Blog Log # 2 (Quote of the Week)

*A graduation special edition for my favorite gal*


My Uncle Terwilliger on
the Art of Eating Popovers

My uncle ordered popovers
from the restaurant’s bill of fare.
And, when they were served,
he regarded them
with a penetrating stare…
Then he spoke great Words of Wisdom
as he sat there on that chair:
“To eat these things,”
said my uncle,
“you must exercise great care.
You may swallow down what’s solid…
BUT…
you must spit out the air!”

And…
as you partake of the world’s bill of fare,
that’s darned good advice to follow.
Do a lot of spitting out the hot air.
And be careful what you swallow.
—Dr. Seuss

(That was an original poem composed for the 99th Commencement of Lake Forest College by Theodor Seuss Geisel
June 4, 1977)

And Now...

- (This is the famous fake MIT speech that Vonnegut did not give but whatever because it is serving my purpose right now.)

“Ladies and gentlemen of the class of '08: (I changed the date because it is fake anyway.)
Wear sunscreen.
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded. But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagine.
Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4 pm on some idle Tuesday.
Do one thing every day that scares you.
Sing.
Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.
Floss.
Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself.
Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.
Stretch.
Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't.
Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees. You'll miss them when they're gone.
Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else's.
Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it or of what other people think of it. It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.
Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room.
Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.
Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel ugly.
Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings. They're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.
Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.
Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft. Travel.
Accept certain inalienable truths: Prices will rise. Politicians will philander. You, too, will get old. And when you do, you'll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble, and children respected their elders.
Respect your elders.
Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund. Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse. But you never know when either one might run out.
Don't mess too much with your hair or by the time you're 40 it will look 85.
Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.
But trust me on the sunscreen."

*And words to a song, to boot. Day Of The Locusts –Bob Dylan

What I’m Reading Now: The Golden Age of Green Lantern

Green Lantern: Rebirth
Written By: Geoff Johns
Art By: Ethan Van Sciver

In the midst of me watching The Dark Knight several times within a couple days, I decided that it might be a good idea to do some reading. I gave Batman a rest and entered the world of another great DC character, Green Lantern. Throughout my personal comic history, Green Lantern has been one of those characters that I never really cared for. But with all the hype surrounding Geoff Johns’ “Blackest Night” story, I figured now was a better time than any to begin. I started off with a six-issue miniseries called Green Lantern: Rebirth. Written by Geoff Johns with art by Ethan Van Sciver, Green Lantern: Rebirth series is about the return of the greatest Green Lantern throughout the 3600 space sectors – Hal Jordan. These six issues are some of the best superhero reading I have ever experienced. I never knew that Green Lantern was such an enjoyable character. Upon beginning, I did some research to discover the story of Hal Jordan and why Jordan was currently housing the spirit of vengeance. In 1994, DC decided to do away with Hal Jordan, which took place within the pages of Zero Hour. A decade later, Hal Jordan was scheduled to return and at the helm would be up and coming writer – Geoff Johns. These six issues are a pivotal point in the history to the Green Lantern Corp. and the to the lanterns of space sector 2814. Green Lantern: Rebirth is one of the greatest DC stories to hit the shelves within the last decade. It is a great story and is becoming increasingly important with the current DCU. Van Sciver also draws beautifully throughout this book and draws some absolutely stunning pages. It is also a interesting time to read this story because this creative team is also going to write the upcoming Flash: Rebirth series… the coming of Barry Allen. It’s an exciting time to be reading stories like this that will resonate throughout the DCU for years to come.

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.

What Do You Mean They're Not Superheroes?: Sneak Peek Reviews 12/09/2008

Secret Invasion: Dark Reign
Written by: Brian Michael Bendis
Art by: Alex Maleev

Brian Bendis loves the threatening shadowy figure. A whole lot. His Dark Illuminati ... or ... Illumi-naughty (I still giggle a little bit every time I say that) is not exactly what I expected. What pretty much everyone and his brother expected this coalition to be is not what it is. I think I might actually be a little excited about Dark Reign. Bendis pens an issue that is very much the dark mirror of his New Avengers: Illuminati one shot that preceded Civil War. Alex Maleev manages to make this rather interesting cast of characters look even more menacing than one might expect (though his Namor looks a whole lot like Ben Kingsley ... which kind of made me giggle). This is the beginning of what is to come for quite a while in the Marvel Universe, and I have started to think that while the initial invasion might have been by the Skrulls that the real Secret Invasion might have just begun.




