Ferro City #3

Here's my 2 min summary and 1 min review of Ferro City #3:

Smythe and Weston's daughter (Kate) are now in possession of the mysterious "Medusa Key" (an electro-mechanical gizmo that can emit a massive electromagnetic pulse and disable/destroy robots w/i a few city blocks.

The search is on to figure out who killed Smythe's partner (Weston) and why - all the while avoiding the various nare-do-wells (?) who can't wait to get their grubby mitts onto the Medusa Key (even if it means Smythe and Kate's lives in payment): There's Harrah Muharaj the stern, steel-handed and turbaned mob-boss, Ivan the mechanical-eyed thug, and the local Police head honcho (i won't give away the revelation about HIM in this issue).

In this world of Ferro City, where robots are almost as commonplace as their human counterparts (and soon may even have the power to vote), the Medusa Key is an all-powerful artifact that will most certainly 180 the fortunes of its master...

Jason Armstrong is such a beast. This is another of my favorite books right now and it's pure shame Ferro City isn't ALREADY listed as an ongoing. This book is a ton of fun to read and there's nothing else i'm reading with a better overall cast of characters - good guys and bad.

Surrogates (see my review this afternoon), and Ferro City have as much in common as they have in difference. Polar opposites (with some similar themes) of the same genre. Both great.A.

It was all over when...

Can i get a cheers for Jason Armstrong and Ferro City?

Filed in: Reviews

Surrogates #2

Another one of my current favorites is a little-hyped title (except around here) called Surrogates (sure you've heard of it but have you read it?).

#2 finally dropped and i'm even more impressed w/ Venditti and Weldele's work now than i was after the first issue. Together they've done an excellent job setting the tone for this book - it's dark, ominous in parts, and downright entertaining for anyone the least bit interested in Blade Runner reminicient crime drama comics (especially "noir" styled stuff even though i friggin' hate that word).

The pacing of the story is near perfect and the dialogue sharp, meaningful (usually) and witty (often). I don't think these issues are any longer than any other comics i'm reading, but they just feel longer you know?

Only thing missing here is a bit more of a serious threat (through #2 only "surrogates" are being killed, not real people (their owners/operators for example). On second thought though, i'm not sure Venditti is as concerned w/ the actual crimes at the center of the story as he is w/ exploring this world he's created where everyone lives vicariously via a "Surrie".

Regardless the concept is a real mind-F; this is one of those comics you set down and then find yourself thinking about when you're in the shower, on the can, about to pass out for the night, or otherwise of wandering thought ;) The opportunities for good story telling in this post-modern world are literally limitless. There's just not enough paper in 5 issues to satisfy all i want to read about it...

Weldele's sketch noir art is uber-cool and works perfectly for this genre. Throw in some sharp, water-color-esque inking and Surrogates has got a look and feel that's pretty original (to my world at least).

Top it all w/ some memorable characters (our lead detective Lt. Greer and his very down-to-earth problems away from the case, Zaire Powell the "Prophet", and the be-goggled aerialist Surrie-killer suspect), and you've got one of the last ingredients required.

Surrogates will make one hell of a mini (and hopefully get even more play after that). I def can't wait for #3, one of my current favs. A.

PS This is one hell of a rambling review but i'm trying to dip from work for the day so just tap-tapping fast and furious... Sorry but... Thanks!

It was all over when...

Filed in: Reviews

10.31 Panel 'o the Day

Happy Halloween...

Filed in: Panels

Loveless #1

2 for 2 so far today.

Loveless seems to be just what i've been looking for to get my western comic fix lately (and that's great news since i've been holding out a TON of hope for this title)...

We've got all the crucial elements so far: A Clint Eastwood-esque lead w/ a muddled military (civil war) past, a hard-core woman, a couple hog legs (and a dead-eye to go with), and bigger than one enemy establishment, and an overall hankerin' for trouble.

So far we've got a story about an ex-military man (dissed by the system in some way and harboring a major grudge) returning home after grizzly war service to find his house and land confiscated by Union troops. He's none to happy about that you can imagine. Fists and boot heels fly and heaters blaze.

Man i love westerns (i'm from Texas i think its genetic). I'm a big Azarello fan so i'll probably like this no matter where he takes it. A.

Filed in: Reviews

10.29 Panel 'o the Day

Filed in: Panels

Bastard Samurai

Meh. I was really expecting to love this TP considering my johnny-come-lately Mike Oeming AND Samurai obsessions but in the end i just wasn't all that impressed.

The idea behind this comic is pretty damn solid; at first glance it seemed to have it all: rooftop death matches between modern Samurai warriors? Check. Underground Yakuza-esque thug culture? Check. Gambling (and all the nefarious "stuff" that comes w/)? Check.

But in the end it's the execution that's lacking, not the concept. The story never really "turns over" IMO and what we're left w/ is a husk of missed opportunity and unfullfilled potential.

The book isn't drawn by Oeming himself (far as i can tell) but you can hardly notice since the artist's style is so... Oeming. Not to crush the guy because hey, this book is old enough that maybe Oeming got his unique style from him - who am i to say?

I know a lot of people will disagree w/ me about this (BS def seem to have its fans) but Bastard Samurai just didn't seem to do it for me no matter how hard i tried to convince myself i liked it (because of Oeming and/or the Samurai theme).

It's not horrible though (by any stretch) so don't get me wrong. There is a really cool dream sequence mixed in here and some decent fight scenes (for lack of better phrasing).C+.

