I can't get past the art. Whilce Portacio fills in. and I think he's usually 'ok' but this is ..... really not to my liking to put it lightly.
It's a bummer because the story seems quite good. Especially the Disir quips. I also like how Loki has totally commandeered the Destroyer and that has been completely understated. This issue is definitely a middle issue ... and less fun than a beginning or end of a story.
From: Ninja Land | Registered: Nov 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #630: A great issue wherein Volstagg the Voluminous spends a 'quiet' evening at home with his family after the events of FEAR ITSELF.
If you've got any affection for ol' Volstagg, check it out. Don't let the FEAR ITSELF tie-in status keep you away, as this could really be about any story the main character just experienced. In fact, you can now imagine that if V the V was there, afterward events just like those profiled here will be occurring.
FEAR ITSELF, while maybe not the greatest of 'events', definitely spawned some nice 'tie-ins' between this, NEW MUTANTS and THUNDERBOLTS.
From: Knoxville, TN | Registered: Jul 2003
| IP: Logged |
#631's already out... with a change in administration for Asgard. A few other things return to their more accustomed norm...
Loki's bid to remain on the side of light gets a test with a somewhat surprising direction from the new administration I mentioned before. I wasn't sure till now that the godling meant what he said about his future. Now I think that he does, but wonder how long it'll survive against the weight of Marvel's history.
From: Knoxville, TN | Registered: Jul 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Asgardia's All-Mother... what do y'all think? I'm liking it (though it seems to me there ought to be a more cronish representative, too...)
The new Thunderer-- hah!
Folk from all the nine realms living in one city that now, apparently, doesn't even float above Broxton? Come on-- my pretty strong suspension of disbelief system can't handle that one!
The sooner Asgard or Asgardia is back in 'Asgard-space' the better.
That said, I'm quite intrigued by the All-Mother's proposed republic government to replace Odin's monarchy (don't really think 'patriarchal' and 'matriarchal' would mean much to gods).
A certain sometime ally, sometime opponent is revealed... making me think the return of more than one Asgardian god might be in the offing.
From: Knoxville, TN | Registered: Jul 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #632: The string of fun issues continues as Loki is bequeathed the gift of a litter of hel-wolves, and is charged by the All-Mother to find homes for them. He does, visiting various Asgard-related characters, as well as Mephisto, and Dani Moonstar. The six pups he distributes are more or less 'normal' seeming, while the seventh talks... about murder, death, blood and flesh-rending. So, of course, Loki adopts him- feeling the pull of one outcast for another.
Volstagg gets to try on a new costume, as well. Remember what month it is.
This is one of, if not the best books on the stand and I'm shocked and a little saddened that no one else comments on it.
From: Knoxville, TN | Registered: Jul 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
^ I agree that Journey into Mystery is one of the best comic books on the market. Hands-down head and shoulders above 99% of the rest of the market. Each issue maintains that quality as well, and continues to impress. Not only a contender for Marvel's best series, but best series in comics.
Meanwhile, the main Mighty Thor series is a little more hit and miss, even though the currnet story is quite a HIT in my opinion. Though the premise seems 'same old', the delivery proves that is not the case at all! It's a pretty complex plot involving Karnilla, Ulik, the Trolls, the Silver Surfer and a whole plethora of things that I'm enjoying quite a bit. The Olivetti artwork just takes it all to a new level in the majestic way Thor should be done.
Plus, I'm also really liking this new "Republic of Asgardia" status quo they are trying to establish. For the first time perhaps ever, where Odin is gone, they are doing something totally different than just another King. I wouldn't mind watching this develop for a period of time.
All in all, still a great time to be a Thor fan in comics!
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #634... in which it becomes apparent that the Son of Satan and Loki is a totally natural, even inevitable pairing that could become a long-running team (though I think that not so likely to happen).
Best moment- Loki's quickly maturing hel-wolf pup casts adoring eyes at Damon Hellstrom and says (this hel-wolf can speak) "Will you be my master?"
Worth the 3 or 4 dollars to me.
I'm still trying to figure Leah out. I like her and the way she puts Loki in his place-- but I keep stumbling around her name. A Hebrew name for an Asgardian? A shuffling of her mistress's (Hela) name? Similar to Loki's crow... What does *that* mean?
I like how there's undercurrents and mystery and history we don't yet know...
I only hope it can continue for years...
From: Knoxville, TN | Registered: Jul 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
So I think the latest Thor story arc (#6-12) is the best Matt Fraction story I've ever read. Combined with the explosive art by Ariel Olliveti, it made for a potent Thor story-arc.
What I really like is the combination of new ideas & modern sensibilities with a focus on some elements that are found in all the classic Thor stories: focus on Asgard; grandiose ideas & enemies; a few specific non-human Thor antagonists with very human downfalls. We had Thor off with other Gods battling the Devourer of Gods, the Silver Surfer & Kid Loki, Heimdall stepping up, the All-Mother & the "new Asgardia", the Warriors Three, the Lady Sif, Tanarius (and that story going somewhere unexpected and welcome), the Trolls, Karnilla, Kelda, and of course, the revelation of who Tanarius was.
