Zilla and the Comics Junkies

Wow...

2006-11-15T09:30:00.000-05:00

Wild but there is literally ZERO comics on my shopping list this week... I mean, the new Samurai Heaven and Earth is worth a look but i'll probably wait and read that as a collection. Anyone have a must read i'm missing this week???

Nov, Dec, and Jan "Standouts" from Image

2006-11-11T10:25:00.000-05:00

RUSSIAN SUNSET #1 (of 5)

story RON MARZ
art MIRKO COLAK
cover BART SEARS

Crime story and espionage thriller meet head on! Nik is a soldier for the Russian mob in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn - a strong arm when there's dirty work to be done. His latest assignment sends him back to mother Russia, where he'll be drawn into a web that includes brutal gangsters, seductive spies, fanatical terrorists and a stolen nuclear warhead. But even surrounded by such intrigue, it's Nik himself who harbors the most shocking secret of all.

32 pg - BW - $3.99

RETAILER WARNING: MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES

MELTDOWN #1 (of 2)

story DAVID SCHWARTZ
art SEAN WANG
cover CHRIS BACHALO

A hero on the verge of burning out. Literally.

The Flare, a dying super-hero with a chip on his shoulder, attempts to set his life in order. In doing so, he comes to understand the number of lives that he touched, the number of people that look up to him, and that he was, in fact, much more of a hero than he ever dreamed himself to be.

48 pg - FC - $5.99

MIKE CAREY'S ONE-SIDED BARGAINS (one-shot)

story MIKE CAREY
art MIKE PERKINS & P. J. HOLDEN
cover MIKE PERKINS

Two tales of dread. Two deals with the devil that can't end well. The original Faust legend rubs shoulders with a Victorian-era Gothic horror story about a little girl lost and the Satanists who choose her as their sacrifice. Watch what happens when you don't read the small print before you sign your soul away....

64 pg - BW - $5.99

RETAILER WARNING: MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES

'68 (one-shot)

story MARK KIDWELL
art & cover NAT JONES & JAY FOTOS

Vietnam, Fall 1968ŠA long range listening post deep in enemy territory has fallen silent. Fearing the worst, a five man US fire team is scrambled, plunging into the shadow- haunted jungle to investigate. Led by first Lieutenant Tommy Blake, the squad will enter the true heart of darkness and discover more to fear than the enemy as a country turned slaughterhouse gives up it¹s bloodthirsty dead.

There are zombies in the razor wireŠ

32 pg - FC - $3.99

RETAILER WARNING: MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES

BRIT, VOL 1: OLD SOLDIER TP

story ROBERT KIRKMAN
art TONY MOORE, CLIFF RATHBURN & VAL STAPLES
cover CLIFF RATHBURN & VAL STAPLES

Meet the government¹s last line of defense when it comes to the really messy parts of keeping the world safe... BRIT. When super-powered menaces threaten our home soil, send in Brit. Brit is a one man killing machine, indestructible, unstoppable... and eligible for a senior citizen¹s discount. Now presented in FULL-COLOR!

176 pg - FC - $17.99

Collects BRIT, BRIT: COLD DEATH &amp; BRIT: RED WHITE BLACK & BLUE

Friday's Buckshot

2006-11-10T11:39:00.000-05:00

I finally got a chance to peep the new Hellboy animated movie, Sword of Storms, last saturday morning (through the fog of a brutal hangover no less) and enjoyed it a spot more than i even thought i would. The characters translate well and there are more than a few moments included especially for print fans of HB and B.P.R.D. The plot of Sword of Storms is rock solid IMO and packed (as we would expect) with action, other-worldliness, and solid chuckles. A couple of ancient Japanese demons, trapped in a mystical sword ages ago by a bushido-maxed Samurai in an effort to save his true love, escape and plot to release their demon brothers on the world (destroying humanity of course). What's not to love?

I'm halfway through Darren Aronofsky and Kent Williams The Fountain (picked up the over-sized TP at the LCS last week) and i'm hella impressed. The story has got me entranced (and that's saying something considering it's love-based which is usually not my forte') and man the artwork (painting) in this thing is... indescribable. Seriously some of the most beautiful (never has this word been more fitting for a comic) work i've ever seen in print. Let's just say i can clearly see why it won an Eisner. More on this when i actually get to the end...

I read Templesmith's Wormwood Gentleman Corpse #1 last week and enjoyed it so much i picked up #2 and #3 on wed. This title has a lot going for it IMO and you guys know how i love a book written and arted by the same dude (or dudette as the case may be). Templesmith and his hella unique style is fast becoming one of my favorite artists in all of comics. The story here, about a high-society alien (??) worm who cavorts around in a corpse body (using it's skull as a bridge), solving other-worldly crimes with a band of very unique pals is... well... the cat's ass! I'm giving Wormwood Gentleman Corpse a rock-solid A+ and #4 is already out and in my box waiting for next week...

PS - I love the cover stock some of these independents use. Good, good stuff.

Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt's The Damned #2 dropped this week too and here's another little known comic that's lighting my pants on fire these days. I mean who doesn't love a good prohibition era gangster story? What if we throw in an other-worldly (i'm loving that phrase today aren't I????) twist and set it in a world where us humans share society with demon-folk? Oh and our main character is cursed and can't die forever (though he dies horribly on the regular). If you're not sold you're screwed up :)

PS - I really, really appreciate when writers (or is it publishers) put the "here's what's happened so far" synopsis at the beginning... I'm dumbfounded (seriously) why this isn't a mandatory first page in EVERY FLOP out. These days we read so many damn comics a month a monthly refresher per title is critical (or maybe i'm just a memory-less moron).

DMZ continues to blow my socks off. We're starting a new arc w/ the latest issue (Matty goes undercover with a crooked construction company contracted to rebuild parts of the DMZ) and i'm already feeling it. Doesn't hurt that this one hits home... war seems to be about big business ($$) sometimes doesn't it? B+.
I'm not sure where i even heard about this comic, but i picked up the first issue of the 10-issue mini, English-translated-from-French The Killer. Solid story so far that digs deep into the psyche of a lone wolf contract killer. As a matter of fact, we spend most of this first issue inside the guy's head; and though the writing takes itself a tad bit too seriously at times, i was captivated none-the-less at this dude's history and motivations. Funny how this first issue feels "been there done that" and unique at the same time. I'm def in for #2 (and most likely beyond). B+.
Ok last but not least for "Friday's Buckshot", Oeming's Cross Bronx. I've got a man-crush on M.O. as you all know so will be hard pressed to say anything bad about this mini. I really wish it were an ongoing (maybe it will become one?) primarily because as good as this first arc is, i can't help but feel there's more to this title than we'll get to see in 4 issues. We need more good crime comics like this and Bru's Criminal!!! This issue kind of felt like a rickety bridge between an excellent #2 and a concluding #4 so i'm going to stab it with a B (with much respect).

Happy Friday!!

2006-11-10T08:46:00.000-05:00

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2006-11-09T19:24:00.000-05:00

11.8 Shopping List

2006-11-07T12:56:00.000-05:00

DMZ, Cross Bronx, and Damned are all i need to get motivated this week. As a side note, I'm halfway through Darren Aronofsky and Kent Williams The Fountain and man is the artwork (painting) in this thing fantastic (obvious to me now why it was awarded and Eisner). I don't push many GNs on my wife but i'll def be encouraging her to read this one (besides the artwork the love story will appeal :) Hell i can't WAIT for the movie now...

DMZ #13 (MR) - I've said it 100x before and i'll say it again: DMZ seems to get stronger and stronger (which is a blessing in today's ADD influenced comics environment).
CROSS BRONX #3 (OF 4) (MR) - I only wish this were an ongoing... hopefully it will turn into one (anyone know how its selling?).
ETERNALS #5 (OF 7) - I'm loving this mini but i may have to forego this issue since i missed the last one (and just keep an eye out for the trade).
PUNISHER #40 (MR) - Pull list.
WISDOM #1 (OF 6) (MR) - Anyone know anything about this? I'm always in the market for new sci-fi and this sounds interesting...
DAMNED #2 (MR) - I meant to review #1 (along w/ about 20 other flops from the last month) but never got around to it. In a few words: I loved it. Prohibition era gangsterism with an otherworldly twist? Oh yes.

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2006-11-06T14:41:00.000-05:00

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2006-11-05T20:13:00.000-05:00

Seven Sons

2006-11-04T16:40:00.000-05:00

Alexander Grecian & Riley Rossmo's Seven Sons is one of those graphic novels i look forward to sharing with my children someday. Our authors claim the story to be a "...Western update of the classic fable with a comic-book twist" (and thoroughly prove the point w/ tons of great backmatter) though i'd never heard this tale in any form before i read it here.

Essentially what we have is the story of seven identical twin brothers, born in China in the late 1800s. These aren't your typical seven-tuplets (i know that's not the correct term but who can remember past "sextuplets"?) however, as each of them is born with a unique "talent".

One can stretch his limbs (ala Mr. Fantastic), one has the strength to lift ten elephants, one can fly, one is immune to fire, one can see great distances, and the last can swallow the whole ocean (um... yeah). Ok so that last one doesn't quite fit with what we'd normally find in our western catalogue of "super powers" but turns out he's the linchpin of the story (more on that later).

The boys live in seclusion with thier mother when civil war breaks out in China. Having heard rumor of the boys abilities (and hoping to gain an advantage in the war), both sides of the conflict attempt to recruit them. Fearing for their safety (and obviously hoping to avoid their exploitation), the boys mother packs them up and moves them to a small, left-coast mining town in America (right about gold rush time), where they buy a plot and use their abilities to pan for soft yellow rocks.

Everything seems cool (the town thinks they are an old lady and her single immigrant son) until one day (now even i'm sounding like i'm spinning a yarn), one of the brothers comes across a couple of young kids who have broken through the ice and fallen into a nearby river. In an attempt to save them, he sucks the river (yeah the WHOLE river) into his mouth but ends up accidentally drowning them despite his best efforts (and the indecisiveness of a fellow rescuer). The townsfolk are less than understanding and a lynchmob quickly forms...

Ok i'm not giving away the rest of the story, but let's just say that it ends as any good story should (well), and stacks up against most western classic fables i can remember. Great story, great B&W art (the layouts remind me a bit of TenNapel), and ultimately a must read-to/with my kids someday (when i have them ha). Don't let me pigeon-hole Seven Brothers as a children's book though... there's enough here for graphic novel fans of any age.

Good stuff. A.

PS - Next to worthless (but fun!) fact: In a selfless act of friendliness, Grecian and Rossmo changed the name of thier book from Seven Brothers to Seven Sons, as not to conflict w/ Virgin comics new flop (which i'm also enjoying).

11.1 Shopping List

2006-10-31T14:55:00.000-05:00

Hmmm... another busy week. I didn't clear my box last week because there wasn't a lot there and of course now i've forgotten what was even supposed to be. Ok though, makes for a good surprise. For this week i'll def be buying:

EX MACHINA #24 (MR) - Allllwwaaays and forreeeeeveeerrr (you know the song damnit!).
EXTERMINATORS #11 (MR) - I'm not 100% sure why i am so into this book but... i def enjoy it :)
OTHER SIDE #2 (OF 5) (MR) - Here's another one of those books i meant to review but never got around to (and all of a sudden we're on #2). Great angle on what could have been a ho-hum vietnam story: telling it from both sides of the conflict. Plus i heard the writer took a trip to Vietnam to research... now that's dedication for a mini!
CRIMINAL #2 (MR) - The comics world is going to look back on Criminal in a few issues and proclaim it great. Trust me.
MOUSE GUARD #5 (OF 6)

Best Comic Blogs??

