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cap_ironman2013-11-09 08:53 pm
salmastryon.livejournal.com) wrote in cap_ironman2013-11-09 08:53 pm
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Part Four of an MCU Fan's Guide to Comics
Part Five will not come out until the January of next year. It will involve 616 characters that are have not shown up in the offical MCU, but often show up in fic. I'm taking requests for this, so if someone you are wondering about is not on the list, let me know.
Characters currently requested:
Carol Danvers
Daniel "Danny" Rand
Hank Pym
James "Bucky" Barnes
James "Rhodey" Rhodes
Janet Van Dyne
Luke Cage
Dr. Stephen Strange
Also, while I have links to places where you can buy the following comics, you can also check your local library or inter library loan for the trades as well.
Part One: Format and the Avengers
Part Two: Captain America and Iron Man
Part Three: Black Widow and Hawkeye
Part Four: Hulk, Bruce Banner, Thor, Donald Blake and Loki
Two Minds One Body
Bruce and the Hulk are much as you remember from the movies. The big difference in the comic is that the Hulk has a distinctive personality of his own. He can speak, reason and has his own motivations and goals. During their long run this hasn't always been so, but they've been developed and grown to where they are now. Sometimes things back slide for plot purposes and Hulk becomes a mindless beast again. There have also been lots of crazy stuff that has happened to the two of them. They've been separated into two seperate beings; Hulk has transformed into various other Hulks and at one point the Bruce personality was in the Hulk's body. Despite that the status quo is Bruce and Hulk as a duel personality.
While I'm sure most of you know about Bruce turning into the Hulk, in 616, Thor also has two forms. In Thor's case, the human Donald Blake and Thor share the same body. When one is in control the other is shuffled back to into the void. Unlike the Hulk and Bruce, they are two seperate people. They can see what is happening while the other is in control, communicate with each other and to a certain extent know what the other is thinking and feeling. When Don strikes his cane or Thor, Mjolnir's hilt they switch places and the body transforms. If Thor is away from his hammer too long while on Earth, he'll automatically transform into Donald Blake and Mjolnir to the stick. Much like the Hulk and Bruce there are times during their history where they were seperated or one ceased to exist.
Bruce Banner and the Hulk
Hulk: Gray - Issues: Hulk: Gray(2003) #1-6, Trade: Hulk: Gray
This story starts off with Bruce Banner visiting Doctor Samson, a friend and psychiatrist. Bruce then proceeds to tell Samson the how he became the Hulk or at least a version of it. It is a good retelling and Samson points out the parts that are different from what has been told before. It also acknowledges the fact that initially the Hulk was gray until he was changed to green due to issues the colorist was having.
Note:At this point in Bruce Banner's life Betty Ross is dead.
Series at Marvel~Collection at Comixology~Trade at Amazon
Hulk Season One - Trade: Hulk Season One
This is the most recent retelling of the Hulk's origins and has shown up on many of the rec lists I've looked at. The reviews for it are very good. Two things of note struck me from reading the reviews. This story concentrates more on Bruce Banner and less on Hulk Smashing. Also, the author made a serious attempted to take the various changes and clarifications made over the history of the characters and make it into consistent whole. Based on the various reviews I'm thinking they succeeded. I got an e-mail today that the copy I requested is waiting for me to pick it up at the library. I wanted to get this post out to you guys though. I'll update this with my review when I get it read.
Note: This is not available to read through Marvel Unlimited.
At Comixology~Trade at Amazon
Incredible Hulk: Planet Hulk - Issues: Incredible Hulk(2006) #92-105, Trade: Incredible Hulk: Planet Hulk
The Hulk has crash landed on an alien planet. He's been weakened by the portal his ship went through, so he can actually be cut and wounded. The ruling race captures him and throw him in the arena with others to fight monsters. The story deals with his experiences and the comrades and friends he makes while he is slave fighting for his masters and after he escapes and rises against them. There is a lot of fighting in this, as expected for the Hulk, but I also think there is a lot of character development and through his interactions with his companions you get a clearer idea of what he thinks and believes. It is a great story and is invariably recommended on Hulk reading lists.
Note: While Bruce is mentioned by the Hulk in conversation, this all about the Hulk and Bruce doesn't make an apparance. This takes place during the same time as the Civil War and explains where he was during that time.
