Brief Mentions: The Future Brings Dark Days

X-Factor #45

Written By: Peter David

Art By: Marco Santucci @ Valentine de Landro

I’m finally caught up and it feels good. For along time now I have been buying X-Factor issues but not reading them. The main obstacle standing in my way was the Secret Invasion crossover. One factor (no pun intended) was that Secret Invasion was an event that I was no longer concerned about and secondly was the art. But, as always, Peter David’s storytelling continues to become more involved, more emotional, and more awesome. This last week I decided to soldier through the horrendous art and read up to this week’s current issue X-Factor #45, part 3 of Madrox’s journey into the future. This issue has made me so glad that I am finally caught up in issues. David continues to create new and exciting stories, filled with unique new characters and concepts. Jamie Madrox finds himself in the middle of the Summers Rebellion consisting of a battered Scott Summers and his daughter, Ruby. The fate of this rebellion lies in the hands of a familiar foe from long ago. The mystery of the cortex also furthers as the xf investigators frantically try to figure out the cortex’s meaning while being battled on all fronts. Marco Santucci and Valentine de Landro absolutely destroy on this art. I will never take good art for granted ever again. This is just an excellent book and has been since it’s beginning. I urge everyone to check this book out and read some amazing comic booking that is easily some of the best in the industry.

Dark Avengers #6

Written By: Brian Michael Bendis

Art By: Mike Deodato @ Will Conrad

Dark Reign has been a very fulfilling event. Many great books have come out of this event and one such book is Dark Avengers. Just the concept of the book itself is an amazing one. The head of the avengers is the “former” Green Goblin, the rest of the team consists of some of the greatest villains in the Marvel Universe and their most powerful weapon, The Sentry, has the mind of a child. In Dark Avengers #6, an Atlantean terrorist cell has attacked American soil. Norman Osborn immediately takes hold of the situation and attacks swiftly and brutally. The Cabal meets, which ultimately leads to a shouting match, and the power of The Sentry is put to use. Superhero team books are only successful if they remain interesting and hold a unique, dynamic team and Bendis definitely has that with Dark Avengers. Mike Deodato and Will Conrad do an excellent job drawing these characters and also shade the book heavily, which holds true to the “dark” theme of the book. Dark Avengers, along with many other books under the “Dark Reign” banner is excellent. The Marvel Universe becomes more and more unique with each passing issue. This is one of the first Marvel events that have really enjoyed and I hope it will not be the last.

Brief Mention(s): (Dumb Dads Make Their Daughters Sad… Or Dead.)

Supergirl # 42

Writer: Sterling Gates

Penciller: Jamal Igle

Inker: Jon Sibal

This could be one of the most underrated Metropolis books… ever. I will say this only once, so that means listen, Supergirl is, as good as all the other Metropolis books on the shelf. What this means is that Sterling Gates is giving us a quality of writing that rivals some of the best in the business. (Personally, two of my favorite writers in the business.) With that said, every time I see a person picking up Action, Superman, and W.O.N.K. and ask them if they are reading Supergirl and they say no, I turn a little grayer. (I’m going old school here.) Recognize… people. You’re missing out on piece of an epic puzzle.

(Adam Hughes)

Some of you will remember that the previous issue was pretty explosive. (You see how I did that? I learned it by watching Dayron… from afar.) This issue sheds some light on questions we were left with after issue # 41. Particularly, how the fundamental nature of certain relationships will change. Needless to say, Clark is a lucky little alien to be off planet at the moment. I can’t help but think that many relationships are about to change. Gates has definitely found a way to put our characters into impossible situations and he does this in a way that you can easily connect with. Not to say, I'm killin' cousin (or a kissin' cousin… well, that’s mostly a true story.) But you can really feel and appreciate what has befallen upon the cast of this book, which look great. You can thank Jamal Igle for that. So be smart and read Supergirl. In doubt, just ask someone who is reading Supergirl. They will tell you. (What you should be learning from me, right now!) Supergirl rules, Sterling Gates rocks, Jamal Igle rolls and together it is hardcore, man… fucking… hardcore… man. -Rob

(J. G. Jones)

(Jamal Igle... and what the hell is this? I guess we will find out.)

(Nature… possibly augmented.)

Blog Log #2 (Redemption of a Very Lazy Human Thing)

Brief Mention (From like a week ago or something.)


Justice Society of America # 27


Script and Pencils: Jerry Ordway


Inks: Bob Wiacek




Guess what? Geoff Johns’ beautiful run on JSA has ended. Obviously, it is a sad affair but we must forge a head through the heartache and the tears and realize that Johns will be writing our new favorite books, while continuing to deliver on the books we love so well already. Do I need to name them? No… No I need not! Now let’s get down to brass tacks.

This issue was the beginning of filler* *(I use the term filler against my will, because you should not have dropped JSA with Johns’ departure. The matter of the fact is that it is a bridge that will lead us into a much-anticipated Sturges and Willingham arrival. But sometimes you got to call it like it is.) that I believe will be a lot of fun all wrapped in some seriousness. Relationships continue to grow and old foes return. That sounds pretty JSA to me. Not to mention, how Courtney’s role as a veteran member just brings a great jolly joy to my black, black heart.

I don’t really believe Ordway needs an introduction. It’s not like he has anything to prove to anybody anymore. So why wouldn’t he be able to take the reigns on JSA for a bit and give us a story worth reading? I don’t know, you tell me. Ordway has this cast down. He knows these characters and knows how to tell a story, not to mention how pencil it, as well. Really, there is no reason why any fan of the JSA should not have read this book. Well, unless you have no soul.



