Support New Invaders!!

[Dermie]

This message is for everyone who is at all interested in Marvel's New Invaders series by Allan Jacobsen and C.P. Smith!

The book has been extended past its original 6-issue commitment (and issue #6 will feature a guest appearance by Wolverine which will hopefully boost sales a bit), but Jacobsen has been told that sales dipped a bit at #4.

I know that there were a number of people who tried out the series but who decided to drop it because they were turned off by the art. If any of you fall into that category, PLEASE write to Marvel and tell them so! Just dropping the book will not fix the problem--they'll just cancel the book. Please write to Marvel and tell them that you had a problem with the art (or story, or characters, or whatever) so that they can try and address the problem to make the book more appealing.

If you are currently collecting the series, please write to Marvel and tell them that you support the book and want it to continue!
Posting messages (positive or negative) on on-line forums is good for discussion purposes, but in terms of really letting Marvel know what you want to see, you have to send the message directly to them!

The address is:
Marvel Enterprises, Inc
10 East 40th St.
New York, NY 10016
Attn: Andy Schmidt

For those of you who have not yet checked out the series, I'd ask you to at least flip through the book the next time you are in the shop.
This month's issue (#4) is part one of a two part story arc, so now would be a good time to come aboard.

The series is about a new team of Invaders, made up of surviving members of the original WWII team, and their successors, who have united into a global force to combat the super-terrorist organization the Axis Mundi.
It has some real-world paramilitary flavour, but it is definately a superhero comic. It is NOT about superheroes going after real-world terrorists (which was a common misconception before the series started).
The book is rich in Marvel history and continuity, but is accessible since the writer provides the necessary background as it becomes relevant to the story.
And if anyone has any of questions they need answered, there are various websites and Invaders-experts on-line (including Allan Jacobsen himself) who are more than happy to answer questions!

I ask you all to please give New Invaders another look, and please write to Marvel to give them your comments, whether they be positive or negative! Let's not let another new series with tons of potential get cancelled before it has a chance to grow!!

[Frank]

I`ll probably do that.

I think the coloring has been atrocious on this book, it makes the stories hard to read...almost psychadelic. The book was almost perfect in Invaders issue 0, but then it never was as good once the regular series started up because of the bad coloring. It`s a mess.

[Dermie]

I`ll probably do that.

I think the coloring has been atrocious on this book, it makes the stories hard to read...almost psychadelic. The book was almost perfect in Invaders issue 0, but then it never was as good once the regular series started up because of the bad coloring. It`s a mess.

I agree, the colouring has been a problem. In some cases, characters' costumes and equipment have changed colour from panel to panel (for example, USAgent's shield turned green for a panel).

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

I agree, the colouring has been a problem. In some cases, characters' costumes and equipment have changed colour from panel to panel (for example, USAgent's shield turned green for a panel).

If you come up with a suitable explanation for it you could get a no-prize when you write your letter.

[RabidWolfe]

I really like the Invaders, mostly because of the great characterization of Blazing Skull.

He should get a solo book.

[The Shadow]

I've gotten all the issues and have enjoyed then (even with the minor colour flaws and questionable art)

I MUCH prefer the original series, but like how this one has taken the mantle of some of the original heroes and passed it on... sort of like the JSA did before they started bringing everyone back from the dead.

Blazing Skull is great, and I've really enjoyed the interaction betrween Spitfire and Union Jack.

[iwarrior]

I thought this was a good idea,but I don't like the writing or the art.

[Matt_K]

I think the Invaders could work as a book, but

A) I'd rather see it set back in the day than modern times
B) The art really is no good at all. Have you seen the upcoming cover with just the Blazing Skull on it? Embarrasing.

[riotgear]

Pascual Ferry would be an ideal choice for this book.

[Catalyst]

i sort of like the artist the book has right now. he's definately made the book stand out from others (his rendition of vampires was awesome) but i'll take Pascual Ferry, too.

[Altered Ego]

I like the artist a lot!
I think he is really good and his characters feel grounded in reality.

[sixstringguild]

They really need to concentrate on making this book the JSA of the Marvel line of comics. There is so much potential. Too bad they couldn't get Geoff Johns on it. They should give Kirkman a run on it.

[Cayman]

I'm glad it's not a Geoff Johns book. I don't want a bland, flavorless title where the characters all talk the same and have no personality. I like the thorny characters with their competing agendas and personalities that appear in this book. In my opinion, Jacobsen is doing just fine.

Cay

[Dermie]

I'm glad it's not a Geoff Johns book. I don't want a bland, flavorless title where the characters all talk the same and have no personality. I like the thorny characters with their competing agendas and personalities that appear in this book. In my opinion, Jacobsen is doing just fine.

Cay

I agree--Jacobsen is doing a wonderful job with this book. He has a great cast of characters, and I hope the series is around for a good long while so he has a chance to explore them in depth!

[Catalyst]

I'm glad it's not a Geoff Johns book. I don't want a bland, flavorless title where the characters all talk the same and have no personality. I like the thorny characters with their competing agendas and personalities that appear in this book. In my opinion, Jacobsen is doing just fine.

Cay

you obviously didn't read Geoff Johns Avengers run then. Black Panther and Iron Man were quite 'thorny.' but i'm quite satisfied w/ Jacobsen. he's the only one i'd trust to right the Invaders at this point.

[Cayman]

you obviously didn't read Geoff Johns Avengers run then. Black Panther and Iron Man were quite 'thorny.' but i'm quite satisfied w/ Jacobsen. he's the only one i'd trust to right the Invaders at this point.

The first issue of John's Avengers was so bad, I felt little interest in picking up further issues.

Cay

[Catalyst]

The first issue of John's Avengers was so bad, I felt little interest in picking up further issues.

Cay

so you gave him one issue to impress you? tell me that you aren't reading Avengers #1, because i think all of Disassembled blew. Geoff Johns had his high and low points just like any other writer. and he at least (imo) had a grasp on who the characters were and their positions on the the team. Iron Man was a multi-tasker and a leader. Captain America commanded respect. T'challa was the chess player that Priest created. one of my favorite scenes in Avengers history was T'challa having an impromptu meeting w/ Doctor Doom right in the middle of an Avengers meeting. Carol wasn't the whiny over-emotional wreck that Bendis wrote her as. Hank and Jan were friends. etc.

[Cayman]

so you gave him one issue to impress you? tell me that you aren't reading Avengers #1, because i think all of Disassembled blew. Geoff Johns had his high and low points just like any other writer. and he at least (imo) had a grasp on who the characters were and their positions on the the team. Iron Man was a multi-tasker and a leader. Captain America commanded respect. T'challa was the chess player that Priest created. one of my favorite scenes in Avengers history was T'challa having an impromptu meeting w/ Doctor Doom right in the middle of an Avengers meeting. Carol wasn't the whiny over-emotional wreck that Bendis wrote her as. Hank and Jan were friends. etc.

I've given Johns plenty of chances and everytime I've been disappointed by his work. I have enough history with the writer to know that I'm not going to find his work readable, and so I chose to spend my money on other things.

Why would I not read New Avengers #1 because of your opinion of the final Avengers arc? That makes no sense.

Cay

[Catalyst]

I've given Johns plenty of chances and everytime I've been disappointed by his work. I have enough history with the writer to know that I'm not going to find his work readable, and so I chose to spend my money on other things.

