Brief Mentions: Avengers Invaders # 5

Plot –Alex Ross & Jim Krueger

Script –Jim Krueger

Pencils –Steve Sadowski & Patrick Berkenkotter

Color –inLight Studios


(Yep, another review. Standard spoiler rules apply. Of course, I’ll try to be as vague as possible.)


Well, this book finally returned to the shelf this week. Fortunately, so many great comics are constantly coming out; therefore, the wait wasn’t so bad. I have got to say I have been enjoying this book since issue #1.Then again, I am an Invaders fan. You saw the creative team that is putting this out, right? Despite some things I hear around the shop, I think any book that includes The New Avengers, The Mighty Avengers, and the Invaders is book worth checking out.

Imagine you are an Invader fighting Nazis in 1943 one second, then the next you are in present day New York. Present day, meaning our Steve Rogers is dead. So, here we are in New York where the registration act is still an issue (heroes hunting heroes) and BAM! Hello Invaders, Steve Rogers and all. Obviously, Steve Rogers of the past. Think of that, your dead friend shows up from the past. How do you react? Probably, with a meaningless fight.

Issue # 5 was packed with great panels, some of action and others of intense conversation. First of all, the Bucky we get in this book is a full-fledged grade A badass. Of course, we get pages of just about all your favorite Marvel characters fighting one another. We even see heroes fighting different eras of themselves, past and future. Talk about internal struggle personified. Then, we get to see Tony talking to Invader Steve Rogers. That scene was one of the best scenes I have seen in a while. Human Torch tugged at the old heartstrings in this issue, as well. All of this was followed by a last page that leaves you wondering, what is about to begin?

Marvel fans heed the call. Check this book out. I will say right now, at issue # 5, that this will be an incredible 12-issue story that will need to reside in your collection. Tell me, where else can you see Luke all puckered up like he has a thumb up his booty hole? Seriously, these books speak for themselves. So, go ahead don’t believe me. See if I care.
-Rob

From the Dorks’ Soundtrack: Playback for Pinback

If anything, I am the outcast of the ComicDorksCast. While my associates live in proximity of STL, I am in down a 100-mile stretch of road in Boone County. Though, Columbia is not quite as big as the city life of St. Louis, there is one venue that keeps me up-to-date with live shows – The Blue Note. The Blue Note is the best Columbia has to offer in terms of live music. I’ve seen bands such as Modest Mouse, Spoon, Man Man, Citizen Cope, Dr. Dog and Wilco at this small venue. Last night, I took my first trip to The Blue Note for the semester and went to see a band entitled Pinback. Pinback originates from San Diego California and was formed in 1998 by singers Armistead Burwell Smith IV (also known as Zach Smith) and Rob Crow. The band's name is a reference to a character in the film Dark Star, directed by John Carpenter. Audio samples from this film are used frequently in the band's early works. Pinback is still very much in the indie scene but can be most associated with early Modest Mouse/Pavement. At the beginning of the show, I knew I was going to like it. Zach Smith (who looks almost exactly like Scott) came out to begin the show clad in a Chronicles of Wormwood T-shirt. Periodically throughout the show I would yell Garth Ennis to see if I could get a reaction but to no success. The show was fantastic. Pinback displays a great indie style and mixes vocals and piano beautifully. Another great aspect of this band is that they have two singers, which provide for great harmonies and offer great variety, very reminiscent of Dr. Dog (though no ones throat was punched). The vocals also remind me a great deal of Sufjan Stevens but with a little more volume. Every member is also multi-instrumental. One song the singer could be playing the bass and then the next be playing the piano. The variety this band offers was definitely worth the price of $14. Also hoisted about the band was a huge screen that would display images and play video while they played. The video and images provided for a unique show experience and the intimacy that The Blue Note provides also added to the experience. Pinback currently has four albums, the last two gaining the most recognition. Autumn of the Seraphs, debuting in November of last year, is what contains our episode #36 song, “How We Breathe.” This song is the best taste of what Pinback has to offer and I hope you enjoy!

Blog Log # Awesome: (The True Story... I Promise!)

(What you are about to read is the first draft Dayron had for his Quote of The Week. This was recovered out of the trash by an anonymous source.)


