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!)

Living Up To Expectations:

Oracle The Cure # 3 (of 3)

Writer: Kevin Vanhook

Pencillers: Julian Lopez

and Fernando Pasarin

Warning… spoiler.

By the end of this book…

BABS IN STILL IN THE CHAIR! BABS IN STILL IN THE CHAIR! BABS IN STILL IN THE CHAIR! BABS IN STILL IN THE CHAIR! BABS IN STILL IN THE CHAIR! BABS IN STILL IN THE CHAIR! BABS IN STILL IN THE CHAIR! BABS IN STILL IN THE CHAIR! BABS IN STILL IN THE CHAIR! BABS IN STILL IN THE CHAIR! BABS IN STILL IN THE CHAIR! BABS IN STILL IN THE CHAIR! BABS IN STILL IN THE CHAIR! BABS IN STILL IN THE CHAIR! BABS IN STILL IN THE CHAIR! BABS IN STILL IN THE CHAIR! BABS IN STILL IN THE CHAIR! BABS IN STILL IN THE CHAIR! BABS IN STILL IN THE CHAIR! BABS IN STILL IN THE CHAIR!
BABS IN STILL IN THE CHAIR! BABS IN STILL IN THE CHAIR! BABS IN STILL IN THE CHAIR! BABS IN STILL IN THE CHAIR!

I’m so glad I don’t have to punch somebody in the face.

I may be a black-hearted ass face but I was so worried Babs would be Jitterbugging at the conclusion of the mini-series. Come on it’s called the cure. Barbara Gordon could very well be my favorite Gotham resident. Don’t be fooled with her North American tour. The old folks would say, “You can take that there girl out of that there city but you could never take that city out of that girl. What it is with her and that city beats the hell out of me… well… with all those hooligans and that dumbass clown. Now come give us a kiss. I promise I won’t use too much tongue this time. Did I ever tell you how much you remind me of your granddad? He was so handsome. Come closer.” The old folks are right. We should forget about the cowl and realize we can use Oracle how she needs to be used. (nonsexually, of course) She would work out of her new secret Batcave and she would control our Gotham heroes, who remain to wear their own costumes, until the return of Bruce. I’m sure Alfred wouldn’t mind the company. And I’m sure Bruce would mind there being a bright light with a wheelchair symbol in the middle of it shining above the Gotham streets. Isn’t Gotham as much Oracle’s city as it is Batman’s? And let’s not forget she can still deliver a beat down that is always fun to watch.

I was pleasantly surprised by Oracle: The Cure. It was the first story I have read by Kevin Vanhook and he won me over. He also gave me a perfect end cap to my Birds of Prey run. The characters in these books were dead on, not to mention that we learned a little bit more about who those characters are… as characters. For a three-issue story it felt complete, while leaving me wondering what Babs will be up to in the coming months. One last thing I would like to point out before I leave this book. The first two covers were nice to the eyeballs, you know? If your not catching my drift, the first two issues had covers that featured Babs bountiful breasticles. Naturally, as a man I approved. Then we get to the last issue and on the cover we find out we are busted. Babs is looking right at me with that face that says you perverted, hairy bastard. My face is up here and what ever is going on in your head needs to end or I will end you. After, a nice discussion and a hug I made her understand that if you don’t want me staring you shouldn’t be baring. I am happy to say we are still good friends even though she thinks she’s so smart with her computers and brainpower and stuff.

The Amazon # 3 (of 3)

Co-created and

Written by: Steven T. Seagle

Illustrated by: Tim Sale

The Amazon was a nice little three-issue story. It was an interesting tale about a very serious issue that still persists after all these years. Though this is not the first time this absurd and life-threatening issue has been touched on, these guys did it in a way that shed a new kind of light on the price of our evolutional advancements as humans. Plus the format of these issues was really consumer friendly. Much like Criminal, except the supplemental material was a discussion with Seagle and Sale. The Amazon was certainly a nice break from superhero stories for me. Some times friends I need a break from powers. The Amazon had an ending point that is fine on it's own but I can imagine some sweet things Seagle and Sale could do to continue the story. So check it out. Go! Now!
-Rob

Living Up To Expectations

Ex Machina # 41

Writer –Brian K. Vaughan

Penciller - Tony Harris



Surprise… surprise another great issue from this amazing team. What can I really say about these guys that would really do them any justice? We all know BKV can spin a damned good yarn and Tony, well he is Tony or Jack or Kremlin or something. In short, both of these guys have a long list of material out there that is just waiting to penetrate, titillate, and stimulate your noggins. Now doesn’t that sound like something worth looking into?

Issue # 41 showed us Hundred’s plan for his next year in office. I have to say that watching this man’s growth over the past few years has been amazing. He seems to be the imaginary perfect politician. Sure he has his problems but he is only human… well except for the whole powers thing. Does he always have the answers? Does he always make the right decisions? Can he fix everything that needs fixing? Absolutely not but he is the kind of guy that will look you right in the face and tell you, we are fucked and if we don’t all work together we will find ourselves even more fucked. That my friends, is truth and that is what makes Hundred an imaginary perfect politician. But something tells me that the well being of New Yorkers is not the only issue Mayor Hundred will be dealing with this next year. Hey, at least, "Enemies stab you in the front."