It was all over when...

Filed in: Reviews

10.28 Panel 'o the Day

Filed in: Panels

Giant Monster #1

I picked up Giant Monster for the cover alone (something i rarely do). There was just something about that squashed body in the middle of a giant footprint that got me :)

What we've got is the story of an astronaut (Col. "Maggert" i think) on a solo mission in space when he's attacked by some sort of alien parasite on his way back to Earth. Maggert loses contact with mission control right about when his entire ship mysteriously (or not so mysteriously?) explodes on re-entry.

Amidst the falling debris is the newly body-snatched Maggert, in the shape of a giant alien behemoth that seems to grow larger and larger the more destruction he levels on surrounding ships/ports.

Although the writing/story has a bit of a "been there, done that" feel to it at first, there's just enough unique here to make it interesting (and have me itching for #2). There's just enough of Maggert in the alien's subconscious to remind you of that age-old Banner/Hulk internal struggle (can't get enough of that kind of stuff... guess that's why i also dig Sentry).

Overall the pacing is excellent (i got through it twice in like 20 mins). Think a combo of King Kong (anyone see how friggin' COOL the new King Kong movie in Dec. is going to be???), Godzilla, Aliens, The Hulk, and your pick of body-snatching movies all rolled up into one easy on the eyes, fast-paced package.

In the end though it's not really the writing that got me; there are some really (REALLY) cool layouts/panels in this first issue as the ex-Maggert alien makes his way from the shark-infested ocean waters to the shores of a nearby shipyard - eating and/or levelling everything in its path.

Seriously there are about 5 perfect "Panel 'o the Day"'s in here.

Ok so in summary - this one didn't get much hype but it's worth a try if you're the slightest bit entertained by any of the "reminds me of"s i mentioned above...

Too bad it's $6.99 as i'm sure that's a bit of a turnoff for many. You do get a double (or is it triple) normal size edition though so not to fret.B+.

PS - Anyone have any idea how many of these are planned? Is it ongoing or a mini?

Filed in: Reviews

Stephen King and Marvel

Westerns and/or Samurais just seem to be all the rage for me lately...

Believe it or not (since everyone else seems to have) i've never read Stephen King's Dark Tower series but a comic iteration might be just what i've needed ;)

We've got to wait until April of next year to get our hands on this but from the art alone in the preview pages i can tell this might be right up Zilla's alley (that sounds bad this morning for some reason).

Check out Jae Lee's preview pages and read a bit of light (very light) info over at Newsarama.

Filed in: Previews

Silent Dragon #4

Ok - not sure what my problem was with #3 but i'm feeling a lot better having just read #4. I'm still not feeling "Suki" as a character (the book would be better w/o her IMO), but she's not nearly as annoying to me as she was last month. For a second there i thought we might have a new Jar Jar Binks on our hands to ruin what would have otherwise been an awesome read. But enough about that...

Reizo's attempt to infiltrate Hideaki's wild bunch is in full swing and he uses this issue to enlist the help of an old weapons designing/futuristic blacksmith friend (who turns out to be a VERY coolly written and drawn character). Diggle finds a way to give us (the readers) some inside info w/o using an inner monologue by finally getting Reizo somewhere he can talk openly (w/o being surveilled). Lots of good info comes out of those few minutes.

The last few pages w/ Reizo at the head of a droid army def have me hype for #5 (and subsequently the conclusion in #6) - even though it seemed kind of easy to break in and "upload control protocols" to control them. huh? ah - details, details!

Yu's art continues to impress - i spend about twice the normal floppy time w/ this title just to stare at his purty pictures. Get this guy some more work!!!

SD will make one hell of a TP (and will probably read better in a sitting or two since i tend to forget minor details from month to month that would help the overall experience w/o having to pull out my old flops). B+.

It was all over when...

Filed in: Reviews

10.27 Panel 'o the Day

Filed in: Panels

Fear Agent #1

Hell yeah.

Heath Huston, last of a Texas based alien extermination team called the Fear Agents. At first you might think Remender and Moore are giving us a character we've seen/read a thousand times from Bruce Willis: A semi-messed up, down-trodden, ex-badass w/ an alcohol problem and a huge chip on his shoulder (for reasons TBD) - and well, to be honest, that IS pretty much what we're getting out of Huston so far - but no big deal - this first issue is supremely entertaining IMO and the art is exactly what i would have expected from Moore (exceptional).

Huston spends the majority of this issue running for his life. Turns out a massively intelligent "class A" alien is mind-knobbing a bunch of "class G" uber-primatives into providing the necessary brawn (and theivery) to build it a starship.

In a unique twist here - Remender has divided all his alien characters into these alphabetical intelligence classes, which help determine the legality of "exterminating" (read: killing) each. For example - it's illegal to squash a class A, B, or C alien since they pass the intelligence bar :) Pretty cool no?

I love when i get this gooey feeling about a first issue... Zilla's gonna like Fear Agent. A.

