STRANGE THING... You make my heart sing! You make everything... GROOVY! LOVE... Like THUNDERBOLTS Straight to My Heart! - Part 2 -

---

A Succubus, A Sorcerer, and a Steel-Skinned Sassmouth walk into a bar...

As I stated at the end of my last post (Part 1 of this 2-part "Ode" - [HERE]) issue #155 of  THUNDERBOLTS, could perhaps be nominated as a contender for my all-time favorite comic book.
(qualifier: At least my all-time favorite that teams Man-Thing with Doctor Strange - and yes, there have been several others over the years).

The reasoning for this rather bold statement is arrived at by the combining of  the following:

- MAN-THING -

...with a new, heretofore unknown name and purpose.

- DOCTOR STRANGE -

...shown regaining much of his cache' of knowledge and ability.

- SATANA-

...combining her dangerous and heroic aspects.

- MYSTICAL  HIDEAWAYS of  the TIBET / NEPAL Region-

...and mention of Doc's time with the Ancient One.

- JEFF Freakin' PARKER! -

...my new Fave comic writer of the past few years.

 Jeff Parker starts the issue off strongly... and not just a bit "strangely" by immediately rectifying a glaring mistake made by Brian "I don't read or care what came before, I just make 'em up as I go along" Bendis, over in the New Avengers.

In recent issues of New Avengers, Bendis had Dr. Strange (and Strange's manservant/assistant/acolyte; Wong) move into Avengers mansion, because (Bendis believes) Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum is uninhabitable - despite several issues of other titles' showing Doc and/or Wong actually fixing up the place.

Parker puts that mistake to bed by explaining that Doc has set up a mystical doorway from his Avengers Mansion attic-space to his Sanctum-proper - for anyone worthy of admittance.

"I really set up the mystic portal to keep out that hack; Bendis!"

In this way, Parker sets up an elegant solution to Bendis' ham-fisted handling of the former Sorcerer Supreme, by allowing Strange to actually live in his own home, all the while permitting other writers' (Bendis) to have Doc keep a room in the Avengers' mansion.

This is not the only saving grace that Jeff Parker blesses Stephen Strange - and us - with, after long mistreatment by Marvel writers and editorial direction. In this entire issue, Doctor Strange is allowed to handle mystical threats with credibility, obvious experience and deft ability. He is able to wield magicks, of major and minor merit - successfully, never once failing or seeming inept or as one who is any less than a former Supreme Sorcerer.

Parker's Doctor Stephen Strange is a wizened, learned, adept, who just happens to be without his big guns and/or trappings, yet who is still a proficient user of magic.

Even when Strange is forced to admit that he is no longer up to being able to easily deal with a situation - like Satana's protective barrier - Jeff Parker allows Strange to show that he is still up to the task... just that it might be a little more difficult to accomplish.

How so unlike the handling of Strange by his main "caretaker", Bendis, whom, it seems, can find no other way to show Strange as being "weakened" than to show him fumbling, failing and fretting at every challenge.

Also gone are the useless "footnoted" spells that Bendis seems to feel "authenticate" his new "rules of magic" (despite that, here, already is a break in those aforementioned rules, and thank goodness!) - as Parker allows Doc to cast spells with elegant simplicity.
One such spell being; "I bequeath the Flame" - as a method to keep Luke Cage (and Man-Thing) from freezing as they stride, ill-prepared, in the Himalayas of Nepal.

That's a nifty trick to know - as I feel the cold far more easily in my advancing years.

While the hermetic hobbling that Marvel has administered to the long-time Master of the Mystic Arts has indeed made Strange more of an "earth-bound" mystic (at least inasmuch as he no longer just snaps his fingers and "Deus ex Machinas"-away his foes), Jeff Parker remembers that being a magic-user is less about "powers" and more about knowledge - that once learned, can not easily be eradicated.

In this, Jeff Parker writes Strange beautifully. He has the good Doctor balance the abilities and techniques of magic casting in an almost D&D (Dungeon & Dragons) sort of way. There are checks and balances in magic. Preparations and costs. And some instances where you are out of your element and must make due with other means.