2006-10-27T10:14:00.000-04:00

In our modest opinion, what are the best comics blogs out there (please don't say mine since i know Zill's has sucked lately)? I'm asking because i've recently moved to Google Reader and its got me taking an in-depth look at what i'm reading online day-to-day (plus i need to update my blogroll).

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2006-10-27T09:57:00.000-04:00

The first issue of Tim Truman's first arc as writer for Conan ("Dogs of Hell" Part I) is pretty damn good IMO. Nord's artwork even seems re-energized (personally i think he's been back on top of his Conan game since the Mignola arc).

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2006-10-23T19:11:00.000-04:00

The Complete Invincible Library Vol. 1?

2006-10-22T14:28:00.000-04:00

Finally got around to flipping through the Oct. issue of Previews and stumbled across a couple of gems: The Complete Invincible Library Vol. 1, collecting 768 (!!) pages of Invincible goodness from Robert Kirkman (issues #1-24). Maaaaaannnnn. It's $125 cover but only 75 beans at mailordercomics.

Next (and far more reasonably priced) is the second Powers: Definitive Collection HC. I bought the first one and ebay'd the TPs it covered that i already had on the shelf and will prob do the same w/ this one (i'm such a sucker). Good thing about this is, Bendis and Oeming are only charging us $29.99 cover for 464 pages (issues 13-24 i think?) and i can pick this beauty up at mailordercomics for the insanely low price of $17.99. Now THAT my friends is a bargain.

Also listed are the Batman Year One Hundred TP and PVP Vol. 4, both of which i will happily buy once they are available. I really, really enjoyed BYOH and PVP is some of the best "on the can" reading my greenbacks can buy...

Quick question...

2006-10-20T15:07:00.000-04:00

How do you guys know when Zilla's has been updated? Do you use Comic Weblog Updates or just check back every so often or what? Trying to get a read on what methods different folks use...

Big (weird) week at the LCS...

2006-10-20T12:24:00.000-04:00

Ok - This was a weird week at the LCS for me... I ended up buying about twice as much stuff from the racks as was in my box (which i don't typically do). Here's a list:

Desolation Jones #7 - Wasn't sure i'd buy into a new artist but this guy works it just fine IMO. Great issue BTW; not nearly as "weird" as we're used to w/ DJ but kicking ass and taking names NTL.

7 Brothers - First i've read from Virgin Comics... and you know what? after reading this issue and the ads and editors letters from Gotham Chopra, i'm starting to think VC is damn cool publisher.

Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt's The Damned - I remember the ad (and a preview?) for this Oni Press flop some time ago and thinking i'd be in... and shit - i def am. Great story about a guy back in the 30s who can't die (and happens to live in a world where demons intermingle w/ the common folk). B&W prohibition-era gangster/detective comic w/ a left-field twist. Good.

Conan #33 - Truman's first issue as perm new scribe for the muscle-bound Cimmerian. 32 story pages that don't let down... I can tell already this guy is going to be as good for Conan as Busiek; and hell, even Nord's work here is some of his best! As if i needed it, i'm rejuvenated about Conan.

Rush City #1 - I know this came out last week or the week before but i finally decided to stop passing it on the racks w/ an interested glance and buy the damn thing. First take: it's a bit over the top and chalk full of corny action movie dialogue but hey... maybe that's the point? Despite my "yeah rights" and the occasional guffaw, i DID have fun w/ this issue though. Kind of a guilty pleasure like a Vin Deisel movie. I'll read #2 at least before i make a decision on Rush City...

The Sadhu #1 - Another new one from Virgin. I picked up #1 even though i think #3 or 4 is already out... I'm feeling Virgin big time at the moment (whoa that sounds bad) so i'm hoping to dig on this though i haven't read it yet...

Seven SonsAlexander Grecian & Riley Rossmo's Seven Sons - This TP was sitting on the rack next to 7 brother's so i flipped through it and thought "what the hell?". Categorized as "Historical Fiction" and described by the publisher thusly:

Seven identical Chinese brothers come to America during the Gold Rush of the 1850s.

When two children fall through an iced-over river, Brother-Number-One tries to save them by breathing the entire river into his mouth. But he can't hold it long enough for them to get to safety and lets the water go, accidentally drowning the children. When a mob of angry townspeople tries to retaliate, each of Number One's brothers takes his place, using their remarkable abilities each time to save his life.

A literally Western update of the classic fable with a comic-book twist.

def hype to sit down w/ this one this weekend... I'll def review it once i do...

Lastly, I picked up Casanova #5, Wasteland #3, and Exterminators #10, none of which i've cracked open yet...

Let me know what you guys think of any/all of the above!

10.11 Shopping List

2006-10-11T11:49:00.000-04:00

No time to comment but def got my list together... am i missing anything??? here i thought since monday was a holiday that comics wouldn't drop till thursday this week... nice surprise.

ABSOLUTE SANDMAN VOL 1 HC (MR)
DMZ #12 (MR)
EMISSARY #5
SAM NOIR SAMURAI DETECTIVE #2
POWERS #20 (MR)
PUNISHER #39 (MR)

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2006-10-09T15:46:00.000-04:00

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2006-10-08T11:23:00.000-04:00

Scattered thoughts on the morning of the Red River Shootout (thinking comics to calm my nerves)

2006-10-07T11:28:00.000-04:00

Winter Men takes about 6 months to come out between issues so when i finally get my hands on a new one i have little idea what exactly is going on (read last weeks issue a couple times and still feel lost). Doesn't help that the title has a well-written yet fairly complicated plot. Aside from complaints about the schedule though... WM is damn good.

I ordered (from Amazon) a new work by George R.R. Martin, Ice Dragon, assuming it was the next in the INCREDIBLE Song of Fire and Ice series only to find out its a digest size kid's book. HUGE, HUGE bummer. I can't wait for the next in that series... I've heard Martin described as a modern day Tolkien and i'm inclined to agree... This is by far the best fantasy work i've read since LOTR.

While we're talking about busted Amazon orders, let me complain about another one: I've been re-reading the Hellboy series since i read Seeds of Destruction for the first time last week and its gotten me thinking about Mignola again... so i picked up a book i'd never previously heard of: Zombieworld: Champion Of The Worms. Miggs wrote the book w/ accompanying art by a guy named Pat McEown, who's style is a bit too "saturday morning cartoons" for me. I wasn't feeling this book from the first few pages and i gave it to about halfway before i decided i wasn't even going to finish... Makes me realize just how much i appreciate Miggs ART as well as his writing for this genre.

This past week i had two comics in my pile that wouldn't exactly be classified as Eisner candidate works, but good times NTL: Kirkman's Irredeemable Ant-Man #1, and Boom Studios Savage Brothers #2. Neither of these books take themselves too seriously, and both were fun reads (for different reasons). I've pretty much avoided Kirkman's "mainstream" work (while gushing over Brit, TWD, Invincible, and Battle Pope) but here's to hoping Ant-Man is successful... whether i'm reading it or not (though the cliffhanger at the end of #1 will def have me buying at least one more issue). Savage Brothers is just good fun... two thoroughly redneck brothers trying to make a living in a post-apocolyptic Zombie world. Good characters, fun story and art. I'd recommend this mini to all Zombie fans (and plenty of others)... even though we're getting tagged for $3.99 an issue.

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2006-10-06T13:00:00.000-04:00

"7 Brothers" written by John Woo?

"300" Trailer

2006-10-05T14:45:00.000-04:00

You guys have GOT to check out the newly released trailer for the WB movie "300" (based on the near incredible graphic novel by Frank Miller which i reviewed a while back). Use my link to the apple site to check it out in HD glory (480p is plenty good enough).

PS - A bit on FA's move to Dark Horse...

2006-10-05T11:38:00.000-04:00

Straight from the... erm... Horse's mouth:

"FEAR AGENT" MOVES TO DARK HORSE, REMENDER EXPLAINS" (courtesty CBR)

Of interest: Sounds like FA will run in the "Hellboy" format (4-issue arcs each starting at #1) though Remender vaguely mentions that the "ongoing" will continue as well? Also, Tony Moore and Opena will rotate 4-issue arcs... and they want to keep the creative team stable (i can't think of a better 3 for this book anyways!).

Gems of the week: Criminal #1, Cross Bronx #2, Fear Agent #8

2006-10-05T11:05:00.000-04:00

Criminal #1 - Brubaker and Phillips are a comicdom dream team IMO and i've been looking forward to Criminal for months (since about the time Brubaker teased me with it in a reply to an email i sent him asking for more Sleeper). Here in #1, we're introduced to Leo, an expert pick pocket/professional thief w/ a troubled past and what appears to be an equally troubled present (and future?). Leo's not your typical comic book protagonist - it's pretty much impossible to classify him as a "good" or "bad" guy - but that's what makes him so interesting (ala Holden Carver in Sleeper, who happens to be one of the MOST interesting/engrossing comic book characters of all time IMO). Brubaker and Phillips have brought us a lead with a complicated personality (but not overly so) and equally complex motives. Throw in a life filled w/ "real world" problems (and a cohort of ex-mates looking to pull him into the heist of the century) and we have the makings for some hella entertaining stories as this title unfolds. UBER HYPE! A+.

Cross Bronx #2 - I read Cross Bronx #1 and #2 last night and i have to say i agree w/ Joe Quesada's sentiments on the cover of the second issue - this is def some of Oeming's best work outside of Powers. I'm pretty pissed to find out that this is only a 4-issue mini... please tell me that's just the first arc? I could have sworn CB was going to be an ongoing!!? Anyways... the first half of what we hope is the first arc of CB is kicking some major ass. The whole thing def has a Powers feel to it IMO but that's not in the least bit a bad thing... I'm taking a liking too our detective partners (esp after #2) and the storyline is sticking with me something fierce. I def plan on reading both of these again tonight even. Good stuff from one of my favorite writers/artists. A+.

Fear Agent #8 - What more can i say about FA? I friggin' LOVE this comic. I'm almost ashamed that i was doubting it for a few issues there (during the whole Moore -> Opena change). Here in #8 we get our first look at Heath and his life back in Tejas before its destruction, his wife and son (and very cool Sam Elliot-esque father), and eventually a tantalizing shot of Mara's money-maker. The more of Jerome Opena's work i see the more i like... This guy has this book wrapped around his little finger and though it may seem blasphemous - he may be doing an even better job with it than Tony Moore (there was a time i would have deemed that impossible). I can only hope they keep this creative team on this book long after it moves to Dark Horse (or is that just a rumor??? Do we expect it to effect the book at all?). I'm def hype for #9 and beyond as Heath and Mara head down to a destroyed Earth to investigate (and ultimately beat some ass i'm sure). Comic book sci-fi at its very best. A+.

-----------------------------

Man i must be in one hell of a good mood with my return... Three A+'s in one week? You got to be kidding right?? Love it.

PS - Let me know what you guys read this week and what you thought!!!!

Hellboy Vol. 1: Seeds of Destruction

2006-10-04T16:18:00.000-04:00

I've been a huge Hellboy fan for a long, long time now but for some reason i had never read Miggs first volume, Seeds of Destruction. Long ago when i picked up my first HB trade, I ordered Wake the Devil (Vol. 2) and ran through the series from there... though now i can't remember why. Funny how sitting down with the first volume last night and powering through it put a LOT of missing pieces into place... Kind of cool though, it reminded me of the way writers often purposely save the "origin" story for later in the series. Great TP though (equally as good if not better than the 4 subsequent collections IMO). A+ across the board for HB, one of my all time fav characters/series.