Filed in: Reviews

10.26 Shopping List

Yesterday was my birthday so today i really want some good comics (i expect everything to hit on my birthday week, feel me?). With Loveless and Fear Agent finally dropping, and a new Ferro City, Losers and SD? Wow - Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me :)

DARK HORSE
BPRD THE BLACK FLAME #3 (OF 6)
CONAN VOL 2 GOD I/T BOWL & OTHER STORIES TP - I missed half of these issues (they hit stands before i came "back" to comics) so i'm super, super excited about this TP.
USAGI YOJIMBO #88

DC
JACK CROSS #3 - Still not sure about this so i'm extending my 2 issue rule to 3.
LOSERS #29 (MR) - Pull list (forever).
LOVELESS #1 (MR) - Been waiting for what seems like ages for this and it's finally here - happy birthday. And Jonah Hex rounds out the westerns next week? Money.
SILENT DRAGON #4 (OF 6) - Pull list. #3 was a bit of a let down (but on second glance not as bad a one as i thought), so here's to #4 ripping it for me again.

IMAGE
FEAR AGENT #1 - Another title i've been waiting and waiting for. This one has got so much hype that it might be impossible to live up to - but shit, it'll still be good (if not great) watch. T Moore hookin' it.
FERRO CITY #3 - Pull list. It's ALWAYS a good week when Armstrong drops a new Ferro City on me.

MARVEL
DEFENDERS #4 (OF 5) - Pull list.
NEW AVENGERS #12 - Pull list.
SENTRY #2 (OF 8) - #1 was just interesting enough. I didn't hear/read much about it at all but i enjoyed it - the internal battle going on w/i Sentry is a very cool twist (and i always loved the Hulk ;)
WOLVERINE #35 - Pull list.
YOUNG AVENGERS #8 - Pull list.

OTHER
HERO AT LARGE #2 - Friends of Zilla's Jeremy and E Hogan drop #2 of their title.
SUPER F$$$$$S #2 (MR - Hey it's rude, crude and gratuitous but #1 was funny as hell (actually hell isn't very funny but you get what i'm saying). I'm in.

NEXT WEEK
CONAN & THE DEMONS OF KHITAI #2 (OF 4), DESOLATION JONES #4 (MR), JONAH HEX #1, WINTER MEN #3 (OF 8), HOUSE OF M #8 (OF 8), POWERS #14 (MR), PUNISHER #27 (MR), THOR BLOOD OATH #4 (OF 6), X-MEN COLOSSUS BLOODLINE #3 (OF 5)

Filed in: Shopping

10.24 Panel 'o the Day

Filed in: Panels

Conan #21

I'm really diggin' on Busiek and Nord's Elephant Tower arc here in Conan. This second issue starts to get to the meat of the adventure as Conan teams up w/ the self-titled "Prince of Thieves" to infiltrate the mystical tower and steal the fabled Elephant Heart jewel. This "Prince of Thieves" is a pretty crafty guy - the kind of thief that steals something to steal something else.

There's a hardcore security system in this tower (as you might imagine) - complete w/ guards, lions, and giant spiders. We just know the meat-head Cimmerian is going to get his whup-ass on. Nord's art continues to impress (issue after issue after issue). B+.

Filed in: Reviews

10.22 Panel 'o the Day

Filed in: Panels

10.21 Panel 'o the Day

Filed in: Panels

The Walking Dead #22

Damn if feels like its been months since the last issue of TWD came out (even though it's been hardly that long). Anticipation's not always a bad thing though (as painful as it is) and i heard Kirkman is going to dump the next few TWDs on us in short order to make up for it...

Anyways, #22 is jam-packed w/ more its-the-end-of-the-world-and-we're-trapped-in-an-abandoned-prison drama and Kirkman finds yet another way to greivously injure and/or kill one of his characters (this one about rounds out the ways to die catalogue). I can't bring myself to give away who, or why (since that would give away the who) but you could almost see this one coming considering the sneakiness between Ty and Michonne in #21.

What else? Tyreese and Rick get into the all-out brawl that we've been wanting to see for about the last 10 issues (even though they are buds at heart), Lori's pregnancy continues (can't wait to see if there's something behind a child behing born during this mess... and is the kid even Rick's??), Herschel gives his blessing to his daugther to continue bumping uglies w/ Glenn, and the big crazy white guy ex-con waxes philosophical about the Zombies watching them through the fences (this part was actually one of the best in the issue and really got me thinking).

We're pretty damn close to figuring out whether or not chopping off a bitten limb will save you from the Zombie plague - but alas RK doesn't give that away quite yet. Soon though, soon. A.

Filed in: Reviews

5 Mins w/ Image's Jan Solicits

BODY BAGS: ONE SHOT (ONE-SHOT)
written by JASON PEARSON
art & wraparound cover by JASON PEARSON

Mack. Panda. Surrounded. One bullet. One chance. ONE SHOT.

Don't miss this 100 % all-new, all original BODY BAGS adventure!

January 25 o 48 pg o FC o $5.99

RETAILER WARNING: NOT SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES

ALSO AVAILABLE: BODY BAGS: THREE THE HARD WAY (ONE-SHOT)

I've read the first Body Bags collection and really enjoyed it (it's a fun, fun read) despite the disturbing fact that the daughter is only 13 (or so) and drawn like some 20-something busty-busterson. I get around making myself feel like a total chester by pretending she's really 18. Regardless, Body Bags is a good read w/ some great, memorable characters and tons of rip-roarin' action (w/ great art!).

GØDLAND, VOL. 1: HELLO, COSMIC! TP
written by JOE CASEY
art by TOM SCIOLI
cover by TOM SCIOLI & RICHARD STARKINGS

THIS IS HOW IT ALL BEGAN!
The cosmic superhero epic is back and this collection is chock-full of all the "cosmic" you could ask for! Everyone from THE JACK KIRBY COLLECTOR to ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY has sung the praises of GØDLAND, so if you missed out on any of the first six issues - including the ones which are now completely SOLD OUT -- this is your chance to experience the glory of Commander Adam Archer, the enigmatic alien Maxim, the wacky Basil Cronus, the evil Discordia, the confusing Freidrich Nickelhead… and that's just scratching the surface! If you want cosmic, we've got cosmic!