Why would I not read New Avengers #1 because of your opinion of the final Avengers arc? That makes no sense.

Cay


i'm not even sure what you're asking?

[DDM]

I'll support the 70's The Invaders book. Austen's introduction in The Avengers soured me to the current book.

[Kirk G]

I'll support the 70's The Invaders book. Austen's introduction in The Avengers soured me to the current book.

Gosh, DDM, where DO you find those cheesecake shots of beefcake????

I could never stand the artwork in the 1970s Invaders stories... it just looked like Bad Cartooning to me... turned me right off to whatever story they were trying to tell.

Now, the current artwork, as color washed as it is, is written in a quick terse, brief style, and carries me through it, even though I am lost as to who these characters and their relationships are. I hope that becomes more clear before the series ends.

Is it running for six or more issues now???? Has it been renewed??? Or extended... or whatever you call an ongoing series>.... :confused:

[Dermie]

Is it running for six or more issues now???? Has it been renewed??? Or extended... or whatever you call an ongoing series>.... :confused:

We know it is running until at least #9...so chances are it has been extended to #12.

[Dermie]

I'll support the 70's The Invaders book. Austen's introduction in The Avengers soured me to the current book.

Don't let Austen put you off this series! Its true that he did write their introduction arc in AVENGERS, but he has nothing to do with the ongoing book! Jacobsen has added some other characters to the mix, and made a few adjustments to things that were "wrong" with the characters in the Austen issues.
This series is SO much better than the "Once An Invader" arc!! Please don't let Austen scare you off it!

[VisionNick]

I really, really wanted to like New Invaders.

I'm a really big fan of John Walker (I've thought Walker was great ever since the Gruenwald Cap era and his time in the WCA) and Namor and I think that the new Union Jack and the Blazing Skull have tons of potential as really cool characters. Plus I think the concept of them fighting terrorists, etc is pretty timely too.

I even enjoyed Chuck Austen's handling of them during his Avengers run.

But I bought New Invaders #0 & #1 and I thought they were awful. I thought the writing, art, and coloring were incomprehensible, and I havent bought the book since. I felt bad about it, because I dig these characters, but if the book is no good (IMO anyway) how can I justify buying it? Just to support the characters I like, even though I find it unreadable?

If Marvel put a new creative team on this book then I would put it right on my pull list, but right now I cant justify it.

But a letter (or e-mail) to Marvel is a good idea, and one that maybe I'll do.

-Nick

[static]

The writer and penciler are kewl but man the coloring is trying to be too cool and fails very badly... if they could just fricking ink and color this book like its an actual comic book and get rid of the Scott Kollins covers this book could kick ass. This book should have better cover artist, i am not a fan of the incredilby light inking he uses and the interior art uses, the inking is light and the colors are flat and inconsistant.

[Dermie]

The writer and penciler are kewl but man the coloring is trying to be too cool and fails very badly... if they could just fricking ink and color this book like its an actual comic book and get rid of the Scott Kollins covers this book could kick ass. This book should have better cover artist, i am not a fan of the incredilby light inking he uses and the interior art uses, the inking is light and the colors are flat and inconsistant.

C.P. Smith is taking over the covers as well, starting with issue #6.

[Zero Hunter]

I think it is kinda stupid to have Smith start doing the covers when a very large chunk of the people who tried this book thought he was horrible. Is that so new customers don't even have to waste their time and open the book up to see how horrible he is with this series?

Only thing that is going to save this book is getting rid of Smith and going with a very different style of art. Maybe something that is actully good.

[mushroom2703]

You know, i started reading this book at first, and felt really lost. You see, i didn't really know anything about the characters, and so, it was a little heavy on me at first. Now however, i'm REALLY enjoying the story, the new blood arc has this really sinister feel thats really being put across well. I love the art too, i can see why some hate it, but its really grown on me. Can anyone point me in the right direction to what backissues prior to this series would help me understand it alittle better. I haven't even seen people like spitfire before, and they speak of the death of her son as a past event, wheres that chronicled? I really like this, and want more, so can you guys help out?

Also, from solicits, i thought the covers had stepped up, and as you guys have said, its the dude who no one likes thats donig them ......well, i am a liefeld fan, i can admit i lvoe crappy art :P

[mattbib]

You can find out a lot of character/story info on Marvel's Golden Age characters here (http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/4775/invaders.htm) and here (http://www.vortex.bridgwater.ac.uk/mtlg/handbook-toc.htm#3040) and here (http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Olympus/7160/gaguide.html).

For stories I'd suggest the original Invaders series, the Invaders limited series, the Union Jack limited series (or TPB).
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/42725251514.1.gifhttp://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/42727182948.1.gifhttp://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/91206176348.1.gif

[mattbib]

Also...Captain America #253-254, Saga of the Original Human Torch, and Namor, The Sub-Mariner #11-12.
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/14462577792.254.gifhttp://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/70673101494.1.gifhttp://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/55922740036.12.gif

[Dermie]

You know, i started reading this book at first, and felt really lost. You see, i didn't really know anything about the characters, and so, it was a little heavy on me at first. Now however, i'm REALLY enjoying the story, the new blood arc has this really sinister feel thats really being put across well. I love the art too, i can see why some hate it, but its really grown on me. Can anyone point me in the right direction to what backissues prior to this series would help me understand it alittle better. I haven't even seen people like spitfire before, and they speak of the death of her son as a past event, wheres that chronicled? I really like this, and want more, so can you guys help out?


I wasn't very familiar with many of these characters either, prior to this series, but I've felt that Jacobsen has done a great job of presenting all the info you need to know so that I don't feel lost.

Anyway, about the death of Spitfire's son--that happened in the UNION JACK miniseries a few years ago, which is currently available as a tpb.

The storyline when Spitfire got de-aged was in NAMOR: The SUB-MARINER #10-12 (issue #12, specifically).

The current Invaders team was assembled in the "Once An Invader" arc of Chuck Austen's AVENGERS run. That is where Tara first appeared, and it has a bit more background on the Blazing Skull.

Most of these characters have been around for decades, so unless you have specific storylines you want to know about, it is hard to narrow it down. But Thin Man and Blazing Skull have barely been seen since the Golden Age of comics.

Jim Hammond (the Torch) fell into the same category, until John Byrne brought him back in Avengers West Coast. He stayed there until he lost his powers in Namor #12, and since then has had supporting roles in Namor, Heroes For Hire, Citizen V & the V-Battalion, and Thunderbolts, before joining the cast of New Invaders.

Namor has been a mainstay of the Marvel Universe, and has had his own series several times, and tends to turn up fairly often in Avengers or Fantastic Four.

USAgent (Captain John Walker) was originally introduced in the 80s in the Captain America series, and there was a storyline from Cap #333-350 where he became the new Captain America replacing Steve Rogers. After that, he became the USAgent, and served with the West Coast Avengers from #44 until the series ended in #102. After that he joined Force Works, until that series was cancelled. He has had two miniseries, and until New Invaders started, he spent the last few years only making the occassional guest appearance in Avengers, Thunderbolts or Captain America.

Spitfire was a regular character in the original Invaders series from the 70s (which also starred Namor and Torch). After that she didn't appear much, until she guest starred in Namor #10-12, and got de-aged. After that she made supporting appearances in the Namor series. Other than that, she really hasn't been used much.