Rob “You must atone for your crimes.” You are not as cool as you think you are. I guess, “There’s no learnin’ some people. You just gotta twist their heads around.” You hear me you chopped bastard? “I’ll rip yer head off, ya mutt!” Then, I will look at your girlfriend and say, “He’s already dead you loopy dame!” Seriously, do you think anybody wants to hear you say things like “I can fart and whistle at the same time.” I admit that’s not easy to do but still it doesn’t make you not suck. “You’re a bunch of godless rats! Your mother didn’t want you! You’re gonna burn in hell!” (we get a break at this point. I think some beer pong was to be played. I sense a bunch of wheeeeeews! Or maybe Dayron nodded off. When he returned to finish all he said was) “ Okay, sooooooo… honestly…how many drinks is too many drinks?” (I believe his roommate chimed in to finish this blog log and oh so eloquently he replied.) “It’s whatever you’re drinking plus the one you’re reaching for when you pass out.”
–Lil' Captain Dayron and his trusty sidekick,
The Roommate (who I picture to look like this)

Blog Log # Awesome: “Reading between the lines is easy… it’s the lines I have trouble with” – Wise Words from A Wise Man...

Oh! Hey all you comics fans out there. Time for another one of them great “Quote of the Week” columns that everyone enjoys. The voice of Rob will be portrayed (beautifully portrayed might I add) by none other than Darren…or as you have been accustomed to – Dayron. So many books. So many quotes. So little time. We got a Kirkman double feature this week (at least for people in the mid-west) containing both Invincible and Walking Dead. “It’s not the dead I’m afraid of anymore.” Uh-oh, looks like we got a Jerry Garcia fan on our hands. Now Dale you should never have feared “the dead”. Sure, Jerry may be a little hairy, like myself, but that’s no reason to be scared of us… we’re really just like big, huggable bears (that won’t maul you to death). Wait, I just had a thought, “Note to self: Danny’s orifices must be probed.” I know what your thinking… Who’s Danny? Well someone didn’t get there monthly dose of Lapham & Young Liars. Orifice probing has been put out of comics too long. I’m glad that David Lapham and his Spiders from Mars brought it back. Anyway, where were we… Ahh yes comics (sometimes I forget what I was saying because of my old and feeble mind, unlike some of my younger and more vital comrades *Darren*) But I digress, for years among years who has been the love of Bruce Wayne’s life? Some people say Zatanna, others say Jezebel Jet, but I believe it has always been Selina Kyle, Catwoman. I. LOVE. CATWOMAN. Last time we left Catwoman her heart was surgically removed and she survived soley by the hum of surrounding machines. “I don’t think there’s ever been another woman who has gotten so close to him.” So it turns out that Dr. Mid-Nite is not only a medical doctor but also a LoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoVe doctor. Man, this article is taking a while, “ Oh great, I’m missing Battlestar Galatica.” You said it Spiderman but I need to write Gilgamesh paper… bummer. I wish that I could be just like Dayron, who can write papers so excellently and is so cool. I never thought such a small kid be so infinitely awesome.. huh,
who knew?

What I’m Reading Now: A Special Edition of Turds… OOPS! Sorry… Words & Stuff (In which Dayron is played by Captain Cletus Whiteheart)

John Constantine, Hellblazer: Original Sins TP

Writer – Jamie Delano
Art – John Ridgeway & Alfredo Alcala



The year was 1984 and I was not born yet but looked 4 yrs old. Alan Moore, Steve Bissette, and John Totleben who happened to be Police fans were putting out a wonderful book called Swamp Thing. A fellow by the name of John Constantine, who looks a lot like Sting, (Bellboy Sting not tantric sex machine Sting) appears out of nowhere talking crazy magic mumbo jumbo and the rest of the story is still unfolding, monthly. John appears in Swamp Thing # 25 but his official outing was in issue # 37. I ask you, have you ever seen a credit like John Constantine created by Alan Moore, Steve Bissette, and John Totleben in any book? Just wondering. Nonetheless, I would recommend Swamp Thing to anyone who loves great stories. Don’t let them movies cloud your judgment.

