Welcome To My Nightmare

Features

Alright kids, Christmas Break is over, it’s showtime! Whatcha got for me?

Welcome to the way comics would be if you, the readers, ran the show! This week, Welcome To My Nightmare presents the worlds of Marvel and DC as imagined by the fertile minds of Nexus readers Shawn, Colin and Kris!

Shawn presents:

***MARVEL***

THE AVENGERS – Kurt Busiek (w) and George Perez (a)
The team that relaunched the Avengers with Volume 3 returns for the new, bold beginning! After the disastrous ramifications of CIVIL WAR, the Avengers reform – this time beholden to *no* government! After literally moving the Mansion onto the ruins of the Hydrobase (repaired and refitted using Atlantean technology), Namor, War Machine, Hercules, Yellowjacket, the Wasp, Hawkeye, Justice, Firestar, and Wonder Man stave off threats to world peace at the behest of their leader, the Black Panther!

UNCANNY X-MEN – Joss Whedon (w) and Terry Dodson (a)
A new era for Marvel’s Mutants! In the aftermath of Decimation, the High Evolutionary has begun to “jump start” dormant mutations all across the globe – usually with devastating results! Can Cyclops, Havok, Nightcrawler, Cannonball, Siryn, Iceman, Emma Frost, Domino and Forge stop the Evolutionary’s plans in time… or will Apocalypse do it for them? And who’s gonna argue with Siryn, Emma, and Domino being drawn by Terry Dodson, huh? (A further note – I designed this X-team some time ago – http://dcb42.livejournal.com/14959.html has all the details on who fits what tactical role)

CAPTAIN AMERICA – Ed Brubaker (w) and Steve Epting (a)
Like the man said, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN – Brian Michael Bendis (w) and Mark Bagley (a)
Look, ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN is brilliant. Take that same level of talent and apply it to the main book, which has needed it for ages. No need for a reimagining – these two can kick it old school.

THE FANTASTIC FOUR – Brian Michael Bendis (w) and Sean Chen (a)
The classic team reunited! Reed Richards, Sue Richards, Johnny Storm and Benjamin J. Grimm facing cosmic threats and alien armadas, just like it should be – but will they be too distracted by Blastaar’s excursions from the Negative Zone to notice the machinations of… DOOM?

DOCTOR STRANGE – Grant Morrison (w) and Alan Davis (a)
“Here, Mister Morrison. Everything ‘magical’ in the Marvel Universe is yours to play with, and we’ve given you an artist who can pull off whatever crazy mojo you come up with. Have a day.”

THOR – Kurt Busiek (w) and Brent Anderson (a)
Thor meets ASTRO CITY. You’re the God of Thunder, the mightiest warrior of Asgard, and your father’s booted you out of Olympus again. What is life like for you? Besides, of course, *complicated*…

THE STARJAMMERS – Grant Morrison (w) and Bryan Hitch (a)
“P.S. Mister Morrison? We thought you might like outer-space, too. Have an artist who does ‘widescreen’ like nobody’s business. We look forward to seeing what you do. I know we’ll only half-understand it, but, you know. Have fun.” Quasar, Corsair, Moondragon, Nova and Gamora travel the stars. They’d like to keep the peace, but really, it’s going to be tricky enough just staying alive.

THE THUNDERBOLTS – Kurt Busiek (w) and Mark Bagley (a)
Nobody trusts them. They’ve all got a shady past. And when Baron Zemo sends the Spymaster to capture and hold their loved ones hostage, these antiheroes and villains have to follow orders… making the world a better place, Zemo’s way! How long before they get out from under his thumb? M.A.C.H.-VI, the Black Cat, Daredevil, Misty Knight, Colleen Wing, Whiplash, and Mysterio aren’t going to stop trying anytime soon! And what’s Moon Knight’s interest in the group?

MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS – Dan Slott, Daniel Way, and Robert Kirkman (co-w) and Oliver Coipel (a)
Oliver Coipel can, in fact, draw anything. So why not give him a chance to? MCP is the book for *everyone* that doesn’t show up in one of the main titles, *single issue stories only!* Hercules one month, Wolverine the next – and as a bonus, this would be the perfect title for you aspiring writers and artists out there to submit for…

