Oops... We Did It Again

Due to my incessant globetrotting to the Caribbean, this week's episode will unfortunately be postponed till Tuesday/Wednesday. But do not fret, it is perhaps one of our greatest episodes to date so be sure to tune in. As a matter a fact, I will give you a little...taste... as of what this show will feature...


Yes... that is in fact... a Broccoli Quiche! ... we have lost our minds

From the Dorks' Soundtrack: Little Joy

Music from Episode #49

Band: Little Joy

Album: Little Joy

Song: The Next Time Around

So I think it would be pretty obvious that I am a fan of The Strokes. Sure they were supposed to be saviors of all things rock and roll but they knew going in that they weren't going to be anything more than a really great band with really catchy lyrics and a keen ear for a good hook. They even had the good humor to title their first album "Is This It" after being touted as the next rock and roll messiah's by everything short of the Vatican itself. They have released 3 full length albums since 2001 and are currently on hiatus.

The hiatus has left time for members of the band to start their own side-projects and they have been just as enjoyable as the band itself and in many ways prove the talent that each of the individual members really have. First was guitarist Albert Hammond Jr.'s solo effort Yours To Keep and then last year's follow up ¿Cómo Te Llama? both of which were really strong efforts and memorable albums.

In November Strokes drummer Fabrizio Moretti's side project Little Joy released their first album and yesterday I bought it at Vintage Vinyl on Delmar. Moretti is joined by Rodrigo Amarante from Los Hermanos and newcomer Binki Shapiro and between the three of them they have managed to craft one of the most relaxed and relaxing albums that I have heard in the last year. I put it in once I got back to my car and I was instantly wishing that I was on a beach somewhere with nothing to do and no where to go. Each of them is incredibly talented and really put on a showcase of how to create music without sounding like they are trying too hard. Many of the songs comes across as though they are an old classic that you've never heard before just being sung by friends sitting around the living room or maybe the campfire. Amarante's vocals put you immediately at ease and he has sort of a crooner mixed with ... well (Strokes lead singer) Julian Casablancas, but very much his own. The songs where Shapiro sings really have a bit of restrained magic to them as well, she sounds like she could break into tears or laughter at any moment and somehow that dichotomy manages to come across as perfect.

I really think that this is going to be an album that is consistent rotation for me for a long time to come. There is something about it that instantly evokes The Beach Boys mixed with a little more garage rock sound. I really feel like it would have been one of my favorite albums of 2008 if I had picked it up on the day it came out but I think that it will be comfortable on my list of overlooked albums of 2008. I think that when The Strokes go back into the studio later this year they'll be hard pressed to not include some of the sounds that the individual members have created on their own during their hiatus. I know I'll be sure to check out their next album and I also know that I look forward to the next side-project release from bassist Nikolai Fraiture and his band Nickel Eye which comes out later this January.

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

Sneak Peek Reviews: 01/06/09

Punisher #1
Written by: Rick Remender
Art by: Jerome Opena

I admit that I am hesitant to write about this book. Almost as hesitant as I was to read it. Ending Punisher War Journal was an interesting decision on the part of Marvel. Starting a new series called Punisher the following week was yet another interesting decision. Deciding to change the title on your long running series from Punisher (MAX) to Punisher: Frank Castle (MAX) was also an interesting decision.

A lot of interesting decisions and a lot of hesitation.

I have come to the decision that everytime Rick Remender sits down at the keyboard to write a comic he does so with the intention of doing whatever he must to make the book my pick of the week. Every time Jerome Opena decides to draw a page of a comic he decides not only am I going to make Scott's jaw drop to the floor I am going to make it better than the page I just finished. He is an INCREDIBLE talent.

Honestly, this book is really freaking great. 22 pages of totally awesome comic-booking. It's almost an auto reccommend to anyone who wanders past. But Marvel is Marvel ... and they always have to find someway to screw the pooch. They made this a $3.99 book and included "The Punisher - Saga" in the back. Why? Seriously: Why? This was soooooo close to being the perfect comic book. It was totally unecessary for you to up the page count and include the Saga. Anyone picking up this book is familiar with The Punisher. You did an homage cover to his first appearance ... IT SCREAMS "BUY ME FANBOY! BUY ME!" ... and fanboys aren't the ones who need the Punisher - Saga ...

But seriously ... buy it anyway ... cause it's that damn good.

Shrapnel #1 (of 5)
Written by: M. Zachary Sherman
Art by: Bagus Hutomo

Radical Comics has been doing a lot of things right when it comes to launching a new comic company. They have exciting titles. They have interesting creators. They are working in largely underused genres. As long as they don't fall into the trap that a lot of interesting new comic companies fall into ... getting too big too fast (Yeah I'm looking at you Virgin and CrossGen) ... they'll have a bright future ahead of themselves.

