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History of Marvel Comics
Have you read... History of Marvel Comics?
Greetings, fellow Zombies! Drink in hand, I'd like to examine the current status quo in the Marvel U. Currently, Marvel Universe Earth 616 is in the midst of Dark Reign. Norman Osborn is in charge, having emerged from the Secret Invasion triumphant as the man who commanded the Thunderbolts and killed the Skrull Queen. He disbanded S.H.I.E.L.D, sending its former leader, Tony Stark, into exile and instituted his own version of a peacekeeping force, H.A.M.M.E.R. He has his own Illuminati-like team of behind the scenes power players, the Cabal. And he's even Assembled his own version of Dark Avengers, having criminals usurp the hero's identities. In short, it's a dangerous time to be on the right side of the law in the current Marvel climate. Good guys like Spiderman and the New Avengers are in more danger now than they were as unregistered heroes during the Superhuman Registration Act. They are in hiding and must act as renegades, while criminals are brazenly running rampant and getting out of jail easily when they DO get caught.
Some have criticized Dark Reign as just an extension in what was going on during Warren Ellis' run on Thunderbolts. While that may be true, I'm still enjoying the storylines generated by this arc. Osborn's evolution from psychosis-inflicted Green Goblin to National Hero may strain credibility more than a bit, but his interactions with others in power have been a hoot. Dark Avengers is a great title, although it should be said that I haven't liked Thunderbolts anywhere near as much since Dark reign began. But those are digressions better left to the reviews. I've also enjoyed the machinations of the Cabal and am in eager anticipation of where it will all lead.
Cosmically, the Inhumans-led Kree and the Vulcan commanded Shi'ar clash in a War of Kings. Most of Marvel's cosmic characters, like Nova and the Starjammers are involved. Whatever the outcome, this is a status changing event of an epic scale. I wasn't sure about this series when it began, and in fact planned not to buy it. I'm glad I changed my mind and picked it up. Again, I'll be reviewing the series as a whole, so that's all I'll say about its quality for now.
Hopefully, this little over-view will allow those that may have been away for awhile to better understand and enjoy what I'm talking about in my reviews. See you in the funny pages...