Big Hero 6 #1 (2008): Review

Review

I really enjoyed this issue and it easily surpasses the previous Big Hero 6 material. The artwork is much improved and the story reveals so much without bogging you down with excess information. The issue is full of well illustrated action. My favorite part is when Wasabi is holding his Qi knives like Wolverine's claws.  

An example of how good the artwork is in this issue

The whole issue I'm saying to myself, "They've only introduced five members." On page 24 it is explained that member number six would be revealed in issue #2. The "unknown" member is on the cover of the issue so it isn't much of a mystery. I like how the mutants from the first series aren't a part of this team right now. I feel like the blend of super powers makes for an awesome team. I highly recommend you read Big Hero 6 (2008) #1.

You can find this comic book on Marvel Unlimited (subscription), the Marvel Digital Comics Shop ($8.99 for series), Amazon, and Comixology ($8.99 for series)

(the links above are clickable)

Sunfire & Big Hero 6 #1: Review

I'm not afraid to admit that I enjoyed watching Big Hero 6. Once I saw the movie I decided I wanted to see the original Big Hero 6 material. Enter: Sunfire & Big Hero 6 #1. This is the first of a three issue series published in 1998. 

Synopsis

(This issue has major differences from the film so I won't be comparing the two.)

Hiro is a 13 year old genius who idolizes the former X-Men member Sunfire. Sunfire is thought to be in Canada trying to get treatment from the results of his mutant powers. But where is he really at? Because of Hiro's intellect he is recruited by The Silver Samurai to join Japan's "premiere super hero team" Big Hero 6.

Review 

I really like when The Silver Samurai confronts Hiro to recruit him. I like The Silver Samurai's sales pitch to Hiro and how he references other Marvel properties such as Fantastic Four and The Avengers. I like how the beginning of this issue explains the origin of the team members, but I wish more of the characters origin's were illustrated. The issue progresses logically and at the end you feel like you experienced more than a 25 page issue. I think you should read this issue if you want some diversity from the more popular super hero teams and aren't afraid to get attached to a team that hasn't received much attention from Marvel in almost 10 years.

Availability  

There is virtually no digital availability of this issue. This issue isn't available in the Marvel Comics Digital Shop, Marvel Unlimited, Comixology, or other digital comic stores. So how was I able to read this issue? I saw this rare series available on Google Play and purchased it. WARNING! The listing on Google Play is for an unlicensed scan of this book so I will not link to it and I am in the process of notifying Marvel Comics. You can potentially track this issue down at a local comic shop or other online retailer. Amazon does sell the issue here.

Marvel Comics #1 (1939) : Review

Marvel Comics #1 dated October 1939 was published by Timely Publications. This issue paved the way to the world of Marvel that we have today. The issue contains 6 illustrated stories along with a two page written short story. The cover artwork depicts a scene from the first story: The Human Torch. The representation of The Human Torch on the cover is not the same as in the issue. The issue begins with the 16 page introduction to:

"The Human Torch"

Synopsis

A professor has created a "synthetic man" but when this android "contacts oxygen in the air, he bursts into flame". The Human Torch becomes imprisoned in a concrete mould because he is thought to be to dangerous to civilization. After The Human Torch escapes, he gets captured by the racketeering "Sardo". After becoming exposed to Nitrogen gas, The Human Torch is able to control his flame.

Review

I enjoyed reading this origin story. At the end of the story I was curious as to what would become of The Human Torch in the next issue. The high points of this issue are seeing The Human Torch discover his abilities and seeing his humor. The low points are that many things aren't explained and some plot points seem overlooked. For example, how could The Human Torch be on fire in his glass cage without shattering the glass if he can burn hot enough to break the "pyrometer"?  Also, why would Sardo feel secure behind his steel door if he knew The Human Torch could melt steel? 

The Angel 

Synopsis

The story begins with a group of racketeers instilling fear in the city. As the story progresses a vigilante called The Angel eliminates the threats one by one. But who is "The Big Boss"?

Review

I disliked this story more than I liked it. Details such as the story location aren't clear. The identity and motivation of the The Angel isn't revealed in this issue. When you finish the story it feels like you need more information to understand exactly whats going on.

The Sub-Mariner

Synopsis

The Sub-Mariner is an ultra-man of the deep sea with the strength of 1,000 men. What is his name? What is his mission? This story introduces us to "Marvel's first mutant" for the first time in their own publication.

Review

The story is strong. I like how the story shows many of Namor's abilities. In the middle of the story Namor's origin is explained which is welcome information to help us understand this unusual character. What happens to Namor's cousin Dorma? I'll be reading the next issue to find out! On a side note "the creature on the throne" looks like a cockroach to me. That image was the worst part of the story. 

The Masked Raider 

Synopsis

A corrupt land baron forces smaller ranchers to sell their land to him... or else. After being wrongfully accused of rustling, Jim Gardley takes a vow to "fight the lawless" as The Masked Raider.

Review

I didn't enjoy this story. Maybe it was because its the third story in the issue to feature a racketeering villain. I know these stories were written in 1939 but more creativity would be appreciated! Having a fast horse and wearing a mask wasn't thinking big enough. This is a forgettable western story that even Marvel forgot by 1940.

Jungle Terror

Synopsis

A 6 page adventure story of a search and rescue in the Amazon rain forest.

Review

Despite being called "a complete adventure story" Jungle Terror has an abrupt end. You turn the page and the next story has started. You are left to wonder,"Huh". Overall the story seems thrown together and doesn't make much sense and you will forget all about it.

Burning Rubber 

Review

A written short. We review comics here not prose. The ending is funny though.

Adventures of Ka-Zar the Great 

Synopsis

When a family's plane crashes in the tropical forest of Congo they must adapt to survive until their rescue. But search planes don't see their camp. The Rand's will be permanently stranded! The family struggles with adversity in this origin story.

Review

A good read. After reading this story I'm curious as to what will happen next. There's lots of tragedy but also a hopeful conclusion. As the story progresses you notice one character is going to be the focus  of the series and at the end of the story it is revealed to be Ka-zar.  

Final Thoughts

This issue is a classic. I recommend it as reading because its the real #1. Also The Human Torch and The Sub-Mariner have strong stories I think you'll like to read. Adventures of Ka-zar the Great has piqued my interest and I hope it lives up to my expectations. Sadly, the other stories are mostly forgettable. You can pick up this issue in Marvel Unlimited or for $1.99 in the Marvel Digital Comics Shop. (link below)

http://marvel.com/comics/issue/10008/marvel_comics_1939_1