Showing posts with label painted cover. Show all posts
Showing posts with label painted cover. Show all posts

April 19, 2021

Marvels Snapshots: Avengers & Captain America

Every year I spend hours making a ranking of the best published titles and the best authors. 2020 was a strange year, the first time in a decade in which no British writers were on my best-of list. It was also the first time I included a writer on the list based on a single comic book. That writer is Barbara Randall Kesel and the comic is “Heart Rate” (originally published in Avengers: Marvels Snapshots, January 2021). 
Alex Ross

The story is told from the perspective of Kerry, a woman who has recently moved to New York and is virtually homeless due to a supervillain destroying the building in which she lived. Relying on favors and asking friends for help, she is slowly starting to rebuild her life. Until one day, of course, a gigantic robot starts to destroy the neighborhood and the Avengers can’t stop it on time. 
Kerry & Jay

Kerry has to find shelter as soon as possible, and in the chaos she runs into police officer Jay, who’s trying to help people. Together they try to calm down everyone by asking them to tell stories of their lives in New York, the city with the largest amount per capita of superheroes. Kerry remembers how she casually met Wonder Man and Beast outside the Avengers mansion, and how unimpressed she was with Wonder Man’s flirtation. All of this is connected to Michelinie and Byrne's run on Avengers. Jay’s story takes place in a bar, in which Tony Stark is drinking (the story, of course, takes place during the Demon in a Bottle saga, when Iron Man becomes an alcoholic). Jay has a heated debate with Tony, whom he has never met before. However, as irritated as Tony might be, he recognizes that Jay was right, and a couple of minutes later, as Iron Man, he makes him an offer.
Thor, Count Nefaria, Iron Man & Captain America

While the battle rages on, the normal men and women of New York are surviving and doing what humanity always does in its darkest hours: telling stories. Kerry and Jay are remembering what it means to live among people with extraordinary powers and abilities. In a desperate situation and against all odds, Kerry and Jay find each other and promise to become a couple if they survive the day. Barbara Randall Kesel does a remarkable job that doesn’t focus on the love between a man and a woman but rather on the promise of that future love. And perhaps for anyone that has recently broken up with their significant other, that promise seems to be of the utmost importance. Staz Johnson pencils these pages with grace and aplomb, while veteran inker Tom Palmer pitches in, and Jim Charalampidis colors it. Alex Ross’ depiction of the armored avenger is as stunning as it is heroic.
Wonder Man, Beast & Kerry

In Captain America: Marvels Snapshots (June 2020), writer Mark Russell asks what is the result of racial segregation in the Marvel Universe. In an impoverished black community, the effects of a large-scale attack are more devastating than ever. However, even a superhero like Captain America doesn’t realize what is going on and considers matters solved as soon as the threat has been dealt with. Felix, an African American boy, had already proved to be smarter than everyone else, but his family has no money, no resources, and after the attack, the situation is even worse. Felix is an intelligent boy, but desperate as he is, he ends up joining the ranks of the criminal organization A.I.M. I applaud Russell for trying to answer questions about race, poverty and unequal access to opportunities. The dynamic art is provided by Ramón Pérez and the coloring by Rico Renzi. In his cover, Alex Ross paints a Captain America that not only has a noble expression but also a posture that screams determination, as it is befitting to the Sentinel of Liberty. 
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Todos los años me paso horas haciendo un ranking de los mejores títulos publicados y de los mejores autores. El 2020 fue un año extraño, la primera vez en una década en la que ningún escritor británico estaba en mi lista de los mejores. También fue la primera vez que incluí a una escritora en la lista basándome en un sólo cómic. Esa escritora es Barbara Randall Kesel y el cómic es "El pulso del corazón" (publicado originalmente en Avengers: Marvels Snapshots, enero de 2021).
Alex Ross

La historia se cuenta desde la perspectiva de Kerry, una mujer que se ha mudado recientemente a New York y está prácticamente sin techo debido a que un supervillano destruyó el edificio en el que vivía. Apoyándose en favores y pidiendo ayuda a sus amigos, poco a poco ella está comenzando a reconstruir su vida. Hasta que un día, por supuesto, un robot gigantesco comienza a destruir el vecindario y los Vengadores no pueden detenerlo a tiempo.
Captain America & Falcon

