9.29 Panel 'o the Day

One more sticking w/ the Goon theme (great panel):

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9.28 Panel 'o the Day

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9.28 Shopping List

Silent Dragon and Losers are worth the trip...

DARK HORSE
BPRD THE BLACK FLAME #2 (OF 6) - #1 was a bit "meh" but i'm still down (in hellboy withdrawal currently).
REVELATIONS #2 (OF 6) - hate to say it since i love this creative team but the 2-issue rule is in effect.

DC
LOSERS #28 (MR) - Pull list.
SILENT DRAGON #3 (OF 6) - One of my absolute favorite reads at the moment (if not my favorite).

IMAGE
INVINCIBLE #26 - Pull list. Glad to see the HC got a second printing - i have yet to pick it up but will soon... next week?

MARVEL
CABLE DEADPOOL #20 - Pull list.
DEFENDERS #3 (OF 5) - Hey, it's entertaining me.
NEW AVENGERS #11 - Pull list.
SENTRY #1 (OF 8) - I guess the Sentry stuff in NA is just interesting enough (but barely) to give this one a spin.
WOLVERINE #33 - Pull list. #32 was friggin' phenomenal.
YOUNG AVENGERS #7 - Pull list.

OTHER
PREVIEWS VOL XV #10 - Isn't anticipation 3 months into the future fun?
WIZARD COMICS MAGAZINE SPIDER-MAN 3 CVR #169 - You suck but i'm your whore regardless.

NEXT WEEK
CONAN & THE DEMONS OF KHITAI #1 (OF 4), GOTHAM CENTRAL #36, INVINCIBLE VOL 1 ULTIMATE COLL HC, INCREDIBLE HULK #87, POWERS #13 (MR), PUNISHER #26 (MR), THOR BLOOD OATH #2 (OF 6).

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9.26 Panel 'o the Day

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5 Mins w/ Dark Horse's Dec Solicits

BILLY THE KID'S OLD TIMEY ODDITIES TPB
Written by Eric Powell, art by Kyle Hotz.

Billy The Kid's Old Timey Oddities starts with Billy the Kid free to roam America, having faked his own death. Free, that is, until Fineas Spoule, AKA. The Human Spider, discovers his secret. Now, afraid of being exposed, Billy finds himself in the service of a caravan of carnival sideshow performers who have unfinished business with a mad scientist none other than Victor Frankenstein himself!

This twisted love child of spaghetti westerns and Hammer horror flicks combines Powell's humorous fast-paced storytelling and Hotz's quirky macabre visuals for a story that the whole family will love...if they're the kind of family that love alligator men and miniature boys fighting monstrous mistakes of science with the help of the fastest gunslinger in the West!

104 pages, $13.95, in stores on Jan. 11.

Cannot WAIT for this. Loved the mini as floppies and will read even better as a TPB. EP is a beast.

SERENITY TPB
Written by Joss Whedon and Brett Matthews, art by Will Conrad, cover by Adam Hughes.

Joss Whedon, creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and scribe of Marvel's Astonishing X-Men, unveils a previously unknown chapter in the lives of his favorite band of space brigands in this comics prequel of the Serenity feature film‹the big-budget follow-up to Whedon's cult-hit TV show Firefly.

Penned by Whedon and Brett Matthews, who wrote several episodes of Firefly as well as Dark Horse's final Angel comics series and the animated Chronicles of Riddick feature "Dark Fury," Serenity follows a ship full of mercenaries, fugitives, and one law-abiding prostitute in their pursuit for fast cash and a little peace along the fringes of space. The ragtag crew of Serenity take on a scavenger mission with the hopes of earning enough dough to disappear for a while. Only too late do they realize the whole gig is orchestrated by an old enemy eager to remake their acquaintance with the help of some covert-operatives known only as the Blue Gloves.

104 pages, $12.95, in stores on Jan. 25.

Hopefully the movie doesn't ruin this.

Filed in: Previews

5 Mins w/ DC's Dec Solicits

LEX LUTHOR: MAN OF STEEL TP
Written by Brian Azzarello
Art and cover by Lee Bermejo
Superman has been called many things, from the defender of Truth, Justice and the American way to the Big Blue Boy Scout. In LEX LUTHOR: MAN OF STEEL, he is called something he never been called before: a threat to all humanity!
In this trade paperback collecting the acclaimed 5-issue miniseries LEX LUTHOR: MAN OF STEEL, fan-favorite writer Brian Azzarello (SUPERMAN, 100 BULLETS) teams up with artist Lee Bermejo (BATMAN/DEATHBLOW) for a bold story in which readers get a glimpse into the mind of Superman's longtime foe. MAN OF STEEL reveals why Luthor chooses to be the proverbial thorn in the Man of Steel's side - to save humanity from an untrustworthy alien being.
On sale December 28 o 144 pg, FC, $12.99 US

Heard many a good thing about this mini but never got around to reading it. Will def pick it up in Dec. Any comments?

PLASTIC MAN VOL. 2: RUBBER BANDITS TP
Written by Kyle Baker
Art and cover by Baker
Another volume of offbeat and hysterical Plas adventures by Harvey and Eisner Award-winning cartoonist Kyle Baker! In RUBBER BANDITS, collecting PLASTIC MAN #8-11 and #13-14, our pliable hero wrecks continuity as we know it, investigates a vampire, gets in trouble with homeland security, battles a menacing mouse, and stops one of the worst crimes ever: illegal music downloading!
On sale Dec 21 o 144 pg, FC, $14.99 US

Everyone's always talking about this (seemingly) is it any good? I'm always down for some good comedy...