Up until this point I had only read the Brian Azzarello trades and monthly since Andy Diggle took over. That includes the two-issue punk rock story by Jason Aaron. Then one day I spied a used copy of Original sins on the shelf at the shop and had to have it. To be honest, I wasn’t really expecting too much out of it but was left pleasantly surprised. This story is out of he mid/ late 80’s, which, don’t ask me why I wasn’t expecting much, because Vertigo was putting out some pretty great stuff at the time. So, I get around to reading it and at first I felt that the writing seemed a little forced. Now, Jamie Delano was telling an interesting story but maybe a bit too descriptive. (if you know what I mean.) Jamie definitely finds his stride within this trade. I am half way through the 2nd trade called The Devil You Know and I believe if you read Original Sin you should read number 2, as well.

John Constantine is a full time chain-smoking magician and part time wanker. He is cursed with causing horrible things happen to anyone he’s around. His heart is in the right place… well it is some place, but his means are unique. Original Sins opens with a lot of familiar faces, since I’m reading the Diggle stuff. Obviously, with this being a story of an Englishman you can expect a little football. I hope John knows Man U. is the greatest team in the premiere league. (Giggsy, John, Giggsy!) We even get a Mucus Membrane name-drop within these pages. Jamie did a great job of introducing the cast and giving you an over all accurate account of who the Laughing Magician is. John Ridgeway did a fantastic job portraying the stories being told. His art is incredible, especially, for that era of comics. (In my opinion, of course) Original Sins collects Hellblazer issues 1 – 9. The Devil You Know collects issues # 10 – 13, Annual 1, The Horrorist 1 & 2 and both can be found at any comic shop anywhere. (I assume but I’ve been known to make an ass out of myself) I do know it can be found at my comic shop, which is The Fantasy Shop in St. Charles. It is surely worth a read. Now, I personally have not read these books but my hero Rob has and he enjoyed them. Since, he is my master and I do whatever he says I will tell you I recommend these stories. You should check them out, if you like good comics… that is. I am going to check them out fo’ sho’ because I am on a never-ending quest to be like my pal Captain Clet. – Lil’ Captain Dayron

Living Up To Expectations: The End League #5, The Stand: Captain Trips #2, Gen 13 #23

The Stand: Captain Trips #2
Written by: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
Art by: Mike Perkins

Having had no real expectations going into the first issue of this series and really having only picked it up because I was such a fan of Mr. Aguirre-Sacasa's previous works as well as being such a fan of the artwork of Mr. Perkins, I certainly didn't expect to be so taken with the story (I had never been the biggest fan of Mr. King). This issue builds on all the really incredible things that went on in the first issue and establishes such an interesting world in which the characters exist. The cast is still far too large and far too spread out to be as fleshed out as I would like but I can see that there are going to be characters that I am going to really enjoy getting to know, some for better, and some for worse. I think the idea of watching these normal people face the far from normal situations is going to be one hell of a fun ride and I think that if you enjoy titles like The Walking Dead that this book very well could be in your wheelhouse. Conversely if you are reading this book and you haven't checked out books like The Walking Dead or Dead World then you could very well be missing out on something that would turn your crank in ways that you had never conceived before. I had never thought that I might enjoy this series quite as much as I do, so to say that it lived up to expectations is difficult because I wasn't sure what to expect, but I can say that I am loving it.

The End League #5
Written by: Rick Remender
Art by: Eric Canete

Alright. Back in January a brand new bi-monthly ongoing series began from the brilliant mind behind Strange Girl, Sea of Red, Black Heart Billy, and, perhaps most importantly, Fear Agent: Rick Remender. The series was launched with Mat Broome in the penciller seat. Broome had long been absent from the comics industry and while it was nice to see him back among the pages of superheroes and all that comes with them he seemed to have lost a bit in the matter of punctuality. Even at a bi-monthly schedule it seemed that Mr. Broome couldn't keep his page rate consistent. And while that may ultimately be unfortunate because his pencils did look just as good as the last time he had been seen in the industry it managed to serve another purpose by causing Mr. Remender to have to find a new artist who might be able to produce a more consistently releasable product. Enter the brilliant artistic talent of Mr. Eric Canete. Not only can the man tell a story with his pages, not only can the man create incredibly interesting characters, but he can do so on a monthly schedule and he can do so while knocking my damn socks off. Seriously, The End League has been a pretty complicated story that has a pretty big cast of characters so it certainly suffered from the delays in shipping and I believe that it will be far better served by having the incredibly talented Mr. Canete on board as penciller. This has gone from hesitant recommendation to MUST READ, and in a mighty quick fashion.