Kerry tiene que encontrar refugio lo antes posible, y en el caos se encuentra con el oficial de policía Jay, que está tratando de ayudar a la gente. Juntos intentan calmar a todos pidiéndoles que cuenten historias de sus vidas en New York, la ciudad con mayor cantidad per cápita de superhéroes. Kerry recuerda cómo conoció casualmente a Wonder Man y Beast afuera de la mansión de los Vengadores, y lo poco impresionada que estuvo con el flirteo de Wonder Man. Todo esto está conectado a la etapa de Avengers de Michelinie y Byrne. La historia de Jay ocurre en un bar, en el que Tony Stark está bebiendo (la historia, por supuesto, tiene lugar durante la saga El demonio en la botella, cuando Iron Man se vuelve alcohólico). Jay tiene un acalorado debate con Tony, a quien nunca antes había conocido. Sin embargo, por muy irritado que esté Tony, reconoce que Jay tenía razón, y un par de minutos después, como Iron Man, le hace una oferta.
New York

Mientras la batalla continúa, los hombres y mujeres normales de New York sobreviven y hacen lo que la humanidad siempre hace en sus horas más oscuras: contar historias. Kerry y Jay están recordando lo que significa vivir entre personas con habilidades y poderes extraordinarios. En una situación desesperada y contra todo pronóstico, Kerry y Jay se encuentran y prometen convertirse en pareja si sobreviven el día. Barbara Randall Kesel hace un trabajo extraordinario que no se centra en el amor entre un hombre y una mujer, sino en la promesa de ese amor futuro. Y quizás para cualquiera que haya roto recientemente con su pareja, esa promesa parece ser de suma importancia. Staz Johnson dibuja estas páginas con gracia y aplomo, mientras que el entintador veterano Tom Palmer colabora y Jim Charalampidis colorea. La representación de Alex Ross del vengador acorazado es tan impresionante como heroica.
Felix

En Captain America: Marvels Snapshots (junio de 2020), el escritor Mark Russell pregunta cuál es el resultado de la segregación racial en el Universo Marvel. En una comunidad negra empobrecida, los efectos de un ataque a gran escala son más devastadores que nunca. Sin embargo, incluso un superhéroe como el Capitán América no se da cuenta de lo que está sucediendo y considera que los asuntos se resuelven tan pronto como se arresta a los villanos. Félix, un niño afroamericano, ya había demostrado ser más inteligente que los demás, pero su familia no tiene dinero ni recursos, y después del ataque, la situación es aún peor. Félix es un chico inteligente, pero desesperado como está, acaba uniéndose a las filas de la organización criminal A.I.M. Aplaudo a Russell por intentar responder preguntas sobre raza, pobreza y acceso desigual a las oportunidades. El arte dinámico lo aporta Ramón Pérez y el color es de Rico Renzi. En su portada, Alex Ross pinta a un Capitán América que no sólo tiene una expresión noble sino también una postura que grita determinación, como corresponde al Centinela de la Libertad.

November 28, 2016

October comics / cómics de octubre

Marvel sure had a lot of good first issues in October, such as Jessica Jones, Champions, Infamous Iron Man; and there were also at least a couple of interesting new series coming from Image: Reborn and Moonshine. However, the best comic of the month was Descender # 15, great story plus amazing art. And now, without further ado, here are October comics as per solicitations:

CINEMA PURGATORIO #6 
(W) Alan Moore & Various (A) Kevin O'Neil & Various (CA) Gabriel Andrade. The lights are low and that surreal ticking noise from behind you could be the film reel or something else… As the first images begin to flicker across the screen, you feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand and a chill run down your spine. It's an like an old cartoon meant to amuse before the main feature starts - but something is very wrong with it. This is the beginning of Alan Moore's trip to the theatre of the unreal. Now showing: Cinema Purgatorio by Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill, A More Perfect Union by Max Brooks and Michael DiPascale, Code Pru by Garth Ennis and Raulo Caceres, Modded by Kieron Gillen and Ignacio Calero, and The Vast by Christos Gage and Gabriel Andrade. Each story has its own cover by the series artist and there is also an Ancient Tome Premium edition limited to 1000 copies.

DESCENDER #9 
(W) Jeff Lemire (A/CA) Dustin Nguyen. TIM-21, Telsa and Quon arrive at the amazing hidden home world of The Robot Resistance. But will this be a haven or a prison for Tim and his companions? And what new secrets lie at the centre of the Machine Moon?

DESCENDER #15 
(W) Jeff Lemire (A/CA) Dustin Nguyen. 'SINGULARITIES,' Part Four At long last the story of the mysterious QUEEN BETWEEN is revealed and her connection to Andy and Tim-21 will rock the galaxy.