Check out Man-Thing's "woah" pose in the last panel. Isn't he adorable?

When faced with actual elemental entities, Strange knows that they are in their domain, and he - especially in his depleted state - can only keep them at bay long enough for other spells and methods to work. In one instance, to "affect what you can" and toss an invulnerable fighter into prime logistical placement... and in another instance, to set up a counter-spell to nullify its anima.

Jeff Parker understands magic!

(Or at least, he may have read my blog-posts on this point.)

The fact that in these instances - as well as the end-game gambit (which I won't give away) wherein Strange out-thinks / out-maneuvers his opponent, something he used to do ALL. THE. TIME. back in his best-of days... shows that in this writer's hands, Dr. Strange is once again a true MASTER of the Mystic Arts!

Other things that I love about this issue are the depth being given to, and obvious love being showered upon, the Man-Thing! Suddenly, as revealed by Satana, Man-Thing has another "name"; "the Vagornus Koth", and perhaps more insights into his purpose. Perhaps, not all of them "good"...

This page has one Man-Thing and lots of "Woman-Things".

Satana's good and evil natures are played quite well here. As either evil succubus, or mystic "witch", she has always been unevenly portrayed in her previous appearances and incarnations. It seems that Jeff Parker is playing upon that schism of her persona for full effect. We'll soon see what the plan is for her, but I for one believe that she will be given all the benefits deserved. I am gladdened to see her in the company of Doctor Strange, once again, as she has been an ally of his on more than one occasion
(from her time as one of Strange's "Witches" -WITCHES mini-series - and going as far back as the time she sacrificed her own life in exchange for his when he died, after his being turned into a werewolf... Marvel Team-Up v1 # 80-81)

Something that I was not happy about was that the battles with the elemental creatures ended with no real sense of accomplishment. The first one having been fought and defeated almost entirely off-panel in the span of time it took to flip the page. Another mild gripe is that Daimon Hellstrom, the 'Son of Satan' is, once again, played as a bit of a punk (not "punk" as in "punk rocker" - although his shirtless mosh-pit fashion might make such a connection, but as in "this loser is a punk"). Having him show fear (or at least a "healthy respect") for his sister's wrath, seems a bit out of character. Although, as of late, that "walking-the-line-between-nice-guy-and-hell-lord" IS his character.

Another mild qualm is that Doctor Strange looks more like Joseph Stalin or some East European version of J. Jonah Jameson than himself. However, this is the only misstep of artist Kev Walker, who otherwise turns in a stellar issue! Walker avoids the pitfall of having Doctor Strange always use the American Sign Language finger gesture for "I love you" (or "devil's horns") when casting spells.
Instead having the former surgeon's nerve-damaged phalanges contort into weird gesticulations.

American Sign Language" symbol for "I Love You"

Also, as usual, his Man-Thing is picture perfect. I can FEEL his Man-Thing. (Now isn't THAT a sentence that can be read into all wrong...) Kev Walker's "Swamp Walker" has a unique combination of dumb, vegetative body with deep, soul-searching inner-being. The eyes of the Man-Thing have never been more piercing, calming, alarming, imploring or endearing than they have in the pages of this title.
That added spark may also be due to the work of color artist; Frank Martin, whose shades and hues add all the right touches to the settings and characters at play in these pages. Still, as good as his work is on all the other aspects of the title, I can't help but feel that he is giving extra attentions to making the Man-Thing more alive.

As I have stated in other posts, THUNDERBOLTS has become THE comic that I must read first on its given release date. It has revived my waning interest in modern comics and infected me with that youthful love of the medium that I first felt when reading quarter-bin copies of the original 1970's Man-Thing series.

This issue, with its combining of so many elements and characters that I love, and handling them, and all aspects of their personalities and histories with respect and a deep, knowledgeable understanding, places it at the forefront of many, many comics that I have read over the years - putting it in a top-tier of "BEST COMICS"...

