A Moment Of...

Planet Comicon

2010-03-29T09:29:00.005-05:00

Since I didn't mention in the blog

Upcoming Projects:

Matt Kindt- Revolver (in April Previews)

Tony Fleecs- Jeff Steinberg: Champion of Earth (w/ Josh Fialkov from Oni Press)

Nathan Fox- FLUORESCENT BLACK (TPB expected this summer)

Tone Rodriguez- Shadowhawk (March Previews)

This will be a bit of a scatter shot post. I don't do well recalling things anyway. But I wanted to summarise my experience, both so that I could have something to look back on and so I wouldn't fill my twitter up with giddy one line nonsense.

The journey to Planet Comicon was uneventful, aside from my wife going on about the car and strange things it was doing. Neither of us knows a thing about cars, so when the car started randomly dying it just added a tinge of uneasiness to the whole affair.

We took our time, basically not rushing to get to the con, she had seen something about the weather, that it was going to get worse as the day went on. So, I suggested we do the other things on our list first and hopefully be inside for the worst. We stopped at a Target, at this point, I was antsy for the con, but not really making it known. I want my wife to enjoy what was going to be her only time off, too. Plus I picked up a great Ghostbusters shirt on the cheap. It was fitting because it is designed like a comic cover.

At about ten thirty we began the parking search. Which would have not been a poor experience except. One of the first spots we found was taken by people that decided to laugh at our expense while rushing in to it. You want to be happy about getting a space? Fine. But don't gloat about getting it over on someone. We waited patiently for a different spot, so believe it or not, asshats you didn't really pull a fast one.

Got advanced two day passes. So, boom right through. Passed a droid (like R2, but green... so um, not. Not my nitpickiest Geek moment of the con, btw) Wife stops to take pictures, already we are wishing we'd brought the boys. But it was our first time coming to Planet Comicon, and we just didn't want to risk there not being enough for them to do. Right as we enter the floor, I know it is not what I expected. We were inundated with long boxes, and that would be my biggest criticism. I would have liked to come in and see creators, I think. That is a very personal change though. And this con has gone 10 years without my input, so if it isn't broke, don't fix it. I will just expect it next year. However, it's worth noting that the one bad experience I saw on twitter mentioned that they were disappointed that it was only a room of dealers. And, as I was saying, honestly, had I not known different, I would have been disappointed and spent a good bit of my first impression thinking the same thing.

Now, as I said before, I don't have a play by play. I really wish I did, because too much will get lost. For instance, I remember my first sketch, but I also remember it was after we sat down for drinks. So, what did I do before that? Did I seriously just wheel around the con floor anxiously glancing for name tags and such? I remember being disappointed to find only Sean McKeever's coat & being sad. He was the one I set aside to see and get things signed and talk Young Allies. Oh my gosh, I know what I did! Not only did I wheel around anxiously. I would say, "Oh, there's so and so, they did this." to my wife over and over. And I would protest line length or sketch price. And sort of keep going. The poor woman, she was great at faking disinterest, or I wasn't picking up the cues.

Here comes the nitpicky geek. we are admiring costumes while drinking sodas. Mostly ooohing and aaahing the kids. This is very much a parental thing. We do it at malls, on the street, in parking lots. Babies, toddlers and tots are our kryptonite. Actually, thank goodness we are always together in our kid watching, I am pretty sure I would get assaulted otherwise. That's when we agreed next year our boys were coming along. So, as we are moving along. She said, "Oooh, there's the Flash." I corrected, "No, that's Captain Marvel... similar costume, except for that sash, the insignia is a bit different, and usually there is a cape to the side, but not for this fellow..." As I am pondering the lack of cape, I instantly realise I should not have gone that far. Cause she said, "Except for the frilly belt, he's the flash." I surrendered, "Pretty much."

Somewhat refreshed, I am in pursuit of Bill Morrison. Or as I was referring, "The Simpsons Guy", I read an article where he stated he was doing free sketches(ended up being 5 dollars but awesome deal!). So, I wanted to get in on that before he came to his senses. I was also making mental notes of who I might come back around to see. Before that though, I saw Tony Fleecs, I must have seen a banner first or something, because I spotted his name around the corner. Shot over to his table, rambling about hearing about him on a podcast and he was the guy to see for sketches (on and on) I am a bit incoherent even when I am not excited so I know I was just rattling on like a moron. And then he asked me something like "How I was enjoying the show?" Or something equally easy to answer and I went on and on about local talent and wishing Chris Samnee was here... and I'm not realising that here I am rattling on about this other artist and the sketch he did, all the while Tony is doing a great sketch for me. I. AM. A. MORON.

I wish I would have picked up a card or something from everyone, because to many times I had to shy away from an actual purchase. Met and talked to Matt Kindt. Going on faith that our paths can cross after Revolver comes out. Got to see a copy though, and it is going to be a great book. I really wish I hadn't jumped at 5 trades for $20 when I was in that initial shopping area. I got ten great trades, but I didn't jump so much at others books.

Another problem was that people would crowd tables, and I don't mean I can only see at the side. I mean a crowd would just envelope a table. You can't see who is there folks, especially from a wheelchair vantage point. So I know I went by some people I would have liked to have seen. How do I know? I checked my list of people that I wanted to make sure and chat with when I got home. I did talk with maybe half. Still, I met others I wouldn't have, but I digress.

A trick I just started and I will do from now on is to ask, "What do you have coming up." Because yeah, I am cheap, but I also do 90% of my shopping preorder, so believe it or not, my best chance to get your work is at a later date. I am never going to have the cash on hand, but I can always work someone into an order. And now, I have my Ipod Touch, so I really do get to make note of it right there.

I think from there I moved on to Chris Sprouse, well or rather, his wife Xan Sprouse, and I talked about how I knew his work from the ABC Primer. And then she said they were continuing Tom Strong's story with a new series starting on June 2nd. "My birthday!" I lit up. And funnily enough she lit up, and we chatted from there. The only thing to buy was a sketchbook, I like Chris Sprouse art and I had a nice enough time I didn't want to walk away empty handed. So, I picked up a sketchbook and asked how much is this? "10 dollars" I visibly winced. Now, I'm sorry, I understand that these sketchbooks are probably costing that much, but they just don't look it. They look like something you should be getting for free. And I think that is why often when a table isn't manned I see people start to take one until another table across corrects them. I mean honestly, if I showed this to family members they would be baffled at why I paid that much. It just looks like something you would hand to someone before you have the final product ready. I mean honestly, how can you have beautiful full color comics for three to five dollars and then these dinky generic looking sketchbooks for 10 to 15 dollars.

So, Chris Sprouse walked up then, he wasn't there before and I don't really know why. Signed my book and passed it back, and Xan mentioned the birthday thing, and he just seemed... out of sorts. Not sure. As many have said before, you never know what's going on with a person when you meet them for a moment. They can't be "on" all the time. And for the record, I love the book, glad I bought it. Even though what I type next might go against that.

Determined am I now to see Sean McKeever, I feel a bit like the distracted protagonist. No more lollygagging, time to get to it. So, I get there. And wait. Only slightly thinking, my shit is more important so move it along people. It helped that next to Sean was Nathan Fox of "Pigeons From Hell" And I am perusing his wares. Probably Spider-Man caught my eye. But not long that I see this striking white covered tome of a book. I pick it up without thinking. Do a quick flip through and say, "Sir, this is a hell of sketchbook!" In that praising way that says, I am going to barely be able to come away from your table without buying this. He wanted $25 for it. Now I am a cheap bastard. I can't afford not to be. But even I was thinking, my god, I am robbing this man if I only pay $25. And I hemmed and hawed. Back and forth.

Finally my turn with Mr. Sean McKeever and I gush. I say, "Sir, I am very much looking forward to Young Allies. To the point, that I changed an order to be sure I get the Firestar one shot that ties in." I continue on about how it was around the time of Gravity that I found my way into comics full force. So this series was special to me. Because I am pulling away from comics more and more, and this feels like a way for me to come back to it as he does. It was a wonderful talk, so glad I seeked him out. Oddly enough at the time I had nothing for him to sign. Gravity got left behind unintentionally in a rush out the door. It made for a nice icebreaker though. And my wife had found a copy of Gravity #1 at the con, so he did end up signing it. If Mike Norton comes back around to KC again I can get the dynamic duo. Now, I mentioned before about asking upcoming projects. And Sean said, "Well, I have an independent book coming out," I perked up. "But I can't talk about it yet." Dejected, was I, for sure. But he assured me that there would be news about it, with so many of the indy projects you have to know something or it goes unnoticed. I follow him on twitter though, and he said for sure he would talk about it there.

At this point, I lost track of my wife, I forgot that she mentioned earlier needing something for Bill Morrison to draw on. So she had taken the backing board from Gravity ( a nice impromptu for sketches that you didn't bring your own supplies for btw) to him for a sketch. I tracked her down and got 30 dollars. I went up to Nathan Fox's table, snatched his sketchbook, handed over my cash and said, "I couldn't resist picking this up." Now to give you some idea, it's comic sized just in dimensions. So that already takes other sketchbooks down a peg. The page count is 160 and it is used to full effect. No long paragraphs about process and technique with a little cropped panel in the corner, this is cover to cover art. Value. Most expensive book I bought, highest value. And I barely blinked an eye. If you see Nathan at a con, pick this up, throw in the five bucks for a sketch inside. I don't even know what character he drew and I love it. And again, not to knock the Chris Sprouse sketchbook. I will just say this, if others want to keep doing the photo copy sketchbooks, it just makes this one look all the better, and I bet that gets Nathan sales.

Even if I don't read his books, and he is a horror artist, so more often than not I probably won't, I will still go to his table every year he is there, for a sketchbook and sketch, even if it goes up to a higher price, because I know quality and value are there. Even though I didn't even think to glance at the sketch inside. (Stupid of me). Moreover, he is a cool fucking dude.

Speaking of cool fucking dudes, there's Bill Morrison. He was only just into the sketch when I made my way back to my wife. And I hear over the PA system. "Willie's Wenches show is about to start." This along with Sean McKeever is one of my big things to do. I love renassaince... and I love raunchy renassaince. As it turns out though, wrong choice. It turns out that after 5 hours on the con floor, you aren't really in the mood for Shakespearean cheerleaders. I never would have guessed, but even more heartbreaking, in my haste I missed out on seeing a great sketch being done. So great in fact, it pulled other artists away from their table. And I wasn't there for a bit of it. Only decided to leave just as I meet my wife in the hallway. Big ol' bummer, throw it on top of the list of careless fan-crazed moments.

We decided to leave, and thanks to car troubles we would not return Sunday, sadly. Another regret is not at least getting cards or something from folks like Matt Kindt and Bryan Edward and others I talked to but didn't fill the wallets of. Guaranteed next year I am coming back hoping to see familiar faces, talk about their projects which I heard about the year before, and maybe make sure to be less absent-minded.

Swag: 2 sketches, 2 sketchbooks, Sam Noir Vol 1, Essential X-Men Vol 3, Welcome to Tranquility Vol 2, Shenanigans, Iron West, Flink, Imaginaries, The Authority: Hawksmoor, Tellos Vol 1 and Fantastic Five

Nothing of Cosequence

2008-07-02T23:04:00.002-05:00

I press on past the point that you leave
I move beyond the thought that you are gone
I take a breath
And I see myself
And I fall apart
I'm shadowed in
I'm a waste again
you wanted more

I'm here
in place
self-fulfilling emptiness

I'm not the man that I was
I'm not the person you saw
You tried help me out
You tried to push me up
I tried to fade you out
Cause I'm not enough
I'm trapped within
Locked the gate again
you wanted more

I'm here
In place
Self-fulfilling Emptiness

The Doctor Is In

2008-03-03T20:27:00.006-06:00

Well, it finally came. IDW's first issue of Doctor Who. What did I think? Honestly, it was no great shakes. It wasn't bad. But it definitely didn't knock my socks off. Which if there is anything I can say about recent premieres of Doctor Who... it is that they knock my socks off. Last series for example, loved it. Suspense, comedy, great showing off of the companion.

This issue by comparison, didn't even feel like it was trying. As if there was never a goal to have the audience captivated and on the edge of their seat. I came into the series a bit uneasy, I will be the first to admit, the art didn't thrill me. But I kept that out of my mind. I am a story first type of person anyway. Parts of this were good, but set off on their own. The history retelling on the first page... bits about the Tardis. Occasionally a line of dialogue would fit.

I have always taken DW too seriously. If not for the actors delivery I might see bits of the show in an entirely different light. But this... well, let me give you an idea of the lofty goal of the Doctor and Martha... to find the perfect milkshake. Which apparently, was the whole reason he is keeping her with him, because she has yet to find perfection. That little deal seems to have slipped my mind entirely.

Now, the Doctor is prone to flights of fancy for nonsensical reasons sometimes as well, I grant you. But spanning galaxies and time for a chocolate fix? Setting this aside for a bit. We find an alien shape shifter keeping close tabs on... well someone. The Doctor is tipped off to this fellow, by the fact that he appears to be a sweating lizard alien. Which the Doctor says Lizards should not do... so the Gizou (shape-shifting alien) runs off to report of his tab keeping. To someone?

I should say that I didn't follow this story very well. Which will become clearer as we continue on. I liked the alien in his lizard form and his normal form. The cartoony exaggerated style of the artist suited it, I thought. That alien is killed by a whip which well turns people to dust or ash, or whatever it is that such weapons of villainy turn lifeforms too.

It isn't too long before the Doctor catches up after hearing a scream. He is then ambushed, and taken by our shadowy bad guy. Who, of course, wants nothing to do with Martha. We learn he is a Sycorax. And though he has no use for Martha, he takes her back to his humble cave anyway. And we learn that evil loves a back story.

Syc likes to take beings that are the last of their race, and then sell them to other aliens to kill. The taking the last of their race thing kind of already bored me, I have seen it in Superman, and thus far, they weren't doing anything more than talking about it. This is where I get confused again, Syc has the shape-shifters so that he doesn't actually have to kill the last of each race. I didn't rush through this, really. But it still lost me, he has the beings in pods, now whether that is the shape shifters or the last aliens. I can't be sure. Anyway, just as Martha gets frustrated, the Doctor tugs on her leg and tells her to keep him talking. So she starts telling him he doesn't want the Doctor, the doctor runs like a girl, etc., etc. That part I took as humorous. She does this, and the Doctor takes this time to... stand up. No, seriously.

The Sycorax flails his electric whip at the Doctor, who grabs it, and tells him he isn't impressed that he could take the only survivor of a wonderful race who died when their sun exploded. He disables the whip with his sonic screwdriver (yay!) then Syc comes at with a sword... which he shatters in a very big display with the screwdriver again. Martha kicks a staff and breaks it in half for good measure. The Doctor tells him they broke all his weapons and to head home. but then proceeds to talk about how the Sycorax are (according to legend) going to be one of the last three races when the universe dies. Humans are one of the other two.

The Doctor sets the ship on course to a research planet that will help all the captives, and also puts in a message that will inform the captives and researchers of what has happened. And decides to take the bad guy with him, near as I can tell. But the bad guy goes back to his ship to get at the technology the Doctor used to reroute the ship. Makes no sense to me, he was going to a whole Tardis of technology... but ah well. The Doctor and Martha leave and the villain gets the tiny piece of technology only to have it break apart in his hands. And all the cages open up so the captives can destroy him. And the Doctor has taken Martha home so he can grow a sonic screwdriver. He says something is not good... but the background seems pleasant enough, must be something off-camera... to be continued.

Felt too short as well. This was an alright issue, I guess. Would have made good filler after a few issues in, would have been nice to feel like the Doctor was in any danger at all, or maybe that this could have tugged at his solitude a bit. But let's be frank, it's a debut issue. It's 3.99. At this point I didn't really expect, want, or deserve filler. In contrast, I have been paying that much for the Marvel reprints and have been enjoying that more.

The art is great, the stories have some punch, and there is a real sense of exploration and danger with a good dose of humor. There is some silliness and a it can be a tiny bit dated, but I really enjoy it. Had you asked me before either came out, I would have predicted dropping the classic stories and sticking with the modern take which holds a much greater familiarity for me.

I will stick with this book though, I am waiting for the new artist, and honestly I have already ordered the next two issues anyway. But as of right now, the new TV series just can't come fast enough. When the best part is being reminded of an inside joke "Police box? Don't ask..." between a friend and I... there is something wrong with your series.

New Template, New Posts, Same Lazy Work Ethic

2008-02-27T16:17:00.002-06:00

I figure with some comics coming soon I might try blogging about that again to start. Probably won't be until a few days after the beginning of the month. That might lead into a Previews talk. And from there, who knows? Not like anyone will be reading anyway.

Snakes and... snakes (that's what little girls are made of)

2007-07-02T16:47:00.000-05:00

Issue #0 of Snake Woman (created by Shekhar Kaphur) is written by Zeb Wells and illustrated by Michael Gaydos. This zero issue oddly enough was published after the first series concluded. As it stands though, at least by my first impression, it firmly sets itself as an excellent introduction story. Choosing to tell the legend and origin of the various Snake Women that have been, and how they came to be. I am a big fan of this kind of storytelling, I like tales that explore what has come before, that interests me. It can sometimes make for a jumbled mess, but at its best this sort of exploration adds to the enjoyment.

I have always been a fan of the vengeance seeking hero. The more raw the better. I think because at the core there is something highly relatable and somewhat noble about seeking to make things right. And there is a strong measure of envy in a direct approach. I do tend to draw the line at the overly gratuitous or just worn examples. Punisher comes to mind. And this pre-issue... while cold, methodical... downright chilling. There is something distinct about each Snakewoman, they each feel very personal, unique in their experience. Which leaves me with the impression that the first trade (out last week) will prove to be right up my alley. For 99 cents I would recommend tracking this down. If only for the not seen often enough art of Michael Gaydos.

More soon... daddy duties are calling.

2007-06-29T14:14:00.001-05:00

Books and Crannies

2007-05-01T13:05:00.000-05:00

It is a time of literary abundance here at my humble abode. If only by good timing. I had my first library trip in a good long time about a month or so ago, I suppose. It was mostly a failure, I grabbed at all sorts of treasures... comic books, and novels and DVDs... and didn't get through one. Clearly my eyes were hungrier than... my eyes.

A library trip was made again, every book found and returned, and I was much more reserved in my selection. Three trades and a DVD. Thus far I have gone through two of the trades and am some ways into the third. I am pretty pleased with that. Then yesterday the flood gates opened and I received my monthly shipment from DCBS. I have even dabbled in that somewhat.

Then added to that was a trip to one of my old favorite comic shops. A tiny splurge, but at a great price it added up in the amount of items. And then I made a trip to the library and picked up one novel. Honestly, I didn't even want to overwhelm myself this time, but that is how it happened. Then, stupid fool that I am I have also had the desire to blog some of my finds.

All this and the usual day to day strains, and I am really swimming in delusion. Ah well, you might see me again soon. Or you might find that the next post will be about how I don't have anything to read.

Now In Technicolor

2007-03-01T14:44:00.000-06:00

Well, I have decided that with the new month of March here in full force, that I might start an attempt at blogging again. I would say something like it is fitting since my blog started in March a couple of years ago. But that is not it, truth be told this has been on my mind for some time. I suppose the smart person would prepare a bit, build up some entries so that there is no faltering, but this is for me, always has been. Maybe there will be more to reflect that.But for today it is business, as usual, with a comic-centric announcement. Spider-Man is swinging his way back to television, and I couldn't be happier. It has been a hell of a veritable decade without Marvel cartoons.

Hopefully this is a sign of things to come.And in true Marvel form, at least if memory serves me, this recent cartoon renaissance started with the FF. Granted it didn't get as much acclaim as the comic in the sixties, but if anything it was fitting. But now comes one of the most resilient heroes to make his mark. I have often stated that I love Spider-Man. And the reason is that through everything... constants remain. Some would let that dissuade. But to me those favorite characters are ones that you could have adored as a child... and you can come back and visit and still enjoy their company. And thankfully the people in charge of this new cartoon coming in (hopefully early) 2008, seem well aware that if it isn't broke, they shouldn't fuck with it. From the article via Newsarama:

"The new animated series picks up the original web-slinger’s mythology at the beginning of his hero’s journey…as a not-so-typical 16-year-old entering his junior year of high school. Having spent the summer engaging common criminals with his new-found powers, Peter Parker must conceal his secret identity while engaging a new level of terror – the multi-leveled pressures of teenage life at home and school while combating bigger, badder super-villains in the real world.

“Our goal is to reinterpret these great characters and concepts for our millennium,” Weisman said. “We’ll have plenty of resonant material for the Spider-Man fan, while engaging the Spider-Man novice with the same thrills we experienced when we were first exposed to the character. Our stories will appeal on multiple levels with plenty of eye-candy, action, humor and colorful characters for the youngest demographic balanced with extensive character development for ‘tweens, teens and adults.”

Now the long time reader of this blog (and yes there is one) will notice that Greg Weisman is mentioned. Which to me says quality. The man is very passionate about a lot of his projects, and he puts his heart into it. There is of course no sign of animation style. Or who will provide voices. But that has never been what I look for... if there is a quality story, I would be happy.

And a Stan Lee intro... well that would just be gravy.

2007-02-16T19:19:00.000-06:00

A More Current Selection

2007-01-19T14:13:00.000-06:00

I am not sure I really needed a break from the free comics I got yesterday, but I had time on my hands, so I gladly took it. I got my shipment of current comics from dcbservice.com. And I have plowed right through them.

First up was an indy book called "The Lost Books of Eve". I was a little surprised by this title, I had read a review only a couple of days ago, that made this out to be some sort of crude smut. I really couldn't disagree more. In fact, it seemed quite tame to me. Like one of those religious cartoons that Charlton Heston always hosted (hey, Sundays make for damn boring TV watching). In fact, I would say that Josh Howard, artist and writer, probably showed as much or less then the cartoon I am referring to, I found it comical then, all the convenient nude cover up that would be found, and I find it comical now. Here is the review from Comicpants.com.

"The Lost Books of Eve #1 (Viper Comics): If you want the story of what happens between the verses in the Book of Genesis, told in a highly sexualised graphical format, The Lost Books of Eve is for you. The art and writing are your average fare for Josh Howard; either it’s your thing or it’s not. There’s no surprises here. The only thing that struck me, besides the expected slutification of The Bible, was the disappointing backgrounds. The backgrounds are mostly solid colors or merely two-color gradients, but periodically there are some hand-drawn backgrounds. Unfortunately, those are fairly disappointing as well. A weaker than average offering from Howard, but if you’re a fan, you might dig it anyways."

It is a pretty unoffensive story, and the journey seems like it will be more exciting. Still, it is all a shame really, I can't get no slutification.