Let me slip in here and comment on the Marvel side. And my comments are going to be brief for everyone today, since it’s REALLY late when I’m starting this. I’m all over your Avengers, X-Men and Captain America. I especially like your use of the High Evolutionary. It would be interesting to see how he’d work with or against Mr. Sinister as they both deal in genetics. I’m glad you put Bendis on the two books I’d probably care least about. I’ve never been a FF fan, and Spidey was only really engrossing to me when J. M. DeMatteis was writing it (Kraven’s Last Hunt). Grant could probably do a good Strange (and strange it would no doubt be) and the lineup on Starjammers has me interested. I miss Quasar. I don’t know if I see why Daredevil would be a Thunderbolt, but at least you have took advantage of the Double Bagley Rule! I’m not sold on Brent Anderson on Thor. I think he’d be better on a Gotham Central style book. But your Marvel Comics Presents–terrific! Coipel is pretty damn great, Slott rocks. I’m not a huge Kirkman fan and don’t rally know how much Daniel Way I’ve read but I’d give them the benefit of the doubt. And if you promise to let Black Knight return in those pages with the winged horse and the Ebony Blade and no more of that sci-fi bullshit, I’ll keep $3 aside just for that! Well done. Now on to your DC…

***DC***
(all are ‘mainstream’ DCU superbooks, no Vertigo or other imprints!)

SUPERMAN – Judd Winick (w) and Ed Benes (a)
Let’s be honest. We don’t love Superman because he can do everything – we love Superman because for all the Super, he’s still a MAN. Winick can do heroics, but he does personality like nobody’s business. So long as he gets a clear mandate that he is not allowed to make Jimmy Olsen gay (crossdressing issues aside), we should be okay (I kid, I kid! Mostly).

DETECTIVE COMICS – Ed Brubaker/Peter Milligan (w) and Andy Kubert/John McCrea (a)
Brubaker does ‘street’ like nobody’s business – he’s a perfect fit for Batman. ‘Nuff Said. Extra bonus feature: Milligan/McCrea get a backup feature for a revolving cast of DC’s *other* detectives – Christopher Chance, Harvey Bullock, Ralph Dibny, even Detective Chimp should they feel the need.

JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL – Keith Giffen (w) and Scott Kolins (a)
The Justice League has a lot more to protect than just America, kids – and getting Giffen to write it seems karmically appropriate somehow. Roll Call: Nightwing (field leader), Metamorpho, Captain Marvel, Wonder Woman, The Atom, Steel, Elongated Man, the Blue Beetle (Jaime Reyes – I miss Ted too, but Jaime is growing on me), Firestorm, The Flash, Starfire, and the Black Canary!

JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA – Geoff Johns (w) and Phil Jiminez (a)
With the Justice League going international, it’s up to the JSA to keep the home fires burning! No need for a revamp here, though I think Jiminez’d be a phenomenal artist for this title.

GREEN LANTERN – Judd Winick/Peter Milligan (w) and Ivan Reis/John Cassiday (a)
Ain’t broke! Don’t fix it! Except Star Sapphire’s new “costume,” that’s gotta go. Extra bonus feature: Milligan/Cassiday on “Tales of the GL Corps” as a backup; at only 12 pages or so, even Cassiday ought to be able to manage a monthly schedule…

MISTER MIRACLE – Gail Simone (w) and Mike Allred (a)
Simone’s writing makes even dull characters interesting (see: The All-New Atom), and teaming her with Allred for the adventures of the Greatest Escape Artist On Three Worlds should be *gold.*

ACTION COMICS – Garth Ennis (w) and Jim Lee (a)
Action. No, not another Superman title – a comic book about ACTION. Garth Ennis writing *anyone in the DCU he darn well wants to write* as long as the stories feature plenty of ACTION. Breakneck, old-school superhero pacing! Fights! Explosions! Really Pretty Artwork!

TEEN TITANS – Geoff Johns (w) and Chynna Clugston (a)
Johns writes the Titans like nobody’s business (save for the dip in quality post-OYL – but the book’s finding its feet again); Chynna Clugston *draws* teens like nobody’s business. Superheroics meet Blue Monday.

DOOM PATROL – Ed Brubaker (w) and Cully Hamner (a)
Robotman. Bumblebee. Vox. Beast Boy. Blue Devil. Black Alice. Freaks and outcasts all – and all of them dosed with a deadly virus, thanks to the maniacal Chief! With no more than a year or two to live, the Patrol really and truly is Doomed – unless they can find a cure!

DC’s “tenth book” slot is taken by the combined ‘backup features’ in Detective Comics and Green Lantern, thus giving us conservation of pagecount. Mostly. Ed Brubaker is the recipient of the Non-Exclusivity Exception.


“And who’s gonna argue with Siryn, Emma, and Domino being drawn by Terry Dodson, huh? ” –Shawn


Another good batch, and another case where the creators I don’t care for are on books with characters I don’t care for either, so it all works out for me! If you don’t let Winick make Jimmy gay (with Snapper Carr as his partner) he’s liable to make Bibbo or Perry gay, and nobody wants to see that. And who comes out of the closet in Green Lantern? All of the Guardians? Kyle? He always was rather disaffected by the death of his girlfriend. But imainge him finding Gnort dead in his fridge. There goes the poster boys for sam sex/interspecies marriage. Giffen makes me nervous. I never cared much for his jokey Justice League with Kevin Maguire. Art-wise I’m not a big fan of Kolins or Allred, but I’d probably still read Mr. Miracle just because of Gail Simone. I really like the Strikeforce: Morituri take on Doom Patrol…Brent Anderson used to work on that book at Marvel. Above all else, I’d be really excited to read your Detective, especially the rotating backup feature, and Teen Titans. I love Blue Monday! Excellent job! Keep an eye out for the next reader participation feature, coming very soon!