I can't help but think that unless something truly remarkable comes out in the next 9 months, that THUNDERBOLTS # 155 will win my "BEST OF" SANCTUM AWARD for 2011.

Thank you, Jeff Parker.
Thank you, Kev Walker.
Thank You Frank Martin.
Thank you to all involved.

---
"Tamam Shud!"
~P~

an Ode to MUCK and MAGIC. LOVE... Like THUNDERBOLTS Straight to My Heart! - Part I -

---

Oft, of late, have I noted my absolute love of, and devotion to, the works of Jeff Parker - especially as far as his handling of the MAN-THING; both without and within the pages of the THUNDERBOLTS.

I glowed, and showered praise upon his (and artist Colleen Coover's) brief, touching glimpses of Man-Thing's deeply hidden humanity and endearing nature in 'X-MEN : FIRST CLASS : FINALS' [HERE].

I lavished heaping spoonfuls of love on the prospect of Parker using Man-Thing in the Thunderbolts [HERE].

And I awarded Parker and Thunderbolts with golden "SANCTY's" - during the 2010 installment of my annual "SANCTUM AWARDS" [HERE].

So, as I mentioned in passing in my most previous post, I am due to shower MUCH LOVE on Jeff Parker and his latest few issues of THUNDERBOLTS (# 154, 155) - not JUST for the awesome treatment he has shown Man-Thing, but also for the amazing, deft and insightful treatment he showed to Doctor Strange in the latest issue (# 155).

---

Behind a sweet cover by Arthur Adams, issue # 154 bridges the question most obvious to any fan of Man-Thing (and it was the first thing this reader wondered about when hearing of the plan to turn Manny into a team player)... "As guardian of the Nexus of All-Realities, can Man-Thing be away from that post for long?"

Parker addresses this question hand-in-hand with the reasoning that Man-Thing is even a part of the "Thunderbolts program" to begin with - he is, in theory, (if not in practicality,) a PRISONER - apprehended for two-fold reasons;

1) Because he "refused" to register for the 50-state Initiative.
(Seriously, read Marvel Comics Presents v2 # 12 and then Dark Avengers # 10 - or my old post [HERE] for a recap.)

2) He is known to have caused the deaths of many people in Florida over the years.
(Actually, THAT is a serious - and true offense - not minding the fact that those who he killed seriously had it coming.)




At the start of the issue, the story alternates between a team of Government bureaucrats who, thinking that Man-Thing is too dangerous to be used as a field agent, seek to have him removed... and scenes from the Florida swamp, where a wave of other-dimensional invaders (the hunters of Vellus-Kar) have emerged only to hunt and kill many native Indians.

So, long-time friend-of-Manny; Jennifer Kale - sorceress, High-Priestess of Zhered-Na, and some-time apprentice of Doctor Strange - seeks to rescue Man-Thing from his incarceration (and perceived indentured servitude) by returning him to the Florida swamp from whence he came. This is so that he may continue to satisfy his role as Guardian of the Nexus, in this case, to put to rout the invaders and preserve the boundaries of our world.

However, once the danger has been eliminated, Man-Thing uses his teleporting ability to return to the Thunderbolts - ostensibly because... he wants to.
Thus, he is not a true prisoner at all, but a potentially willing participant.

This new desire to be among "humanity" (or at least other pseudo-monsters) is alluded to as perhaps starting during Man-Thing's time spent with the new "Legion of Monsters" (in the pages of Punisher / FrankenCastle and Marvel Zombies v3 and v4). His time spent among those of his own kind seems to have touched upon the spark of consciousness that Jeff Parker has been stoking in his treatments of Manny over the past few years.

In the issue, Jeff Parker shows the true import of the Man-Thing's role as protector, but gives Manny, and us, a desire to continue with the new life opportunities presented by staying with "friends" in the Thunderbolts.

Parker also seamlessly give a 2-panel origin recap, because it seems that not all of the Thunderbolts are aware of Man-Thing's former human identity as Ted Sallis, and gives long-time mystic nomad; Jennifer Kale a new mission; that of the temporary new Guardian of the Nexus until the Nexus grows a new one.