Gen 13 #23
Written by: Scott Beatty
Art by: Mike Huddleston

I have been a big fan of all of the post Number of the Beast Wildstorm books (that should seem pretty obvious to anyone who reads this website). Gen 13 has been, perhaps the most interesting while not being my favorite of the quartet. The Gen 13 crew have never been the most serious bunch and while I think that it is certainly interesting to watch how 5 genetically modified teenager might deal with the world post-apocalypse, I wish it were done with a bit of a more serious tone. I mean sure not all of the Wildstorm Universe books should be glum and pessimistic, but I do think that following these characters through the serious situations that have been presented thus far has been far more entertaining than the more humourous moments of the series. I certainly think that Scott Beatty has a good grasp on the characters that he is dealing with, I just think that he would do better to put his own stamp on the book as opposed to relish in the style that had been established by Gail Simone (not to say that it was a bad style [you'll find few bigger fans of Gail Simone than I] but more to say that one should strive to trod upon new ground rather than retread old styles). While this might make for an interesting juxtaposition of showing the lighter side of how these characters deal with things and how they have to deal with serious situations I think that ultimately that an issue like this seems like putting the car in idle without much of a reason, and squandering promise that seemed so pure. But that's just my opinion, and for what it was, it was well written and certainly well drawn.

What Do You Mean They're Not Superheroes?: Sneak Peek Reviews 10/07/08

Ender's Game: Battle School #1 (of 5)

Written by: Christopher Yost

Art by: Pasqual Ferry

I would be remiss if I didn't first tell you that Ender's Game is one of my favorite books of all time. It is the only book I have ever read whereupon completing it I turned back to the first page and started it again. There is something about the character of Ender Wiggin that I so wanted to identify with that made the experience of reading the novel such an enjoyable experience that I didn't want to leave the world. So when I read that they were going to be adapting the novel into a number of mini-series of comics I was both excited and concerned. Christopher Yost is a very hit or miss writer in my opinion and so when I heard that he had been attached I worried that he might somehow try to put too much of himself into the script and it would thereby be worse for the effort. I am a rather large fan of Pasqual Ferry and when I heard that he had been attached as penciller for the series my opinion became a bit more positive. So I went into the reading of the first issue with a mix of great hopes and wanting very badly to withhold my expectations. I was rewarded by my hesitation and felt that my expectations where not only exceeded but interestingly enough I felt as though I shouldn't have even expected less. It is clear that Orson Scott Card's manuscript is so well put together that it is nearly foolproof. Unless Yost set out to ruin the story of young Ender Wiggin it seems as though it is impossible for him to fail. Pasqual Ferry's artwork is both stunning and simple. Frank D'Armata's colors add a rich level of complexity to each and every image. I cannot recommend this book enough to both those who have never read the Ender Series but also to those who know and love the series. It is also very all ages appropriate and has moments throughout the story that will look stunning when rendered by the incomparable Mr. Ferry. I give this book my wholehearted support.

X-Men: Original Sin #1 (One-Shot)

Written by: Daniel Way & Mike Carey

Art by: Mike Deodato & Scot Eaton

If you have been reading X-Men: Legacy and/or Wolverine: Origins then you are going to want to make sure that you check this out. Mike Carey & Daniel Way have managed to write two chapters of the upcoming story in this issue and feature both of their facets while minimizing their flaws. Mike Deodato's pencils and page layouts might be much more exciting than those of Scot Eaton's but Eaton's pencils look fantastic as well. Ultimately I think that this is a frustrating issue. The two stories in here link up rather well together and ultimately I think that this is going to be an interesting story that has been wisely limited to the pages of just two of the X-books, but at the same time it runs $3.99. While the main story is 24 pages with very few ads the reason that this is $3.99 rather than $2.99 is that it reprints the 16 page story "First Night" from Classic X-Men #1 ... which actually has nothing to do with the story that is going on in the rest of the book. Marvel has been doing things like this lately and it is going to alienate readers. Arbitrarily reprinting old stories in new comics and charging a dollar more is not going to draw more readers to the story. And it seems that this is probably going to be essential to understanding the rest of the story. So, take that for what you will.