COLLECTS GØDLAND #1-6

RETAILERS: TP GOES ON SALE THE SAME DAY AS GØDLAND #7! READERS CAN CATCH UP ON THIS CRITICALY ACCLAIMMED SERIES IN THE SAME WEEK!

January 18 o 144 pg o FC o $14.99

Man i love Godland for some reason. Having a ton of fun w/ this book and can only believe it will be an even better read in trade format. What's really cool is they are releasing the collection of issues #1-6 on the SAME DAY that #7 comes out? How cool is that? You can completely catch up in one day (hint, hint to every other publisher).

INVINCIBLE, VOL 6: A DIFFERENT WORLD TP
written by ROBERT KIRKMAN
art & cover by RYAN OTTLEY & BILL CRABTREE

Collecting the status quo altering storyline "A DIFFERENT WORLD" running from issues 25-30. Mark is brought to another planet in order to save it. Is he their only hope - or the source of the worst disaster to ever befall them?

Collects INVINCIBLE #25-30 - just in time for the release of issue 31 in February.

January 11 o 168 pg o FC o $14.99

ALSO AVAILABLE: INVINCIBLE ULTIMATE COLLECTION, VOL. 1 HC

As long as Kirkman is putting these out i'll probably be buying them. Here's to hoping Invincible never, ever jumps the shark.

"Robotika" Anyone?

ROBOTIKA is a steampunk sushi samurai western about loyalty, honor and revenge...

In a world populated by silent samurai, fast-talking geisha, deadly mecha-betsushikime, digital djihits, morphing butterflies, and corporate corruption, Niko, a member of the elite bodyguard corps dedicated to protecting the queen, is sent on a mission to recover a stolen invention that in the wrong hands could trigger a bloody civil war. The ever-present violence and chaos that exist on the fringes of this “civilized” society couldn’t care less about Niko and his mission...

Well damn, if that doesn't light your fire you might just be hopeless. I'm pretty much all over this when it comes out. Keeping w/ my Samurai theme lately after Roninhood of the 47 Samurai and Frank Miller's Ronin (which i'm currently reading).

Preview pages available at Newsarama.

Filed in: Previews

10.19 Shopping List

Conan and TWD are worth the trip to the LCS this week. There's a ton of great stuff next week IMO.

DARK HORSE
CONAN #21 (MR) - Pull list. Elephant Tower continued.

DC
CAPTAIN ATOM ARMAGEDDON #1 (OF 9) - Maybe.

IMAGE
INVINCIBLE VOL 1 ULTIMATE COLL HC (NEW PRTG) - Missed the first printing (even though i think you can still get it). Def buying this for the 'ole shelf.
RUULE GANGLORDS OF CHINATOWN TP - I read the first couple issues of this before losing track of it... was enjoying it though so may pick up the TP.
WALKING DEAD #22 (MR) - Pull list. Seems like forever since the last issue so def looking forward to this. Read somewhere that we will get the next few issues in rapid succession to get us caught up on where we *should* be at this point in the year.

MARVEL
THOR BLOOD OATH #3 (OF 6) - Loving this mini so far. Seems like a new one of these is out every week. Gotta love that.
X-MEN COLOSSUS BLOODLINE #2 (OF 5) - #1 was a good start w/ one of my favorite all-time X-Men so i'm in for #2.

OTHER
ABIDING PERDITION RAMOS CVR C #1 - Saw this on the Diamond list and it rung a bell... seems like i wanted to read this so, on that alone, i will ;)
GIANT MONSTER #1 - I'm in for this on the cover alone. Hope it's good.

NEXT WEEK
REVELATIONS #3 (OF 6), USAGI YOJIMBO #88, JACK CROSS #3, LOSERS #29 (MR), LOVELESS #1 (MR), SILENT DRAGON #4 (OF 6), FERRO CITY #3, DEFENDERS #4 (OF 5), NEW AVENGERS #12, SENTRY #2 (OF 8), WOLVERINE #35, YOUNG AVENGERS #8.

Filed in: Shopping

10.18 Panel 'o the Day

Filed in: Panels

Roninhood of the 47 Samurai

"I am not a great man of high stature and i aplogize for i cannot disclose my name or lineage, but I am called "Little Thunder". I have fought in more battles than my youth would suggest and I am honored to war with you this day. Forgive me for taking your life.

If you've been hanging around here a bit, you probably know that i'm halfway obsessed w/ feudal japan - especially samurai "stuff". So no surprise Roninhood of the 47 Samurai caught my attention.

It was around the time i started back into comics that i got a hold of a freebie issue of Roninhood of the 47 Samurai and was def intrigued. The story is based (albeit loosely) on one of my favorite old-time Japanese legends; the story of 47 Samurai who, per Samurai tradition, commit ritual suicide (sepuku) after the death of their assassinated lord. If you've never heard about it, it's a very, very cool revenge/loyalty/honor story that has been done and re-done all over the place in Japan but hasn't yet worn out its welcome here in the states.