PS - Is anyone as hype as i am for Mignola's animated Hellboy project(s)? Premiering Oct. 28 @ 9:30 on Cartoon Network.

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2006-10-03T16:58:00.000-04:00

10.4 Shopping List

2006-10-03T08:36:00.000-04:00

Cleaned out a months worth of flops from my LCS box last weekend and i'll be heading back tomorrow because i can't resist Cross Bronx #2, Criminal #1, or a new FA. Man i have a lot to read before i get caught back up...

WINTER MEN #5 (OF 8) - Wait is this actually a new issue of Winter Men or just a restocking? I had (have?) given up in this title for dead... though i was def enjoying it at one point.
CROSS BRONX #2 (MR) - Yes sir. #1 was spot on what i expected from Oeming and i'm extra hype for #2 this week.
FEAR AGENT #8 - Pull list. BFF.
CRIMINAL #1 (MR) - Damn a new Cross Bronx AND the first issue of Brubaker and SPs new crime drama are both coming out this week? Be still my beating heart.
GIANT SIZE WOLVERINE #1 - Who's involved w/ this? Should i pick it up?
IRREDEEMABLE ANT-MAN #1 - I'm a Kirkman dork so i at least have to check this out though i'm not usually a fan of his mainstream work (LOVE Brit, TWD, and Invincible but not so hype about Team Up and/or UXM).

And, as if from nowhere, he (re)appeared.

2006-10-02T15:53:00.000-04:00

My oh my. Sorry to have left you guys hanging for so damn long but a little something came up that had me out of the country for a while. I'm just getting settled back in so it may be a week or so before i get regular with the posts again around here but that is the plan my friends. i've got a MASSIVE pile of comics to catch up on so bear with me while i'm behind (and/or help me fill in the blanks). I recently got a hold of the under-rated yet cats-ass Surrogates TP (though i have the flops already... i know, i know, but this TP really does kick ass!) and BKV's Pride of Baghdad, which is chalk full of political innuendo and really got to me with its well-written story and GORGEOUS artwork. Both of these are great "thinking" books. A++.

While you're waiting for me to get my shit together again... have a read of Erik Larsen's latest CBR column (which just so happens to sum up my thoughts on/love for TPs, HCs, and other collections quite nicely).

PS - I totally understand if readership around here is back to about 1, 2, or 3 (counting myself). No worries, i accepted writing this damn blog primarily to hear myself talk eons ago!! Regardless, welcome back me, and whoever's still with me ;)

Finally!

2006-08-31T14:59:00.000-04:00

Finally got to the LCS today after a few weeks of uber-busy and cleared my box... here's what i picked up:

Savage Brothers #1, Fear Agent #7, Fell #6, DMZ #10, DD #88, Ultimates Annual #2, Wolvie #45, All-Star Supes #5, Loveless #10, UFF #33, and TWD #30.

I'm sure there's some stuff i forgot but...

8.23 Shopping List

2006-08-24T17:08:00.000-04:00

Not sure if this is worth posting so late in the week but shit i wrote it so might as well hit "publish" right? Am i missing anything you guys are hype about?

ABSOLUTE DARK KNIGHT HC - I won't be getting this this week, but hope to get a hold of it someday (it's chillin' on my Amazon wish list). Thanks (all) for talking to me about it a while back...
BATMAN AND THE MAD MONK #1 (OF 6) - Isn't this by the same team that brought us Batman and the Monster Men (which i enjoyed)?
DMZ #10 (MR) - There was a rumble that this came out last week and i was salty i missed it... but here it is. Can't wait.
FEAR AGENT #7 - I'd happily head to the LCS for DMZ and Fear Agent alone. Hype.
DAREDEVIL #88 - Oh yeah and a new DD. Not many comics this week but some GOOD ones. Interested to get deeper into Bru's second arc.
ETERNALS #3 (OF 6) - We're getting our money's worth w/ Eternals so far... The issues are jam-packed w/ story (and some solid JRJ artwork).

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2006-08-24T17:02:00.000-04:00

I've been in training all week at work (wall to wall) so posts have been light and i haven't been able to make the LCS this week yet... hopefully tomorrow. In the meantime enjoy this panel... Anyone else pick up the first issue of Dusty Star a while back? I dug it. Excellent writing and artwork... this western (if you can call it that?) has potential IMO.

8.20 Panel

2006-08-20T18:48:00.000-04:00

Flop thoughts...

2006-08-20T10:07:00.000-04:00

Wasteland #2 - As is typical w/ #2's, we learn a LOT more about this comic (and what it's going to be) in this issue. To be honest, i'm feeling more comfortable with it now than i was last issue, and can see myself getting well into Wasteland. B+.

As an added bonus i enjoyed the heck out of the 6 or 7 page preview for Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt's "Damned" (new from Oni sometime soon). The main character, Eddie, seems solid in limited action; he's apparently a hardass who routinely avoids death through powers or luck (not sure which?) and has gotten himself into a bit of a bind over a "skirt". It's always about a damn woman... man broads are nothing but trouble! Anyways... Damned appears to be set in the 30's (think Al Capone gangsters w/ tommy guns and Humphrey Bogart) but w/ a twist: Demons. Wait, wha?? Wild i know... but somehow it seems like it will work. I'll def be picking this one up...

Rex Mundi #1 - I've been hearing about Rex Mundi for so long i couldn't help myself picking up the new Dark Horse #1 (plus i'm in the middle of Jenkins and Ramos' Revelations trade so i've got religious DaVinci Code-esque conspiracy stories on the brain). Interesting. Special thanks to Nelson and DH for including the "story so far" (detailing previous arcs and issues) and character bio's sections at the back. TBD.

Ultimate Fantastic Four Annual #2 - This annual is really (really) well put together IMO. Carey's Mole Man story actually added depth and interest to a character i've typically avoided like the plague (Dr. Molekevic), and does it with a great dose of toungue-in-cheek humor. For some reason Carey's telling of Molekevic's background reminds me of Eric Powell (and that's a good thing). Ok so Carey's writing came to play but that's not all this annual has going for it: Immonen's art is well... fantastic (sorry). After first being introduced to him on Nextwave, and now seeing him draw mainline characters here in the UFF annual, i'm starting to think of this guy as one of my favs. A+.

Ultimate Fantastic Four #32 - I jumped on to UFF about 6 mo's ago and have enjoyed the heck out of Millar and Land's (and whoever does the awesome inking/coloring) work. Pissed i was to learn that their run is over with this issue and Mike Carey and Pasqual Ferry are taking over w/ #33. Not to crap on either of these new dudes (esp since i enjoyed the heck out of Carey's work on the 2nd UFF annual and am unfamiliar w/ Ferry), it's just that i'm not that big a UFF fan to begin with and it was the writing and artwork that got me onto (and kept me with) this title in the first place... Not that i won't give the new guys a chance (i will now that i'm hooked)... just expressing disappointment i didn't get w/ UFF sooner. This arc does wrap nicely though... even if Doom sacrificing himself so he gets credit for saving the world (and Reed doesn't) is a little far fetched unless you exaggerate VanDamme's classic motivations a bit. B+.

Casanova #3 - Love this book even if it confuses the hell out of me at times. I'm def not one for "dumbing down" the scene transitions in comics but a small narration box w/ "timeline 909, 2 days ago" or something would be nice now and again... Sometimes it's hard to get your bearings when you turn the page on a scene (though adding the beard to one timeline's Cass and leaving the other whisker-less helped a TON)... though there's always the distinct possibility that i'm just an idiot. I think i've got it all straight but would anyone (ryan?) mind giving me a paragraph synopsis of what's been going down in Casanova so far so we can compare notes? B+.

PS - Instead of letters pages, Fraction has been writing free form letters to his readers (much like in the "other" $1.99 Fell) detailing how he gets the inspiration for his characters, settings, and plots, and letting us get to know him (on some level at least). Thoroughly enjoyable read after you've finished the actual comic, and hella good value-add IMO. If only more creators should did this.

Nextwave #7

2006-08-19T10:05:00.000-04:00

Now THIS is the Nextwave we're accustomed to. #7 is a great (great) issue IMO and is packed w/ memorable moments. Ellis and Immonen introduce us to a new villain, Rorkannu, Lord of the Dank Dimension (wink to Dormammu who i've always appreciated). I've got my fingers crossed we see more of this guy; his joy over closing a deal w/ the Beyond Corp to supply Dank Dimension battle drones for $100 had me laughing out loud and reminiscing about Dr. Evil's "One meeeeeeellion dollaars".

Throw in a page and a half of my fav Nextwave character (The Captain) bitching about how he arrived at his superhero handle (considering every name w/ "Captain" in it is already taken), some quickly-becoming-classic NW action scenes and an uber cool Reservoir Dogs closing panel, and you've got one of my absolute fav Nextwave issues to date (and that's saying something). After reading this and the new UFF Annual (#2), I gotta say Immonen is becoming a fav artist of mine... A+.

I just love this panel for some reason so here's a bonus:

Volume 1 of the Sandman Absolute Editions HC appears on Amazon

2006-08-18T10:45:00.000-04:00

Bored and work and surfing through my Amazon recommendations... noticed that the first Volume of the Absolute Sandman we've been pining for is now listed with a Nov. 1 release date. This may be old news to some but the first i've heard of a hard date w/ details. Here's the Amazon description:

THE SANDMAN, written by New York Times bestselling author Neil Gaiman, was the most acclaimed comic book title of the 1990s. A rich blend of modern myth and dark fantasy in which contemporary fiction, historical drama and legend are seamlessly interwoven, THE SANDMAN is also widely considered one of the most original and artistically ambitious series of the modern age. By the time it concluded in 1996, it had made significant contributions to the artistic maturity of comic books and become a pop culture phenomenon in its own right.
Now, DC Comics is proud to present this comics classic in an all-new Absolute Edition format. The first of four beautifully designed slipcased volumes, THE ABSOLUTE SANDMAN VOL. 1 collects issues 1-20 of The Sandman and features completely new coloring, approved by the author, on the first 18 issues, as well as a host of never-before-seen extra material, including the complete original Sandman Proposal, a gallery of character designs from Gaiman and the artists who originated the look of the Sandman, and the original script to the World Fantasy Award-winning THE SANDMAN #19, "A Midsummer Night’s Dream," together with reproductions of the issue’s original pencils by Charles Vess. Also included are a new introduction by DC’s president Paul Levitz and a new afterword by Gaiman.

I for one am hype.

8.18 Panel

2006-08-18T09:15:00.000-04:00

Man this dude from The Boys reminds me so much of Shaun from Shaun of the Dead (great, great movie BTW). This is a hilarious set of panels IMO:

The Boys #1

2006-08-17T11:55:00.000-04:00

Anyone else read the first issue of Ennis' The Boys? I'm not sure what i feel about it... I read through it twice and kind of left it with a bit of a "meh" feeling... though i do think this is one of those comics that will take me several issues to like or dislike. Hard to imagine out man Ennis totally shitting the bed so i still have hopes... and damn, i haven't seen Robertson's art since i read the first 3 Preacher trades last year... Why did i stop reading Preacher again? Hmmm... Maybe i need to pick up Vol. 4.

8.16 Shopping List

2006-08-15T18:37:00.000-04:00

Damn i feel like i haven't read any comics in ages (though it's truthfully only been about a week). I guess that shows what kind of tear i've been on the past year... Before i left for St. Croix i did read the Silent Dragon TP i picked up from Amazon a couple weeks ago and man i had almost forgotten just how much i enjoyed that story... and shit Liu's art is PHENOMENAL throughout that book... which gets me thinking: what the hell happened to Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk? That mini was the cats ass through 2 issues then just kind of disappeared.