There is a story arc explaining how he got there which has Bruce Banner in it, but it is unnecessary to enjoy Planet Hulk. For those interested, the trade and collection is called Hulk: Planet Hulk Prelude and the issues are Incredible Hulk #88-91
First Issue at Marvel~Collection at Comixology~Trade at Amazon
Thor and Donald Blake
The Mighty Thor by Walter Simonson - First Issue: The Might Thor(1983) #337, First Trade: Thor Visionaries: Walt Simonson, Vol. 1
The Simonson's run of Thor is considered by many the definitive Thor. One of his story arcs if not his whole run ranks among the top three in the various lists I looked at. He definitely is credited with reviving Thor and making him interesting again.
His first story arc introduces Beta Ray Bill, a character that pops up in later volumes. While Donald Blake is in this story arc, it primarily takes place in the nine realms and space with Thor. Fury lets Thor know that there is a space ship heading to Earth that is capable of destroying stars. Thor flies off to confront the ship. I don't want to say more because it will spoil the story, but it is a good read.
First Issue at Marvel~First Collection at Comixology~First Trade at Amazon
Thor: Ragnarok - Issues #80-85, Trade: Avengers Disassembled: Thor
While this is considered a tie in to the Avengers Disassembled event, it is self-contained and no other knowledge of the event is needed. The story arc starts off with Loki acquiring an artifact that enables him to field and arm an army that can actually be victorious against Asgard. Loki's first attack is launched at a funeral Thor, Sif, the Warriors Three and other Asgardian are attending and the war continues from there. While there are great feats accomplished and tragic deaths, the theme of this story is fighting fate and Thor trying to save his people. Though it may require a box of tissues it is a good read. Stony Plus: Iron Man and Captain America show up in this briefly and they have some great dialogue.
Note:If you've read the previously recc'd story arc Beta Ray Bill makes an appearance as well.
First Issue at Marvel~Trade at Amazon
Thor(2007-2011) - First Issue: Thor(2007) #1, First Trade: Thor, Volume 1(2008) by J. Michael Straczynski
This picks up after the events of Ragnarok. Donald Blake prods Thor awake and Thor proceeds to rebuild Asgard in Oklahoma and searches for the souls of his people to revive them. It is a bit slow to start, but this volume is what hooked me on Thor. Admittedly, I started reading it initially at issue #611 with the aftermath of Siege. I've since then gone back and reread it from the beginning. As with most Thor titles, it isn't merely the story of Thor and Don -- Loki, Sif, Baldur, the warriors three and other Asgardians figure prominently.
I love the interactions between Thor and Donald in this and how you get to see both of their lives not just Thor's. There is also quite a bit about the Asgardians struggle with what their lives should be like now. Through all of this you have Loki pulling the strings. Loki is delightful in this. With his ability to wield the truth so effectively, he hardly needs to lie. Pluses: The art is great. I especially liked the issues Coipel did.
Note: Marvel changed their numbering after issue #12, so it jumps to #600.
This starts off post Civil War and before Siege. It is fairly self contained, except for one run in with Tony Stark, until you get to the Siege story line.
Series at Marvel~First Collection and Series Bundle at Comixology~First Trade at Amazon
Loki
Thor(2008) #11 - Issue: Thor(2008) #11, Trade: Thor By J. Michael Straczynski Vol. 2
I strongly recommend reading the entire Thor run this is part of, so check out the Thor(2007-2011) review above. Issue #11 though is particularly of note for Loki fans. It deals with Loki's origins. I'm not going to say much more, because as with most Loki stories, half the fun is trying to guess what his goals and aims are and what he gains from his actions.
Issue at Marvel~Issue at Comixology, Collection at Comicology~Trade at Amazon
Journey into Mystery(2011-2013) - Issues #622-#645, Exiled #1, New Mutants #42-43, The Mighty Thor Annual 1 and The Mighty Thor 18-22, First Trade: See Note at end of review for the trade list.
After Loki's death while trying to defeat The Void, Thor went searching for his brother's soul since he wasn't in Hel and found it in a young boy. He brought the boy back and when he woke up Loki's soul, Loki couldn't remember anything past the age he currently was. This means he is still the good kid that the Thor grew up with. The book starts off Loki's attempts to prove he's trustworthy to the Asgardians, they think this is all another trick of Loki's of course. From there you get to see Loki be a hero, but he does things the Loki way not the typical heroes way. The whole series is basically about Loki discovering who he is and he can do. Pluses: The Thor and Kid Loki moments are great. Some of them brought tears to my eyes. You really get to understand Thor's devotion to his brother from this. Warning: Set out a block of time to read this. When I started I had real trouble stopping and stayed up all night reading it.