Amano's version takes place in between the 47's Lord's death and their suicide (covering all the juicy revenge parts before the mass-suicide). The 47 Samurai are now "Ronin" (masterless Samurai) and live in nearby woods stealing from the rival Lord responsible for their masters death (giving the loot back to the peasants a la Robinhood) while they plot their revenge against him. This Lord is your classic evil S.O.B. land-owner who tortures his pions into submission, and you know it's always fun to see guys like that "get theirs".

There's some solid writing/dialogue and some simple, cool, and effective Ryan Ottley-esque sketch style art from a guy named Rousseau (who i'd never heard of previously) throughout the book. This is definitely the kind of GN that you'll flash through in no time at all but have a lot of fun w/ along the way. The story is easy on the mind, and the art easy on the eyes. I read it twice in one sitting and enjoyed it even more the second time through.

If you're the least bit interested in a very cool legend of 47 warriors who make the ultimate sacrifice for their deceased Lord (after opening a can of whup-ass on his assassins), then give this a read. Worth the cost of admission - Roninhood is a rock-solid, self-contained one-shot. B+.

Filed in: Reviews

Oeming's Hammer of the Gods: Mortal Enemies

Let me start by stating this up-front and simply: Hammer of the Gods: Mortal Enemies is one of the most entertaining one-shots i've read in a long, long while.

Maybe it's because i've been fascinated by Mythology (Norse, Greek, Roman, Egyptian; you name it) for as long as i can remember. There's just something really cool about stories of Gods weighed down w/ some of the same troubles us mere mortals are saddled w/ in our brief lives. Jealousy, deciept, treachory, torture, lies, lust. Revenge. You know, all the good stuff; and in very "big", larger than life fashion with colossal implications. My oh my.

Oeming is obviously a fan himself. After reading Hammer of the Gods: Mortal Enemies i'm doubly sure this story could only have been created by a true Norse Mythology fan. And what a classic story it is my friends.

A mortal child (Modi) is blessed by one of the Valkeries (you know those winged horse riding vixens that carry fallen Norse warriors to the afterlife in Valhalla?) with God-like Powers. Of course there is one small catch (isn't there always?); if the child is ever to grow up and weild a weapon of any kind, his soul will be immediately forfeit (along w/ any chances of eternal life in Valhalla). Nasty.

Modi grows into a strapping young man with enormous strength and vitality. He eventually begins to feel the call of the wild and heads out on a journey to play the hero across the land (sans weapons of course; but who needs weapons when you can level trees and carve boats w/ your bare hands?), returning many years later to find that a terrible tragedy has befallen his once peaceful village. Frost Giants have come down from the mountains and laid waste to his entire clan (including his beloved parents).

Extremely unhappy at what he believes to be a lapse in protection by the Gods (especially Thorr who he has revered his entire life), Modi swears to storm the very halls of Valhalla and exact his revenge on the Gods themselves. My oh my - this has all the trappings of a classic Mythological story no?

The remaining chapters of Hammer of the Gods: Mortal Enemies detail Modi's search for the gates of Valhalla (gaining and losing friends and enemies along the way), and his eventual confrontation w/ the very God's that live there.

I would love to write and write about what happens next, but fear i'd be giving away too much. Let's just say that Valhalla (home of the God's and the great mortal soul retirement site in the sky) is in big trouble because it's head General, Thorr, has slumped into a deep depression following a mysterious loss of power within his mystical hammer Mjolnir and the Frost Giants have attacked. What part can a mere mortal (Modi) play in saving Valhalla from a Frost Giant's army's seige, and who's behind this mess (Loki)?

So... what are my overall impressions? Oeming's early work here is fantastic. The art is just what you'd expect from him - bold, sketchy, and simple (easy on the eyes). Powerful multi-panel/page layouts and great overall vibe. The story and dialogue are fast-paced (this one is def a page-turner) and you'll probably end up reading it twice through (like i did) before shelving it.

I hate to use such a simple word to describe it but the book is just plain fun (and not necessarily due anything overly comedic, even though there are a few chuckle moments for sure). Some great action (including epic battles you'd expect), and even a touch of romance. I only had one problem w/ it and that's that i wish it would have ended a few pages sooner... Why you ask?

SPOILERS
Personally i would have rather Modi stayed dead after making the ultimate sacrifice to save Valhalla (as a mortal to boot). Something changed inside me about how i felt about the ending when he was risen by Thorr. Went from a GREAT ending to just a good one IMO in just that moment.
END

Great read. Can't wait for Oeming's upcoming "Ares: God of War" mini (and i've heard rumors there are other Hammer of the Gods one-shots?). A.

PS - Pick up the trade (it's in great color). The Screen shots i was able to find around were in B&W only so i'm assuming the original floppies were un-colored. The colorization of this novel did WONDERS for it IMO. Check it.

It was all over when...

Filed in: Reviews

10.16 Panel 'o the Day

Filed in: Panels

10.15 Panel 'o the Day

Filed in: Panels

10.14 Panel 'o the Day

A classic.

Filed in: Panels

Ghost Rider #2

Damn! Now this is one of those time where i'm very, very happy i have a 2-issue-min rule. Ghost Rider #2 thoroughly trumps #1 in every possible way. This is a good, good comic IMO (so far at least). Ennis is weaving a pretty cool little story here - I have to agree w/ Mark (Fossen) that it felt a little refried in issue #1 but i've a different opinion after finishing #2.