Living up to Expectations (From like a week ago or something.)


The Mighty Avengers # 25


Writer: Dan Slott


Penciler: Stephen Segovia


Inks: Noah Salonga





*(Please stay tuned. After this blog log there will be an important message.)

It is no secret that I have been digging this Dark Reign thing over there at Marvel. I like the idea of a change of the statuesque as opposed to another blockbuster, full-blown event. Plus the talent working on this stuff is pretty impressive, old blood as well as new blood. What better time to have a plethora of Avenger teams? To be honest, there’s something you don’t know about me. I am too an Avenger… freelance.
One of my favorite titles that carry the Dark Reign banner is the Mighty Avengers. That is the one Bendis doesn’t write. Well he did but he doesn’t anymore. Instead we are blessed with the presence of Dan Slott. And to be Frank (Full name Major Frank Dangle) Slott is doing something I believe to be amazing with an odd group of characters all pulled together in a mysterious fashion. By mysterious I mean a dame. A dame… a dame with horns. You know the kind of dame that turns tricks. A dame that is kind of magical but too masculine for my tastes. Anyway, we find ourselves with an Avenger team, that in my opinion is the only Avenger team that resembles an Avenger team we have grown to love from the days of old. One word… Jarvis.

Due to the fact you can hear us talk about this on episode # 69 (muck it up children) I will not get to specific. I will tell you this issue reminded me why I love comics and why I love Dan Slott comics. I first caught on to Slott with a Spidey/Torch mini-series which led me to She-Hulk (awesome), and fantastic but too short Thing run (amazing), and so on right into Avengers Initiative. To me Slott is a perfect example of a fans writer. It is obvious he is a fan of comics a rewards other fans by dropping little bits of the past into the present. He also has the talent of doing this using a subtle sense of humor that I find hilarious. As you can tell I might have a man crush on Dan Slott, who I have never met. Let’s just say his writing might produce a broner.

The Mighty Avengers is a book I finally feel was made for me. Like at one of Marvel’s board meetings Dan Slott stood up and said, “How about instead of doing what we normally do, which is try to piss Rob off we give him something he wants. Like a book where Young Avengers, a funny talking god, a man carrying his lady’s name searching for redemption (and maybe a little revenge), a super hot metal chick, a smart ass… smart… ass and Jarvis. We could include a battle of wits involving two men who are too smart for their own good acting like a couple of bitches on a playground.” Thank you Dan Slott. Everybody should check out the works of Dan Slott. If you need direction drop us an e-mail, we will set you straight.

Mighty Avengers = Must Read (if you like comics)

-Rob

*And now for a very important message. (Join us in our revolution. We will not stop fighting until Pym Particles become known as Pymp Particles. Come on, you know you want this. Pymp Particles For Life!)

Brief Mentions: (From A While Ago, But Aged Like A Fine Wine, Great Stories In Time, And My Bumpin’ Behind.)

Solomon Grundy # 3 (of 7)

Story, Art,

And Cover by: Scott Kolins

Listen up all you hate mongering nay Sayers! This book is A-Ok in my; always right, never wrong, indescribable, incomprehensible genius of a mind. First off, how cool is it that we are getting a Grundy mini done by Kolins. Second, I hear you and recognize the resemblance between Grundy and another gray, well eventually green, smashing character over their at Marvel. Again, I am cool with that because Jack’s friend Grundy just can’t be beat. But Thirdly, this is not just a Grundy story. The flashback and Cyrus Gold panels seem to be the beauty behind this story. Here is a man desperate to stop his horrid curse and having a hell of a time doing it. Though, that could be his saving grace, looking at his life before becoming Grundy he should be good at the whole hell thing.

Issue # 3 gave us more history, more beaten down Cyrus, and more destruction. We got some Poison Ivy, who ran her game, and oh what game she has. It's game called “poison smacker, yet oh so sexy kissy poo” and I assure you it will not be as good for you as it will be for her. I got to say that the flashbacks in these issues are brilliant. Usually, when I get Grundy it is Grundy (and he is usually smashing things… nay sayers.) not Cyrus. Not to mention, that Kolins does an excellent job and intertwining the past and the present in a well-balanced and very enjoyable fashion. He obviously knows what he is doing. I mean he even let’s us see the greatest Green Lantern, yup… the first one Alan “muthafuckin” Scott. (Hear that Dayron, you haterade guzzlin' fool!) Don’t get me wrong Hal is kicking ass, as well as, a few of the other members of the different color spectrum of Lanterns. Scott Kolins is a great talent, so needless to say Solomon Grundy is a book you probably should look into. And if you are all ready checking it out, don’t let your expectations of getting the greatest Grundy story to end all Grundy stories get in the way of you enjoying a really cool book. And in closing I would like to say… Bart Fargo, eat a dick. Actually, eat a whole bag of dicks.

Seaguy: Slaves of Mickey Eye # 2 (of 3)

Writer: Grant Morrison

Artist: Cameron Stewart

Colorist: Dave Stewart

To be honest, when the first issue of this story came out I debated whether or not to pick it up. I had bought the first series way back when it was coming out so in that regard as a complete-ist, elite-ist, and a comic book enjoyer it made since to pick it up. The other side of the coin is that the recent events involving Morrison over at DC let me a little jaded at the idea of trying to decipher a wacky dude’s thoughts. It turns out that when a wacky dude writes in his own wacky universe it is okay, even fun to read. I believe the difference between Seaguy and the DC stuff is that I’m reading about characters that I only know of because of this book, not characters I have known and loved for years. Seaguy has definitely been fun to read and if you look close enough you will see word bubbles that contain one word… “Chubby!”
-Rob

Brief Mentions: Free Comic Book Day!

