BEYOND! #6 - Review & Spoilers

[Expletive Deleted]

BEYOND! #6, McDuffie & Kolins, out today . . .

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Well, it's not the Beyonder. It's . . . The Stranger. Nice. The idea of battleworld is, when you think about it, right up his alley. Oh, and Hank did pull a Pym Particle switcheroo, as many predicted.

I'm not sold on the final resolution (why kill Gravity and then foreshadow his return?), but it's been a fun mini-series. There're some great quips in here, a few good fight scenes and continuity shout-outs, a nice use of the Watcher (even if he does violate his oath yet again), and Kolins art is up to his usual standard.

[Michael P]

Hey, as long as Greg's not *really* dead, I'm cool.

[Kevinroc]

I think death in comics has it a truly cynical point with this story. Gravity's death scene wasn't even a bad death scene (IMO) and yet it feels rather hollow. Especially since it was pretty much stated that his story was just beginning. McDuffie is a talented writer and this has been a rather enjoyable mini-series.

The ending at Gravity's funeral was actually quite nice. I thought the scene where The Inhumans approached Gravity's parents was actually quite touching. I liked Black Bolt and Medusa's funeral attire. I know Kolins is not the most popular artist but I enjoyed his work on this mini.

Looking forward to McDuffie's upcoming Fantastic Four run. I think he did a great job characterizing The Inhumans (which is definitely a plus for an FF writer), and probably the best piece of characterization for Hank Pym since Kurt Busiek's Avengers run (the shrinking thing was rather obvious but still fun).

[mattbib]

This mini had a very old-school feel that I absolutely love. I didn't even really know some of the characters when it started. Gravity? Kraven's son?

But it worked. Gravity is now a favorite of mine; I'll have to track down his earlier appearances.

What I love most about this series is that there was actually seeming progression made in characters' lives.

It appears that Hank and Jan are done, finally, for good or worse. Part of me hates that, but part of me is grateful to see the two move on. Hank and Bonita as a couple is an idea that I thought was put to rest many years ago, but now here we are again and it's a potential reality.

Plus we got to see the Hood again. And Medusa kicks ass. How awesome was she in this series?

I guess the only thing I didn't really like was the use of the Space Phantom. That's definitely Immortus territory...not the Stranger. That said, it didn't ruin anything.

I hope to see more series like this in the future.

[Sean Walsh]

Man, this was a great mini. Well done indeed, Dwayne and Scott. :)

[Arilou]

And Medusa kicks ass. How awesome was she in this series?

Incredibly so.

Just wants me to see more of Medusa kicking ass.

[Atom_basher]

this series made me LOVE medusa. i started looking up all her appearances.

[StoneGold]

Honestly, the ending was a little off compared to the rest of the series. But endings in books like this usually are. It's hard to compare to the build-up, you know?


Now here's the real question, anyone else going to acknowledge Hank apparently hooking back up with Firebird again?

[mattbib]

Now here's the real question, anyone else going to acknowledge Hank apparently hooking back up with Firebird again?
I started a thread on the new couple over on the Avengers forum...

[StoneGold]

I started a thread on the new couple over on the Avengers forum...

Not exactly new, but I'm just being nitpicky. I mean, they hooked up, what, 20 years ago our time?

[mattbib]

Not exactly new, but I'm just being nitpicky. I mean, they hooked up, what, 20 years ago our time?
I know there was interest, but I don't think they really ever hooked up, by any definition. I don't think they even kissed, but I could be wrong; as you said, it was over 20 years ago.

[StoneGold]

I know there was interest, but I don't think they really ever hooked up, by any definition. I don't think they even kissed, but I could be wrong; as you said, it was over 20 years ago.

I know Englehart had them being really kind of creepy together. A little too close for the lack of action we actually saw them doing. I'm figuring some off-panel action. And then he made her even lamer with the Esprita thing, she disappeared when he left the book, Byrne had him hook up with Jan again, and that was it for the last decade or two.

[Jack]

Hmmm... Gravity, the Watcher, the Inhumans and... McDuffie has a FF run coming up. Awesome.

I said it elsewhere, but Marvel has some truly stunning minis right now.

[Jack]

Oops .

[DavidLodge]

Wasnt the stranger last seen experimenting on the new universe earth?
with new universal out this month, its a nice Coincidence for history buffs!

[PastePotPete]

Incredibly so.

Just wants me to see more of Medusa kicking ass.

Silent War, bro. The Inhumans vs. The Unites States Government. Coming soon - right after Civil War wraps up.

A lot of people (including me) overlooked it, but Son of M was another incredible mini that came out a little while ago and it featured the Inhumans heavily. I don't think Medusa literally kicks any ass in that one, but Black Bolt sure does and the story is wonderfully creepy and terrifying.

But back to Beyond: what a great mini! McDuffie really puts thought into the motivations of the characters. I loved The Stranger's entire monologue about how earth is blessed and he was culling the ranks of the metahumans on earth almost out of jealousy.

Also: the Watcher did nothing but watch, but it made a huge difference. Really really cool take on the Watcher.

[Expletive Deleted]

Wasnt the stranger last seen experimenting on the new universe earth?
with new universal out this month, its a nice Coincidence for history buffs!He's been in X-MEN FOREVER and MARVEL: THE END since that appearance.

It is a nice coincidence, though.