Next up was another indy called "Toupydoops" which is a title that has grown on me alot. It is now up to issue 5 on its bimonthly schedule. This book stars a struggling comic book actor named Toupydoops. That's right a comic book actor, he literally auditions for parts in comics, and he had dreams of working for the Big Two. He gets shafted this issue, as his best friend gets a part that he has been anticipating... in alot of ways. There is a very classic exchange, but with this book it is so fun. It's like watching a quirky show that turns the conventional on its head just enough to be inspired. If you are a fan of comics, all sorts of comics... I cannot recommend this book enough. Although it is for the more adult crowd. If there is ever a trade you can bet the news would be all over this blog.

Then, I got to the mainstream in my pile. Runaways #23, which is the last issue before my big purge, I am going to have a hard time letting this one go. As it is not by choice at all. And worst of all I am not getting the big finale issue next month. I didn't think it would bother me, but then I got to the amazing cliffhanger and knew that I was fooling myself. Everything is coming together for some big sweeping changes to the book, it's like not having enough money to go to the big dance the night before you won the big game. (Considering I never did any of that I am going with the generic "big") Anyway, good stuff, sad to see it go, but as I said I was only giving it another month anway.

Next was Eisner Award Winner All-Star Superman. The best thing about this book, is that is makes all that wacky silver age Superman stuff not only plausible, but pretty damn cool. It always makes me want to whip out my cheap Showcase Superman Volume 1 that I have barely cracked open. Not my favorite issue of the bunch, but still continuing to impress me. No goodbye moping yet, thanks to delays I have one more issue of this.

On to Amazing Spider-Man, I went back and forth on whether to read this or Civil War #6, and then I realized I don't care that much, and dove right in. It is nice to see Spidey's head coming together, but it is going to cost him his family. In this issue Kingpin brought down the order, kill Spider-Man, and if he isn't there, kill whoever is, as long as the message is sent. Yet again, I can thank delays that this will continue to be shipped to me for sometime. It was pretty good.

Then came Civil War... the creme de la creme. Ok, not really, it was good. It even had a bit of that blood pumping factor that Mark Millar often brings out in me. But it was just a book that I was waiting to see what the end has to say, and that was pretty big, and good enough to get a bit of glee out of me. Though, had I a choice I would cut these off, and saved some of the other books that got cut by financial constraints.

Back to the indy offerings, "Who Killed Rich Johnston?" Wouldn't you like to know? I will say this Ed Brubaker, that sly bastard, ends up being the hero. Makes me wish I could meet him again and ask if he knew that was the case. When I met him at Mo-Kan Conspiracy he told me that he did not kill Rich, but not that he was the hero. So modest... and the only guy that can pull of the fedora look consistently.

The final book was Punisher War Journal. Which is a book that I wish was more of my style. It is written by Marvel newcomer Matt Fraction, and while it is paced well enough, and the art is nothing to sneeze at, I just don't care too much. Ah well, when it comes out Iron Fist can sit on my shelf proudly. If you aren't reading that you better just be broke like me. For the record I even like alot of the ideas in here... whatever is wrong with this book is on my end, I think.

Well, that be nearly all I had, aside from a trade and an Omnibus, both of which have been taken from me already, not that I have the patience for collected editions anyway. Have a good weekend.

Five Free Comics (Part 1)

2007-01-18T23:54:00.000-06:00

There was a wonderful little promotion (I hesitate to use the words "little promotion") where a comic retailer made the request for anyone to tell the story of their first comics, and get five free comics from the shop's discount comics room. Even with only 56 responses thus far (the promotion is going until Saturday) it is a very generous thing to do. Because not only were the owners doing this for patrons of their shop, but also mailing them out to schlubs like me. I was ecstatic to receive the package today. I have been feeling the length of the three week wait for this month's comics. Not to mention more than the week's share of normal stuff that goes on. So this was very well received.

I have to tell you it was an extra bonus to open the package, and the first comic was a DC title called "Scarlett" with a scantily clad redhead carrying a laughably large machine gun and firing away. I like my redheads, it was enough to wonder if the person who sent the comics read my diary first. A couple of other nice surprises were two Marvel UK books, one of those being an issue 1. It will be my starter issue, naturally. It is about the UK's own Supersoldier. Titled in a slightly Stan Leeish sort of obvious "Super Soldiers". Published in April of 1993 sporting two writers (twice as good right) Michael W. Bennent and Lee Stevens. Pencils by Andrew Currie. Inks by Rodney Ramos. Colors by Steve Whitaker. And (my favorite credit) Letters by Bambos!, that exclamation mark is in the credits, I promise. And EiC Paul Neary. Right off the bat I like the cover, cardstock, foil lettering. All very shiny and slick. There is a huge man, with a constipated grimace. He totes a large gun (and again laughably large) in his right hand, and a smaller gun in his left. In classic 90s fashion he is carrying so much you have to hold the surprise that he isn't just toppling over (maybe the gun is for balance?). I am hoping I can find this, and the other covers on comicbookdb.com. Off in the corner is US Agent... Cap obviously couldn't be bothered, though I am sure it is no great loss.

Straight into the comic there is a huge emergency in a lengthily named research centre in Orgley, England. A cryogenic chamber malfunction has caused total system shutdown, and the body inside is warming up fast. The two regular looking scientists call in the steroid brigade for a red alert. I am not even kidding about steroids... not only is the appearance there, there are also large hoses which seem to be strapped to all the soldiers' arms. It doesn't take long before somebody says, "Not another bleedin' drill!" which reminds me to turn on my best Dick Van Dyke ala Mary Poppins. The football team readies themselves running towards the cryogenics room. But the captive is already breaking down the door. Boom intro splash page... it's not too bad... a naked man with wires and green smoke surrounding bust through the reinforced door with only three words, "Where is he?" I begin to wonder if I could find this pose in Weapon X, as it almost looks like a shot from that minus Wolverine's claws. The guards seem overly surprised and scared, considering they knew a man was in there, and they have insanely large guns. And judging by the shadows, our Super Soldier really isn't packing much.

Oh, nevermind... the double page splash tells me quite differently. The scene is quite brutal, at least for the dentist all these soldiers see. With one giant blow bodies are flying in ever direction.

The one guy left with teeth, and still standing (lucky bastard) says, "He's a psycho! Shoot to kill!" I am desperate to nickname him 'Captain Obvious', but if he is even in the rest of the book, he looks like the rest of the guys. Cept for that boyish grin. As we move along, to a page with actual panels, I get to marvel at the Super Soldier's most obvious power, disappearing pants. The next few shots are various poses of punching and the soldiers falling like dominoes. At least the chatty fellow got socked in the mouth. I will tell you one thing I have learned thus far... large guns are useless. In this page we get in our Soldier's mind... he sees in red and he moves fast. That is being quoted straight from the captions in his head. He dispatches the final football player, and continues a nice chatty conversation in his head. Ah, he has found his kit. It's a sad moment... trust me if you saw this outfit you might be crying too.

It isn't long before more guards come to where Joseph Hauer (I read his name in his locker) is in the armory, getting dressed. They think they have him cornered, but then he blasts through the door with 40mm grenade launcher. Oh and it also has armor peircing uranium rounds. I gotta say he comes off as pretty smart, he uses the big gun. It almost replays like the last 5 pages except with explosions instead of his powerful fists and striking fighting stances. Then we cut rather abruptly to a redhead talking to a recording device and smoking a fag (they will get to that eventually I am sure) and somehow driving to boot. She thinks there is a fire and she wants to get a closer -- Uh oh, grenade explosion, interrupting crucial dialogue. Super Soldier gets in the car and tells her to drive and she agrees.

Another quick cut to the lengthily named committee for superhuman activities in Whithall, London. A group of stuffy suits and generals are discussing the escaped popsicle. I thought the comic was going to lose me with chatty folks covering their bums, but with a mention of Nuke, and his New York rampage, and an editor's note to see DD-Born Again to boot, I am back in. There is a little discussion about sending out army units and Sirs contacting other Sirs... and a "Quite Right" in response.

One of the heads of the project is informed of the escape of Super Soldier, unaware that he is being set up to be a scapegoat. He blames the escape on buying British instead of Japanese... I don't have a frame of reference, need to check out the cryogenics market. The scene ends with a largely built fellow asking to kill our leading man. And the villagers rejoiced. Oh no, and we cut to Washington DC... wow, everybody knows about this soldier... ah, referencing Nuke again, and asking for the aid of an american superhero. Ah, now we are somewhere in Yorkshire, where we learn the name of our redheaded captive. Sarah Wilde. She talks of her connection to the research centre, she is a reporter investigating the mysterious suicides of scientists working on the Super Soldiers. "Super Soldiers?" Super Soldier asks. "Yeah," she responds. "Fitter, faster, stronger. Like Superheroes but working for the military." Then he says, "Well, I must be one." Honestly, this exchange has me just giggling, he's gargantuan... carrying a small weapons' shipment. And this is surprising? Ah well, the army is waiting in full force just in time to cut off conversation.

Now he prepares himself by strapping on a helmet and saying macho things, he charges into battle with the words that strike fear and intimidate an army. "Come on! You wanna go!" Now it is a page of bodies, bullets, and explosions. Oh but with a shot of the reporter to break up the carnage from one page to the next. "Jeez, I am getting some great shots here, this story will make me or kill me! I guess I should have listened to my mother and gotten married!' This is so wrong... so wrong. It's mum... I should have listened to me mum.. *sigh* Blamity blam... oooh, one man... one helicopter... hmmm four panels.

Uh oh, apparently Sarah is concerned as Super Soldier shot the helicopter on top of himself... "Maybe he's dead, and I can get the hell out of here." No such luck, but we were both hoping the same thing. She marvels at how he can walk out of an explosion so massive. Sarah, this is Dynamic-Pose Man... we expect nothing less.

Super Soldier nearly kills Sarah, but then excuses that as a case of 'roid rage. She tells him she doesn't want to be killed by him or anyone else and then invites him back into the car. They go off to find the one scientist from the super soldier program who hasn't been killed. We cut back to our scapegoat, and his eager killer. They discuss the taking down of the army and the car of a reporter who works for the Guardian. They are worried the lefty journalist with a liking to conspiracy theories will expose everything. Scapegoat sends the eager killer to stop our duo before they reach that scientist. Oh, and he can have reinforcements. Yeah, he might need that.

Now, we get to the cameos of the american heroes. It's a quick one, that's for sure. And we cut to our odd couple now in Bradford, England. Where they knock on the door of our scientist... and he invites them in. He informs them that he knows Super Soldier but never expected to see him again. The reporter demands to know everything about the program. And when asked why S.S says he wants to fix his total amnesia... and that the scientist can help... let's not mention the impending death. Good call. Here comes the recap of Captain America... along with explanations of later failed attempts to create soldiers. The british began a super soldier program shortly after the FF and Avengers and other beings appeared. Before long a program was started as part of the "Black Budget". Things were delayed and set aside for various reasons, but in the late 70s the program for the super soldier was reactivated. Attempts were unsuccessful until Nuke was created. As it turns out Super Soldier doesn't need multi-colored drugs though, his body secretes the drugs through various engineered organs.

Oh, good heavens, there are few things worse then turning from pages of Chatty McScience, only to find even more awaiting you. Blah blah blah, the british government had six super soldiers. One of them became addicted to the rush produced by the 'red' drug. Super Soldier thinks he might have had to kill him. The program was definitely cancelled. And the other scientists were killed for not cooperating... but this one did. He offers up the name of the man who ran the Super Soldier program... but a pesky gunshot to the head interfered. There is happy go lucky killer and his band of reinforcements... I count five total... and now Super Soldier says they are in trouble. What??? Five guys... equal trouble! This makes my head hurt. Well, it is nearly midnight. And what have we learned?

That this is the kind of thing Mark Millar makes work. And god bless him for it.

New Webcomic Coming In March

2007-01-18T14:22:00.000-06:00

B-Log Entry

2007-01-17T16:13:00.000-06:00

This was too cute not to post. It is from a site (I think) called Lunchnotes. An artist I had the pleasure to meet at a con before Thanksgiving, but after Halloween (um... not important) named Chris Samnee, does these delightful notes for his wife and packs them with her lunch. Hence the name. Anyway, I just wanted to post a few.

We Live Again!

2006-12-17T17:59:00.000-06:00

Well, I just received and read Disney's Gargoyles issue #2, and thought I might give my opinion and a link to (probably) the one review out there. There is a certain disjointedness to this issue, a large part of that is due to the end of the cartoon series not being available, and having to piece together things from memory. Some of it is also from having to tie up an issue and give nods to more of the cast.

Still the feeling of the original cartoon cannot be denied. The feeling that something is building is also quite prevalent. The dialogue is still spot on and I suspect that will never change. The art I still find lacking, but only in certain panels, and at certain points. It is still very crisp, and true to the characters.

At the end of the issue the creator professed his apologies at their being only two issues in a five (or six) month period on a bimonthly book. But I am quite ready for the next issue, as that is where the original stories take off, the first two issues were recap of that ending. It is hard to say if it was a poor job or not, as I haven't seen those episodes in ten years. There were a lot of other good issues to come out in the last two weeks. Probably the one I will begin next is issue #1 of the Spirit, which should have come out on my birthday. Have a safe and happy holiday! And don't forget issue #3 should be out soon, if you like medieval fantasy in a modern setting I cannot recommend this book enough. I am probably most anxious for issue 6 since that delves into King Arthur.

The review mentioned above can be found here.

My thoughts on issue 1 can be found here.

Monday mornings... years ago

2006-12-04T07:35:00.000-06:00

Click To Enlarge

2006-11-29T21:34:00.000-06:00

2006-11-28T19:49:00.000-06:00

2006-11-27T16:54:00.000-06:00

2006-11-26T13:02:00.000-06:00

Great Site... Bad Interface

2006-11-24T09:39:00.000-06:00

This site is called Com-Mix and for the most part I think it a great idea. Several indy comic artists gave permission to have their images used, and people can cut and paste their own strips. It really works out quite well in the creating process, you can resize and flip and rotate and overlap and such. For instance the TV in the above is actually the top of a cellphone made rather large. As I said, I couldn't be happier when creating. If I could make one more addition it would be thought bubbles. As you can see from Panel 2.

There is an assortment of art from nearly 20 artists. Quite varied in style. Now if only it all worked. On this strip it just simply will not save the strip. I don't know if perhaps there is a limit on strips one can do. That could be I suppose.

And the strip you will see below is my first attempt. Which is actually uploaded to the site ten times. Not really intentional on my part. I was simply trying to edit the background into the second panel, it was not showing up when I would save it. And the strip just was not working for me blank. Anyway, since it refuses to work today, I figured I would just put my creations here and give some links. I hope someone out there enjoys it too.

How Can This Be Legal?

2006-09-20T21:01:00.000-05:00

There is something to be said for morals, and as an extension of that, the laws we build that allow as a very strict societal compass that we follow. And yet there is always that grey area. And there are a lot of factors that go along with that. Boston Legal explores all the absolute truths and turns them on their head. And while it does so in a, more often than not, over-the-top fashion. It nonetheless succeeds in shaking those moral grounds that we can sometimes stand a bit to firmly on.

I think in showing the more extreme situations (and in the case of (William Shatner's)Denny Crane somewhere far beyond that). I think it allows for a different point of view. In all of the silliness, in all of the inside nods... Someone is trying to tell us to look beyond what we know. To think past what we have been taught. Even if it only opens us up just a bit more.

So, what was so profound in this particular episode I watched? Sex dolls and surrogates. Come on, how else were they going to get my attention?

Oh, and just to tie this back to comics: Peter David wrote about the Season Premiere here, and there is a nice article showing the similarities between Boston Legal and She-Hulk, fans of both or either should give it a look here.

Wii Webswinging

2006-09-15T13:32:00.000-05:00

Ok, this totally kicks the llama's ass! You can find the link here

Comics Coming (on Friday)

2006-08-28T17:03:00.000-05:00

SHIPPING THIS WEEK: AUGUST 30, 2006

DARK HORSE COMICS

GREMLINS HC $12.95- The problem with preordering (one of few) is that by the time I go to write out a blog entry, it is quite likely that I have forgotten key details of some things I ordered. This is one of those times. Still, a man is only as good as his internet connection. "The Gremlins is the story of Gus, a British World War II fighter pilot, who during the Battle of Britain turned to look out on the wing of his plane only to see an amazing sight: a little man, no more than six inches tall with horns growing from his head, drilling a hole in the plane's wing. Gus was the first man to ever see a Gremlin, and what happened after that would change the war, and the world, forever."

Now the reason I was intrigued by this book is that it reminded me of the tiny little gremlin that terrorized Bugs Bunny. Even looking at the cover now there is a strong similiarity in design. But there is Walt Disney's signature/logo slapped on the book. Anyway, should be a nice edition to have all the same, and the price is right.

DC COMICS

ALL STAR SUPERMAN #5 $2.99- Well we have almost reached the halfway point to the Grant Morrison run on this series. And I have to say, I really enjoy this book. It is quirky and adventurous with wild ideas and classic scenarios. And it has reaffirmed that this is probably just the right amount of Superman for me.

JUSTICE #7 (OF 12) $3.50- Another quality series by DC. And yet not tied to anything currently. Which might be why I like it so much. It stands alone, yet is probably filled with bits for the seasoned reader. The art of Alex Ross and the story by Jim Krueger have been worth the wait. It is too soon to tell if this will be a trade worth buying, though it certainly seems to me that it would read even better that way. If you are a fan of the ensemble cast in an epic tale with more character then clashes... this is a good one.

MARVEL COMICS

CIVIL WAR YOUNG AVENGERS & RUNAWAYS #2 (OF 4) $2.99- I hope I don't end up feeling like this series has been a waste of money. As it would be one of the first Civil War tie-ins that I have felt this way about. I don't know if Runaways or (when it returns) Young Avengers are hurting for new readers. But I would be surprised if this has pulled anyone in. Brian K. Vaughan is tying into events from this series in the regular Runaways title (after Civil War), so maybe that is a good sign.

KABUKI #7 (MR) $2.99- How sweet it is! Kabuki returns to my doorstep. The end of the first arc. I highly expect big things... like my actually understanding even less then I do. This is the kind of series that you can probably pull as many different reactions from as there are readers. If and when the trade comes, I cannot recommend it enough. It is a wonderful journey into self discovery.

SHE-HULK 2 #11 $2.99- Oh, it is on now. Jen stands between her husband, Man-Wolf... and his prey (and wannabe husband) Pug. It is anybody's guess what happens next. Is She-Hulk under a spell? Will the bite Pug received turn him into a wolf too? Can the Man-Wolf tinkle on the paper?

X-FACTOR #10 $2.99- Layla knows things. That is all I know. Peter David is crafting quite a few mysteries here, I will never know how he does so much. I cannot recommend his books enough. And the art while fluctuating always keeps a solidly dark feel. It's like a enigma wrapped in a riddle and covered in caramel.

IDW COMICS

COBB OFF THE LEASH #3 $3.99- The return of Dirk Squarejaw has been a long time coming. The ever-resourceful, rough and tough, take no bullsh** while taking out bad guys hero. There is alot that is adrenaline candy in this book, alot of surface storytelling. But there is alot to be said for those stories. Sometimes you just need something fun.

CSI DYING IN THE GUTTERS #1 $3.99- Speaking of fun. One of the most popular TV series tackles the case of one of the comic industries least liked gossip monger. Follow the death of Rich Johnston with cameos from all sort of comic pros.

FALLEN ANGEL IDW #8 (MR) $3.99- Yet again another Peter David penned comic book. And as it says in the previous comments section this book is on a quality level and only getting better. An expertly crafted world where the characters operate in an area of grey, though the stakes couldn't be higher.

MERCHANDISE

ULTIMATES TOMORROW MEN MMPB (RES) $7.99- The high octane Ultimates make their prose novel debut. I am very excited about the resurgence of original Marvel novels coming out. The biggest one thus far has to be an upcoming Wolverine novel written by David Mack in October.

Comics to Come (in a week)

2006-08-26T11:36:00.000-05:00

Shipping This Week: AUGUST 23, 2006

DC COMICS

BATMAN #656 $2.99- Grant Morrison continues his story of Batman with some huge changes, and the promise of a return to simpler times. While not my favorite (I am enjoying Paul Dini's run on Detective a bit more). I have to say that this premise has me intrigued. At the very least I will have an enjoyable issue to read. But in a few months, I will have cut off both titles. Bye bye Dark Knight.

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #1 $3.99- I have to admit that the writer is the only reason I am getting this title. But it is Brad Meltzer of Identity Crisis fame. I enjoyed that book very much. It was quite busy with all sorts of characters and threads, but I think it only made me invest more. And while I remember some people being a bit put off by the ending, it was no less plausible to me. Anyway, I can't wait to catch up with this writer again, and find a title that keeps me in DC waters.

MARVEL COMICS

DAREDEVIL #88 $2.99- Wow if you are not getting this, you are missing a phenominal run. It is as if there is deja vu again, and the title of Daredevil is breaking new ground. Setting itself firmly with a great writer and artist team with a distinct direction all it's own. For those of who have been reading, it has been a great time to be a DD fan.

ETERNALS #3 (OF 6) $3.99- Speaking of a writer being the main draw. I can't say I would be getting Eternals if it were written by anyone else. Neil Gaiman is crafting a grand return for this secret sect of the Marvel U. It feels fresh and new, and while nodding at previous continuity (and often embracing) as a new reader I had no trouble keeping up. This one is worth the extra dollar.

HEROES FOR HIRE #1 CW $2.99- I am very anxious for this book. I am worried it will be one of those that failed to impress me, or that I might regret taking a chance on. But so far it looks like it will be alot of fun. A band of heroes come together with a common goal... money. Yet with the first job being something as controversial as taking a side in Civil War will everyone have qtheir eye on the prize?

NEW AVENGERS #23 CW $2.99- I hate to like this book, I really do. To me, the writer is at his best with one character. This book has a whole slew of them. Each time I find myself bored to tears as each hero seemingly lines up to take a punch at the villian of the week... in a couple of months there always seems to be the issue that focuses on one member, and brings me back. With Civil War it has been a series of single character focus. First Captain America, then Luke Cage and Jessica Jones (my fav)... and so it will continue, I think after Civil War though, I might be done. I was going issues at a time without bothering to read this book, and that cannot be a good sign.

SPIDER-MAN LOVES MARY JANE #9 $2.99- I love the story lines (mostly in TV and movies) where two characters can't seem to hit it off. One falls in love and the other moves on, then mistakes are realised but too little too late. There is just that sympathy that can be found on both sides, and it is easily relatable. Not to mention it just keeps you rooting and on the edge of your seat.

ULTIMATES ANNUAL #2 $3.99- I liked last year's Ulitimates annual quite a bit. It added to the main title, and was quite entertaining on its own. But there are many differences between this year and last. Last year had series writer Mark Millar at the helm, this year sees relative newcomer to comics Charlie Huston come onboard. And as my good friend helped me to realise, beyond this Huston is doing nothing else with the title. So, it already feels quite disconnected. I have not heard too many good things about this issue, but sometimes that brings my expectation down enough to make me say, "This isn't that bad."

WOLVERINE #45 CW $2.99- I am liking this title. Wolverine taking on the villian of Civil War... the reason that the Marvel Universe is at odds. And he is finding much more than he bargained for. I think if a writer wants to have that invincible character, that character that will always be mad enough, strong enough, determined enough, or crazy enough to do something, they need look no further than Wolverine. He is the ultimate fan fiction character.

