Annihilation TPBs

Marvel released its "Annihilation" series in three TPBs. Based solely on the reviews I read across the internet I decided to check them out. I was worried because I wasn't too up-to-speed on the who's who in the outer reaches of the Marvel Universe as the last time I read a story with Nova he was a part of the fledgling New Warriors and I had never heard of Drax: The Destroyer before. Anyway, I jumped into the pool all in and picked up all three TPBs. Writer Keith Giffen weaves a very fun story in "Drax the Destoyer" 1-4. Mitch Breitweiser's art is exceptional. Along with Brian Reber's outstanding coloring, the art in "Drax the Destoyer" is quite good both supporting and adding depth to Giffen's excellent story. Is this story required reading for the overall "Annihilation" - no, but it does present good background on Drax and stands alone as a good story.

Giffen also wrote the "Annihilation Prologue" with art by Scot Kolins. This prologue serves to touch the various stars of this series and provide a way to get that "who's who" that is needed. Along the way - in all three TPBs - you get a look at the Nova Corps files on each of the main and background players. These help out a lot.

Writers Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning provide the story for "Annihilation: Nova". Growing up I always thought Nova was cool, but I didn't realize what a "Green Lantern" rip-off he was until the beginning of this story. DnA take what is a copy-cat character and turn him into a true force by the end of this 4-part story. From Kev Walker's art to DnA's story this blood pumping, action filled story is very good.

"Annihilation Book 2" brings three character stories centering on the Sliver Surfer, Super Skrull, and Ronan the Accuser. Giffen's Silver Surfer provides almost a restart to the character. Giffen provides a clean slate for Silver Surfer moving forward. The Super Skrull story by Javier Grillo-Marxuach is a lot of fun. Gregory Titus' art really shines in this story. I've never been a huge fan of the Super Skrull but Grillo-Marxuach paints a different story for the character. Finally for this TPB, Simon Furman writes Ronan the Accuser. I felt this was the weakest story of the bunch, but to truly understand Ronan's motivation it is a must read.

Keith Giffen pulls out all of the stops in "Annihilation" presented in "Annihiliation Book 3". The story is action packed and includes all of the primary and secondary characters presented in the previous books. This war is on par with DC's "The Sinestro Corps Wars". By the time I made it to this point, I was invested in the characters and the outcome. The "Annihilation: Heralds of Galactus" two-parter is a bonus to Giffen's excellent "Annihilation" story. Serving as a prologue the story focuses on the current and former heralds of Galactus.

You can go into these three TPBs cold, not knowing any of the characters, and enjoy it. Giffen and company do a good job of introducing each character so that the reader can absorb it all. If you liked DC's "The Sinestro Corps Wars" or are a big SciFi buff, pick up these TPBs, you won't regret it.

Invincible

Once again stepping outside of the DCU, I wanted to point you in the direction of "Invincible" from Image Comics. I did not start reading this comic in monthly form. I went the the San Diego Comic Con this year and when I was walking around checking out the art and such I stumbled upon "Invincible". Now, back in the day, I was a huge Image fan. I consumed pretty much everything the company put out when it started up in the 90s. However, my taste for comics and media in general changed and I went away from both Image and Marvel. When at the Con I usually check out the other companies to see if anything they have to offer peaks my interest. That's when I hit upon "Invincible".

I got the volume one TPB and now 6 TPBs later both me and my son are really enjoying writer Robert Kirkman's Invincible adventures. Artist Corey Walker really laid down the foundation for "Invincible" with his excellent art and, when he left the series, Ryan Ottley continued to provide solid art to back up Kirkman's inspired story. I don't want to give any spoilers away as if you pick up this TPB I want you to feel the excitement that I felt while reading it. I bet if you pick up volume one you will be hooked in no time. The series really picks up speed in volume 2 (issue #7).

I have since followed Kirkman to his very scary "The Walking Dead" series and the "Marvel Zombies" hard cover. Kirkman has rapidly jumped to up my list of top writers in comics.