Union Jack III (Joey Chapman) was first introduced in Captain America #254. The first two Union Jacks were Spitfire's father and brother, and both of them were characters in the original Invaders series.
Union Jack has spent most of his career as an occassional guest star, but he was a regular character for a while in the Knights of Pendragon series. He also had his own miniseries, which has a lot of the backstory for the current two-parter.

Tara, as I mentioned, is an all-new character, so her only appearances are in New Invaders, and the Avengers arc that introduced the New Invaders.

The V-Battalion (which Jim Hammond currently leads, and is involved in the New Invaders series) was first introduced in Thunderbolts, and there have been two Citizen V & the V-Battalion miniseries.

There is an Official Marvel Handbook to the Golden Age coming out this week, which will have lots of helpful history for many of these characters, as well as others who may be supporting characters or guest stars in upcoming issues.

[mushroom2703]

Thanks guys, I'm also a new reader this time around, to the thunderbotls, so i planned on picking up stuff like citizen V.... anyway, so i'll be sure to check that out. I had no idea there was even a Union Jack mini ( this is why i wish they still left foot notes! ), and i'll check out the rest of the references. Could you give me a link to that handbook so i know what it looks like? I'd be quite keen to pick it up , thank guys :) I'll get back to you if ihave any mroe questions, but yea, loving the series, and supporting it 100%!

[Dermie]

Thanks guys,

You're very welcome! :)

I'm also a new reader this time around, to the thunderbotls,

If you have any questions about that series, feel free to ask!

so i planned on picking up stuff like citizen V.... anyway, so i'll be sure to check that out.

I hope you enjoy it!
I'm sure it'll help you with some stuff for New Invaders. The Destroyer (Roger Aubrey) who is currently guest starring was a major character in the CITIZEN V minis and was a significant supporting player in T-Bolts too.

Could you give me a link to that handbook so i know what it looks like? I'd be quite keen to pick it up , thank guys :)

Unfortunately, Marvel didn't release a cover scan. But it comes out this week, and will say "The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe" across the top, and specifically "Golden Age". Characters who should be on the cover include Captain America and Namor.

[The Shadow]

I wasn't very familiar with many of these characters either, prior to this series, but I've felt that Jacobsen has done a great job of presenting all the info you need to know so that I don't feel lost.

Anyway, about the death of Spitfire's son--that happened in the UNION JACK miniseries a few years ago, which is currently available as a tpb.

The storyline when Spitfire got de-aged was in NAMOR: The SUB-MARINER #10-12 (issue #12, specifically).

The current Invaders team was assembled in the "Once An Invader" arc of Chuck Austen's AVENGERS run. That is where Tara first appeared, and it has a bit more background on the Blazing Skull.

Most of these characters have been around for decades, so unless you have specific storylines you want to know about, it is hard to narrow it down. But Thin Man and Blazing Skull have barely been seen since the Golden Age of comics.

Jim Hammond (the Torch) fell into the same category, until John Byrne brought him back in Avengers West Coast. He stayed there until he lost his powers in Namor #12, and since then has had supporting roles in Namor, Heroes For Hire, Citizen V & the V-Battalion, and Thunderbolts, before joining the cast of New Invaders.

Namor has been a mainstay of the Marvel Universe, and has had his own series several times, and tends to turn up fairly often in Avengers or Fantastic Four.

USAgent (Captain John Walker) was originally introduced in the 80s in the Captain America series, and there was a storyline from Cap #333-350 where he became the new Captain America replacing Steve Rogers. After that, he became the USAgent, and served with the West Coast Avengers from #44 until the series ended in #102. After that he joined Force Works, until that series was cancelled. He has had two miniseries, and until New Invaders started, he spent the last few years only making the occassional guest appearance in Avengers, Thunderbolts or Captain America.

Spitfire was a regular character in the original Invaders series from the 70s (which also starred Namor and Torch). After that she didn't appear much, until she guest starred in Namor #10-12, and got de-aged. After that she made supporting appearances in the Namor series. Other than that, she really hasn't been used much.

Union Jack III (Joey Chapman) was first introduced in Captain America #254. The first two Union Jacks were Spitfire's father and brother, and both of them were characters in the original Invaders series.
Union Jack has spent most of his career as an occassional guest star, but he was a regular character for a while in the Knights of Pendragon series. He also had his own miniseries, which has a lot of the backstory for the current two-parter.

Tara, as I mentioned, is an all-new character, so her only appearances are in New Invaders, and the Avengers arc that introduced the New Invaders.

The V-Battalion (which Jim Hammond currently leads, and is involved in the New Invaders series) was first introduced in Thunderbolts, and there have been two Citizen V & the V-Battalion miniseries.

There is an Official Marvel Handbook to the Golden Age coming out this week, which will have lots of helpful history for many of these characters, as well as others who may be supporting characters or guest stars in upcoming issues.
Awesome information!

Thanks

[Evan Lanctot]

Has Marvel lost Roy Thomas' phone number?

[Captain Blitz]

I really enjoy the New Invaders, but I think the coloring is just horrible. :(

[mushroom2703]

Wow, 1st i'd like to say, you guys really make a new member welcome, i appreciate it alot.

A few questions then :

The v-battalion : who are they ? where do they fit into the marvel U ?

I will pick up the previous thunderbolts series, but as i imagine you all understand, thats quite a bit of cash for a 17 year old working from scotland lol, so i have to order it all of the net..........who is citizen v and where did he go? This seems to be more questioning old t-bolts stuff, but they seem interconnected, t-bolts and invaders, while not being......if you know what i mean :P

I see heroes for hire was mentioned....whats that all about :P would i be worth picknig that up as well, for better understanding?

I stopped comics jsut before onslaught, and even then, i only collected spiderman and x-men........forgive my noobness!

[Dermie]

The v-battalion : who are they ? where do they fit into the marvel U ?

A covert paramilitary organization of old WWII heroes and their descendants which has been around since the end of the war.
In a lot of ways, the organization is quite similar to the New Invaders, (which is part of why they're working together) but the V-Battalion has been around for a lot longer.

Most of the Marvel U is not aware of their existance--they have been operating in secret for decades. Their primary agent is Citizen V, which is a role that has been handed down from generation to generation. The current Citizen V (John Watkins III) is kind of a mix between James Bond, Austin Powers and Batman!
The Penance Council leads the Battalion, and was formerly led by the Destroyer, and is currently led by Jim Hammond.

I see heroes for hire was mentioned....whats that all about :P would i be worth picknig that up as well, for better understanding?


Heroes For Hire was a team of superheroes who worked for hire. The original series just starred Iron Fist and Luke Cage, but in the 90s they did a new series with a larger cast, that included Black Knight, She-Hulk, Ant-Man and others.
Jim Hammond was the manager for the team, running the day to day operations of the business. In terms of understanding what's going on in New Invaders, you don't need any of the H4H stuff. It was just a series Hammond was part of, but his role there really doesn't have much bearing on the New Invaders stuff.

[Catalyst]

Heroes For Hire was a team of superheroes who worked for hire. The original series just starred Iron Fist and Luke Cage, but in the 90s they did a new series with a larger cast, that included Black Knight, She-Hulk, Ant-Man and others.
Jim Hammond was the manager for the team, running the day to day operations of the business. In terms of understanding what's going on in New Invaders, you don't need any of the H4H stuff. It was just a series Hammond was part of, but his role there really doesn't have much bearing on the New Invaders stuff.


not much but it's still worth the read. Heroes 4 Hire sprung from the Namor title. Spitfire and Hammond were recurring characters in that title. what Heroes 4 Hire did was put Hammond back in the spotlight and reminding him what being a superhero was like. it basically coaxed him out of retirement. it's also the first time, in a long time, that we saw him use his dormant pyrokinetic abilities. why Spitfire didn't appear in the title, i'm not sure. likely too busy w/ her new relationship (w/ Kenneth).

