Random panels!

As I read comics, I’ll come across a few panels that leave me delighted.  Unfortunately, they’re either in issues I’m writing about but unrelated to my focus or in single issues I read picking up new comics on Wednesday.  I don’t want them to go to waste, so I’m unloading my random panels for today’s article.  I hope you enjoy.

Hulk fights space bears
The Incredible Hulk #10, written by Jason Aaron and drawn by Tom Raney

Everything about this scene is what makes comics great.  Wacky, insane premises.  Frustrated, confused superheroes.  Punching zoo animals.  And why not?  The Hulk’s all about smacking around bad guys, so I’m glad the writers are letting him smack weirder and stranger bad guys.  Don’t feel bad about the bears, they’re more machine than beast now.

Captain America negotiates with aliens
Steve Rogers Annual #1, written by James Asmus and drawn by Ibraim Roberson

Two main reasons I love this.  First, the previous three pages have Captain America getting briefed on the current situation and all the strategies needed for a successful debate with this alien madman. And second, while a few of the bad guys have cool laser rifles, there’s one dude with that tiny old-fashioned Wild West pistol.

Beast vs. Iceman
Wolverine and the X-Men #12, written by Jason Aaron and drawn by Chris Bachalo

See?  That’s why Beast is one of the smartest people in the world.  What other battle strategy combines psychological warfare, enemy dismemberment, and staying fully hydrated?

Midnighter vs. Dex-Starr
Red Lanterns #10, written by Peter Gilligan and drawn by Miguel Sepulveda.

You get the idea.

The Future Foundation stops an invasion of Wakanda
FF #19, written by Jonathan Hickman and drawn by Gabriel Hernandez Walta

While the Fantastic Four may have defeated Galactus, devourer of worlds, don’t count out their kids and the other supergeniuses they pick up along the way.  Y’see, science jargon and drastic world saving inventions litter the pages of Marvel’s most popular family.  What has made Hickman’s run so successful (besides crazy earth-shattering revelations and battles), is that he’s thoughtful enough to throw in some low brow humor once in a while.  And I thank him dearly.

Ms. Marvel walks all cool from an explosion
Ms. Marvel #20, written by Brian Reed and drawn by Greg Tocchini

Borderline arrogant internal monologue?  Check.  Not a drop of panic or fear?  Check.  Glowing eyes and zero smiles?  Check.  Perfect page.

Batman’s a jerk for absolutely zero reason
Batman #639, written by Judd Winick or Doug Mahnke

C’mon, Batman.  Zatanna patiently answered every question you had and said nary a rude word to you. Though Batman’s line of work (beating up criminals) is stressful, and he can’t just go have a beer or watch reality TV like the rest of us.  So sadly, saying mean things to teammates will have to do as a substitute.

Batman interrogates Penguin
Batwing #11, written by Judd Winick and drawn by Marcus To

Why’s this scene so great?  Because the last panel’s written as if Batman’s in disbelief himself that a member of his rogue gallery, even after years and years of fighting crime, can still do something that crazily amoral.  Imagine how many fist marks Alfred had to clean out of the circuit boards after Batman uncovered that little gem on the batcomputer.  Best part: Just like his kung-fu, Batman hasn’t gotten rusty in his skills of scaring the crap out of supervillains.

Let’s do another one of these in two months or so, I enjoy this.