Green Arrow/Black Canary #15
Written by: Andrew Kreisberg
Art by: Mike Norton

For 5 years Judd Winick has been the man behind Ollie Queen, to have someone else penning the Emerald Archer seems a little odd. When Andy Diggle wrote Green Arrow: Year One it took a little bit to wrap my head around but I still managed to really enjoy the story he had to tell, but that was just a mini-series. Now Andrew Kreisberg, a man who has one mini-series and the beginnings of a story arc on Batman: Confidential under his belt, is now writing the ongoing Star City Robin Hood. And I have a secret to tell you ... it was good. Kreisberg doesn't jump right in to a whole new arc, first he has to show that he knows what Ollie and his family are all about, and this first issue proves that he does. He also has to show that he knows his history, this issue proves he does. And finally he has to show that he knows how to create a memorable new villain, and he proves that he does ... I'll give you a hint ... it doesn't happen until the last page. So, if you've been reading Green Arrow/Black Canary and were thinking that the end of Winick's run would be a good time to leave, you were wrong. And if you were thinking that you might like to start reading Green Arrow/Black Canary ... Now is the time.

Wonder Wizard of Oz #1
Written by: Eric Shanower
Art by: Skottie Young

Frank L. Baum was a really weird guy. But I'll be damned if he didn't write an incredibly memorable story. Eric Shanower isn't a household name with most comic fans but for fans of indie comics or fans of historical fiction comic fans he's well known as the writer and artist of Age of Bronze, the totally amazing Trojan War comic that is published by Image and far too few people are aware of. Skottie Young is an artist who over the last few years has done more to hone his craft and his acceptance among fans than almost any other artist in the industry. This is perhaps one of the best projects for both of these creators to work on in order to instantly raise their stock value in the industry. This comic is phenomenally well done. Anyone who is at all familiar with the book or the movie is going to instantly identify with and enjoy this series. I don't know if there is a book on the shelves this week that I suggest more highly that everyone, every comic fan, serious or casual, check out.

ComicDorksCast Episode 044

ComicDorkscastEp044.mp3
(Download Directly: Right Click and choose "Save As..." and save locally on your computer)

An Extra Long Episode!

Running Time: 01:35:42

• Secret Invasion #8 is the cause of some interesting conversation.
• Darren's Pick of the Week: Justice Society of America #21
• One evil man's world view makes for interesting reading in Jonah Hex #28.
• Rob's Pick of the Week: Marvels: Eye of the Camera #1.
• Criminal 2 #7 finishes one long, long bad night.
• Scott's Pick of the Week: Astounding Wolfman #10.
• The Best Single Issues of November!
• Brief Mentions
• 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: "Laborissuesinthetoydepartment" by Dillinger Four.

A Brief Look at Why There Isn't A Brief Mention Review or The Best Books You Didn't Read Last Week ...

This is what my face looks like after falling off of the ladder on Friday ... I look like I just stepped off of my latest victory in Bum Fights 13. Typing isn't the easiest thing to accomplish with the damage that happened to my arm so I'll keep this brief.









This is what the culprit looks like. If you see this ladder anywhere contact the authorities, it will fall out from underneath you and it will hurt. 12 feet up for the feet, nearly 18 up for the head ... Don't Try This At Home!

From The Dorks’ Soundtrack (Here comes the zombie portraying me. - Dillinger Four)

Music from episode 44

Song – labourissuesinthetoydepartment

Performed by – Dillinger Four

From the album – “situationist comedy”


Nowadays when I think of great punk rock less and less bands make the list. One band that is forever sketched in the punk rock tablet some dude with a fin brought down the mountain is Dillinger Four. The first time I heard D4, instantly, I thought holy shit! So this is what punk rock is sposed to sound like. What is better than a punk band that rocks it so hard that their fans fail to realize or to care that they are poking fun at them. Or should I say the “scene.” I don’t know, you tell me.

D4 hails from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Huh, so Minneapolis was not only the birth of what has become Alt Country but also the home of one of the best punk bands known to man? It is hard for me to relate to you how relieving it is for me to have a band like D4 in my life. I got into punk rock in my early twenties, not as a teen. Not that I didn’t try but bands like The Dead Kennedys and the Sex Pistols suck. I’m sorry but it’s not my fault they suck. But because they sucked I thought… hey, I’ll just listen to the Dead for a few years. Not to mention, that oddly enough it seemed the jobs I worked in my early twenties filled me with more angst than I ever could have imagined as a whiney little teenager. Therefore, it was therapeutic for me to hear songs about shitty bosses, shitty jobs, and shitty people. I believe it feels better to scream out a song as opposed to punching a wall or a face, that’s just me. The titles D4 have chosen for their songs probably help a bit, as well.