Colin presents a concise run:

Fantastic Four – Kurt Busiek (w), Howard Porter (a)
Namor, Invisible Woman, Crystal, Quicksilver
I’d have a double date kind of feel family for the FF, with Sue turning to Subby after her registration disagreements with Reed. I’d also have Crystal and Pietro in the squad, though not necessarily reconciled. Though Quicksilver would be back to a speedster. Any time that Namor’s away from water and begins to weaken, Crystal could always conjure some up.

X-Men – Geoff Johns (w), Jim Lee (a)
Cyclops, Havok, Jubilee, Wolverine, Colossus, Iceman, Marvel Girl (Rachel)
As you can see my X-squad is Summers-heavy, and their main threat would be from an all-new Brotherhood of rogue X-Men who have become disillusioned and bitter; consisting of Cable, Vulcan, a re-metal-winged Archangel, and Polaris. Again, Summers-heavy.

Starjammers – Chris Claremont (w), Carlos Pacheco (a)
Corsair, Hepzibah, Ch’od, Raza Longknife
I did like the old mini series where they went up against the Uncreated, believe that Marvel needs more cosmic titles, and am in favour of anything that can bring an appearance of the Imperial Guard, Gladiator specifically.

Can’t argue with your reasoning. I can’t really put my finger on what it is exactly I dislike about the Fantastic Four, but I love Namor and enjoy Quicksilver, and those two are so alike In some ways that watching them try to coexist would be fun. I wish I could recall if/when they appeared together on Avengers rosters. I could probably Wiki that when I get more time. I like the somewhat Star Wars style conflict of father and son between Cyclops and Cable on your X-Men, and if I was going to read Claremont I would be delighted to read his work on a book that he hasn’t seemingly run out of things to say. More cosmic titles and Imperial Guard appearances, I’m right with ya there!

Kris brings it in the Diamond Previews style:

Marvel
X-Men
X-MEN: HOSTAGE X ONE-SHOT Written By Brian K. Vaughn/Chris Claremont Pencils and Covers by John Cassaday The All-New, All-Different X-MEN era launches here! A hostage situation in Washington D.C. drastically changes the Mutant/Human relations forever, while an old foe attempts payback…by destroying Cyclops? And Where is Wolverine?!? 48 pgs./ Rated T+

UNCANNY X-MEN Written by Chris Claremont Pencils and Covers by Pablo Raimondi “Red Phase” Part 1 of 4 From the pages of X-MEN:HOSTAGE X, Chris Claremont returns to the title that made him a star! To face a threat from his past, Cyclops must make a decision about his future. And why has Angel stayed in Washington D.C.? Join CYCLOPS, MARVEL GIRL, EMMA FROST, ICEMAN, BEAST, and ANGEL every month to find out! 32 pgs./Rated T+

X-MEN Written by Brian K. Vaughn Pencils by Chris Bachalo “Play through the Pain” part 1 of 2 Rogue has lost everything. No one was hit harder from the events of X-MEN:HOSTAGE X than her. But will she give up? Or will she rise from the ashes…like a phoenix? Join ROGUE, NIGHTCRAWLER, HAVOK, ELIXIR, HELLION, and JUBILEE every month to find out! 32 pgs./Rated T+

NEW X-MEN Written by Peter David Pencils by Paco Medina “Hot Stuff” part 1 of 3 They’re mutants, they’re students, they’re superheroes…and thanks due the events of X-MEN:HOSTAGE X, they’re the most famous teenagers in America! Under their mentors Kity Pryde and Colossus, the New X-Men usher in a new era of super-heroics…as long as they do their homework first. But a bigger question is…who is Spartan? Join FLAME-GIRL, FLASHBACK, GAMBLE, GLIMPSE, HISAKO, AND COYOTE every month to find out!

