Secret War is a Marvel mini-series that, as the blurb says, "reveals the darkest chapter in Marvel Universe history!". The Secret War trade paperback combines entire Secret War run (Secret War #1-5), plus From the Files of Nick Fury.

In terms of the plot, the story centres around Nick Fury gathering together a group of some of the meanest Marvel heroes (including Wolverine, Daredevil and Luke Cage), for a top secret black ops mission in Latveria. » Read the rest of the entry..

When I ordered Watchmen off Amazon, I have to say, I was prepared to be disappointed. There is a lot of hype surrounding this book, and a quick search will turn up countless positive reviews. Watchmen was originally published as a monthly 12 issue comic book limited series from 1986-1987, and later collected as a trade paperback (meaning all issues in the one book). It was written by Alan Moore, also known for V for Vendetta, and illustrated by Dave Gibbons.

Watchmen carries the distinction of being (as of writing this) the only graphic novel to win a Hugo Award, as well as being the only graphic novel to appear on Time Magazine's 2005 list of the 100 best English language novels from 1923 to present.

Much of the story is set in the USA in 1985. It's an alternate reality where costumed heroes and villains are real. The main story traces the past and present of a group of 'superheroes' (some active, and some semi-retired) as they reconnect with one another to try and piece together the events surrounding the murder of one of their former comrades. The main story is set upon the backdrop of the USA on the verge of nuclear war with the Soviet Union. Are the two connected? You'll have to read it to find out.

The thing that separates Watchmen from a lot of other comics is that the emphasis is more on the people rather than the 'hero' or super power element. To be blunt, a majority of the groups just don't cut the super hero mustard. They are average people, without super powers, but with questionable choices of costumes and code names. The 'Owl' is a prime example! The standard comic panel convention is broken up at the end of each chapter by various elements that add to the story, such as fake military reports, a psychologists assessment of one of the characters, excerpts from a former heroes biography.

I've seen Watchmen described as a "multi-layered narrative", and while that might sound wanky, it's an accurate way to describe it. There's so much going on that you'd probably benefit from reading or more than once, or re-reading passages as I did.

Overall, the story is compelling, and whilst the artwork may look a little dated by todays standards, but it's still pretty solid. Does Watchmen live up to the hype? I'd have to say yes, it does. It's a genuine page turner. Although it's being directed by Zack Snyder, the guy behind the Dawn of the Dead remake, comic book adaptations have generally been a mixed bag, so I'd recommend reading this before the film is released, and your opinion of it potentially tainted.

I finished reading Civil War: War Crimes trade paper back (TPB) last night. The TPB collects Underworld #1-5 as well as the Civil War: War Crimes one-shot. The story featured throughout focuses on the activities of criminal underworld as the Civil War rages throughout the Marvel Universe. If you aren't up to speed on the Marvel Civil War, check out an overview of the main Marvel Civil War story as well as the Marvel Civil War: Front Line series.

The reader is introduced to Jackie Dio, fresh from prison, and with a few scores to settle. The majority of the book follows Jackie's transformation into 'Underworld'. You could almost describe him as an evil version of the Punisher. Jackie has no 'super powers' but a lot of his enemies do. To this end, Jackie ends up making the acquaintance of a guy called "The Mechanic", who decks him out with the latest weaponry. Jackies revenge kick leads him straight to another shadowy customer known as "The Consultant". There are a couple of big twists toward the end, so I can't really say any more without giving too much away.

The War Crimes story follows Wilson Fisk, the ex-Kingpin of Crime, as he attempts to deal his way out of prison. This story ties in nicely with the major Civil War story line, as Fisk makes a deal with Iron Man that involves Fisk using his underworld connections to track down Captain America and his anti-Registration act buddies.

The 'Underworld' story arc basically acts as a prequel to War Crimes, with Jackie Dio popping up to play a pivotal role in the War Crimes one-shot.