Along the way, we are also given another look into the custom-tailored habitat which was constructed for Man-Thing, and we meet Dennis; one of the "swamp-keepers", a zoologist / botanist whom, after being burned by Man-Thing, still strives to care for the needs of the unique life-form. As any true animal-lover or animal behaviorist will attest, you can't get angry or blame the beasts for behaving true to their nature.
It isn't the shark's fault for eating things that bleed into their waters, it isn't the lion's fault for mauling whomever wanders into its space. It isn't the Man-Thing's fault for burning you if you don't understand it - and feel fear.

While Declan Shalvey, the artist for the issue, excels in the swamp scenes and any panel where Man-Thing appears, the rest of the issue seems, at times, to be a bit stiff.  Helping to keep the quality high, the colors by Frank Martin lend a sense of depth and dynamism to every scene.

Sadly, in the issue Ms. Kale is not dressed in her old metal-bra and g-string sorceress garb, but the new, unflattering, bland and masculine Initiative uniform. This is not the fault of the artistic team, since the new uniform that Jen wears seems to be her new look (since Marvel Zombies v3 - or v4).

The issue ends with Man-Thing given a passing grade by the Government agents, who, after seeing him in action, and witnessing his willing return to the facility, decide that he is a valuable asset.
It also sets up the next issue, wherein due to the apparent ease with which Jennifer kale was able to infiltrate the prison, the team's mystic weaknesses are to be addressed... with the aid of

DOCTOR STRANGE!

---

---

The NEXT Issue  (# 155) can perhaps be nominated as a contender for my all-time favorite comic book.
At least my all-time favorite that teams Man-Thing with Doctor Strange (and yes, there have been several others over the years).

---

More on this issue in the NEXT INSTALLMENT (part II) of this review. *

* Sadly, Part I of the post was written more than a week ago, but I was hoping to post both parts as ONE entry, so I postponed posting this until it became obvious that I wouldn't be able to post part two for a few more days.

Keep your eyes open for it.

Don't FEAR The Ferry Man-Thing! - or - Have THUNDERBOLT - Will Travel.

---

Marvel's THUNDERBOLTS has long been a dynamic comic with a slightly different angle than most traditional super-hero fare.
It being a team comprised mostly of villains:

• Those trying to dupe the world into thinking that they are doing the work of heroes in order to reap rewards and further their own evil desires.

• Those who were villains, but are now seeking redemption.

In this latest incarnation, written by Jeff Parker, the Thunderbolts meld both types of teams into one: villains who are incarcerated and are being forced to do the work of heroes as a part of their sentencing.

As I mentioned a few months back [HERE] Marvel has been, for the past year or so, prepping the MAN-THING for bigger things

Jeff Parker has set his unique vision upon the Man-Thing and has him / it stand hunch side by side with heroes and (former?) villains in this new incarnation of the ragtag team of misfits, outcasts and ne'er-do-well's.

issue 144 cover by Marko Djurdjevic

So, how does Man-Thing fit in with a group led by Luke Cage that consists of:
Juggernaut, Ghost, Moonstone, Songbird, and Crossbones?

Only in the most awesome way possible:

Your cabbie's name is MANNY.

---

Man-Thing is being used as the team's mode of TRANSPORT!

Utilizing an ability that has not been seen much since the 1997 HEROES RETURN era, Man-Thing is able to tap directly into the Nexus of All Realities in order to summon mystical gateways between one place and any other - seemingly anywhere, since the Nexus bridges time, space and realities.

The first instance of this ability being shown so overtly was back in GENERATION X # 25 (which led directly to DAYDREAMERS 3-part mini-series and then the HEROES REBORN: The RETURN 4-part miniseries).

Written by Scott Lobdell with art by Chris Bachalo, I wonder whose idea it was to have Man-Thing be able to teleport in that manner? Was it Lobdell or possibly J.M. DeMatteis, who was the writer of the DAYDREAMERS mini which this issue set up?

Either way, it answered a common problem of having the Man-Thing get around from Point-A to Point-B without having to fall into garbage trucks or be captured and transported by mercenary groups.