Savage Dragon #148

Written & Drawn by: Erik Larsen

Colors by: Nikos Koutsis

Letter by: Tom Orzechowski

Free Comic Book Day was this weekend and I decided that I would focus on a couple of the books that came out as part of the industry-wide push to bring new readers into the fold. The first one is Savage Dragon. I started reading Savage Dragon again with issue #145 and I have been loving what the book brings to my monthly stack of books. Erik Larsen brings a huge level of fun and action to each issue without being pandering or skimping on story progression. I know that in the past that a lot of people complained that month in month out that not a lot was going on in Savage Dragon and I think that Larsen must have heard the complaints and is responding in kind by bringing the thunder on this book. I don't even remember the last single issue of Savage Dragon that I bought but my interest in getting back into the series started when I started reading the Savage Dragon Archives last year. The action and character and interest that went on in those pages could barely be contained, they were phone-books that managed to be page turners and that's certainly saying something these days. I think that Savage Dragon brings the best concepts of the Silver Age, the Modern Age, and European Comics (like Judge Dredd) and wraps it all up in a fantastic little package. This issue was jam packed with fights and wraps up an ongoing plot thread (IN THE FREE COMIC BOOK DAY ISSUE!!!) and is part of the regular numbering! With DC having released the Green Lantern: Blackest Night #0 issue for free comic book day (that was pretty much just a catch up book for people who haven't been reading) and Marvel releasing smaller than standard sized books (for god only knows what reason) I think that this Free Comic Book Day was a chance for some of the smaller names in the industry to make a mark and I think that Image did so by releasing Savage Dragon #148 for free, and they weren't the only ones ...

Resurrection #0

Written by: Mark Guggenheim

Art by: Justin Greenwood

One of the books that Darren and I were both super excited about when we started the podcast early last year was Resurrection from ONI Press. It was the story of what happens after the alien invasion ends, when humanity starts to crawl out of it's hiding spaces and tries to remake the Earth into something they can recognize. We saw people trying to cope with loss, we saw others trying to understand alien technology, we saw politicians getting their hands dirty to try to keep America from falling into the hands of the military, we saw a lot of chaos ... we saw people keeping secrets that should have never been kept. And in this issue we see the beginnings of the new Resurrection series, now in color and with a new artist. I think that this series still holds as much promise if not moreso going into the future, I think that Guggenheim has brought his A-game and that this new artist Justin Greenwood has a whole lot of great things that he can bring to the table. This issue showed us a little bit of what happened before the invasion and a little bit of what might be coming now that it's over. I really think that anyone who like the television show "Jericho" or who is digging Walking Dead would dig this book and should jump on board as soon as possible, go to your stores, order the trade (which collects the first 6 issues of the B&W series as well as the annual and will only set you back $6!) and then see if your store still has some copies of Resurrection #0 left around from Free Comic Book Day and get all caught up before issue #1 comes out in June!

Brief Mentions: The Fantastic and The Long Awaited

Detective Comics #853

Written By: Neil Gaiman

Art By: Andy Kubert

After the “death” of Batman at the end of Final Crisis, Detective Comics and Batman have taken an interesting turn. After a fantastic run by Paul Dini on Detective Comics the reins were handed over to Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert. This week we got the conclusion to “Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?” Gaiman gives a very fantastic approach to this classic character. Such detail goes into this story from the alternating death scenes to Mad Hatter’s buttons. It was great to see the different ways that Batman died all symbolizing the man behind the mask. Instead of rehashing the same origin story that we have all read hundreds of times, Gaiman puts a new spin on this old tale at gives it a whole new look. This story is a great read for any diehard Batman fans. Not only do we get to see a slew of minor characters but also past events in Batman’s life are explored and the book really does and excellent job explaining the importance of Batman in the DC universe. Also the prose throughout the comic is a lot more poetic that most Batman comics that have been produced. Also Andy Kubert refashions Gotham adding hints of fantasy and dark romanticism, very reminiscent of Tim Burton’s Gotham. Neil Gaiman does a fantastic job and provides a new, refreshing story that has been seen in a Batman issue for quite some time.

Star Wars: Dark Times

Written By: Mick Harrison

Art By: Douglas Wheatley

A long time ago, in a comic book store a couple miles away, Dark Times #12 came out. Many months later, Dark Horse Comics proudly presents Dark Times # 13 part one of the “Blue Harvest” story arc. When I was a kid, I always thought that the time that Darth Vader was hunting Jedi would have excellent story capabilities. That time has come. The story picks up after some events that occurred in Rebellion and Dass Jennir finds himself on the planet, Telerath. With Jennir being one of the last of a dying order, the story is very rich and exciting as compared to other titles where Jedi are numerous. Harrison explores the faulty view of the sith and their complex political practices…o… and it also has fighting, gangs and Jedis. This team really offers a great experience and does a great job of keeping the Star Wars universe and colorful and diverse as it really is. The Jedi order is quickly ending and Darth Vader is rising to power, read more to see what happens next.

Brief Mentions: (Things Begin to End.)