Shrapnel #1 is pretty cool. I won't say that it's the next great comic to hit the shelves or that it's going to change the way you think about comics or sci-fi or war or giant robot combat ... cause it very likely won't. But when it comes down to brass tacks it's really got a lot of good things going for it.

Imagine Gattica if you added interplanetary conflict and ... well, giant robot combat. Shrapnel is certainly not treading on new ground when it comes to sci-fi but it does so with a dancers grace. There is a lot of interesting story telling done in this first issue and the artwork is also pretty great.

There are, admittedly, some problems that I have with it. The whole book is poorly lit and so a bit of the action is hard to follow, and the whole thing has the feel of being the opening sequence of a video game. But if you can ignore those things then I'd say that this is the kind of book that will leave you smiling and wanting to see what happens next. And at #1.99 for 48 pages of comic on good quality paper and full color ... it's certainly worth checking out ... especially on a light comic week like this one.

Black Lightning #1 (of 6)
Written by: Jen Van Meter
Art by: Cully Hamner

The first time I read a comic written by Jen Van Meter I knew I was reading something special. Hopeless Savages wound up being one of my favorite Indie comics for a good long while and it remains a sentimental favorite for a lot of reasons. When I heard Jen Van Meter was going to be writing an arc on JSA: Classified I got a little excited and a little worried. And then I read the first issue of "Honor Among Thieves" and I saw that my worry was for naught.

When I first encountered Cully Hamner on Batman: Tenses I had a really good feeling about his future as an artist and I have really and truly enjoyed watching him develop in the brief while I have been following his career. His revamp of the Blue Beetle costume was amazing and it was his look for the character that drew me into the title and it fast became one of my favorites as well.

When I found out that the two of them were going to be working together on, of all things, Black Lightning: Year One ... I damn near jumped out of my chair. I have always loved the character of Black Lighting and think that Jefferson Pierce is one of the coolest characters in the DCU. The idea of a public school teacher/principal by day superhero by night has always sat just right with me. Getting a chance to follow his early adventures really gives me a thrill and I waited with baited breath to read the first issue.

Boy was I pleased.

The story-telling choices that Van Meter makes really just sing. The idea of following the first year of a hero, not from the perspective of the hero himself, from the point of view of Jefferson's wife (especially knowing their future) is an effort of brilliance. Watching the Pierce family in their formative years is really special (again especially when you think about what happens to each one of them). There is something really magic about this comic and I cannot wait to read issue #2 and I hope that each and every one of you out there pick up a copy when you go into the store tomorrow.

You won't regret it.

ComicDorksCast Episode 048

ComicDorkscastEp048.mp3
(Download Directly: Right Click and choose "Save As..." and save locally on your computer)

Running Time: 01:16:35

• Batman: Cacophony #2 hits all the right buttons.
• Rob's Pick of the Week: Wolverine #70
• Incognito #1 lets us talk about Brubaker & Phillips even though it's Bizarro Month.
• Scott's Pick of the Week: Teen Titans #66.
• 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: "Title & Registration" by Death Cab for Cutie.

Brief Mentions: (The End Has Arrived But We Will Survive, If We Can Be A Little More Apropos And A Little Less of a Goon.)

The Goon
# 31

Everything But Colors – Eric Powell

Colors –Dave Stewart

I realize that I wrote on the Goon, o’ so not that long ago. But, ask me could I live with myself if I didn’t mention the end of a really great year for Goon fans. No I say! I could not. We should all thank Eric Powell and his support crew for all the hard work that was done for the last year as well as the year’s prior. As a Goon fan I am not at all disappointed that the monthly trend will end. A man deserves his own time, even if it means we have to wait on his comic. Now, on to the issue we go.

The Goon # 31 was a perfect ending to last year. This issue started with a bang… literally. We saw just about everyone, not to mention, a slew of dead bodies. We got more of Goon’s past coming back to haunt him and a Franky save. Monsters got their faces chopped off, bombs were dropped, and hearts were broken. Did I mention children being murdered already? The beauty of this issue is, though it concluded “The Year Of The Goon” it most certainly did not end the story. I know… I know… it said the end at the end but he did not get out when he could have. You hear me? To Eric Powell, Dave Stewart, and the rest of the crew, thank you. Enjoy your time off and we will see you in March… right?



Sir Apropos of Nothing # 3

Written By –Peter David

Illustrated By –Robin Riggs


Peter David created a most fascinating character with Apropos. He is the shitty guy that luck looks out for. He holds the fortune of folly. Apropos first appeared in a series by the same title of the comic. (I will provide a link later) Issue # 3 picks up after our hero got thrown out of a twister and saved a gypsy gal from being eaten. Some how he finds himself as a savior of a tribe of gypsies surrounded by a certain pending doom. What would he do now? What any hero would do, he tried to escape. They were out numbered, why would you stay? Read this issue and find out what caused our hero to have a change of heart and how he will squeak out of this pickle. This book has been a lot of fun to read. It seems to be the classic Peter “turn a phrase” David tomfoolery I have come to love a whole bunch. Therefore, I recommend you check out this story as well as the novels.