Also - I ordered Earthboy Jacobus yesterday after enjoying the heck out of TenNapel's Iron West (via Amazon Prime - thanks X) so i'm hoping to have that on my nightstand tomorrow-ish...

Still working my way through the first Concrete book too (enjoying it though it's far different than something i'd typically enjoy) and finished the latest John Rain text-only book by Barry Eisler (The Last Assassin). I highly recommend that to most anyone who reads this blog and enjoys books like Q&C, Sleeper, etc. Check it out at Amazon (the series).

Whew... so having said all that what's on the shelves this week?

I'm buying...

CONAN #31 (MR) - Pull list. Wrapping up Mignola's arc...
BOYS #1 (MR) - "Written by Garth Ennis; Art and covers by Darick Robertson; Edited by Ben Abernathy

Garth Ennis (Preacher) and Darick Robertson (Transmetropolitan), co-creators of two of the most thought-provoking comics of the last decade, introduce their first original collaboration for a new monthly series: THE BOYS — a dark, twisted look at super powers, super-people, and the men and women who make sure the world's "heroes" never go too far.

With a quarter-million super-powered beings in the world, someone's got to watch what's going on beneath all those masks and capes. In a U.S.A. uncomfortably like our own, that task falls to The Boys, a government-funded group of operatives dedicated to keeping the "supes" in line."

CASANOVA #3 (MR) - #2 was that much better than #1. I'm pretty stoked for #3.
GHOST RIDER #2 - #1 wasn't Ennis and Crane but i enjoyed it... still not sure about this title long term but i'll at least be reading this second issue.
NEXTWAVE AGENTS OF HATE #7 - Man i used to get so hype when a new issue of Nextwave dropped... I'm still a big fan don't get me wrong... it's just that #5 (somewhat) #6 were dips for me in an otherwise stellar action comedy title.
WASTELAND #2 (MR) - I reviewed #1 back when... The art in Wasteland kicks ass but the writing was sub-par IMO. Here's to hoping our man was just getting warmed up.

As promised... The O'Doul's swilling swine of St. Croix

2006-08-14T14:30:00.000-04:00

Dude this massive animal roams around the several acres of rain forest owned by a couple who run a (very cool BTW) little bar and restaurant in St. Croix. If you're lucky enough to come across him (we caught him at feeding time in his pen) and have an O'Doul's on hand, you can shake it up and toss it in his mouth. He'll crush open the can, drain the beer, and spit out the flattened tin remains at your feet. Wild.

And here's your first look at me (there on the left):

I'm baaaaack....

2006-08-13T10:59:00.000-04:00

Just got back last night from a week-long jaunt to St. Croix w/ wifey (visiting my Uncle and friends). Man is that place the cat's ass. Great sun, beaches, diving, and just island life in general... Finally got to check out the Cruzan Rum distillery and the beer drinking hogs (unrelated but nearby) this time around. Picked up some crucial single barrel rum at the distillery (at an unbelievable discount) and a couple bottles of the best hot sauce in the world at this little shack restaraunt/bar up in the rain forest... man is that shit HOT (yet quite delicious).

PS - for shit's and giggles i'm going to post a pic of the beer drinking pigs as a day panel sometime this week (whenever i can get them off my camera). you guys just gotta see this. oh and yeah... it's O'doul's ;)

Queen & Country Vol. 4: Operation Blackwall (very briefly)

2006-08-06T20:50:00.000-04:00

Finished Q&C 4 this afternoon relaxin' on my new patio and unfortunately Operation Blackwall is my least favorite arc so far, which is a disappointment considering how much i enjoyed vol. 3 (Operation Crystal Ball). Rucka's story is interesting enough (though fairly far removed from the international intrigue/spy theme that's attracted me to this title), but i couldn't get behind the artwork. The now infamous (to me at least) Q&C penciler carousel stops this time on a guy named J. Alexander, who's style just doesn't do it for me, or this book IMO. Ugh.

Oh well, at least Rucka has yet to disappoint... which actually brings me to the question that got me motivated to drop this post: How are Rucka's novels? They're pimped in each of these trades and i was just wondering if anyone's read them? Did he start w/ comics or text-only?

Iron West

2006-08-06T09:49:00.000-04:00

Finally got around to reading Doug TenNapel's original GN Iron West a few nights ago (and again last night) and i gotta say i had a great time with it. This book is at the same time humerous, charmingly odd, action-packed, and classic spaghetti western.

TenNapel's art is almost as fun to look at as his outlandish story is to read and i'm seriously impressed that he was able to include an army of robot cowboys (controlled by a mysterious UFO), a charming wrinkled old Indian shaman, Sasquatch, the Lochness Monster, and a giant steam engine locomotive transformer into a cohesive, fun story that isn't... well... stupid.

The Iron West plot is at the same time simple and complex; we've got the story of an old west (1860's?) outlaw and unlikely hero named "Stroke" who, in and attempt to dodge a rabid bounty hunter, stumbles across a gang of robot cowboys (yeah) hijacking a runaway locomotive. Stroke is plugged in the gut during the broo-ha-ha (sp?) and subsequently knocked unconscious when he jumps from the train to escape. Stroke awakens some time later, in the company of a wrinkled old Indian Shaman and his would-be muscle (who just happens to be a/the Sasquatch). The Shaman magically heals Stroke's wounds and tells him the story of the robot cowboys and their plot to take over the nearby town (and ultimately the world??)...

I won't get much further into this because i'm going to recommend that you read the book (hey it's less than $10 at Amazon for a nice thick trade), especially if you like westerns OR sci-fi. Hell, if you like BOTH westerns AND sci-fi i'll even go so far as to call this a must read. The cast of characters is just about as memorable as any i've read in a long, long time (from the unwitting hero Stroke, who's only real concern is rescuing his "lady of the evening" love interest, to the toothless Indian Shaman and his Sasquatch sidekick, a no-necked bounty hunter named Strauss, and a/the Lochness Monster), the story fun, and the art fantastic sketch B&W.

I had a VERY good time w/ this book (in the end it's best summed up as a "fun" read) and will most certainly be reading it again before i shelve it. A+.

8.5 Panel

2006-08-05T09:37:00.000-04:00

I have such a man-crush on Brubaker that there's little doubt i will enjoy his upcoming Immortal Iron Fist ongoing (though he is co-writing w/ Matt Fraction... who i'm digging on Casanova at the moment). I've always though Iron Fist was an uber-cool character and Fraction sums it up for me in his and Bru's Newsarama interview from WW Chicago:

"For me, I love the legacy, and I love Kung Fu style action. I love the character's kinda-sleazy exploitation roots. I love the strange air of K''un L'un and the Daughters of the Dragon, Luke and everything else about Danny's character in the modern world.

"And it's the best tattoo in comics."

Amen brother. Looking hella forward to this...

"...we're going to have the best Kung Fu this side of a good Jet Li film, and we're going to have mysteries and conspiracies and the odd mystical conspiracy mystery with ninjas and stuff..."

8.4 Panel

2006-08-04T08:48:00.000-04:00

Detective Deena Pilgrim is far and away one of the most interesting characters in comics (and this cover captures her pretty well IMO):

That aside, here's the panel of the day:

8.2 Panel

2006-08-02T17:23:00.000-04:00

I'm really, really digging on Fear Agent lately... Good stuff:

Plus a bonus (one of 2 great pin ups in the back of FA #6, this one by Michael Cho):

8.2 Shopping List

2006-08-01T08:23:00.000-04:00

Nothing too, too exciting this week but i'm feeling a bit anticipatory since i won't be able to get books next week (will be on vaca). I just finished reading Queen & Country Vol. 3 (Op Crystal Ball) as you guys prob know, and i'm about halfway through the 10th Usagi trade and the first Concrete book (which i'm enjoying BTW and will review).

As a side note: I dropped an order on Amazon for the recently released Silent Dragon TP, Q&C Vol. 4, Iron West (Guy you did like this right?), and Jenkin' and Ramos' Revelations (all for my trip next week).

I'm buying...

BPRD UNIVERSAL MACHINE #5 (OF 5) - This one's just about in the books...
EX MACHINA #22 (MR) - Def seems like it's been a while since the last Ex Machina... could be my imagination though. Regardless i'm in (as always w/ this book).
EXTERMINATORS #8 (MR) - Pull list.
EMISSARY #2 - Jury's still out on this one but i did enjoy #1.
AGENTS OF ATLAS #1 (OF 6) - Been hearing about this for a looooooong time. Hope it's good.
MOON KNIGHT #4 - Pull list.
PUNISHER #36 (MR) - Man you'd think Punisher came out twice a month. Gotta love this book's release schedule.

Notable...

ABSOLUTE KINGDOM COME EDITION HC - I can't seem to stop reading about this... can anyone recommend?
MOUSE GUARD #4 (OF 6) - I still haven't got my hands on 1-3 but the way people rave on this i might as well start somewhere ;)

Next week...

CONAN & THE SONGS OF THE DEAD #2 (OF 5), CASANOVA #3 (MR), and EMISSARY #3.

8.1 Panel

2006-08-01T08:10:00.000-04:00

Damn it's August already??? At least that means my second trip to visit my uncle in St. Croix is coming up here in a week or so ;)

Queen & Country Vol. 3: Operation Crystal Ball

2006-07-31T10:02:00.000-04:00

Just finished reading Queen & Country Vol. 3 last night and def enjoyed it, although i can't help but feel that Greg Rucka's writing is being held back a bit by the artists they've thrown at the book so far (through the 3 volumes i've read). It's not that guys like Steve Rolston, Brian Hurtt, and Leandro Ferndandez can't draw (they def can), or that they don't shine in certain areas (there's a killer action sequence near the end of Operation Crystal Ball that won me over to Fernandez), i just wonder how Queen & Country could be w/ an a-list artist (i'd love to see Sean Philips draw this). And yes i know that the label "a-list artist" is extremely subjective :)

Regardless Q&C is a fun read, esp with the hooks into today's world climate (Al Queda, Iraq, terrorism, etc.). I'll def be picking up Vol. 4.

Ryan what do you think (or any other Q&C fans)?

7.31 Panel

2006-07-31T09:11:00.000-04:00

7.30 Panel

2006-07-30T09:21:00.000-04:00

Another issue of Loveless in the can and i still can't decide what i think about it. This book has so much unrealized potential it's almost ridiculous. Azarello needs to figure out a way to capture some of that 100 Bullets magic here in the post-civil war south.

Shotgun reviews from last week's flops...

2006-07-29T13:49:00.000-04:00

Daredevil #87 - Daredevil might just be the best Marvel book out at the moment... Certainly the best mainstream flop. This is one of the 3 or 4 comics on my pull list that consistently feels worth every penny of the $2.99 cover. Brubaker is fast solidifying himself as my favorite comics writer and has made DD a pleasure (this coming from a guy who never really appreciated the character before now). I can't write as much about this issue as i would like w/o spilling the beans (i'd hate to ruin a couple of things for you if you've somehow managed to keep your head in the sand since wed... though at least one of them is somewhat predictable), but i can tell you that DD escapes Rykers, confronts his mystery impersonator, and sets out to find out just who's behind Foggy's death. A.

PS - As an aside, Brubaker announces an "Iron Fist" mini (or at least it seems to be a mini and not an ongoing) at the end of a rather thoughtful letter in the back of this issue. Wait did that give something away?

