Ultimate Avengers: Next Generation

Title

Ultimate Avengers: Next Generation

Library Link
Ultimate avengers / [writer, Mark Millar ; penciler, Carlos Pacheco ; inkers, Dexter Vines & Danny Miki with Allen Martinez, Victor Olazaba & Tom Palmer ; colorist, Justin Ponsor ; letterer, VC's Cory Petit
Millar, Mark.

10 Second Review
The Marvel Ultimate series restarts their most popular titles with a more modern perspective. This book picks up after the events of Ultimatum. Nick Fury has been fired and Captain America has gone rogue. Tony Stark's big brother lends a hand as well as a kinder, gentler Hulk.

This is an interesting story that provides a new take on Red Skulls origin.
However, it seems mundane compared with the pre-Ultimatum story-line.

Notes
War Machine plays rough.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers new to the series might be confused.

World War Hulk: X-Men

Title

World War Hulk: X-men

Library Link
World war Hulk X-Men Hulk : WWH - X-MenSlott, Dan.New York : Marvel ; London : Diamond [distributor],c2008.Year: c2008Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
A loose collection of World War Hulk stories to include X-men, Ghost Rider, Ant Man and others.
This collection does not tell a cohesive story but collects several small, incomplete stories.

Notes
Good for those interested in World War Hulk details.

Learning Curve
Low if read after World War Hulk

Reading Order
Read World War Hulk first.

World War Hulk: Incredible Hercules

Title

World War Hulk: Incredible Hercules

Library Link
The incredible Hercules  Pak, Greg.New York : Marvel ; London : Diamond [distributor], c2008.Year: c2008Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Hulk was captured, shot into space, landed on hostile planet, enslaved, rebelled, then took over hostile planet. Now he's back to Earth looking for revenge against those that shot him into space.
 (same timeline/story as WWH but with different characters/perspective)
Story focuses on those that support Hulk to include Hercules and Amadeus Cho.

Notes
Amadeus Cho is the seventh smartest person in the Marvel universe.

Learning Curve
Low if read after World War Hulk

Reading Order
Read World War Hulk first.

Spider-man Noir - Eyes Without a Face

Title
Spider-man Noir - Eyes Without a Face

Library Link
Spider-man noir : eyes without a face / writers, David Hine with Fabrice Sapolsky ; art, Carmine Di Giandomenico Hine, David.


10 Second Review
Set in the mid-forties, the Spider-man must deal with gangsters, hooligans and a masked crime boss named 'Crime Master.'  A mad doctor tries to impress the Nazi's with his experiments.

The 'noir' books take main-stay Marvel characters, subtract their powers and plug them into a Prohibition Era crime story.  The story is generic but it is fun trying to spot Marvel alter egos. 

Notes
Apparently, it is always night-time in the Marvel 'Noir' world.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers but only fans will catch the superheroes references.

X-men Origins

Title
X-men Origins

Library Link
X-Men origins / [writers, Sean McGeever ... [et al.] ; artists, Mike Mayhew ... [et al.]]. New York : Marvel, 2010.

10 Second Review
As the title suggests, this book collects stories of the X-men before they were X-men.
Included are Sabretooth, Wolverine, Beast, Jean Grey and others. 

Fans will be familiar with most of the stories but there are few minor surprises.
While the art is good, the stories might be best suited for new readers.

Notes
Professor X is kinda...creepy.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

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

Astonishing X-men: Torn

Title
Astonishing X-men: Torn

Library Link
Astonishing X-Men. Vol. 3, Torn / writer, Joss Whedon ; artist, John Cassaday Whedon, Joss, 1964-

10 Second Review
Emma messes with Scott's head, Kitty gets lucky and a powerful alien comes to kill X-men.
Meanwhile Beast gets wild while Logan get civilized.
Strange things are going on and Scott struggles to find answers.
 
Good art and story.  A fun read with some unusual elements.
 
Notes
Why does anyone trust Emma?
 
Learning Curve
Low: Some knowledge of the X-men would be helpful

Avengers: The Origin

Title

Avengers: The Origin

Library Link
Avengers. The origin / Joe Casey, writer ; Phil Noto, artist ; Richard Starkings, Comicraft's Albert Deschesne, letterers Casey, Joe.