My only issue is I wish Karnilla could have referenced the recent death of Balder, her true love, which actually gives her the motivation to do what she did in this story. But I guess writers can't take into account every reference that longtime fans would like to see.
All in all, it was a pretty fantastic story.
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
So I'm continuing to enjoy both Asgardian series quite a bit! Fraction's Thor is definitely glued to the 6-part story structure but so long as they continue to be good I dont mind. This *is* good and Fraction's most original effort yet. Artist Pepe Larraz is really doing a fantastic, grandiose job. And Amora is in it, kicking ass!
Meanwhile, Journey into Mystery continues to be a high point in comics these days. The writing is just too notch with great plots, a unique tone and fantastic characters. It's difficult to find ways to continue to praise it. I think comparisons to Sandman are pretty apt.
All in all, a pretty great time for Thor fans.
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
I'd fallen behind on this title since the end of Exiled, but I got spoiled on the bare fact of the ending of this issue on Bleeding Cool, so I immediately read the arc (#639-641) to catch up.
And... damn.
I have a scale when it comes to these things. Now, this ISN'T at the top of that list (which is "Say I Deserve This", from Empowered Vol. 5 - that can STILL make me tear up after reading it at least ten times), since it didn't make me cry. But I've still been walking around in a saddened sort of daze for the past hour-and-a-half. Real gut punch there, Mr. Gillen.
-------------------- My views are my own and do not reflect those of everyone else... and I wouldn't have it any other way.
quote:Originally posted by Cobalt Kid: ^ I agree that Journey into Mystery is one of the best comic books on the market. Hands-down head and shoulders above 99% of the rest of the market. Each issue maintains that quality as well, and continues to impress. Not only a contender for Marvel's best series, but best series in comics.
Meanwhile, the main Mighty Thor series is a little more hit and miss, even though the currnet story is quite a HIT in my opinion. Though the premise seems 'same old', the delivery proves that is not the case at all! It's a pretty complex plot involving Karnilla, Ulik, the Trolls, the Silver Surfer and a whole plethora of things that I'm enjoying quite a bit. The Olivetti artwork just takes it all to a new level in the majestic way Thor should be done.
Plus, I'm also really liking this new "Republic of Asgardia" status quo they are trying to establish. For the first time perhaps ever, where Odin is gone, they are doing something totally different than just another King. I wouldn't mind watching this develop for a period of time.
All in all, still a great time to be a Thor fan in comics!
Cobalt Kid, I usually agree with you but not here. Haven't been digging the Mighty Thor at all. Fraction is a bit all over the place with it. I like Asgardia, I like the triple goddess rule, I like the shared realm of gods, elves, goblins, trolls, etc. But can't get into this series. I think it needs to be a bit more focused.
JIM on the other hand I love. I want Kid Loki around forever. If they want to bring Loki back as a true villain have an Ikol and a Loki. Kid Loki is just too cool to get rid of.
From: Tampa | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by Reboot: Journey Into Mystery #641.
I'd fallen behind on this title since the end of Exiled, but I got spoiled on the bare fact of the ending of this issue on Bleeding Cool, so I immediately read the arc (#639-641) to catch up.
And... damn.
I have a scale when it comes to these things. Now, this ISN'T at the top of that list (which is "Say I Deserve This", from Empowered Vol. 5 - that can STILL make me tear up after reading it at least ten times), since it didn't make me cry. But I've still been walking around in a saddened sort of daze for the past hour-and-a-half. Real gut punch there, Mr. Gillen.
That was a tough one. Damn, good, effective writing. It hurt.
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
And it gets trumped the next month. The teams on THOR and JIM are going out in style, I'd say.
I found the Manchester Gods pretty fascinating. Though it's too bad only one really got a personality/ID. By authorial intent, I wonder? A commentary on technology's isolating tendencies? Surely they could come up with a better name for the Manchester gods' spokesman/Odin-Zeus analog(?)--- Mister Wilson. Really? Even though it does have more behind it than it seems, that's probably the most boring 'god' name ever.
From: Knoxville, TN | Registered: Jul 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Wow, the turns this tale's taking... Further status changes for one of Loki's favorite people... and the betrayer gets Betrayed. Big time and heartbreakingly. For me, even more than the previous one.
Though Loki managed to more or less reverse that, will he be able to again?
Volstagg as king of Asgardia is surprisingly believable.
From: Knoxville, TN | Registered: Jul 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
So I'm a little behind but from what I've seen so far, "Everything Burns" has been AWESOME so far! The twists, the turns, the throwbacks to earlier in Gillen's run...it's just so damn well written! (And drawn too--both series).
The usage of a vast cast should be required reading for future writers of either series.
Man, I'm going to really miss Gillen writing the adventures of the Asgardians. He didn't get nearly enough press for his Thor run or his JiM run yet talented writing has put him front and center as the best Thor-family writer of the last 10 years.
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
Hyperpath: Email this page to someone!
Printer-friendly view of this topic | Subscribe To Topic