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9.25 Panel 'o the Day

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5 Mins w/ Marvel's Dec Solicits

ULTMATE WOLVERINE VS. HULK #1 (OF 6)
Written by DAMON LINDELOF
Pencils & Cover by LEINIL FRANCIS YU
Damon Lindelof, co-creator of the hit TV series Lost teams with superstar artist Leinil Francis Yu to bring their storytelling magic to a tale that will rock the Ultimate Universe! Dr. Bruce Banner has been presumed dead since his execution, following his murderous rampage through Manhattan as the Hulk. But when reports start cropping up of an unidentified creature appearing around the globe, Nick Fury begins to get worried. Not because Banner can turn from man to unstoppable monster in seconds...but because Banner's existence is the one secret that can bring down Fury. Fury turns to the only man he can trust: Wolverine. And he's only too glad to take care of Banner-by any means necessary.
32 PGS./T+ SUGGESTED FOR TEENS AND UP ...$2.99

Lu is quickly becoming one of my favorites; plus you've got the classic match-up Hulk v. Wolverine AND it's written by the dude who writes one of my favorite all-time TV dramas: Lost. I'm anticipating this for sure.

WHAT IF: THOR
Written by ROBERT KIRKMAN
Pencils & Cover by MICHAEL OEMING
In the tradition of epic mythology, we peer into a universe where the unthinkable has happened: THOR has been transformed into the Herald of GALACTUS. How can Earth survive with such a powerful harbinger of doom at its doorstep? Is there anyone who can stop him or will Earth be left a scorched and barren wasteland like so many other thriving planets before it?
32 PGS./T+ SUGGESTED FOR TEENS AND UP ...$2.99

Man oh man. RK and Oeming AND Thor? I'm in something huge.

YOUNG AVENGERS SPECIAL #1
Written by ALLAN HEINBERG
Penciled by NEAL ADAMS, BILL SIENKIEWICZ, PASCUAL FERRY, GENE HA, JAE LEE, and MICHAEL GAYDOS
Cover by JIM CHEUNG
Discover the secret history of the Young Avengers when Jessica Jones and Kat Farrell investigate the kids' origins for a special issue of THE PULSE. Who were they and what were their lives like before they met Iron Lad? And what is the future of the team without him? Find out in the YOUNG AVENGERS SPECIAL #1.
32 PGS./T+ SUGGESTED FOR TEENS AND UP ...$2.99

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9.24 Panel 'o the Day

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5 Mins w/ Image's Dec Solicits

Here's some of Zill's "of note" selections from Image's Dec solicits... Open to discussion in case i missed anything "can't miss" (drop a comment about that or anything else).

BAD PLANET #1 (of 6) - GEM
written by STEVE NILES & THOMAS JANE
art & cover by LEWIS LAROSA & TIM BRADSTREET

Arachnid predators from space threaten to knock mankind off the top of the food chain. In our darkest hour, a lone alien warrior may be our only salvation - if mankind doesn't KILL him first!

December 14 o 32 pg o FC o $2.99

Arachnid predators and a lone alien warrior savior? I'm in.

DUSTY STAR #1 (RES)
written by ANDREW ROBINSON & JOE PRUETT
art & cover by ANDREW ROBINSON

It's a different time and a strange place. It's burlesque shows and all-night poker games, robots and flying ships, tattooed horses and new wave cowboys and cowgirls with bad attitudes. This is the world of Dusty Star, a tough-as-nails gunslinger with a steely-eyed gaze and a draw as fast as greased lighting! An appealing blend of western, science fiction, adventure and humor.

December 7 o 32 pg o FC o $3.50

I'm sucker for western whatever. Let's do this.

IMAGE COMICS HOLIDAY SPECIAL 2005
written by GLEN BRUNSWICK, JOE CASEY, JAY FAERBER, BRIAN HABERLIN, ROBERT KIRKMAN, SCOTT KURTZ, ERIK LARSEN, B. CLAY MOORE, MARK SMITH & JIM VALENTINO
art by CHARLIE ADLARD, GABE BRIDWELL, SHAWN CRYSTAL, BRIAN HABERLIN, CULLY HAMMER, DAN HIPP, SCOTT KURTZ, ERIK LARSEN, TOM SCIOLI & JIM VALENTINO
cover by FRANK CHO

Image Comics celebrates the holiday season with a 100-page special featuring all-new stories from the creators of THE AMAZING JOY BUZZARDS, GØDLAND, THE GRAY AREA, NOBLE CAUSES, PvP, SAVAGE DRAGON, SHADOWHAWK and THE WALKING DEAD, plus a few carefully-crafted surprises!

December 7 o 100 pg o FC o $9.99

THE WALKING DEAD OMNIBUS, VOL. 1 HC
written by ROBERT KIRKMAN
art by TONY MOORE, CHARLIE ADLARD & CLIFF RATHBURN
cover by TONY MOORE

This deluxe hardcover features the first 24 issues of the hit series along with the covers for the issues all in one massive, oversized slip-cased volume. Perfect for long time fans, new readers, and anyone needing a heavy object with which to fend off The Walking Dead.

Retailers: This is a limited, one-time offer. This item will be limited to initial orders only and will not be reprinted.