Wolverine Written by Chris Claremont Pencils by Billy Tan “The Quiet Duel” part 1 of 6 From the pages of X-MEN:HOSTAGE X, Chris Claremont returns to the character he defined! Sabretooth won. After all their battles, all the blood spilled, Sabretooth has finally beaten Logan by doing the unthinkable: out smarting him. Now Wolverine is alone, in a place he doesn’t know, surrounded by….Dinosaurs? The new era of Wolverine begins right here! 32 pgs./Rated T+

Gambit: Down in the Gutter Written by Marc Guggenheim Pencils by David Fincher Covers by Mike Mignolia “Down in the Gutter” Part 1 of 6 Torn from the events of X-MEN:HOSTAGE X, Gambit embarks on a journey of redemption and vengeance. The kids gloves come off, as Gambit brings down the man who shaped his destiny: MR. SINISTER! Do NOT miss out on the miniseries of the year! 32 pgs./Parental Advisory

MARVEL HEROES
Avengers Written by Jeff Parker Pencils by Frank Cho “Earth’s Mightiest Heroes!” part 1 of 6 No Captain America, No Thor, no Iron Man? NO PROBLEMS! Hawkeye, Storm, MS. Marvel, Wonder-Man, Luke Cage and Machine Man bring the Avengers back by doing what they do best: Kicking Alien Ass! And their secret weapon? Well…let’s just say you wouldn’t want to make him angry.. 32. pgs./Rated T+

Dr. Strange and The Secret Defenders Written by Christopher Priest Pencils by David Aja “Rise of the Goblin King” Part 1 of 6 To protect our world from the horrors of other worlds, Dr. Strange gathers Hannibal King, Darkhawk, White Tiger, Sleepwalker, and the mysterious new Dr. Druid! The town of Red Rains, Dakota has always been eccentric, but now they’re changing. Their skin is turning green, their eyes are turning reptilian, and they have a hunger for flesh! 32 pgs./Rated T+

The Incredible Hulk Written by Greg Pak Pencils by Salvador Larroca “For want of a nail…” Part 1 of 6 Bruce Banner can be cured. He can be normal again. He can fall in love again. All it takes is a single act, and the entity known as The Wishbringer will give him the life he always wanted. 32 pgs./Rated T+

Cable & Deadpool Written by Fabian Nicieza Pencils by Skottie Young “I, Deadpool” Part 1 of 4 Deadpool is getting married! He has finally found a woman who loves him for who he is. So, uh, why exactly is his Best Man and his Bride-to-be fighting to the death? 32 pgs./Rated T+

BKV writing X-stuff? Cool as the other side of the pillow. Peter David writing New X-Men? Outstanding. But like I alluded to before, what more does Claremont really have to say on the X-Men? Despite that misgiving, it’s obvious you’ve got some tight planning and continuity in mind for the X-Universe, and that’s a welcome change! Why isn’t Cable and Deadpool under the X-Umbrella? I like Skottie Young there though. The Greg Pak Planet Hulk has been a refreshing change of pace for the Green Goliath, so I’m glad you kept him on. I’m extremely pleased with your Secret Defenders. Priest! Aja! Doctors Strange and Druid, Darkhawk and Hannibal King–that’s might good stuff right there. But what in the blue blazes did Mike Mignola do to you that you’d stick him on Gambit?!?

DC
Superman written by Dan Jurgens Art by Adam Kubert “A Good Man’s Evil” Part 1 of 8 Superman’s fatal mistake will be Clark Kent’s undoing, as the Daily Planet’s newest hotshot reporter searches for Superman’s secret identity! Plus, Film Freak has come to Metropolis to create his masterpiece!

Action Comics Written by Dan Jurgens Art by Carlos Pacheco “A good Man’s Evil” Part 2 of 8 Chase Summers’ quest to discover Superman’s secret identity takes a sharp turn, as Lex Luthor and Bruce Wayne both show up to talk to the young reporter. Film Freak begins Act 1, as downtown Metropolis is attacked by the monster Mastodon! Plus, Vic Sage gives Superman some scary words of wisdom.

Detective Comics Written by Mike Mignola Art by Mike Mignola “In Darkest Knight” Part 1 of 2 A grisly murder. A city that doesn’t care. A man who will stop at nothing to find the truth. But how far will Batman go to find justice for a dead hooker? And how is Jim Gordon connected to all this?

Batman Written by Matt Wagner Art by Matt Wagner “Creature of the Knight” Part 1 of 6 An evil that hasn’t been seen in years brings Batman to the country of Karonia, and a battle he never imagined would happen again. Stock up on your silver bullets…Guest starring The Bronze Tiger and The Mortician!

Justice League Elite Written by Andy Diggle Art by Jock “War Crimes” Part 1 of 6 The team that never was is back! Green Arrow, the Flash, The Phantom Stranger, Naif al-Sheikh, Manitou Dawn, and Super-Chief bend the rules to save a nation from a blood thirsty tyrant!

All fine stuff, and though I don’t much need Manitou or Super-Chief, having Diggle, Jock and Phantom Stranger on JLE more than makes up for it. But above all else, Jim Gordon + dead hooker * Mike Mignola = Top 10 book!

That’s all I can get to this week. More to come, possibly for the next two weeks, and then we do it all again with a new topic! In the mean time, I sleep, work, repeat as necessary.

Welcome to my nightmare.