I have been lucky enough to have seen a couple D4 shows in my day. So, I can honestly say D4 shows kick ass! With them releasing a new album recently, here’s to hoping we will have another chance. Needless to say D4 is in my life to stay. Platonically… of course. I mean how could I ever turn my back on a band that taught me the true meaning of the fruit cocktail. If you do not know the true meaning of the fruit cocktail I recommend you check into it and if you have trouble finding the true meaning of the fruit cocktail drop an e-mail and I’ll try to have a special screening to enlighten you all. D4 truly puts the “F” back in “ART.” As well as, giving me a perfect outro. “Check out my new dance I call it the walk away.
-Cap’n Clet

p.s. When in doubt just ask yourself W.W.D.4.D? You can trust this guy, just look at him. Really, how much art can you take? Oh yeah, they sound nothing like The Clash.

THE BAND:

ERIK FUNK
· GUITAR/VOCALS
· had a shrine to gene simmons in his bedroom in 1985 when kiss wasn't cool
· beautiful blue eyes, push-over, newports
· is the sexy marketing tool
· "erik funk" played bass in Impetus Inter
· OWNER OF THE TRIPLE ROCK SOCIAL CLUB
· other bandS: BILLINGSGATE

PATRICK COSTELLO
· PADDT, ST. PATRICK
· BASS/VOCALS
· swears he saw truman capote in new orleans even though hes been dead for years
· should shut the fuck up
· "attitude problem", mooch, whiskey
· other bands: CLEVELAND BOUND DEATH SENTENCE

LANE PEDERSON
· MONKEY HUSTLE
· DRUMS
· won't eat a grilled cheese sandwich because it does not make sense
· isn't home right now, but do you want to leave a message?
· really loooong stories, always at work, any beer
· Doctor of Clinical Psychology

BILL MORRISETTE
· BILLY
· GUITAR/VOCALS
· runs Extreme Noise Records in Minneapolis
· works everyday trying to convince people to buy records the don't really want
· rocks block parties in an old school way
· lord of all dogs, never at work, colt .45
· other bands: SCOOBY DON'T



Discography
Studio albums
· Midwestern Songs of the Americas (1998)
· Versus God (2000)
· Situationist Comedy (2002)
· Civil War (2008)
Live albums
· Live at First Avenue (2003)
Compilation albums
· This Shit Is Genius (1999)
EPs
· Higher Aspirations: Tempered and Dismantled (1995)
· The Kids Are All Dead (1996)
· More Songs About Girlfriends and Bubblegum (1997)
Split releases
· The Rebel's Choice (split with The Strike) (1997)
· Pinhead Gunpowder/Dillinger Four (2000)
Videography
· Belt Fighting the Man (with Toys That Kill and Rivethead)
· Plea for Peace/Take Action Vol. 2
External links
· www.angelfire.com/mn/dillingerfour
· http://www.myspace.com/dillingerfour

Blog Log # 2 (Quote of the Week)

* Due to my interweb being down this is a day late and yes, as always I am a dollar short but I apologize for the delay. I know how much you all love your weekly dose of being dumbed down by my qoute of the week.

“My mamma made me read Clemens. She used to tell me I was a reckless boy and I needed philosophy to prepare me for the real world.” And we all know that mammas know everything… right? Keep in mind “Favored above kings and emperors is the stillborn child.” Yeah, that’s a bit heavy but “It’s better to be popular than to be right.” Just like “Having a secret and knowing a secret are two entirely different things and only one is worth a damn.” Now you may find that, “Of the demonstrably wise, there are but two - - Those who commit suicide and those who keep their reasoning’s faculties atrophied with drink.” You that are still living, remember “Whiskey is for drinking; water is for fighting over.” And now “ The new century is upon us who can rightly say? End times gentlemen end times.” “Clemens said that courage is resistance to fear - - not the absence of it.” “People need to be scared Bertha. They need to think the world is ending before they’ll be bothered to save it.” Therefore, “It’s a blessed provision of nature that at times like these… as soon as a man’s mercury has got down to a certain point… there comes a revulsion and he rallies. Hope springs up, and cheerfulness along with it… and then he’s in good shape to do something for himself… if anything can be done.” But if all else fails “The Five Fists of Science can bring about world peace.” And “Because I write lefty I can keep punching like this all… night?” “Hot damn! Let’s see if Edison out- clever that.”
- Rob p.s. “Sad state of affairs when a man can’t be ostracized for simply being broke.”