Collects THE WALKING DEAD #1-24

December 14 o 560 pg o BW o $100.00 (limited to initial orders)/S&N $150.00 (limited to 100 copies)

Now this is what HC should be. 24 issues + extra's. I'll happily pay the heftier price to get something really worth standing up on the shelf. What's the deal w/ a 5-6 issue HC unless it's the most phenomenal arc ever? IMO TPBs should collect Floppies, and HCs should collect TPBs.

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9.22 Panel 'o the Day

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Kirkman's Latest "Buy My Books"

Some very cool scans in the latest edition (especially shots of the upcoming Marvel Team-Up between Invincible and Spidey) but i'm most hype about this quote:

I've recently been offered some really cool gigs which have filled my schedule to the brim. I've got massive amounts of comics to write over the next few months, and really, there's no sign of my schedule slowing down. Which really, when it gets down to it, is a good thing, right? Just keep your eyes peeled for some big news coming up. It's a really exciting time here at the Kirkman household.

Always excited to get new stuff from RK. For the full column click -- HERE --.

Filed in: Thoughts

9.21: Wolverine #32

Wow.

Now THIS is what Wolverine has been missing lately. What is "this"? I'm not sure exactly but Wolvering #32 has it.

Milar really got me w/ this one - this is a great, great, uber-cool stand-alone story (sometimes i just love a good one-issue arc). I saw there was a B&W version and a color-ized version on the stands today and opted for the color-ized (trust me though it's still dark; the most recongizable "color" is blood-red).

Milar sets this issue back in Nazi Germany (this guy loves to write Nazi's no?), inside one of the most evil places in recent memory: a concentration camp. This particular camp is somewhat haunted though - by a prisoner who cannot be killed (and subsequently drives each commandant/warden after the next completely insane.

I can't really describe this issue to you (ackkkk!) - but you MUST read it if you're a Wolverine or Milar fan. A++.

PS - I love this new guy Andrews pencils... is he the new reg artist for Wolverine or just for this issue? Boy he captures the mood in this one. I truly hope #32 is a sign of things to come for this title which has been good but a bit "meh" since i've been back (8 months or so?).

9.21: Conan #20

Something about this book is just so fun to read/look at. I can't gush enough about Busiek and Nord as the creative team for Conan (in one word: Perfect). Issue 20 starts the long-awaited "Elephant Tower" arc and since i'm not familiar w/ the yarn from even the first time around - i've been really looking forward to it.

Our brawny "id"-ish Cimmarian overhears talk of a fabled jewel and a mysterious (and powerful) priest living in the nearby Elephant Tower and can't resist his internal propensity towards adventure (and temptation). Oh he must check this place out... yes he must. We don't get very far in this issue past setting up the arc, but i enjoyed it regardless (don't you hate when people say "irregardless"?).

Nord's pencils worked over w/ Stewart's coloring is top notch and like not much else out there.B.

Filed in: Reviews

Word of the Day: Diversity

You know what i realized today after looking at the stack i brought home from the LCS? Man i read a seriously WIDE variety of comics. I mean this is def something; when i read "text only" books, i tend to stick to my comfort zone (e.g. not much variety), but for some reason when it comes to comics i'm all over the place.

I mean just today i jumped from Goon to Godland to Conan to Ultimates 2 to Roninhood of the 47 Samurai. See what i mean? Throw in Usagi Yojimbo, Silent Dragon, Ferro City, Desolation Jones, The Walking Dead, Powers, Battle Pope, Ex Machina, Losers, 100 Bullets, Y: The Last Man, various westerns, and Winter Men and well... You get the picture (and those are just the ones i can think of off the top of my head and don't include oldies but out-there goodies like Transmet, Preacher, League, etc.).

I guess what i'm trying to say is i love this hobby... and this medium for many, many reasons.

Filed in: Thoughts

9.21: Ultimates 2 #8

Man this is a good book. This is the only superhero book i'm reading right now from the big 2 that really feels like a thinking man's comic (w/ purty pictures to boot). Ultimates and Ultimates 2 have been stellar to the issue (i've just re-read the Ultimates trades vol. 1 & 2 and the first Ultimates 2 trade).

Milar continues to impress w/ his story and dialogue; i love his take on some of my all-time fav characters (hulk, thor, iron man) and Hitch's art is the perfect companion.

The traitor is finally revealed in this issue and you won't believe who it is. Only thing i don't get is why Fury (and others) didn't give my man more of the benefit of the doubt? We shall see... A.

It was all over when...

PS - Can't wait for Milar to get back to the great Banner and Thor sub-plots...

9.21: Godland #3

I know Zilla's has a couple of readers who are into Godland as much as I am so feel free to chime in boys (and girls?). Issue #3 is pretty stout - we learn a ton more about adam archer's history (and future), and get a glimpse into the competitiveness that drives his sisters as they sit behind the limelight during his superhero exploits. One of them even gets frustrated enough to head off on an adventure of her own (oh what fun #4 will be!).

The evil Cronus makes a quick appearance (and man i love this guy and his dialogue, especially the head floating in a cannister on top of his shoulders). The massive (and mysterious) dog-like alien "Maxim", introduced last issue, reveals more about himself and we start to get an idea how he might fit-in long term.

Overall there's a ton of "revealing" going on in this third issue (w/ adam, his sisters, maxim, etc.) - setting the stage for some mighty, forthcoming adventures. Keep it up Casey. Old-school style/art with a new-school feel. Not exactly sure why but this comic just takes me back... way back. Love it. A.