COMICS

FALLEN ANGEL IDW VOL 1 TP $19.99- I have these issues, but I still wanted to recommend this trade. Peter David has taken his creation to new levels at IDW, and I think IDW is happy to have him. Especially considering Fallen Angel was supposed to be a mini and got extended to an ongoing. The art of J K Woodward is absolutely breathtaking, I am surprised the artist took to this character and to this world with such a masterful perspective. This title is entertaining, and intriguing and challenging. If I saw this trade sitting on the shelf I would be hardpressed to pass it up. I can't often say that about comics I already own.

So, there you go... just in time for you all to have already bought all your comics. (Both of you) Sadly, I won't get these until next week Friday. So, if you want to gloat use spoilers.

Comics I am Getting

2006-08-15T16:05:00.000-05:00

Shipping This Week: AUGUST 16, 2006

IMAGE COMICS

GROUNDED TP $14.99- Been waiting for this trade for awhile. Not to say it is late, just that my excitement is high. I missed this limited series (Chuck Dixon says they don't call them minis anymore) the first time around. And 6 issues with the DCBS discount... well even the 15 dollars isn't a bad price at all. I can't quite remember the premise... something about a kid discovering his father is a superhero and that he is one too. Anyway, it has alot of twists on that tale. Mostly I am in it for artist Paul Azaceta. That is a high caliber talent who has a way with a pencil. If you are not currently enjoying his work on "Talent" from Boom Studios, then you should be.

MARVEL COMICS

RUNAWAYS #19 $2.99- Month in and month out this title impresses me. There is a story here that never slows down. Never has a bad issue, and always allows for an edge of your seat read. I recently listened to a podcast where the hosts commented that this was their soon to be dropped title, that it just is not quite up there with the previous volume. Having not read the first volume of this book entirely I can say that I must be feeling what they felt that first time... it is a hell of a ride.

SENSATIONAL SPIDER-MAN #29 $2.99- This is another one of those titles that just as I drop it, something pulls me back in. And this time it is the unmasking of Spider-Man, and the focus on the bad guys that want revenge. I am actually pretty psyched about it. Painter Clayton Craine took on the art last issue, and it was something to drool about. This issue is not quite so expertly handled in the art department, but it features the confrontation between Chameleon (Spider-Man's first villian) should promise to be a pretty good read.

Another small week. Next week looks to have quite a few great books coming out though.

Something to Blog About

2006-08-08T17:03:00.000-05:00

Shipping This Week: AUGUST 09, 2006

DARK HORSE
ESCAPISTS #2 (OF 6) $2.99- This book really impressed me last month. Such a striking use of visual storytelling. Really allowing fans of the medium to embrace and admire different styles and techniques. I still find it hard to believe that one artist did the whole book. I am expecting another great read, and really wishing this title was not a miniseries.

MARVEL

BEYOND #2 (OF 6) $2.99- Another example of the big twos' attempts to go home again. Though I have to give Marvel credit, their previous nostalgia minis have been mined from bad storylines... or made them dreadfully worse with a new execution. Still making another sequel to the original Secret Wars struck my fancy. I like seeing the contrast of what was once a big event... crossing into all titles... being now a miniseries which seems to relish in knowing that there is nothing of consequence. I mean Spider-Man is killed in the first issue. Yet he is in four other titles doing well. I can't wait until 15 to 20 years from now people are reading "Return to House of M". Wait, 20 years from now... who am I kidding? Be here for it next summer.

SHE-HULK 2 #10 $2.99- Why are you not getting this book? Oh wait, I can stop saying that?! Sales are not too bad? Oh, well, we return to see the fate of resident Marvel creep/ ladies man Star Fox get what's coming to him. Meanwhile all the supporting cast you have come to expect... oh except for the person who dies this issue (or the awesome android) Buuum Buuum Baaaaaaa

SPIDER-MAN FAMILY FEATURING AMAZING FRIENDS $4.99- Ok, so I am getting my nostalgia kicks on this little spin-off of Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends... so what? "Return to House of M" people! I am not sure if I was ever a huge fan of this 80s gem, but I certainly caught a few episodes, and have seen a good chunk recently thanks to ABC Family. But Iceman and Firestar have always been two faves... and this is written by Sean McKeever... not to mention there is a new Chris Giarusso mini marvels. It is pricey, but I dare say I will enjoy the hell out of it.

Well, a short week. I am off to watch some Animaniacs...

Still a Week to Go

2006-07-21T06:47:00.000-05:00

Shipping This Week: July 19, 2006

>DC COMICS

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #0 $2.99- If it were any other writer, I probably would have not gotten this book. DC usually fails to get me to buy a book simply because it is new. But this is Brad Meltzer (Identity Crisis... you know before the insane Infinite Crisis). And that book was really great... I never felt to lost. It was a beautiful touching story. It was sort of hype, but I don't mind that if it is a good story. Kind of like if Civil War was just coming out on it's own. They can hype 7 issues to high heck for all I care. Anyway, I just want to see if Meltzer can surprise me again. Maybe this can be my connection to the DC universe (proper). Well, this and Wonder Woman... still can't quite believe I am getting that. Good stuff though.

>MARVEL COMICS

CABLE DEADPOOL #30 CW $2.99- Daredevil appearance, nuff said? Alright... DD and Deadpool meet again. Might be worth a look. Alright, it is worth more than a look it tells who the new DD is, looks to be a pretty big appearance!

CIVIL WAR #3 (OF 7) $2.99- Oh, I can't really say what's going to happen. The pacing on this book is very nice. Like a good action movie, linear but still wild. The sides are being forged, I will be surprised to see where Cap's group of refugees ended up. And I am also surprised to see what the next moves will be. This has me excited.

DAILY BUGLE NEWSPAPER SPECIAL CW PI- I like these newspaper specials, enough that I would almost buy something which highlights the goings ons of titles on a monthly basis. Catching us up on the lives of those in the MU, but then I think it would lose that unique quality. If you just want to dip a toe into Civil War or know someone who does, this should be priced just right.

ETERNALS #2 (OF 6) $3.99- I am loving this book, I finally read issue one the other day. And it is very entertaining and not nearly as overwhelming as I thought. It helps that one of the characters is hopelessly lost when it comes to the mythology aspect too. And what a cliff hanger. Even though I am preordering, and thus tied down to upcoming issues regardless, I still love a good cliffhanger.

FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN #10 $2.99- This is a good book, especially since it broke away from The Other crossover. But there is alot of muttering on the internet, just alot of talk about who dropped it and such, I hope that is not indicative in the sales. The only problem I see is that it embraces continuity. A new reader is going to see Spidey in some pretty strange, but I hope easily readable adventures. It reminds me of when I was given some Spider-Man 2099 comics... and I thought it was just Spider-Man... completely messed with my head. It is high concept but fun, and you can tell Peter David is having fun with the character he started writing for Marvel years and years ago.

RUNAWAYS #18 $2.99- Oh, let's see Vaughan pulled his usual twist cliffhanger. And it blew my mind. Seriously, it just takes the idea of a cliffhanger the usual stuff... somebody dies... stuff like that, and throws a curve ball. He even walks you through it too, you are feeling pretty good, just following along, and BLAM! pulls the rug out.

SHE-HULK 2 #9 $2.99- Oh yes, I remember ... the wedding. Poor Pug. Bastard John. Andy you canniving cuss. Jen, you ignorant slut. (Ok, that was a Saturday Night Live reference) but considering her recent not being in control of her mind, a bit harsh. Anyway if you have no idea what I am talking about. Get the trades. Three great volumes. Take them and call me in the morning.

X-FACTOR #9 CW $2.99- I love me some X-Factor. In fact, if I had one complaint, it would be that I miss the original artist. Quite alot. The book has not been the same quality since he left. Still quite good, but I think it would be liking taking Gaydos off Alias, or Maleev off DD. The team fit the book.

>MAGAZINES

COMICS BUYERS GUIDE OCT 2006 #1621 $5.99- I might have to drop this. I still like it, would still recommend it. I just have not been having time to read it. I am hoping that will change now that I have gone back to twice a month shipping. It really is one of the best comic magazines out there.

What A Saturday

2006-07-15T20:35:00.000-05:00

Well, it all started easily enough. My journey to a new comic shop. With the kids gone and B not going to work. We had a more than reasonable start. I didn't have a list of comics to get, but more on that later.

Now, onto the shop. Which we arrived at pretty close to the opening I think. The outside looks fairly... comic book shoppy. In fact it had me a bit dismissive at first. Kind of a "get the boxes and leave" attitude which I was having. And you go in, and that all evaporates, and you are taken aback a bit. By the counter art lines the walls. Which is always neat to see sketches and such. I think there was even an original Terry Moore 'Strangers in Paradise' sketch, if not, someone was very good at aping his style. Now on the left side of the store bookcase line the walls... filled with trades. I was not really looking for trades so I merely scanned that quickly. I am assuming it followed the same pattern as his new released singles (more on that further down). Then you move along and in the center of this trades collection (all spined out by the way, very bookstore) is a shelf full of kids comics. Mary Jane, some Disney, Jubilee, I was v. tempted by the whole display. But managed to pull myself away. And then you look to the right, and the store is putting their own drawer boxes to good use, and you can just feel the space that product gave to the store. No more tables lined with boxes underneath and on top... nope you want a comic you just pull the drawer open and file through. And according to B it is insanely alphabetised.

Then you make a U turn in the store... which was a bit tight. But I underestimated it. And you see the action figures. And on the right wall was all the new releases. And what a display, not light shining down from the heavens, but just the attention to detail. First you had Marvel alphabetical order (beauty) I picked up Ghost Rider, Sensational Spider-Man, and DD what if (which I forgot until I left the store that I had already). Not too bad, but here is where the real genius comes in... as you move along next up are the indies... I picked up Local #4, Flying Friar, and Toupydoops (which I had heard so many good things about). And man did they have indies... wowza. And they kept things like alot of older products up. I was only sad that they did not have Snakewoman. After all that you hit DC issues. There in lies the genius... you kind of have to see those indies.

And they welcome people who might be behind on the series by keeping previous issues right behind the recent ones, I am a huge fan of that. The icing on the cake, I found DD #27 for 5 bucks. The missing issue in my collection of Vol.2. I think we freaked the guy out a bit in a good way. Here came two people off the street. Never seen us before and we walk out with $80 worth of stuff. And I wish I could go again. It is probably the best store I have been to... a love for comics and the meticulous attention required to keep a great store.

Is that all you ask? Did the day end there? Not hardly. B wanted to go to a mall in the city. So, I agreed... she wanted to get a dress for some pictures. As luck would have it, we got there during a mall wide sale. So I got two ten dollar shirts. And we did alot of wandering... dress shopping is grueling. But I was in pretty good spirits. And it was not long before we hit a bookstore, an oasis, as it were. Now, even I thought I was pretty comic booked out. So it was just supposed to be a break for me... I was tired of women staring at me like I was the wheelchair perv. But, I got in and found more than I bargained for... the Vertigo First Offenses trade... 5 bucks I would be a fool to pass it up. Then if B had not taken so long, I would not have also gotten the Essential Marvel Handbook. *sigh*

After that, we finally headed home. What a day, eh?

Another Comic Getting Monday

2006-07-13T14:33:00.000-05:00

DARK HORSE COMICS

ESCAPISTS #1 (OF 6) $1.00- Look at that price! One Dollar. And there is no mistaking this will be worth it. From writer Brian K. Vaughan (Runaways), comes another comic book follow-up to The Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. And I, for one, have been waiting a long time. Before this, Dark Horse tried the anthology approach and had various creators penning the adventures of the Escapist and all related topics. And while there are certainly gems to be found, I thought the price point was just too high. And now the story will be a clear, solid and follow a similar route which the novel took, embracing the stories of fictional creators and their comic book characters. Give it a try, it might even be the best comic of the week.

MARVEL COMICS

KABUKI REFLECTIONS BOOK #6 (MR) $5.99- Alright take your focus off of that six dollar price tag. Because it is irrelevant, this book needs to be picked up and enjoyed. I remember watching an old movie, and it was a story of a newspaper man wanting to out the local fat cat businessman. Showing where he was charging too much, all for a big scoop. And when the two met, the businessman said, "My products are used and enjoyed over and over again, and after time the use exceeds the price paid." That logic can be put to this book, everyone will take something different away, and it is more than worth the price. It is a rare glimpse into a great comic.

SENSATIONAL SPIDER-MAN #28 $2.99- I dropped this book not too long ago. The art didn't thrill me, and neither did the story. But that arc has since moved along. And I figured this title would be back on the pull list. Well, Marvel got me a bit to early, with the outing of Spider-Man. I suddenly want to know every aspect of what is unfolding as a result of his unmasking. Hopefully, I don't get fooled twice.

INDY COMICS

COBB OFF THE LEASH #2 $3.99- I am going to (quite wrongly) take the fact that this doesn't say 2 (of 3) to mean this might not be a mini. That would make me very happy, indeed. This is a top notch indy title. The art is great, the writing is great, and most of all, it is clear what type of book you are getting. I hope there is lots of support this for this action comic.

JUGHEADS DOUBLE DIGEST #123 $3.69- *whistles*

SNAKEWOMAN #1 $2.99- This is one I might have to go out of my way to snag this weekend when I hit a shop. I completely missed that the art was being done by the highly talented Michael Gaydos. That makes it certainly worth a look.

Yeah, that's it. Let me know what you thought if you picked any of these up. Or what other stuff caught your eye this week.

Comics At My Door

2006-07-07T13:56:00.000-05:00

Shipping This Week: July 5, 2006

DARK HORSE

ARCHENEMIES #4 (OF 4) $2.99- I have read the first issue of this and it was a good comic with a fun idea. What if your roommate was your archenemy? It's the odd couple of the superhero sets. I hope to catch up to issues two and three before my package ships in a week and a half.

DARK HORSE TWENTY YEARS $0.25- I would be remiss if I didn't pick this up. It looks to be at least nice on the eyes, with various Darkhorse creators trading off characters and adding new styles.

DC COMICS

DETECTIVE COMICS #821 $2.99- The beginning of the Paul Dini (co-creator of Batman: The Animated Series), and it took that and the addition of J. H. Williams III to finally get me to pick up a Batman solo title. I was only slightly letdown in learning that this is the only issue for JHW, but it should be a good read.

MARVEL COMICS

BEYOND #1 (OF 6) $2.99- Dwayne McDuffie and Scott Kolins take on this mini that is a sequel to Secret Wars. Or an addition to at least. Yes, that's right, the original Secret Wars. And Dwayne McDuffie is a quality writer who is likely up to the task. Here's hoping it woos me more than Bendis's mini did.

FRANKLIN RICHARDS SUPER SUMMER SPECTACULAR $2.99- Wonderful run of one shots and kid-friendly. I would say they were strictly for kids, but I like them to much. Starting off as back ups for (and being the highlight of) the Power Pack series that came out. I was glad to see this get the break away treatment. And I hope it continues to take off.

MARVEL ADVENTURES SPIDER-MAN #17 $2.99- The return of MA Spidey after, I think a two issue hiatus. Such is the way with this title I think. I had also taken a hiatus when it started, and then Sean McKeever came aboard and knocked my socks off. Not two issues off and it announced that Peter David will be writing Spider-Man. Want a safe bet for a good read, anything Peter David and Spider-Man. I am even picking up an issue with Man-Wolf. And werewolves terrify me.

MARVEL TEAM-UP #22 $2.99- Freedom Ring continues. And Robert Kirkman continues to show why he is one (of a growing number) of breakout writers working at Marvel. And this is his best arc yet, as he finds an everyman character, and plays it out. While this does tie into previous issues of Marvel Team-Up, it would still be fine to read on its own. Not sure if the new character introduced will take off, but I hope so. I like seeing amature heroes.

THING #8 $2.99- This is it, the big finale. And it's going down by betting it all. On a Marvel Universe poker game. All the heroes are invited. And knowing writer Dan Slott. I am betting all of them will. This is an issue where there is a first for the Marvel U. Don't know what that first will be, but I am excited. *gasp* I just realised, I have not read issue 7. I got as far as Ben Grimm breaking the arms off of the Venus De Milo. It's a tired joke, but I dare you to read that first page and not chuckle. And while you are doing that, buy issue 8!

COMICS

JUGHEAD AND FRIENDS DIGEST #12 $2.49- Jughead, nuff said!

MIDNIGHT SUN #1 (OF 5) $2.95- Ah, my indy dose right here. Sometimes with the indies you have to think really hard about what interested you in the title. They don't have press releases for every little thing. If I recall this series is about a reporter in Antartica... anyway it has a very nice Blankets style, which I am a sucker for. Love the simple elegance there.

SIMPSONS SUPER SPECTACULAR #3 $2.99- Ah Simpson's own parody superhero comic. I fell in love with this book when I saw issue 2 at a bookstore. Great stuff, and often written by some big names in the industry. I can't wait for three, and I can't wait to track down issue one.

TALENT #2 (OF 4) $3.99- The first issue of this title certainly surprised me. I was expecting to love the art. It is done by (I am sure) a soon to be talked about artist, Paul Azaceta. But the story is quite compelling to. A man is inexplicably the lone survivor of a plane crash. The government assumes he must have been a terrorist who helped to cause the crash. He is hassled before he even leaves a hospital bed. Along the way, he finds he has inherited the talents and memories associated with everyone else who was on the plane. Definetly worth a look, and I hear might even become a movie. I am hard pressed nowadays to think of any creative property that isn't, but ah well.

Books that really sucker punched me: Daredevil, Runaways, Ultimates, and Young Avengers

The Spell Is Broken

2006-07-03T16:05:00.000-05:00

Well, seeing as how there are no reviews of Gargoyles #1 that I could find (and since I finally have it) I thought I might give a review. Within the first few pages fans of the series will be taken back, to the point of hearing each characters distinctive voices in their head. And why not? The creator and writer for the majority of the episodes is at the helm here. I think it says something when a writer can make each character unique beyond surface design, and to do so within a comic also must be praised.

I will say that I don't believe this first issue is as perfect for new readers. There are some elements that are merely touched upon. Some moments that are purely for the fans. Now that is not to say that a quick search on Wikipedia could not set you straight. Or that even this review could not do the same. So it was a worthy effort in that respect.

One change I did notice in the writing which gave a subtly more adult tone to the book (if one needs such things as an indicator) was the near inclusion of the words "Monster loving wh-" directed at a human female friend of the Gargoyle leader. It is small potatoes in today's comics, however, this was certainly a level that I cannot recall the Disney cartoon having.

Another bit of background that should have been included for new readers was the pathetic tactics of the villians at hand. Gargoyles have one very prominent weakness, and that is that they can be turned to stone. The villians which were featured in this issue only attack gargoyles during the day, basically they go out with a hood and a sledge hammer and get to work smashing statues. Now that is alot of statues when one considers that there are only 8 or 9 living Gargoyles left in this section of the US (and maybe in the US entirely). But all the same it shows a cowardice that would be very much relatable to a new readers. The bully which is fearful of something and would only seek to destroy it when no harm can come to them. That could all still be explored next issue or in future issues.

I would also not mind an issue #0 a bit of a meatier summary of what has happened to the Gargoyles before this issue. I suppose the page summary given might intice new readers to seek out the DVDs available, but I don't think so. Now, onto the art. Where this seems to fail with me, is that it feels quite back and forth at times. Sometimes adopting an animated simpler style, but more often than not, opting to give a more 3-D realistic look. Which came across to me as awkward in most panels. It is likely a bit of familarity lost... as I just kept thinking, this is too much, it doesn't really look like so and so anymore. But on the whole it did quite well, and I think conveyed each of the previous characters well enough. Especially in those introductory shots ... the first time I would see certain characters I would think, Wow, that looks spot on. And then in the panels that followed it would not be the case. The coloring is also excellent, and seems to fluxuate more succesfully between the changes of style.

One thing that sticks out about Gargoyles for me, and in this comic too. Is that conflict is always there. The leader (Goliath) has trouble with one of his charges, in particular. And in a new world with new rules, Goliath is often risking more, while demanding isolation from others.

I think the romance between Goliath and his human friend will increase. There is a strong vulnerability there. Not alot can hurt him, but knowing that she risks her life even being aware of his existence. For such a behemoth of a creature, I have always found that he conveyed weakness and emotion quite well.

All in all, you could do a lot, lot worse then Gargoyles. And I know I have a bias, but this is probably one of the strongest indy issues I have purchased. As the writer says on the final text pages "a hard hitting drama with influnces ranging from Gummi Bears to Hill Street Blues to the complete works of William Shakespeare. There is continuity, a large ensemble cast of characters (heroes yest but three dimensional villains and everything in between). There is comedy. There is tragedy. There is romance and heartbreak. And of course, lots and lost of action."

Ultimately I could see this comic surpassing what has come before. And becoming a comic for kids and adults. It's off to a fine start.

Comics to Ship (Today?)

2006-06-30T13:46:00.000-05:00

DC COMICS

LOVELESS #8 (MR) $2.99- I am not sure why I decided to start getting Loveless. Perhaps it was in that quest to find that perfect comic book for my father. (I am one of those people who leans toward the idea that there is a comic for everyone). However, I quickly found that Loveless and the characters and stories within were something special. A western focus is out of the ordinary from one of the big two anyway, and an expertly constructed one, with passion and focus for the genre. Well, this might be truly unique. And well worth a read.

MARVEL

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #533 CW $2.99- This has to be one of Strazynski's (writer) strongest arcs. Not because it has the most buzz. Or because it is the most passionate. But because it is structured well, and grounded in reality. If you have been reading this title, you know that Spidey has been in some pretty unbelievable stories. This is a breath of fresh air for the title. And for Civil War readers, a nice companion title.

DAREDEVIL #86 $2.99- This title... *drool* it has finally started putting Daredevil at the top of my read pile. I am in no way saying it was not of very high quality before the new team started. But something about this run has lit a spark in me, that I haven't felt since Kesel's run on DD... I think it might be the idea that anything can happen, and if you blink you might miss it.

NEW AVENGERS #21 CW $2.99- Didn't I just talk about this title last week, it sure feels like it. I think somebody hit the nail on the head in a review I read, which is that New Avengers tries to be and do too much, it was the resolution to Avengers Disassembled, which led to House of M, it dealt with Secret War, and now Civil War. And I hate to say it, but it is hard to do that... with a team full of personalities to pin down. Bendis needs to give himself and his title time to breathe, and maybe create that makes this title relevant to itself.

NEXTWAVE AGENTS OF HATE #6 $2.99- This is a pretty good example. There is not a thing that has happened in Nextwave that I can tie to any other title currently, and maybe that gives it a cult solidarity. But it works.

RUNAWAYS #17 $2.99- If you aren't picking this up, nothing I can say will convince you. This is a quality title, and has been for nearly 36 issues. I have put down every issue, and immediately wanted to know what happened next.
This hits on all cylinders (whatever that means). Give it a read! Hey, I said I couldn't convince you, doesn't mean I won't try.