Powers #19 - I can't say it enough: I friggin' LOVE this book. I know this particular issue will turn off some folks (let's just say it calls for the "suggested for mature audiences" label to appear bold and flashing on the cover and i'm sure somewhere a conservative politician or two are well irate), but for me it just proves (again) Bendis and Oeming's willingness to take this book ANYWHERE and EVERYWHERE.

Rated-R comics are like Rated-R movies to me... gritty, violent, sometimes sexual, and a hell of a lot more like "real" life. I mean cussing is what it is unless you're in church or around little kids you know? That's not to say there shouldn't be age restrictions on books... there def should be (just like for Rated-R movies). I sincerely hope that retailers across the world put this one on a "special shelf" out of the reach of anyone younger than about 30 (just kidding... sort of).

And you know what? After getting to know Bendis and Oeming a bit via their work, boards, and letters pages, i just get the feeling that Powers is the book they really WANT to be doing and all their mainstream stuff is for paying the bills. A.

PS - Deena Pilgrim may very well be the most interesting single character in all of comics right now (for me at least). Also: i'm very glad that Walker's new role as "Millennium Guradian" (at least i think that's the title) hasn't taken over the book. Special thanks to Bendis and Oeming for keeping that under control (adding to the book w/o overpowering what we've grown to love about it).

Wolverine #44 - Not a whole lot to say here (i did enjoy the issue) but i had to post and at least give an "atta boy" to Guggenheim for his work. This guy has Wolverine nailed IMO and writes more like a long-timer than a new-comer. Good stuff. B+.

Fear Agent #6 - Another great, great book. I was a little worried about it there in issues 3 and 4 but my fears turned out to be hella unfounded. I never thought i'd say this (though i've said it in a post before i think or i'm having deja vu) but Jerome Opena might just be better for this book, or at least as good as, Tony Moore. His pencils are kicking ass at the moment and a perfect compliment to Remender's witty, sci-fi action-packed scripts. Heath "the last Fear Agent" Huston is fast becoming one of my fav characters (across all my pulls) and, coupled w/ Godland, FA is satiating my sci-fi sweet tooth big time! A.

New "Thor" ongoing?

2006-07-28T20:10:00.000-04:00

I read in Wizard this afternoon that the Mighty Thor is finally getting his ongoing back... Seems that the creative team is already in place and intentionally being kept secret... hmmm.... Wiz asks the question "who do we want on the book?" and i've got to say i wouldn't mind Loeb and McGuinness... Or Oeming and Yu? Hell Oeming writing OR drawing is ok w/ me. Oeming and McGuinness?

What do you guys think?

Also - they dropped news to me that Thor made his grand re-appearance in Civil War #3. Since i'm boycotting all things Civil War (except Wolverine because of Ramos), can someone around here fill me in on what happened? where's he been? how'd they write him back? etc.?

Thanks ;)

7.27 Panel

2006-07-27T08:48:00.000-04:00

Image courtesy Newsarama. Oeming's Cross Bronx is going to be MONEY.

7.26 Shopping List

2006-07-25T20:43:00.000-04:00

Light week overall but i'll make the trip for Powers and Daredevil. Plus Godland's back after what seemed a very brief hiatus. I've got this strange feeling i missing out on something this week in particular... What are you guys getting that i'm sleeping on?

I'm buying...

LOVELESS #9 (MR) - It took a while for this title to swing me (i stuck w/ it in the early going primarily because it's seemingly the only ongoing western book around), but you know what? i'm actually starting to like it.
GODLAND #12 - Been a fun read since #1.
DAREDEVIL #87 - One of the best books out right now... period.
POWERS #19 (MR) - By now you know how i feel about Powers. Me lovie.

Next week...

BPRD UNIVERSAL MACHINE #5 (OF 5), USAGI YOJIMBO #95, EX MACHINA #22 (MR), EXTERMINATORS #8 (MR), EMISSARY #3, AGENTS OF ATLAS #1 (OF 6), MOON KNIGHT #4, and PUNISHER #36 (MR)

7.24 Panel

2006-07-24T21:29:00.000-04:00

I'm a bit disappointed with the middle issue of Mignola's Conan arc (after a promising start in #29). Just feels a bit lazy to me (there's not a lot of substance IMO); rushed maybe?

Xbox Live?

2006-07-24T17:41:00.000-04:00

I know we all dig mainly on comics around here but anyone have an Xbox 360 w/ live? I know Fossen does (we've yet to hook up w/ our different schedules) but anyone else? I've been logging hours w/ NCAA 07 (and a few other games i've rented from Gamefly like the awesome shoot-em-up Battlefield 2).

Honestly i don't get to play that often but would be nice to hook it up with a friend (even a virtual one) rather than play the computer... Let me know...

Clerks II

2006-07-24T17:20:00.000-04:00

To say I'm a fan of [earlier] Kevin Smith films is simply an understatement on planetary scales-- I love the absurd religious satire of Dogma; the the offbeat humour mixed with a genuinely moving and human romance of Chasing Amy; the irreverence of Mallrats. But, most of all, I will never grow tired of discontented monologues and randomness of Clerks. So, because of that, after a two year wait, I saw Clerks II on the first showing on opening day (due to having to work that night at, ironically enough, a video store), and I'm just going to tell you right away that this film was everything I hoped for and much much more.

The film picks up 11 years after the events of the first film, in which, the Quick Stop/RST Video have burned down. Having no real experience in life other than retail, our heroes Dante and Randal take employement at Mooby's (the fast food restaurant introduced in Dogma). Eight months after working there, we're shown Dante's last day on the job, as he is preparing to move to Florida with his controlling fiance (played by Kevin's wife) to manage one of her father's car washes. On this day, we're introduced to Dante & Randal's coworkers; Elias, a 19 year old sheltered, nerdy Christian Transformers fanatic. And their absolutely beautiful manager Becky (Rosario Dawson). We're also reintroduced to "The New And Improved Jay & Silent Bob" who, while still marijuana dealers, have found religion after spending six months in rehab.

On the surface, you really don't know what to expect with this film other than the rants/monologues that the characters would go on in the first film, which they do in this one as well, thankfully. However, this film has much, much more to it than that. As such, this film has much a much clearer direction, plot, and message than the first. It's really about the bonds people make with eachother-- friendships, love, hate, all of that jazz; and how people feel when those bonds are on the verge of breaking. Another message I believe that Kevin Smith is trying to send with this film is, if what you do in your life makes you happy, no matter how small it may seem, be happy with it. Don't yern for more simply because you think that's what you SHOULD do.

Seeing the characters in the other View Askew films, I never would have expected them to say things that would actually tug on my heart strings, but alas, they do. Randal in particular says many things to Dante in the film that identified with me so much that I swear, they nearly brought tears to my eyes. With that in mind, a huge amount of credit should go to Jeff Anderson, a man who had never showed interest in acting before, or after the original Clerks. Everything the man says in the film just sounds so genuine that, as with the first film, we can believe that this is a real person talking, not just some actor reading lines from a script.

Speaking of acting, Rasario Dawson is just wonderful in this film. I admit that I wasn't fond of her in Sin City, both as an actor, nor finding her attractive. But in this film, she's just absolutely beautiful, and she plays an amalgam of a spunky girl and a worn out from life woman perfectly. Her performance in this film is enough to make any man fall in love with her.

The film isn't all drama though, in fact, it's quite the opposite. There are plenty of laughs to be had, most of them from the exchanges between Randal and Elias. I think perhaps my biggest laugh was at one point in the film where Randal and Dante are arguing about why Dante hasn't done anything in his life, mentioning Dante dropping out of university. Randal says something to the fact that "We were studying Criminology! What the fuck are we going to do with that, be Batman!?"

I think the true triumph of the film is that it retains the spirit of Clerks, while adding the heart of Chasing Amy to the mix. You'll laugh your ass off, you'll want to cry your eyes out, and you'll even want to applaud at times. This is a film that is truely not to be missed.

7.23 Panel

2006-07-23T10:43:00.000-04:00

Are we getting our money's worth w/ Eternals or what? The first two issues have been substantial and felt packed w/ well more than $2.99 worth of story... Ellis AND JRJr. are pulling weight here IMO.

Really enjoying this so far...

Wasteland #1

2006-07-21T11:11:00.000-04:00

Let's cut to the chase here; I'll grade the first issue of Oni Press's new comic (Wasteland) as a B with a big 'ole asterisk (due heaping potential).

The entire thing kind of reminds me of TWD in a way... (maybe it's the B&W artwork or the post-apocolyptic setting?) and that's generally a good thing. I'm a big fan of books that attempt to explore what civilization would be like if the world were rebooted (whether by nuclear holocaust, alien invasion, natural disaster, zombie plague, etc.); but there's a problem: When writing a book like this it has to be VERY good (a la TWD) since these ideas have been hashed and re-hashed umpteen thousand times in just about every medium one can list.

Wasteland starts off plenty well; the opening pages introduce us to one of the main characters (an apparent nomad scavenger named Michael), as he's ambushed by a team of sub-human sand people (is this book set on tatooine??) called, rather unfortunately even as slang, "Sandies". Not sure if these guys are zombie's or what (it's made clear later in the issue that you don't want to get bitten by them, though Micheal does in this first fight). Michael himself appears to be cool enough (esp the way he's drawn), possibly even with some nifty telekenetic powers (the use of which give him nosebleeds) beyond an obvious knack for fisticuffs.

Ultimately, these first pages/panels really set a great tone for the book and had me super hype (which is certainly what you want from your #1)... Unfortunately things took a slight dip once the dialogue started (more on that later).

After his run-in with the Sandies, Mike discovers a mysterious letter (written in a strange tongue) accompanied by an even more mysterious recording device (the significance of either is yet to be revealed). He heads into a nearby town to trade for supplies and hooks up with the required damsel (though she's not in distress yet) before ultimately setting out to a town/city/place called "New Begin". The aforementioned damsel, Abi, also seems to have powers (healing) and gets the same nosebleeds as Michael when she uses them. The second half of this issue deals w/ the early stages of their trek, including an action-packed run-in w/ a second (and much larger) mob of Sandies.

Ok... back to the writing (see how i delivered on my "more on that later"?): It's not that it's all that bad really, just feels a bit immature. Johnston's dialogue is awkward at times (he uses the phrases "goat shit" and "son of a goat" so often it makes me wonder when he's going to explain why goats are so intrinsic to this world he's introducing us to!), creating an occasional conversation flow problem. Not a huge deal though, it's not exactly uncommon for the writing/dialogue of a first issue to stutter a bit while the creative team works out their characters. We're still cool.

The artwork on the other hand is some good, solid, well laid out B&W. I've never heard of the penciler (Chris Mitten) but i'm enjoying his work so far. As a matter of fact it's not out of line to say i'm REALLY liking it. Good stuff.

#2 is a definite (2-issue rule or not). If these guys can tighten up the dialogue/writing just a bit, this book has some great potential.

7.20 Panel

2006-07-20T11:11:00.000-04:00

7.19 Shopping List

2006-07-19T08:11:00.000-04:00

I've really been sucking on the posts lately (maybe it's the combination of the new pup and sports on xbox live w/ my mates?)... sorry guys. i'm currently reading Queen and Country Vol. 3 (these last 2 volumes hit home w/ all the Bin Laden and Al Queda refs), Concrete Vol. 1, and Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 2. I just finished Samurai Heaven and Earth, and my two second thoughts are thus: great (great) artwork, "meh" story.

I'm buying...