PS there's that incredible ad i keep seeing for "Casanova" (Fraction and Ba) coming in spring 2006. i've never been sold so hard on one image before in my life... can't wait for this.

Filed in: Reviews

9.21: The Goon #14

Ah EP. One of my favorites. #14 isn't the best issue i've read, but the first (of 3) short stories in this issue is worth the cost of admission for sure (it's the only one drawn by Powell unfortunately, even though the guest artist, Niel Vokes, isn't really that bad). Creepy cool history lesson about the now infamous evil priest w/ no name, and how our oft-tortured-and-turmoiled Buzzard finds out the zombie lords dirty little secret, revealing an interesting tid-bit about the Goon along the way.

One of the other included shorts checks in on one of my favorite all time Goon characters "Lagarto Hombre". The big lizard-monster has lost his mind (due to missed doses of his meds) while Dr. Alloy is in prison (see previous issues), and untold local town carnage ensues...

B overall, A+ for the first short.

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Ever Feel Like You Read TOO Many Monthlies??

I'm starting to get the feeling that i might read TOO many monthlies. I mean, sometimes i sit down with an issue and can't remember what happened in the previous issue (or get it confused w/ a totally different book). I've gotten into the habit of reading the previous issue real quick before i read the new issue when it comes out (hitting them back-to-back).

Sure makes me appreciate the trade/GN for what it's worth - the story is packaged into a single reading (or at least over a few sittings w/i short distance of each other). I always seem to buy the trades of books i really liked (even after i've bought and read all the collected floppies), and it's amazing how much i realize i missed reading the issues month-to-month.

But to be honest maybe it's not the gaps in between, it's that i'm reading a billion floppies a month ;)

Surrogates

Not sure how many people got on with Surrogates #1 but personally i really enjoyed it. IMO there's a ton of potential w/ this idea/setting (see my review of #1) and hopefully this series will go on even beyond the mini... #2 is on 'da way tho and there's a bunch of preview pages @ CBR.

Filed in: Previews

Panel 'o the Day 5

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9.19 Panel 'o the Day

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9.18 Panel 'o the Day

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Panel 'o the Day 3

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Brodie's Law: The Jameson Project

Not sure where i originally heard about this book by Alan Grant and Dave Bircham. I noticed the floppies about half-way through the series and waited on the trade (which subsequently has sat on my bedside table for some time now). Finally got around to reading it this past weekend...

The Jameson Project seems a bit "run of the mill" at first, but ultimately turns into something a lot more interesting. A tough-guy named Jack Brodie's wife is killed and his son kidnapped - sending him into a blind rage (understandable). He's out to do anything possible to avenge the death of his wife and rescue his elementary aged son (once he finds out who's kidnapped him).

Been-there done-that right? Yeah; until Brodie meets up with an intellectual Japanese student who turns him on to a revolutionary (and currently undisclosed) serum that allows you to take over the body AND soul of anyone you touch. I guess it's easy to see why something like this would be a hot commodity among the criminal element... but why has Brodie and his family been targeted? Twist forth-coming.

Needless to say though, Brodie uses these new "powers" to his advantage in his quest to rescue his son... but at a heavy price. The the line between his true thoughts and feelings and those of his hosts becomes increasingly blurred - making for some great internal dialogue and powerful storytelling by Grant (at times).

The writing and art remind me of Sin City crossed w/ "Man on Fire" (Denzel movie) for some reason and I'm pretty sure most fans of those books (or that movie) will like this. Grant does a decent job w/ the story - even though i got lost a few times and even had to re-read an entire issue once.

Regardless it's an interesting story w/ some solid characters and really cool black, white, and red sketch noir art (man i sound like a homer when i say/write stuff like that).

Worth the cost. Check it out. B.

Filed in: Reviews

9.16 Panel 'o the Day

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9.14 Floppy Mini-Reviews: Part II

PULSE #11 - Thank God Gaydos is back. It's weird; not much happens in this issue (a lot of sex and the city jabber about Jessica's pregnancy) but i'm all of a sudden in love w/ Pulse again, and the only thing i can point to is the Alias artists return. Just feels like some of the lost Alias magic is back ;) There's is a funny bit near the end as Cage tries to pick a new costume for his Avengers gig... B.

ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN #2 - Ugh. They're losing me. When did Frank Miller get so damn melodramatic? Seriously the writing (narration and dialogue) in this issue is so much over-the-top melodrama that it's borderline cheezy. Too bad because Lee's pencils are mesmerizing as usual. Not sure what i'm going to do w/ this long term but after 2 issues i'm not feeling good 'bout it. C-.

DESOLATION JONES #3 - This has got to be the most mature title i'm reading (by a longshot) - this one is not for kids folks. Regardless it's pretty damn entertaining. Ellis spends the majority of this issue explaining his world's gritty, back-alley porn industry to us via an aging "actress" (read: whore) but there's a huge payoff near the end when we get to see a side of Des Jones that's only been hinted at to this point: an A1 ass-whupper. Man he lays into this creep like you wouldn't believe. Great moment in a solid (and pretty damn interesting) series. B+.

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"Losers" to the Big Screen

Now THIS is a comic that will translate well into a movie (supposing they pick the right cast, director, and let diggle oversee it :)

Who would we like to see play the characters? Direct? Comments please...