[Dermie]

not much but it's still worth the read.

Oh, definately. I'm just saying that if he is looking for Invaders-related stuff, H4H should be low on the priority list.

it's also the first time, in a long time, that we saw him use his dormant pyrokinetic abilities.

That's when his powers first started to get reactivated. He had lost them for a long time, following his 2nd blood transfusion to Spitfire.

why Spitfire didn't appear in the title, i'm not sure.

Only room for so many characters, is probably part of it. Also, I don't think she was still involved with Oracle by that point.

likely too busy w/ her new relationship (w/ Kenneth).

Um, do you mean with Joey? Kenneth was her son.

[Catalyst]

Oh, definately. I'm just saying that if he is looking for Invaders-related stuff, H4H should be low on the priority list.



That's when his powers first started to get reactivated. He had lost them for a long time, following his 2nd blood transfusion to Spitfire.



Only room for so many characters, is probably part of it. Also, I don't think she was still involved with Oracle by that point.



Um, do you mean with Joey? Kenneth was her son.

yep. that's the one. i actually wrote "joseph crichton" first and, because it didn't sound right (his name being "Chapman"), i changed it. that said, her relationship w/ her son's best friend is still kind of...strange.

[Dermie]

yep. that's the one. i actually wrote "joseph crichton" first and, because it didn't sound right (his name being "Chapman"), i changed it. that said, her relationship w/ her son's best friend is still kind of...strange.

Yes, it is--and its supposed to be. Jackie is in a very strange emotional place right now. She is still coming to terms with the death of her son, which is an experience no parent ever fully recovers from, and now she is being forced to confront those feelings head on, since she is coming face to face with her son's murderer.
On top of that, there is her vampire grandson, in the custody of Kenneth's murderer! Has Spitfire known of the grandson's existance before this? If not, that would have to be one heck of a big shock!

Her entire relationship with Joey could possibly be a result of emotional turmoil. The affair with a younger man is often a symptom of mid-life crisis, and their mutual grief for Kenneth is likely what drew them together.
Now that Jim Hammond is back in her life, Jackie may be questioning the nature of her relationship with Joey and if it is really love or just comfort. Jim and Jackie are from the same era and have shared many of the same experiences. They have more in common and may be a better fit (plus Jackie may not be concerned about growing old again if she's with Jim, since he's the same age she is).

Then there's the question of her restored youth--which may not be as restored as she hoped. That has to throw her for a loop. She is getting used to having a second lease on life, only to discover that it may be fading away.
How does that affect her relationship with Joey? If she becomes an old woman again, will he still find her desirable? That question has got to be on her mind.

Put it all together, and Jackie certainly has a lot on her plate!

[mushroom2703]

Well, i'll focus on the union jack mini, old invaders/namor/original human torch stuff , then i'll move onto thunderbolts and citivin v etc, then i'll go for heroes for hire ? Thats quite a lot, give me plenty to work through ^_^

Its cool to find some real discussion on the book, been having trouble finding interest! i'll give my own thoughts on the book later!

[mushroom2703]

Ok

issue 0 - First, i'm going to have to admit this - i actually don't mind austen's work. Alot of people complain about him, but i just see some good fun stories out there by him, nothing to complain about.....My main problem with issue 0 is that i never got to pick up the avengers part of the arc, and so it took me awhile to work out what was gonig on, and i really enjoyed it in the end - the amount of atmosphere the thin man seemed to have was amazing. Comics don't always grip me when they should, but the very sight of the thin man with that cool little hat stance he had going was awesome, the full effect of his character was really put over. By the end, i was looknig forward to fresh start, and getting to know the characters, i was a little overwhelmed at first.

Issue 1 - This is what sold me on the series when i saw it on milehigh, and prompted me to go out and buy issues 0 and 1. I love the big spread of them at the beginning when Hammond first sees the team - very cool. Some really nice action scenes in there, and a nice twist at the end. I understand why this series suffers however - i love the art and so, i get really pulle dinto the story, but i imagine if you didn't like the art, it would be a real turn off to the whole issue.

Issues 2 and 3 - The rest of the arc is really good, and i love the realism of Walker getting his ass handed to him through the fight on board. He literally gets whipped, cut open and slapped about, and it adds to the more gritty feel this book has for me - for me, it is succeding in giving me a more covert avengers type story, and a more serious outlook on the marvel world , while staying strict within marvel 616 boundaries - i hate MAX . I like this amount of serious, but MAX titles are simply too much for me. Another real nice aprt is the interaction between Hammond and Namor at the beginning of issue 2, it was great to see the torch inside of him comnig uot a little.

Issue 4 - Having read over the last arc 2, i was really getting what its all about now, and quite settled into the series, and looknig forward to the enxt issue, instead of trying to work out what the last one was all about. I simply love this half of the arc so far. The art compliments it beyond belief, and its very disturbing and enthralling - i almost want something bad to happen to the baby simply because it would cement the real horror tone i got from this issue, and i'd be disapponited a little to see a nice clean victory for the invaders.

Can't wait for the rest of BLOOD and then the wolverine issue. Then on and on!

[Catalyst]

Ok

issue 0 - First, i'm going to have to admit this - i actually don't mind austen's work. Alot of people complain about him, but i just see some good fun stories out there by him, nothing to complain about.....My main problem with issue 0 is that i never got to pick up the avengers part of the arc, and so it took me awhile to work out what was gonig on, and i really enjoyed it in the end - the amount of atmosphere the thin man seemed to have was amazing. Comics don't always grip me when they should, but the very sight of the thin man with that cool little hat stance he had going was awesome, the full effect of his character was really put over. By the end, i was looknig forward to fresh start, and getting to know the characters, i was a little overwhelmed at first.

Issue 1 - This is what sold me on the series when i saw it on milehigh, and prompted me to go out and buy issues 0 and 1. I love the big spread of them at the beginning when Hammond first sees the team - very cool. Some really nice action scenes in there, and a nice twist at the end. I understand why this series suffers however - i love the art and so, i get really pulle dinto the story, but i imagine if you didn't like the art, it would be a real turn off to the whole issue.

Issues 2 and 3 - The rest of the arc is really good, and i love the realism of Walker getting his ass handed to him through the fight on board. He literally gets whipped, cut open and slapped about, and it adds to the more gritty feel this book has for me - for me, it is succeding in giving me a more covert avengers type story, and a more serious outlook on the marvel world , while staying strict within marvel 616 boundaries - i hate MAX . I like this amount of serious, but MAX titles are simply too much for me. Another real nice aprt is the interaction between Hammond and Namor at the beginning of issue 2, it was great to see the torch inside of him comnig uot a little.

Issue 4 - Having read over the last arc 2, i was really getting what its all about now, and quite settled into the series, and looknig forward to the enxt issue, instead of trying to work out what the last one was all about. I simply love this half of the arc so far. The art compliments it beyond belief, and its very disturbing and enthralling - i almost want something bad to happen to the baby simply because it would cement the real horror tone i got from this issue, and i'd be disapponited a little to see a nice clean victory for the invaders.