Obviously, everybody should be checking Ex Machina out. It even has man eating rats.
-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.

Living Up to Expectations: snoitatcepxE ot pU gniviL. (Anyway You Spell It Comics Are For Losers.)

Dark Reign: Fantastic Four # 2



Writer –Jonathan Hickman

Pencils- Sean Chen






What can I say? Who gives a rats ass about a bunch of stupid heroes who cause trouble and then defeat it. Do you know how many times Reed has almost destroyed our planet? Well, I don’t have specific stats, but I know it has been a lot. I feel saddened that Hickman finally gets into Marvel only to find the worst new title on the shelf. Come on people let’s lay this trifle down. Look what they do to their children. What about the children? Will they ever grow up to be cowboys? No! Because, their genius dad will build a device that blows up our planet ruining any chance for any one to be any thing. For crying out loud people how much can we take? And Sean is that your real poop on the pages or someone else’s?






Secret Warriors # 3



Story –Bendis and Hickman

Script –Jonathan Hickman

Art –Stefano Caselli



Somebody kill Fury please. His one-eyed ass has turned into a mounted Eagle. Here’s an idea. Since, I am old and have one eye I will have kids fight my meaningless battles and hopefully some kids will die. Now… Hasselhoff, that was a Fury you could get behind. But, here we are with this old bastard smoking cigars while children do his bidding. Seriously, Hickman are you trying to make me stop reading comics. These characters suck bring back the skrulls. Four words in a musical fashion; dum dum… dum dum… How many people does it take to make a stupid book? I always thought one but apparently it takes more when Fury is involved. Hey, Stefano why not throw some puke in the mix?

* AHAHAHAHA I FOOLED YOU BIG DUMMIES AHAHAHAHAHA! I know... worst blog ever! Listen to me if you don’t read these books you need to rethink your station in life. Great writing and great art is happening at Marvel, right now. If you don’t know about it fix that. And, a happy April 1st to y’all.
-Rob

What Do You Mean They're Not Superheroes?!?: Reviews ... and an apology.

I'd like to start with my apology. I've been very lax on my posting the last few days and there is a very specific reason for it. Last Tuesday afternoon my cousin Trenton "Trent" Nathaniel Jiles, died in a car accident. He was 27. I'm 27. It took a whole lot out of me, you might have noticed that I wasn't myself on the most recent episode. I am getting better, a lot better. I'm going to live the rest of my life with a better sense of his desire for freedom in life. I bring a lot of myself to this website and to the podcast and I hope that everyone who listens to the show and reads the articles gets at least half as much out of them as I put into them. I think that if he had seen the site and read some of the articles that he would have laughed and if he had listened to the podcast he probably would have laughed a whole lot. A whole lot of my formative experience was informed by Trent and the man I am today is thanks in part to the things I learned from him while we were growing up, and he never got the chance to really know that ... so this message is for him and this life will be lived more fully in memory of him. So though none of you ever met him (as far as I know) I would like to take this moment to remember him.









Trenton Nathaniel Jiles 4/17/1981 - 3/17/2009


Nothing like a text version of a moment of silence.

And now ...


Living Up To Expectations!

Jack of Fables #32

Written by: Bill Willingham & Matthew Sturges

Art by: Tony Akins
I took a nice sabbatical from Jack of Fables for a while ... I'll admit that it wasn't my proudest hour. But recently I sat down and slammed through about 17 issues of the book and am now all caught up ... and let me tell you, dear readers and kind friends, I have been missing the fuck out. This is easily as good a book as the book from which it spawned. The idea that we can follow a character through as interesting adventures as we have in the 32 issues of this book and all the while there be this underlying seriousness and have it be delivered in such a covert and subconcious way ... brilliant. Toward the beginning of the series we first saw Kevin Thorn and it was almost a throw-away scene and probably lead to more confusion in readers than it did anything ... but now as we've progressed for over thirty issues into this book I have to say that the groundwork that Sturges and Willingham have done leading up to the Literals crossover that starts in the next issues of Fables, Jack and the Literals mini-series is astounding. This is seriously one of the funniest books that I have ever read and at the same time it has this brilliant level of complexity and drama and incredibly interesting, and often endearing, characterization. Expect to hear more about this series on the show this week as I think that it is quickly becoming one of my favorite reads.

The Oracle #1 (of 3)


Written by: Kevin Vanhook


Art by: Julian Lopez & Fernando Pasarin

There has been a lot of controversy about this book on the internet, people who both think that it is great and those who think that it is drek ... I come in on the former as opposed to the latter. I thought that Vanhook did an admirable job with all of the characters in this story. I thought the characterizations were spot on and if not perfect for some people's tastes I think that they were great. This ... yeah ... this is going to be my pick of the week. For the first time ever I am announcing my pick of the week before the show is recorded ... Listen to episode 60 for more of my thoughts on The Oracle #1.

Living Up To Expectation: Some Comics Leave Us Speechless; Some Comics We Don’t Have Enough To Say

Invincible #60

Written By: Robert Kirkman

Art By: Ryan Ottley

Wow! Just read it.