Johnny Blaze has been offered the ultimate pardon (release from eternal damnation and a completely expunged record, oh my), if he'll do an angel of God just one simple service: Find and kill a raging demon (Kazaan) before an agent of Hell and/or an agent of Heaven (both of whom are cool characters briefly decribed so far) find him first.

I'm not a big fan of the way the artist Craig draws people w/ plastic faces (even though the wheelchair bound Gustov is a pretty unique looking guy), but man, his Ghost Rider will blow your friggin' mind. There is so much cool detail in his Ghost Rider panels that i found myself staring at them for minutes upon minutes. Way cool. His art is nice and dark too - really adds to the over all horror feel of the book - and provides a clear contrast whenever an angel (or good guy?) graces the page.

You can just tell there is going to be some nice twists in this story arc too... I'm already suspicious of this angel's deal with J. Blaze, and poor Gustov's made a deal w/ a demon that you just know ultimately means his a$$.

Gotta love the "Airplane" reference on the last panel too... "and don't call me Shirley". Classic. A.

It was all over when... (the scan does this gorgeous image no justice)

Filed in: Reviews

10.13 Panel 'o the Day

Filed in: Panels

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #1

Hmmmm. A decent start but not enough here to make any real judgement about the newest Spidey book. PAD starts right in on Peter Parker as he exists today (member of the Avengers, living in the Avengers Mansion, married to MJ, etc.). He does a fairly good job w/ Spidey's personality and dialogue (writers often have trouble keeping him "witty" and not "annoying" if you get my drift). The art is solid if not spectacular (there's nothing really stand-outish about it).

David introduces us to a "new" baddie; a guy named "Shock" w/ a nifty hand-canon that fires heat-seeking (for lack of a better way to describe them) rounds. Once these rounds lock onto a target they'll go around anyone/anything else to get to them (except billboard paper evidently).

There's a bit of over-the-top hokiness when Cap America teaches Parker how to channel his Chi (well enough in one lesson to catch one of Shock's magic bullets in mid-air), but hopefully that's just a one-time gag.

PAD does drop a nice little cliff-hanger that has me looking forward to #2 at least. Holding out a LOT of hope for this series considering i've lost all interest in Amazing and Ultimate. Art: B. Writing: B-.

It was all over when...

Filed in: Reviews

Ultimate X-Men #64

I have a renewed interest in Ultimate X-Men all of a sudden. Could have something to do with the last week announcement that Kirkman will be writing for the title indefinitely starting here soon? Ah yes. Vaughn's not too shabby w/ the current run either - so i guess i can't really complain.

2 mins: Polaris is still locked up in the Triskellion w/ Magneto, her boyfriend Havoc is pretty pissed about it and dead set on a dramatic rescue. The Ultimates (whom i love) are not about to let a bunch of "kids" break into their crib so they greet them at the gates (leaving the entire place unattended except by a few canon-fodder guards for some reason??). Forge and Mystique use their absense to break in and... Ah well it's predictable... free Magneto? Seems the Triskellion's defenses are a bit shade for the greatest super-powered prison in all the land. Vaughn lost me w/ that but... I'm still buying. C+.

Filed in: Reviews

TWD HC for $50!

If anyone's interested i found a hell of a deal on the cover-priced $100 Walking Dead Hardcover (out in Dec.). Why's it 100 bucks? This ain't no slimmy - it's issues 1-24 + extras. Anyhoo - head over to DCBS and you'll see it on the front page for $50 + shipping ($7.95). I added the Invincible HC (reprint) to my order and kept the shipping the same... rock on.

Filed in: Shopping

10.12 Shopping List

Not bad, not bad. Goon month + Ex Machina + Godland = ZIlla's happy.

DARK HORSE
GOON 25 CENT COMIC - 25 cents? I'm in.
GOON FANCY PANTS ED HC - Been eagerly anticipating this for a long while now... can't wait.

DC
100 BULLETS #65 (MR) - Pull list.
EX MACHINA #15 (MR) - Pull list.
Y THE LAST MAN #38 (MR) - Pull list.

IMAGE
BATTLE POPE COLOR #3 - Pull list.
GODLAND #4 - Damn Godland seems to be out every other week - i love that! Great title - can't wait to read it in one sitting as a TPB (when?).

MARVEL
CABLE DEADPOOL #21 - Starting to lose interest w/ this one but not this week.
FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN #1 - Finally PAD w/ a Spidey book (just as i'd given up on all other spidey books). Fingers crossed i have some spider-man to read for a while.
GHOST RIDER #2 (OF 6) - Pull list.
HOUSE OF M #7 (OF 8) - Lost interest in HoM issues ago but can't seem to get myself to stop buying them... i guess at this point i just want to see how it ends.
ULTIMATE X-MEN #64 - Pull list.
WOLVERINE #34 - Pull list.

OTHER
None :(

NEXT WEEK
FERRO CITY #3, INVINCIBLE VOL 1 ULTIMATE COLL HC, THOR BLOOD OATH #3 (OF 6), X-MEN COLOSSUS BLOODLINE #2 (OF 5), SURROGATES #2 (OF 5)

Filed in: Shopping

10.11 Panel 'o the Day

Filed in: Panels

Call for Help?

I know i don't have all that many regular visitors around here (or do i?) but i'd love to get a little help now and again when it comes to my quotes and panel 'o the day's. As you guys (and gals) are reading and come across great quotes and/or panels - give me a shout (via email zilla22mail-misc@yahoo.com or through post comments).