Can't wait for the rest of BLOOD and then the wolverine issue. Then on and on!


Invaders #1 and 2 are a *huge* step up from the Austen Avengers/Invaders story imo. and the Thin Man was a lot cooler than i remembered him being. must have been having all of his people slaughtered that turned him around. so far, my favorite characters are Union Jack, Blazing Skull, and the Mighty Destroyer. how about you?

[Dennis K]

I really wish I could support The New Invaders, but I just can't, I hate the artwork.

[Catalyst]

I really wish I could support The New Invaders, but I just can't, I hate the artwork.


hate to say it but it's your loss. i don't know of any series that haven't changed artists occassionally. if you were to pick up a 'well drawn' issue, you wouldn't know what the heck is going on. me, i actually like the art. it's unique and instantly recognizable as part of the New Invaders. then again, i liked the original artist of SheHulk. i like for books to have their own style.

[Catalyst]

P.S. if i were to suggest a stand-in artist, it would be Leinil Yu. i liked his work on Xmen and i think he'd draw a great Spitfire/sect of skinhead vampires.

[Dennis K]

hate to say it but it's your loss. i don't know of any series that haven't changed artists occassionally. if you were to pick up a 'well drawn' issue, you wouldn't know what the heck is going on. i like for books to have their own style.


I'm not sure how I can see it as being any kind of loss. Are you suggesting I buy issues of a comic whose artwork I don't enjoy in hopes that it will one day change artists, just so I can know what's going on? That seems rather silly. I also enjoy books that have their own style, such as The League of Extraordinary Gentleman.

[The Shadow]

I really wish I could support The New Invaders, but I just can't, I hate the artwork.
You know, I did on the 0 issue... disliked it on the 1st, moderate about it on the 2nd, didn't mind it on the 3rd and have actually grown to like it by #4... I think it suits the book in all honesty and I really enjoy the inclusion of the golden age characters as well. I still prefer the original Invaders run... but this is well written, Blazing Skull is great and the art is growing on me!

[Catalyst]

I'm not sure how I can see it as being any kind of loss. Are you suggesting I buy issues of a comic whose artwork I don't enjoy in hopes that it will one day change artists, just so I can know what's going on? That seems rather silly. I also enjoy books that have their own style, such as The League of Extraordinary Gentleman.

i'm suggesting that you buy a well-written book. i, personally, find the writing to be more important than the artwork; especially if the artwork isn't that bad. i can tell all of the Invaders apart. they all have separate/distinctive looks. i can follow the story. did you enjoy your read of League of Exraordinary Gentleman? if i told you that i didn't read it because of the art, how would you convince me to give it a try?

[mushroom2703]

"Invaders #1 and 2 are a *huge* step up from the Austen Avengers/Invaders story imo. and the Thin Man was a lot cooler than i remembered him being. must have been having all of his people slaughtered that turned him around. so far, my favorite characters are Union Jack, Blazing Skull, and the Mighty Destroyer. how about you?"

I never held thin man as much of a *cool* character before either, but he's just got something about him this time round, the way he's being written is excellent. Fav chracters right now? Blazing skull is hilarious and Hammond is really interesting. I still expect alot of Tara, she hasn't featured much yet.

"it's unique and instantly recognizable as part of the New Invaders."

"I think it suits the book in all honesty"

Yea, i know exactly what you guys mean. I see a page and i think "thats the new invaders". Very unique and makes it stand uot, even if its not everyones cup of tea. Looking forward to the cover artist changing to whoever does the interior full time, i love the covers i've seen for issues 6 and 7.

"I really wish I could support The New Invaders, but I just can't, I hate the artwork."

Fair enough. I feel like that for some books, i really wanna like them , but i can't because tyhe art gets to me. I overcame that with a few books however, like weapon X.

Also, i wanted to ask from the scene with Nomad in it, does anyone have a list of his appearances since his own series ?

[Dermie]

Also, i wanted to ask from the scene with Nomad in it, does anyone have a list of his appearances since his own series ?

Thunderbolts. I don't wanna be any more specific, since you haven't read the series yet and his role in the book is rather surprising--I don't want to spoil it for you if you'd rather be surprised while reading it for the first time.

[Catalyst]

Thunderbolts. I don't wanna be any more specific, since you haven't read the series yet and his role in the book is rather surprising--I don't want to spoil it for you if you'd rather be surprised while reading it for the first time.


give the man some issue numbers, Dermie. he's overemphasizing Jack Munroe's role in the book but i kind of remembering him appearing. it's definately worth a read if you liked Fabian's writing on the Nomad series at all. he gives the nod to the fans of his old series in more than one way in Thunderbolts. and if you like old spiderman villains, you should start w/ issue 35. that should get you curious enough to keep reading tbolts for awhile. i don't quite remember where Jack's background appearance is. i think he has a flashback in issue 39 and a cameo alongside (hint hint, an Invader) in issue 48. happy reading.

[mushroom2703]

Great, thanks for the info guys, i really wanna check out the first thunderbolt's series anyway, so this jsut gives me more of a reason!! Anyone else follow the nomad stuff when it was still going?

[Dermie]

give the man some issue numbers, Dermie.

If he asks for them specifically, I will. But since he already said he plans to read Thunderbolts, I didn't want to spoil it for him if he wanted to be surprised. I'm giving him a choice.

he's overemphasizing Jack Munroe's role in the book but i kind of remembering him appearing.

I am not "overemphasizing" anything--I said his role is "rather surprising". That is a deliberately vague statement; how does it emphasize anything??

[Catalyst]

If he asks for them specifically, I will. But since he already said he plans to read Thunderbolts, I didn't want to spoil it for him if he wanted to be surprised. I'm giving him a choice.



I am not "overemphasizing" anything--I said his role is "rather surprising". That is a deliberately vague statement; how does it emphasize anything??

a sense of humor is a gift. i wasn't slamming you; just hyping up Thunderbolts.

[Dermie]

a sense of humor is a gift. i wasn't slamming you; just hyping up Thunderbolts.

Fair enough. Its just hard to judge a person's "tone" sometimes on the net, so I was just trying to clarify. :)

[mushroom2703]

Ok, so in regards to buying Thunderbolts - whats with the whole later non-thunderbotls...thunderbolts issues? Are they connected/ worth picknig up ?

[Dermie]

Ok, so in regards to buying Thunderbolts - whats with the whole later non-thunderbotls...thunderbolts issues? Are they connected/ worth picknig up ?

T-Bolts #76-81? Don't bother. Or at least, don't bother picking them up as part of your Thunderbolts collection, because it is an entirely different series, but for some reason they decided to call it "Thunderbolts", although it has nothing to do with them.

Some people hated those issues, some people loved them, but basically everyone agreed that they should not have been called "Thunderbolts", since it was an entirely separate concept.

[mushroom2703]

Good good. I'll leave them for the now anyway. As my plans stand, after christmas, i'll be working on cutting down the amount of back issues i need to catch up on. Another question i'd like to hear, for those reading the new invaders right now, what other Marvel titles are on your pull list? I'm interested what other titles and sections of the marvel universe readers go for....i'll fill mine in later.