*Editor’s note: Some of these quotes are direct Clemens’ quotes. Others are the comic book character of Clemens quotes. While others are comic book characters quoting Clemens. And at least one of these quotes is from some dude named Mark Twain… whoever that is?

That's Right! We're having a signing! If you're in the Metro Area then make sure to make it by one of the signings! It's gonna be a blast! If you can't see the details then click the image or click here. This is going to stay the top post until after the signing is over so scroll down for the articles.

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.

What Do You Mean They're Not Superheroes?: Sneak Peek Reviews 12/03/2008

Secret Invasion #8
Written by: Brian Michael Bendis
Art by: Lenil Francis Yu

And it's finished. I admit that I had some problems with the first act and a half of this story. The time spent in The Savage Lands was ... a bit exhausting. But things really started to get quite shaken up and become rather interesting and then issue #7 the big fight happened and everything got big and scary. This issue we most assuredly see the end of the epic brawl that we spent the whole of last issue entrenched in. Are there some surprising things that happen? Absolutely. Are there some tragic things that happen? Surely. Are there some really cool things that happen? Most certainly. But ... in the long run I think there is something ultimately intriguing and frustrating about this story. Yes, it will change the status quo of the whole of the Marvel Universe. Yes, it will shake things up more than anyone might have ever expected. Yes, it will leave your jaw on the floor quite a few times. Is it a bit frustrating that last week we got the most recent issue of Thunderbolts which ultimately spoiled a few of the big beats of the story? Was it frustrating that as big as this story was that it ultimately was just a prelude to the coming Dark Reign? Is it a bit of a frustration that big events seem to be falling so closely back to back? The answer to all of these questions are again: Yes.


Haunted Tank #1
Written by: Frank Marraffino
Art by: Henry Flint

I'll be honest again. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. But it was really damn fun. Fran Marraffino has a great grasp for both the simple modern dialog of US Army men, as well as the lofty and complex dialect of a Confederate Cavalry General. This is a book for anyone who is looking for a modern war book that has both serious commentary as well as humorous interaction between soldiers of disparate times and cultures. The characters are incredibly well drawn by Henry Flint. This is a really interesting first issue and it introduces each of the characters rather well as well as introducing the basics of the story to come in the ongoing series. I'm not sure if anyone who checks out this title is going to be familiar with either of the creators but I think that it is easy to say that these guys have what it takes to become the same kind of household names that some of the best creators who have worked under the Vertigo umbrella. I think that this is a series that has a very promising future and it's certain that there is a long and storied history for the title of "Haunted Tank" and that these guys will do a damn fine job of contributing to it.

What I’m Reading Now: A Chance Encounter

Leave It To Chance
Written By: James Robinson
Art By: Paul Smith

Thanksgiving break was good to me. Got to eat a lot, sleep a lot, and most importantly, read a lot. On Wednesday, I traveled out to the Fantasy Shop in South County to see our dear co-host’s new digs. I must say it is pretty fancy. I took this time catch up on some titles such as Fear Agent and read some new titles such as Umbrella Academy (as mention in episode 43 LISTEN!!) and Elephantmen. But there was one title in particular that I was excited to read about and that was Leave It To Chance. Written by James Robinson, art by Paul Smith, and published by Image Comics, Leave It To Chance is an enchanting tale about Chance Falconer, the sole heir to the Falconer name, and her journey of proving herself to her father and others that she is to be the next Falconer, the protector of Devil’s Echo. After finishing Starman and becoming completely enthralled in James Robinson’s Superman run, I became interested in all things James Robinson. And this title by no means disappoints. Leave It To Chance is a great fantasy tale that is really accessible to people of all ages. This comic’s supporting characters are also great including a DRAGON… awesome. Though I am not the biggest Paul Smith fan, his art is definitely at home in this series. His bold figures and simple colors and panels offer the book a unique look, which ultimately enhances the experience. James Robinson also shows why his comics are so great to read. He makes the characters seem very real and allow the audience to connect to the characters and the actions taking place throughout the comic. The series was published irregularly from 1996 to 1999 creating a 12 issue story. In 2002, Image published issue 13 which appeared to start a new story but due to low sales the book was halted there after. Leave It To Chance is a great story that should beloved and cherished by all comic enthusiasts. So sit back, relax, and Leave It To Chance.