The Punisher #3

Written By: Rick Remender

Art By: Jerome Opena

Some comics consistently remind me monthly why I read comics. In depth characters, impossible scenarios and beautiful artwork are just a few reasons. The Punisher fulfills all of these. Written by Rick Remender with art by Jarome Opena, The Punisher is really making its mark in the Marvel publishing house. Since issue #1 with the face off between Frank Castle and the Sentry I knew this was the beginning of something great. It’s hard to imagine any one coming close to the great work Garth Ennis did for ten years on this character but Remender comes damn near close and doesn’t have the comfort of a MAX title. Punisher has recruited a sidekick, an oracle-esque computer whiz, capable of hacking and tracking almost anything possible. Seeing Punisher in the old school Punisher uniform is also a treat. Jerome Opena puts really dark pencils on these pages and remind me of a Daredevil or Captain America book (which is a huge compliment). Killing is The Punisher’s business and in this era of Dark Reign – killing is good. Punisher takes to the streets and strategically takes out the criminal element. The hood appears to start some trouble as well as mysterious figure (who likes to play chess). Remender and Opena really have a great handle on this character and masterfully balance the violence and action to provide great story telling. So embrace Dark Reign and enter the world of The Punisher.

Ryan Ottley drew a great review of Invincible #60 this week. It looks like this:

Living Up To Expectations: Top 10: Season Two # 4

Script and Layouts – Zander Cannon & Kevin Cannon

Pencils and Inks –Gene Ha


Well, I would like to start by thanking this team for not making me a liar. I said during the previews episode when this book was solicited that if anybody but Uncle Alan could do Top 10 justice it would be Zander and Ha. Sho’ nuff’ I was right… yet again. Zander definitely nailed every one of the characters as well as the overall feel of this wonderful story. I can only imagine what it would be like to try and expand on a story created and written by Alan Moore but Zander pulled it off in a big way. And Gene Ha, two words… Gene… Ha! What else can I say? Obviously, anyone out there that experienced my golden age of comics “the ABC years” knows that both Zander and Ha were tied to it from the beginning. Here’s to them keeping it going.

For anyone out there unaware of Top 10, it is a super powered detective/ police story set in a most interesting place… a police station. (That is barely half of the greatness of the setting of this book) Each character exhibits their very own special qualities that are unique to themselves. Don’t confuse it with books like Powers (not that Powers isn’t a great book it is just different than Top 10) Top 10 is a story like no other. That fact alone should make you check into this book(s). Top 10 is just one on a list of many titles America’s Best Comics has produced over the years. Like I said earlier, my ABC years are my golden years. There will be plenty of time to tell all of you about each and every one of them titles, when I can devote the amount of words needed to express your interest in my opinion. But I will say this, if you don’t buy these Top 10 issues which results in lack of funds to keep Top 10 stories available, I will find you. You will be sorry! I do realize this concluded this mini-series (I guess that’s what it was!?!) So to clarify, if the rumors of more Top 10 never happens and you didn’t buy all the Top 10 available I will find you. And then you will be sorry.
-Rob (The list below is what you need to be happy. Your welcome!)

Collected editions

The Top 10 series has so far been collected in:

Top 10: Book One (issues 1–7)
Hardcover edition (ISBN 1-84023-196-3)
Paperback editions (ISBN 1-56389-668-0 & ISBN 1-84023-275-7)


Top 10: Book Two (issues 8–12)
Hardcover editions (ISBN 1-56389-876-4 & ISBN 1-84023-482-2)
Paperback editions (ISBN 1-56389-966-3 & ISBN 1-84023-518-7)


Smax (issues 1–5)
Hardcover edition (ISBN 1-4012-0325-6)
Paperback edition (ISBN 1-4012-0290-X)


Top 10: The Forty-Niners
Hardcover edition (ISBN 1-56389-757-1)
Paperback edition (ISBN 1-4012-0573-9)

Living Up To Expectations: A World of New

The Mighty #2


Written by: Peter J. Tomasi & Keith Champagne


Art by: Peter Snejbjerg

This is a really damn good book. Anyone who thought they knew where the book was going after having read only one issue is clearly very shortsighted. This is going to be one hell of a ride. I heard somewhere that Keith Champagne thinks that this is going to be the breakout book of the year, I think he might be right. I think that this book is currently the sleeper hit waiting to happen. The kind of things that go on in this issue are the kind of things that you might imagine would really happen more often if there was a character like Superman, or in this case Alpha One around. As much as someone might want to stop crime from happening, people from getting hurt, there will always be times when the unforeseen can, and often will, happen. This is a book all about the ramifications of action, inaction, education, ignorance, life ... consequences of the decisions of life. Gabriel Cole is an incredibly endearing character, there is so much about him that I can identify with. The great hope to live up to expectations that might have been set on you by parents you never got the chance to know. I try not to talk too much about my own personal life here on the website but when I come across a character that touches parts of my life that others don't I get a little emotional. Superman does this for me. Superman is the coolest adopted kid ever in my opinion. When I see the way Superman treated the Kobra babies from Checkmate in the recent Faces of Evil: Kobra one shot it reminded me of what it's like to be adopted, what it's like to be somewhere where you are different. Gabriel Cole does this for me. This issue we find out what happened to his parents (for the most part) and how he first encountered Alpha One ... and it got to me. It reached into my guts and made me feel something. Peter Tomasi and Keith Champagne did this to me. Peter Snejbjerg drew the perfect emotion on Gabe's face when Alpha One told him that his parents would have been proud. I know that feeling, I have had that feeling. Good on you guys. Good on you. Keep up the good work. This is one of the books that everyone, regardless of how you feel about DC or the comics industry these days, should be reading. I think that if this series doesn't recieve a "second season" as it were that there would be no greater injustice in the industry. I will champion this book myself if I have to, I will make it my own personal quest to make sure that everyone with an open mind takes a copy of this book home with them.

