All-New X-Men #18-21 – “All-Different”
One thing about the solicitation system is that, by requiring even cryptic plot details to be released months in advance, it can make it abundantly clear when plans have changed. These four issues will form the majority of All-New X-Men vol 4 (the volume being rounded out, rather oddly, with issue #22, which is the first part of “The Trial of Jean Grey”). Over on Amazon UK, that volume is still listed alongside copy that first appeared in the solicitation for issue #18:
“The X-Men are shaken to the core by the Battle of the Atom. Kitty Pryde is particularly shaken by the events of the X-Men crossover. With her students gone, what is Kitty to do?”
Royal Rumble 2014
To be perfectly honest, I’ve been too busy to pay much close attention to the build up for this show. But it’s worth saying something about since, with the launch of the so-called “WWE Network” (actually an online streaming service on the Netflix model), we’re nearing the end of the current PPV model in pro wrestling.
The WWE Network has been in the pipeline for ages – they actually announced it a couple of years back only for it to drift off the radar. Despite this, it still seems to have come as a surprise announcement to many people not following the industry. Essentially, the big idea is to have a streaming service where, for around the price of a single PPV on the current model, you can subscribe for six months and get all the PPVs in that period, plus a ton of archive material, and, well, some blatant filler like a reality show that’s been languishing at the back of a drawer for two years.
Charts – 19 January 2014
House to Astonish Episode 118
With one thing and another, we’re a little behind, so apologies for the slight delay in getting this episode to you. This time round, we’re discussing Marvel’s announcements, including a variety of new series, the relaunch of the Ultimate books, and… something to do with Spider-Man? We’re also looking at Lex Luthor taking the reins of the Justice League, DC’s second Aquaman series, and the Vertigo anthology CMYK, and whizzing through all of the announcements coming out of the Image Expo. We’re also reviewing Black Widow, Black Dynamite and EGOs (in the context of which we fail to notice that the artist and colourist are the same person), and the Official Handbook of the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe is in fact only a clockwork toy to be wound up by God or the Devil. All this plus Prisoner: Deep Space 9, What If: Essex and Rich Johnston’s gang of comics gossip urchins.
The podcast is here, or here on Mixcloud, or available via the player below. Let us know what you think, either in the comments, on Twitter, via email or on our Facebook fan page.
And hey, there are swish t-shirts and hoodies available on our Redbubble store. Why not treat yourself?
Housekeeping
For those wondering: there’s a podcast recorded, and it should be up tomorrow. Chart post probably tomorrow too, since it’s 90% written. Reviews… um, hopefully in the course of the week.
Charts – 12 January 2014
Wolverine #8-13 – “Killable”
Much like the North Korean military, Marvel believes that if you keep relaunching long enough, eventually the damn thing will stay up. Hence the upcoming yet-another-revamp of the Ultimate books, and the likes of Fantastic Four, X-Force, Other X-Force, Hulk and Wolverine all being slated for fresh issue #1s only a year or so after the last one.
In fact, I don’t have a particular problem with starting from #1 when you have a genuinely fresh start on the book. At least that’s drawing attention to the first issue of a story. Other books like Daredevil and Hulk are keeping the writer but changing the set-up, which is a bit tenuous, but it’s something. And then we have Wolverine, which is rebooting its numbering in the middle of a storyline.
Charts – 5 January 2014
Not exactly a regular chart week – this chart still covers the holidays between Christmas and New Year. But this time there are a scattering of singles trying to sneak a hit in the dead period.
39. Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams – “Get Lucky”
35. Chase & Status featuring Jacob – “Alive”
34. Wilkinson – “Afterglow”
A handful of re-entries at the lower end of the chart, where things are sort of swirling around in the absence of anything better to do.
18. Matrix & Futurebound featuring Max Marshall – “Control”
House to Astonish 117 – The Homies
Welcome to 2014, a shiny new year of comics, and what better way to see out 2013 than to look back at the best it had to offer? Paul and I are naming our picks in a variety of categories, with the result of the listener vote also being revealed. We’ve also got a little news, regarding Star Wars moving to Marvel, Jim Starlin’s new Thanos graphic novel and Deadpool’s wedding celebration, but the emphasis is on the Homies as we hand out the gongs… or rather, have to watch them being handed out. There’s the best new series, best actually new series, pleasant surprises, cliffhangers and outstanding achievements, among others, so please do join us. All this plus Frankly Cock Cho, banana peels and seltzer bottles and the Five Interesting Things You Meet In Heaven.
The episode is here, or here on Mixcloud, or available via the player below. Let us know what you think, in the comments, on Twitter, via email or on our Facebook fan page.
And why not start the year by spending a little of that Christmas money on a lovely new t-shirt or hoodie? Christmas jumpers are for Christmas, but HtA merch is for life.
Savage Wolverine #12-13 – “Come Conquer The Beasts”
Continuing its format of bringing in a new creator for each story, Savage Wolverine brings us Phil Jimenez as writer and artist. Or rather, as co-writer and as artist for most of the book. The second issue features another four people working over his breakdown pencils. But still, there’s no mistaking his layouts, which are loaded with panels without getting weighed down.
As for the story, it’s a very earnest piece about rhino and elephant poaching.