-- LINK --

Filed in: Thoughts

9.14 Floppy Mini-Reviews: Part I

WINTER MEN #2 - I'm loving this title. Very Tom Clancy (one of my favs when i'm reading text-only). I was a bit worried at the end of #1 that Lewis was going to be changing the setting to NY rather than Moscow (after expertly establishing a great tone/mood there) but turns out he's keeping us in the Russian underground so it's really a lot of worry for nothing...

Our man Kalenov is sent to Brooklyn to infiltrate the local Red Mafia (think Donnie Brasco but not a cop) and locate/rescue a young girl that has been apparently kidnapped for the organ trade. We're starting to get a feeling that there is a lot more to this girl and her rescue than obvious at first. Kalenov is an uber-cool lead in my opinion - and he displays even more of his hard-ass personality in this issue (there's a can't miss scene where he does a "favor" for the Red Mafia boss in order to gain his trust).

Some great story-telling so far (this one actually takes you some real time to read through ala Bendis) and the art well matches the overall style. A+.

THOR: BLOOD OATH #1 - There haven't been any current Thor titles since i've been back reading (except Ultimates and U2), so i have been anticipating this one for some time. I love Oeming's art in Powers, but how's his writing? Turns out it's... pretty damn good.

This story starts off solid - Thor returns to Asgard to find out his childhood pals the "Warriors Three" are on trial for the accidental murder of a giant (who had disguised himself as a giant whale). In order to keep the unsteady peace between the Giants and the Gods of Asgard, a price must be paid (yes, of course!). The price is determined by the Giant's father to be a seemingly impossible treasure hunt that sounds simple at first: Three apples, the skin of a pig, a spear, a sword, and three shouts.

But LO! There's a catch - these are no ordinary household versions - and each is guarded by some ridiculously powerful beast or being. Thor binds himself to the quest in order to help save the lives of his friends - and they're off. Nothing like a good old fashion quest w/ some measurable goals and a laundry list of great battles to look forward to.

Gotta say i love Oeming's interpretations so far (of age old characters) and Kolins pencils are on point - he has updated your old favorites (Odin, Volstagg, Loki, etc.) to something a lot darker and more modern than you may be used to... and it's a good thing. The style is more out of Conan than the older sing-songy Thor and friends (not that those were bad mind you - just a bit outdated).

All in all a solid start... Got a feeling this will be a great trade. A.

FERRO CITY #2 - Hit the trifecta today - the first 3 books i read from my pickups were all winners (what a great feeling). The hunt for the Medusa Key marches on and Ferro City continues to impress w/ it's set-in-the-future Humphrey Bogart B&W style.

Jason Armstrong is doing a great job w/ this title - and i love the 6-7 page shorts in the back of each issue (following the "main" story) that promise to tie together in the end. His toungue-in-cheek comedy has me rolling at times (pay attention to the details), and Jason's letters to the reader feel really sencere - he seems like a super-likeable guy in "real" life.

Here's to hoping Mr. Armstrong can keep this book going strong after the mini - there's a ton of possibility available w/ his characters (there are SO many memorable ones already and the characters really help make this title) set in Ferro City. A.

Filed in: Reviews

Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior

Not exactly comics related but... I got off work a bit early today and sat down w/ a copy of a great martial arts flik: Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior (2003).

Any fan of classic kung-fu/martial arts movies (this one happens to be Muay Thai) should def check this out. There's a semi-classic storyline (spiced up a bit): The head of a Thai village's diety (Ong-Bak) is stolen by would-be treasure hunter/gangsters and just as all hope seems lost, a young warrior from the village volunteers to hunt down the idol's head and return it (and obviously dish out some fist-and/or-foot-to-face vengenance along the way).

Our young hero (Ting) follows a trail of clues to the bustling (and seriously seedy) Thai city of Bangkok where he meets up with the bumbling, degenerate, and displaced son (Kumlae) of a fellow villager and his female companion. The three unlikely teammates go to war w/ a local crimelord and his seemingly endless gang of thugs in order to reclaim the precious head of Ong-Bak.

Some amazing scenes in this and everything you'd want from a classic martial arts flik (even though this was just released in 2003); incredible fight scenes, a stark contrast between the good and the bad (including a great boss/villian), and well-placed (albeit bad) comic relief. I even read somewhere that this guy who plays Ting does all his own stunts w/ NO WIRES. This will be amazing to you when you watch it - the guy is a beast. Check it out.

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9.14 Panel 'o the Day

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9.13 Panel 'o the Day

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Sometimes You Just Need a Classic

Sometimes you just need to read some classic comics you know? Lately i've been digging into Walt Simonson's Thor Visionaries and the first volume of Hulk Visionaries (PAD). Both are stellar reads and i'm having a great time w/ them. A few weeks ago i pounded through the original Wolverine (Clarement/Miller) - i read this when it originally came out (many moons past) and had forgotten how solid a story it was/is - something au naturale about Wolverine in Japan. Berry nice.

The popularity of trades has made reading classic comics a lot easier... I doubt i'd bother w/ digging up a run of really old floppies - but being able to hit Amazon and grab like 10 classic Thor issues in one mega-thick paperback totally rocks. Thanks.

Anyone else reading/read a classic lately that's collected into a nice modern trade?

Filed in: Thoughts

9.12 Panel 'o the Day

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Texas 25, Ohio State 22

Wow. What a friggin' game. Mark - i hope you're reading this and i hope you got a chance to watch this game last night. That was one for the ages. VY is a friggin' monster (and looks like we have found our RB(s) to replace Benson - can you believe Melton is 6'3" 276?). What an emotional roller-coaster that was in the infamous horse shoe... Hook 'em.