Jersey Gods #2


Written by: Glen Brunswick


Art by: Dan McDaid

This is another really fun book from Image. They've been doing a really good job at that lately. Take one part New Gods and one part Love Fights and you'll pretty well wind up with Jersey Gods. It's a great series of action, comedy, and romance featuring engaging characters, fun art (not the kind that would instantly appeal to most of the comics market but in my opinion great) and interesting story beats. If you're a fan of books like Madman, GODLAND, or Charlatan Ball then this is the kind of book that you'll really enjoy. I think this is fast becoming one of my favorite new series from Image and I hope that people catch on because far too many books that I love get cancelled ... it's just frustrating ... so, check out some books that are a little further from the beaten path and we can be alright ... I'd hate for us to not be alright.

Living Up To Expectations: One More Step Closer To Hal Jordan - Rainbow Lantern!

Green Lantern #38

Written By: Geoff Johns

Art By: Ivan Reis
Last time we left Hal Jordan he was listening to Misfits and wanting rip someone’s face off – particularly Sinestro’s. All right maybe not that exactly but he was looking pretty pissed off. Yet again another woman is destroyed because of Hal Jordan. I think Hal Jordan and Matt Murdock should team up and form THE AMAZING WOMAN DESTORYING DUO! (you can see that in previews any day now). As Blackest Night quickly approaches, many new corps are coming into existence and Scar continue to babble on about how we are all doomed in the “Origins and Omens” back-up story. But focusing on Green Lantern #38, Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis deliver another astounding chapter in continuing tale of the greatest green lantern, Hal Jordan (Alan Scott need not apply). Red, Yellow vs. Blue, Green? Or is it Red vs. Yellow, Blue, Green? Needless to say, there are a lot of colors fighting each other. Johns continues to unveil more aspects to these new lanterns including their strengths and particularly their weaknesses. So Jordan has already sported 3 colorful bling-bling (red, yellow, green), does he don a new color in this issue? My suggestion would be to go read it because this is one comic book not to miss. If Jordan continues to wear all these rings will we get to see a Rainbow Lantern? I have a feeling he would look a little like this:




With the end of the “Rage of the Red Lanterns” story arc, “Agent Orange” is next on the docket. Their rings powered by avarice (fancy pants term for greed), Johns has still got some ace’s up his sleeve (no gambit reference intended). Though many people seem to be anxiously awaiting “The Blackest Night” story arc, Johns and Reis continue to hold suspense with every issue and continue to make one of the greatest superhero stories ever told.

Also at the end of this issue we got a short Origins & Omens story. At first I was upset with this because it was cutting into my precious Green Lantern pages but realizing it was furthering the story I was content. Though I’m kind of curious, how much more can Scar continue to bleed? He/She should get his/her eyes looked at that. That’s not normal. But anyways, all-round and excellent issue and this comic continues to “go where eagles dare.”

Living Up to Expectations: Who Doesn’t Love A Private Dick, Especially, One With Paranormal Issues?

Mysterius The Unfathomable # 2


Writer –Jeff Parker


Art –Tom Fowler



It’s like this. Good detective stories are not the easiest thing to produce. First, you are talking about a somewhat limited format to write in while competing with a monstrous list of incredible authors, most with a good sized body of work that include many different takes of those limited scenarios. Now add cinema, television, and throw in some good old-fashioned newsprint. Are you picking up what I’m laying down? Basically, to create an unpredictable mystery is a feat in it’s self, not to say that there aren’t a number of writers out there finding new ways to keep us in suspense, but those writers are good at there jobs. And their job is, wait for it… to have good ideas. Here’s one, a detective story with magic, nude witches, and Hell… amongst other things. Jeff Parker had that idea and is sharing it with us in a book called “Mysterius The Unfathomable.” (Or as I know it Unfrathomabowlbow!)

Jeff parker has created a perfectly lovable piece of shit of a person for his detective. Granted, this is only issue deuce so we will have to wait and see what happens. What is it that every lovable piece of shit person needs? A complete lovable partner who he can treat horribly but deep down know he is lucky to have counterpart. We definitely find this in a lady named… well we will call her Delfi. All that’s left to fulfill is the mystery. The mystery… that’s a whole nother thing. Which one you want to hear about? A dude who… ummm… something strange is happening to? Or another dude who… ummm… something strange is happening to? All I’ll say is just ask your self one very important question. What is the worst thing that could happen to you as a result of indulging yourself in the company of ladies of the night? (You know? Harlots, whores, tricks, prostitutes… etc.)