Fables # 83


Writers – Bill Willingham & Matthew Sturges


Pencils – Mark Buckingam


Cover - Joao Ruas




Well, “The Great Fables Crossover” has begun. And yes, it was a great start to something everybody should have been excited about for months. This issue gave us a fierce battle, which proved a point that will help use guys live happier lives. That point is that no matter what women wear the pants. Obviously, there were plenty of story telling animals, not to mention a face that was lost not all too long ago. The mystery of the dark one and the effects of his arrival unravel a little bit more, leaving a not so good feeling in my mouth. Needless to say, things are about to get a lot more interesting for or fabled friends. May they eventually find their happy ever after, until then my friends, you best prepare to kick a little ass. You know what they say about what you have to do if you want to get to heaven. Something tells me that the answer is in the long distance call.

Do I really have to tell you how good this creative team is? You just saw their names right?




100 Bullets # 100


Written by: Brian Azzarello


Illustrated by: Eduardo Risso


Cover by: Dave Johnson





The end has come to an amazing 100 issue run by Azzarello and Risso. Your hats should be off to them. What an enormous feat this is. I can’t wait to read this story again beginning to end and realize how much bigger this book really is. You see, one of my super powers in data dumping at light speed. (As if smelling the future is not enough) With that said, even though I loved reading this title monthly, I have no idea what the hell was really going on. The strange thing is that every month I couldn’t wait for the next issue to come out. Now, I will say something you should take straight to heart, a 100 Bullets issue is nothing short of a pure joy, to read. This book possesses all aspects of the emotional spectrum. Who would of thought a savage beating could be so hilarious? Anyway, if you don’t read this book there are trades that I suggest you pick up. That is if you would like to own 100 issues of solid story telling, solid art, and you basic general badassery.
-Rob

Living Up To Expectations: The Reviews That I Forgot to Do for The Last Few Days

Let's start with my brief mentions from last week:

Captain Britain & MI:13 #12

Written by: Paul Cornell

Art by: Leonard Kirk

This book is so good that it gives me goosebumps sometimes. I mean seriously this is some kick ass comic-booking. Leonard Kirk does a great job on the art and depicts the characters with an excellent level of craft and talent 

(the only unfortunate thing is

 that there are often pages that he does not draw in issues or fill in artists who don't bring quite the level of craft at times [thankfully this issue is drawn entirely by Mr. Kirk]). And this book is really written with a level of craft that is woefully missing from a lot of other books, there is a sense of awareness of everything that is going on in the Marvel Universe without any necessary kowtowing to it, something that books like Daredevil, and Captain America do with ease and grace. This book also has DRACULA in it ... 

THAT'S RIGHT DRACULA! A nation of vampires living on the dark side of the moon who have made a tenuous deal with Dr. Doom to take over England. How awesome is that? And this book has the intellect to do all of this with the kind of coniving instinct with which vampires would actually comport themselves. There are secret agent vampires in this book ... allow me to repeat that Secret Agent Vampires. This is the kind of book that has the potential to change the landscape for comic bound bloodsuckers for quite some time to come. And all with Vlad Ţepeş at the helm. This is the kind of book that Marvel UK has needed for a long time and here's hoping that it will be around for a long time to come.

The Best Book You Didn't Read Last Week:

Ignition City #1

Written by: Warren Ellis

Art by: Gianluca Pagliarani

Warren Ellis is a mad genius. I think that even he would agree with that assessment. this book is ostensibly about understanding that your hero might not have been who you thought they were as well as what it feels like to grow up and exceed your parent's wildest expectations. Or at least that's what I read into it. Being the first issue of a Warren Ellis Avatar release is sort of like being a casting of runes, no one is really certain what it portends but plenty of people are willing to pontificate about it. I really think that if you liked Ellis works like Ministry of Space, Aetheric Mechanics, or any of Ellis' other Apparat releases that you'll probably really like the look and feel of this series, and I think that it's got a lot of hidden promise behind it's veneer of giant lizard diarrhea and food pellet constipation.

Sneak Peek Review:

You know what ... since you've already been to the comic store (I'll assume) I won't bother.

Living Up To Expectations:

Oracle: The Cure #2

Written by: Kevin Vanhook

Art by: Fernando Pasarin & Julian Lopez

It was only after reading the first issue and looking into Kevin Vanhook that I realized that he wrote on of my favorite guilty pleasure comics of all time ... and it's not a guilty pleasure in the sense that it was a bad book but that it was from a publisher that most poeple don't remember particularly fondly (and I only managed to put hands on the issues when they were collected into back issue collections at the store I shoped at in high school [and even then only when they were like 50% or 75% off ...]). Vanhook was the writer behind the first 39 issues of Bloodshot from Valiant Comics, I spent a long time in bed reading those books during a Christmas break back in Junior year of High School (there was a whole other reason for me being in bed that whole time but that is another story for another time ... maybe). I really, really like this book. I think that the artwork is fantastic and that the writing is very above average and has moments of brilliance (in my humble opinion). And I think that reading a story about Barbara Gordon without having to jump away to the action beats provided by Black Canary or The Huntress. The Oracle is one of my favorite characters currently in comics and I think that having her on the mainstage with this mini-series will be very rewarding. Also this gives a chance for The Calculator to be shown as a true foil to The Oracle and that is also very entertaining and very interesting. Does this book live up to my expectations? Yes, yes, yes, yes ... and then some.