Filed in: Football

Are Comics Too Damn Expensive?

Ellis's letter in the back of Fell #1 got me thinking (again). $2.99 for a comic is a bit steep no? The ONE disappointing thing since i've been back to comics is the overall cost... Feels like we may be shutting out a lot of our audience w/ this price point to me.

When i was a kid 3 beans was a friggin' fortune - and who wants to take a 10-spot to the comics store on book day (like my dad used to give me when i was a kid) and get what... 3 books? jeez.

I mean, don't get me wrong - i'm way into comics (obviously) and hell, i'd probably pay $5 an issue (i'd be a lot more selective in what i buy) - but that's not the point... or is it?

PS - Kurt Addams kid is a genius (check out the post from whence came this image), and that guy in the middle w/ the tie and the short hair... that's me:

Filed in: Thoughts Shopping

The Return of Jonah Hex

I cannot WAIT for this book (#1 in Nov). Check out these preview pages @ Newsarama... it's an ongoing off the bat which is a big plus for me. One thing i've noticed since i've been back is everything's a damn mini these days...

Filed in: Previews

9.9 Panel 'o the Day

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9.8 Floppy Mini-Reviews

FELL #1 - Something intriguing about this for sure. Kind of reminds me (loosely) of another title i'm digging - Desolation Jones. Ellis has penned a tale set in the fictional city of Snowtown; a really screwed up, poverty stricken ghetto of a city. Our main man - detective Fell - has been transferred into Snowtown to balance a lack of warm-bodies on the police force. His new apartment sucks (there's a suspicious death next door the day he moves in), his new boss has all but given up on battling crime in Snowtown and he gets cussed, slashed, and branded all in this first issue. There's even an alcohol enima and Fell calling someone a "live fart". wow.

Gotta say I loved Ellis's letter at the back - especially the part about wanting to give something back for the affordable, throw-back price of $1.99. He's right about one thing for sure, $2.99 for a comic is ridiculous (that's one thing that's HUGELY changed since i was last reading a decade and a half ago). Fell #1. B+.

GHOST RIDER #1 - Been looking forward to this one for a long time. Can't say i'm disappointed really, but not exactly thrilled either. Ennis's story seems pretty cool so far (and serves the Ghost Rider character and mystique well me thinks). A couple of angels need help only the infamous Ghost Rider can provide, and begin plotting to bust him out of hell (where he's serving an eternities sentence of damnation and unspeakable torture BTW, after selling his soul to the devil). Crain's art is fantastic for the most part, but something about how he draws faces rubs me the wrong way - everyone looks kind of plastic and rubbery at the same time. Don't think i'm pooping on him though - the guy can draw with some outstanding detail - and his ghost rider is friggin' phenomenal. Solid start if not perfect. B.

COLOSSUS: BLOODLINE #1 - Interesting. This #1 gets off to a bit of a slow start but there's a really wild twist that will probably have you "yeah right"-ing or "holy shit"-ing that's for sure. Piotr's relatives are being wiped out back in mother Russia and he's drawn home by his cousin to help solve the riddle. Meanwhile he's still busted up inside trying to figure out why he feels so odd after returning from the dead (see Astonishing X-men).

Colossus was my favorite X-man (yeah even more than wolverine) growing up so i've got a special place in my heart for the character. I'll probably like this mini even if it turns out to suck (which is not evident to this point for sure). Art is kind of ho-hum. And just out of curiosity, why does every newspaper editor in the Marvel U have to have whitewalls like JJJ? C+ -> B for the last page.

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9.8 Panel 'o the Day

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Ultimate Hulk vs. Ultimate Wolverine

...it appears that the writer of Marvel's upcoming Ultimate Hulk vs. Wolverine will be Lost co-creator and writer, Damon Lindelof.

Man Lost was the best show on TV last year and i can't wait for the new season... Glad to see talented writers aren't afraid to jump into comics (and vice versa). Share the love.

-- Link --

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Zilla's 9.8 Shopping List

Not too, too much going on this week but i'm excited to get my hands on the second Ex Machina TPB, Ghost Rider #1, Fell #1, and Colossus Bloodline #1... Punisher #24 wasn't bad either so i'm also looking forward to #25. Oh and Invincible and Spidey team-up by Kirkman - nice.

DARK HORSE
None :(

DC
EX MACHINA VOL 2 TAG TP (MR) - Must read, must own, must read again!
GOTHAM CENTRAL #35 - Shelving these until i catch up via trades...
Y THE LAST MAN #37 (MR - Same.

IMAGE
FELL #1 - This better live up to the hype... or else (what?).

MARVEL
CABLE DEADPOOL #19 - Pull list.
GHOST RIDER #1 (OF 6) - Can't wait to get my hands on this... from what i've seen/read i've got a good feeling about it.
HOUSE OF M #6 (OF 8) - It's not that HoM is bad really (it's pretty good as a matter of fact), maybe it's just that i feel like i'm being forced to read it. meh.
INCREDIBLE HULK #86 - I keep buying these and buying these, hoping Hulk will get better.
MARVEL TEAM-UP #12 - Invincible and Spidey written by Kirkman... need i say more?
PUNISHER #25 (MR) - #24 was brutal and in your face. I loved it.
X-MEN COLOSSUS BLOODLINE #1 (OF 5) - Colossus was my favorite X-man as a kid so i can't help myself here...