Not to mention, Tom Fowler’s art is a perfect fit and beautiful, taboot. I really dig his style. His portrayal of all of these characters seems to reflect the personalities of the people he is inventing with Parker. To be perfectly honest, I could rave forever about why you should checkout this story but true to tradition it will be much more enjoyable to experience it for yo’self. And if yo’self enjoys good comics you should checkout “Mysterius The Unfathomable.”
-Rob

Living Up To Expectations: R.E.B.E.L.S. #1

R.E.B.E.L.S. #1

Written by: Tony Bedard

Art by: Andy Clarke

There is a series that I will always remember fondly that many people may forget altogether. Negation was one of the best books being produced at the ill-fated CrossGen and at it's core were two creators who I will forever been enthralled by: Tony Bedard & Paul Pelletier. When CrossGen closed up shop Bedard went on to write one of my favorite Marvel titles at the time Exiles. There was just something about team based books that Bedard seemed to get that I loved. The underlying lack of trust that characters can have that many team books seem to totally ignore. So when I found out he would be doing a modern DCU continuity sci-fi team book I nearly wet my pants in excitement. R.E.B.E.L.S. is a spin on the L.E.G.I.O.N. series from the early 90's. Vril Dox first came to my attention during the Adam Strange mini-series that can currently be found in the pages of the Planet Heist TPB that lead to the events of Rann-Thanagar War mini-series that occurred in the lead up to Infinite Crisis. Since then he has been seen in the much ignored Omega Men mini-series and now that Rannagar ... Thann ... the location of Rann-Thanagar Holy War ... has been in the forefront of some of the events of DC for a while and they've been really pushing their cosmic series it seemed like the perfect time for a new series involving the only good Coluan in the 21st century. Well, mostly good. There is something perfect about the kind of hero that Vril Dox is. And it leads to a great first issue. The first time you see Vril in the first issue of R.E.B.E.L.S. made me laugh so hard I nearly peed (I actually was reading it in the bathroom so I might have). The series is drawn impeccably by the totally underrated and totally amazing Andy Clarke. He has a fantastic sense of character and is perhaps best described as a mix between the best aspects of Travis Charest and Kevin Macguire. He knows how to draw a great looking character with very human expression on their face as well as terrifying space monsters. This book really just made me giddy from the word go. I think that Bedard said it best himself in a recent interview with Newsarama

"... There's a lot of back-biting and scheming. You know, you have something like Star Trek or the Green Lantern Corps, and you know who the good guys are and they do the right thing and everything. This isn't that kind of book. This is more like Firefly or Farscape, where people are always sort of not sure they can trust each other. And everybody's got their own agenda. And people are dropping like flies left and right. It's that kind of book."

Seriously that quote alone should give you a good idea of how a series has to purport itself if it wants to give me goosebumps. Green Lantern Corps is totally like The Jedi Order or the Federation, one governing body and everyone doing the best to do the best for all while hurting the fewest people possible. So if R.E.B.E.L.S. is going to be closer to the kind of sci-fi that Firefly and Farscape (two of my favorite series of all time ... and very clearly the kind of book that Negation was from the get-go) then I can certainly say that this book is going to be on the top of my to-read pile for quite some time to come. Good on you boys, good on you indeed.

Living Up To Expectations

The New Avengers # 49

Writer –Brian Michael Bendis

Pencils –Billy Tan




Well, here we are in a world of many different Avengers and the government-backed team is a bunch of whack jobs. I am still wondering why the hell Norman is in charge? I know the how but really… why is Norman in charge? And how does a country feel safe with an Avengers team hand picked by the Goblin? We are lucky that people like the New Avengers still give enough of a damn to see that we are safe from … well, ourselves. Issue # 48 ended with an interesting look at what Luke would do for his kid. Like most people he would do anything even join Norman’s team if it meant he got his kid back. You try and explain to Jessica that you refuse to be on a team of lunatics even though it meant she got her child back. So, we saw Luke make a deal but would he keep his end?

Issue # 49 picks up with Luke rolling around with Norman and his goons. Then we see a couple of our old friends, Skrulls, being interrogated and then eaten. That leads us to a warehouse or a secret meeting spot The Skrulls had during the invasion. It is there we see Luke face his daughter’s kidnapper, Skrarvis. I had to laugh because Skrarvis didn’t know what he done was wrong. He was given a baby and kept that baby safe. I believe Luke realizes this and tells Skrarvis if he makes it right he can beam back up to the Enterprise. Bullseye had other plans. Bullseye gets beat down. Luke Cage rules! Luke no longer works with Norman. Despite, Norman calling Luke names. I still have to wonder what he meant by “guess who just made the list.” At the end of this issue we get the New Avengers reaction to Norman’s Avengers playing dress up with other peoples clothes. Much like I thought Clint is not happy and the New Avengers may have found a reason to fight. What will happen when the New Avengers clash with the Newer Avengers? Guess you should probably read and find out.
-Rob

