DeFalco, Tom.London ; New York : DK, 2005.Year: 2005Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
A big, fun book full of color pictures and stories that walk the reader through the history of the Fantastic Four.

Notes
Good reference material for old and new readers.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
N/a