For quotes i just need the quote (obviously), who said it, and where it's from. For panels, i love hunting them down and/or scanning them so i just need the issue, page, and/or some description (so i can find it).

C'mon, we all love comics quotes and panels so this is not a HW assignment ;)

Filed in: Administrative

Comics Weblog?

The Great Comics Weblog hates me all of a sudden.

Filed in: Thoughts

5 Mins w/ DH's January Solicits

THE ART OF USAGI YOJIMBO TPB

Written and art by Stan Sakai.

In the tradition of the celebrated collections The Art of Sin City and The Art of Hellboy, Dark Horse is proud to showcase the work of multi award-winning creator Stan Sakai in The Art of Usagi Yojimbo, offered in a softcover format for the first time. The sold-out hardcover edition, timed to coincide with the twentieth anniversary of the creation of Sakai's signature character, Usagi Yojimbo, was met with an overwhelming response from thousands of fans around the world. This softcover edition will be printed on the same high-quality paper stock and will feature scores of never-before-seen pieces, a long out-of-print twelve-page primer illustrating how Stan creates each of his Usagi stories, forty-eight full-color pages of Stan's beautiful painted artwork, and more. Additionally, some of the biggest names in comics pay tribute to their favorite rabbit ronin in a fantastic gallery section, with pinups by Frank Miller, Geof Darrow, Jeff Smith, Sergio Aragonés and Matt Wagner among others.

200 pages, black and white, 9 inches by 12 inches, $29.95, in stores on Feb. 22.

*** I think this is a reprint but who cares? Usagi Yojimbo is one of the best (and most classic) comic series ever. Stan Sakai is an incredible talent and it's hard to believe he's been doing this series for what, 20 years?? Every comics fan should be reading UY on the regular (at least via the trades). Additionally, I'm a sucker for "art of" books so i'll def be picking this up...

THE GOON VOLUME 4: VIRTUE AND THE GRIM CONSEQUENCES THEREOF TPB

Written and art by Eric Powell.

Giant man-eating eyeballs from another dimension, mad scientists, rampaging killer robots, and the Ghost of Christmas Past�nothing out of the ordinary in the world of the Goon. Come take a traipse down Lonely Street with Goon and his pals as they defend their burg from all manner of monstrous disasters and ghouls in The Goon: Virtue and the Grim Consequences Thereof. This volume collects five magically dark and delightfully hilarious tales of chaos and daring-do, following the exploits of the man known only as The Goon as he fights his way through a horde of killer robots and even creatures from another dimension to help save his sometimes friend and ally Dr. Hieronymous Alloy from a mysterious disease. But there are plenty of bumps along the way, ultimately landing the Goon in Cade's Island Penitentiary, proving once more that no good deed goes unpunished. Collecting issues #9-#13 of the bimonthly Goon series.

144 pages, 7 inches by 10 inches, $16.95, in stores on Feb. 8.

*** As long as EP is putting these out i'll be buying them. I have all the flops in this trade but let that stop me? na. This title has just gotten better and better and better. TPB 3 was my all-time fav, and it hasn't let down since IMO.

Filed in: Shopping

10.10 Panel 'o the Day

Filed in: Panels

Spam Comments...

Anyone know how to stop them? Talk about annoying... I've heard switching to Haloscan comments but i'm looking for an alternative to that if possible... Thx.

- Management

Filed in: Administrative

10.9 Panel 'o the Day

Filed in: Panels

10.8 Panel 'o the Day 2

Need i say more? My shameless prediction came true for once. Very happy I am to have this monkey off UT's back. Next stop Big XII Championship followed by a Rose Bowl appearance?? Hook 'em.

Filed in: Football

10.8 Panel 'o the Day

GREAT, GREAT panel. Thanks for the idea Stefan - you're not the only one who loves this guys work ;)

Filed in: Panels

Marvel Monsters: Devil Dinosaur

Great one shot.

Eric Powell just gets better and better. His early "Goon" work was a little immature IMO but by the 3rd trade (and beyond) he's been so much more... refined (awkward word to use when describing this guy but still, it fits :)

His pencils are top notch (i really dig the colored pencil style) and the humor and downright weirdness of his writing have earned him several deserved Eisners. Personally, EP became one of my favorite writers after Heaps of Ruination and more recently Billy the Kid's Old Timey Oddities (man i loved that mini). But we all know i have a man-crush on EP; let's talk a bit about Devil Dinosaur:

Our brief story takes place in the Valley of Flame (a venerable Garden of Eden) where the peace-loving Small Folk (think friendly, frolicking, language-capable monkeys) have had about enough tormenting from the rival Killer Folk (think evil, war-mongering, language-capable monkeys). The tide of this epic struggle finally begins to swing in the Small guys favor when the they sidle up with a giant T-Rex-ish dinosaur (who lays waste to Killer Folk by the boat-load whenever necessary).

A pair of Celestials (we know them right?) watching from space can't resist trying to even the odds a bit by introducing a big, green, oft-angry equalizer - the Incredible Hulk (plucked from far in the future). EP is a natural at drawing the Hulk - he looks just like a green-skinned, shirtless, purple-panted Goon (minus the classic Kangol cap) and seriously - he writes some of the best Hulk dialogue i've seen in a long, long time. Classic.

You just know some climactic ass-whupping ensues between the big red and the big green (check the image below) ending w/ a clear winner (sort of)... I just can't tell you who.