Notes:Kid Loki's Origin story is in Thor(2011) #617-621, if you want to read the whole story arc read #615-616 as well. Of course, if you decide to read my above rec then you'll already be planning on reading these anyway.
There is a new trade, Journey into Mystery by Kieron Gillen: The Complete Collection Volume 1, coming out in March of 2014 that has issues 622-636 and 626.1. That covers the first three trades that are currently out. There are two trades that don't have a volume number and one of them is between volume 3 and 4, so here is the list in order.
Journey into Mystery, Vol. 1: Fear Itself
Journey into Mystery, Vol. 2: Fear Itself Fallout
Journey Into Mystery, Vol. 3: The Terrorism Myth
Journey Into Mystery/New Mutants: Exiled
Journey into Mystery, Vol. 4: The Manchester God
The Mighty Thor/Journey Into Mystery: Everything Burns
Series at Marvel~Series and First and Second Collections at Comixology
FAQ
Why didn't you recommend Thor: First Thunderer?
The art for it was so bad I couldn't get past the second issue of it.
What is with Thor and The Mighty Thor are they same series or not?
They are two separate titles. Unfortunately, Marvel is inconstant on what they file them under. So some of The Mighty Thor titles are listed under Thor instead of The Mighty Thor. This is another example of where dates will help you find the right title. Except of course when there is a Thor and a The Mighty Thor title running at the same time.
Carol Danvers
Daniel "Danny" Rand
Hank Pym
James "Bucky" Barnes
James "Rhodey" Rhodes
Janet Van Dyne
Luke Cage
Dr. Stephen Strange
Also, while I have links to places where you can buy the following comics, you can also check your local library or inter library loan for the trades as well.
Part Two: Captain America and Iron Man
Part Three: Black Widow and Hawkeye
Part Four: Hulk, Bruce Banner, Thor, Donald Blake and Loki
Hulk: Gray - Issues: Hulk: Gray(2003) #1-6, Trade: Hulk: Gray
This story starts off with Bruce Banner visiting Doctor Samson, a friend and psychiatrist. Bruce then proceeds to tell Samson the how he became the Hulk or at least a version of it. It is a good retelling and Samson points out the parts that are different from what has been told before. It also acknowledges the fact that initially the Hulk was gray until he was changed to green due to issues the colorist was having.
Note:
Series at Marvel~Collection at Comixology~Trade at Amazon
Hulk Season One - Trade: Hulk Season One
This is the most recent retelling of the Hulk's origins and has shown up on many of the rec lists I've looked at. The reviews for it are very good. Two things of note struck me from reading the reviews. This story concentrates more on Bruce Banner and less on Hulk Smashing. Also, the author made a serious attempted to take the various changes and clarifications made over the history of the characters and make it into consistent whole. Based on the various reviews I'm thinking they succeeded. I got an e-mail today that the copy I requested is waiting for me to pick it up at the library. I wanted to get this post out to you guys though. I'll update this with my review when I get it read.
Note: This is not available to read through Marvel Unlimited.
At Comixology~Trade at Amazon
Incredible Hulk: Planet Hulk - Issues: Incredible Hulk(2006) #92-105, Trade: Incredible Hulk: Planet Hulk
The Hulk has crash landed on an alien planet. He's been weakened by the portal his ship went through, so he can actually be cut and wounded. The ruling race captures him and throw him in the arena with others to fight monsters. The story deals with his experiences and the comrades and friends he makes while he is slave fighting for his masters and after he escapes and rises against them. There is a lot of fighting in this, as expected for the Hulk, but I also think there is a lot of character development and through his interactions with his companions you get a clearer idea of what he thinks and believes. It is a great story and is invariably recommended on Hulk reading lists.
Note: While Bruce is mentioned by the Hulk in conversation, this all about the Hulk and Bruce doesn't make an apparance. This takes place during the same time as the Civil War and explains where he was during that time.
First Issue at Marvel~Collection at Comixology~Trade at Amazon
The Mighty Thor by Walter Simonson - First Issue: The Might Thor(1983) #337, First Trade: Thor Visionaries: Walt Simonson, Vol. 1
The Simonson's run of Thor is considered by many the definitive Thor. One of his story arcs if not his whole run ranks among the top three in the various lists I looked at. He definitely is credited with reviving Thor and making him interesting again.