The Ferryman #1

Written by: Marc Andreyko

Art by: Jonathan Wayshak

Honestly if you aren't reading Marc Andreyko's Manhunter series over at DC you are missing out on one of the best superhero stories currently being published. Now, if you are looking for something that much more resembles something Sam Kieth might have written and drawn back in the mid to late nineties then this is the book for you. Jonathan Wayshak manages to be one part Jamie Hewlett (Tank Girl & The Gorillaz) and one part Sam Kieth, the rest is unidentifiable but all good. This is the story of The Ferryman, a bounty hunter of sorts for a Demon. When you sell your soul to a demon and the time for payment comes around most people would think that the demon himself comes a'callin'. But times have changed and everyone's desire to get rich quick means that there is so much business for demons that they had to shop some of their work out. Enter "Gideon", a Ferryman who has had just about enough of his job and is looking for a way out. Grab this interesting and action packed new mini-series to find out how that all works out for the man who's coming for your soul.

ComicDorksCast Episode 035

ComicDorkscastEp035.mp3
(Download Directly: Right Click and choose "Save As..." and save locally on your computer)

Running Time: 01:17:45

• 00:04:37 - Questions are answered and more are asked in Batman #680.
• 00:15:55 - Rob's Pick of the Week: Top Ten Season 2 #1.
• 00:24:44 - Between Sterling Gates and Jamal Igle Supergirl #34 is a must read book.
• 00:36:10 - Darren's Pick of the Week: Jonah Hex #36.
• 00:46:34 - The book that just keeps getting better is The Boys and issue #23 is no different.
• 00:54:46 - Scott's Pick of the Week: No Hero #1.
• 01:00:54 - Best of Single Issues of Last Month:
• Rob: Final Crisis: Revelations #2
• Darren: Superman #680
• Scott: All-Star Superman #12 & Scalped #21
• 01:05:33 - Brief Mentions
• 01:10:48 - Anticipated Books

If you have any questions or comments drop us a line at: Comicdorkscast@gmail.com

Go to www.FantasyShopOnline.com and check out the growing community on the Message Boards.

Check out our website at ComicDorksCast.Blogspot.com.

The Music at the opening and closing of the show was: "Frankie's Gun" by The Felice Brothers

The Best Books You Didn't Read this Week, Issue 11

Usually I review a few different books that you might have missed out on last week but this week I am going to highlight a review that I posted over on the Message Boards on a thread that m31plusus started called "Reviews of stuff I am currently reading/2008" of the most recent Original Graphic Novel release from DC/Vertigo.

The Alcoholic
Written by: Jonathan Ames
Art by: Dean Haspiel

A while back Vertigo started releasing a new line of Original Graphic Novels. They were all just about square (a little over 9 inches by a little over 7 inches) and of the eight six have featured creators who had never worked with Vertigo. Some were well known names in the comics industry who had just never published anything through Vertigo: Harvey Pekar's The Quitter, Gilbert Hernandez's Sloth, and David Lapham's Silverfish. While others have featured creators who have simply never worked in comics before: rapper Percy "MF GRIMM" Carey's Sentences, journalist G. Willow Wilson's Cairo, and now novelist/essayist/playwright/all-purpose-storyteller Jonathan Ames' The Alcoholic.

While ostensibly this is just a slice of life story about the loosely veiled "Jonathan A." it is of such an incredible quality that it must immediately take a place among my favorites of the genre. It is both funny and heart-wrenching, apologetic but unrepentant, brutally honest while clearly mixed with fiction. We follow Jonathan A. through the perils of a lifetime of alcoholism and drug abuse, fall in love, get his heart broken, go to France, become a novelist, and have an incredibly touching relationship with his great Aunt. Quite seriously this was one of the best stories I have read all year and this has been a year of great stories. Dean Haspiel is also fast becoming one of the artists that I am most intrigued by in the industry, he works in several styles and all of them are picture perfect for the stories he is telling.