Living Up To Expectations: Tiny Titans #12

Tiny Titans #12
Written by: Art Baltazar & Franco
Art by: Art Baltazar

It's funny when I think back to the beginnings of The ComicDorksCast and I remember that Darren's first Pick of the Week was Tiny Titans #1 and since then we haven't really talked much about one of the best books to ever bear the DC logo. We talk an awful lot about books that would be too complex or too mature for little kids ... Heck, we read a whole lot of books that are just inappropriate for the "All-Ages" audience. But Tiny Titans is so much more than an "All-Ages" book, it's really and truly a great comic book. Anyone who reads DC comics would love the "Finals Crisis" that occurs in this issue and the in-jokes are abundant for readers of all different levels of familiarity with the DCU. Art Baltazar and Franco Aureliani have crafted some of the most fun and funny comic booking in years and I think that it goes unnoticed by so much of the comics reading population that it is downright criminal. Honestly if you are ever looking for a really fun read that can take your mind off of the current craziness going on in the other titles that you are reading and just make you smile and laugh then Tiny Titans really should be a part of your regular reading. This week's issue features one of my favorite covers in recent memory, playing off of the Faces of Evil event that is going on with the rest of the DC line we see Dr. Light, the Science Teacher, Mr. Trigon, the Substitue Teacher, and Mr. Slade, the Principal ... each a formidable character on their own but together they are known as ... The Faces of Mischief. The book goes on to really just be heartwarming and satisfying on each and every page and I think that if we are going to have a next generation of comic readers that it is going to be because of books precisely like this, something that talks to kids on their own level that also manages to be entertaining for the parents who might be saddled with reading the book to their kids. I think that Franco and Art have crafted a near perfect comic book and I look forward to another year of Tiny Titans as they work month in and month out trying to make us all smile. And if you haven't started reading Tiny Titans yet be sure to check out their first Trade Paperback that comes out the first week of February "Welcome to the Treehouse"!

Living Up To Expectations: Born on a Monday

Solomon Grundy

Written By: Geoff Johns

Art By: Scott Kolins

Throughout the DCU there are characters we adore, such as Jack Knight, Wesley Dodds, and Tommy Monaghan. Others we love to hate like The Turtle, Toyman, and The Mist. And then there are some characters that just scare the shit out of us such as Junior, Sheldon the Shark, and of course… Solomon Grundy. Fashioned after the famous children’s nursery rhyme from the 19th century, Grundy is born again this week in the Faces of Evil Solomon Grundy One-Shot. From the minds of the Flash creative team Geoff Johns and Scott Kolins, this one-shot provides a look into the seven issue miniseries to be released in March both written and drawn by Scott Kolins. Last time we left Grundy he was dead on Hell Planet in the Salvation Run mini-series. But like most comic characters, especially Solomon Grundy, that doesn’t mean he is gone for good. Johns provides and excellent background story reaching all the way back to his first confrontation with Alan Scott (Green Lantern Earth-2) and also features the one and only Jack Knight….’s cosmic rod. This issue also has great sequences with Grundy and time counting down till midnight. And much like Matt Wagner’s Madame Xanadu, Johns and Kolins set out to tell the story of a DC character whom little is known about. And as always, Scott Kolins provides some great pencils to the book and makes me reminisce of the great days of Flash. Geoff Johns does an excellent job setting up the book and making it unbearable to wait two more months for this book…. so thank you Geoff for that. It is another great installment in the faces of evil event, which has been exceedingly fun and innovative. So pick this book up and be prepared to see the seven days of Solomon Grundy.

Living up to Expectations: (Brains for Dinner, Brains for Lunch, Brains for Breakfast, and Brains for Brunch.)

Walking Dead # 57

Writer –Robert Kirkman

Penciler –Charlie Adlard



Well, none of the books I anticipated actually made it home with me so here is what I thought about Walking Dead. I think all of us can expect one thing out of this book. We can expect dead people. As well as, an unbelievable good time at the expense of the characters found in these pages. It seems that Kirkman has succeeded in alleviating any expectations we can have in his story. By now we can all revel in the fact that a zombie story lasting five years in a remarkable feat let alone the fact that each issue opens this story up to wider possibilities. Though not all the issues are packed full with action, each issue holds the up most importance to the over all tale that is being told.

Walking Dead # 57 finds our cast still on the road. After the last few issues we are getting to know some new characters a little bit better and some older characters more than we could ever have imagined. The great thing about a book like this is that we find from time to time Kirkman seems to restart the story. For instance, we found content while the cast lived in the prison. We all know what would happen to be in their situation and to become comfortable. That’s right, the bottom will drop out, folks will die, and the shit will hit the fan then splatter all over the walls. And that’s exactly what happened. Amongst, the shit on the wall we find Rick appearing to be constantly on the fence of sanity. Personally, to remain sane in the world that Rick lives in would in fact be insane. Therefore, I believe Rick is finally being what he needs to be. Rick is a hard-assed mutha’ to the maximum capacity. He is the kind of dude that will bite a chunk out of you if you try to rape his son.

This issue finds Rick, Abraham, and Carl heading back to Rick’s hometown to pick up supplies. Everybody else is camped out waiting on the trio’s return. Along the way we briefly meet a few new guys and then they die. Which raises the question what has one arm but can still kick your ass? We also get a really great conversation between Rick and Abraham; though it was short it seems to be leading to something much greater. I think we might even find that these two guys share more than they think. Not that they will be best friends but they might stop trying to kill each other. In the next issue we shall learn more about our new friend Abraham and maybe finally understand what is going on with him.