OTHER
None :(

NEXT WEEK
100 BULLETS #64 (MR), ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN THE BOY WONDER #2, DESOLATION JONES #3 (MR), V FOR VENDETTA TP, WINTER MEN #2 (OF 8) (MR), FERRO CITY #2, RONIN HOOD OF THE 47 SAMURAI GN, PULSE #11, THOR BLOOD OATH #1 (OF 6), and ULTIMATE X-MEN #63.

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Surrogates #2 Preview

If you missed Surrogates #1 well... you don't know what you're missing! Check out the preview over at Newsarama of #2 then go find #1 and read it :) Very cool crime noir story set in the future where humans live vicariously through android "surrogates". There are so many angles to explore w/ this you can't help but anticipate upcoming stories...

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9.7 Panel 'o the Day

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Gun Fu: The Lost City TPB

Sometimes I just love indies (or used-to-be indies that are now published by Image).

Howard Shim and Joey Mason's Gun Fu: The Lost City is a really fun read from start to finish. This is a comic to grab onto when you need a break from "the rest". It's simple, funny (even VERY funny at times), and best of all easy on the brain and the eyes.

The Lost City is a story about an ass-whuppin' special agent named Cheng Bo Sen. Bo Sen is kind of like a hip-hop flavored Asian 007 (yeah) who serves the Queen's interests in England (?). No one seems to notice that Bo Sen is Asian, or that he communicates almost exclusively via street-cred deserving ebonics (sure is funny though), and to be honest it all ends up being part of the guys charisma/charm.

Bo Sen is sent into the South American rain forest in search of a lost treasure buried in a lost city (somewhere). A hugely fat (and subsequently hilarious) archeologist is sent with him to help find the city, and a third party member is added when they meet a generously bosumed jungle vixen shortly into their search. The three play off each other well, and round out a solid, endearing "good guy" cast.

As far as the "bad guys" are concerned, Shim's decided to use everyone's favorite: Nazis! Us comic geeks just can't seem to get enough good whup-up-on-some-Nazi stories can we? I sure as hell can't - so no disappointment here for Zill.

The Nazi war party (also sent to recover the lost treasure) consists of a nefarious Hitler-loving leader-type, a squirrelly (and somewhat fruity) mad-scientist who breeds a race of spider-crossed monkeys, and your prototypical brute strong-arm (for the climactic battle).

I powered through this in one sitting, and I'm definitely planning on reading it a second time before it finds its way onto my shelf. Shim's story truly is endearing in its own way, and has me hoping for more Cheng Bo Sen adventures in the future. The story telling unfolds very simply (this is not a bad thing) and moves at a rapid pace from page 1 to page... The end).

Mason's art compliments Shim's story beautifully and is as easy on the eyes as a something you might see on Cartoon Network (after you read this trade I promise you you'll be wondering "when" not "if" this makes it to the CN, just like I am).

If you need a break from the hard-core comics you're nose deep in, or just need (for some reason) a dose of Indiana Jones crossed with 007 and a hip-hop speaking Jet Li directed by John Woo, then Gun Fu is right up your alley. B+.

It was all over when...

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9.5 Panel 'o the Day

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Stormbreaker: The Saga of Beta Ray Bill

Ok bear w/ me - it's been a few moons since i read this collection and i subsequently lent it to my brother so i don't have it in front of me (some details might get muddled as a result).

When i was a kid i used to love me some Silver Surfer and Thor. There was just something about the "greater" cosmic adventures of the all-powerful that helped supplement the earth-bound stories in most of the rest of my superhero titles.

When i got back into comics beginning of this year - i wasn't sure how i was going to get that "fix" taken care of. Thor was dead (and his title subsequently debunct), and Silver Surfer no longer had his own mag. Weak. Stormbreaker was on the stands (somewhere midway by the time i noticed it) and i had some fond memories of beta ray bill so put the trade on my buy list. When it finally hit the stands - i was pretty eager to sit down w/ it and man... it was worth the wait.

*** REAL BRIEF BETA RAY BILL HISTORY LESSON: Beta Ray Bill is a horse-faced alien people's champion who, while in search of a new home for his people after their world is destroyed, gets a hold of Thor's hammer Mjolnir (which is a big deal since only the "worthy" can wield the hammer, and before Beta Ray, Thor was the only one who could lay claim to it). Odin (Thor's all powerful pop) orders a fight to the death to determine the true owner of the hammer - and Thor and Beta Ray whup-up on each other to a standstill in a cage match sans the cage. Odin is so impressed w/ Beta Ray's tenacity that he halts the fight before it's required end (death). In order to settle the dispute, Odin creates a second, twin hammer to Mjolnir and gifts it to Beta Ray, proclaiming him an honarary Asgardian and "oath brother" to his son Thor. ***

Stormbreaker essentially begins w/ the destruction of Asgard. Beta Ray temporarily abandons his people in order to head Thor's other-wordly home and try and help defend it (ultimately to no avail unfortunately). Beta Ray is the only one to survive the grisly destruction of Asgard (which includes the demise of Thor, Odin, and seemingly every other Asgardian around).

During his absense, Beta Ray's peeps come under attack as their newest homeworld is in the process of being destroyed by the planet-eater himself - Galactus. Before they are completely eliminated however, survivors of the battles early phases cram into a cosmic "transport" the size of a duck-pin ball (seriously) that Beta Ray is able to conveninently carry around on his belt. Cool.

