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Hail, fellow Foomers! Before I commence with the reviews, I’d like to take a look at the state of the Marvel Universe as it presently stands. Earth 616 of the Marvel U. is currently embroiled in the events of Dark Reign. Former Green Goblin Norman Osborn is the Big Man on Campus, having become a national hero by killing the Skrull Queen during the Secret Invasion Event. He disbanded S.H.I.E.L.D, sending its former leader, Tony Stark, into exile and instituted his own version of a peacekeeping force, H.A.M.M.E.R. He has his own Illuminati-like team of behind the scenes power players, the Cabal. And he’s even Assembled his own version of Dark Avengers, having criminals usurp the hero’s identities. It’s a dubious time to be a good guy in the Marvel U. right now.

Check it: Lots of new hologram, promo cards and other marvel comic cards are available.

Good guys like Spiderman and the New Avengers are in more danger now than they were as unregistered heroes during the Superhuman Registration Act. They are in hiding and must act as renegades, while criminals are brazenly running rampant and getting out of jail easily when they DO get caught. Some have criticized Dark Reign as just an extension in what was going on during Warren Ellis’ run on Thunderbolts. That’s more or less the truth, but it doesn’t lessen my enjoyment of Dark Reign.

Osborn’s transformation from a psychopathic Spiderman villain to being in Nick Fury’s shoes may be more than a bit far-fetched, but his abuse of said power and the resulting reactions of others have been hilarious. Dark Avengers has been a stand-out title, and having Osborn be the field leader of the team while dressed in modified Iron Man armor is s stroke of genius. But those are digressions better left to the reviews.

The introduction of the Illuminati-like Cabal has also led to a wealth of storyline possibilities. Cosmically, the Inhumans-led Kree and the Vulcan commanded Shi’ar clash in a War of Kings. Marvel’s cosmic heroes and villains like the Guardians of the Galaxy and Blastaar also abound in this arc. Whatever the outcome, this is a status changing event of an epic scale.

Initially, I hadn’t planned to pick up this series and it’s tie-ins. I’m glad I changed my mind and picked it up. Again, I’ll be reviewing the series as a whole, so that’s all I’ll say about its quality for now. I’m hoping that this simplistic little summing up will allow those that may have taken a break from Marvel books to be able to follow along with what I’m blathering about. I also hope it wasn’t dumbed down to the point of insult for those in the know.

See you at the Comics shop…

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Hail, fellow Foomers! Drink in hand, I’d like to examine the current status quo in the Marvel U. Currently, Marvel Universe Earth 616 is in the midst of Dark Reign. Norman Osborn is in charge, having emerged from the Secret Invasion triumphant as the man who commanded the Thunderbolts and killed the Skrull Queen. As a result, he was placed in charge of American security, and immediately disbanded S.H.I.E.L.D., the former preeminent peace-keeping force. Tony Stark, former leader of S.H.I.E.L.D. has been accused of having had knowledge that the Skrull Invasion was imminent, and has gone on the run as a result. In the wake of these events, Osborn instituted his own organization, H.A.M.M.E.R. He has his own Illuminati-like team of behind the scenes power players, the Cabal. Osborn’s even had the gall to put together his own team of Dark Avengers, having criminals assume the personas of established heroes. In short, it’s a dangerous time to be on the right side of the law in the current Marvel climate.

Check it: Lots of new hologram, promo cards and other marvel cards are available.

Good guys like Spiderman and the New Avengers are in more danger now than they were as unregistered heroes during the Superhuman Registration Act. Some must go underground and avoid being captured for being unregistered, all while villains arrogantly break the law with no fear of repercussions. Some have criticized Dark Reign as just an extension in what was going on during Warren Ellis’ run on Thunderbolts. That’s more or less the truth, but it doesn’t lessen my enjoyment of Dark Reign.

Osborn’s evolution from psychosis-inflicted Green Goblin to National Hero may strain credibility more than a bit, but his interactions with others in power have been a hoot. Dark Avengers has been a stand-out title, and having Osborn be the field leader of the team while dressed in modified Iron Man armor is s stroke of genius. These are details better suited to my upcoming reviews, however, so please forgive.

I’ve also enjoyed the machinations of the Cabal and am in eager anticipation of where it will all lead. Far away from Marvel’s Earth, the Kree and their leaders the Inhumans wage war with the Shi’ar and their King Vulcan in a War of Kings. Most of Marvel’s cosmic characters, like Nova and the Starjammers are involved. Whatever the outcome, this is a status changing event of an epic scale.

Initially, I hadn’t planned to pick up this series and it’s tie-ins. I’m glad I changed my mind and picked it up. As I said earlier, I’ll be reviewing the series as a whole, so I’ll leave it at that. Hopefully, this little over-view will allow those that may have been away for awhile to better understand and enjoy what I’m talking about in my reviews.

See you in the funny pages…

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