ComicDorksCast Episode 043

ComicDorkscastEp043.mp3
(Download Directly: Right Click and choose "Save As..." and save locally on your computer)

An Extra Long Episode!

Running Time: 01:44:49

• Batman #681 results in the longest review of a single book the Dorks have ever undertaken, we hope you enjoy ... as a result this is also our longest episode ever.
• Rob's Pick of the Week: Birds of Prey #124
• JSA: Kingdom Come Special - The Kingdom #1 shook everything up and left us creeped out.
• Scott's Pick of the Week: Wonder Woman #26.
• Walking Dead #55 proves that crazy comes in all different kinds of flavors.
• Darren's Pick of the Week: Umbrella Academy: Dallas #1.
• PREVIEWS!
• Brief Mentions
• Anticipated Books

Rob mentioned an art show for a friend of the Show Jon Baker that is opening this weekend, here is the info:

The opening is Dec 5th 6 to 9 @ The Foundry Art Centre. For more information click on the link below
http://www.foundryartcentre.org/

To check out some of Jon’s work click on this link below
http://flickr.com/photos/28445012@N08/

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: "Golden Sand" by The Republic Tigers.

Brief Mentions: Gods vs. Men

**Spoiler Alert**

Superman #682
Written By: James Robinson
Art By: Renato Guedes

Supermen have been gracing the pages of comics since the very beginning in 1938. Since then, many superheroes have come into existence and I’m going to shed the spotlight on these titans of panels. First up, Superman #682, written by James Robinson and art by Renato Guedes, the sicth part of the New Krypton event, was an absolutely amazing issue. Clark continues to struggle with the death of his father while Kryptonians from the bottled city of Kandor slowly begin to assert their dominance over Metropolis and possibly the world. Atlas sits silently and waits and the very non-human Bizzaro feels some very human emotions by the death of Pa Kent (could his death be any more heart-breaking!!). And the ending features a character placed long ago within the Phantom Zone. With each passing issue, Superman rises among the ranks of greatest comic titles on the shelf. Though its hard not to with the Johns, Robinson, Gates trifecta. And one thing that makes this title is so great, and has so for many years, is the conflict between Clark’s human self and his Kryptonian self. This conflict once again resurfaces, as Clark must decide in the laws of man or of Krypton. It is this very conflict that makes Superman an enjoyable character for all generations to enjoy week after week, month after month. Renato Guedes…. someone needs to give you a high five because you are doing a phenomenal job on this book, A++. This book reminds everyone why Superman will remain one of the most cherished characters of all time. A character, that above all else, strives to be good.

Thor: Man of War
Written By: Matt Fraction
Art By: Clay Mann & Patrick Zircher

On the other end of the side of things, Marvel also dishes out its heavy hitters. And perhaps one of its heaviest hitters is none other that Thor: Man of War. Written by Matt Fraction with art by Clay Mann and Patrick Zircher, Thor is character I was never familiar with. When I Marvel released that Matt Fraction would be doing a series of one-shots featuring this character, I decided now was the time to familiarize. These series of one-shots have been fantastic. Fraction takes a new approach to an old character, and describes Thor’s residence in the Hall of Asgard, his celestial home. Filled with violence and action, reminiscent of Conan the Barbarian, Fraction really delivers and explores just why Thor is a god. Throughout this issue, Thor lays waste to all of his father’s (Odin’s) creation to catch his attention. During this godly tantrum, Thor spars with Odin and ultimately is cast out of Asgard and placed into the body of Arkin Torsen. In hopes of teaching his son compassion, Odin casts him to Midgard… Earth where we see a hero transformed. Thor successfully learns compassion and humility and opens the doors to the beginning of the character Thor many have grown to know and love. With great story and great art, Thor: Man of War is a great issue for anyone who loves mythology (especially Norse) and anyone who is a fan of Conan the Barbarian or other similar titles. This is one of the most unique origin stories and is a story I would love to see on the silver screen…Marvel I’m talking to you. These characters show that Gods are good but it is humanity that makes them great.