If you like stories like Brooklyn Dreams, Fun Home, Blankets, the works of Harvey Pekar, Complete Lowlife, Box Office Poison, Too Cool To Be Forgotten, then it's time to tell your LCS to get you a copy of The Alcoholic!

Brief Mentions: Doktor Sleepless #9 & Four Eyes #1

You know most people probably looked at the shelves this week and were disappointed to find a small number of titles to read ... not for this Comic-oholic ... I had over twenty books to read this week and almost all of them were better than just average. So, while I can't talk about all of them on the show this week I can highlight both of my Brief Mentions and try to point out some really great books you might have missed when perusing the shelf on Wednesday, AND some things you might want to make sure you pick up when you are in your Local Comic Store next.

Doktor Sleepless #9
Written by: Warren Ellis
Art by: Ivan Rodriguez

Just because we haven't talked about this book since Episode 1 doesn't mean that it hasn't been really great, cause let's be honest: If you've been following this book then you probably know that it has been engrossingly awesome. This has been the height of decompressed story-telling, progressing much more like a novel than like anything even closely resembling a comic story. Think of issues #1-8 as having been issue #1 of a 3 issue story arc. Going by that logic issue #9 is the beginning of issue #2. When you think of it like that you start to realize that what Warren Ellis is doing here is completely unparalled in the comics industry. For those of you out there thinking that decompression is just a way to fill out a storyline so that it makes a handsome little trade that can be sold for $15 or $20 then I think that maybe it's time to think again. Warren Ellis has so whole-heartedly grasped the idea of decompression and for that we are being rewarded with perhaps one of his most well rounded stories. The character of John Reinhardt (sometimes known as Doktor Sleepless) has become just as engagingly bizarre as any of Ellis' other leads. Perhaps he is most similar to Spider Jerusalm but in many ways he can be far more insane and at other times far more relatable. This has every possiblity of becoming Warren Ellis' best work of his career and you are missing out on it. So, do yourself a favor and go out and get the trade paperback that is coming out later this month and get caught up on perhaps the most underrated title of the year!

Four Eyes #1
Written by: Joe Kelly
Art by: Max Fiumara

So, at some point someone must have asked themselves, "What can I do to make a story about 'The Great Depression' a must read comic book?" ... Well ... At least Joe Kelly must have asked himself that at some point, fortunately for his sanity he managed to find an answer. This is the story of a young boy who lost his father. A father who worked too much and ultimately for the wrong people. On their one day of time to spend together, at the beach, Enrico's father went for a walk, and a smoke. But Enrico's father was really going out for another reason altogether. To procure something for his boss. Something he should have never gone hunting for. But he got it. And his boss was happy. And ultimately wound up providing a pretty hefty reward for what his father found. But these are hard times, and money spends faster than anyone might like. And now there is a strange man in the apartment Enrico shares with his mother, a boarder. And Enrico must now work in a dangerous factory, where the hands of a child fit in where things are really dangerous, and where ten hours gets him a whole quarter. Like any child Enrico is curious. About the thing his father found. About the thing his father died for. About The Dragons.

From the Dorks' Soundtrack: ("Turn the Goddamn Radio Down, Thank You." –The Felice Brothers)

Music from Episode # 35:

Frankie's Gun! -performed by The Felice Brothers

From time to time we hear a person or a group that brings new life to the same three chords we have been hearing forever. I’M NOT KNOCKING THREE CHORD SONGS; actually, I live my life by them. I believed Woody when he said, “If you play more than two chords, you’re showing off.” (I think that was Woody but either way, a genius fo’sho.) The Felice Brothers show off a bit, but only by a chord or two and they do it in the old school K.I.S.S. fashion. (that’s Keep It Simple Stupid) Now sit back why I try to make you understand the greatness of these guys, I have never met.