His first story arc introduces Beta Ray Bill, a character that pops up in later volumes. While Donald Blake is in this story arc, it primarily takes place in the nine realms and space with Thor. Fury lets Thor know that there is a space ship heading to Earth that is capable of destroying stars. Thor flies off to confront the ship. I don't want to say more because it will spoil the story, but it is a good read.
First Issue at Marvel~First Collection at Comixology~First Trade at Amazon
Thor: Ragnarok - Issues #80-85, Trade: Avengers Disassembled: Thor
While this is considered a tie in to the Avengers Disassembled event, it is self-contained and no other knowledge of the event is needed. The story arc starts off with Loki acquiring an artifact that enables him to field and arm an army that can actually be victorious against Asgard. Loki's first attack is launched at a funeral Thor, Sif, the Warriors Three and other Asgardian are attending and the war continues from there. While there are great feats accomplished and tragic deaths, the theme of this story is fighting fate and Thor trying to save his people. Though it may require a box of tissues it is a good read. Stony Plus: Iron Man and Captain America show up in this briefly and they have some great dialogue.
Note:
First Issue at Marvel~Trade at Amazon
Thor(2007-2011) - First Issue: Thor(2007) #1, First Trade: Thor, Volume 1(2008) by J. Michael Straczynski
This picks up after the events of Ragnarok. Donald Blake prods Thor awake and Thor proceeds to rebuild Asgard in Oklahoma and searches for the souls of his people to revive them. It is a bit slow to start, but this volume is what hooked me on Thor. Admittedly, I started reading it initially at issue #611 with the aftermath of Siege. I've since then gone back and reread it from the beginning. As with most Thor titles, it isn't merely the story of Thor and Don -- Loki, Sif, Baldur, the warriors three and other Asgardians figure prominently.
I love the interactions between Thor and Donald in this and how you get to see both of their lives not just Thor's. There is also quite a bit about the Asgardians struggle with what their lives should be like now. Through all of this you have Loki pulling the strings. Loki is delightful in this. With his ability to wield the truth so effectively, he hardly needs to lie. Pluses: The art is great. I especially liked the issues Coipel did.
Note: Marvel changed their numbering after issue #12, so it jumps to #600.
This starts off post Civil War and before Siege. It is fairly self contained, except for one run in with Tony Stark, until you get to the Siege story line.
Series at Marvel~First Collection and Series Bundle at Comixology~First Trade at Amazon
Thor(2008) #11 - Issue: Thor(2008) #11, Trade: Thor By J. Michael Straczynski Vol. 2
I strongly recommend reading the entire Thor run this is part of, so check out the Thor(2007-2011) review above. Issue #11 though is particularly of note for Loki fans. It deals with Loki's origins. I'm not going to say much more, because as with most Loki stories, half the fun is trying to guess what his goals and aims are and what he gains from his actions.
Issue at Marvel~Issue at Comixology, Collection at Comicology~Trade at Amazon
Journey into Mystery(2011-2013) - Issues #622-#645, Exiled #1, New Mutants #42-43, The Mighty Thor Annual 1 and The Mighty Thor 18-22, First Trade: See Note at end of review for the trade list.
Notes:Kid Loki's Origin story is in Thor(2011) #617-621, if you want to read the whole story arc read #615-616 as well. Of course, if you decide to read my above rec then you'll already be planning on reading these anyway.
There is a new trade, Journey into Mystery by Kieron Gillen: The Complete Collection Volume 1, coming out in March of 2014 that has issues 622-636 and 626.1. That covers the first three trades that are currently out. There are two trades that don't have a volume number and one of them is between volume 3 and 4, so here is the list in order.
Journey into Mystery, Vol. 1: Fear Itself
Journey into Mystery, Vol. 2: Fear Itself Fallout
Journey Into Mystery, Vol. 3: The Terrorism Myth
Journey Into Mystery/New Mutants: Exiled
Journey into Mystery, Vol. 4: The Manchester God
The Mighty Thor/Journey Into Mystery: Everything Burns
Series at Marvel~Series and First and Second Collections at Comixology
FAQ
The art for it was so bad I couldn't get past the second issue of it.
They are two separate titles. Unfortunately, Marvel is inconstant on what they file them under. So some of The Mighty Thor titles are listed under Thor instead of The Mighty Thor. This is another example of where dates will help you find the right title. Except of course when there is a Thor and a The Mighty Thor title running at the same time.