*With inspiration from Helm: When the shit has splattered on the walls what are we left with. We are left with a strong aroma in our nostrils and that salty taste of throw up in the back of our mouths. And as the shit starts to slide and settle on the floor, the wall reemerges with a brand new vision for our eye balls to behold. A story left untold for our eyes, nose, and mouth to experience. When we are finished we shall pull up our boots and find our way out of that room of shit but what will be waiting outside. Yep, a whole world of shit to wade through until we reach our journey’s end where we will be turned into shit for future generations to waddle in. But rest assured the slow steady creeping of shit will eventually catch up with us all and when it does we will welcome the idea of being relieved of the running. We shall embrace shit as if it is our life’s blood. For we would be nothing with out it. Smell ya later.-Rob

Living Up to Expectations: Teen Titans #66

"The New Deal Part 1: Choices"

Written by: Sean McKeever
Art by: Eddy Barrows

I realize that I didn't pick this as one of my Anticipated Books in episode #47 but ultimately I think that it was too late for me to properly evaluate what I should or shouldn't be anticipating. So, I decided to buck tradition (we're all tradition buckers here at The ComicDorksCast offices) and pick a book that when I unpacked it from it's box I actually squealed a little bit.

Teen Titans has long been one of the titles that I think that far too many people overlook. I think that once Geoff Johns left the title that they decided that no one was going to be able to fill those loafers and jumped ship. Boy howdy were they wrong. I am just about the most dyed in the wool Geoff Johns fan as you're like to find staggering around a comic store (except for that guy with the giant Stars and Stripey collage tattooed across his girthy back [that might have been a dream even ... so take that for what you will]) and I know that what I am about to say will likely sound like sacrilege dribbling from the lips of an invalid but ... Sean McKeever is really doing a much better job with these teen heroes than Geoff ever did with them.

Take a breath.

Cool off.

Take a walk around the block if you have to.

I understand.

Seriously though, McKeever has always been the kind of writer that any publisher would want dealing with their teenaged characters. It is long established that he knows how to pen the hormone driven brains of a Tween better than almost anyone in the industry. Starting back with his creator owned tour de force The Waiting Place he has proven time and time again that if it involves characters who are as likely to freak out about zits as they are about Amazo suddenly bursting into the room. His work on titles like Inhumans, Gravity, Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane and others is credential enough.

Sean seems to have struggled to keep a cohesive team together through his run but ultimately that seems to make a whole lot of sense. I mean teens are flighty and are bound to commit to things that they suddenly don't have time in their schedules for the next week, so having a fluid cast seems to make a whole lot of sense. He's also made perhaps the best duo of characters to grace the pages of a team book since the Giffen Matteis run on JLI. That's right, the Blue and Gold might be gone for now, and perhaps forever, but long reign The Blue and Red. Red Devil and Blue Beetle have the perfect mix of friendship and competition that makes every great pair of contemporary superheroes work. Think about it, Hal Jordan and Ollie Queen, Bruce Banner and Clark Kent, Michael "Booster" Carter and Ted Kord.

Issue 66 picks up after the Titans have finally faced off against Lycus, the son of Ares and the teens are back at the Tower trying to figure out the best way to bolster their numbers. The recent fights have been a little too close for comfort considering that their numbers are quite reduced with Supergirl wrapped up with Kandor, M'gann trying to adapt to having a civilian identity, and Rose leaving in a huff after the encounter with the Clock King (read Terror Titans for more info on that ... also a great title ... ALSO WRITTEN BY McKEEVER!). So it's time for a member drive.

Really and truly, if you haven't been reading this title I think you are missing out on something special and this issue is a great jumping on point and I think that anyone with an extra $3 this week would do themselves an immeasureable favor if they picked up Teen Titans #66 ... I'm sure they won't forget it.

Living Up to Expectations: Avengers Initiative #19 and Dark Reign New Nation # One-Shot

*Editor’s Note: Due to the fact that Rob talks about Avengers Initiative a lot he will keep his review brief. Also, due to the fact that Scotty decided to have a competition, that Rob will not be participating in, by writing a wonderful post on Hellblazer you will not find any words about John. Check this out, Scott literally slapped Rob in the face and said, “I demand satisfaction!” True story, it was crazy. Lastly, we all know Rob is going to pick Birds of Prey for the show; therefore, Rob will write on a book he was not anticipating.

Avengers Initiative
# 19 “V-S Day”

Writers –Dan Slott and Christos N. Gage

Artists – Harvey Tolibao and Bong Dazo


This is a book I talk about often and with good reason. This book kicks ass! Issue # 19 was a perfect follow up to Secret Invasion. Right now you are thinking, “What about Dark Reign… dumbass?” Now hold on, hear me out. Where were the Skrulls? What are the Skrulls doing? Well, my friends, if you read Avengers Initiative # 19 you saw their side of the fight. As well as what the other Initiative teams were doing. Not to mention an excellent evolution of a great character. No, it is not Tippy-Toe, but Tippy-Toe is glorious all the same. Obviously, I still recommend this book to everyone who cares about great Marvel titles. How Dum Dum can a Dum Dum be?



Dark Reign: New Nation One-Shot (I refuse to put a #1 here but I guess I just did. Damn you DD! That’s a joke; I hope it’s funny.)

