Book Review: Heroic Age

Heroic Age by Brian Michael Bendis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 Witness the Marvel Universe triumph over its greatest challenges ever as the Heroic Age ignites! Still lurking in the shadows are forces of evil and cosmic-level threats-but a new spirit of hope, courage and the selfl essness at theheart of heroism will rise up. The most extraordinary taleswill be told in the Heroic Age of the Marvel Universe. From the tone of the storylines, to the stunning art, the Heroic Ageushers in a dramatic new vision of the Marvel Universe. Featuring Marvel's most elite characters-including IronMan, Captain America, Thor, the Avengers and more-as they embark on bold new adventures, this volume is the perfect jumping-on point for the Heroic Age.

This was just little snippets of different story lines, with no real story arc to connect them all together. Some things I really liked a lot, and will look for more in those series, like Avengers Academy and The Incredible Hercules, The New Prince of Power. I also liked the Hawkeye and Mockingbird story, which I can't find a continuation of at my library.

On the other hand, there were some really bad ones. I was bored at times, which doesn't usually happen for me with Marvel comics. All in all, I don't think I'd necessarily recommend this, but there was definitely some good to be found here.

Book Review: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Avengers

Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 1: Cosmic Avengers by Brian Michael Bendis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Prior to this, I had not read anything about the Guardians of the Galaxy. And I really, really liked this a lot. It made me a lot more excited about the upcoming movie, where previously I had no feelings about it. Well, actually I did. It's Marvel, and I love Marvel, so I would see it regardless.

I liked the characters, especially Rocket Raccoon, which was unexpected. I don't generally care for animal characters. Gamora was a tough female character, and I hope they do her justice in the movie, and not make her there just for the boobs.

I hope there's more in this comic book series, because I will definitely read it.

Movie Review: The Avengers

To say I loved The Avengers is a bit of an understatement, but beyond that there are no words for how much I enjoyed this movie.  If you've been following my blog for any length of time, you know what a Marvel fangirl I am.  I'm also a big fan of Joss Whedon.  So put those together, and what you get is made of win. 

I was a little worried at first that it wouldn't live up to the hype, and that I was bound to be disappointed, at least in some aspect.  I'm very happy to report that I was most definitely not.  The only thing I had to be disappointed about is that my son had to go to the bathroom near the beginning of the movie, and I missed a few minutes.  Every second that I watched was fantastic, and I wouldn't change a thing (okay, maybe a small thing, but I'll talk about that in a second).

I'm almost a little embarrassed to admit, but there were parts, particularly when they were all fighting together, that I got a little teary eyed.  See, I've been reading superhero comics for years.  I love the Avengers.  I also love movies.  I also know that sometimes movie makers get everything all wrong and make a big ball of suck.  But this was pure magic.  To see the stories I've been in love with for so long on the big screen just made me so happy.   

*tears*

Now, to take a brief pause from all the gushing, I have to say that I'm getting tired of the boys club that these movies have turned out to be (and it's a trend that extends well beyond just the movies).  Why doesn't Black Widow get her own movie, and yet we're coming up on the third Iron Man movie next year?  Where is The Wasp, Scarlet Witch, Ms. Marvel, etc.?  I understand these characters aren't as easily recognizable, but is it any wonder why?  Look at this comic book cover.  Girls!  There are plenty, and they are part of the Avengers.

Okay, rant done for now, and back to the movie, just about all I have left to say is go see it!  If you're not a superhero fan, that's okay, you'll still enjoy it.  There's lots of funny bits and action and good times.  You'll feel like a kid again. 

Trailer Tuesday: The Avengers

I'm crazy excited for The Avengers.  It's no secret that I love pretty much everything Marvel, and the superhero comics in particular.  Also, directed by Joss Whedon, which is just a win in itself.  It should be excellent.


Are you looking to brush up on some graphic novel reading before the movie comes out?  Here are two series starters that I enjoyed:

The Avengers, Vol. 1

New Avengers: Breakout

Trailer Tuesday: Thor

I'm trying out a new feature on my blog where I'll talk about upcoming (usually) movies that are based on books.  So for today I'm going to focus on the highly anticipated (at least at my house) Thor.  If you were to visit my house, it probably wouldn't take you long to figure out we've got some Marvel fans around here.  The calendars, pictures on boys' bedroom walls, DVDs, t-shirts, comic books, etc. would all clue you in pretty quickly.

That said, Thor has never really been a favorite character for any of us.   Besides my husband wanting to name our youngest son Thor* (which, incidentally, didn't have anything to do with the character and more to do with the fact that he thought it sounded cool), we've all looked elsewhere when it comes to favorite characters.  I'm still counting down the days until May 6th, and the wait is trying my patience.

So, this isn't your regular book to movie adaptation.  I do realize not everyone reads comic books, but I do and it's my blog, so that's what you're getting today.  I actually haven't read many Thor-centered comics or graphic novels.  But, here's what I have read:

The Mighty Thor: Loki HC

This was more about Loki than Thor, but that's it for me.  I haven't read any others.  My son used to get the Super Hero Squad comic books before that series ended, and Thor was one of the characters in those.

I do plan on reading more Thor in the future, and there's definitely a plethora of graphic novels to choose from.  Here are a few, if you're looking to brush up on your Thor reading before the movie comes out:

Thor Omnibus 
Thor: Latverian Prometheus
Thor: Ages of Thunder
And, of course, as a big promoter of local comic book stores, I have to suggest you find yours and check out one of the running series.

Now we come to the best part.  The trailer for the upcoming movie.  I could just about pee my pants, I'm so excited.  It looks fantastic!  Superhero fans, enjoy:



*I told my husband the only way we were naming our baby Thor is if he came out carrying a hammer. Fortunately for me, he didn't.