DOCTOR STRANGE ANNUAL #1 
(W) Kathryn Immonen, Robbie Thompson (A) TBD (CA) W. Scott Forbes. Clea comes back into Doctor Strange's life as he's picking up the pieces from the worst beating he's ever taken. Clea's going to make that battle look like a walk in the park. Also in this issue… WHO ARE THE SORCERERS SUPREME?! Rated T+

DOCTOR STRANGE EPIC COLLECTION: A SEPARATE REALITY TPB 
It's Doctor Strange at his very best, brought to you by a host of top-flight creators including Roy Thomas, Gene Colan, Stan Lee and Barry Windsor-Smith! They'll take you on a trip to the dark side of the Marvel Universe, and bring you before the Undying Ones, Baron Mordo, the cosmic threat of Eternity and the eldritch horror of Shuma-Gorath! Then, Steve Englehart and Frank Brunner break new boundaries of cosmic consciousness and other-dimensional adventure. Their all-time classic 'Sise-Neg Genesis' and 'Silver Dagger' sagas are strikingly personal epics featuring deliriously lush art and stories that plumb the depths of Strange's soul! Also: Witness the death of the Ancient One, and Doctor Strange's ascension to Sorcerer Supreme! Collecting DOCTOR STRANGE (1968) #180-183, SUB-MARINER (1968) #22, INCREDIBLE HULK (1968) #126, MARVEL FEATURE (1971) #1, MARVEL PREMIERE #3-14 and DOCTOR STRANGE (1974) #1-5. Rated T

JUPITER'S LEGACY VOL. 2 #4 
(W) Mark Millar (A/CA) Frank Quitely. Archenemies come out of hiding to settle old scores in this action-packed battle of good versus evil. After suffering intense humiliation, Walter is out for blood. He will stop at nothing until the trouble-making superheroes are dead and Skyfox's bloodline is completely wiped out.

MOONSHINE #1 
(W) Brian Azzarello (A/CA) Eduardo Risso. Set during Prohibition, and deep in the backwoods of Appalachia, MOONSHINE #1 tells the story of Lou Pirlo, a city-slick 'torpedo' sent from New York City to negotiate a deal with the best moonshiner in West Virginia, one Hiram Holt. What Lou doesn't figure on is that Holt is just as cunning and ruthless as any NYC crime boss. Because not only will Holt do anything to protect his illicit booze operation, he'll stop at nothing to protect a much darker family secret...a bloody, supernatural secret that must never see the light of day… or better still, the light of the full moon. MOONSHINE #1 marks the first time AZZARELLO and RISSO have worked together for Image Comics and reunites the Eisner Award winning creative team that defined modern crime comics with 100 Bullets… and now puts a horror-twist on a classic gangster tale. Issue #1 features a variant cover by legendary comics creator, Frank Miller!

NOW DOCTOR STRANGE #12 
(W) Jason Aaron (A/CA) Chris Bachalo. 'BLOOD IN THE AETHER' STARTS NOW! Doctor Strange is on the brink of death, his magic nearly depleted. Sensing the Sorcerer Supreme at his weakest, his greatest foes will return from the shadows, ready to strike. Behold the return Doctor Strange's classic rogues gallery starting with...BARON MORDO! Rated T+

NOW DOCTOR STRANGE #13 
(W) Jason Aaron (A/CA) Chris Bachalo. 'BLOOD IN THE AETHER' STARTS NOW! Doctor Strange is on the brink of death, his magic nearly depleted. Sensing the Sorcerer Supreme at his weakest, his greatest foes will return from the shadows, ready to strike. Behold the return Doctor Strange's classic rogues gallery starting with...BARON MORDO! Rated T+

NOW CHAMPIONS #1 
(W) Mark Waid (A/CA) Humberto Ramos. Following the fallout of CIVIL WAR II, Avengers Ms. Marvel, Nova and Spider-Man strike out on their own - joined by Cyclops, Viv Vision and the Totally Awesome Hulk! Six young heroes determined to change the world - and they're only the beginning! Rated T

NOW INFAMOUS IRON MAN #1 
(W) Brian Michael Bendis (A/CA) Alex Maleev. There is a new Iron Man in town and his name is VICTOR VON DOOM. The greatest villain of the Marvel Universe will try something new. Where Tony Stark failed, Doom will succeed. What is Doom's Master Plan? Rated T+

NOW JESSICA JONES #1 
(W) Brian Michael Bendis (A) Michael Gaydos (CA) David Mack. She is back after a decade! A lot has changed in the Marvel Universe and there are still many secrets hiding in the shadows. Secrets only a special woman like Jessica Jones can hope to uncover. Discover the haunting secrets from Jessica's past in this blistering new series. Alias Investigations is open for business. PARENTAL ADVISORY