As long as he could return to the swamps that empowered him with vitality, Man-Thing now had a much broader range of activity than just the Florida Everglades and surrounding environs.

Now, I hear you asking;
"But the Man-Thing isn't a criminal! Why is he on a team of convicts?"

Ah! Excellent question. You're paying attention.
As a part of the dubious "Registration Act" that set the whole Marvel "CIVIL WAR" into being, any super-powered entity who did not register with the US government's Initiative Program (ostensibly as a Weapon of Mass Destruction) was subject to arrest and imprisonment.

Believe it or not, the Initiative was sent to get the Man-Thing to register (which as a near mindless monster wasn't likely to happen).

This, as I mentioned in a previous post on the Man-Thing [once again - HERE] was back in Marvel Comics Presents v2 # 12.

MCP v2 # 12

Jai Nitz (writer), Ben Stenbeck (artist)

which was then followed-up in Dark Avengers #10, where Ares and the other Dark Avengers captured Man-Thing for Norman Osborn and held him/it as a prisoner.

written by Brian Bendis, art by Mike Deodato

So, that brings us up to speed. Right?

No?

You're now wondering that if Man-Thing needs to be in contact with the swamp in order to survive, just how did he live while in Government captivity?

Well... luckily, with the ouster of Norman Osborn at the end of the "DARK REIGN" and subsequent "SIEGE", kinder and gentler souls were put in charge of things (and Man-Things).

Hank "Ant-Man/ Giant-Man/ Goliath/ YellowJacket/ Wasp" Pym (aka the "Scientist Supreme") saw fit to do what he could to make good use of the misshapen muck monster - one who could theoretically be seen as an otherwise life-threatening hazard, and also give him/it a small piece of "home".

Wait for it...

Oh, how AWESOME is that?

I almost died when I saw how beautifully artist Kevin Walker and colorist Frank Martin bring a life, energy and "personality" to the Man-Thing!
Still, I do hope that writer Jeff Parker avoids bestowing much cognitive thought to Manny (as he did in the X-Men First Class series - as I wrote about [HERE]).

Pym suggests that Man-Thing might have some cognizance... but it is different from ours, so that might be Parker's way out, thus allowing him to bestow some more presence-of-mind to Manny than his usual empathic nature and garbled, quickly-forgotten thoughts and remembrances.

Only time will tell.

While being the living protector and guardian of the Nexus of All Realities is no small job description, breathing some new life and purpose into Man-Thing is a fantastic thing to THIS muck-head fan.

Still, I take some issue with the belief that the government would even be able to destroy the Man-Thing if they wanted to.

The reasoning that Man-Thing is in prison also because he has been linked to several deaths, is an interesting one. Almost like placing a dangerous animal in a zoo after they mauled a hiker or something, it is "humane" treatment and serves to give extra purpose to a life that might otherwise be sacrificed in the name of "justice".

But, utilizing the Man-Thing as "the Quinjet" is just plain nifty, and one reason why comics are so damn cool.
Luke Cage is right, as "Scientist Supreme", Hank Pym doesn't think anywhere NEAR the box.

Awww.... they're friends now.
I absolutely LOVE the deep, penetrating, backlit eye-ball glowing effect by Walker and Martin.
It masks any possible "thoughts" than might be going on inside Man-Things "mind", all the while imbuing a sense of danger and extra-sensory-perception to the near-mindless muck-heap.

But that was only the FIRST introductory issue (# 144). The next issue (#145) sees the "team" on its first mission.

issue 145 cover by Marko Djurdjevic

Before the mission gets started the entire team heads down to Man-Thing's sanctuary to catch a ride.
Oh, creative team, I ♡ you so much.

It is truly fabulous that Man-Thing creeps out even the toughest, most hardened criminal.
(But since "Whatever knows fear BURNS at the touch of the Man-Thing", I sense a LOT of "burning" to be going on in future issues. Yay!)

Pym's interface allows for a smooth Manny-powered transport.