Brief Mentions: Kirkman… You Scare Me…

Destroyer #1

Written By: Robert Kirkman

Art By: Corey Walker

This book almost passed me by. I did not even know of this book until 3 hours after I had already purchased my books for the week. A few days later, I returned to my local comic shop and purchased Destroyer #1. After some intense research, (going to wikipedia) I found some interesting information on this long forgotten hero of yesteryear. Destroyer’s origin is very similar to that of Captain America and was created in 1941 under Marvels old moniker, Timely Comics. Behind the mask is American Journalist, Keen Marlow, who is captured by Nazis during WWII. An anti-Nazi German scientist gives Marlow the super soldier serum and Marlow joins the ranks of superhumans. Since his debut in the 40’s, Destroyer slowly fell from the comic pages and forever trapped in the pages of the golden age, until now. Creative team Robert Kirkman and Corey Walker (Invincible anyone?), decide to revive this long dead superhero under the MAX comics banner. Here is some advice… KEEP THIS COMIC FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR out of reach of children. The MAX title is not a joke. I haven’t seen this much blood since…o wait… I guess the last issue of Invincible… but it’s still really bloody. Kirkman really jumps into the story and develops and excellent first issue and raises many plot devices and questions. Corey Walker’s art is simply astounding and is able to make gore even gorier. This five issue miniseries is going to be a great read and a very intense rollercoaster ride. Witness the resurrection of Destroyer!


The Invincible Iron Man #12

Written By: Matt Fraction

Art By: Salvador Larroca

The reign of darkness continues and things are becoming bleaker for our ironclad hero. Norman Osborn is now the center of American defenses. And Pepper Potts: Superhero? Eleven issues ago I did not read Iron Man and had no prior reading experience with the character. I never personally cared for the character of Tony Stark because he caused the demise of one of the most beloved comic characters of all time. He just seemed like a drunk that I could not relate to…. O how wrong I was. With just twelve issues, Fraction and Larroca has truly made me come to love this character. Every hero is a definition of the hardships they face (I promise I’m not quoting zoom) and Stark’s heroism is being put to the test. Also seeing Pepper Potts in an iron man suit is one of the coolest ideas seen in comics in a long time. I loved Pepper Potts in The Order and am glad to see that the character didn’t disappear into nothingness. If there is anyone out there who loves this book and hasn’t read The Order…. GO READ IT NOW!!!! The Order was the first exposure I ever had to Matt Fraction’s work and I have been a fan ever since. I don’t think I need to say that Larroca’s art continues to be stunning as always and really helps the book come to life. As we know (from the KC PlanetComicon special) things are going to get worse for Tony but hey… he’s made of iron for a reason right?

Brief Mentions: (It’s All About the Text… My Sweet Babies.)

Death Defying Devil #4

Writer: Joe Casey

Penciller/Inker: Edgar Salazar

Squadron Supreme 2 #9
WRITER: HOWARD CHAYKIN

PENCILS: MARCO CHECCHETTO

Oracle #1

Written by Kevin VanHook

Art by Julian Lopez & Fernando Pasarin

Jack Of Fables #32
Written by Matthew Sturges and Bill Willingham
Art by Tony Akins and Jose Marzan Jr.

Superman #686

Written by James Robinson

Art by Renato Guedes and Wilson Magalháes

Wonder Woman #30
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Aaron Lopresti and Matt Ryan

Avengers Initiative Featuring Reptil #1 WRITER: CHRISTOS GAGE

PENCILS: STEVE UY

Fantastic Four #565
WRITER: MARK MILLAR
PENCILS: BRYAN HITCH

New Avengers #51

WRITER: BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

PENCILS: BILLY TAN

Mighty Avengers #23
WRITER: DAN SLOTT
PENCILS: KHOI PHAM

Captain America #48

WRITER: ED BRUBAKER

PENCILS: BUTCH GUICE

Daredevil #117
WRITER: ED BRUBAKER

PENCILS: MICHAEL LARK

Well, this is going to be interesting. What I will now attempt to do is briefly mention all the great stuff in the comics from this week and it will probably make your head explode. For that I am sorry.

3… 2… …

Hi there this is Rob and you are reading the brief mentions for the books released on 3/25/09. I will try not to spoil them too much but I am not responsible for ruined books. For your enjoyment this will be brought to you in robnotes version kickass.1.

So Death Defying- Devil wrapped up like a burrito supreme with sour cream running down my shirt. That Devil dude could use a can of shut the hell up though, man but this whole Project Superpowers is a great thing to be a part of. That Oracle cover was pretty awesome! (Yep… the chesticles!) Calculator is still being a douche, man but now on a whole new level. I’m sure some minds will be blown. Lovecraft showed up in Fantastic Four and it was pretty cool. Old Jack Horner can still spin a pretty damned good yarn and viva la turtle revolution! Jack of Fables= A fun must read. Johnny Kent takes his first go at Metropolis, obviously, that book is still really goddamned good. Two words… Robinson… Superman! I finally feel like sticking with the Squadron Supreme is about to pay off in a big way. Thank you, Chaykin. Brubaker batted 2 for 2 with a fish man, a fat man, a blind man, and a metal armed captain. A heart weighed heavy in a Manazon and a mud baby, with a shout out to Rucka. (Naturally, that deserves a shout out to the one, the only, wonderful… Gail Simone. Keep on bringing the rock there Gail!) Wonder Woman is man but one of a bunch of great stuff Gail has given us. Now to the Avengers, or at least three of them: is anyone in the Initiative on the same page… besides that awesomely crazy ass scientist. Of’ course, the Initiative still rules. The New gave a great shout out to us Alias fans and a hilarious one-sided conversation involving Luke and Luke. To me it was worth the extra dollar. I like getting raises when it is deserved; therefore, I assume everybody else does too. So, I will pay an extra dollar for something I still really enjoy. (I mean how much were those final crisis issues not to mention the superman beyond? Yeah… yeah, Secret Invasion blah… blah… blah… speed on!) The Mighty is absolutely “muthafuckin” The Avenger book. It had gods o’plenty, Jarvis included. I have yet to get to Top 10 man but I am sure it will be great. My nose tells me so. And that’s the end of the blog, I am Rob and I will, looking out of my nose, see you around the racks. Y’all have a good one.