REBORN #1
(W) Mark Millar (A/CA) Greg Capullo. MARK MILLAR & GREG CAPULLO join forces to create the smash hit sci-fi / fantasy story of the year: REBORN. Where do you go when you die? Not heaven or hell; somewhere else. Somewhere you have to fight to survive. Somewhere the people from the past are waiting for you-the good and the bad.
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En octubre, Marvel fue responsable de muchos buenos primeros números, tales como Jessica Jones, Champions, Infamous Iron Man; y hubo al menos un par de interesantes series nuevas de Image: Reborn y Moonshine. Sin embargo, el mejor cómic del mes fue Descender # 15, una gran historia con arte extraordinario. Y ahora, sin mayores preámbulos, aquí están los cómics de octubre:

CINEMA PURGATORIO # 6
Las luces son tenues y ese ruido surrealista detrás de ti podría ser el carrete de la película o algo más... Cuando las primeras imágenes empiezan a parpadear en la pantalla, sientes cómo se paran los vellos de la nuca y un escalofrío recorre tu columna vertebral. 

DESCENDER # 9
TIM-21, Telsa y Quon llegan al increíble mundo escondido de The Robot Resistance. ¿Pero esto será un refugio o una prisión para Tim y sus compañeros? ¿Y qué nuevos secretos se encuentran en el centro de la máquina luna?

DESCENDER # 15
Finalmente se revela la historia de la misteriosa Entre-Reina, y la conexión que tiene con Andy y Tim-21 hará oscilar la galaxia.

DOCTOR STRANGE ANNUAL #1
CLEA entra nuevamente en la vida de DOCTOR STRANGE mientras él se recupera de la peor paliza que ha recibido. CLEA hará que esa batalla parezca un día de vacaciones. 

DOCTOR STRANGE EPIC COLLECTION: A SEPARATE REALITY TPB
¡Es Doctor Strange en su mejor momento, de la mano de una una serie de creadores de alto nivel como Roy Thomas, Gene Colan, Stan Lee y Barry Windsor-Smith! Recopilación de DOCTOR STRANGE (1968) # 180-183, SUB MARINER (1968) # 22, INCREÍBLE HULK (1968) # 126, MARVEL FEATURE (1971) # 1, MARVEL PREMIERE # 3-14 y DOCTOR STRANGE (1974) # 1 -5. 

JUPITER'S LEGACY VOL. 2 #4
Los enemigos salen de la clandestinidad para arreglar viejas cuentas en esta batalla llena de acción. Después de sufrir una humillación intensa, Walter está en busca de sangre. No se detendrá hasta que los superhéroes estén muertos y los descendientes de SKYFOX estén completamente exterminados.

MOONSHINE # 1
Lou, es un "torpedo" de la ciudad, enviado desde New York para negociar un acuerdo con el mejor contrabandista de West Virginia, un tal Hiram, que vive en el bosque. Lo que Lou no entiende es que Hiram es tan astuto y despiadado como cualquier jefe del crimen de New York. 

NOW DOCTOR STRANGE #12
DOCTOR STRANGE está al borde de la muerte, su magia casi agotada. Al sentir al Hechicero Supremo en su punto más débil, sus mayores enemigos regresarán de las sombras, listos para atacar. Empezando por... BARON MORDO.

NOW DOCTOR STRANGE #13 
Debilitado, DOCTOR STRANGE combatirá contra NIGHTMARE y su reino de pesadilla. 

NOW CHAMPIONS # 1
Después de la segunda guerra civil, los ex-Vengadores MS. MARVEL, NOVA y SPIDER-MAN forman su propio equipo, acompañados por CYCLOPS, VIV VISION y el TOTALLY AWESOME HULK. Seis jóvenes héroes decididos a cambiar el mundo.

NOW INFAMOUS IRON MAN #1
Hay un nuevo IRON MAN en la ciudad y su nombre es VICTOR VON DOOM. El mayor villano del Universo MARVEL probará algo nuevo. Donde TONY STARK falló, DOOM tendrá éxito. ¿Cuál es el Plan Maestro de DOOM? 

NOW JESSICA JONES # 1
Jessica Jones está de vuelta después de una década. Mucho ha cambiado en el mundo y todavía hay muchos secretos escondidos en las sombras. Secretos que sólo una mujer especial como Jessica Jones puede descubrir. 

REBORN # 1
¿A dónde vas cuando mueres? No al cielo ni al infierno, sino a algún otro lugar. En aquel lugar tienes que luchar para sobrevivir. En aquel lugar las personas del pasado te están esperando, las buenas y las malas.