SPIDER-MAN LOVES MARY JANE #7 $2.99- I would say something generic such as "Hey, I only get it cause it's Spider-Man." I try not to read comics like that. Buy what you like. And I like this book. I mean if Spider-Man the movie can feature the strong romantic theme that it does, why can't one of the comics do that too?

WOLVERINE #43 CW $2.99- I love Wolverine when he is focused. When he is all about doing what needs to be done. If it suits the character ... run with it. I don't want to see Wolverine and Punisher moping around a coffee house. I want to see them indulging in the darker side of vengeance. Reminding readers exactly why you don't want to be on that particular side. And Wolverine is the only one actually hunting for a guy who blew up a bus full of school children. Gotta love that.

X-FACTOR #8 CW $2.99- Not at all sure how this ties into Civil War. But this is one of the best books on the shelf. And I don't think I have ever said that about a book with an X in the title. Heed these words and know them well, Peter David tells some good yarns. If you see his name on a book, and you don't like it. You probably would not have liked that book written by anyone.

YOUNG AVENGERS #12 $2.99- Cha-ching. I have to say, this has been a book on a very wonky schedule. So, its conclusion is almost bittersweet. I hope the next time this title comes out, it might be just a bit more timely. A very good book, and likely will make a veeery good hardcover.

JUGHEAD #174 $2.25- I have explained my fondness for Jughead. I like the character. This is the comic I would buy if I could buy only one... blah blah. It just entertains me on a base level. Makes me happy everytime I go to read it.

VILLAINS #2 (OF 4) (MR) $3.25- I have no idea about this book. First issue is coming in this next shipment... I suppose it might be nice to read one and two together, except I don't think that two is coming in this shipment. Not sure what is going on there.

Comics at my Doorstep

2006-06-24T10:45:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since I did this sort of thing. Where I talk about the comics I was going to get in a certain week. And discuss, expectations of storylines and such. Or why I am still getting that title that hasn't really been hitting the right notes. This is last week's comic offerings. I know for those getting them weekly this seems a bit late, but I won't get this and next week's comics until sometime after July 4th.

DC COMICS

ALL STAR SUPERMAN #4 $2.99- There is very little DC that I get, and of what I do, it is very easy to drop a title at moments of lost interest. All-Star Superman is one of the few titles to which I will give the benefit of the doubt. It has solid storytelling by Grant Morrison. And fantastic art by Frank Quitely. Both of those names carry along praise and accolades. But more than that, this is the Superman story, that you know they wanted to do. Grant has said as much, and Frank has said he wanted to be along for the ride. The passion is there, the detail is there, and it feels like the writer is really pulling no punches. Always entertaining, with a modern take on the zaniness that can sometimes come along with that big red S. This is the perfect amount of Superman for me.

JUSTICE #6 (OF 12) $3.50- I got this book because of the art of the phenominal Alex Ross. I haven't regretted getting it yet. It is a huge story, shadowing that of Secret War (or even Civil War). Where it should lose character moments... it only further solidifies everyone's personality, because the glimpses of the characters that you see are spot on. I won't say this adds realism to the Ultimate Superhero/ Supervillian showdown, but it is certainly not a story I would not mind seeing. It has the simmering boil of a story portrayed by Brian Michael Bendis, with the fantastic elements of a Dan Slott or Mark Millar story. In fact the only fault I can hold to it, is that I don't know all the DC characters that well to enjoy it on the level that others might.

MARVEL

ETERNALS #1 (OF 6) $3.99- This is probably the intimate event comic of the summer for me. I missed out on 1602 when it was hitting the shelves, I won't make that mistake again. Neil Gaiman and John Romita Jr. are painting what looks to be a wonderful mix of (perhaps mistaken) mythology and superheroics. And I can't wait to see what results. Sometimes the best stories are with characters that you knew very little about.

NEW AVENGERS #20 $2.99- This is one of those books, that I hesitate to read, and maybe doesn't stick with me, or even get the credit that I give to books like Runaways or Young Avengers. Nonetheless, it is solid storytelling by Bendis. And I always enjoy it.

ULTIMATES 2 #11 $2.99- How long has it been? It feels like far too long. Ultimates is everything the Avengers should be. The team is falling apart. The idealism is crashing on its head. If you ever wanted to see what happens when the road paved with good intentions, is done so by super heroes... this is the book. This is one of those maturely layered books, with the outrageous action one expects from Mark Millar. And it is the only Ultimate title that I read.

FALLEN ANGEL IDW #6 $3.99- I am so glad I support this book. What was failing sales when Fallen Angel was at DC. Have now become a goldmine for IDW. And with good reason. This a complex and beautifully illustrated book. Sometimes funny, sometimes dark... always a good read. First trade comes out in... August. And look for that IDW logo, as DC also suspiciously reissued their first and only trade of Fallen Angel as well.

GARGOYLES #1 $3.50- Wow.... to say I have been anticipating this would be a big understatement. The problem with preordering comics is that you are anxious months before it is even solicited. In this case probably several months. Gargoyles was a Disney cartoon series released in the mid 90s. And it had alot going for it. Compelling mythical creatures cast into modern day. With a backstory as fascinating and wonderful. Likeable characters. It was a glorified hit. And most importantly it didn't talk down to kids. Then Season 2 came... and it pulled no punches. Embracing fantastic literary elements of the past... Arthurian lore, Macbeth, and most notably A Midsummer Night's Dream. Just to name a very few. It embraced imagination and continues to do so with an annual convention (this weekend being its 9th year) and a devoted fanbase that is still going strong. The show's creator has returned to pen this very series... if you want something smart and character driven, and still a great read for kids. This will likely be that series.

LOVE AND CAPES #1 $3.95- I have heard so many good things about this book, it was even linked to my site for awhile. Anytime one of these indy guys can tell me about their book beforehand, and I like the concept, I am in. Which is what happened here, this guy spread the word, and the romantic comedy with superheroes... I like what I saw. I hope others did as well.

And since I want to pique Gargoyles interest a bit more here is a link to more info on the comic, I might also post reviews as I can find them.

One-Track Mind

2006-06-14T09:44:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I always feel like I am cheating when I just pop in someone else's blog or comment, and add my own two cents. But, I suppose a blog is a blog.

And this is from the blog of Gilbert Gottfried (you know, the bird from Aladdin, the yelling guy) :

"As I was boarding a bus, the black woman driver said to a woman passenger, “I get all the comics on this bus.” Knowing she was thrilled to see such a famous person, I flashed a smile at her. I figured, what the hell. It takes so little effort to bring a taste of my fame and greatness into this woman’s sad, boring, non-famous existence.

She looked at me stone faced. As I sat down, she got up and started picking up trash on the bus. She started muttering to herself, “They always leave their goddamn news papers and comics.”

I put my head down and stared at my shoes for the rest of the ride like the pathetic schmuck that I am."

And being the schmuck that I am, I assumed the bus driver meant comics. Sometimes you needn't look to far to know where my mind is. I need to start chatting up some bus drivers, sounds like a daily gold mine.

Me Mutant, You Mutant

2006-06-07T18:55:00.000-05:00

So, I recently got this little digest from Marvel. Appropriately titled X-Men Firestar, I got it having once been a pretty big fan. I crack it open, and barely a page in, I see that image. The mark of the mutant. And I am instantly flooded with the deja vu that I have seen this somewhere before.

As a kid, I saw this in some comic, once upon a time. And I can remember... having the mark. Being one of the select few. And for the most part, I god damn loved it. Now, I don't think the mark is actually referenced anymore. But you have to wonder about the genius of it, even now looking at my left hand... the mark is nearly there. Enough for the anxious boy I was to make that leap. So, take a peek, and I hope I can welcome you to the fold, gifted youngster (at heart)!

Am I Still Alive?

2006-06-06T09:38:00.000-05:00

(Reading Between) The Line's In The Sand

2006-05-05T17:45:00.000-05:00

FCBD R-E-S-P-E-C-T

2006-05-03T06:44:00.000-05:00

Well, I would be pretty upset with myself if I did not discuss Free Comic Book Day (this Saturday) in my blog. This is like the comic fan's Christmas. Now in truth, it should be used to pull new people in, and I hope it does so in that regard. However, altruistic intentions are far from my mind.

I got 19 different comics last year... and I still have every single one. Granted I did show them off to family, but only because some of the comics were gathered up before a family party. Which also looks to be the case again this year.

I figured to kick this off, I would list the comics I really want to be able to get:

Before I forget here is a link to find participating shops near you.

Archie Comics 65th Anniversary Bash

Bongo Comics: Bongo's Free for All 2006 (Publisher of Simpsons Comics)

Image Comics: Future Shock 2006

Marvel Comics: X-Men/Runaways (also other stories incl.)

F&W Publishing: Impact University Vol. 2

Heroic Publishing: Liberty Girl #0

Any of this next group are good for kids!

Top Shelf Productions: Owly: Breakin' the Ice 2006

Renaissance Press: Amelia Rules 2006

Sky-Dog Press: Buzzboy: Sidekicks Rule #1 2006

And in the "Only Strange To Me" category, this week marks the first week I will get comics on a Wednesday since December.

(Belated) Blog Against Disabilism

2006-05-01T13:51:00.000-05:00

EDIT: There was a delay with this thanks to some tech. difficulties. But I still wanted to get this out there.

For so many minorities predjudice exists every day, in ways big and small. I think for most everyone, that is the case. And yet we only step out of the shadows at certain times, for certain reasons. I suppose at least stigmas and stereotypes get challenged. Progress is made in all sorts of ways.

I wasn't sure what I wanted to say today, but I think I have found something that is useful for any sort of challenge. And it is something my mother told me more times than I can count. "Be Your Own Advocate." If something needs changed... let it be known. Maybe we are not all created equally, but I think we can all find equality and happiness.

So, if you are there... wondering when your day, or your month will come... wondering when someone will blog about your personal discrimination? Speak out. People can't be aware of what you don't tell them, and you might regret not doing something.

Here is a link for more about this day, and the people behind it.

2006-04-26T20:05:00.000-05:00

What on Earth (Day)?

2006-04-19T11:47:00.000-05:00

Well, here is something for you kids of the late 80s early 90s:

In honor of Earth Day 2006 on April 22, Boomerang will broadcast an exclusive, first-time presentation of the 13 half-hour episodes that comprise the sixth and final season of Captain Planet and the Planeteers. The episodes will play in order from 7:30-11:30 a.m., and from 3:30-7:30 p.m. (ET).

I am waiting for the "Where Are They Now?" special. I can't wait to see what happened to that kid who was stuck with the power of Heart. It probably makes Danny Bonaduce's life look like easy street.

*The author of this blog makes no apologies for vague references or the amount of entertainment value lost as a result.

** Sorry.

Belated and Easter Related

2006-04-17T05:27:00.000-05:00

Alright, sorry if this offends anyone, but it was too damn good not to share.

The First Easter- by Chris Giarrusso

Enjoy!

Late Night (No, really)

2006-04-13T21:25:00.000-05:00

It seems like I started this blog posting about Easter. The first public display of my dislike of holidays, and it continued on from there. As did my poor sentence structure and a lack of worthwhile content. I guess I have felt a little bewildered as to the purpose of this blog, as I usually have. I don't get my comics in any reasonable time frame, and even straying from that subject seems uninteresting.

I know that after the weekend I will have alot to say, the holidays do that. And yet, I probably won't write about it. Maybe this blog goes the way of the Dodo... maybe I delete this and leave the preceding post. The more things change the more they stay the same.

Anyway enjoy the eggs, and the bunnies, and Easter, for whatever reasons.

Waiting on a Blog?

2006-04-12T15:40:00.001-05:00

Weak Weekend

2006-03-26T15:19:00.000-06:00

I am not sure when it happened, or why I expect it to be different. But my weekends are just weekdays. Glorified by the majority of the populace, Saturday and Sunday are seen as roses in the desert. Not by me. It is a time of familial exhaustion. There is the normal day 3:30 am to 1, me and the kids. That's alright. But you throw in those x-factors, and nothing goes as planned.

The odd family event, which is attended in a state that is beyond exhaustion. Short of sleep and often times of temper. Because bless family, but they are the most brutally honest people one might ever encounter. Not in a spirit of malice, I suppose, but with the intent of being right. You learn some very hard truths, and then people move on, and you might just get a smile about how great things really are. For once, you are not the weakest zebra in the herd. It's family, and that spotlight is there so much you begin not to mind.

And then there are weekends that just seem to go south for a variety of reasons. Even the weekend you were sure that you could sail right through. A weekend that procrastinates for you. Pretty convenient, in truth. I just don't like when that procastinating takes place on what could be a "time to oneself" weekend. It was anything but. I am going to share the results of a little quiz I took online the other day.

Justin You Are A Little Monk-ish

You've got a few Monk-ish tendencies, but they're totally natural. You're more go-with-the-flow than grab-the-flow-and-redirect-it-so-it's-straight-and-symmetrical. Keep the delicate balance you've got between keeping order and embracing spontaneity and you'll be set. Mr, Monk might very well be envious of you.

I will admit that is probably a pretty solid description of how I go through things, that is until that river, that flow, shoots off in another direction. Then my balding gets a little more premature. So, in the words of another little bald man named George Castanza, "Serenity now!"

TV or not TV

2006-03-04T15:22:00.000-06:00

http://media.libsyn.com/media/comicgeekspeak/cgs-episode116.mp3

Ok, that is one really lame title. I had something better this morning, but such is how it goes. Here's the thing, TV is free. Or at least it has been most of my life. My family got 7 good channels, then the public broadcasting channel, then the religious channel, interest to me in that order. And still it was more than my father had... which he was quick to remind my siblings and I when our brains seemed to slowly drip out of our heads. And our eyes became more glazed than doughnuts. So I felt we were pretty fortutious.

And then when we went to people's houses and they had a few (hundred) more channels. I assumed it was great reception. Even my next door neighbor's TV, just luck of placement. I am a cartoon addict, so I was never really too jealous at what other people had. I suppose one can't really get into something with one viewing. Of course it was also the quality... Ren and Stimpy... Beavis and Butthead... looked horrible. And then it didn't help that when I would get to watch a repeated viewing, I had seen it before. This always baffled me.

And now, here I am reality having fully hit me in the face, I am paying for TV. I suppose my father's stubborness rubbed off on me. I have often said that there are a handful of channels I would like. And the rest are just there. Still holds true. Except that now... I go to bed well before anything good is on. I can't find Looney Tunes, at least not like I knew them. There is a version of babies... and a version of rainbowy Bugs and Daffy characters in the future. Batman and Superman are on at midnight and 12:30 respectively. What is a guy to do?

There was a Batman marathon of sorts today starting at 1 it was going on for at least a couple of hours or so. But even that did not get watched. My son was not convinced that Batman was going to save Thomas the Tank Engine. Frankly neither was I, I mean different companies... different people own the rights, but I didn't think he was smart enough to figure that out. I think Batman should pass on that Great Detective moniker addition of his.

If you pay for something, you should enjoy it, right? Ah well, someday I might be able to afford a Tivo and then that machine can find my shows for me. All five of them.

Imparticular particulars

2006-02-24T04:24:00.000-06:00

I am honestly not sure what I am going to write about here. Especially not at four-thirty in the morning. I suppose I could have waited until later today when I (hopefully) get my shipment of comics, and discuss the newest issue of Daredevil. I mean it has a new writer, new artist... supposed to be a great issue, but I am probably not going to do that. And indeed, there are no doubt other great comics coming as well.

I could talk about my day at work yesterday, or various other things going on in my life. The desire is just not there. There's new video games, movies... even novels, all of which I could talk about. Probably with a fair amount of passion, but I kind of feel like I want something different for this blog, or probably more correctly no blog at all. It just seems misplaced... floating around here in cyberspace stagnant.

Ah well, I will figure something out. And in the meantime, I have all that great stuff I just mentioned.

Marvel at Peter David... or Peter David at Marvel

2006-02-12T02:53:00.000-06:00

From Peter David's site:

February 11, 2006

Yes. The news is true.Peter has signed an exclusive with Marvel.He is quite happy about it.
"Fallen Angel" & 'Soulsearchers and CO." were grandfathered into the contract as was his Spike mini-series.
Oh I am very happy about it too but then I have been happy about it since last year. *grin*

Posted by Kathleen David.

Man, this news has me grinning from ear to ear. Peter David at Marvel has always seemed to me to be one of those great fits. Not that he hasn't been there anyway, he started off more than a decade ago working in Marvel distribution. Got a writing assignment on either Spectacular or Amazing (both of which fairly close to each other) then made history with a 12 year run on the Hulk. Of course, never one to leave his best behind. He still is a master storyteller. Blending his trademark comedy with all sorts of genres. Be sure to check out the site, his blog is always amusing. Welcome home, PAD.... welcome home.

(Go one post down for a new blog from me... if you dare)

Loser Reviews r' Here

2006-02-11T11:07:00.000-06:00

It's a bit harsh, but let's face it. You have all been in that store, seen that bundle of comics. And for a fan it is like an oasis in the middle of a desert. Even now, when I am quite content with the comic books I purchase, there is that sheer "light from above" feeling that is seeing comics somewhere outside a comic shop.

If you haven't had the pleasure of finding one of these sacred bundles. Well, you are both fortunate, and missing out. It is a strong lesson one must hammer into their brain, a dollar a comic is probably still too much. Quite often, you are purchasing the majority of your product sight unseen. You will never unearth some richly possession, but luck finds the occassional priceless periodical.

So, my finds... my oasises (oasi?) were found in the local Walmart. Very surprising, as once this place kicked comics to the curb more than a few years ago, I thought they would never reconcile. But I have told that story a great many times. In my selection I tried to find the varied packages (each group contained two comics that were visible on either side and three lumped in between). Limiting my selection was not hard... as there were only four bundles with different comics than all the other packages. And the ones that were the same contained the same duo of X-Men comics on either side.

So, without further delay, I bring you the assuredly affectionate titled Loser Reviews:

The 100 Greatest Marvels Of All Time #1- This is a good comic, let me preface by saying that. Classic! That being said, I didn't read it, because I have read it. I probably nearly know it by heart ( I know, I am slipping). Amazing Fantasy #15. But of what I did read... something went horribly wrong. The cover is an eye grabber... that much is certain. However, from cracking open that first page, the approach was off. There was a fine intro stating that the Top 25 issues chosen will see print (of the top 100) and these were for any fan whoever bagged and boarded a comic book. Who would go to the comic shop feverishly awaiting the next installment in the lives of their heroes. It is all nice and gushy and flowery... but it's not true. This can't be for those people, because they have already read this. Wrong Audience to focus on... and if I were that other audience, I might toss this back feeling quite unprepared. And since I am the intended audience, and read this issue before (cheaper, I might add) I did pass it by the first time.

The next two pages (opposite the Amaz. Fan. cover) are a rather nice history of just how this last chance story came to be... last chance for Amazing Fantasy, last chance for Stan Lee to want to work at Marvel, and first and last chance for the little spider that could. And who wrote this history tale? Hell, if I know, that signature is impossible to read, this is why they tell you in high school when preparing for a job, to type your name below your signature, so that it might not only look great but also mean something to whoever reads it. (EDIT: After a scan of the credits looking for a name that came close to what was scribbled, I came up with Bob Greenberger) The story is great, dated but great. This is not nostalgia or hype talking. This story is one of Stan Lee's best... and Ditko conveys the emotions of Spider-Man's origin very well. And there is that life lesson people can recite like it was motherly advice. Now some of the purists would probably disagree with this next point, but again, purists have read the story... this is Marvel's 100 greatest... and Amazing Fantasy is not "great" because of the couple stories that came after Spider-Man's in that issue. So why reprint them? It is my belief that they could have left those tales and the ads out, and stuck in Fantastic Four #1 (which was #2 on the all time list).

The cover price is a bit much... $3.50 for this issue. Take that over 25 issues, and you got a pretty slim wallet on your hands. Anyway, in hindsight, I am still glad I did not pick this up when it came out, and I don't even think a person would have to look hard to find a nice copy that could be haggled down to fifty cents.

Outlaws (DC) #4 - I have to remember that when jumping into the middle of a series it pays to be perceptive. Well, at least in this case it would have helped a little. The cover reads Outlaws: (and in smaller print) The Legend of the Man Called Hood! Yeah that would have helped a bit. Published in 1991, this is a pretty good example of the industries financial security and the resulting ability to throw anything out there for readers. This the story of a guy named Hood, who runs around in a dystopian future... always a cliche backdrop. I had alot of trouble with this.

First of all, it doesn't start off with the lead character... actually I wasn't even sure there was a lead character, I thought maybe it was a book about DC bad guys. Again, my mistake. Anyway we start off with some king approaching the house of one of his lord's, and a woman at the window screaming a warning to her lover. The lord and his lady prepare a rather odd greeting... and right off I wonder about the audience of this book. Then we move to a gathering of unsavory characters enjoying the delight of a battle. And asking about the character Hood and whether or not he would return from his latest mission. That's when a man, lost in his own thoughts, stops the battle from leaving a man dead. All of this may have been exposition, but it felt like filler. My confusion sets in as to where this takes place. There have been no indicators whatsoever. Modern dialect is swimming quite poorly with historic fashion and location.

After switching scenes back and forth between the King and his lord, discussing the Outlaws (finally the title comes into play) and the Outlaws still messing around. Hood returns on a horse to tell his band of men that they need prepare for a new mission. More talk between the King and his lord... and the talk shifts to the King wanting the lord's concubine, and the lord giving her away. Cut away to the next scene of a Jeep driving through some rather depressing streets and I finally get to see the modern doomed future to go with the language. Grasp of the plot here I come! Anyway in the Jeep are several "slaves" but since they are Hood's decoys... they are all armed with bombs... that look like soda cans. Keep an eye out folks... I feel a premonition coming on. The sabotagers are not found out placing the soda cans in various areas, but just in time to precede a location change, the slave inspector makes a surprise visit. Then the King and the Concubine go off together... it was well before this I was wondering where the Mature label was that I seemed to have missed.

Anyway, they don't have sex, so back to the semi interesting part (well we did just have that twist). The inspector sees someone he knows in the group of slaves. A woman. He remarks how good she looks... says "Let me see some more." pulls her jacket open, and out drops a can of soda. He makes some comments about it being a relic... but with... stuff inside. And says to check the other slaves. Sure enough they find more Pepsi Relic.... er whatever. It is about this time, the guy who's thoughts we heard during that fight, says that he and Hood need to get out of there before the inspector starts asking who drove those slaves in (we are dealing with some real minds here). Hood does his thing... runs for that Jeep and bolts out of there. While gaining other slaves for his resistance... woo. Fill-er. Perhaps this might have been fun, had their been little parallels, something going back to Robin Hood. Unrealistic, but it would have been something. The art was ok... in some parts juvenile. The story was all the tricks we seem to now appreciate, the Bendis chopped time-line, the Oeming panel arrangement. But those people crafted those tricks to a fine art.