-Rob

*Outtake- “Drive to Washington, take a left, and then Kayak across the Pacific Ocean.”

( Due to the fact there is a limit to the numbers of letters you can use in a label, I could not label each book. Not my fault!)

Brief Mentions: From Pharaohs to Heroes

Booster Gold #18

Written By: Dan Jurgens

Art By: Norm Rapmund

The greatest hero you’ve never heard of may very well be the greatest comic book you’ve never heard of. Booster Gold is a comic book that has really flourished after post-johns era and continues to produce great story telling. Written by Dan Jurgens (who originally created the character) with art by Norm Rapmund, Booster Gold #18 provides a classic comic experience: good guys, bad guys, and big fight at the end. My first exposure to Booster Gold occurs in the pages of 52 and I’m not going to lie – I hated him. He was just that character that was easy hate. He was a sold-out superhero who put himself primarily before anyone else. Where I saw a horrible character Geoff Johns saw potential. After two story arcs with Johns, Booster Gold has been in the capable hands of Dan Jurgens. Issue #18 is the finale of the “Reality Lost” story arc. Booster Gold along with his sister Goldstar and sidekick Skeets, travel time with out the time master, Rip Hunter, and try to track down the creation of a certain dagger. This trip ultimately leads to Egypt. One underlines theme to this book is a look at how fragile time is. Events that occurred of 4000 years ago directly affect the lives of the heroes today. If you are a fan of Back to the Future (ALL 3 OF THEM!) then you will love this time traveling trio. Norm Rapmund provides excellent pencils that really enhance the story telling. It is a great book and I hope to see in the hands of more readers in the future… or maybe the past…time traveling is confusing.

Batman Confidential #27

Written By: Nunzio DeFilippis & Christina Weir

Art By: Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez

So Bruce Wayne is gone. He is no longer throughout the pages of Batman Detective Comics and Batman. So maybe your asking yourself: What is a Batman book without Bruce Wayne? Well I have good news for you. For those Bruce Wayne Batman fans you can find refuge throughout the pages of Batman Confidential. Batman Confidential is a series that is focused on the early years of Gotham’s Caped Crusader. This story as well provides excellent comic reading experience and also focuses on minor characters throughout Gotham as well. Batman Confidential #27, written by Nunzio DeFilippis & Christina Weir with art by Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, is part 2 of “Riddle of the Sphinx” story arc. King Tut is going around Gotham using The Riddler’s m.o to attack a museum’s board of trustees (who dress quite scantily might I add). So in this issue we see a SUPERHERO SUPERVILLAIN T-TEAM UP! Nigma and Bruce join forces to discover who is behind these attacks and how to stop them. It’s excellent to see The Riddler’s humor juxtaposed to Bruce’s serious attitude. These two distinctly different personalities provide for great character interaction and dialogue. So if you need a little Bruce Wayne in your life, then check out Batman Confidential. Enjoy!

Brief Mentions (Briefly Mentioning Unfortunate Delays)

As a ComicDork it is important to keep up with are responsibilities, duties if you will. (Yep… I said duties.) For all of you who actually read our thoughts, I would like to apologize for the “late articles.” It’s seems most days you wake up and say, “Shit! How the hell am I going to do all the things I have to do today?” To make this short; working on a degree, working a job, having relationships with all the people we love, and sleep, amongst many other things will sometimes conflict with deadlines. I assure you this is still fun, nay, a labor of love and we will post every chance we get. Patience my darlings, we will get this train running on time.

-Rob

And now some speed bumps in the life of a ComicDork. (Besides mime masturbation.)

Brief Mentions (Tell Everybody Waiting For Superman That They Should Try To Hold On The Best They Can He Hasn’t Dropped Them, Forgot Them Or Anything)

Superman: World of New Krypton # 1


Writers –James Robinson and Greg Rucka

Artist – Pete Woods



I have be reading Superman (and related) books for years now and have to say it is a wonderful thing to see Rucka return to these characters, Metropolis included. And to think I get him teaming up with Robinson, guess dreams do come true… sometimes. Not to mention, Pete Woods does a fantastic job supplying the images to a story that has that ‘epic’ feel to it. Needless to say, now is a great time to be into the Superman titles, and yes Supergirl is a must as well.

What makes a Superman? Being faster than a train or sporting a sweet spit curl. Sure, I guess. Personally, I think sweet chops are a characteristic of a super being, but that’s beside the point. The point is that, yes, having superpowers is part of being a superman but their must be a humanistic value to a person to be a Superman. Oddly enough we find this in a being from another planet. (Hmmm… that’s deep.) We still have one person we can trust to do the right thing, someone who still believes in truth, justice and the American way. (No Darren, not Lex!)