The art team of Walker and Martin make the trip complete with a nice visual mix of the mystical (glowing red swirlies) with the technological (Star Trek "transporter"-like fade-out).

Keeping him in character, Jeff Parker shows that with nothing triggering his empathic alarms, Man-Thing is a neutral force in the ensuing battle with escaping trolls (much to Songbird's dismay).


Don't blame the Man-Thing. He's a lover not a fighter.

With Man-Thing on board for the foreseeable future (at least confirmed through issues 148 - 149 which will be a "Shadowland" crossover), and with an excellent creative team, THUNDERBOLTS, like a fine cream, has risen to the very TOP of the heap.

It is the new "destination" comic that I have to read first - and Man-Thing is the one collecting my fare.

"Tamam Shud!"
~P~


note:

This review post was originally written (75% of it anyway) well over a month ago, but not wrapped up until now. As many readers know, I'm in the middle of a relocation, and I've fallen waaay behind on my intended [and sometimes already-in-progress] posts. I apologize for the delays. Please stick with me.
This blog will continue with what time I can spare.

Thank you.

Shambling into a new era? -or- Man-Thing re-emergant!

It should be no secret that one of my all-time favorite comic book characters is the macabre MAN-THING... inasmuch as this blog is dedicated, in part, to him/it.



Man-Thing (as I may have mentioned before) was one of the very first comic book character/series' that I, then as a 10-year-old boy, would discover and soon thereafter collect.

It was Man-Thing that also helped introduce me to Doctor Strange, and while Doc would soon soar to the top of my fanboy mentality, Man-Thing was always present at its soggy base foundation.

Man-Thing had been fairly popular over the years, more so in the height of the "Monster craze" in the 1970's, but still, since his first appearsance in the magazine-format Savage Tales v1 # 1 in 1971, he would have several starring roles at Marvel over the years:

A few series' (of varying degrees of success):

• Adventure into Fear - 1972-1973 : # 10 - 19
• Man-Thing volume 1 - 1974-1975 : 22 issues

which was "enhanced" by the "Giant-Sized Man-Thing" - 1974-1975 series of 5 quarterly specials

• Man-Thing volume 2 - 1979-1981 : 11 issues
• Man-Thing volume 3 - 1997-1998 : 9 issues
• Man-Thing volume 4 - 2004 : a 3-issue mini series that tied into a FEATURE FILM, direct-to-DVD release, Sci-Fi channel TV movie (the less said about that the better)

Some extended-term "serials":

• Monsters Unleashed (magazine) - 1973-1975 : in most of the 11 issues and 1 annual
• Marvel Comics Presents v1 - 1988 : # 1-12
• Marvel Comics Presents v1  - 1994 : # 164-167

As well as a few mini-series:

• Book of the Dead - 4 issue mini - 1993
• Strange Tales v3 - 2 issues 1998 (a continuation from the 1998 Man-Thing series)
• Dead of Night - 4 issue mini - 2006
• Legion of Monsters : Man-Thing (oneshot) 2007

Otherwise, it was just years of nothing but sporadic walk-on shamble-by appearances in others' titles.

 *** For a complete list of ALL of Man-Thing's appearances, please visit the excellent Man-Thing site; 

The Swamp ; Home of the Man-Thing - [HERE] 

It is run by an internet-friend of mine and I contribute sightings and info there as often as I can. ***

However, it seems that 2009 and 2010 are the start of some "grass roots" resurgence for the Man-Thing... and "10-year-old Ptor" couldn't be happier.

Sure, he doesn't have any new series as of yet, or anything more substantial than some one-shots and guest-starring appearances, but these all seem to be leading... somewhere.
They are linked, somewhat, to what seems to be a conscious effort, by Marvel, to promote and push the muck-encrusted mockery of a man into the limelight.

 I mean, how ELSE would you explain the fact that there is now a $500.00 (actual price - not a 2ndary market mark-up... which are far higher!) Comiquette statue of Man-Thing?!?