-Rob
Sir Apropos of Nothing
Sir Apropos of Nothing, Pocket Books, 2002. ISBN 0-7434-1234-6
The Woad to Wuin, Pocket Star, 2003. ISBN 0-7434-4832-4 Tong Lashing, Pocket Star, 2003. ISBN 0-7434-4912-6

Blog Log # 2 (Quote of the Week)

Due to the fact I got my books today and my books came in a big ol’ stack. I have not read much. Therefore, this will be short a sweet. And possibly the best advice I have ever heard.

*Warning this quote has colorful language but golden, nonetheless.

“You can fuck your friends. You can fuck your instruments. But you can’t fuck your friend’s instruments.”

-Rob

** And now Shep Shep.**

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.

Voting Closes Tomorrow!

Make sure that you head over to The Message Boards and VOTE for the ComicDorksCast Best of 2008 Awards.

Voting closes tomorrow (January the 3rd) at 3:00pm!

So ...

GET TO IT!

What Do You Mean They're Not Superheroes?: Best Books You Didn't Read Last Week 12/29/08

Guerillas #3
Written & Art by: Brahm Revel

Alright. Go back to your store. Speak with the clerk who is there, talk with the Manager if you must. Have them order Guerillas #1, #2, & #3 for you right that very instant. This is going to be one of the best books you read ever. And you're not already reading it. As a matter of fact if you don't start reading it soon you might miss out on one of the most overlooked books of 2008 and what might be the best book of 2009. Brahm Revel has created one of the most unique and pleasurable reading experiences of my comic reading life (20 or so years long now ... I've been reading comics for 20 years?!?! ... I'm old). With his deceptively simple pencils and incredible hand at inking and grey toning he has managed to make an amazing visual style that suits perfectly the story he is telling. Which is equally as amazing. The story is at once a dark and frightening look at what it must have been to be a soldier in Vietnam ... constantly kept in the dark of what your future holds, always afraid of what lay around the next corner, lied to by those who were meant to be your leader. At the same time it's brilliant the way he has juxtaposed John Clayton's experience among his squad, that of being the man left out, with his experience among the chimps ... one of solitude of a whole different kind. This is easily one of the most satisfying comics that I have read in a very long time and I think that it is a tragedy that more people aren't reading it. Make sure you at least check it out, you can read the whole first issue over at Newsarama, once you've read it make sure that, if you haven't already, you go to your local comic store and have it ordered for yourself ... I'll know if you don't

ComicDorksCast Episode 047

ComicDorkscastEp047.mp3
(Download Directly: Right Click and choose "Save As..." and save locally on your computer)

Running Time: 01:31:30

• Wonder Woman #27 continues the Rise of the Olympian and the Fall of everyone's favorite Amazonian.
• Scott's Pick of the Week: Invincible #57
• Astounding Wolf-Man #11 picks up right where Invincible left off.
• Darren's Pick of the Week: Daredevil #114
• Batman #683 answers some questions but leaves plenty left to be solved.
• Rob's Pick of the Week: New Avengers #48.
• PREVIEWS!
• 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: "Party Barge" by Silver Jews.

Brief Mentions: Immortal Iron FIst #21

Immortal Iron Fist #21
Written by: Dwayne Swierczynski
Art by: Timothy Green II

Alright, you win Mr. Swierczynski ... I had every intention of dropping this book when the very respectable and incredibly interesting run by Mr. Fraction and Mr. Brubaker had ended. But oh no ... I had to read one more issue and see if this new guy was going to be any good ... and now 5 issues later it is still a top of the pile read (I read the books I am looking forward to the most first ... usually). This is really one of the books that has presented the most pleasant reading experience of the titles that I am following this year. Regular artist Travel Foreman has brought a sense of kinetic movement and style to the book that I wasn't sure I was going to like but lo and behold I find myself lingering on beautiful panels and wonderful pages every issue. This issue guest artist Timothy Green II brought his fantastic sense for sci-fi to the future of Iron Fist and brought a very big smile to my face (I admit that I was already a fan of his work, having read Annihilation: Star Lord). And if Mr. Swierczynski can keep things going the way that he has over the last 5 issues for the next year then allow me to assure you that it will be in the running for my favorite book of 2009!