CONAN #30 (MR) - Didn't #29 just come out like last week? I love when a new flop gives me that feeling... let's me know it's well on time! Can't wait for this issue. This Mignola arc is going to be boss.
CASANOVA #2 (MR) - #1 was a bit of a disorganized shotgun blast but grabbed my attention none-the-less. Here's to hoping #2 settles down a bit and starts to realize the potential of this title. In.
ETERNALS #2 (OF 6) - Good work by Romita, Jr. and hell... it's cosmic!

Forgot these last week... (any i should ditch in hindsight?)

ESCAPISTS #1
HELLBOY JOURNAL
WASTELAND #1

Next week...

LOVELESS #9 (MR), DAREDEVIL #87, and POWERS #19 (MR)

7.16 Panel

2006-07-17T15:44:00.000-04:00

It's not Crane (or even well close) but...

7.16 Panel

2006-07-16T21:43:00.000-04:00

It's not the panel per se but the moment (in last week's DMZ):

More on last weeks flops...

2006-07-16T17:30:00.000-04:00

Been kind of wrapped up chasing around the new puppy the last couple days but finally got a moments peace to post some more thoughts on last week's flops...

Ares #5 (of 5) - Ugh. This thing started AND ended weak IMO. I was disappointed in the first issue after a long (long) anticipation but stuck w/ it, mostly due to the fact that i'm typically an Oeming junkie and willing to give anything he puts together fair shake. Initially i was thinking my 2-issue rule saved me once again, as #2, 3, and 4 were much better and seemingly set the stage for an ass-kicking finale but... in the end #5 pretty much blew. The climactic battle was a bit ho-hum for me and Oeming's dialogue took a nose dive there near the end w/ all the extra mushy father-son business between Ares and Alexander... Seemed kind of... kitchy (is that a word?). Feels almost like someone over at Marvel leaned on Oeming to clean Ares up there at the end and prep the character for integration into the mainstream MU (since we already know that's his future). C.

Talent #2 - Yes. Yes. Yes. Talent is doing it for me big time so far. Here in #2, it is revealed to Nicholas Dane in a dream that he was collectively chosen to survive the crash (see #1) by his fellow passengers in their final moments and imparted with each of their passion, despair, hopes, dreams, talents, and "unfinished business". Now how about that last bit as a price for your survival and newfound abilities? And as if that isn't story enough, Dane is being hunted by an as-of-yet unknown nefarious organization (lead by a mysterious religious? figure) with a high-level mole in the U.S. gov't and a pair of psychotic super-agent assassins. Golden is pulling no punches so far. Good, good stuff. A.

Ghost Rider #1 - Not sure how i feel about this yet. Through 3 quarters of this first issue i was sure i was out for it but something happened there at the end to pique my interest (nice little twist even if it was a bit predictable). The writing isn't Ennis and the art isn't Crane, but there's at least *some* promise. I'll be picking up #2 at least. B.

DMZ #9 - I friggin' love this book. Def one of my most anticipated reads and certainly one of the top 10 books out right now IMO. I've said it 10x before but i'll say it again... DMZ is getting better and better so if you've slept so far, get on it. Here's to hoping for a long life. PS - How cool is Wilson as a character? A.

7.15 Panel

2006-07-15T08:30:00.000-04:00

I'm not usually such a softy but my wife and i got a new pup yesterday... and guess what? he already loves comics! he all but shredded my latest copy of punisher while i was taking a piss break last night ;)

Mignola's new Sci-Fi channel cartoon...

2006-07-14T17:23:00.000-04:00

I'm such a Mignola whore that there's no doubt i'm in for this... there's a pilot episode is available for our viewing pleasure... what do you guys think? (i've yet to get the 23 mins to watch it but will soon and post my thoughts...)

7.14 Panel

2006-07-14T09:43:00.000-04:00

I forgot to mention that the "Governor"'s daughter is a zombie and that he collects heads in old fish tanks. the fun never ends with this guy!

The Goon #18 and TWD #29

2006-07-13T10:25:00.000-04:00

The Goon #18 - I knew i was going to dig this issue the second i saw the cover; I love me some once-a-horn-toad Lagarto Hombre (who doesn't?). With Dr. Alloy in prison and unable to feed him his "pills", Lagarto has lost his mind and is rampaging through the countryside mutilating livestock (a la Chupacabras for those who are familiar). Meanwhile, Goon and Frankie are trying to figure out what manner of new undead the priest has conjured up and helping rebuild Norton's (which unceremoniously burned down last issue).

PS - Powell's story is pretty short in this issue, but there's a very good (IMO) story by Mike Hawthorne included as a bonus. Hawthorne's artwork here reminds me SO MUCH of Pope's Batman Year 100 it's eerie (cool though)...

PPS - Powell writes a pretty funny "Note to the Readers" here regarding the Goon issue that never was (or has yet to be?) called "Satan's Sodomy Baby". I'm not 100% sure if he's honestly telling us that he felt bad about putting out the Satan's Sodomy Baby story (or got pressure not to due to it's mature audience only-ness) or just teeing up jokes but it's hilarious none-the-less. Throughout #18, Frankie is spotted reading a copy of the Satan's Sodomy Baby Goon issue and commenting on just how out there and deviant it is... funny, funny stuff.

PPPS - Powell is taking a 3-issue break from The Goon in order to finish his much anticipated Goon Chinatown GN which promises major revelations from Goon's past. Can't wait for that one. In the meantime we're getting the very cool sounding "Goon Noir" 3-issue mini with a plethora of guest writers and artists... hype!

The Walking Dead #29 - Man RK is really going balls to the wall w/ the last few issues. Rick, Glenn, and Michonne are being held prisoner by one of the most psychotic characters i've read in comics, a guy called simply "the Governor". This guy has chopped off Rick's hand, brutally raped and beaten Michonne (repeatedly) and evidently mind-fucked Glenn into revealing details about the prison where the rest of our merry TWD cast is hanging out unawares. Luckily the good Doctor who has been treating Rick's severed hand seems to be fed up with the 'ole Gov and most assuredly plays a big part in the trio's escape in upcoming issues (as well as providing us info about this "Woodbury" settlement's history and present).

As usual there is a ton of good stuff in the TWD letters pages, including RK's hope to take both TWD and Invincible to #100 (and beyond) and an admission that the new settlement (Woodbury) is exceptional in size and full of new character possibilities! exciting stuff... can't wait for #30. B+.

7.12 Panel

2006-07-12T16:03:00.000-04:00

7.12 Shopping List

2006-07-11T13:59:00.000-04:00

Been so friggin' busy the past week or so w/ my granddad and cousin in town for garpa's 90th birthday (neither has ever been to the east coast). Didn't even get a chance to grab my books last week so should have an overflowing box tomorrow...

I'm buying...

ESCAPISTS #1 (OF 6) - In.
HELLBOY JOURNAL (O/A) - What is this? I'm usually pre-in for anything HB.
DMZ #9 (MR) - Pull list. Getting better and better each issue.
EXTERMINATORS #7 (MR) - Pull list.
IRON WEST GN - In Image's own words: Preston Struck is an incompetent outlaw with a heart of fool’s gold. He discovers an army of metal men bent on destroying central California. While Struck avoids any form of heroism, he gets a little help from a magical old shaman and his sidekick Sasquatch. Struck is going to need all the help he can get because he’s deputized just as the mechanical men have take over the railroad and are mutating the train into a giant demonic iron monster.
WALKING DEAD #29 (MR) - Pull list.
GHOST RIDER #1 - Hope this lives up Ennis and Crane's 05 mini.

Next week...

CONAN #30 (MR), SILENT DRAGON TP, ETERNALS #2 (OF 6)

7.10 Panel

2006-07-10T12:10:00.000-04:00

7.5 Panel

2006-07-05T17:31:00.000-04:00

7.5 Shopping List

2006-07-05T17:28:00.000-04:00

Interesting... I was all prepared for this week to be one of those where books drop on thursday (due the holiday) but seems that may only apply to monday holidays? Hey i'm not complaining...

I'm buying...

BPRD UNIVERSAL MACHINE #4 (OF 5) - I *should* wait for the TP on this but i'm enjoying it so...
CONAN & THE SONGS OF THE DEAD #1 (OF 5) - Haven't heard anything about this but i'm a dork for Conan so...
DARK HORSE TWENTY YEARS - Love me some DH.
GOON #18 - Feels like we're long overdue for this issue but it's funny how a release of a great title can make you forget just how long it took...
ARES #5 (OF 5) - In.
INCREDIBLE HULK #96 - On again, off again. This one will be a game time decision.
PUNISHER #35 (MR) - Pull list.
THING #8 - Maybe... I really do enjoy this comic but i'm trying to trim the fat a bit with my pulls. sacrifices are beat but have to be made.

Notable...

BPRD THE BLACK FLAME TP - I read the first issue of this (or first 2?) and was digging on it for sure... decided to trade wait and the time has come.
SAMURAI JACK AND SCOTSMAN STATUE - I don't collect statues (or really see the point) but if i DID, i'd buy this. Well maybe not at this price but... you get what i'm saying ;)
Y THE LAST MAN #47 (MR) - I was reading this by the trades and stopped around #4 or 5... should i have kept going??
BEYOND #1 (OF 6) - I can't remember why this title is sticking in my head... something about the title "Beyond" just seems cool though. I'll have to check it out.

Notable next week...

ESCAPISTS #1 (OF 6), and GHOST RIDER #1

7.4 Panel

2006-07-04T10:53:00.000-04:00

Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 1: The Assassin's Road and Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance (DVD)

2006-07-02T10:09:00.000-04:00

Considering my love for Samurai movies, it's a surprise it took reading The Assassin's Road to get me to finally put LW&C: Sword of Vengeance (the first in a series of highly rated DVDs) into my Netflix queue. I'd heard about the films long before i was even reading comics again (the series pops up on most all "best samurai fliks" lists like this one by Sailor J) or even recognized that they were based on an acclaimed series of manga GNs by Kasuo Koike and Goseki Kojima.

I've got some thoughts about both the GN and the film, both of which i enjoyed (and hooked me for the respective #2's):

Lone Wolf and Cub is essentially the story of a Samurai named Ogami Itto his toddler son Daigoro. Itto serves Japan's Shogun (who handled day-to-day and military affairs for the Emperor back feudal Japan) officially as Kogi Kaishakunin, or highest ranking executioner. The Kogi Kaishakunin's primary responsibility is to aid those Daimyo's (lords or land owners) ordered by the Shogunate to commit seppuku (ritual suicide) by acting as their "second" and taking off their head after they've disemboweled themselves.

One fateful day (shortly after the birth of their only son Daigoro), Itto's wife and servants are murdered by a group of assassin's seeking revenge for the death of their Daimyo, who Itto has recently served second to in his role as the Shogun's executioner. Unbeknownst to him, Itto's wife's assassination is part of a rival (Yagyu) clan's plot to frame him for crimes against the Shogun and usurp his position as Kogi Kaishakunin.

Disgraced, dishonored, and on the lam, Itto gathers up his son Daigoro (who amazingly survived the assassins who killed his mother) and sets off with a vow to destroy the Yagyu clan, revenging his wife's death and clearing his name. Father and son form an "assassin(s) for hire" tandem (complete with now famous wooden wheeled baby carriage) and set off on a long series of adventures.

More at wikepedia ;)

Ok now that we've got the story down, what did i think of the GN and DVD?

