Top of the Pile: All-New, All-Different (but mostly the same)

A page capture from the all-new Guardians of the Galaxy, featuring Kitty Pryde as Star-Lord.

It’s been largely a comic-book-free summer in Easton, Pa. thanks to Marvel’s Secret Wars. The publisher canceled all of their existing comic book titles in favor of new crossover Secret Wars books that revisited classic storylines (Civil War, Inferno, etc.) while creating a “battle world” for superhero smackdowns. I read none of it. Instead I … Read more

Top of the Pile: Axis, Saga, Captain Marvel

A line-up of super villains.

The comic book pile has grown large over the last few weeks, partly because I was busy with family and work, partly because I knew I’d have time to catch up during Christmas week. Topping it is Marvel’s crossover event Axis, in which the Red Skull (augmented by Charles Xavier’s brain … I kid you not) tries to take over the world.

Off the Bookshelf: Hull Zero Three, Reamde, New Space Opera 2

With the holidays long over and the major work rush of January and early February completed, I’ve had a chance to dive back into fiction. As has been the case for the last few years, science fiction dominates my reading list, but historical fiction and thrillers keep sneaking in. Hull Zero Three Greg Bear’s Hull … Read more

Top of the Pile: Dark Reign, Batman, X-Factor, Astonishing X-Men

Two big story arcs have concluded in the comics universe over the last few weeks: Marvel’s Secret Invasion mini series, in which the alien, shape-shifting Skrulls attempt to take over the Earth, and Batman R.I.P, in which the Dark Knight dies. Or appears to die, because really, what are the chances that he’s actually dead? … Read more

Top of the Pile: X-Men Regurgitation

The X-Titles have gone through another cycle of relaunches in the wake of the Mutant Messiah crossover, most of which are disappointing. Uncanny X-Men sees the X-Men team disbanded (again) in the wake of the apparent death of Professor Xavier. Colossus, Wolverine and Nightcrawler are touring Europe as Peter (Colossus) tries to get over the … Read more

Top of the Pile: Uncanny X-Men, Astonishing X-Men, Red Hulk, Nausicaa

My comic collecting has entered the mid-winter doldrums; the big X-Men crossover has just ended, and while DC’s Countdown is approaching it’s end, that means little to me since I haven’t been keeping up with it. Instead, I’m waiting for the first few issues of the rebooted X-men titles and checking out the occasional one … Read more

Top of the Pile: Messiah Complex, Penance, End League, Gunslinger Born

Mutant combatants throw themselves into combat.

Last week was a light one for Marvel (or at least the Marvel titles I read) so I let Tony at Phantom of the Attic talk me into trying out a couple of other titles. In addition to my X-Universe standby – this week it was “New X-Men”, Part 12 of the Messiah Complex – … Read more

Top of the Pile: Messiah Complex, Ultimates 3, Uncanny X-Men, 52

After spending the month of November writing fiction, I’m finally getting back into reading it. While the Fall of Hyperion waits on my bookshelf, I’ve decided to ease back into things with my comic books … and the truly mammoth stack of graphic novels lent to me by long-time friend and Nuketown commenter Evil Genius. Meanwhile, I’m enjoying the … Read more