The Hulk dialogue and the bickering between two Celestials is worth the price of admission alone. Throw in some uber-cool fisticuffs and well... It's just too bad this isn't a mini rather than a one-shot. A.

It was all over when...

Filed in: Reviews

Is This the Year UT Finally Does in OU?

Bear w/ me for a moment as i go off-comics for a sec.

OU has whupped up on UT for 5 years straight and pretty much single-handedly ruined our season all 5 of those years... Is this the year UT finally gets its revenge? We'll know for sure sat. Put me down for a UT blowout (close through halftime).

Why? This man is a much, much more mature QB than last year:

Filed in: Football

Powers #13

New story arc (always welcome w/ Powers IMO).

Super powers are still illegal, but society is starting to accept the need for super-powered "good guys" again (once they realized that making powers illegal really only stopped the altruists, since the villians could give an f about the whole legality issue).

IA begins its investigation of Deena (who has recently acquired some powers herself) and meanwhile, a mysterious figure blasts down from the sky and completely shits on a poor guys day (see the image below) as he chases his dog down the street (dog ends up ok though).

Essentially we have setup for the new case AND the side-story of Deena's IA investigation... So not a whole lot actually "happens" in this issue. No worries though - these types of issues are required every now and again so i minds not. Bendis and Oeming have me totally hooked on Powers - until they stop putting it out pretty much :) B.

PS - It's not that i need cursing, gore or nudity in my comics so don't get me wrong - but it's refreshing to read a no-holds-barred "mature" title every once in a while. Got to imagine it's a bit freeing for Bendis too... Hope they never lose that w/ Powers. Kind of the diff between R and PG-13 if you get what i'm saying?

It was all over when...

Filed in: Reviews

10.6 Panel 'o the Day

Filed in: Panels

Thor: Blood Oath #2

This new Thor mini is moving along nicely (at least through the second issue). I've always been a fan of Oeming's art and I'm growing to admire his writing more and more. The guy is a real talent all around it seems (I'm in the process of hunting down some of his older works like Hammer of the Gods)...

First note: There is a huge 2-page Honda Civic add in this issue. First I've seen of "mainstream" advertising in comic books (that I can remember at least). Is this a sign??

Thor and the Warriors Three set off on their life-saving treasure hunt and face their first obstacle - a giant eagle, Lerad, who nests at the top of the mythical life-tree ("Yggdrasil" - how in the hell you pronounce something like that I have no idea). How I the hell Volstagg is able to climb this tree w/ his fellows (considering his massive girth) is unimaginable - but I guess written off to his unnatural abilities as an Asgardian ;)

Lerad (the giant eagle) guards the first treasure our heroes must bag - giant, enchanted red apples! This bird cannot be bested in straight combat however (especially since Thor has sworn not to use his hammer as a weapon throughout the quest); so how then?

An old friend (who happens to be a talking squirrel) let's them in on Lerad's weakness for riddle and challenge (the most common historical weakness for about 50% of mythical people/creatures it seems). The fattest of the fat (Volstagg of the Warriors Three) challenges Lerad to a wine guzzling contest - and you just know this guy can pound. Volstagg and Lerad get thoroughly trashed (with ultimately no clear winner) and the rest of the companions seize the moment to lift one of the apples and take off running.

A narrow escape later and it's on to the second required item - Dionysis' fabled pig that can turn water into wine (yeah a pig that can turn water into wine). Only one problem; the pig has been "borrowed" by none other than the legendary Hercules.

Issue #3 = going to be good.

Overall a good, Thor-ish story, GREAT artwork. B+.

It was all over when...

Filed in: Reviews

10.5 Panel 'o the Day

I was severly dissappointed in this issue (after all i am in love w/ this book) but this is still a phat image...

Filed in: Panels

Loveless

Damn there seem to be a ton of good articles today...

I honestly cannot wait for the first issue of this title (Loveless). Solid western comics seem to be missing from the shelves these days and Azarello seems as good a guy as any to bring us one (love me some 100 Bullets).

Check out this question and answer to pique your interest (then read the entire article).

THE PULSE: A Noir Western? Can you elaborate more on the mixing of the genres?

AZZARELLO: Two different sets of sensibilities. A western is about wide open spaces and possibility, a frontier, where the character can reinvent himself. It’s about change. A noir is claustrophobic, more about mistakes and what characters are doomed to become.

Ambitious no?

Filed in: Thoughts

RK's Must Reads?

Keeping w/ the RK theme this morning, his latest "Buy My Books" column runs down some of his can't miss titles. I have to admit i'm a total sucker for "must have" lists when it comes to comics (probably because i'm always on the lookout for something new to read). This list gives you a bit of insight into RK's taste (or maybe just who his friends are :)

I posted about IGN's A-Z must have TPB's a few days ago if you missed it (and/or care) AND there's a great list forming itself over at Howling Curmudgeons.

Filed in: Thoughts

Kirkman on Ultimate X-Men?

First i'd heard of this but evidently RK is going to write a stint on Ultimate X-Men. 9 issues at least and possibly more. Nice. Very nice!

The guy loves Marvel's Ultimate line (first i'd heard this too) and may even restore my faith in Ultimate Spider-Man someday.

It's no secret that I love the Ultimate line. I'm constantly dropping hints about how I'd like to take over Ultimate Spider-Man

Ultimate X-Men is the one Ultimate book i consistently buy and RK is one of my favorite writers at the moment so this is great news for me... If you're interested in the entire article click -- HERE --.

Filed in: Thoughts