We first knew him as strange baby falling from sky in some sorta ship and nearly killed a loving family who would eventually be exactly what that space baby needed. Then we find ourselves seeing him as Clark. Then, he becomes Superman and still Clark but in a smashing disguise. Eventually, we found out where he was from and that he was given the name Kal El at birth. Recently, we heard a lot more Kal, due to the ungratefully saved folks of Krypton being all up in our grills. Today… Today, folks we see a whole new name and a whole new wardrobe. We have, wait for it… Commander El.

Superman has turned his back on Earth and returned to his Krypton roots. Leaving his family and friends back on his old home. I know this sounds bad, but come on we are talking about Superman. He will not forget us. He will do what he has too to save us from a bunch of punk ass dudes with a lot of power and a superiority complex. I truly believe that this issue # 1 of Superman World of New Krypton is the beginning of something really special. For those of you who have not been reading what has been going on with Superman should get into it. You are missing out on one of DC’s golden stories.

Brief Mentions from Episode 56

Elephantmen #16


Written by: Richard Starkings


Art by: Chris Burnam

I've said it many times before and I am sure that I will say it many, many times to come. This is perhaps the best non-superhero book on the market currently and is probably in the top 5 books coming out regardless of genre. The world of Elephantmen is so incredibly engaging that it would seem silly to explore it through only one set of eyes and Starkings clearly knows that as he shows us the perspective of an incredible ensemble of characters that fill out the whole of the cultural gamut. We can get great insight into the heroic minds of characters like Ebony Hide and Hip Flask at the same time as we explore the darker hearts of characters like Obidiah Horn (who while villainous certainly has grown on me a great deal and has become one of my favorite characters of the series) as well as delve into the truly black souls of characters like Joshua Serengeti as well as the focus of the main story of this issue ... The Silencer.

Once proud Combat Trainer/Arena Master/Torturer of The Elephantmen, The Silencer was left for dead by Ebony Hide (who, in a fit of anger the likes of which we have not seen from the character since, crushed The Silencer's legs after goring him in the torso) in the bowels of the Mappo Complex at the end of the War in 2242. He has come a long way since then but little about him has changed, he is still a heartless villain with a mean streak a mile wide and twice as deep. This is an incredible stand alone story suitable for anyone to get an idea of the kind of craft that goes into each and every issue of this totally underrated series. Starkings has a deft hand for finding the heart of the story and exploring it to it's fullest extent and artist Chris Burnam turns in a finely crafted masterpiece that is at times the pulpiest of pulp and at others beautifully rendered vistas of filth and pollution ... he has an eye for the dystopia that is futuristic alleys and the joke known as the L.A. River.

This is one of the best issues of this series thus far and it follows one the characters who makes my stomach turn, so that should tell you something about how much I love this book.

The collections are such incredible bargains that you'd think that you were getting away with something criminal everytime you purchase one and the $2.99 cover price belies the bevy of material contained within, aside from Criminal/Incognito it is probably the best deal on the shelves.

Brief Mentions: Somebody Get That Guy Some Skin Lotion Or Something

Hellblazer #252

Written By: Peter Milligan

Art By: Guiseppe Camuncoli
I love a comic that breaks the mold. Superheroes are cool and all don’t get me wrong. I love to see Hal Jordon thwart Sinestro’s devious plans; Batman once again beat the laugh out of the Joker, and Lex Luthor defeat Superman…. O wait vice versa (but a man can dream). But a book that can help break the monotony is a welcomed read. There are many titles that fulfill this need such as Criminal, House of Mystery, I Kill Giants, Young Liars and Northlanders but one book just has the right mixture that keeps me coming back for more. Hellblazer is a book that is always at the top of the comic pile. A chain-smoking Englishmen who was a punk rocker and not to mention a demon ass kicker – I say yes please. In this issue, Constantine is up to his usual shenanigans; killing scab babies and saving the world. Man if I had a nickel for every time I had to kill a scab baby…. But anyways, Hellblazer #252 is part two in the “scab” story arc written by Peter Milligan and art by Guiseppe Camuncoli. What is so great about this title is a constant rotating cast of creators. This offers an eclectic selection of creative touches, which leaves a lasting impression on the title as a whole. Milligan and Camuncoli successfully create a compelling story that puts all, including Constantine, in mortal danger. This issue, as weird as it may sound, will leave you saying “somebody get that guy some skin lotion of something.”




Frank Castle: The Punisher #67

Written By: Duane Swerczynski

Art By: Michel Lacombe
Punisher. Punisher. Punisher. What is there to say? Frank Castle: The Punisher #67 hit the shelves this week and as I have been since Ennis left – I was skeptic. Written by Duane Swerczynski and art by Michel Lacombe, Punisher continues his crusade against the corrupt underbelly of society. Part two in the “6 hours to kill” story arc, we find Frank in a situation he usually not it – under threat of death. 6 hours to kill is not just a eye-catching title, Frank literally has only 6 hours to kill. As discussed in last issue, Castle has been shot up with poison and has only six hours to live. With only six hours to live, Castle does what he does best, he maims, he hurts, and he kills. Though the story is great and the art is equal in its amazingness, I feel that there is slowly becoming a lack of complexity of the Punisher as was seen in the Ennis era. I won’t cast stones right now considering its only the second issue but I will keep my eyes open. If you like a nice, violent, Punisher story, this book definitely delivers. With all the gun shooting, head crushing, death-defying (read Project Superpowers) action we have all come to admire in our violent hero.

Brief Mentions: (Damn It Feels Good To Be A Mundy! or It Looks Like Somebody Has A Case Of The Mundies. Part 1 of 2... this is the y point of view.)