[The Shadow]

Another question i'd like to hear, for those reading the new invaders right now, what other Marvel titles are on your pull list? I'm interested what other titles and sections of the marvel universe readers go for....i'll fill mine in later.
I'm reading Amazing and Spectacular Spider-Man (though Spectacular is ending because the writer has health problems), Marvel Knights Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, New Avengers, New Invaders,Dare Devil, Astonishing X-Men, X-Men, Uncanny X-Men, New X-Men Academy, The Ultimates, Iron Man, She-Hulk, Supreme Power and Captain America. Plus a few mini's along the way like [b]Secret War. I just lost Emma Frost and Thor to canlellation (though Thor will be back)

[Dermie]

I'm reading:
NEW INVADERS
NEW THUNDERBOLTS
SHE-HULK
CAPTAIN AMERICA & FALCON
NEW AVENGERS
THE PULSE

As for miniseries, I am picking up:
MADROX
SECRET WAR
EARTH'S MIGHTIEST HEROES
and in the new year I'll be getting SPIDER-MAN/HUMAN TORCH

I also plan to try YOUNG AVENGERS when it starts.

[pureclint]

Marvel hmmm

MTU, Cap, Avengers, T bolts, She hulk, the Ultimate books (about to drop U X-men), three core X titles, Wolvie, Mk Spiderman, DD, Pulse, Nightcrawler, Supreme Power and Invaders of course.

[sixstringguild]

I really think New Invaders has so much potential. Look at the success of JSA. There is no excuse for Marvel not to do the same w/ Invaders. I hope the book sticks around. I would like to see Jeph Loeb on it when he comes to Marvel.

[Catalyst]

i'm reading

INVADERS
THUNDERBOLTS (love Blizzard but not his costume)
MADROX (love the art)
ASTONISHING X-MEN (love the art and the characters)
SUPREME POWER (love everything about it)
EXCALIBUR (i love Xavier and Magneto's friendship)
MYSTIQUE (i'm sorry it's being cancelled/i was always entertained)
&
backissues (i still have some issues of Heroes for Hire and Avengers to catch up on)

[The Shadow]

I would like to see Jeph Loeb on it when he comes to Marvel.
I thought he was DC exclusive.

That would be great though!

[Cayman]

The art looked pretty darn good in the latest issue, especially that creepy little vampire baby! *Shudder* It looks like Smith has found his footing on the book. I think Destroyer's becoming my favorite character.

I don't want Jeph Loeb on this book, Jacobsen is doing fine.

Cay

[Catalyst]

The art looked pretty darn good in the latest issue, especially that creepy little vampire baby! *Shudder* It looks like Smith has found his footing on the book. I think Destroyer's becoming my favorite character.

I don't want Jeph Loeb on this book, Jacobsen is doing fine.

Cay

Roger Aubry is cool but i don't like how Smith draws him. he sort of looks like Leslie Nielson. but he's in-character and the rest of the art i like. and that jugular-sucking baby *was* creepy. i hope that Blazing Skull gets some dialogue next issue. i miss him and his craziness. i could just see him and Deadpool going at it for an entire mini-series.

[kcekada]

i'm suggesting that you buy a well-written book. i, personally, find the writing to be more important than the artwork; especially if the artwork isn't that bad. i can tell all of the Invaders apart. they all have separate/distinctive looks. i can follow the story. did you enjoy your read of League of Exraordinary Gentleman? if i told you that i didn't read it because of the art, how would you convince me to give it a try?

Not everyone feels the same regarding the importance of art and story. They are equally important. If the writing was more important, you wouldn't need the art. If the art was more important, you could just collect pin-up books. The best comics have always been those that have the best of both worlds.

I have read some comics where the art was only okay, but the story was good. I've also read comics where the art was great, but the story was only okay. Same difference. They are acceptable, but flawed.

Great art doesn't help a bad story, and bad art makes a good story unreadable. I can't support titles of this nature.

That said, the artist on this series is improving, but I'm afraid too many people will have abandoned this title by the time he hits his stride.

[kcekada]

Marvel titles I'm reading:

New Avengers (tentatively)
New Invaders (tentatively)
Black Widow
Astonishing X-Men
Uncanny X-Men (only the Alan Davis issues)
X-Men (tentatively)
Marvel Knights Spider-Man (much better than Amazing -- IMHO)
Pulse (tentatively -- I miss ALIAS)
Ultimates
New Thunderbolts
Secret War

Will give new Captain America a try...the first issue sold out at my shop.

I didn't care for the first issue of Iron Man...doubt that I'll get #2.

[kcekada]

Oh, and Supreme Power also. Almost dropped the book after issue 4 or 5, but then it got interesting.

However, I avoided Dr. Spectrum. Really didn't see why that story couldn't have been told in SP.

[thorionthei]

I've recently got a handful of guys at work that used to read as kids and teenagers back into comics. I've bragged about Invaders and they liked it somewhat. Right now they are sticking to the big names (Spidey, Bats, JLA) but they also love JSA so I am trying to sell them on Invaders.

Like me they really enjoy that is different...not some hokey golden age thing.

Jorge

[Catalyst]

what amazes me is that Jacobsen has actually made me care about the Golden Age characters/introduce them in exciting ways. if you had asked me who Blazing Skull was, 8 months back, i would have replied w/ "lame Ghost Rider ripoff." now he's one of my favorites. same w/ Mighty Destroyer. same with Thinman. i must admit to having liked Union Jack ever since his min-series w/ the John Cassaday art. i seriously wanted that series to be made into a movie. it might rival Blade. i wish the best of luck to the writer and i hope Marvel starts advertising the hell out of this series.

[Gladiator X]

Good good. I'll leave them for the now anyway. As my plans stand, after christmas, i'll be working on cutting down the amount of back issues i need to catch up on. Another question i'd like to hear, for those reading the new invaders right now, what other Marvel titles are on your pull list? I'm interested what other titles and sections of the marvel universe readers go for....i'll fill mine in later.


Any old excuse to make a list works for me.

Oh,I'm buyin' and diggin' this book a bunch so hopefully it'll continue!

Now the list INPO......

Capt. America and the Falcon
Capt. America
Iron Man
Avengers
Thunderbolts
INVADERS
She-Hulk
Thor:Son of Asgard(only 2 issues remaining :( )
Black Widow(Awesome mini-series!)
Marvel Team-Up
Amazing Spider-Man
MK Spider-Man
Ultimates
Earth's Mightiest Heroes

stuff on my pull list that hasn't come out yet.....

Black Panther
Young Avengers
Spider-Man and the Human Torch
Beta Ray Bill:Stormbreaker

that should be it unless I've forgotten something.


