Ultimate Ironman and All-New Guardians of the Galaxy

Ultimate Ironman written by Nathan Edmondson

Art by Matteo Buffagni

Published: 2012, 2013

 

GotG written by Gerry Duggan

Art by Aaron Kuder and Marcus To

Published 2017 

Hennepin County Library paperbacks

Genre: comic book compilations

 

 

I wasn't going to blog these, but decided to do so. I used to *love* comic books and graphic novels. These felt too abrupt and confusing. Perhaps it's because we've been re-watching the Marvel universe movies in chronological order and these don't "fit" for me.

Tony Stark is too independent and loses his beloved Josie when he decides to join his dad's business and do what's expected of him. He battles The Mandarin, which is bigger than anyone realizes.

 

The Guardians of the Galaxy steal a ship from the Raptors, try to steal an egg from the Collector, and get into the middle of things with the Collector and his brother.

 

The artwork (and even the storytelling) are fine. It just wasn't what I wanted to read right now.

Stuck in the Middle

subtitled: Seventeen Comics from an Unpleasant Age
edited by Ariel Schrag
Carver County, paperback, 210 pages

Well I'm glad I got this from the public library. I was debating whether or not to buy it for CMSW. In some ways, I think there are kids for whom these stories would really resonate. In other ways, it comes across as too cynical and harsh. Yes, many middle schoolers struggle with feelings of inferiority, teasing, acne, meanness, etc. but this is just a tough read if you're looking for positives. Plus, some of them use the f--k mode a little too freely.

My favorite stories were "Tips for Surviving Middle School" by Jace Smith, "Tina Roti" by Cole Johnson, "Hit Me" by Gabrielle Bell, "Crater Face" by Dash Shaw, and "Never Go Home" by Robyn Chapman.