Fables

Issue # 1 thru 81 with special guests, The Last Castle and 1001 Nights of Snowfall

Writer- Bill Willingham

Pencils – Mark Buckingham (the bulk and current)
-Lan Medina, Bryan Talbot, Linda Medley (sorry if I missed someone)



You may have or have not noticed we never talk about one of the greatest books being produced in this day in age. That book goes by the name Fables. 81 issues strong, a prestige format story called The Last Castle, and an original graphic novel called 1001 Nights of Snowfall is what consists of this epic series thus far and an added bonus collection of covers by James Jean in a hardcover. All that can be said about Fables is that it started great and is only getting better with every issue and those issues can be found on the shelf of your local comic shop. Me being me recommends that if you are not involved in this story yet do yourself a favor and pick up the trades… DO NOT JUST JUMP IN ALL WILLY NILLY LIKE! I also recommend that you hold off on 1001 Nights of Snowfall until you are pretty familiar with the cast, it takes place prior to the events in Fables but hits so much harder if you already love these people. Currently, there are 11 trades available with the 12th due out in August. Plus that 1001 Nights of Snowfall and don’t fret because The Last Castle can be found in trade # 4 (I’m pretty sure it’s # 4 but I can guarantee it is one of the trades.) It is a handsome collection indeed.

Fables is story that is made for everyone! For starters, you have known these characters since you where knee high to a grasshopper. Sure, they are shown in a whole new light taking part in all new adventures but lovable all the same, even the ones you love to hate are lovable. In my humble opinion, Willingham is sitting on a goldmine with the whole idea of this book. He could write Fables stories forever if he wanted too. He could even write two books forever about this very concept. For proof that this idea can have two books and still be great just checkout Jack of Fables. Which, is co-written by Willingham and Sturges. It is a lighter read but great all the same. Not to mention, an up coming cross-over that will run through Fables, Jack of Fables, and a brand new mini-series The Literals (Also co-written by Willingham and Sturges.) I can honestly say that Fables will be one of them timeless books that will be enjoyed for as long as people read the written word.

By now we all should be familiar with the name Willingham. We also should be familiar with the name Sturges. We know these names because time and time again they have given us amazing stories that we should be forever grateful for. And anybody out there that owns that DC Universe: The Stories of Alan Moore trade get to see a Green Latrine story featuring the art of Bill Willingham. Yep, crazy I know. Speaking of art, Fables has it and it is beautiful. The first arc was penciled by Lan Medina and is perfectly fitting plus a joy to look at. After Medina we are graced by the art of Mark Buckingham, which is just as beautiful and fitting for the story. As if great writing and great art is not enough, we get James Jean covers. I’d reckon that it is impossible to walk past an issue of Fables without at least picking it up and admiring the cover before putting it back down and having to go back at a later date to pick up the trades. There is no shame in not being current or even not reading Fables at the moment, because eventually if you truly love the art of storytelling you with find your way to this collection. It has been said many times that you should buy the first two Fable trades at the same time. I agree and disagree with this stament.(that I have told many people many times) Let me explain. I agree because the first arc is not a fair assessment of what Fables is really like. You see it is a straight up murder mystery detective story, which is not necessarily how the rest of these books play out. I disagree because it was an amazing fucking murder mystery detective story and I loved every second of it. It seems Vertigo is in the process of giving us yet another unforgettable tale that will last many lifetimes. *To make a long story short if you are not taking part in the Fables experience you are missing out. If you don’t want to believe me checkout part 2 of this brief mention, in which my better half tells you her thoughts on this epic journey known as Fables. I must go now, for I hear the horns a calling.
-Rob

Collected material

1
Fables: Legends in Exile
ISBN 1-5638-9942-6
April 25, 2003
Fables #1–5 and the new prose story "A Wolf in the Fold"

2
Fables: Animal Farm
ISBN 1-4012-0077-X
August 2003
Fables #6–10

3
Fables: Storybook Love
ISBN 1-4012-0256-X
May 2004
Fables #11–18

4
Fables: March of the Wooden Soldiers
ISBN 1-4012-0222-5
November 30, 2004
Fables #19–21, 23–27, and The Last Castle one-shot

5
Fables: The Mean Seasons
ISBN 1-4012-0486-4
April 30, 2005
Fables #22, 28–33

6
Fables: Homelands
ISBN 1-84576-124-3
January 27, 2006
Fables #34–41

7
Fables: Arabian Nights (and Days)
ISBN 1-84576-278-9
July 5, 2006
Fables #42–47

8
Fables: Wolves
ISBN 1-4012-1001-5
December 20, 2006
Fables #48–51, maps of Fabletown and the Farm, script for #50

9
Fables: Sons of Empire
ISBN 1-4012-1316-2
June 13, 2007 Fables #52–59

10

Fables: The Good Prince
ISBN 1-4012-1686-2
June 4, 2008
Fables #60–69

11
Fables: War and Pieces

ISBN 1-4012-1913-6
November 19, 2008
Fables #70-75, sketches by Mark Buckingham

12

Fables: The Dark Ages

ISBN 1-4012-2316-8
August 11, 2009
Fables #76-82

And Let's not forget about:

Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall

*Warning this book will probably make you cry. If you have a heart, that is.

**From the editor’s desk: This was specifically unspecific due to the fact nobody likes great stories to be ruined for them. See, some of us ComicDorks are nice people... Dayron.