10 Second Review
This book is a retelling of the first Avenger get together.  Hulk, manipulated by Loki (Thor's evil brother), causes a ruckus and some Hulk supporters send out a call to the Fantastic Four.  The call is intercepted by Iron Man, Ant Man and the Wasp.  They have some much fun, they decide to form a team.
 
With crisp, clean art this book should appeal to fans and new readers. 
The story line is based on the original story so it is aimed at a fairly young audience. 

Notes
Includes a reprint of Avengers #1

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Wolverine: Old Man Logan

Title

Wolverine: Old Man Logan


Library Link
Old Man Logan / writer, Mark Millar ; artist, Steve McNiven Millar, Mark.

10 Second Review
Like Wolverine? Love a good post- apocalyptic tale?
Well, you’re going to like this.

Set in the future of the Marvel universe, the U.S. has been reduced to a wasteland after the bad guys formed an alliance and defeated the heroes. Villains rule the country with an iron fist and even Wolverine has vowed to never fight again.

This is a fun read with lots of shocks and twist.
Wolverine fans will enjoy and it should be accessible to new readers.

Notes
Earns its Parental Warning for violence

Learning Curve
Low: Should be good for those fairly new to comics.

Mighty Avengers Siege

Title
Mighty Avengers Siege

Library Link
Siege. Mighty Avengers / Christos N. Gage ; artist, Khoi Pham Gage, Christos.


10 Second Comics
Hank's team gets outdone by Osborn's team of Avengers.
Later, the gang captures Loki, breaks up and then gets back together.
Hank gains confidence, US Agents acts like a tool and Quicksilver joins the team...briefly.

With only a couple of pages about the Siege, this is a fairly weak book.
There are some great concepts but they are resolved too quickly.
You can skip this book and not miss anything.

Notes
Hercules dies in this story line but the details are omitted.

Reading Order
Chronological

X-men Second Coming

Title
X-men Second Coming


Library Link
X-men : second coming / Mike Carey ... [et al.] ; artitists, Stuart Immonen ... [et al.]



10 Second Review
The X-men send the only mutant born in the last year into the future for protection.
She returns to the present only to run into Bastion.
Bastion is a robot from the future determined to destroy her.
The X-men sacrifice everything to keep her alive.

Scott Summers, as the leader of the X-men, makes some decisions that do not sit well with the rest of the team.

Excellence story and art.

Fans will spot some familiar developments.
Notes
Not all of the Xmen survive

Learning Curve
Low to Moderate: Readers will need some understanding of the X-men

The Death of Captain America

Title
The Death of Captain America Vol 3

Library Link
The death of Captain America. Vol. 3, The man who bought America / writer, Ed Brubaker ; penciler, Steve Epting (issues #37-38 & #40-42) with Luke Ross (issue #42) ; inkers, Steve Epting ... [et al.] (#37-38 & #40-42) ; artist, Robert De La Torre (issue #39) ; colorist, Frank D'Armata ; letterer, Joe Caramagna.



10 Second Review
The Red Skull plots to have his man elected into office with the help of Faustus.
Bucky, the new Captain America, struggles to uncover the deception.
He is thwarted by a third Captain that is not Steve.

A complicated but enjoyable read.
Good for those looking for the transitional period between Captain America's.

Notes
Dr. Zola plays a role.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Some knowledge of Captain America would be helpful

Reading Order
After Civil War

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz comic

Title
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz comic

Library Link
The wonderful Wizard of Oz / adapted from the novel by L. Frank Baum ; writer, Eric Shanower ; artist, Skottie Young Shanower, Eric.

10 Second Review
A retelling of the familiar tale in comic form.

This comic follows the original book much more closely then the classic movie.
A good alternative to reading the original book which might overwhelm young readers.

The art is excellent and appropriate for the story.
A good introduction for those new to comics.

Notes
Published by Marvel.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

The New Avengers: Powerloss

Title

The New Avengers: Powerloss

Library Link
The new Avengers. vol. 12. Powerloss / [writter: Brian Michael Bendis ; penciler, Stuart Immonen]
Bendis, Brian Michael. New York : Marvel ; London : Diamond [distributor], 2010.


10 Second Review
The Hood loses his powers and his control over his army of henchmen.
While the Hood seeks a new power source, his henchmen seek out a new boss.
With the accidently help of the New Avengers, the henchmen find a way to get Norman Osborn’s attention: by defeating Sentry.

