A Few Thoughts on Comics from this week

New Avengers #53 apparently reveals the identity of the new Sorcerer Supreme. Doctor Strange was that fellow but failed during World War Hulk and has had a crisis of confidence since. I'm not sure the identity of the new Sorcerer is a surprise; I think I guessed it after they identified their destination last issue. It might be interesting, especially if they do something with the character now as opposed to the character returning to limbo and Doc Strange reclaiming the mantle in a year or two. Fred Hembeck should be happy about this, if nothing else.

Nova #25 doesn't go double-sized or anything for the anniversary issue. A storyline wraps up and another starts. Perhaps it was the change in artist but the revelations that occurred this issue didn't seem as... impactful as some in recent issues. The story was still good but didn't grab me as much as they have of late.

Amazing Spider-Man #595 starts the storyline that will build to the anniversary #600 issue. Phil Jimenez's detailed art is a plus. Wolverine telling Pete to take out Norman Osborn is a plus. A page that harkens back to a classic John Romita image is a plus. The twist at the end having been ruined by solictations for later issues is a slight minus. So far, so good.

Avengers - The Initiative #24 shows a book still in transition. This was a book launched after the big 'Civil War' storyline and fit in that period. It doesn't fit as well post-'Secret Invasion' and it feels very much like a book trying to find a new footing. The writer seems to have a goal in mind and, were it not for that, I couldn't see continuing to read the book. That said, it needs to get to that new footing soon as it feels like it's a few months behind other books being released.

Incredible Hercules #129 starts something interesting. Hercules goes to Hades to find Zeus. Seeing the afterlife presented as a casino? Neat idea, especially for comics as the deceased are gambling for the jackpot of resurrection. This remains a solid book and a good read.

Amazing Spider-Man - The Short Halloween is the book written by Bill Hader and Seth Meyers from Saturday Night Live. It's a fun read. Had the double-sized issue been cut in two and presented in the normal Amazing, I wouldn't have been disappointed. It's a clever story and fun. I did expect it to be funnier considering the authors and that's the only disappointment I had with the book. It's funny but not Funny. Very worth reading all the same.

Muppet Robin Hood #1 was finally released this week, delayed from almost a month ago. It feels very Muppety, which is great. Kermit plays Robin Hood, which causes conversations amongst the characters as they're confused. 'Isn't Robin your nephew?' they ask. For Muppets, this sort of 'it's only a story' works in a way that it wouldn't for most characters. The art is interesting. I wasn't sure I was going to like it based on the covers as the characters are drawn in a different style. Certain characters don't lend themselves to artist interpretation as they don't look 'right', characters like Bugs Bunny or Mickey Mouse for instance. Once you get used to the style, these Muppets look right. This is the first time in 30 years that I can remember Miss Piggy looking cute. It feels weird. It's not that its a bad thing, it's just... different. Anyway, thumbs up. I saw a report that Boom! Studios has gotten the Disney license as well. I'm growing keen to see what they'll do with it based on their Muppet Comics.