I have to say that I am now more in favor of the recap page today's comics have... but at this point I would have settled for a little box blurb telling me something. So there you go. Needed a Mature Rating. Needed something indicating seperation from the DC Universe (as Hood looks kind of like Green Arrow) Hell that might have been a finale twist for the series, who knows? Basically, it could have used all the good things that comics are doing now.

Uncanny X-Men #401 (Marvel)- This was a nuff said issue. I don't know if this is even fair. My only comparison was the fantastically done Daredevil nuff said issue. And in the back of my mind, I kept wondering, "Was this good for fans keeping up month to month?" And the answer was probably yes. I had fun with it. Took a bit of work, had to go by the look of who was who. In the beginning, Banshee is standing at Moira MacTaggert's grave... poors some booze in front of it. It's good that I pushed myself to remember who Banshee was, it helped. Then we are introduced via caption to other players (only X-Men) in this story. It was for the sake of introduction I guess, but captions felt like a cheat. Then the setting jumps to a castle with some woman standing at the window... looking out. Then she turns to see Toad, Quicksilver, and Scarlet Witch ... Toad is ecstatic. So much so that he runs up to kiss her and wraps his tongue around her head. (Gross!) Yeah, that guy-- from the movie.

Just then Magneto comes in, all pissed off. He starts kicking Toad's ass... so I assume maybe the woman is Polaris (Magneto's daughter) except she has green hair. So maybe just some love interest that Mags had at the time? Turns out that it is a dream sequence by the window woman, as she is now in a coma, being looked after by all sorts of doctory guys. Now comes the Wolverine portion of the story, he is hiding in the trees outside a mansion... when he goes in he walks around to see all sorts of dead bodies lying around with smiles on their faces. I then have to wonder if Marvel got the rights to the Joker. Shot of a fat guy lying on his bed with a grin on his face... only his unmentionables on. Then this woman / thing flies out, and starts going toe to toe with Wolverine.

And then I remember... when they did that caption introduction to characters... she was there... Stacy X. Her Power? Phermone Control. And I smile... let out a girly giggle and move along. After a nicely drawn battle she touches Wolverine presumably using her powers. Next scene they are sitting on the couch in the X-Cave watching TV, when in teleports Nightcrawler, really angry. I assume Stacy X and the X-Men have had troubles before... Wolverine takes Nightcrawler off to the other side of the room in sitcom fashion to talk in a hushed tone, so the woman-thing, who does not even have a wall between them, cannot hear. Anyway, Nightcrawler goes out the way he came, which leaves a sulfur stink, and Wolverine pinches closed his nose. This scene was one of the best laid out scenes in the comic... as everything except the secret was conveyed well. Facial reactions were spot on. Finally we go to the Blob being carried in by five helicopters. He goes in somewhere I am not familiar with being escorted by two guys that I don't know, and they leave him in a room and he freaks out. He is alone with Banshee, and Banshee lets out this devastating scream (hence the code name) and Blob is lying there a whimpering mess. Logic tells me to assume Blob had something to do with the dead woman at the beginning. Following that was the six page preview of the script. For me it was worth it based on that alone. This speechless issue was written by Joe Casey, Penciled by Ron Garney, who will be doing Amazing Spider-Man soon, so to see some of his work was also a plus. I think this illustrates that my background in Marvel outdoes DC by quite a bit... even with a fully scripted DC issue I was lost. Apples and oranges though.

Eclipso #3 (DC)- Well, this was another title I knew nothing about, luckily catching up was not impossible. I like to believe that is due to the more than capable writing of Keith Giffen. Yet again we start off with someone other than the title character. And lo and behold, he is talking about being against our title character who is slowly taking over the planet like some parasitic host. Hero and villian established, check. This is 1993, and you'll all be happy to know that Superman's dead, but there is a video game advertisement for him nearly a page after this is stated. Hope pixelates eternal. This book was not as fun as I was coming to expect from Giffen, whom I am only familiar with for his comedy. Still, it is a solid if familiar plot, which helps with my own lack of knowledge in regards to the characters. Forces are building against the villanous title character... piss poor forces, but an attempt nonetheless. The issue begins with the building of said forces: a reject hero, a former hero, who is now just a normal guy trying to maintain his own humbled existence, and his wife, who it seems either is or will soon become an ex. Three people, and a small island of forces, against 6 million Eclipsos (Eclipsi?) made for a fine cliff hanger ending.

Iron Man #258 (Marvel)- Well, here's a gem, written by John Byrne and illustrated by the great John Romita, Jr., worth the price alone for that. And let me tell you why, I am not sure if this was an early Romita, Jr. issue... 1990, but you can see so much of his Dad's "look" when he draws Iron Man, there is a crisp, clean, and respectful style that makes Iron Man fly off the page (as well he should). The story starts off simply enough with two(!) Iron Man's in the clutches of some giant fiend. It is a wild beginning that pulls a reader straight in, two large hands holding our struggling hero(s), and you don't really even have to know why. We get delightful captions from the POV of the bad guy, as he launches Iron Man around through brick walls, and continues to bat him about like a cat with a mouse. Yet, for whatever reason panel by panel our bad guy grows more sympathetic, to the point that it is finally revealed things might have gone too far for a training session. As he backs off, our left over Iron Man bests his concerned foe, and goes to help the other fallen Iron Man. There is a nice twist where the talking Iron Man ends up being just a robot, and the "villian" ends up being, Jim Rhodes the best friend of Tony Stark, and even he gets fooled by the robot.

Leave it to Mr. Stark to build his own mock few city blocks just to fight in! A little later as Jim Rhodes talks with Iron Man... Tony clutches his arm, when asked what is wrong, he states that he is unaware of ever receiving injury there, despite its reoccuring pain. A next page reveal (and explained setting change) shows a group secretly monitoring the vital signs of our hero. For what purpose is not to be revealed in this issue. Later, Tony is informed by his secretary that Nuke U.(niversity?), weird name, is under attack, and that his bodyguard might be needed. The next scene revealed two things: 1) Tony has a really bad habit of revealing exposition outloud... to himself. And 2) the art makes the Iron Man suit seem possible to wear. One is thanks to John Byrne, and one is thanks to John Romita, Jr.

Well, shortly after Iron Man gets on the scene, dispensing a couple of wisecracks to himself, the entire building is deliberately sabotaged to fall on him. He makes his way atop the rubble, despite crowd insistance that he won't (I think nowadays someone in the crowd should just turn around and throw a weird glance at the others asking them, "Are you fucking kidding me?") Anyway, as shell head is trying to sort through the rubble, he again does the exposition to himself, a police man asks if there is anything that can be done to help. To which Iron Man stops talking to himself, and asks to get people out of there. Some how Iron Man finds a passage that leads to some sort of reactors about to go off... he stops two, but that leaves a third... and the villian has collapsed the hallway that leads to the third reactor. Iron Man is decidely a bit more aware of collapsing debris tricks, and so gets a bit of jump on things. But the reactor has gone off seeping a horrible gas everywhere. This is when the bad guy makes his reveal, chatting like a villian might. Left to babble on and on about his triumph, wondering if his old enemy Iron Man saw his demise coming? Then the great last page reveal... or it would have been great if I knew who it was. I have not read a comic with so many words on every panel in a long time. It was pretty good, certainly nice to end on a comic book which didn't jump back and forth.

By my opinion this last one was the best of the loser bunch so far. I suppose if there are any DC fans reading this, you can take to heart that judging by my other books, DCs current stuff must be selling pretty well, as there was nothing remotely new from that company in the bundles. Look for, probably, a final post soon. And keep your eye out for your own lost (purposely?) treasures.

Celebrate Accordingly

2006-01-31T08:21:00.000-06:00

Bloggity Blog

2006-01-30T17:36:00.000-06:00

April Comic Picks:
First Down is Marvel

This time I decided I am not going to talk about the same things I have been getting but rather new books or starting points.

MOON KNIGHT #1 (32 PGS. ...$2.99)- This is definetly not a must have for me. Rather it is a chance to get to explore a character I have hardly seen written by novelist Charlie Huston. And drawn by the immensily talented Bryan Hitch... drooool does not even begin to describe. Then there is that discount (hate to keep being smug) that gets me this on the fence issue for 74 cents.

NEW AVENGERS ANNUAL #1 (48 PGS. ...$3.99)- I am tingly over this issue. Not only is this the only Avengers book I have continuously read. But this is the first book to get the revamp annual treatment. And rightly so. You could do alot worse than this... if it is made like Marvel has said they intend to, then this will be both a great jumping on point, and an addition to what has already been told.

DC Offerings to note:

SEVEN SOLDIERS #1 (On sale April 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99)- This is going to be more than just a comic. This is a one man event, and while alot of necessary story has already been told (in at least 4 mini-series). So I am crossing my fingers that Grant Morrison at least tries to leave something for those of us with limited budgets to catch up on.

EX MACHINA SPECIAL #1 (On sale April 19 • 1 of 2 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99)- I am very excited about this. For those who don't know Brian K. Vaughan scripts this comic, and I have heard nothing but good things. A fresh concept... constructed with a more mature reader in mind. I am hoping this is the great way to catch up that I want it to be.

BITE CLUB: VAMPIRE CRIME UNIT #1 (On sale April 19 • 32 pages, $2.99)- Well, this is Howard Chaykin... I know that much. I really wish I had saved the solicitation blurb. Because at this point I am left to simply tell the truth... I am purchasing this 99% because of the cover. (link above)

BOOM STUDIOS gives us:

TALENT #1- Okay, let me lay some plot out here. This will be a comic about the lone survivor of a plane crash, who gains the "talents" of everyone else on the plane. Now this is one of those concepts that could be deliciously good or horribly awful. But at the very least the art will knock your socks off. From the same great talent who was the artist for Grounded. This is a guy to follow... unique and raw. And really primed to go places.

DARK HORSE COMICS:

ARCHENEMIES #1 (32 pages, $2.99, in stores on April 5)- Your roommate is also your archenemy. What's a superhero to do? And it doesn't help that in your secret identities you are best friends... oh wait, no you aren't, not even close. Watch out Felix and Oscar, here comes the Good, the Bad, and the Roomies. Don't I make it sound fun? Well, it should be, anyway.

I already mentioned Family Guy, bit of a correction though. It's 48 pages instead of the solicited 64. I can't be the only one who thinks that is a big difference.

ONI PRESS:

MY INNER BIMBO #1 (32 pages, BW, $2.99)- Oni Press is known for its bizarre yet pleasant stories that are more about exploration of the creator's vision then making some corporate scratch. Anyway this one looked pretty neat. And I seem to remember hearing good things about Sam Keith... I want to say he was the artist and writer for Pitt. Can't be sure though.

Family Guy Comic: Big Deal?

2006-01-25T15:10:00.000-06:00

This completely baffles me. Not that there is a Family Guy comic, which I have known about for some time, but rather that the lid seems to be blown off. And I can't figure out why this is the case. I suppose because a date has been decided... more information given. But not so much more to warrant all this coverage.

Maybe I won't complain if the upcoming Highlander comic gets as much coverage. People think I am nuts about that. And the thing of it is, I am not in the loop, no more than anyone else who reads comics and keeps an eye on things, but this just makes the sites seem a bit behind... and really repetitive. I suppose it is more than likely that Devil's Due Publishing sent this out, and thus it was passed on as if it were out of the blue, but it is hardly the case at all.

I suppose I should do an info dump, I planned on getting this for awhile. Glad it is new material and by a writer for the show.

DEVIL'S DUE PUBLISHING FOR APRIL

FAMILY GUY: VOLUME 1

By Matt Fleckenstein and Benjamin Phillips.
The Family Guy steps out of the TV screen and into a new bimonthly series from Devil's Due! Each of the three volumes in this series focuses on one of the star characters, and their views on life... however skewed they may be! Want advice from Peter or Stewie? Probably not, but they're going to give it to you anyway! In between these hilarious one- on-one segments are stories rivaled only by the TV show itself. Written by Matt Fleckenstein, staff writer for the animated series!

64 pages, $6.95.

Love the irony that I am essentially doing the same thing. ;^)

What Not To Do

2006-01-20T05:11:00.000-06:00

Okay, so you know I mentioned not to long ago that I don't like to come right out and say someone is just riding the wave of another person's idea. But this April solicit for Aspen is obviously trying to snag some of the success of Fell. Now, normally I would be all for this, I would be behind this book just as I was Fell. But read on, and I think you will figure out exactly why I am not.

From Aspen in April

SHRUGGED: BEGINNINGS

Written by Michael Turner, pencils by Micah Gunnell, inks by Jason Gorder, colors by Beth Sotelo.

From the same creative mind that brought you Fathom and Soulfire , comes the next wondrous step in comic-book entertainment! For every right, there is a wrong. For every action, there is a reaction. For every up, there is a down. And for every decision Theo makes, there is someone making the decisions for himŠ.and all of us! Welcome to Perspecta, and the reason behind your wildest thoughts and darkest desires. If you thought you knew anything about our world, think again! It's about to be turned upside down, and that little voice inside your head is about to get much louder! Join artists Micah Gunnell, Jason Gorder, Beth Sotelo and creator Michael Turner as this 7-page introductory story (with added bonus sketch material and designs) opens your eyes to a whole new beginning!
16 pages, $1.99.

Thoughts?

Comics to Come (1-11-06)

2006-01-10T10:53:00.000-06:00

This is actually comics from last week and comics coming this week.

Shipped Last Week: January 5, 2006

DC COMICS:

HARD TIME SEASON TWO #2 $2.50- It feels like I just expressed how much I enjoy this series. And in fact I did, a couple of blogs ago. This really is quite an inventive series. It is very different from my usual superhero series. It has a nice sardonic wit, ever wild and inventive plots, and a dark twisted setting that has me intrigued from page one.

MARVEL

MARVEL ADVENTURES SPIDER-MAN #11 $2.50- This, at least by appearances, will be Sean McKeever's second to last issue. Which also makes it my second to last issue. It has been a fun ride, and I hope that McKeever makes his finale issue as exciting as all his other issues. I think all together he will have had a six issue run, which is plenty for me to keep and appreciate.

MARVEL TEAM-UP #16 $2.99- This title is very much a case of having an easy sell, to having surprisingly cult, but still strong enough audience to continue. To all the Geekspeak guys recommending it. When I started talking about this title I thought it was time wasted, I mean with a first and second issue with Wolverine and Spidey on the cover I thought it would at least have fanboy buzz and beyond that all the people that buy anything Wolverine or anything Spidey would keep it going. And then it became just the book I hoped it would, a who's who of the Marvel Universe, with strong and silly and inventive stories to boot. When all is said and done I hope this title stays around for a long time.

Shipping This Week: January 11, 2006

DC COMICS

DESOLATION JONES #5 (MR) $2.99- I have not talked about this book for awhile (mainly because of its shipping schedule) but the saying rings true, absence makes the heart grow fonder. This is the kind of series that one can forget that they like so much. It has a dirtbag likeable character surrounded by nicer looking yet equally corrupt souls. The plot is a mystery wrapped in an enigma... the only thing one can be sure of is that Jones will come out on top (it is his book after all).

MARVEL

CABLE DEADPOOL #24 $2.99- This book is guest-starring Spidey. Spider-Man Deadpool might have been a more fitting title. I have had a fondness for Deadpool since his appearances with Daredevil. A funny man to DD's serious persona. Well, with this newest pairing expect to be tripping over quips, and ducking the sharpness of cutting wit.

EXILES #75 $2.99- 2099. 2099! Nuff said.

SHE-HULK 2 #4 $2.99- This is going to be a doozy of an issue following the last one. Not only do Jen and the readers have to catch back up, but we will also be dealing with (at least a bit I hope) this role that Jen plays in a future war. Also who is the mystery Avenger that She-Hulk brought back from time limbo?

SON OF M #2 (OF 6) $2.99- Two David Hine books this week. After a strong first issue we get to see who else wants to find Quicksilver and give him his due. He is responsible for the reality altering House of M, of course now that his wife has found him, he might well be in the dog house.

X-MEN THE 198 #1 (OF 5) $2.99- This book follows the group of mutants sheltering themselves in Xaviers mansion, who have dubbed themsevelves The 198, which is the (estimated) number of mutants that they think is still on the planet Earth. This is also Hine's second book this week, so I have expectations of good characterisation, and a strong story.

http://media.libsyn.com/media/comicgeekspeak/cgs-episode101.mp3

2005 In Review

2006-01-07T06:01:00.000-06:00

I really hate these focuses, and I don't just mean doing them over the year, I mean when anyone does them. Because some really good things get glossed over or forgotten entirely. It takes that mind for trivia or things of that nature to remember just exactly what happened two or three months ago, much less an entire year. So, I am not going to do that, mainly because I am too tired. And also even when feeling my best it would be a lousy attempt.

One trend I have enjoyed for 2005 was the stand-alone crossovers. While this is probably the world's biggest oxymoron. I think it has been successful, and should continue. I think the comics community has seen it could be done with Identity Crisis and gone on from there. Mini-series that are the event... you don't need anything else. Keep it up, and keep letting me know that I can go it solo. Test the waters as it were.

Bringing back the fun. I am sure this is on some people's lists as a horrible thing. But I cannot remember the last time I have had so much fun reading comics. 2005 was a good year. And I have to admit I am reading books I never thought I would read. Books like (to pimp out once again) She-Hulk, New Warriors, Ultimates, Runaways, Young Avengers, New Avengers, Daredevil (just kidding), GLA, Gravity, Mary Jane... the list could go on... and on.

Fell. This one got its own paragraph, by far one of the best series to come out 2005. And yet again added another writer to my radar who I probably would have always stayed away from, and now I have to fight off not buying, Warren Ellis is a prolific writer. If you are not buying this... there is just nothing else I can say. If you read one comic... let it be Fell. It's $1.99 and it is full of goodness. The most dense read of my month, and it also has the least pages... beautifully set-up. It is a bargain. I know it is recent... but I am hoping it starts a trend in 2006.

Creator over character. This is a trend I should have been following along time ago. Why it did not occur to me that if you like Mark Millar, or Dan Slott, Sean McKeever... buy their books (oops... Robert Kirkman too *wink*). You might get one or two series that you are not thrilled with. But it is alot better than my trend of: buy Daredevil... and suffer, until something better comes along.

Looking Forward. I don't think I said in 1995, that 1996 was going to be a great year. And it was, Kesel and Nord on DD *drool*. I don't think I said in 1998, that 1999 was going to be a great year. And it was, Kevin Smith on DD. But 2006, I can't wait! I am getting tired of events, but damn... when you got Mark Millar taking the helm... you can at least have the safe bet it will knock your socks off. Who's side are you on? 1985. If you don't know what I am talking about, keep your eyes on this blog... you will! And DC even got me, after much staring at my wallet, and looking at the amount of comics DC wanted you to get to "jump in" to Infinite Crisis! At least 200 and some dollars for the pre-show folks.

After all that, I am so freakin' psyched for 52! A comic put out every week for a year. The fabulous covers of J. H. Williams III, three very accomplished writers taking the helm, and one series for a (real time) year's worth of DC in one book. This is a very risky idea. But this is like the fanboy dream of "jumping on" title. Never read a DC book? This one book, a whole universe, an expertly plotted year. It's insane! I love it. This is one book that people can finally say, and with a great deal of credibility, "In 2006, 52 was pretty damn cool."

I might get to those further reviews (mentioned in the previous entry) but being this tired makes me a bitter reader, and taints my perception. Couldn't tell by this post though, eh?

2 Weeks in Review

2006-01-03T20:12:00.000-06:00

This is Panel to Panel reviews in the order my comics were read. And actually right after reading. Let me warn you... this is a long one. So get ready hold on to your, well... whatever you have to grab. Oh and if you haven't read these, then you might want to, "Move along... this is not the blog entry your looking for."

First off, Daredevil #81- Wow! I mean that is all I can think to say. The suspense... the tension it was all magnified to the billionth degree. There was only one character in control, only one man knew the outcome. And he is a fat, smug and manipulative bastard, who I hope no one affectionately calls the Kingpin. Who would have thought what could happen to one man could turn so many peoples' world upside down. A fate worse than death. Okay, I got a lot of friends, so hopefully that one was nice and cryptic. I also, and damn me for saying this, but I think this is a great jumping on point for new readers... read the first page and just fly by the seat of your pants from there on out, that is what I did.

Amazing Spider-Man #527- Part 9 of 12 of the Other. I have to say, I am a little pissed. Not in the "oh the Goblin screwed Gwen Stacy pissed", but in the "oh sweet lord not again" pissed. For those of you unfamiliar with when J. Michael Strazynski first came on to Spider-Man. He had a pretty wild start. Basically taking Spidey's origin and turning it on its head. And all with one simple question... did the spider get blasted by radiation and that gave Peter Parker his powers, or did the spider already have powers and instinctively want to pass them on before death. Well, more recently, Peter has been forced to embrace the spider part of his powers... more importantly the effects he was unknowingly hiding. Since he got his powers as a teen it was explained that he got all the cool powers: Speed, Strength, Agility... Wall Climbing, and just... stopped there. For fear of what else might come along that would not be so cool. Well now, he has to face this part of him he has let lay dormant... and it may be that the spider has taken over entirely. So the question now becomes, "Is he a man embracing the Spider, or the spider embracing the Man." Basically. is even Peter Parker anymore? I know. it makes my head hurt too, and damn JMS... you had to drag this out from the beginning of your run, you better damn well answer this time.

Young Avengers Special #1- Well one thing I will say, way to start it off Marvel. First page... Boom... Gaydos art. I think Marvel knows they have talent with that guy, and I could not agree more. This book is another one that would make a fine jumping on point for the curious reader, and at this point, I don't think I will ever leave this book. It embraces the Marvel Universe, creating connections and bonds to the past with a passion that is always contagious. If you want to feel Marvel history in your finger tips. Pick this up, and enjoy. A fine cast of characters, of all kinds.

(Sorry this next one is so long but each story deserved a bit of a spotlight)
Lucky Bamboo Presents #0- This was quite a surprise, I have been waiting on this book for a long long time. And let me tell you, it is a nice package, just feeling the cover... made my hands shiver a bit. I don't think it is cardstock, it is the type of cover that when you run your fingers across it is soft, not slick like most of the expensive covers today. It just feels worthy of one's time even before it is opened. It was good to start with Hellfire as it seems to be the most pleasing on the eyes, I think it grabs attention quite nicely. And from a sense of story, it is the one that I think would most leave a new reader wanting more. A nice modern take on a very unique female character as well, and if there is one statement that can define all of these characters, it is unique.

The next story "The Way of the Sword" tells a nicely executed origin story, it combines quite a few fears... fear of being alone, feeling helpless... the sheer uncaring method of tragedy. And the triumph of fighting to make it out alive. If there is one thing that displeased me about this story, it was where the second part of it ended up. Already immersed in her adult life, and not knowing where she was, and only part of how and why... it left me wanting more, in that case mission accomplished.