From The Dorks Soundtrack: (They Say You’re At Large or The Two for One Holiday Lazy Ass Quote of the Week and Soundtrack Special)

Song for Episode:
# 47 –“Party Barge”

Performed by -Silver Jews

From the Album –Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea


“Hello, my friends. Hello, my friends. Come on have a seat.” The year was 1989. The setting was the University of Virgina. Three guys met and put a band togther. It just so happens that the band was the Silver Jews and the guys writer/musician David Berman with his friends, guitarist/singer Stephen Malkmus and drummer Bob Nastanovich. That is just nine years after my birth and five years after well… let’s just say, “In 1984 I was hospitalized for approaching perfection.” Since the beginning of the Silver Jews many different folks have come and gone but Berman remains. Some of you might recognize a couple of the names I listed prior from a band called Pavement. (Which will be my next pick and if anyone chooses Pavement in the next two weeks they win one free shot to their band-aids.) Names will be listed later in this blog log. To escape the Pavement shadow alias were used on Silver Jews albums. The funny thing is that my sources (reliable or not) tell me that Pavement came after Silver Jews. Listen to me, I will only say this once, “Silver Jews should in no fashion ever be seen as a side project.” Those of you who do… well… I guess… sorry you’re wrong.

David Berman is a clever, clever wordsmith. I’ll admit it took me a little while to catch on to what was happening while listening to the Silver Jews. Beyond his work with the Silver Jews, Berman is a cartoonist and an all around American poet, in every sense of those words even generally speaking. He has told us that “Pain works on a sliding scale” and that “so does pleasure in a candy jail.” He has gone as far as admitting, “true love doesn’t come around anymore than fate allows.” Let us not forget that “true love ain’t about getting yelled at all weekend.” He reminds us that “fast cars, fine ass these things will pass and it won’t get more profound.” As well as, that “time is a game only children play well” and raises the question “how can I love you if you won’t lie down?” Speaking of which, Berman is a man that realizes that “everybody’s going down on themselves there’s no pardon me’s or fare the wells in the end.” He helps us on those days when you’re sitting around “and you got that one idea again. The one about dying.” He sings to us and we think “I’m gonna turn my guns around. I’m not the deadest man in town.” He helps us see that “when the sun sets on the ghetto all the broken stuff gets cold” and that “the alleys are the footnotes of the avenues.” David Berman is the type of fella that comes right out and says, “I know that a lot of what I say has been lifted off of men’s room walls.” I’m still waiting for him to drop the name Cap’n Clet. Needless to say, David Berman is a man to look into. All you Pavement fans should know that the cd you have called Slanted and Enchanted got its name from a Berman cartoon. How’s that for a F.Y.I?

Anyone who is a fan of great words, some sad others hopeful but all well placed, and great music should give the Silver Jews a go. Their sound varies from rock to folk, which, only adds to the overall enjoyment of your listening experience. I believe that Silver Jews shows are hard to come by, though it seems to be getting a little better now but if you ever have a chance you better take it. I did a few years ago at the Duck Room and saw one of the top 5 shows I have seen at Blueberry Hill. If nothing else is learned from this blog log at least be kind to the “suffering jukebox, such a sad machine. All filled up with what other people need” and “on the last day of your life don’t forget to die.” And if all else fails and "If you need a friend to get through the night toot on your horn or flash on your brights. Honk if you're lonely tonight.”

-Rob

He is published. Here is proof.

Silver Jews

Members
David Berman Cassie Berman Former members
Tim Barnes Pete CummingsTony CrowDuaneDenisonDoug EasleyJill FantauzzaMike FellowsMatt HunterBrian KotzurPaz LenchantinDan MacktaStephen MalkmusDavis McCainRian MurphyBob NastanovichPaul NiehausWill OldhamPeyton PinkertonAndra ShermanChris StroffolinoWilliam TylerSteve WestJ.D. WilkesAzita Youssefi

Albums
Starlite Walker (1994) LP/CD
The Natural Bridge (1996) LP/CD
American Water (1998) LP/CD
Bright Flight (2001) LP/CD
Tanglewood Numbers (2005) LP/CD
Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea (2008) LP/CD
EPs
The Arizona Record (1993) CD/12"
Tennessee (2001) CD/12"

Singles
"Dime Map Of The Reef" (1990) 7"
"Silver Jews And Nico" (1993) split 7" with New Radiant Storm King
"Send in the Clouds" (1998) CD/7"
"Hot as Hell" (1999) CD/7"
Filmography
Silver Jew (2007)

What I'm Watching Now: Best. Christmas. Ever.

I hope you are all having a great holiday but i know that turkey is calling your name so i will keep this brief. Why is this the best Christmas ever you may ask? At around 10 o'clock this morning, I decided to turn on the television to see what was on. And what I saw made me the happiest person on the planet. Star Trek: The Next Generation marathon all day on the Sci-Fi Channel !!!!!! So go have a good Christmas! And From the Comic Dorks, "Live Long and Prosper!"