I don't usually talk about new comics (which I say every time I do...), but we'll make an exception today, especially since these two are from the opposite ends of Marvel's output, yet still have some similarities.
First up is Marvel Adventures Avengers #9, "A Not-so Beautiful Mind" Written by Jeff Parker, pencils by Juan Santacruz, inks by Raul Fernandez. Or, as it will be forever known, the MODOK issue. (Since it's an all-ages book, the 'K' for Killing had to be changed to 'C' for Conquest, but you know who it is.)
After attacking AIM's secret base, the Avengers are defeated by MODOC's mind control (interestingly, Iron Man had defenses against it, as he did in his regular Marvel U. book) and put through the same process that made him a giant head with stubby little arms and legs. Unfortunately, the process goes awry; making the M.O.D.Avengers, who continue "fighting crime...in a more conquery sort of way." For example, the hoverchaired heroes not only crush Attuma's invasion of Boston, they then proceed to invade his home.
While not as good as that cover...well, hell, there's no way that it was going to be, was there? It's still old-school comics fun, that manages to squeeze in a couple more super-villains for good measure. It's only weakness is usually Marvel Adventures strength: single issue stories. Seven new M.O.D.O.C.'s should've been worth a two-parter. (And that's the only time I'm typing all those periods for that.)
On the other end of the scale, we have Wisdom #2, "The Rudiments of Wisdom, part two: The Village that Walked like a Woman" Written by Paul Cornell, pencils by Trevor Hairsine, inks by Paul Neary. (Brief aside: I believe Paul Neary has inked various comics for over twenty years, since I recall his work back on Captain America in the 80's. Thank you Paul!)
A MAX limited series, featuring British super-intelligence agency MI-13, and featuring Pete Wisdom, former Warren Ellis mouthpiece in Excalibur when it was good. (Currently, Wisdom's also in the new Chris Claremont Excalibur as well, and I haven't read it; so I won't harsh on it.)
The storyline, which does take fun little sidebars into deeply obscure Marvel continuity and Beatles jokes, also has a very adult feel. Maybe not grown up, but old enough to have seen a few things. Cornell has some plot points that seem like he wants to get them out of his head before they spoil the budget--he's a writer for the new Dr. Who, which I sadly haven't seen yet. One of said points may have been used elsewhere before (a Clive Barker story and an Authority origin come to mind) but it's still well done.
The problem is, this is issue two, and while still moving the larger storyline forward, crams in a lot. Some things could probably have stood to be expanded upon, while John the Skrull's dream sequence is too long, but funny. Also, according to the solicits, Hairsine won't be finishing out the series; and vile speculation posits he's either way behind, or Marvel realized he should be on a more high-profile book. A little disappointing, since the art's been great--bit of a Bryan Hitch influence? Well, just have to see how the new guy does.
One more thing both books have in common: sales are dicey on both. I, of course, encourage you to give them a shot; but I wouldn't be surprised to see Wisdom do very well as a trade, and the Avengers' story will probably be reprinted in a number of ways. However you do it, read 'em. I'm a little disappointed to only pick up two comics today, but two comics that I enjoyed this much should be good enough.
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