The GN is well paced and entertaining w/ great B&W artwork. As w/ all manga, there's some stuff in here that's hard to relate to/understand unless you're Japanese, but never enough to really disappoint or derail/stall the story (though a couple trips to Wikepedia helped me appreciate certain parts of the story even more). In the end it's suprising how well LW&C has translated and I still can't believe there are 28 (?) of these GNs in the series. Lots of good LW&C reading in my future it seems.

The film compliments the GN nicely (approaching the beginning of the same story from a different angle) and sports some seriously cool "bad ass" moments for Ogami Itto. The film actually does a great job summarizing the story (a lot fell in to place watching the film that i missed or hadn't gotten to yet in the GN). The lead actor, a guy named Tomisaburo Wakayama (veteran beast actor of asian cinema), does a great job as Itto, though he's considerably older than he appears in the GNs IMO.

The directing kicks ass IMO; I found myself grinning at the "coolness factor" of this movie on more than one occasion (don't forget i'm a huge Kung Fu/Samurai/etc. fan). Keep in mind though that this was released back in the 70s and so has that very "old kung fu" style to it, complete w/ subtitles and oft hilarious "spraying blood" and chopped limbs. Works though. Well.

Overall i give both the GN and the film B+'s. After just reading the first GN and watching the first DVD in the series, I can already spot the influence LW&C has had (from Usagi Yojimbo to Wu Tang Clan) I'm looking forward to reading (and watching) a lot more LW&C. Cheers.

PS - I appreciate that the LW&C GN's only cost about $7 on instocktrades.com ($8-ish elsewhere) but man who was behind Dark Horse's idea to print them so damn small?? It's pretty cool that they're pocketable but i think digest size (like the Usagi Yojimbo books for example) would have worked better... it's generally uncomfortable to read the print (esp late at night when eyes are already tired and/or light is at a premium) and slows down the experience - not to mention you have to bend the book near flat to read talking/thought bubbles in the crease.

PPS - Sorry i couldn't sprinkle in some scanned panels but these books are too small and unwieldy to scan really w/o destroying (and even then i'm not sure the quality i'd get).

7.1 Panel

2006-07-01T12:39:00.000-04:00

6.30 Panel

2006-06-30T19:44:00.000-04:00

Image courtesy of fellow comics blogger (and virtual pal) Sean Maher. I love this cover Sean so had to crib it for a panel 'o the day.

This week's flops...

2006-06-30T12:15:00.000-04:00

NEXT WAVE #6 - Maybe i wasn't in the mood for it when i read this issue but i was a bit disappointed. Next Wave has quickly become one of my most anticipated titles and this month's flop didn't live up to the previous 5 IMO. The artwork was there (Immonen is a beast) but Ellis seemed to fly off the deep end here (where previously i thought there was a perfect balance between the funny and the insane). Still love me some tick-tick-tick-BOOM and "The Captain" tho ;) C.

THE LEADING MAN #1 - Move along folks... nothing to see here... It's not that this comic was all that bad really, just kind of... "so what"? The idea that an international spy/hitman doubles as the world's most famous actor seemed like a good idea at first, but turned out to have a kind of "been there, done that" feel in the end. D.

---------------------------

Ok, ok not to fret... they get better:

WOLVERINE #43 - Even if he gets a bit carried away with it now and again (esp in some of the dialogue), i really think Guggenheim has got the intent/spirit of the Logan/Wolverine character nailed. I'm a big fan of Ramos as you guys know and i think his work here is excellent overall (though his proportions are hit-or-miss sometimes). Overall i'm having a great time w/ this new creative team and hope they give it a good go (post Civil War)... IMO this is the best Wolverine work in some time (outside of a few kick-ass one-shots, the ongoing has been a repeated disappointment to me since i've been back). B+.

INVINCIBLE #33 - Angstrom Levy (a great villain IMO) is back and has taken Mark's mother and newfound little brother hostage. Using his unique powers, Levy flips Invincible through some unique dimensions (prompting ear-to-ear grinning cameos from Doc Oc, Batman, and what appears to be the flesh-eating stars of Kirkman's TWD) in an attempt to tire him out and even the odds pre climactic mano e mano fisticuffs. Invincible weathers the challenges of each dimension in turn, eventually catching up with Levy and giving him one hell of a beat down (the likes of which we Invincible fans have come to love from Ryan Ottley). HIs powers are not the ONLY thing Mark inherited from his alien father that's for sure (also his temper). The cliffhanger in this issue proves once again that Kirkman is more than willing to press the envelope with Invincible (and TWD), often taking this comic where i wish more would go... A.

DAREDEVIL #86 - Man oh man Brubaker is kicking ass and taking names w/ Daredevil. I think i've read every issue he's put to paper so far at least 3x. There is so much packed into each of these DD flops that $2.99 almost seems like a steal. Here in #33 a strategically planned prison riot "jumps off" at Rykers, and, after fighting side-by-side w/ Kingpin (and ultimately Bullseye) to hold off a few waves of blood-thirsty convicts aimed on killing them, DD catches up w/ Mr. Frank Castle to mount an escape amid the chaos (stay tuned to next month). Can't say it enough... this book is WELL written (drawn and colored). Good, good stuff. A.

MOON KNIGHT #3 - I don't know what it is exactly about Moon Knight that's got me so far but i'm def enjoying this book. Here in #3 we get a highly anticipated and much needed (for me at least) MK history lesson amidst the unveiling of the plot to forcibly "resurrect" him. I'm not sure what the revelation that MK's ex war-time special ops partner is gay and has always been in love with him has to do with anything (doesn't it sometimes feel like Joe Quesada sent out a Marvel-wide memo to insert homosexual underpinnings wherever possible?). No worries. B+.

6.29 Panel

2006-06-29T19:17:00.000-04:00

Brief Superman Returns review

2006-06-29T16:02:00.000-04:00

I saw it last night, and I don't think words can be possibly used to describe just how spectacular the film was.

The opening of the film was touching and spectacular. And the moment we got into the opening credit sequence (which brought a huge smile to my face), I knew right away the film was going to be something special.

The acting was all top notch-- I believed every character in the film. Kevin Spacey was the man as Luthor! Finally, in a Superman film we actually have an evil Lex Luthor, and not merely something to be used as comic-relief (though, there was a healthy amount of that, but not in an over-the-top way).

The Superman action scenes were just spectacular; it's a very rare occasion when something I see in a film actually excites me, and every time I (and most of the audience) heard the classic theme begin to play during the film, anticipation forn what was to come went through the roof.

I understand what Bryan Singer meant when he called Superman Returns a "love story", as it was just that. The Lois/Superman romance was handled extremely well, in a believable, emotional, touching way.

I honestly have nothing bad to say about the film, I loved every minute of it. And even though I'm not that huge of a Superman fan, this is, in my opinion, the greatest comic-based film to ever be released. DC comics should be proud, as this film is a triumph even grander than Batman Begins-- which is saying alot.

6.28 Panel (and a bit about last week's Giant-Size Hulk)

2006-06-28T20:10:00.000-04:00

Ran out of time to properly review this last week but suffice it to say that Peter David's Hulk: The End story in the Giant-Size Hulk book last week was the absolute BEST big green story i've read since i've been back into comics. This flop is going in my "special" (keeper) pile even if the first two stories (preceding The End) are garbage.

Hulk is my all time favorite Marvel character and i've been sorely (and repeatedly) disappointed with his ongoing book. His Ultimate U iteration is solid but appearances are rare (Ultimates, Ultimates 2, and Wolverine vs. Hulk which is way behind now that i think about it).

PS - Where did this guy Dale Keown come from? Can we get him on Incredible somehow (or an Ultimate Hulk going ;)

6.28 Shopping List

2006-06-27T20:42:00.000-04:00

After an awesome haul 6 days ago i'm extra hype for tomorrow to get here (man are we nerds or what?). Not a huge shopping list for tomorrow but there are def a couple budding gems on the docket... let's hope we get even half the overall quality of last week.

I'm buying...

DAREDEVIL #86 - Pull list. Though Uncensored seems to have disappeared, i owe him for turning me onto this great book (and Brubaker in general).
INVINCIBLE #33 - Pull list. Seems Invincible has been coming out a lot more regularly lately... and that's a very good thing. Sean, remember when you were just getting on board? a few months later what do you think? I hope you went back and read some of the "older" stuff (QUALITY).
LOVELESS #8 (MR) - I keep buying this though i'm not sure yet if i like it... i must i guess. PS - don't i say that EVERY time a new issue of this book drops??
MOON KNIGHT #3 - Hey this book doesn't get the due it deserves so far IMO. #1 and 2 were hella enjoyable. If they can keep this up i can see myself with this book for some time... Just do me a favor (as if you're listening) and keep it gritty and away from the rest of the marvel U (capes).
NEXTWAVE AGENTS OF HATE #6 - Ah yes... always a good week when a new Nextwave lands. One of the truly intelligent funny books out at the moment (i might say #1 if there was no such thing as the Goon).
WOLVERINE #43 - Ramos, ramos, ramos, my man. I saw some preview pages of this issue a few weeks ago and it seems that Humberto is shaken off the rust (having not drawn capes for a while) and really turns it on here... Can't wait.

Notable...

GHOST RIDER ROAD TO DAMNATION PREMIERE HC - I sold my flop set for almost as much as i paid for it so i'll def be buying the TP... but not this HC unfortunately (fortunately?).
USAGI YOJIMBO #94 - I'm reading this by the TP (there are 20-some and i'm on #9) but i put it on here so i could be sure and pimp it one more time (and every chance i get). X - what do you think?
LAST CHRISTMAS #2 (OF 6) - #1 had it's moments and at the time i was pretty sure i was onboard w/ #2 but i'm less sure now that the day has come. Call this one a game time decision.
PVP #27 - I don't buy this by the flop but have every TP so far... this release got me thinking though... when's the next TP (#4 i think?) due? this is QUALITY home office (read: the can) material.

Next Week...

BPRD UNIVERSAL MACHINE #4 (OF 5), CONAN & THE SONGS OF THE DEAD #1 (OF 5), GOON #18, ARES #5 (OF 5), PUNISHER #35 (MR), and THING #8

6.27 Panel

2006-06-27T19:51:00.000-04:00

Mr. X this one is for you. I was hooked on Queen and Country with these panels (just a few pages in to the first volume):

6.27 Panel (I'm a sucker for tender moments like these)

2006-06-26T20:53:00.000-04:00

A couple cool pre-order books i noticed browsing Amazon...

2006-06-25T20:23:00.000-04:00

Punisher Max: From First To Last HCNow this i can dig. Pulls together 3 Punisher MAX one-shots (The Tyger, The Cell, and The End), two of which i've read (thanks again Mr. X for The End) and thoroughly enjoyed.

Can an anyone around here sell me on The Cell oneshot so i can justify putting this nice TP on my bookshelf?

Absolute Dark Knight (Hardcover)Ok i haven't read any dark knight (i don't think) but i'm a big Frank Miller fan... What do we think of this massive hardcover? I'm a huge sucker for absolute editions (and a pretty recent Batman convert) so this caught my eye...

PS - So you don't have to click-through, this thing is 512 pages and collects Dark Knight Returns and Dark Knight Strikes Again (plus extra's out the wazoo including money FM sketches i would imagine).

6.25 Panel

2006-06-25T12:45:00.000-04:00

6.24 Panel(s)

2006-06-24T15:54:00.000-04:00

Ex Machina is another great title w/ a great current flop (i'm telling you guys this is the best flop drop i can remember in a long time... i read some great issues this week from some of my fav titles).

So how about these panels to end #21?

TPs for sale?