The third story I knew months ago was going to be my favorite. It was about a private detective Sam Falcon, detective to mystical lands. The one factor that I was judging closely was the dialogue... as cliche and over-used as it may be, I love the narration of Philip Marlowe and Sam Spade. And Fiona Avery captures that with an amusing and yet again, more modern skill. I could not get into the art at first. Something about it just took me out of the story. I got used to it, but all the same something about it just did not sit well with me. I think I have been spoiled by that fantastic Amanda Conner image on the cover, and who wouldn't be? I am still a bit upset that Sam Falcon will be the last of these series published, but at least I know the others will also be good while I wait.
(Thus ends this review)

Hard Time: Season Two #1- This was a wonderfully written first issue choosing to launch the reader straight into a gruesome example of prison life. And telling the reader right off if they are ready to take the ride into something dark and brutal. Then things get decidely more relateable. as Ethan Harrow (our main character) is asked to tell a pair of workers for the Prisoners' Rights Foundation just exactly how, at sixteen, he found himself in prison. This was both a recap and an expansion of what has been told before. So even the faithful reader of the previous series gets enjoyment. And anyone can find a way to relate to Ethan's dismal high school experiences. It's not often I can decide to keep a series based on the premiere issue alone, but this one allowed me to do that easily.

Grounded #1 (second printing)- Now comes the part of the blog where I cry. (I know, again) But I am so mad I missed out on this. This has to be my favorite comic, ever. It just fits me so well, it is like the writer picked me out of a crowd, and wrote a comic for me (changing all the names, places, and events to protect the innocent). All the same though, this was so cool. I wish I would have seen it five or ten years ago. Hell, I wish I would have been able to get it months and months ago when it came out. I am not going to say anything else... seek ... find... if anything find more for me.

Runaways #11- Okay this would be alot easier if I just professed my love to all my comics. This is another great issue, but for those of you who regularly read this blog, then you know Runaways has always been a great read, and talk about cliffhangers... I can't think of a book that does them better. I am not going to say it needs your support, I suppose it might, but man this book kicks butt. One word... Wolverine... last page... trouble. Okay that is like four words... and Wolverine is everywhere anyway, but this is still worth checking out. Definetly.

Exiles #74- Do you see that... you see my font dancing? Ooooh Exiles is so good. And this month Nightmask (from New Universe) took the spotlight, and it was a thing of beauty. Sometimes the person with a seemingly less effective power can be the one to turn the tide. I hope that when Warren Ellis does his New Universal series that Nightmask remains. Oh and next... *drool* the honest to goodness original 2099! Good glory. I love me some Exiles!

Fallen Angel #1- What a strange and breath taking journey this book is. I am not sure if it is approachable as one review has said, but it does make one stop and take notice. Peter David tells his narrative through one of my favorite characters from Bete Noir. Only because he reminds me of the slimy character from Casablanca, the one who has Rick hide the tickets and then is murdered. Anyway, if you know who I am talking about picture his voice as you read the narrative. It was always one of my favorite things to do. I think I enjoy this book, it really should not even be questioned... I love to read Peter David, so I am really hoping Fallen Angel rises to the ocassion. Give it a try, let me know what you think.

More coming soon ... lots more.

Brother's Keeper

2005-12-28T16:13:00.000-06:00

Happy Holidays All!

Christmas Confessions

2005-12-25T04:37:00.000-06:00

This year was probably one of our more financially beneficial Christmases here at the Karguth corral. It helped that we were a bit better off compared to Christmas past. I suppose if I were a bit more into the sort of thing, I would say it was karma. We gave a better bounty this year... there was some gifts I felt genuinely very good about. I am still mad because my brother took my idea for my father's gift (but that's for a blog closer to the New Year). Ah well, Dad will probably like mine better, W, that is just all there is to it :^D

Anyway back on to the confessing part of that title. I have stolen two gifts this year. Forgive me Father Christmas... for I have sinned. The first was given to my son... it is a bank which counts coins with kind of like a calculator in the feeder so that it gives a digitally displayed read out. Well... I took it. And I have $15.50 worth of change... and it feels good!

Now on to the next thing, I am not sure I mentioned it on this blog, but I get a retailer's magazine. (I know I am not a retailer... *looks around* shhhhh). Well, this time when it came, I got a calendar. A really cool calendar. From the folks at CBG (you should all be getting this magazine- see past first blog entries for info). I was so happy, I have to say, it is pretty cool. I will take a picture of the cover to show off here.

So... there we go, confessed... deep breath and all that. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday, plenty bountiful in it's own way. I will have a picture of my two favorite little elves in a day or two. That's the thing about Christmas, the camera is always in use.

Raw and Uncovered

2005-12-23T10:47:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I try
to leave far behind
this longing I feel
so deep inside

If left denied
with time spent to hide
Perhaps it is best that its over

Well, I've...
begun to take these moments
and examine them so well
then I take the keys I've found
and I lock myself up tight

I take a breath
of this thorny rose
it sinks to my chest
and I decompose

And I am chasing this
a surreal bliss
it felt so heavy on my shoulders

Well, I'm...
a danger to myself
and I know it all too well
but, I can sink beneath the ocean
and be gone forever more

Copyright ©2005 Justin Karguth

Comics to Come (12-21-05)

2005-12-20T13:26:00.000-06:00

Shipping This Week: December 21, 2005

DC COMICS

JUSTICE #3 (OF 12) $3.50- What a series! I have always said that I would like to be able to approach the DC Universe with one book. A kind of starter book, and then if I wanted to, I could branch out from there. This book fits that spot very nicely, it spans the heroes and villians and puts them all in an unusual but exciting situation. The bad guys think they are the only ones who can save the world, and the heroes don't even know it is going to end. Plus with assisted interiors and story plot by Alex Ross it looks as great as it reads.

IMAGE

IMAGE FIRST TP (MR) $6.99- It is very rare when a company puts a product out that I will say something like "following so and so's lead". But this is one exception, because it is painfully obvious that Image is doing this in response to Vertigo's excellent First Tastes TPB. I am not going to fault them for that, I would like to see all the bigger companies doing more books like these. Vertigo is on their second volume, so it must have been successful. And really the price points are really good for a variety of first issues. My only complaint would be if this is comics that Image first came out with, as I think they have a much better range of material recently then their initial superhero fare.

MARVEL

MARVEL SPOTLIGHT JOHN CASSADAY SEAN MCKEEVER $2.99- I am not sure what to expect from this magazine. I think that magazine better describes the material that is going to be presented rather than the format, in this case. And really they picked some top notch talent to spotlight in this first issue. I am less familiar with John Cassaday but I did get to see his artwork in the Astonishing X-Men TPB, and it is really excellent. Realism mixed with the wonder of the fantastic. And Sean (*Eisner Award Winning) McKeever, I have sang his praises so many times on this blog that I would be surprised if you did not know who he is. He writes the amazing title Gravity, along with two Mary Jane miniseries, and an upcoming series Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane, also Marvel Adventures Spider-Man. And all of them are great reads. I am crossing my fingers that I like this new Spotlight, as I am now buying it a couple of issues in advance. *Sean Mckeever insists everyone call him Eisner Award Winning

RUNAWAYS #11 $2.99- Wow, it seems like more often than not, this is the title I have to think back in my head as to what happened. There is no denying it is a well-written and drawn series... it is just that so much happens. And I like to know whether to recommend a book on its jumping on issue, this current issue is mid-arc, so it might be a bit hard to get into it. But this has also been one of my favorite arcs. Those Los Angeles outcasts kicking it with the old pro heroes in NY city. What's not to love?

SPIDER-WOMAN ORIGIN #1 (OF 5) $2.99- This is one of those books that I would not have gotten probably even a year ago. I just did not care for the character, but this is not unlike She-Hulk, in that this is a character I am quickly gaining interest in thanks to thought out writing. And I figured since I was planning on getting the ongoing series (coming sometime next year). And I trust both writers Brian Reed and Brian Bendis. Brian Reed co-wrote the excellent Ultimate Spider-Man game along w/ Brian Bendis. Bendis, who writes alot of great Marvel comics now... like oh New Avengers, Pulse, Daredevil and lots lots others. And art by the Luna brothers who were fan voted on the Bendis message board. Should be beautiful stuff.

COMICS

JUGHEAD #170 $2.25- This is here to remind a friend of mine to look into giving this character a try this week. I will be getting issues in March. So I can comment more then.

JUGHEADS DOUBLE DIGEST #118 $3.59- This is my last month of chasing this title down, as I have already added it to my DCBS shipment for January. I always liked Jughead, he just to me seemed the most level-headed and relaxed of the Archie crew. I mean the main characters (Betty, Veronica and Archie) all have eccentricities. But they rarely change. And even if they do, it just feels forced. Where as Jughead has that ability to surprise me every time I read, and yet it is still very true to his character. He is very smart, but he does not make it a point to let that be a distinguishing quality. And it is not that he hates girls, as many will say, he quite fancies and is a good friend to Betty. He lost his first love when she moved away, and later she came back, and their love was renewed, only to have her move again. I think that his non-commital attitude is so that he can maintain a solid wall. He has very few male friends, to be honest. And I much prefer Jughead's approach to Archie's... who just paints himself as a silly hormone driven goof. Beyond all that deeper thinking, I also relate to Jughead's wit, and willingness to stand up to convention. I like his speeches on being lazy and eating. He just is a very broad and fun character. I would continue reading Jughead if I got to read nothing else.

RELATED MERCHANDISE

COMICS AS PHILOSOPHY HC $45.00- If anyone has read this or seen a review. It looks like it might be pretty good. I would have to get the softcover version though. Thanks for any help.

Live and Let Lie

2005-12-18T09:46:00.000-06:00

Well, I'm not the kind of man
who goes crying in his beers
or chasing all my pain away
with a drink beyond my years

I don't get all emotional
that's the way it's always been
yet you never fail to leave me lost
when you pack up again

An empty heart
and a pack of lies
rolled up in my sleeve
my day won't start
until I realise
Ask and she shall deceive

There's a wedding
somewhere in San Antonio
I changed my address
so I might not have to know

I didn't think she could hurt me more
and I suppose that much is true
but if I could do one single thing
I'd probably toast the groom

"She's got an empty heart
and a pack of lies
she's probably gonna leave
but your life will start
when you've realized
Ask she shall deceive."

Copyright ©2005 Justin Karguth

Comics To Come

2005-12-13T17:10:00.000-06:00

I am anything if inconsistent, but it really seems this might just be a weekly blog, perhaps I should put the date in the title? Just to spice things up a bit.

This Week: December 14, 2005

DC COMICS

BEST OF THE SPIRIT TP $14.99- This appeals to me quite a bit. I feel a connection to the Spirit since he first appeared on June 2nd, 1940 and I first appeared on June 2, 1981. And really, as a comics fan I should have read at least some of The Spirit by now. In a few months there will be plenty go around though. In March Darkhorse is coming out with The Amazing Adventures of the Escapist Vol. 3 TPB features the late Will Eisner’s final return to the Spirit, in a crossover tale with the Escapist. Moreover, in June 2006 (hopefully the 2nd) will be a new series by the talented Darwin Cooke that should please fans new and old.

MARVEL

GLX-MAS SPECIAL $3.99- I am going to go out on a limb and say that this is probably the first overpriced Christmas comic that is worth every penny. What's that? Oh, I know I haven't read it, but Dan Slott can weave a one-shot story with the best of them. And the original series GLA (GLA: Misassembled TPB out this week as well) made me think, and feel, and enjoy characters I had never read before. One thing I can say with a great deal of certainty, it will probably be one of the most unexpected Christmas comics you will read for some time.

GRAVITY BIG CITY SUPER HERO DIGEST $7.99- Here is another series that I have been singing praises about since before it came out. And it did not disappoint, old school superhero fun with modern twists. Pick up the story of Greg Willis... Wisconsin native, new to New York, with powers that will have you falling all over yourself. (Okay, that was bad) But trust me, this book is an excellent stocking stuffer. If you want a superhero that you can start fresh with... experience along with... and relate to all on your own. This is your go to book. Oh, and just for proper assurance... that stocking stuffer reference... I meant my stocking.

MARVEL KNIGHTS SPIDER-MAN #21 $2.99- Well, this is where I here the story kicks in to high gear. J. Michael Strazynski takes the wheel and floors the gas, in a story that is paying off threads since JMS began his run on Amazing just a few short years ago. It has been bellowed about message boards (and by some who are no longer comic fans) that the heroes never change. But JMS has changed quite a bit already, and yet in the beginning as a reader you couldn't help but feel he was walking that same line. He would give the reader a possibility, but then make sure that is found out to be neither truth nor lie. Well, the same cannot be said now... I would not be surprised if when the smoke clears, things are really different. Until Gwen Stacy sleeps with the Green Goblin, make mine Marvel ... ... Oh, right.

SON OF M #1 (OF 6) $2.99- David Hine. Daredevil: Redemption's David Hine. Taking on the hero who was responsible for screwing up the world. Add to that he also responsible for millions and millions of mutants losing their powers. Is he also powerless? What is he going to do when those he hurt most come after him? The first of those being the Amazing Spider-Man... well you pull a Fugitive and run like hell. Or as fast as a powerless Quicksilver can run. Give it a try, you could do worse then David Hine... and that cover. Gorgeous.

X-FACTOR #1 $2.99- Spinning out of last year's noir hit, about a man who can multiply himself (Madrox is out in trade now) and when the multiples come back to him, he absorbs what they see and learn. Well, this is the perfect opportunity to see a group of heroes like you have rarely seen before, solving crimes you have rarely seen before. I am only mad Marvel moved the release date of the first issue, now I have to try and track it down.

Until we meet again.

Comics To Come

2005-12-06T06:15:00.000-06:00

This Week: December 7, 2005

DC COMICS

HARD TIME SEASON TWO #1 $2.50- The sleeper hit of last year returns. And DC welcomes it with open arms. I was quite a late supporter of this series, I saw the trade at somewhere around the ten to twelve dollar mark, and I have to say it was a great purchase. Ethan Harrow is your typical cynical teen, only this guy is doing 50 to Life (the name of Season 1's first and only trade). Now we get to see what happens to young Ethan as he comes to grips with an entity that escapes him at night to correct the injustices that happen while he is locked up. I think what I enjoyed most about the trade was that the main character had it way to easy, I am anxious to see what progressed with issues 7-12 and also where this new series will go. If you see this on the rack and enjoy it, order more this will be a series that really needs the support.

MARVEL

FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN #3 $2.99- Here we go. 6 issues done, and six more to go. This starts off J. Michael Strazynski's 3-part finale. I have high hopes. JMS's endings have most of the time left more to be desired, but that ride has always (except for what he did to Gwen) been enjoyable. That all being said though, this is one time I wish I would have waited for the trades. (And even then probably only the second one).

MARVEL ADVENTURES SPIDER-MAN #10 $2.50- I love this series. I love Sean McKeever. To me there should always be a Spidey title on the racks just like this one. These are just wonderful "done in one issue" stories, and yet it establishes it's own cues for those of us hoping to be long time readers. The problem with Marvel Age (a previous attempt)... is that it relied to heavily on big events... the key moments for Stan and Ditko when Spider-Man started, and copied the words with new art. So readers who remember or have read this are unimpressed and maybe put off buy the new package. And new readers (the few there were) were confused at the leaps that the series took, and by the idea that something was not quite right, and took their money elsewhere. New stories, new feel, classic fun... that is the way to go. And in the words of Marty McFly, "Your kids are gonna love it."

MARVEL TEAM-UP #15 $2.99- Alright here they come, cats and kittens. The loveable, sales-friendly, but ultimately forgotten heroes of the 90s. Darkhawk, Sleepwalker, Speedball... just to name a few, along with some very popular heroes newly created Arana, Gravity, and X-23 (again, just a few). These will be the folks that pull the big boys out of the fire... but can they do it, and maybe even make a name for themselves? This is another book that could use support and very much deserves it. I cannot stress enough that this is the series that can be enjoyed for fans new and old. If you want to dip your toe in the Marvel Universe, this is so spanning and yet so personal that it gives you the ability to get to know loads of characters in a short time. And if you are a fan from way back... it's a fun read, you can revisit characters that have long been neglected and keep up on the current universe without buying every book out there. It is more book for your buck, and there is never anything wrong with that.

NEW WARRIORS #6 (OF 6) $2.99- The end of a great mini. I was very sad to see this last issue was coming out. But this was a good way to test the waters on a very funny and quirky series. A team of heroes reunite, at the request of their former leader, and reluctantly decide to start a reality show: To Bring Super to Smalltown America. This fascinated me right off, because as a child I was quite distraught that I did not live in New York and so would never see Spidey. And so it is fun to see the bus breakdown in Wichita, Kansas. That and this is the series for people who are tired of reality TV. This nips it in the bud, by giving reality a healthy dose of escapism. And really, couldn't we all use that anyway?

SPIDER-MAN BLACK CAT EVIL THAT MEN DO #4 (OF 6) $2.99- I suppose on other blogs that do this you will see the long-winded moans of how long they waited. Not me, this has DD... 'nuff said. The fantastically drawn (if laughably unrealistically drawn) breasts are an added bonus.

ULTIMATES 2 #9 $2.99- This series has come to a boil. I mean this has just been kick ass rollercoaster type stories. This is the best thing I can say about it. If the Avengers had been written like this I would have loved the Avengers. And up until recently, I never touched an issue. You will come away from this book having strong opinions about each and every character. And you will be kicking and screaming to know what comes next. This is just no excuses, kick you in the teeth, and have you knowing you like it storytelling. This is the book that let's me know that a part of me will always feel guilty for being a Mark Millar fan.

This is probably the first time since I started this Comics To Come, that I will actually need these entries. It will be fun to see after I read these, hopefully somewhere around the middle of the month, if what I thought actually holds true. Oh, and I know my reviews seem fairly one-sided, most of the time, but there is a simple reason for that. I try to buy what I love. And I think great books should be praised as much as possible.

Comics Coming In February

2005-11-30T12:00:00.000-06:00

Ah, February... the month of love. Love of Comics and this month is no different. There is alot that I want to spotlight. So without further delay: These books will be available for order the month of December and are scheduled to ship in February. Be sure to tell your local comics shop that you want a copy. I have linked to more info where I can.

Devil's Due Publishing (Publishers will be in bold)

KILLER 7 #1 32 pages, black and white, $2.95- based on a wildly wacky and suprisingly violent videogame. This comic is about an assassin with 7 split personalities. Each one is varied and completely different from the next. The real person is a wheelchair riding old man who in the back of his mind has to be wondering if this mission will be his last. I was more enthusiastic about the premise then I was in the game itself so I am glad to see this get comicbook treatment.

Atlantis Studios

The Adventures of Paula Peril 32 pages- This is Indiana Jones with a twist. If you like excitement in your comics than this should be a pretty good draw. I have been scouring the internet for the page I first saw about it. But with no luck. The writer got me psyched about this, and I his comments are liked directly above (scroll down when you get there). Ah well, if you feel like being adventurous in your comic buying head to the website linked above and check out the characters.

Claypool

Soulsearchers- Well, you have probably heard the pleas. Claypool is in some trouble. Now while I don't make it a point to support something just to save it. I do want to support something that looks good to me. And Peter David's powerful pun-filled parody on all things pop culture, is a perfectly passable example of such a product. (What that sort of thing worked for Stan Lee) Actually that is why I have decided to list indy titles first. One can always find a Marvel or DC book, but what if the book that comes next on the chopping block is that favorite title that you only get when you can afford?

Alias

ATOMIK MIKE #1 (32-pages, full-color monthly series)$3.50- This looks like genuine space-faring fun, with a bit of a twist. Space Raiders have been searching the galaxy looking for the next pile of loot. But what happens when the competion throws out a monkey wrench and turns the Captain (Mike) into a sapien of a more simian variety. Will the crew go bananas trying to turn Mike from a monkey back to a man. Ah who am I kidding... space and a monkey. 'Nuff said!

LIONS, TIGERS & BEARS TRADE PAPERBACK (offered again 112-pages, full-color trade paperback) $9.99- For those of you comic fans with kids you have probably heard of this series. I have read the first issue, and this is a well-written imaginative tale about a boy who moves from his hometown, and his only friends are four stuff animals, which his grandmother lovingly gave him. At night, however, the animals become his guardians. It's all ages fun as a boy adventures through new worlds, and it is artistically pleasing, with an animation style that is akin to some of the great family cartoons.

Archaia Studios Press

Mouse Guard #1- This looks like another delightful all-ages book. I highly recommend taking a peek at the preview I am linking to. The Mouse Guard follows three mice, who have to work together to keep a legacy that has been held for years. And a harmony that has existed just as long. I like these books because they show that the smallest creatures can have a big effect.

IDW PUBLISHING

TRANSFORMERS: BEAST WARS #1 32 pages, $2.99.- Pure nostalgia fueling this buy. I didn't like the transformers growing up. In fact, I didn't really like this show, but the characters were varied and exciting enough that it kept me watching the one part I did enjoy. Rat Trap. A snarky smart ass of a character who was never afraid to tell it like it was. I always love those characters. It is why Raphael was always my favorite character in the first cartoon series of TMNT (not the brooding pissed off version that came as a result of the movies) Rob Paulsen thanks for helping me to perfect my cutting wit.

FALLEN ANGEL #3 32 pages, $3.99.- Alright, I know it looks pricey, I do. But this is Peter David, this is fully painted interiors. This is dark, and magical, and mysterious. Oh yeah, and plenty of tit shots. That's right full frontal, and half sometimes backal I am sure. All I can say is if you see a preview... or leave a comment with Peter David (www.peterdavid.net) It is well worth a glance at the very least I think.

DARK HORSE COMICS

THE PERHAPANAUTS #4- For fans of the BPRD (from Hellboy) or even those who might become fans of Peter David's Soulsearchers, this is a similar vein. Paranormal investigators who ar quite paranormal themselves. Todd Dezago writing promises a quirky team dynamic, and hilarious storylines, and the artist's work seems to match quite well. Now, this is a four issue limited series, but I believe issues will be available through their site

STAR WARS: KNIGHTS OF THE OLD REPUBLIC/REBELLION 25 CENT FLIP BOOK - 25 cents this is where the phrase to good to pass up comes in. This will be two new stories for KTOR (written by the talented John Jackson Miller) and Rebellion. Which promises to please those already getting the books and the newcomers who might jump on. I am not a huge Star Wars fan but even the artist in me says this always has the potential to be beat up reference material. But for all you Star Wars fans this is a good choice, heck it is even good if know a guy who is a Star Wars fans... give a little geek love this February.

ASPEN COMICS

ASPEN SWIMSUIT SPECIAL #1(32 pages, $2.99, Feb. 22)- Um, this needs no explaining... what?

IMAGE COMICS

ROCKETO, VOL. 1: THE JOURNEY TO THE HIDDEN SEA TP(304 pages, b and w, $24.99) This is a pretty big price tag I know. But from what I have heard this series appeals to a lot of people. It has the epic feel of LOTR, along with the adventure of swashbuckling fun with a bit of a sci-fi twist. I will probably have to wait on this one as my budget is pretty tight.