Beta Ray battles one of Galactus's top minions (in a seriously cosmic brawl) for a few rounds, before he/she rips open a portal to another dimension and accidentally releases a ridiculously powerful demon... And my summary stops here to avoid spoiling a solid ending ;)

So... We knew Mike Oeming could draw (from Powers) but who knew he could also write his a$$ off? This really is a great story all around and now i really can't wait for the new Thor mini (Blood Oath) in Sept. The last issue of Stormbreaker is kind of weird - and i'm not sure why it's even included (you'll understand this comment when you read it I'm sure), but luckily has just about nothing to do w/ the story itself and serves more as an epilogue than an ending - which is good.

Big, cosmic, cool - in narration and dialogue. You can really feel Beta Ray's emotion throughout - and Galactus's involvment is well handled. The art is fantastic (just check out my scanned panels).

Beta Ray is a great character (always has been) even despite his horse face. I sleep on the unexplained costume change mid-way through this mini (i happen to love his Thor look-alike digs) but i can live w/ that i guess. I wish Beta Ray Bill could get an ongiong. I'd buy it. A.

It was all over when...

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9.3 Panel 'o the Day

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Zilla's 8.31 Floppy Mini-Reviews: Part I

REVELATIONS #1 - Jenkins and Ramos, fresh off their... well... "specatacular" run on Spectacular Spider-Man, come to town w/ a new crime drama "Revelations". Revelations has gotten so much hype i'm not sure i need to tell you what it's about but i will give you my first impressions:

First off - this book won't be for everyone. It's a "non-superhero" story about a washed up ex-scotland yarder who's recruited by an old pal in the vatican to help investigate the myserious murder of the pope's right-hand cardinal. Jenkins does his best to make this dark and interesting, and mostly does an ok job w/ it - but i can't help but feel like this is a "been there, done that" story. Hopefully he'll take us into some new territory after establishing the story here in #1.

Ramos's style is not for everyone - it's cartoony and exaggerated but at the same time detailed and original. His pencils have really matured and i like seeing him work in a colored pencil style. My only complaint w/ his work on this title so far is the way he's drawing eyes... something about the black eyeballs w/ the white irisis that really creeps me out (and what's the point??).

If you love crime drama though (like i do) in your comics... give it a whirl. No matter what you think of #1, we have to assume this creative team is going to rock-on w/ this mini over the long haul. C+ (w/ promise).

SILENT DRAGON #2 - Wow. I LOVE this title (soup to nuts). Our main-man Renjiro wakes up (after being sepuku'd in #1) to find out he's on the operating table being fitted w/ a cyborg body (check the pic below). His body was recovered in a landfill, the brain removed (and subsequently "installed" into a borg body) so that a mysterious group can blackmail him into helping them dispose of Renjiro's old master - the nefarious Lord Hideaki. The plan is for Renjiro to infiltrate Hikeaki's Black Dragon gang (with a new name/identity, face, and body), gain Hideaki's confidence - and ultimately destroy him. Payment promised? Renjiro's brain will be transplanted into a more suitable body and he will have the chance to reunite w/ the love of his life (and subsequently Hideaki's concubine). Oh what we'll do for love...

Lu's pencils are on point as always and Diggle continues to show why he's one of my favorite writers at the moment. This series is can't miss IMO. Check it. A.

EX MACHINA #14 - Feels like it's been forever since the last issue of Machina (i'm a junkie), but it was worth the wait. Solid issue. Don't want to spoil this for anyone so i won't say much except that there is a mysterious revelation in this issue that "is"... then "isn't". The hostage situation at the courthouse comes to a violent conclusion (ok i did spoil it a bit w/ my image below but i couldn't resist), and we find out more about the mysterious Ex Machina wannabe introduced last issue (or was it a couple issues ago?), including his secret identity. Great ongoing. B+.

B.P.R.D. BLACK FLAME #1 - I finished the big 5 Hellboy trades this past week and i'm looking for some new Mignola (and/or HB) stuff to read so picked up B.P.R.D Black Flame since it was starting w/ #1. I haven't read any B.P.R.D yet so i was a bit lost. The issue was pretty cool though - even though i wish Mignola had worked the art as well as the story.

The B.P.R.D. crew heads into the sewers to investigate a mysterious nest of frogmen beasts, eventually discovering a nasty (nasty!) fleshy tadpol factory (the destruction of which is depicted below). And that's it. Ha. Well there is a lot of forgman-ass-beating at least.

The last page hooks me for #2 though (nice cliffhanger) so i'm in. B.

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9.1 Panel 'o the Day

Gotta love the Asgardian vernacular of the Mighty Thor:

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Mailordercomics.com Experiment: Final Findings

Ok well i gave it a go and decided it's probably not for me.

I'm just too impatient to wait an extra week for my floppies. i thought about continuing to use them for trades and HC (etc.) only, but realized that i'd pretty much lose out on any savings with the shipping (especially considering shipping for books is typically free for me from instocktrades.com or Amazon).

So long story short - I cleared my pull list and shopping cart for August's previews and think i'll stick to a weekly LCS visit for flops (that's a fun trip anyways) and instock or Amazon for trades/HCs.

Se la vie. Mike is a super cool guy with a great service and i'd LOVE to give him my business (he's so cool i've been trying harder to think of reasons to continue than to quit) but what can i do? It's just not for me (at the moment at least).

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