[seeso]

I enjoyed this mini. Like others have said, the ending wasn't up to par with the rest of the series. It was non-stop action until then. I thought McDuffie did an excellent job with his characterizations.

This mini really made me want to see another mini from McDuffie about the movie that Kraven offers Deathlok.

[Shonuff]

I got a pretty good a laugh from the stranger freaking out because the watcher was just watching him. lol

[Sean Walsh]

I said it elsewhere, but Marvel has some truly stunning minis right now.

I'm at the point where I'm pretty much done with most ongoings but definitely picking up a bunch of their current (BEYOND!, AGENTS OF ATLAS) and future (ZEMO, MODOK'S 11) minis.

[Sean Walsh]

It's weird............the Stranger and the Watcher looked really off compared to their classic looks.

I know the Watcher had that bulky look in the 1970's and into the '80s, but the Stranger looked rather.........stout here. Like a weird Kirby look that I'm not remembering....was that in reference to some past look I've totally forgotten about?

[Expletive Deleted]

It's a new look, as far as I know. I like it, though.

[Jack]

I'm at the point where I'm pretty much done with most ongoings but definitely picking up a bunch of their current (BEYOND!, AGENTS OF ATLAS) and future (ZEMO, MODOK'S 11) minis.
I was just thinking along the same lines, earlier. That right now I'd rather be reading the minis than the ongoings coming out. Even the series that I've been enjoying the most lately have either just started (Ant-Man) or have a mini-ish vibe (Hulk, Uncanny).

[Dermie]

I know there was interest, but I don't think they really ever hooked up, by any definition. I don't think they even kissed, but I could be wrong; as you said, it was over 20 years ago.

Yes, they kissed. They seemed to be starting a relationship...but then stopped it before it really got going, because they both realized it wasn't going to work. Hank loved her for the help she gave him in getting through his depression and finding a new direction for himself, but he wasn't *in* love with her. And Bonita knew that his lack of religious belief would also prove an obstacle for them. So they called things off before it went too far.

I certainly hope other books acknowledge the renewed Hank/Bonita romance. They are an interesting pair, and now that time has passed and they are both at different points in their lives, perhaps now is the time for them to get a real shot at this.

[Kaiju]

I got a pretty good a laugh from the stranger freaking out because the watcher was just watching him. lol

Same here. I also loved the new looks for both characters.

[DoctorDoom]

ah....Uatu is always a good guest shot in any book I'm reading.

[Elegance Liberty]

I certainly hope other books acknowledge the renewed Hank/Bonita romance. They are an interesting pair, and now that time has passed and they are both at different points in their lives, perhaps now is the time for them to get a real shot at this.

Considering Hank's pro-reg (for now) and Firebird joined Cap's crew, I doubt they'll get anywhere now.

Which is good IMO, because I just cannot stand Hank and Bonita deserves better.

[kelsey]

wow, i has hoping it would have been the beyonder, good twist with the stranger

stranger vs. watcher, mmmm
i like the watchers, remember the stranger is basically a stranger

wasn't his labworld sealed off from earth the living tribunal

[XPac]

Considering Hank's pro-reg (for now) and Firebird joined Cap's crew, I doubt they'll get anywhere now.

Which is good IMO, because I just cannot stand Hank and Bonita deserves better.

I was wondering that too. My understanding is that Bonita was part of the batch of heroes that jumped ship when Goliath was killed by the clone Hank helped to build. Not saying that Bonita will hold Hank personally responsible, but that combined with the fact that Hank is suppossed to throw Bonita into the negative zone if he see's her will really salt their game.

I suppose there is a potential story here if any writer cared enough to explore it... they could be the Romeo and Juliet of the Civil War.

[Rich L]

Excellent mini - and I have to say that I found the death of Gravity pretty surprising even if his return is pretty much foreshadowed.

I have to say that Marvel' minis are really great at the moment (Warsong excluded) and pretty much better than some of the ongoings.

Looking forward to the FF now, and maybe a Gravity return there?

[UniqueFrequency]

personally i didn't get the significance behind the stranger... is there something to it being him instead of the beyonder? or is it just a 'surprise' twist without any underlying meaning?

quite upset about Gravity's death. he was just growing into a great character and looks like he's gonna be shelved for the immediate future (even if the watcher sees him coming back)

[Ite]

What's The Beyond all about?

[drwho]

For anyone interested in Fantastic Four story related to this Gravity's story is slated to pick up again

[marshal99]

I got a pretty good a laugh from the stranger freaking out because the watcher was just watching him. lol

Ironic since in the old quasar series when the stranger were fighting with Overmind , it was overmind that got paranoid over the watchers watching the fight. Now it's the stranger's turn.

[Fastballspecial]

I too enjoyed this series. It has a very nice 80s appeal to it. I loved the Space Phantom appearance that was such a hoot. Although I didnt like the ending I have no problem with it. I grew to like Gravity alot and was looking for his mini at the time. Now unless he is brought back which I abhor I may just look for it periodically now. Nice work overall. Was really enjoying this along with the Black Panther lately.

[Gene M.]

For anyone interested in Fantastic Four story related to this Gravity's story is slated to pick up again
Where'd you hear this? Gravity's a new favorite of mine and I'd love to see him show up in F4.

[Rahul]

The big thing that bothered me about this series is Spider-Man's throwaway appearances, just like in the first issue of Blade.

He turns out to be the Space Phantom, and he didnt even show up for Gravity's funeral! What the heck!