FELL #6 (24 pages, $1.99, in stores on Feb. 14)- Alright no excuses! You want a good done in one story... this is it. You want deep, sophisticated story telling that keeps you invested... this is it. You want murder mystery with a sympathetic smart lead... this it. Great art and Great story... it's all here. Warren Ellis and Ben Templesmith. It's two bucks, ya cheap skate! Kick something to the curb and try a comic that leaves you feeling fat and happy, and your wallet fat and happy too.

And on that high note thus ends my Indy February picks. The links above will lead you to that particular companies solicits (most of the time). And while it may seem like it I did not list every company in existence, so keep your eyes peeled. Marvel and DC picks coming soon!

Marvelous Developments

2005-11-22T19:37:00.000-06:00

So, I know some of you out there don't get the Marvel.com newsletter. Below are just a couple of exciting tidbits and features to come to the site. With still more on the way! I think you can get the newsletter by going to the Marvel site. Here are those snazzy features

Last week we asked you what you wanted to see on the new Marvel.com and you told us: Digital Comics!! Next week, Marvel.com launches our new digital comic reader with Marvel comics never before seen in digital form. See ya in 7! ~Long time Marvel.com visitors will remember this was a feature utilized quite well when the Ultimate Universe began, in fact I can remember having every comic available on my player, the catch then was that you had to be registered. For this new one I can almost bet there is a reasonable fee, but probably an even greater selection. I seem to recall at it's peak the old player had over 150 to 200 comics available to read~

Our first big announcement is our RSS feeds and Podcasts. Want to know when your favorite content on Marvel.com has been updated? Want to hear exclusive chats with the hottest writers and editors working on Marvel comics? Just subscribe to our feeds and you can stay up-to-date on all the latest Marvel news! ~This is just wicked cool. I hope they keep the podcasts lengthy. There is alot of people I could listen to for hours. Giggly Dan Slott in particular.~

Anyway, check out Marvel's efforts, I for one could support many more changes like this.

Who I am

2005-11-20T10:08:00.000-06:00

I spent most of my life
on the the straight and narrow
with my blinders on
my soul was hollow

I tried to tempt fate
but I failed at that
I just looked at the world
and I turned my back

I was wallowing
following my point of view
And I'm hating
retracing every thing that I do

I'm not afraid to be who I am
I'm afraid I can't

Now I live my life
like it's not there at all
I take all my dreams
and I let them fall

I watch my boys
turn to men
saying, "Daddy, please try again."

I'm not afraid to be who they think I am
I'm afraid I can't

Copyright ©2005 Justin Karguth

Got up and went

2005-11-20T03:56:00.000-06:00

So, here it is four a.m., and I am awake. Old habits die hard, but apparently the same can be said for new habits. I have been getting up at around four a.m. for the last three weeks. My wife has been working twelve hour shifts (something about inspections). And while that was supposed to have ended last awhile back, it looks now as though she does not know from day to day how long she will stay.

Well, today, I had the chance to sleep... and I had to pee. Hence the title, I even thought about putting (pee) in the title. It is also the last part to that, "My get up and go..." Anyway, I thought blogging might help, but to no avail. Ah well, it was going to be up at 3:00 tomorrow anyway. I am pretty sure the bags under my eyes could carry luggage. Ah well if any of you are up that early tomorrow... drop me a line.

here

Panel 2 Panel Reviews

2005-11-17T19:13:00.000-06:00

All-Star Superman- Now this is what I like to see. Not quite what I expected from the All-Star books. But it is leaps above All-Star Batman (tall buildings above, in fact). Morrison offers up a quick origin, very quick, and then gets Superman doing what he does best, saving people. But it is by no means a basic hero story, the art sees to that. Now, I am not a Superman fan, in fact this is one of maybe an armful of Superman comics that I have read. The premise is both classic and engagingly original. Where Frank Miller disappointed, Morrison shines. Clear yet satisfying story, and truly unique twists. Oh, and be sure to read the epilogue, I almost missed it.

More reviews to come tomorrow. I promised this one to a friend.

What If...?

2005-11-14T04:28:00.000-06:00

What if ... Charles Schulz were a Marvel fan?

This one just made me chuckle at 4 in the morning. Hoping it might do the same for whenever you wake up.

For more of these great strips: go here

Comics To Come

2005-11-10T12:03:00.000-06:00

So, I have a day before my comics get here. I figured I might get this out there.

CAPTAIN UNIVERSE/ DAREDEVIL $2.99- I am not sure what to think of this. I really hope it is good. For those unfamiliar with Captain Universe, it is some sort of entity that enhances it's wearer. And as far as I remember, it is kind of wished by the wearer. Now as far as this "series" I think the Captain Universe entity is dying in some way. And so it is going from hero to hero, luckily I am only getting this issue. So I am crossing my fingers it works reasonably well just reading by itself.

DAREDEVIL FATHER #4 (OF 5) $2.99- I am really disliking this series. There is stuff happening, I will grant that. But I really don't feel like any of it means anything. And I know part of that is, the delays have lost me. This really could have been weaved along side Bendis' run, and now it feels like a very generic story. The only consistencies are Foggy and Matt. And in name only. I don't know... I look at this, and then I look at Daredevil: Redemption, and I just shake my head. Redemption is the way to write a mini-series that stands on it's own. Still I have no one to kick but myself, for buying Father.

EXILES #72 $2.99- With this issue starts the jump into the New Universe. Now for those of you who weren't here for me pimping Exiles: World Tour, well you are very lucky indeed. It is just nice to see these universes (Marvel revamps and such) get a nod to those fans and creators that were a part of it. And I love the aspect of Exiles, a "quantum leap" type team of heroes forced to jump worlds and fix aspects. And now they have broken from their missions to simply try to get home to their own worlds. Teammates hate and love and fight together, and their only common bond is that they were taken without choice from their families and loved ones.

FANTASTIC FOUR WEDDING SPECIAL $4.99- I am not an FF fan. I never have been, even when it was readily available at my school library. I remember just getting an issue if Spidey was on the cover. At the time I didn't think that it could be a link to the Marvel Universe for free, I just didn't want to read about them. And now, well because Karl Kesel is writing this issue it has become a must have, I am paying $5+ for an FF book! Sometimes you follow a writer you enjoy to a book you normally wouldn't, nothing wrong with supporting a real person over a character sometimes.

FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN #2 $2.99- Well, this is part four of Spider-Man: The Other (a twelve part Spidey crossover). And I am really rooting for this middle part. See, this crossover works like so, Peter David took the first three parts (crossing over Amazing, Marvel Knights, and FN Spider-Man) and now another writer will then take over the middle, and finally a last writer will tie the final three issues. With each writer coming back to Epilogue their own titles. Um, let me shorten this up LOL, wait for the trade, in the meantime stay away from Spidey for about a year while they play at keeping the books more cohesive. Thank goodness I started this cheaper service online ;^)

NEW WARRIORS #5 (OF 6) $2.99- This is a very funny series about a team of superheroes who start a reality TV series. Deciding that people who don't live in New York must need superheroes too. Anyway, a great bit of fun happens along the way, and there is the bigger mystery of what is going to keep them together.

PULSE #12 $2.99- Jessica has her baby! Okay... okay knowing the writer it won't be until the last page. But still pretty frekin' cool. I still wish this series was a bit more important in the scope of what purpose it holds, but having Gaydos on art makes it alot easier to love.

Better to have loved and lost...

2005-11-03T19:27:00.000-06:00

Here there be mild SPOILERS about House of M #8 ... um... Aaaarrrrrr

Ok, you are going to think I am silly. I think I am silly. But I went through something tonight. I read House of M #8. And I am very sad. Let me preface this with some back story. When I read HoM #7, about a month ago, and it was revealed that before everything was returned to normal, "No more mutants!". Now I already knew that not all mutants would be gone, that there would be 198 of them in existence.

Big frekin' deal. I don't read X-books, rarely ever did. I just wanted HoM to be worth it. As we are taken back to everyone's return to the Marvel Universe, we find out that mutants are still alive and well, just powerless. A good move on Marvel's part, every character is somebody's favorite. Except me, mutants schmutants... or so I thought. Then... then out walked Iceman... I knew it was him instantly... he was covered in sweat. Sweat. Iceman does not sweat... his bodily functions pertaining to temperature don't exist. Oh god...

No! Not Bobby Drake... not Iceman. Fuck no... c'mon. He is still alive. Oh, that is a bunch of horse shit, he may as well not exist now, without powers Marvel is not going to use him. They sent my character into comic limbo. Your character... seriously? Four words... Spider-Man & His Amazing Friends. That's five words. No, the & is a symbol. Were you dropped on your head as a baby? No comment. That means "yes". I am mourning.

Sorry to spoil what I have, but I could not convey this otherwise. The Iceman does not cometh... Oh yeah, and pick up Marvel Team-Up #14, it does not disappoint.

A bit of digression

2005-11-03T07:41:00.000-06:00

I will fully admit, I don't know exactly what that word means, I have gathered that it means something close to 'getting off topic'. So, that is how I will use it here. Actually probably not... but I am going to attempt it. For the month of November, I will be getting comics through my shop. So, I will still do the 'Comics to Come' or the 'Panel to Panel Reviews' on a weekly basis.

Following that I will be getting my comics through a highly recommended online service. It took much persuasion, a bit of heavy thinking. I suppose if some were to not have their shop. They would lose a sense of community. I would not. My wife has been making the trek into the shop for me, since there is no ramp. And could I go in, there would be no sense of community. Another thing is, I will completely be rid of is coming in week after week to find something not ordered, something I requested months in advance. Well with this site, they order when I place it, so I can order months in advance. If I didn't get something, then it is because I did not order... simple as that. Add to that... I saved $50! Which in my mind has me saying, yay $50 dollars more I can plan on getting LOL, but for the most part it will probably be saved. I am content buying what I do now.

Actually I fibbed up there, I am saving close to $30, but that is with some extras... bags and boards for everything. Twice a month shipping instead of monthly. Bottom line, if I wanted the same stuff I get from my shop, I save $50. I wanted to try some perks. Anyway, I won't pimp the site (yet), but I wanted people to know why there might not be many comic-related blogs from me after November. Ta.

Weekend Wind Down

2005-10-29T21:42:00.000-05:00

Well, folks are not doing to well here at the Karguth residence. A cold has over taken everyone, but the youngest. Cough, and stuffy noses appear to be the norm, however, I will consider myself lucky to have myself alone tomorrow. No doubt settling in to the antics of my old pal Jughead.

I think a new keyboard might be in order, I was attempting to clean this one, and now the space bar isn't working so well.

A longer blog when I can get that sorted. Any tips?

Some Recommendations

2005-10-21T06:13:00.000-05:00

I know two blogs in one week... ah well, I had to tell you about a comic I got this week, "Justice" #2, put out by DC. It's a bit pricey at $3.50, but it has to be one of the most fun DC comics I have read in awhile. A long while. For those of you who are not reading the series, let me give you an idea of what the first issue, and the series itself is about. For reasons unknown, explosions are occuring across the world, and we see the devastation and tragedy through the heroes' perspectives. Superman loses Lois Lane, right before his very eyes, etc. etc.

There are a couple of exciting twists, all which quickly finalize the setup to get a major battle between DC heroes and DC villians. It is very fun, very old school storytelling, in fact, I think the setting may be about a decade preceding events now, which makes the explosions, or rather the loss of Lois less impactful to the reader.

Now issue 2, which will probably stand out as a favorite of this run. It begins with Riddler explaining his attempts of trying to hack into the Bat-computer, and his reasoning that if you are going to hack into a computer like that, use the computer of one of the richest men in the world to do so. The artist pulls back to a full shot of Wayne Industries. I just about laughed outloud at this point, such an obvious story move, but so well done.

And I think knowing they pulled it off, they continue, as a lone figure quickly makes his way towards the Riddler. The computer picks up Bruce Wayne, the Riddler finds (to his surprise) Batman. Which puts a stop to his defensive move of deciding to face Wayne. I cannot tell you how fun this sequence was... being in on the joke. And still it continued through one more turn.

Add to this, that Alex Ross is doing accompanied art, and he had the Riddler looking like the late, great Frank Gorshin. It is all beautifully done. And the excitement just goes leaps and bounds, add to that I learned a few new things about the Riddler.

I want to share with you a bit of the story, the Joker when seeing that the Riddler was captured and begins comicly expressing that he wanted to be in on this plan by the villians. Joker thinks they planned the explosions. One of which had Batman trying to save a group of children by taking them to the sanctuary of the Batcave. To which the Joker says "Saw Batman lead all those children down into the cave. Ho! Do you think he let them all dress as Robin before they died? Ha ha ha ha!" There was some great characterization all around. And the writer made believable the sense that evil could be so insanely driven to keep failing.

Runaways #9 was also very very good. And even Daredevil vs Punisher #4 finally gave the Devil his due, I thought. Did anybody else pick up any thing good this week?

January already?

2005-10-19T09:13:00.000-05:00

That was my thought upon seeing three of the big comic companies posting their listings well before the end of the month. But, as anyone who knows me can testify, I am not one to complain (unless my wallet will be shrinking dramatically). In fact, it is a fairly safe bet that I will be thinking of little else for about two or three days.

It is always exciting, watching where creators will go, what gorgeous covers are going to be around, and who will be guest-starring in a book. There is strong argument for knowing too much about your comics too soon, but all the same this has to be one of the highlights of my month.

So, without any further delay, here are some of the new titles I will be picking up in January:

Hard Time Season 2 #1 (DC) ... $2.50- This title impressed me from having bought the first trade. And since DC was kind enough to renew it, I am going to be here for the first issue. 16 year old, Ethan Harrow, is sent to prison, it is a vicious fight for survival, but Ethan has a secret. As he sleeps, a strange entity comes to his aid, righting the wrongs that occur, and bringing grown men to a state of jittering fear. This is a graphic series that pulls no punches. I highly recommend it.

INVINCIBLE SCRIPT BOOK #1 … $3.99 - If you have been reading awhile, you know that I am a huge fan of the process behind the making of comics. This book is no exception. Invincible is being hailed as some of the freshest and most inventive superhero storytelling. And I can hardly pass up 6 issue in script format for that price. I think this may be my most anticipated purchase.

Cable/Deadpool #24... $2.99- I have... I think two issues of this title. I am only getting this particular issue because it is guest-starring Spider-Man. I know I was suckered, but the wise-cracking Deadpool tackling the witty Wall-crawler. This comic was made for me. Love the humor stuff. One of the lines in the first issue I got went like this,
DP: Where is this mercinary job you want done?
The Client: Well, it will be in France.
DP: I'm sorry, I can't work with countries the US is at war with.
TC: The US is not at war with France.
DP: Oh, okay... count me in.

Hellblazer #216 ... $2.75- New writer (Denise Mina) New artist (Leonardo Manco)and the start of a new story "Empathy is the Enemy." Constantine meets Chris Cole, an ordinary bloke who made the mistake of messing with a "harmless" bit of magic. He looks to Constantine to pull him out from the nightmare. This looks to be a promising jumping on point, and I intend to do just that.

Plastic Man #20 ... 2.99 - This is one of those series that I kept telling myself I would pick up. And now with this being the final issue, I wanted to do just that. It is a fun all-ages series written and drawn by Kyle Baker. The trades are still available so I might purchase those too.

For this week, let's see, I have to recommend picking up She-Hulk #1. Just give it a chance if you see it, it really is as good as everyone will say it is. Thanks for checking out things to come with me. And if you want to do some looking for yourself in January, go here for Marvel, here for Image, and here for DC . Darkhorse link will be posted when available. Happy hunting.

Chewing up greenery pastures

2005-10-15T02:36:00.000-05:00

So, I am going to talk about a few things... and in the process, I can't even promise I will have a topic. I am going to stay focused because I have alot to say, but really, I don't think anyone one thing will relate to another. First and foremost, my blog is moving to weekly for the time being, I have had a few added responsibilities, and to be quite honest I have not felt that my comics have been anything I need to talk about on this blog, not like I used to anyway.

This is really hard, my head is swimming with all sorts of stuff at 2 am., but mostly what I am surrounded by... comics. I would really like to vary discussion, but I would be lying to myself if I tried moving to far away from that. Life is standing still for me I think, and has been for a long time. I am at a point, where I am standing in the middle. I am not so bogged down with work, or kids, or anything else that I need to slow down, and yet I wonder why I am not content. I am working three days a week, five hours a day, and getting paid too much for it. And I don't want that. It fits my life nicely at the moment, but I am pushing away...

When my wife starts work, which she wants to do very soon, I will be the caretaker for two. I am not a good father, and I don't say that for pity, or anything like that. I am stating fact. My children would be better elsewhere. Or maybe, in a more fitting sense, I should be elsewhere. Who must I be, to feel as though I am?

Ah well, to bring this back to comics. I wanted to suggest a column, required reading as it were. It is called, Girl In The Clubhouse. It is an insightful column that expresses the closed of nature of comic books and comic shops. And how to embrace that comics are becoming some of the best literature available. While very straightforward, I guarantee it is nothing that any good-natured, sometimes self-loathing, and socially awkward comic geek does not already know. Anyway, if you are anyone who has wanted to dip your toe into some comics, she has some great suggestions. And as an aspiring (read "never going to happen) comic shop owner, I liked this second installment alot.

As far as online shops to find some of these recommended reads check out www.manwithoutfear.com and scroll down to find sales links to some great shops.

Sorry to say I can't even recommend a comic this week. One that I found amusing was a Marvel Monsters book which was pricey. Gravity had a fine finale, but I have a feeling I will be recommending a new series for that soon enough. I also grabbed the Kingdom Hearts GN (yes Wade ... it's Tokyopop) but I am finding that the video game has a better story, the challenge is in being a talented enough game player to finish it, which is not much of a challenge admittedly. The GN is not bad per say, but it was confusing enough for me, and I know the story. The art is quite excellent for the most part though. Next week I will have at least a couple of comics to recommend you give a glance at. **cough** She-Hulk #1... trust me :^D

Props, Pampers, and Pit Stops

2005-10-10T10:47:00.000-05:00

I don't have all that much to write about. The comics I have been reading have been pretty good, but nothing to blog about. Fell is still really good, so if you see it at the shop, and feel so inclined, support it. It really is going in a great direction, both in story, and for the comic book medium in general. I am not dropping Powers yet, a good solid story came through, so I will keep reading.

I want to say a bit about Peter David. Not only does he have an interview on Fanboy Radio (which meanders but is still highly entertaining) but he also has an article with Newsarama. He has some new series coming out. Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, which I am going to go out on a limb, and say that if you have ever enjoyed Spidey, his guest spots in New Avengers, or guest spots anywhere. I would encourage you to pick this up, because Peter David really gets Spidey. And chances are that aspect that you enjoy about Spider-Man will be in this series. It will be part of a crossover for the first four issues though, so I hold no guarantee for issues 2 and 3 (since they are being written by other writers). More on this in an interview today by Pulse. Still another interview this time with Crawl Space! I have to say that the thing I loved most about all these interviews, is that they explore the many ventures PAD is a part of.

He is doing a new ongoing series, X-Factor. Which will be a dark noirish book about a group of mutants dedicated to fixing the world after House of M, and the trouble that results because of that. It also spins out of the Madrox mini-series, which I cannot recommend highly enough. And pretty much last, is Fallen Angel, a cancelled creator-owned series that is coming back in a big way. I was not a huge fan of the first series, but Peter showed such great enthusiasm that I had to give it another try. Plus the painted interiors... gorgeous stuff. Comes out in December though, so you know, if your retailer gives you a dumb look, wait a month.

Not alot of stuff going on here. I am currently pulling my hair out over a little side project I am working on. Which considering my free time ends in two days, I really should get the ball rolling. I have accepted that for the most part my house will be in disarray, it was hard with one kid, impossible with two. The new job also has me pulling my hair out, but I think that can be easily handled.

I was going to start off about how excited I was about having five comments, until I thought about it and it came closer to three. Ah well, thanks for reading.

Comics To Come

2005-10-05T22:02:00.000-05:00

FELL #2 $1.99- I am already going to give this comic, "Best of the Week", even though I probably won't get it this week. My comic shop might surprise me though. The pricing also makes it easy to say that if I only had the money to get one comic.... this would be it. And I would be quite content I think. It is the type of comic that just makes you glad to be a fan. And glad to know someone cares about the fans.

AMAZING FANTASY #13 $2.99- I am hoping this book surprises me. I have read a very disappointing review online. But as any comic friend can attest, I have pretty low expectations. All I look for in a comic is that it entertains me. And this... "western" part of the Marvel Universe sounds like it should at least do that. And it has been so long since I got to enjoy a Karl Kesel written comic

MARVEL ADVENTURES SPIDER-MAN #8 $2.50- Sean McKeever has been doing what few Spider-title writers have been able to do. Tell a straight forward and fun tale about Spider-Man. He doesn't try to leave his mark, or create some new aspect to the life of Peter Parker, he just tells great stories with a great character. And nowadays, that is really something special.

MARVEL TEAM-UP #13 $2.99- The heroes band together to bring down the power of an insane alien. And even if they weren't brought together by choice, they are not going down without a fight. I am looking forward to this issue. Dr. Strange, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Nova, She-Hulk, Ms. Marvel... the witty banter is going to be thick as molasses. This is a great book to get a taste of what is going on with the Marvel Universe.

POWERS #13 (MR) $2.95- This is the third thirteenth issue this week, I am glad I am not superstitious. I hate to say it, but Powers is faltering for me. Sometimes it has the best emotional sequences in comic books, and sometimes it feels like I am getting the issue for the letters page. I will keep with it a few more issues though.

SPIDER-MAN THE OTHER SKETCHBOOK $2.99- I am a sucker for sketchbooks. I think it is my desire to want to see every aspect of creation in a comicbook. I love the writing technique, the art technique, the history of it all. The books about comic books are so few and far between, it is a great thing to be privy to such things, I think.

Next week looks to be a very good week for comics. Hopefully I will be able to talk about all the great stuff that came out.

Update During Down Time

2005-09-28T06:20:00.000-05:00

The brood was up and about early today. Two of us feeling off and on tummy troubles (I sympathise Matty). And others still simply trying to get back to bed, and they made it. So now, us older men of the house can just have the occassional grumble and moan.

I thought about doing a comics to come today, but from the looks of the blog, I just did one. Moreover, a bit of financial strain means getting those comics might not be possible, but there are far worse things. We had quite a day yesterday, an RN came by to do a follow up with the baby and the mommy. I was of course, acknowledged, which is always welcome. But after that conversations commenced which may as well have been in French. It was still leaps and bounds above doctor visits during pregnancy. At least I was expected to listen and learn, and glad to do so, in a month there will be times that I am flying solo.

Becky is of course, achy... various body parts hurt for various reasons. But we were quite pleased all said and done. Free formula! Fine baby! Good visit all around. Followed by a whole bunch of family. Only one side luckily... My dad and his girlfriend. My mom and the kids. My grandma. My aunt and her kids. In like lions out like lions. :^)

I am not sure when I will be blogging again this week, if I get any comics, you can bet they will get a few words here. See ya soon.