All in all, the TPB was a solid read, with some watered down hints of noir-ish Sin City style story telling. I wouldn't describe it as an essential read in the Civil War series as there isn't a great deal happening in War Crimes that impacts heavily upon the main story, but it is an interesting tie in none the less. I'd probably rate it at around the 3.5/5 mark.

Consider this post a community service for any would-be comic book nerds out there. I've be trying to get my hands on the current collection of Wolverine trade paper backs. Problem is, there is a consistent naming convention for them, so it's a little difficult to figure out which ones cover off which issues, and in which order the series runs. Very complex.

Anyway, I think I've almost got it all figured out, after a lot of time spent surfing Amazon! The list below runs from issue 1 through to issue 55.

1. Wolverine Vol. 1: The Brotherhood #1-6
2. Wolverine Volume 2: Coyote Crossing #7-11
3. Wolverine Vol. 3: Return of the Native #12-19
4. Wolverine: Enemy of the State, Vol. 1 #20-25
5. Wolverine: Enemy of the State, Vol. 2 #26-32
6. House of M: World of M, Featuring Wolverine #33-35
7. Wolverine: Origins & Endings #36-40
8. Wolverine: Blood and Sorrow #41, 49, Giant-Size Wolverine #1 and X-Men Unlimited #12
9. Civil War: Wolverine #42-48
10. Wolverine: Evolution #50-55

I've got most of these on order, but I've already read the Civil War: Wolverine book, which I thought was awesome. Now it's time for me to go back to the start...

The Cable/Deadpool series was responsible for getting me addicted to "graphic novels"... ok, comics. The books are a mix of great plot lines, humor and awesome artwork. Cable is the 'serious' character, soldier from the future, blood ties to the X-Men, trying to save the world. Deadpool is the comic relief, paid gun for hire, that finds himself doing more and more good for the world, whether he means to or not. So far there Cable/Deadpool comics have been collected in six trade paper backs, with the seventh due sometime in September (I've already got that one on pre-order from Amazon).

Here's an over view of the story so far... » Read the rest of the entry..

Being a Super Hero doesn't necessarily mean that you're a sure fire deal with the ladies... nudge nudge, wink wink, say no more... check out the educational public service announcement below for further information. » Read the rest of the entry..

The Marvel Civil War: Front Line series is an 11 issue mini-series that ties in to the Marvel Civil War event. What makes this series unique is that it's focus is not so much on the lycra clad superheroes, but more on two of the journalists dedicated to covering the story. For much of the story the two are split down the middle, Ben Urich follows the story from Iron Man's pro-registration side, while Sally Floyd reports on the story from Captain America's anti-registration side of the coin.

As the two continue to investigate the story, they begin to uncover what seems to be a conspiracy that runs all the way to the very top of the food chain. One of the things that I liked most about this two volume series was how it revealed pieces of information, only hinted at in the major Civil War story. It approached the whole thing from different points of view. In many respects the Civil War story mirrors the current political landscape in the United States, and world in general.

The other major component of the Civil War: Front Line story arc is the story of Speedball, the only survivor of the incident that kick started the whole Civil War in the first place. Speedball was a member of the New Warriors, happy go lucky type of character. To me he was a watered down version of Spider-Man, except with different powers. As the reader follows Speedball in the Front Line story, we get to see the evolution of his character, by watching what happens to someone after they've made one single mistake, or the wrong split second decision. One split second can change a life, or end many lives, and as the reader follows Speedball in prison we also see him struggle with his own guilt. He has lost his powers as well as his innocence.

Having been re-born in prison, Speedball learns that his powers never left him, he can still access them, but only when he feels pain. By the end of Front Line, Speedball is dead, replaced by Penance. Penance looks like a bad ass, ready to pay for his sins, and prepared to make others pay for their own as well. I'm sure a lot of people would hate the transformation, but I don't. The writers took a run of the mill hero and made him more interesting. I, for one, would like to read more about this guy.

Civil War: Front Line was an awesome read, and I found it far better than the main Civil War story. Read Civil War, then read Civil War: Front Line. Highly recommended.