Friday November 6, 2009
Daze of the fathers
Worlds of Wonder:By KALEON RAHAN
Incredible Hulk #603 (Marvel/US$3.99)
Writer: Greg Pak
Artist: Ariel Olliveti
I have always had a soft spot for “father-and-son” tales, in some ways a tribute-of-sorts to my dad for getting me started and hooked on comic books. While these type of tales are usually mushy in nature the dark side within me yearned for slobber knocker events such as the Hulk vs Wolverine. Hence, it was a double jackpot for me when I read this issue. It featured both of my favourite storylines.
Imagine if your dad was the Hulk or Wolverine and mutants or superheroes were the norm in society.
Here’s where this offbeat tale provides an intriguing twist by focusing on the offspring of the Hulk and Wolverine, ie. Skaar and Daken.
In case, you have never heard of the Hulk or Wolverine having kids – well it was news to them as well when this came up two years ago!
Based on their respective storylines, Skaar resulted from the Hulk’s marriage to Caeira during his Planet Hulk escapades. While Daken came from Wolverine’s marriage to Itsu during one of his countless untold tales. The similarities between both Skaar and Daken are remarkably identical ranging from their upbringing and appetite for destruction – but the crux being that they both hate their fathers.
So what happens when Skaar meets Daken? The encounter takes place courtesy of a “set up” by Bruce Banner as he diverts his son’s attention towards Wolverine Jr, after two showdowns with the juggernaut and Wolverine Sr!
While Wolverine does not fancy letting Banner take charge of the thinking department, he gradually sees the logic in his actions – as the slugfest between Skaar and Daken shifts from the battleground to a table-talk setting.
Unlike his dad, who’s famed at letting his claws do the talking – Daken adopts a much more diplomatic stand, where he wines-and-dines his victims before putting them out of their misery!
While all Hulk-Wolverine battles have always been close calls, this next generation version does not differ as both combatants do uphold the family tradition in every sense, until their “proud” fathers decide to intervene.
Obviously, no devastating outcome is expected from such an offbeat encounter but one good thing resulting from this is the father-son bonding sessions – which certainly helps to cool the existing boiling bad blood. After the futuristic take on “Old Man Logan” and the alternative reading of Ultimate Wolverine vs Hulk, this offbeat meeting is refreshing indeed and ought to open the doors for Skaar and Daken to assume higher responsibilities instead of their existing roles as prodigal sons.
Thunderbolts #137 (Marvel/US$3.99)
Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: Mahmud A. Asrar
I’ve hated every single thing about Luke Cage @ Power Man – from his costume to the issue he got intimate with Jessica Jones. Well, that was before reading this issue, where he has totally redeemed himself.
While I have no idea how Cage recovered from his near-death experience in the pages of the New Avengers, the premise here has a brainwashed Iron Fist being inducted into the Thunderbolts.
With Norman Osborn holding a massive grudge against Cage for going against a deal struck post-Secret Invasion, the use of Iron Fist for payback purposes is simply brilliant. Here’s where Cage proves that beneath the steel hard skin, there is a brain.
In this story, he turns the tables on Osborn and gang. The reunion of Cage and Fist is simply nostalgic and I wouldn’t be surprised if they relaunch the 1980s title.
Booster Gold #25 (DC/US$3.99)
Writer: Dan Jurgens
Artist: Dan Jurgens and Norm Rapmund
Having left this title after Geoff Johns bid adieu (in issue #12), it took a tractor beam in the form of a “Killing Joke-esque epilogue” to reel me back. While Booster Gold in his “Time Cop” role did attempt to save Barbara Gordon @ Batgirl from being gunned down by the Joker, it did lend him a place in Bruce Wayne @ Batman’s good books.
However, with a new Batman in place, the past understanding between Booster and Gotham’s guardian definitely needs revisiting – paving a visit to the Batcave.
The beauty of this issue is Booster’s handling of the past and present Dark Knight (Dick Grayson) as well as Dick’s flexible approach in handling matters – especially those relating to the heart.
Here’s one milestone event that will further reinforce Booster’s ties with the Bat family. No Geoff Johns, no problems for Booster!
Dark Avengers #10 (Marvel/US$3.99)
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Mike Deodato
IF Marvel’s ongoing Dark Reign saga was restricted to just one title, this one would definitely be it! While I absolutely abhor the idea of Norman Osborn @ Green Goblin being the most powerful “politically empowered” person in the Marvel Universe, this title sums up my feelings as cracks are prominently surfacing in Osborn’s armour and personality.
A normal road trip for two college students turns into a national disaster requiring the Dark Avengers’ help. As the tale goes, Osborn succumbs to political and funding obligations to bring his best team to solve a problem that would have ended up on a milk carton.
However, the call is justified when the Sentry and Moonstone are easily bested by an unknown force, prompting an already shaken Osborn into further uncertainty.
The end is indeed nigh for Osborn’s dark reign and I’m eagerly looking forward to Marvel “pulling the plug” on this dark and meaningless period.
> Comics courtesy of Earth 638 (Lot 2.13J, 2nd Floor, Atria Shopping Centre, Jalan SS22/23, Damansara Jaya, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor). Hotline: 03-7729 6380, e-mail: (earth638@streamyx.com)
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