Poor Mojo's Newswire

SECRET INVASION #8: I'm not so bugged by the What of this, as I am of the How. I mean, no matter what, you've got to give the Marvel universe some props for changing up the status quo every few years, and doing so in FAIRLY organic ways. By this I mean, by and large, the things that have changed have largely flowed from character, rather than being imposed from above. Sure there's been a few mis-steps (most of them involving Spidey), but overall, the generalities of the Marvel U have been reasonably logical and satisfying. YMMV, naturally. While I might dun Secret Invasion for misreading the post-'08 Election environment (the ending feels a lot more suited for a McCain/Palin administration), you have to give it points for setting up what will POTENTIALLY be a story-rich new Status Quo. That doesn't mean that writers WILL be able to draw that potential out... but it is there. But I'm more convinced than ever that Bendis just shouldn't be writing this kind of a story -- he's just not very good at it. As a conclusion, SI #8 is marred off the bat by its structure: you WANT to see the Big Fight Scene at the end. We've had seven previous issues that were basically nothing than unimportant fights, and when we finally get to the Title Bout (as it were), Bendis decided that it's best to mostly cut away from it, or to handle it perfunctorily and via narration (!)

Here is the deal. If you're not buying this series from Gillen & McKelvie you're not allowed to complain about comics ever again. No seriously. You can't ever again complain that no one buys good books or how those mean EiCs cancelled your favorite, should-have-been-obvious-to-everyone best book in the world book. No. If you do Comics Law says I'm allowed to go to your home and punch you in the face. Its a Rule. Ask anyone... So, if you missed buying it yesterday, go out now and buy "Pull Shapes" the first of seven issues. Buy it because Kieron Gillen is clever and smart and writes about stuff I don't understand in the least (brit and indy music scenes combined with magic) but still makes me want to know more. Buy it because Jamie McKelvie is probably one of the best artists putting pen to paper. Buy it because otherwise I'll hate you forever. It doesn't matter. Just go buy it. Now. Yes, I understand your local comic's shop probably won't open for hours. You can wait outside until it does. Its not that cold. You can wear a jacket...