 (An incredulous post of which can be found [HERE])

Multiple guest appearances in high-profile books like the  "X-Men : First Class" series', written extremely well by Jeff Parker (remember that name... it'll come back at the end of this post), would be a great aid in showcasing "Manny" to those comic fans who might not otherwise have an interest.

(a loving review of X-Men: First Class FINALS # 3 can be found [HERE]) 

Still, last year we had several guest appearances; a special one-shot issue along with Spider-Man ("Fear Itself") -

Cover art by Mico Suayan and Frank D'Armata.

as well as guest starring roles in the Marvel Zombies v 3 and v 4 mini series'.

cover art by Greg Land

(note: this scene does not appear in the comic)

(reviews of several of those can be found [HERE].)


Marvel Zombies v 3 and v 4 included Man-Thing as a part of a new "Midnight Sons" team of Monsters who fought the invading Zombie-universe Marvel characters.
Man-Thing even showed the ability to be a serious force in that team setting (which will lead to one of the newest developments in his "career" - as I'll mention in a little bit).

However,  some more recent events like Man-Thing in yet another "team" (with the "League of Monsters/ Monster Midnight Sons") is shown having some kick-ass moments in titles like Punisher (in the most excellent "Franken-Castle" storyline - issue # 13 especially! Seriously, read # 13. Fan-freaking-tastic!)...

PUNISHER # 12

Cover by Mike Mckone

and "Deadpool : Merc with a Mouth" (dealing with the fallout from the Marvel Zombies invasion) have been showcasing the new "popularity" of Manny and building to his next stage.

Deadpool; Merc with a Mouth # 6

Victor Gishler (words), Bong Dazo (pencils), Jose Pimentel (inks), Matt Milla (colors)

A part of that new stage was set up a few years back in Marvel Comics Presents v2 # 12 (in a short tale of "the Initiative" wherein Government agents tried to recruit the Man-Thing into the 50-state initiative program) ...

MCP v2 # 12

Jai Nitz (writer), Ben Stenbeck (artist)

which was then followed-up in the more recent Dark Avengers #10, that saw Ares and the other Dark Avengers capturing Man-Thing for Norman Osborn.

Art by Mike Deodato

 
A quick side-step into a bit of a retread on his origin (with some new tweaks - as revealed in my review [HERE]) in the pages of the new Web of Spider-Man # 6 ...

adds a modern touch to the Man-Thing mythos as well as an extra tendril tying him into the Marvel Universe proper (and one villain in particular) and the Man-Thing is now poised for his next step lurch...

In the upcoming "Heroic Age" the Marvel Universe will emerge from the darkness of the recent decade-long "Disassembling, House-of-M, Civil War, World War Hulk, Secret Invasion, Seige" era to one of heroes (and some repentant villains) rising to the opportunities and nature of being HEROES.

In this new world, one of the most unlikely figures ever to emerge from the shadowy depths is taking his place on a top-tier TEAM title: The THUNDERBOLTS!

That's right! For who-knows HOW LONG (and who knows HOW - period) writer Jeff Parker (remember that name from earlier?) is once again setting his unique vision upon the Man-Thing and having him / it stand hunch side by side with heroes and (former?) villains in the next incarnation of this ragtag team of misfits, outcasts and ne'er-do-well's.


So, how does Man-Thing fit in with a group that consists of:
Juggernaut, Ghost, Moonstone, Crossbones which is led by Luke Cage?
Damned if I know, but Jeff Parker can make it good!

cover by Marko Djurdjevic

While, I will miss Man-Thing in a milieu more apropos to his nature, (such as he is currently serving with the "Legion of Monsters" in the Punisher title,) I am willing to see him in a larger arena as the Thunderbolts can afford. This is especially since his recent ventures into team-status (in the aforementioned Marvel Zombies and Punisher-based "Legion of Monsters") have shown some new and interesting twists to he who has been handled (sadly, for much of his "career") as a rather 1-dimensional monster.

Will this new offshoot be like fertile soil from whence something good shall grow?
Or will it soon be tossed onto the compost heap to rot and stink?