(edited because I forgot two books)

[BlackKnight]

Here is my pull list

Marvel
Nu Avengers (for the first Arc)
Captain America
Iron Man
Marvel Team up
Uncanny
Astonishing
X-men
New X-Men
Wolverine
Rogue
Gambit (for my wife)
Thunderbolts
Cap and the Falcon
Black Widow
Ultimates
Ultimate X-Men
Ultimate Nightmare (god will this every ship)
Invaders
FF
Cable/Deadpool
Earths Mightest Heros (the is an amazing comic I recommend it to everyone)
Strange

DC
Flash
GL: Rebirth
JLA
JSA
Batman
Detective Comics
Gotham Knights
Legend of the Dark Knight
Nightwing
Teen Titans
JLE
JLA Classifed
Superman/Batman

Comics not yet out
Young Avenger (first arc)
Stormbreaker: the saga of beta ray bill

[Ned Leeds]

Oh what the hell. Here goes-
My pull list:

Marvel
New Avengers
Captain America
Cap & Falcon
Amazing Spider-Man
MK Spider-Man
MK 4
MAX Punisher
She-Hulk
Iron Man
Astonishing X-men
New X-Men
Thunderbolts
Cap and the Falcon
Ultimates
Ultimate X-Men (Trades only)
Ultimate Spider-Man (Trades only)
Fantasic Four

DC
Flash
GL: Rebirth
JLA
JSA
Batman
Detective Comics
Gotham Knights
Nightwing
Robin
Batgirl
Gotham Central
Birds of Prey
Teen Titans
Outsiders
JLA Classifed
Superman/Batman
Green Arrow
Adam Strange

In the future:
Stormbreaker: the saga of beta ray bill
Legion Of Superheroes
All-Star Superman and Batman titles
On going GL
PAD's Hulk
Maybe Thor, Young Avengers (if not too bad)

[mushroom2703]

Lol, my list goes something like this ( though it tends to flux)

Invaders
Avengers
Thunderbolts
capt. America
X-men
Uncanny X-men
Astonishing X-men
Wolverine
X-force
Tomb of Dracula

up and comnig

Young Avengers
X-23
Black Panther

I'll probably some more than that up, but thats my regulars/ planned regulars. I was interested because i wanted to see if INVADERS fans tended to swing to the avengers side of the 616, or if they read alot of other stuff too. Personally, i favour the x-stuff, but i'm breaking into the avengers side of the 616 with the new avengers, invaders, thunderbolts and capt. america because its a whole side to the marvel universe i've never really been in touch with! On another note, has anyone seen the interview with the new invaders' writer? I've lost the link, but i'm sure at least Dermie has rea dit, some help ?

Particularly good part - "Issues 10-12 Spider-Man and "Isis" both join. Then we introduce the Hulk to our ranks, followed by three members of the Fantastic Four. Heck, anyone with a movie gets to join! Marvel is going to give us a huge push, and WIZARD magazine will be certain to back us up!"

I'm lookig forward to the new invaders team's interpretation of these characters, and its great that Marvel is using its bigger characters for what they should be when guest-starring - pushing a great boook thats missing out on the sales.

[Faust451]

My pull list:

New Avengers
Uncanny X-Men
X-Men
Transformers G1
Transformers: War Within
Ultimate Spider-Man
Ultimate FF (trades)


Backissues:
Cap. America (the Gruenwald run)
Fantastic Four (the Claremont run and Pacheco run)
Avengers (the majority of the Stern run and a few issues missing of the Harras run)
Thunderbolts (9-12 and the '97 annual)

[Hulk Strongest One]

I have to say the current artwork does an excellent job of showing subtle facial expressions.

In fact, I wonder if he isn't tracing pictures of faces.

[The Shadow]

In fact, I wonder if he isn't tracing pictures of faces.
I thought that also!

[Will.S]

I bought New Invaders #0 and #1 when they were released but I just recently bought #6 because of the Enemy Of The State' tie-in and I liked that issue as a standalone one. I also bought #2 and #3 to try out a full arc and I must say I liked the characters and their motives.

I guess the characters are in their old costumes with #6 again but then again it could be just Lucas's version using their older costumes. The first arc was enjoyable with the Pterorists and the Axis Mundi, I've never heard of them before but they did a good job of establishing themselves as a threat. The title seems packed with continuity, I'm a bit confused still about the relationship Spitfire and Union Jack share and some of the older members/references.

All I can piece together was Dermie saying that Spitfire had the dad and brother as Union Jack....is this new one her boyfriend now or something?

Anyway, I think Blazing Skull is the best character on the book. He's funny and has some great action sequences, he reminds me of Deadpool. The redesigns by C.P. Smith rock as well, they look more futuristic but retain the basic classic designs. I'd have Union Jack in full cap mode with no hair showing though :p

I like the art on the title, the colors do seem really odd and too subdued but it gives the book a very unique look. I just wished they changed the title logo and the covers to something more exciting looking but #6 by C.P. Smith are improving, its a shame Wolverine wasn't in his costume as it looked great and colorful on the cover :( .

So far I'm going to go ahead with the series and buy issues #4-5 and the issues after #6. It's good stuff and I'm becoming a fan of the characters with US Agent finally being a more noble hero with #6 and Namor taking such a pro-active role. Thin-Man looks insanely cool mask and all, I'm surprised how much they spruced up this character.

[mushroom2703]

:D Great! Good to have another fan on-board! Well, issues 4 and 5 focus on spitfire and union jack, so hopefully that'll help explain more for you, but yea, you're correct. Basically, spitfire's male family carried the tradition of Union Jack ,and now her boyfriend carries the name. However, to prevent her aging, the original Torch, Hammond gave her someof his blood so they're kind of...linked if you will.

The arc sounds awesome, focusing in on the thin man and his motives. Issue 6 was a real good issue and exactly what i wanted from an enemy of the state tie-in. Keep it coming!

[Will.S]

:D Great! Good to have another fan on-board! Well, issues 4 and 5 focus on spitfire and union jack, so hopefully that'll help explain more for you, but yea, you're correct. Basically, spitfire's male family carried the tradition of Union Jack ,and now her boyfriend carries the name. However, to prevent her aging, the original Torch, Hammond gave her someof his blood so they're kind of...linked if you will.
Ahh ok I got it now thanks. So who was Spitfire's son? And do issues #4-5 have some sort of vampire society attacking the New Invaders crew? I guess I'll just have to buy them to find out.

I also wonder how fast can she go at top speed, I guess she's not near Quicksilver's speed but pretty fast.

The arc sounds awesome, focusing in on the thin man and his motives. Issue 6 was a real good issue and exactly what i wanted from an enemy of the state tie-in. Keep it coming!
Heh yeah. NI #6 at least answered one of the comic book rumbles matches, I honestly thought it went pretty well and didn't have a problem with the outcome.

[Dermie]

I guess the characters are in their old costumes with #6 again but then again it could be just Lucas's version using their older costumes.

The team's uniforms will change occassionally, for different settings and situations.

The first arc was enjoyable with the Pterorists and the Axis Mundi, I've never heard of them before but they did a good job of establishing themselves as a threat.

The reason you've never heard of them before is that they never appeared before...although the Axis Mundi's superhuman members all have. They were all enemies of the original Invaders. Herr Nacht is the 2nd Master Man, basically a German super-solider. Warrior Woman is his female counterpart, and a man-hater. U-Man (Merrano) is a superstrong Atlantean warrior. Baroness Blood is a vampire, and the one who seduced Spitfire's son and turned him into a vampire.

The title seems packed with continuity,

Yep, one great thing about this series is that it makes great use of continuity. Also, in most cases, the writer includes all the details you need to know in the issue, so even if you haven't read the previous stories you can still follow it.

I'm a bit confused still about the relationship Spitfire and Union Jack share and some of the older members/references.

All I can piece together was Dermie saying that Spitfire had the dad and brother as Union Jack....is this new one her boyfriend now or something?