Picture three brothers Ian, Simone, and James. Now, throw in some friends like Christmas and Farley. Then, Sprinkle in some gitbox, bass, drums, keys, accordion, horns, and some fiddle. At Last, sink your teeth into a nice treat called The Felice Brothers. They come at you with a sound that could come from anywhere, but in this case the Catskill, Upstate New York area. Whether you heard them play at a family BBQ, in the subway, at the Newport Folk Festival, or Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble you know these guys will be playing music until death comes creeping. They are the kind of band that possesses that lovely living room sound. (a.k.a the dark, dank basement sound) Their songs are loose but not sloppy and accessible to anyone who enjoys tales of adventure and woe. The greatest thing about bands like The Felice Brothers is in the knowing that if they weren’t out there playing their songs for us, they would be at home playing their songs for themselves.

I recommend anyone who enjoys music like Bob Dylan, The Band, Bob Dylan and the Band, Ronnie Lane, Tom Waits, or any of the plethoras of people you can find in the Folk genre, to check out The Felice Brothers. I kept with the vague Folk genre because labeling music has gotten out of hand and beyond my understanding. I’m sure these guys fall into many of different categories but good old Folk gets the job done for me. You can find them on My Space, You Tube, or on the road in their short bus. Take my advice and look into these guys, you will thank me later. Maybe you will want to “put some whiskey into my whiskey" or "some heartbreak into my heart” but you will most definitely want to put The Felice Brothers into your ears. Sew another patch on the quilt of great American Music and call it The Felice Brothers. – Captain Clet



www.myspace.com/thefelicebrothers

Blog Log # 2 (Quote of the Week)

“All right, ladies. I see we got our delivery. Meat Lovers, hold the sausage.” That’s code for the quote of the week. “The right of Americans to choose our leaders in free and open elections is the true cornerstone of our country’s liberty. To vote, to cast one’s ballot, is a simple and sacred privilege. It speaks to the power of the individual. This nation overflows with opinion, with hopes, with desires.” (with excuses) “Many of which can only be accomplished with the stewardship of great leaders. We should welcome the debate. We should embrace the discourse. The importance of our choices is without measure, and so we should revel in our differences and lend an ear. To decide we need to listen.” Basically, you should rock the vote but don’t forget to inform yourself of what it is you are voting for. Especially, nowadays when most people look around at their “Great Leaders” and have thoughts like, “You think you have the answer to everything.” “The real joke is your stubborn, bone deep conviction that somehow, somewhere, all of this makes sense!” Now, that’s what it is to be American, bitching and moaning like “We the People of the United States” only includes a select group of folks. Haven’t you heard the news, “This land is your land. This land is my land. From California to the New York island. From the Red Wood forest to the gulf stream waters. This land was made for you and me.” Yep… We are the muthafuckin’ people. And “Yes, I recognize the irony, a system I oppose affords me the luxury of biting the hand that feeds. That’s exactly why privileged fucks like me, should feel obliged to whine and kick and scream. Yeah, till everyone has everything they need.” Now, with that said I have television to watch and issues to runaway from. Keep in mind “You are your own worst ghost.” So “Now do you get it?” If your not part of the solution you are part of the problem. “I won’t say I’m a Communist, but I have been in the red all my life.” You know what they say, “Left wing, chicken wing, it don’t make no difference to me.” Always remember, “Today’s Empires, Tomorrow's Ashes!”
– Captain (part of the problem) Cletus


*The Captain Cletus for the presidency of The United States of America foundation approved this message.

**VOTE CAPTAIN CLET OR SLEEP IN THE STREET!






* Special thanks goes to Propagandhi, Woody Guthrie and a few other writers of the funny book persuasion. Without them this Meat Lovers, hold the sausage could not have been made.

What I’m Reading Now: Prose Before Hos!