2006-06-24T12:24:00.000-04:00

I've got the following books for sale if anyone around here is interested (let me know soon since each of these is currently up @ Amazon's Marketplace). Every one of these is in gently-used, like new (i don't bend spines when i read etc.) condition:

Astonishing X-Men V1: Gifted
Astro City V1: Life in the Big City
Howard Shum's Gun Fu (V1)
Planetary V1: All Over the World and Other Stories
Planetary V2: The Fourth Man
Sea of Red V1: No Grave But the Sea
Watchmen
Top Ten (V1)

More thoughts on this week's flops...

2006-06-23T16:27:00.000-04:00

Man i've read some good comics this week. Here's another batch...

Fear Agent #5 - I almost can't believe i'm saying this but is it possible that Jerome Opena is BETTER for Fear Agent than Tony Moore? After a seriously lack-luster fourth issue, i'm feeling good about FA again. Gotta love how Heath gets a new body (cloned for him by the big brains) and his first thought is of his rebooted liver. PS - Did i tell you i have a soft spot for this guy since he's from Texas (and represents)? A.

Eternals #1 - I've got a soft spot in my comic-reader's heart for John Romita since the Sentry mini (which i thoroughly enjoyed) and he's put down some good work here in Eternals #1 (though Ike Harris looks a bit TOO much like a Robert Reynolds clone IMO). Gaiman came to play too... the story flows well and does a good job dropping just enough here in #1 so i don't feel lost (considering i know next to nothing about the celestials, eternals, or deviants). This is def one of those flops you feel like you've gotten your money's worth after reading... there's a LOT here for one issue. So much that i won't bother trying to get into it here; but if you were on the fence about the new Gaiman Eternals mini, check it. A.

Ultimates 2 #11 - Par for the course (and that's not a bad thing but a very GOOD thing w/ this title). The U.S. has been invaded by an international band of powers and the good president (dismal approval rating and all) has been dramatically kidnapped while aboard Air Force One... Rather wimpily shouting "Lauuuuraaaa" as the ship goes down. Captain America, Iron Man, Wasp, and Hawekeye, in a continuing attempt to escape captivity and mount some form of counterattack, throw down fisticuffs w/ the invaders super-powers for the first time. Thor is unfortunately still MIA and i got chills when i realized it was Banner (hidden behind a ballcap and glasses) arriving to open a can of whup-ass at the last moment (as the Hulk)... Oh my #12 will be good. Hopefully we won't wait months to see it ;) B.

More on Brubaker and Phillips "Criminal" and (unrelated) a new Oeming?

2006-06-22T10:53:00.000-04:00

Check out this interview w/ Brubaker about his upcoming ongoing w/ Sean Phillips (of Sleeper fame): Criminal. This is going to kick ass w/o a doubt. Can't wait.

NRAMA: So how long are we looking at here? An ongoing? A series of miniseries?

EB: This book can go on for a long time and that is how we're playing it. We've got plenty of stories planned out, and we're even thinking of some self-contained issues and shorter arcs. Sean and I both want this to be a long-term project. And this is where the fans come in. I know people like to wait for trades or hardbacks or some kind of collection, but I'm telling you right now, this book is being built for the single issue fix. And if you jump on from the beginning Sean and I guarantee you a great fix every month. We need you to be our partner in this, because this is a book we really want to keep on with. So, if you're a fan of my stuff, and you dug Sean's art on Marvel Zombies, or you're one of our faithful readers from the Sleeper days, buy Criminal in comic form. We're going out of our way to include extras in the single issues, back-up stories, articles by me and others about the crime genre. We're going to create a book that's worth the money, and I honestly think that's something the comics market can support on a monthly basis.

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Also - Mike Oeming is writing AND drawing a new mini for the first time since Hammer of the Gods (which i loved BTW). Check out Newsarama's bit about The Cross Bronx. Looks $$ at first glance...

Scattered thoughts about this weeks flops (part 1)...

2006-06-22T09:28:00.000-04:00

Missed my trip to the LCS last week and came home yesterday with a healthy (and what turned out to be exceptional) stack. Good thing too since wifey had some minor out-patient surgery yesterday and i was holed up taking care of her all afternoon and evening... translation: hours of QT with my growing nightstand pile.

DMZ #8 - In an age where most new series start the downhill slide after the first arc (or sometimes even the first issue), Brian Wood's DMZ is a pleasant surprise. As much as i enjoyed this title when it first dropped, i'm loving it even more now. The intelligent, well plotted writing AND the artwork are both humming at the moment and seemingly get better and better each month.

Here in #8 we learn a bit more about how this whole civil war started, and Matty uncovers a plot to use him as a pawn in the ongoing struggle between the gub-ment and the FSA (free states). There's some great character development going on in this comic. Good stuff. A.

CONAN #29 - Mike Mignola is a beast... what else can i say? After the first issue (of 3), i can already tell this Conan arc is going to be something to write home about. Funny, but it took this new issue to help me realize that Busiek (as much as i love the guy) was losing steam towards the end of his run. Miggs takes us back to the Conan we've come to expect from this latest iteration and even Nord's artwork seems to have "kicked it up a notch" (sorry my wife obsessively watches food network). You just had to know Mignola would somehow incorporate frogs into this didn't you?? Looking very much forward to #30 and 31. A.

ALL STAR SUPERMAN #4 - I know i've said this before (maybe many times) but i'm not all that big a Superman fan (blasphemy i know). He's typically a bit froo-froo goodie-goodie (and mainstream) for me but one thing is for certain: All Star Superman is a GOOD (great?) comic. Morrison and Quitley are both on top of their game so far (seriously isn't Q's art a bit mesmerizing?), and Morrison's emotional, brooding, introspective Superman is certainly the most intriguing iteration i've read.

Here in #4 Superman is exposed to Black Kryptonite (and it's revealed to me that he is now immune to green kryptonite... when did THAT happen??). Turns out the black stuff screws with Kal's brain and turns him evil. It's up to the eccentric Jimmy Olsen to save the day. Not on the level of #1, 2, or 3, but entertaining none-the-less. B.

6.21 Panel

2006-06-21T18:20:00.000-04:00

Thanks a ton for the Punisher: The End recommendation... I dug this one-shot something large. Is it just me or is the Punisher the all-time perfect character for one-shot stories (w/ Wolverine a close second in my book)?

6.21 Shopping List

2006-06-20T14:50:00.000-04:00

Man, "real" life has been all up in my way the last couple of weeks... my posting schedule is getting to look a lot like the Ultimates shipping schedule... oh wait - there's a new Ultimates this very week!

I'm def buying...

CONAN #29 (MR) - Correct me if i'm wrong but doesn't this issue start Miggs arc w/ Conan??
ALL STAR SUPERMAN #4 - I'm not a big Superman fan, but i LOVE this book.
EX MACHINA #21 (MR) - Pull list.
CASANOVA #1 (MR) - Been looking forward to this for what seems like forever now... Prob my most anticipated read this week. I'll def post thoughts on this tomorrow/thursday-ish.
ETERNALS #1 (OF 6) - I don't know jack about this except the awesome add that's been running in my comics for a couple months now (and a short piece in last month's Wizard which i've totally forgotten now).
GIANT SIZE HULK #1 - In?
NEW AVENGERS #20 - Every time i feel like i'm just about to drop NA, Bendis drops a solid issue that reels me back in.
ULTIMATES 2 #11 - Quite possibly my favorite ongoing capes title... Too bad it comes out as irregular as Garpa's bowels after a jalepeno eating contest.

Notable...

CONAN BOOK OF THOTH #4 (OF 4) - I enjoyed the heck out of #1 but decided to wait for the trade rather than pay $4.99 an issue. I'm not cheap or anything.
CONAN VOL 3 TOWER OF THE ELEPHANT & STORIES TP - I'm still in love w/ this series, though it seems to have fallen from the incredible heights of The Frost Giants Daughter and Other Stories....
FEAR AGENT VOL 1 REIGNITION TP - Notable but i won't be buying it.
INVINCIBLE VOL 6 DIFFERENT WORLD TP - I'm buying these via the Ultimate HC editions. #2 is out soon me thinks??? #1 rocked.

Next Week...

LOVELESS #8 (MR), DAREDEVIL #86, MOON KNIGHT #3, NEXTWAVE AGENTS OF HATE #6, WOLVERINE #43, NEW AVENGERS #21, and X-FACTOR #8 CW

6.19 Panel

2006-06-19T19:10:00.000-04:00

Congrats RK on your newborn son "Peter Parker Kirkman".

2006-06-15T16:00:00.000-04:00

Image and news courtesy blog @ newsarama :)

Great quote from the ornery one...

2006-06-15T15:58:00.000-04:00

“I despise the comic industry, but I will always love the comic medium. The sun will have turned into a dull red ember before I am doing any licensed characters for anybody.”

- Alan Moore

Sam Noir: The Samurai Detective

2006-06-14T20:04:00.000-04:00

Now THIS looks cool... Check it. You guys know me well enough to know i'm all over this... sounds pretty boss from the brief write-up over at IGN (link above) and the art in the preview pages is B&W money.

Blog @ Newsarama

2006-06-14T19:48:00.000-04:00

Are you guys as impressed with the recently unveiled Blog @ Newsarama as I am?

It seems doubtful that they'll be able to keep up the torrid posting pace they're currently on, but for now it's giving me something comics related to read more often than i have time to read it (and that's a good thing).

Check it out...

6.14 Shopping List

2006-06-13T15:20:00.000-04:00

Diamond isn't updating their shipping list until 5:00 tonight (as opposed to the typical Monday @ 5 update) so i'm not sure how accurate this is but...

DMZ #8 - DMZ doesn't get the press it deserves IMO. good stuff and getting better.
EX MACHINA SPECIAL #2 - I'm an Ex Mach whore so you know i'm reading this... besides #1 was a pretty cool intro to the Great Machine's previously unheard of arch-enemy.
FEAR AGENT #5 - Wait... didn't an issue of FA just come out a couple weeks ago? You know, the one w/ the bad news that Tony Moore is taking a break?
SUPER F$$$$$S #3 - I'm embarrassed to be reading this... and more embarrassed that i like it (hey it makes me laugh!).

What is everyone else picking up?

Gateway Comics?

2006-06-12T09:24:00.000-04:00

Blog @ Newsarama dropped an interesting post about "Gateway" comics (which are the most likely past/present comics to impress non-comics-readers enough to suck them into our world?). Obviously the answer will be different depending on the tastes of the target, and the comments to the Newsarama blog post are filled w/ the usual suspects, but got me thinking none-the-less...

Having just been through this over the last year, i'd recommend tackling this in stages:

First a few classic GNs like 300, Maus, League, etc. followed by a move move to "non-cape" TPs with wide-market appeal like Preacher, Sandman, Hellboy, Sin City, Conan, Powers, The Goon, The Walking Dead, Sleeper, Losers, Des Jones, Fell. If i did come across someone who had an interest in cape comics, i'd probably recommend something off the beaten path to start with (with a less intimidating history) like Invincible or Powers. Once someone's read a few books off these lists, their eyes will be open to the fact that comics today are not all Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, and X-Men.

Next will undoubtedly come the desire to read some more mainstream stuff, and here's where i'd start recommending some classic character TPs like Hush and Long Halloween for Batman, Loeb and Sales fantastic "color" series, some Wolverine, sDaredevil, X-Men, Hulk or Spidey runs, etc. Reading some of these more classic character runs will give bang for the buck and help a new reader decide which characters he/she'd like to follow in the present...

Ok, ok i'm sure i forgot a ton (this was entirely off the top of my head) but you get the idea.. what do you guys think?