Okay, hold on, this gets a bit complex.
The original Union Jack was her father, who is now dead
The second one was her brother (Brian Flasworth), who was her teammate in the original Invaders. He is also now dead. (he was gay, and his lover was another superhero known as the Destroyer, which is relevant for #4-5)

The current Union Jack (Joey Chapman) was her son's best friend. He took over the role of Union Jack, since Spitfire's son wasn't healthy enough to handle it.
After Spitfire got de-aged down to a young woman again, Union Jack became attracted to her, and after Spitfire's son was killed, the two of them got closer and became lovers.
So Spitfire and Union Jack are lovers, and have a rather strange relationship since it is a young man with a MUCH older woman.

So far I'm going to go ahead with the series and buy issues #4-5 and the issues after #6. It's good stuff and I'm becoming a fan of the characters with US Agent finally being a more noble hero with #6 and Namor taking such a pro-active role. Thin-Man looks insanely cool mask and all, I'm surprised how much they spruced up this character.

Glad to hear we have another new reader!! :) Let us know what you think of #4-5, and if you have anymore questions, please ask. I'd be happy to help.

[Will.S]

The team's uniforms will change occassionally, for different settings and situations.
That's pretty cool. John Walker seemed to switch to the armor plate and helmet after getting an ass whupping by Warrior Woman. Either that or it's just better armor for the mission they went on in issue #6.

The reason you've never heard of them before is that they never appeared before...although the Axis Mundi's superhuman members all have. They were all enemies of the original Invaders. Herr Nacht is the 2nd Master Man, basically a German super-solider. Warrior Woman is his female counterpart, and a man-hater. U-Man (Merrano) is a superstrong Atlantean warrior. Baroness Blood is a vampire, and the one who seduced Spitfire's son and turned him into a vampire.
Cool. The more new villains the better I say, titles can't always rely on recurring villains all the time so I like this particular group. Design-wise C.P. Smith hit all the right notes for me, they look stylish and great. I hope to see them show up in other titles someday.

The only thing that I don't quite understand is the Infiltrator's sub-dimentional space "anchoring". Is the ship itself in another dimension where the surroundings are perfectly normal with the ship being cloaked by being in both places at the same time or is the cloaking a different feature?

The reason I ask is because the ship seems to be in a perfectly normal state whereas the big huge ship in The Authority kind of did the same thing but with all these weird dimensions passing by.

Yep, one great thing about this series is that it makes great use of continuity. Also, in most cases, the writer includes all the details you need to know in the issue, so even if you haven't read the previous stories you can still follow it.
Yeah, the title makes me want to pick up that Handbook of the MU with the all classic WWII heroes. I looked inside of it and man, there are some really bad, goofy looking heroes in there :eek: :)



Okay, hold on, this gets a bit complex.
The original Union Jack was her father, who is now dead
The second one was her brother (Brian Flasworth), who was her teammate in the original Invaders. He is also now dead. (he was gay, and his lover was another superhero known as the Destroyer, which is relevant for #4-5)

The current Union Jack (Joey Chapman) was her son's best friend. He took over the role of Union Jack, since Spitfire's son wasn't healthy enough to handle it.
After Spitfire got de-aged down to a young woman again, Union Jack became attracted to her, and after Spitfire's son was killed, the two of them got closer and became lovers.
So Spitfire and Union Jack are lovers, and have a rather strange relationship since it is a young man with a MUCH older woman.
This really cleared it up, thanks alot Dermie.

Glad to hear we have another new reader!! :) Let us know what you think of #4-5, and if you have anymore questions, please ask. I'd be happy to help.
Ah thanks, I sure will. I actually feel like buying the issues right now but this snow storm here in NY isn't helping things.

[mushroom2703]

"The only thing that I don't quite understand is the Infiltrator's sub-dimentional space "anchoring". Is the ship itself in another dimension where the surroundings are perfectly normal with the ship being cloaked by being in both places at the same time or is the cloaking a different feature? "

Hmmm, as i understood it, its like they're on a different layer of reality as such? They are still there, and if people home in on them they can be found, but to the normal unsuspecting eye, theres nothing.....something like that i believe, although i could have jsut told myself that to feel better.

Glad you like C.P.'s art, its been a big problem for the book. I'm not the biggest fan, but i do like it, and its definetely enjoyable. However, for some, its jsut too abstract, especially for the characters its selling, which people these days see as abstract as it is.

And yea, 4-5 focuses on Union Jack, Spitfire, Jim Hammond and the destroyer, and is set in England! Its a really cool story, and should help your head get around the whole relationship gonig no there.

[Will.S]

"The only thing that I don't quite understand is the Infiltrator's sub-dimentional space "anchoring". Is the ship itself in another dimension where the surroundings are perfectly normal with the ship being cloaked by being in both places at the same time or is the cloaking a different feature? "

Hmmm, as i understood it, its like they're on a different layer of reality as such? They are still there, and if people home in on them they can be found, but to the normal unsuspecting eye, theres nothing.....something like that i believe, although i could have jsut told myself that to feel better.
Haha, yeah it's kind of hard to explain. I'll just take whatever explanation I guess.

Glad you like C.P.'s art, its been a big problem for the book. I'm not the biggest fan, but i do like it, and its definetely enjoyable. However, for some, its jsut too abstract, especially for the characters its selling, which people these days see as abstract as it is.
It's definitely an aquired taste. I think he has a great eye for design but some of his faces and body proportions look "off". It's great that he's drawing Namor switching it up between the black/gold Atlantean suit(it's my favorite suit of his that doesn't look ridiculous or overly simple) and the usual chainmail underwear.

And yea, 4-5 focuses on Union Jack, Spitfire, Jim Hammond and the destroyer, and is set in England! Its a really cool story, and should help your head get around the whole relationship gonig no there.
Yeah I find it cool that not all stories revolve around New York ;) and seeing a more global team.

[mushroom2703]

"Yeah I find it cool that not all stories revolve around New York "

WHAT?? camon, its not just new york, its just that ........theres 5 different new yorks :P I beleive their heading to antartica at some point in the up-comnig arc as well. Its definetely cool to see a globe trotting team. Plenty of different possibilities and story ideas that way :) I just lvoe the concept of the whole series!

[Super Villains INC>]

I like the book alot....really wasn't thrilled with opening arc, though....it seemed to me it should have been more.......not sure, really, but just have more "ooompphh" to it. I just had a sneaking suspicion that if you don't hook people right away, its bad news. The characterizations are great, I love the artwork and coloring, and it's getting stronger every issue I think....but, is it too late already? The potential is there for so much, I don't remember who said further up this thread, but having it kind of be a marvel JSA makes a lot of sense.....I will support however long it runs, though.

[Dermie]

That's pretty cool. John Walker seemed to switch to the armor plate and helmet after getting an ass whupping by Warrior Woman. Either that or it's just better armor for the mission they went on in issue #6.

Actually, it is the same costume--it just looks different with the different artist.

The only thing that I don't quite understand is the Infiltrator's sub-dimentional space "anchoring". Is the ship itself in another dimension where the surroundings are perfectly normal with the ship being cloaked by being in both places at the same time or is the cloaking a different feature?

It works along the same principle of Thin Man's powers, in which he warps his body through sub-dimensional space to distort and stretch it out into its thin, flat state.

Yeah, the title makes me want to pick up that Handbook of the MU with the all classic WWII heroes. I looked inside of it and man, there are some really bad, goofy looking heroes in there :eek: :)

*lol* Yeah, some of those old designs are rather goofy, especially by today's standards.

This really cleared it up, thanks alot Dermie.

You're very welcome.

[DoctorDoom]

damn...it wasa good book