Every once in a while, which I’m sure you have experienced, you feel the need to put down a comic book and pick up another form of literature. Sometimes it’s a novel or short story or even poetry if you so choose. This week, I turned from Punisher to playwright, from now to 16th century England, from Spiderman to Hamlet. Though it’s said that Bob Kane, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, or Stan Lee started it all but what if we backtrack it even further? I am speaking of the great playwright, William Shakespeare. Yes, I can see many of your cringing now thinking back to your high school literature class. And for years I would also shutter at the name. I could not get around the different language that he would use. I couldn’t understand the dialogue or the action, but last week I decided that I would give William one last chance, so I picked up Hamlet. This story, which most people know, is a classic and for good reason. It may seem weird to talk about Shakespeare on a comic website but is it so different from comics today? The themes that Shakespeare touches on are universal and are reflected heavily throughout literature, even comics. Take Hamlet, he’s mad, bad people are getting away with evil deeds and he feels it is his duty to take law into his own hands…hmmm… who does that remind me of… Frank Castle, Punisher… I say yea! The classic and epic Romeo and Juliet story a love that is not meant to be and cast down upon others…. Strangers in Paradise… I think so! Any of Shakespeare’s tragedies touch the heart and make you feel awful for the characters involved. This also relates to comics. My associate, Capt. Cletus states, “have you ever read a David Lapham book?” Another valid point! At first glace it seems that this is a joke but I truly believe that its important to see how old and great these themes we see in comics really are and how they relate to great writers of the past. Next week it’s back to the comics but for today, let’s give notice to past writers and playwrights which provide context for the great stories we have today.

Living Up to Expectations: The Tale of Two Badasses

Batman #680
Written By: Grant Morrison
Art By: Tony Daniel

What defines a Badass? Is it the way they dress, the way they are always so suave and smooth, and do they just plain kick the crap out of their opponents? For Bruce Wayne… it’s all of the above. This weeks books were full of badassery (yes, that’s right) and the first book on the chopping block this week is Batman #680. From the creative team of Grant Morrison (New X-Men, Final Crisis) and Tony Daniel (Teen Titans, Flash: Fastest Man Alive), this is part five in the much-acclaimed Batman R.I.P. series. Up to this point it has been a confusing yet intriguing trip through Bruce Wayne’s psyche that develops into a story, which only Grant Morrison could tell. I don’t understand all the undertones and complications of the story so you will have to bear with me. We see the continued journey of the batman from Zur En Arrh, a fictional Batman that was developed in case Bruce Wayne’s mind would ever come under attack. The plot of the mysterious Black Glove continues to unfold as we see this whole scenario is a gamble for the rich and powerful. Bat-mite, a fifth dimensional (imaginary) Batman, continues to help Batman but upon on entering the lair of the Black Glove he states that, “reason will not fit through the door” and then departs. We also see one of the most frightening Jokers that has ever been portrayed in comics. The most interesting thing about this story is how it’s a puzzle. The plot is not spoon-fed to you and it requires some in-depth thinking. Though sometimes I can be utterly lost when I read Grant Morrison, I feel that Batman R.I.P. is a good mix of both psychological thriller and badass Batman action. There is a shocking reveal at the end of this issue and Morrison sets the stage for the final act in this epic Batman tale. Don’t miss it.

Jonah Hex #36
Written By: Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti
Art By: Rafa Garres

When confronted with the question: who is the most badass DC comic character, people often refer to the most powerful such as Superman or the most dark such as Batman. Up until about twenty minutes ago I would agree with these answers. That is until I read Jonah Hex. Jonah Hex #36, written by Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti and art by Rafa Garres, shows just what being a badass really means. After many months of Scott speaking praises on this book, I decided to pick it up and see for myself. Though every issue is a stand alone issue and you can jump on at any point, this issue is especially a good jumping on point because it dives into the past and briefly explains the history of Jonah Hex and the world he lives in, 1866 America. The Civil War has just ended and racism runs rampant through the south. In this heated and violent racial “Tug O’ War,” Jonah Hex gets caught in the middle and his values and conscience are tested. I don’t want to ruin it if you do decide to get this book, but the mixture of story telling and violence really makes this book different and compelling. If you are a fan of the Saint of Killers from the Preacher series, westerns, The Dark Tower, anything that is cool, there is no reason why you should not get this book. I also loved how the art really reflected what was happening in the story and I felt drawn back to the 1860’s. There is a little more text then what is usual for a comic, but I don’t mind for it provides for an excellent story. I won’t go into much detail, expect this to be mentioned on ComicDorksCast # 35. Stay Tuned….