Notes
Luke Cage is hospitalized

Learning Curve
Moderate: Some knowledge of the Dark Reign story line would be helpful

Reading Order
Chronological

Dark Avengers Molecule Man

Title

Dark Avengers Molecule Man

Library Link
Dark Avengers. Molecule Man, n Vol. 2 / writer, Brian Michael Bendis ; artist, Mike Deodato ; color art, Rain Beredo ; painted pages, Greg Horn ; letterer, Cory Petit Bendis, Brian Michael. New York, NY : Marvel Publishing, 2010.

10 Second Review
Norman Osborn (aka The Goblin) has formed a new team of Avengers.
They mainly consist of reformed (?) criminals and their abilities are tested when the go up against the Molecule Man.

Molecule Man is old school Marvel and is one of the toughest adversaries.

It’s fun to see the Dark Avengers face a really tough opponent.
Great art and fun story

Notes
Sentry learns something important about himself

Learning Curve
Low: If read in order

Reading Order
Chronological

The Mighty Avengers: The Unspoken

Title
The Mighty Avengers: The Unspoken


Library Link
The Mighty Avengers. The unspoken / plot, Dan Slott ; script, Christos N. Gage with Dan Slott (issue #31) ; pencils, Khoi Pham (issues 327-29) & Sean Chen (issues #30-31) ; inks, Allen Martinez (issues #27-29) & Mark Morales with Craig Yeung (issues #30-31) ; colors, John Rauch ; letters, Dave Lanphear Slott, Dan.

10 Second Review
The Mighty Avengers team consists of old Avengers members that are no longer welcome on Norman Osborn’s Dark Avengers team. They run into problems with the Scarlet Witch and the unfinished business of the Inhuman royalty.

The Chinese super team joins in on the fun

Notes
Hank Pym gets a big promotion!

Learning Curve
Moderate: New readers will likely be confused.

Reading Order
Chronological

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

Dark Avengers Assemble

Title

Dark Avengers Assemble

Library Link
Dark Avengers. Assemble / writer, Brian Michael Bendis ; artist, Mike Deodato, Will Conrad ; color art, Rain Beredo ; letterer, Virtual Calligraphy's Cory Petit Bendis, Brian Michael. New York : Marvel Publishing Inc., c2009.

10 Second Review
Norman Osborn takes over Tony Stark’s job as the nation’s top cop. Since most of the original Avengers are MIA, Norman looks to the criminal element for replacements.

The first job is to deal with something Dr. Doom can’t handle.

This is a good place to start for those interested in the Dark Reign series.
This book introduces all of the new team members and provides some background.

Notes
Morgana Le Fay plays a role

Learning Curve
Low: Should be good for new readers with a basic understanding of Marvel

Reading Order
After Secret Invasion

Siege New Avengers

Title

Siege New Avengers

Library Link
Siege. New Avengers / writer, Brian Michael Bendis ; artist, Stuart Immonen Bendis, Brian Michael.

10 Second Review
Norman Osborn decides to attack Thor’s home with the help of the Sentry and various reformed villains. Clint Barton (Ronin) decides to attack Norman solo, Spiderman and Spider Woman play with some monkeys and the team takes on Nefaria.

This book focuses on Hood’s crew and the New Avengers including Ronin (aka Hawkeye), Mockingbird, Luke Cage, Capt. America (the new one) and Spider woman. Good story and lots of info but it doesn’t really add much to the Siege storyline.

Notes
Captain America is back!

Learning Curve
Moderate: New readers will be confused

Reading Order
Siege
Siege: Dark Avengers
Siege: Avengers – The Initiative
Other Siege titles

Siege: Avengers – The Initiative

Title

Siege: Avengers – The Initiative

Library Link
Siege. Avengers : the initiative / writer, Christos Gage ; artist, Rafa Sandoval Gage, Christos.

10 Second Review
Norman Osborn decides to attack Thor’s home with the help of the Sentry and various reformed villains like Taskmaster.
Taskmaster was the head teacher at Norman’s new hero training camp.
While a different perspective on the same Siege story, this book focuses on Taskmaster and the relationship between Constrictor and his double agent girlfriend.

Good story that compliments the main event but includes minor characters that may not appeal to all readers.

Notes
Tigra shows off her new baby!

Learning Curve
Low if read in order

Reading Order
Siege

Siege: Dark Avengers
Siege: Avengers – The Initiative
Other Siege titles