If it doesn't work out in the "big leagues", what's the worst that can happen?
A return to the minor leagues in the Florida swamps?
That would only be like going home.
Either way, I look forward to seeing what emerges from this new rebirth.

Tamam Shud!
~P~

Uncanny Macabre X-MAN-THING

For any and all fans of touchingly bitter-sweet, heartfelt, emotion-eliciting and all 'round GOOD comics stories - there's something truly wonderful for you out there.

OH. I should mention that it might help if you're a fan of the Macabre MAN-THING as well...
...and, of course, it doesn't hurt of you're also fans of those mutant teenager X-MEN who seem to be popular, either.

Lurking, hidden in the back-up story of X-MEN : FIRST CLASS : FINALS # 3 (of a 4 ... or 5 issue mini-series), is an X-cellent tale of the then-young original X-Men in a story titled; "X-Date".

As the title might allude... it's a date story between Scott (Cyclops) Summers and Jean (Marvel Girl, not-yet-Phoenix) Grey. It also guests the lovable lump; Man-Thing.

Written by Jeff Parker and lovingly rendered by Collen Coover, this is a touching story wherein the two young lovers literally "bump into" the Man-Thing.



The story, by Parker, is similar to previous issues of the X-Men : First Class series (specifically # 8) where he has Man-Thing act as a "House of Mystery / Tower of Shadows" type of guide through the lives (past and future) of those he meets.

Truthfully? I kinda LIKE for the muck montser to have that innate ability.
As long as it comes via his EMPATHIC nature and not through some kind of active thought process.

Sadly, in this tale, Parker does indeed make that sin.
His Man-Thing is far less mindless than any other rendition.

Here, while the mutant duo are trying to figure out their next step, Man-Thing is obviously consciously thinking about the situation and then... when he has found a solution, the "idea" light-bulb "appears" (figuratively) over his head.

"Eureka! By George, I think I've GOT it!"
(If this wasn't in the script, and it's strictly a visual goof, then, in which case, this falls upon Coover's shoulders)

This is strictly a no-no.

I'll allow for the possibility that Jean Grey's mental powers are somehow boosting Man-Thing's cognitive abilities somehow. It isn't stated, but for a story this nice, I'll bend over backwards a little.

I'll almost always grant a certain leeway for Manny to have some semblance of cognitive abilities (especially as how that is how he was portrayed in his early stories), but his thoughts should be as gossamer as the wind. If he does think of something, it should fade into the dark recesses of his mind until the actual thought is lost, but perhaps the general gist of it all might remain.

At best, he should "think" kinda like a stoner. "I've got a GREAT idea! Wait... wait... what was I saying? Oh, yeah... something about doing something. Riiiight. Pass the munchies."

;-)

However, that one misstep is the only stumble in the entire journey.

Colleen Coover is my new all-time favorite Man-Thing artist. Even beating out the legendary Mike Ploog (if such a thing could be thought of as possible)!

I could read stories of her version of Man-Thing all day, every day, for the rest of my life.
And if you could replace ME with her drawing of Jean Grey, and COLLEEN for her illustration of Man-Thing in this image...

That's EXACTLY what I'd do and say.
Kiss her on the cheek and thank her for letting us see this.

I'm not sure who handled the coloring on this story (as it's not specified), but I believe it might have been Coover herself. Whomever is responsible, the palette is vibrant, the tones are lush and the technique is effective in orchestrating the proper mood and setting.

RUN, don't walk (or shamble) to your nearest comics-retailer and pick up this gem, if not for the opening story (featuring the continuing saga of the X-Men vs assorted threats from their past), but for this love note of a story.

Man-Thing says; "You stay beautiful, y'hear?"

This story is definitely going to be in the running for my 2009 "Sanctum Awards", you can be sure of that.
As it is, last year, Man-Thing's appearances in X-Men First Class #'s 8 and 11 were runner's up - and the story that co-starred CLEA, as drawn by Colleen Coover, that appeared in KING SIZE SPIDER-MAN SUMMER SPECIAL # 1 actually WON it's category!

To check out LAST year's SANCTUM AWARDS, go HERE.