“Secret Warriors”

Writers –Brian Michael Bendis and Jonathan Hickman

Artist – Stefano Caselli


“Agents of Atlas”

Writer – Jeff Parker

Penciler –Carlo Pagulayan


“War Machine”

Writer – Greg Pak

Artist – Leonardo Manco

“Skrull Kill Krew”

Writer -Adam Felber

Penciler – Paulo Siqueira

“New Avengers: The Reunion”

Writer – Jim McCann (hope that 2nd ‘c’ is sposed to be small)

Penciler – David Lopez


Reminiscent of a book DC released, titled Brave New World, a while ago (You guys read that… I hope.), Dark Reign: New Nation was a perfect introduction into the world left in the wake of the Skrull invasion. This issue consisted of short stories, if you will, of what we can look forward to in the future of the Marvel Universe. I gotta say I’m a little excited to see what will become of my subtotals in the near future. (Why can’t you leave the poor man alone?)

This issue kicks off with a heart warming Warriors story. You saw the team, creative and heroic. What do you expect? I’ll tell you. Some more kick ass comic book reading… bye and bye. Two words with one ‘I’ … Nick Fury! Then, we get a glimpse of the Agents of Atlas. How perfect does that sound rolling off the tongue? Agents of Atlas… I shiver. Next it is War Machine, which is the only one I have not got to yet but I will. Yeah, I skip around… so what? Following the prior is a heart-warming story called Skrull Kill Krew. I assure you this story will be in my mind for many mooooooons! Lastly but not leastly, it’s New Avengers: The Reunion. (I add a ‘?’) This story was very intriguing and left me saying, “WHAT… THE… FUCK?” in a good way, of course. Overall, this was a well-packaged comic worth the raising rate of our issues as of late. Don’t think I haven’t noticed.

I do believe we will see our Marvel Universe in a whole new fashion with what lies ahead. I’m starting to see that last Secret Invasion issue as the beginning rather than a conclusion. Which raises the question, when was the last time Marvel actually concluded a big event? It doesn’t really matter anyway because after reading Dark Reign: New Nation, I know that there will be fun o'plenty to be had along this never ending journey that is The Marvel Big Event.
-Rob

Living Up To Expectation: DMZ #37

DMZ #37
Written by: Brian Wood
Art by: Riccardo Burchielli

Many years ago one of the most popular books at Vertigo was by British writer Warren Ellis and American artist Darrick Robertson ... it went by the rather cumbersome name of Transmetropolitan ... but was more frequently known as quite simply Transmet. For a good portion of the series the thrust of the story is the main character, Spider Jerusalem, trying to right a wrong that he has made. That was a story that had a strong sense of humor and a mean streak a mile wide. DMZ has been a book about the slow rise over three years of Matty Roth from lowly photo-tech intern to voice of a disenfranchised and disowned populace of a demilitarized goldmine. No matter how devastated NYC will always be the crown jewel of America, and neither side of this war seems to be able to call it quits while the 5 boroughs remain contested. I find it far more believable that Matty, after spending three or so years among the people being a truthteller to the world that he would have the sway to effectively back a firebrand candidate to victory. If only he had been given the kind of time that would have been necessary to properly vet his candidate, he might have realized that the light at the end of the tunnel was a Mack truck barrelling toward him. Parco Delgado might not be the man we had all hoped him to be. Let's hope that Matty can find some way to reshape the man he thought he once knew, and undo the damage that comes with great power ... not to mention the damage that would come from the Prada weilding harpy that's been whispering in his ear while Matty was away.

Living Up To Expectations: Being a Criminal Never Felt So Good

Criminal 2 #7
Written By: Ed Brubaker
Art By: Sean Phillips

I think we are all in agreement that comics are good. Some of course are better than others, just like movies and TV shows. But every once in awhile, a comic comes along that simply captivates you and blows away the competition. Tell me if you have heard this one before….READ CRIMINAL! Written By Ed Brubaker and art by Sean Phillips, Criminal is, as stated before, the best book on the shelves. I don’t think a book has received more praise on the ComicDorksCastTM than Criminal. For those unfamiliar with this fantastic series, Criminal is a series of short stories and vignettes with characters whose lives are loosely based upon each other. In short, Criminal could be considered a more realistic Sin City. With this issue (Criminal 2 #7), the “Bad Night” story arc comes to a close. This is one of the best issues thus far. The comic is split up into three parts: The Cop, The Nurse, and the main character, Jacob Kurtz (and his sidekick/imaginary friend, Frank Kafka). This issue breaks down all the events we have seen in the past three issues and gives more context as to why things happened in the story the way they did. This multiple point-of-view approach really fills out the story and has you wondering how you didn't see it coming. We also get the startling reveal about the true nature of Jacob’s comic character, Frank Kafka. Sean Phillips continues to absolutely draw the S#&% out of this book. Sean Phillips creates excellent dark and dreary panels that this comic creates. I really cannot find anything wrong with this book. The characters, the script, the art, the lettering, and the coloring are all amazing. There are two seasons of this great series. The first season was traded into two volumes: “Coward” and “Lawless”. The first three issues of the second season were also traded into “The Dead and the Dying”. These three trades bring you up to date with “Bad Night,” which concluded with this issue. In the Comic Hall of Fame, Criminal has its spot reserved.