The Boys (and woman) Are Back in Town

2005-09-25T22:30:00.000-05:00

Michael Allen Karguth joined the family on September 24th, 2005 at 12:05 pm. A day before his due date a few weeks too long according to Becky. He came out 22 inches long, 7 lbs. 1 oz. and of course cute as a button.

Becky and the baby followed by me and the baby

Matthew, Michael, and my Father Baby Michael Sleepin'

Comics To Come

2005-09-19T22:30:00.000-05:00

CONAN #20 (MR) $2.99- Wow, I can't believe I am still reading Conan. This is the longest I have followed a Conan title (which could have been said after issue 2). One of the problems I have had with Conan is that his location, his supporting cast it all seems to change in the blink of an eye. It makes it hard for me to invest, I mean yes there is always Conan, but truth be told I don't like him all that much. Fine stories... great art... what is wrong with me?

SUPERGIRL #2 $2.99- The second issue of a surprisingly strong series finds Supergirl meeting Superboy (a half-Superman, half-Lex Luthor), and he is not very happy to see her. I have no idea why yet, that was the cliff hanger of issue one. All the while Lex Luthor is keeping an eye on our new heroine from some dimension unknown to me. Add to that, the fact that sometimes you get no respect even when you wear the "S".

DAREDEVIL FATHER #3 (OF 5) $2.99- Honestly, buying this series makes me sick. I am glad at the very least that the price was dropped from $3.99. But that still doesn't change the fact that I don't like the story, something desperately needs to pick up, because right now it feels like I am being taken.

EXILES #70 $2.99- Wow, Exiles is one weird book. Or maybe it just has one weird aspect... a man-chicken. Now, I am not sure anyone knows this, or if even my family remembers this, but there was one strange episode of the Ghostbusters cartoon. Where one of the characters (Egon) gets turned into a were-chicken (like werewolf). Freaked me out! So there you go, odd childhood admission. Anyway, pick this up, in spite of that ... still a great thing going on in this title.

NEW AVENGERS #10 $2.50- Ok, I hate when something is added into a comic well after the book started. A good example of this is Elektra, I don't mean she is a poor character, but I mean c'mon, I am supposed to suspend my disbelief that for 150 or so issues, this woman Daredevil never talks about was his first real love. I might buy that, if there weren't these huge amounts of time where Elektra is all he can talk about. Where am I going with this? Well this new arc of New Avengers focuses on the Sentry, a character who was written as existing in the 60s with the Marvel Age of characters like the FF and Spidey. Only he shows up now. I will give props to Bendis and the Artist (McNiven?) because the reactions of the characters... the realism conveyed in each panel, makes this all seem plausible. That a character existed... who could wipe himself from the minds of everyone. And when he is found out... he does it all again. I just hate Paul Jenkins.

RUNAWAYS #8 $2.99- I want to say it, I want to say in this issue Karolina dies. I mean it has been foreshadowed. It has even been said by a future version of team member. But Vaughn has pulled rug out from under me so much that my head is spinning. No doubt this comic will be my best of the week.

ULTIMATES 2 #8 $2.99- Although if there was competition these last two books would be it. Ultimates... what can I say? This book kicks the llama's ass! Seriously it is espionage, it is super heroics, it is Captain America's girlfriend on the verge of cheating on her old man, cause he acts like an old man. If you thought being a superhero was easy, this will add some dysfunctional twists that you never saw coming.

WOLVERINE #32 $2.50- This is Millar's (writer) last issue of Wolverine, and while he won't be leaving with John Romita, Jr. as artist, he will go out with a bang. I have to say that after this, I am very tempted to stop getting Wolverine. He goes the way that Conan should, a pleasant run to a character I will never visit again. Worse yet, Millar's going on hiatus very soon. He will be missed.

Next week is a big week for Comics To Come, hopefully I have a few entries between now and then.

So, it does no good

2005-09-16T15:00:00.000-05:00

But once again, I have to toss a favorite comic out there. I know very few people read this, and honestly, I don't think that is the reason for this particular blog. I think I found a great comic, not only that, but a really cheap, beautifully colored, and healthily worded comic.

I mentioned this along time ago. Fell from Image Comics, well from Warren Ellis, Image was the only publisher with the stones to put this out. Now I will admit that months ago when I found this, the main pull was the price. $1.99. That kicked my nostalgia center into high gear. But even I was not expecting this.

Every panel, every page is used. 16 pages of uninterrupted and compelling story. Four additional pages to take you into the head of the author, and explain just exactly why he wanted to actually take a huge risk to give people their money's worth. Now I stopped believing in altruistic behavior along time ago, but I have to say, the author is not doing this for himself, except in the instance that every creative person does in that "have a story to tell sense".

But in all honesty Warren Ellis could have wrote this comic anywhere and made money... lots of money. This is a detective story, it is gritty and unforgiving, and it takes you places that for the most part are swept under rugs. In short the story, the main character, the city he finds himself in... it is all fucked up. And I know what you are thinking... c'mon Justin, you read Jughead... you don't know the first thing about fucked up. Well, try me, find this issue. Seek it out. It is two bucks... skip that morning coffee and take a ride with Fell.

Anyway, the reason I am writing this blog is so that in a "month or so" when issue 2 hits shelves, I am going to remind myself that Fell is one comic book that is fighting everything I dislike, it is giving me more than it has too, and so, I skipped my usual reviews for this.

I will thank me later.

A Li'l More

2005-09-14T12:21:00.000-05:00

So, I couldn't wait any longer, I was going to let the DD pic sit there for a bit. But I had to put up my favorite of the strips so far. I just like this one so much.

Click the picture to enlarge.

The L'il Webcomic

2005-09-13T14:00:00.000-05:00

So I was perusing some of my favorite comic sites, and one had a link to this wonderful webcomic, "Year One". It is a funny strip about Marvel characters in the first grade. Sounds childish I know, but it actually has alot of funny stuff. Plus I love the chibi style.

This comic is about the Li'l DD trying to emulate the pose on the cross from the DD movie... and originally from the cover of DD Vol. 2 #3. The link I posted will take you to the very first strip... note there are several strips, the DD one is #75 with still more to go.

Dollar Store Daffy

2005-09-11T22:04:00.000-05:00

So, I was perusing my local Dollar Store... we have several, but the one I want to speak of has everything under a dollar. Now most of the time I go into these stores with the lowest of expectations. But lately, I have been insanely drawn to the dollar DVDs that can be found... most of the time old movies and cartoons.

But on this day I was perusing the books, which seemed crowded with biblical throwbacks by the thousands. But there among the seemingly worthless literature, was a sketchy raw covered book with the very bold type DAFFY DUCK for PRESIDENT, a few quick page flicks through, and I was hooked. Written and illustrated by the legendary Chuck Jones, this book appeared to be some sort of children's book obviously over printed, or unpopular... as there were at least 15 or so available. I instantly bought it, a sketchbook of Looney Tunes for a dollar, how could I resist?

So for you all is a quick sketch I did tonight:

Shout out... Swear to God

2005-09-09T20:49:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, given circumstances, you can have a book, that constantly grabs at you. A book that for all intents and purposes is perfect for you, and you kept telling yourself otherwise. I did this with Love As A Foreign Language... I did it with Strangers In Paradise. And I think I have done it again with Tom Beland's True Story, Swear To God.

The premise is simple a man explores a long distance relationship, and does so with sharp humor and strong characterizations. And now with this latest preview, he has hooked me. Because with this issue Lily (Tom's love interest) convinces him to start his own mini comic. I found this so endearing, so cute, and so much like a woman who sees something in her partner, that she helps him to become who he wants to be. Who he needs to be.

I have not fully explored his website, but I am sincerely hoping it has an option, for a guy with a relatively super hero stocked comic shop.

Comics To Come

2005-09-08T12:33:00.000-05:00

FELL #1 $1.99- Warren Ellis, quickly becoming one of my favorite writers to watch out for. His writing is quirky and unexpected, but one can always find a solid story. Ben Templesmith on art is unknown to me, but just on the basis of the preview art I have seen, I may well need a bib while reading this (to stop the drool). And at $1.99, well that just hits my nostalgia button, this will no doubt be my best of the week.

DISTRICT X VOL 2 UNDERGROUND TP $19.99- The price tag seems a bit hefty for this trade, however, if I like the first volume (still not puchase) I will be getting this. Trades are easy to find discounted.

EXILES #69 $2.99- And now, the moment I have been waiting for, the world hopping arcs of Exiles. Yet again let my pimping session begin: The Exiles are a group of reality traveling mutants, brought together to fix inconsistencies in realities, and maybe pick up some teammates along the way... and perhaps each find their way back home. What will happen now that the man who brought them together was found to only do so for very evil reasons? End Pimping. My reasons for picking this up are simple, I love the what if scenarios, the future realities. A few of the stops will be the Marvel Universe (HoM), the 2099 Universe, and Future Imperfect among others. Perhaps the most refreshing aspect is that the writer (Bedard) and the artist (Pelletier) are going to show researched and faithful representations of these realities. And the fans can rejoice, every reality is somebody's favorite.

GHOST RIDER #1 (OF 6) $2.99- I am getting this for my brother (younger), but no doubt both my brothers will want a look. Painted interiors and a powerful writer. It makes me wish that I could enjoy it. Maybe I will.

HOUSE OF M #6 (OF 8) $2.99- Everything is falling together nicely. And the ambitious bi-weekly schedule is still going strong. This is an intriguing story that promised everything the heroes have wanted is theirs, now what is to become when they try to find the life they had before. If were anyone else but Bendis writing, this would be subpar, but as it is, with him this is an event.

MARVEL ADVENTURES SPIDER-MAN #7 $2.50- Well, I have been singing the praises of Sean Mckeever, now Eisner award winning, and this is one series that highlights why he is such a welcome writer. He can write books that everyone can enjoy. Make note of emphasis, everyone can enjoy it, you may not, but you could. Most importantly, kids can pick up a Spidey comic again. If you thought that was always possible, just ask a fan about Gwen Stacy. Oh and Mckeever's artist from Gravity, Mike Norton, will be joining this book soon.

MARVEL TEAM-UP #12 $2.99- Well the culmination of a storyline 12 issues in the making comes to an end. And Kirkman has been weaving quite a tale. I only found one issue really disappointing. And while some might finding it tough losing the series artist, I am looking forward to the new one. If only I could remember his name.

Now for the apologies. I really meant to return with a blog sooner. And that preview art, but as it is, it is not very good, and just for fun

And speaking of Gravity, I wanted to give the link to a new interview with the creators on the Pulse. As one of my faves, I think you will see why when you see the passion these two have.

Been Awhile

2005-09-04T08:54:00.000-05:00

So, I am at a point in my life, where I am insanely busy, but doing relatively little. First and foremost, my wife is having a baby... soon. Oh how I long for naivety, I remember before Matthew was born, we were fairly certain it was going to be the week of the due date. Lucky for us silly young idiots, it was the due date. And now, with our second, it is a completely different frame of mind, because we have been told, it could be anytime this month. The wife is working so hard that she seems to be speeding up the process. There is something more than disconcerting knowing that I need be ready at anytime to pass out on a hospital floor.

Add to that, the car troubles... which in turn leads to a delay on a very promising job. My life is essentially on hold until the 7th (when the car can be looked at), until the baby is born then I will be needed for that. This all has my mind busy, but right now, I actually have little to do. Sure, I can look into my living room, and it appears an army of pinatas simply exploded there, but that is not likely to keep me busy.

Which brings me to my next thing, I have taken on a bit of a project. A volunteer, strictly for fun, project. A stupid thing to do, I suppose with the impending baby and job around the corner as it were, but this has me jazzed. Expect updates, hopefully in the form of artwork.

Comics To Come

2005-08-30T13:00:00.000-05:00

ASTRO CITY THE DARK AGE #3 (OF 16) $2.99- I would highly recommend any of the Astro City TPBs, found (albeit not easily) at your local library. This is a new take on the legacy of Astro City, and it follows the title. This is the grim and gritty of Astro City. For those unfamiliar with this comic book, and it's strong back story. Astro City is it's own Marvel or DC Universe, and as such it has unique superhero characters. The most enduring characteristic however, has to be the everyday citizens, and how this strange world effects each and everyone of them. This series is a love letter to comics of all types.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #523 $2.50- The fits hit the shan for Spidey gang. Last issue he was found out by a group of Hydra hero clones, and he is feeling pretty wonky from some sort of drug. Hang tight and hop on for the finale of this run.

DAREDEVIL FATHER #2 (OF 5) $2.99- If I like this issue... I think the end of the world just might be upon us. I guess I can take some satisfaction that since I most likely won't get comics this week, my retailer can conveniently forget this issue.

NEW AVENGERS #9 $2.50- I wish the Sentry arc was over. I am ready for the spotlight to shine on Spider-Woman, readers will note that she was my favorite part of last month's issue. I really hate Paul Jenkins.

POWERS #12 (MR) $3.95- If memory serves, this was supposed to be the Bendis drawn and Oeming written issue. However some complications arose, and I believe roles were reversed, so this will just be a double-sized issue. If any Bendis fans want to see his art, there will be a variant cover which will be drawn by him at least.

RUNAWAYS #7 $2.99- Has there been a delay between issues? I am trying to recall exactly what happened. I think the Runaways ended up getting off safely by the skin of their teeth (such an odd saying). The leader of Excelsior, which is a band of former kid superheroes trying to catch the Runaways, was found out to be Rick Jones, a powerless jack of all trades of the MU. This is a jumping on point, and I can't recommend this book enough, one of my favorite titles every month.

WHA HUH (RES) $3.99- Well this is resolicited. I was never quite sure what the reason was for not getting this out with the What If issues, however I have already read one poor review, and at $4 with such a delay, the last thing fans are going to be glad they did... is paid for this. Color me worried.

YOUNG AVENGERS #6 $2.99- This is right up there with Runaways, and let me tell you if my review of that sounded confusing, it is because these two comics pack so much in. We are about to see the results of what happens when an evil man... comes back through time for his younger, and not yet evil self. And what happens when the younger self kills the evil man. See what I mean? If you were reading it, simple as subtraction. And that is just one of the great characters in this book!

Confusion

2005-08-27T22:59:00.000-05:00

There is something to be revealed I guess, the daily blog has worn me down. Someone said to me today, that they would not be able to do this... a blog a day. Well, honestly, I can't do it either. And this is a guy with all the time in the world. I am kind of hoping that after 31 days of blogging, fate might see fit to push that job my way. And in that case, I can just conveniently say that I knew I would not have time to blog soon.

I found it amusing that two of my favorite comic writers can rely on various tricks of the trade to stay interesting. Revealing never before seen pitches, or insider stories... which while may make for short entries, have also left me smiling. So, maybe, after this some less frequent but still fun blogs are in order.

One of these writers has an column in this month's CBG completely devoted to keeping deadlines. You can see his website at www.peterdavid.net. I want to thank anyone who stuck through this little experiment. And with some relief I think I can say I might be back tomorrow.

The Truth Comes Out

2005-08-26T20:30:00.000-05:00

So, I have been holding off on this entry for quite some time. I don't like to think about things that drag me down about the comics industry. For me, the positives far outweigh the bad, but this needs to be said. I hate Manga. Hate it.

Now, I suppose that statement can, and will be taken the wrong way, but stick with me. When I was a kid... comics could be found in your local grocery store, even one bigger department style store had a rather large assortment. I never stepped foot in a comic shop. I would go to the local Green Hills and pick up an issue of Marvel Tales (not aware at the time that this series was all reprints, only that it was the cheapest and most entertaining to me) and I would be regaled as it rarely, if ever, failed to not have it's touted guest-star Spider-Man.

Then I was taken in by a small event called Maximum Carnage, in sporadic doses, because one would be hard pressed to convince quite logical and money concious parents that every part was necessary in this 13 issue crossover. Quite suddenly, it was all over, seemingly overnight, nobody was carrying comics. I think I cried.

So, a few years went by where the comics I had bought were being reread, along with the occasional presents from family, and my brother's borrowed comics. I was still in love but my demand didn't have a supply. It was a Dark Age, where one had to find their favorites tucked away in dark places known as Specialty shops. I am not sure what was the bigger disappointment, the enviroment, or the prices. For the most part I was still just as stuck, even though there was a place to go.

Go even further in time, and out comes Blade, and X-Men, and Spider-Man, and Hellboy, and suddenly comics I had never heard of were in abundance in bookstores... going through several hands... getting tattered from being flipped through. It's a beautiful sight to behold, compared to the owner with a stick in his butt, and a bag on every comic. Add to that, the collected volumes that were popping up... growing from the immense interest. I suppose it is a bit hard to believe now, but tradepaperbacks and graphic novels used to be a rare occurance.

But all good things... I suppose I should have seen it coming. I mean I saw all the sugar-addled elementary kids jawing on and on about Power Rangers or Pok'emon, I even had a younger sister and brother to show me the proof. Anime and Manga... they were about to kick it into high gear.

And now? Well, now I can go into a bookstore, and if I am lucky find single issues, on occasion a modest selection of trades, on a rarity a fab selection. And for Manga... shelves and shelves and shelves along side and across from the traditional comics. I suppose some might think I am overreacting, but at some point I might post pictures. It is not as if I dislike Manga in a close-minded fashion, I dabble in it when a concept interests me. But this is not just some new kid taking the attention of the public. This is an infestation. And the only thing I can think to reassure myself, just as what happened with traditional comics (several times).

This too shall pass.

Panel To Panel Reviews

2005-08-25T21:40:00.000-05:00

CONAN #19 (MR) $2.99-This was a fine story, I quite enjoy the tales that fall somewhere just beyond illusion. This title is still not as great to me as it should be considering the immense talent that builds the issues each month. Still I stick by Conan, there are plenty of good aspects for any fan to appreciate

DAREDEVIL #76 $2.99- This was my best of the week. I suppose for some who know my collecting habits and the bulk of my collection, then that statement would come as no surprise. However, while this title has come close to being my favorite overall, for many of the preceding issues that was just not going to happen. Maybe it was seeing Daredevil accomplish something worthwhile. Maybe it was seeing him smile again. Still all good things must come to an end, that being said, however, this is the most exciting issue of DD in months. Jump on now. This is the perfect time.

DAREDEVIL VS PUNISHER #3 (OF 6) (MR) $2.99- I will give this series credit, it has built up a fine amount of tension for the Punisher to want to go after Daredevil. After three issues of having DD be an otherwise pain in the ass, Punisher has had enough. With three issues left I can't see the fight really coming to fruition next month. But I will be here to see what does happen.

DEFENDERS #2(OF 5) $2.99- I like the team-up on this book. And no I am not talking about the actual Defenders, but rather the creative team. There is alot going on beneath the book's silliness. If you want to see a book that embraces Marvel mayhem in a whole new way. Pick up the Defenders.

MARVEL KNIGHTS SPIDER-MAN #17 $2.99- It seems that some of the writer's best ideas need a few issues to come to a fine boil. From the inventive results of a new designer drug, to the results of our arc's villian. The only thing stil left to be desired is some better defined art, every issue since #12 has felt like a fill-in.

SPIDER-MAN: HoM #3(OF 5) $2.99- This series is a strong one, and serves well as my only tie-in series to House of M. This issue in particular had some strong themes that have always resonated nicely in any Spider-Man series. The bigotry that comes from the assumption that Spider-Man is probably a mutant, and the hatred that follows. The theme is reversed, mutants are praised and placed highly in this HoM world, and it has just been found out that Peter Parker is only a human with powers. The struggles are strong still. The only thing I found off-putting was the ending, but I have no doubt that Mark Waid (writer) has a good explanation. The art of Salvador Larocca has been great as well.

WOLVERINE #31 (MR) $2.50- I will be the first to admit, this finale left me less than impressed. Mark Millar has built such a fitting epic in the last several issues, I expected this one to believably follow suit. It is a fine finale issue... everything is placed neatly where it can be, and other mysteries are left to solve at another time. I can't fault this issue very much, it did what it was designed to do, it concluded an amazing run, I just wonder why I did not enjoy it more.

Untitled

2005-08-24T14:40:00.000-05:00

I follow you down to the trenches
hands dance fast between park benches
chasing butterflies and beetles
to their homes

A super hero on cloud nine
A tight rope walker on the line
the laughter burst from deep inside
tickles your nose

You might think I'm much too old
can't be the Watson to your Holmes
(or whoever sidekicks are for kids these days)
but I can watch you chasing dreams
making sure the world is as it seems
so off you go to explore now
but you're not alone

I keep you deep inside my heart
and on every smile that always starts
when you tell that same old joke
about the chicken and the road,
and the punchline always ends up
"I don't know"

Friends will come and play
lots of problems to face each day
if you need me along the way
you're welcome here to stay
I just hope you always know
I love you so

Copyright ©2005 Justin Karguth

You've got a Fan in me

2005-08-23T18:00:00.000-05:00

I think I mentioned this several times, that when I like a creator, I will embrace their work. I don't think it is all too different out there for alot of us. I have a brother who is very selective in his comic books, and is not what one would call a mainstream reader. Well, except that I suppose most manga is becoming main stream.

One might never know when the chance opens up to have a fan, it could simply be from giving him/her a look at the creative process. It could be that you are of like minds, or that just the right words are said. It could even be wanting to find a creative outlet to emulate. For instance, I like Maggie Thompson and her recent interview on WTR (archive to come), I am told was very informative, and light-hearted, and just fun. The same words I would use to describe CBG. And I have held strong to CBG, and I am likely to through whatever lies ahead.

I think like follows like... with any cultural entertainment. Be it comic books, or TV, or even websites. As human beings we are instantly at conflict... part of you wants to treasure your finds, and the other part wants the world to love Pet Rocks as much as you do. Did I say Pet Rocks? Well, whatever you like.

Sometimes the best part of finding something you enjoy, is watching someone else find it equally as great. So tell me what your faves are?

News, Reviews, and Things I Can Use

2005-08-22T13:26:00.000-05:00

Alright, it is a pretty big day here. So let's get the big stuff out of the way.

ITEM #1Fox has officially announced the direct-to-DVD title "Family Guy Presents Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story Unrated". The DVD will be released on September 27, will retail for $29.98 US.

ITEM #2 In a recent interview over at Manga Life, manga creator, M. Alice LeGrow (Bizenghast) dropped this interesting tidbit:
…I'm currently discussing a project with Peter David to do a science-fiction graphic novel series… it's not even certain that we'll pick up the project, but it's based on a television show and I'm really excited about the prospect of TOKYOPOP giving it the go-ahead. I'm a big fan of the show.

And in other Peter David related news, there’s word that he’s finished his book on writing comics and is now actively seeking permission to publish the images he wants to use…

ITEM #3 You can find an interview with Peter David about his upcoming X-Factor series here

These last two go under the "things I can use" category.

Over on his website, Greg Weisman has announced that Gargoyles Season 2 Volume 1 will be coming out this year, more specifically on December 06 with the first 26 episodes from the second season.

Weisman also gave a brief update on the Gargoyles comic from Slave Labor Graphics:
A lot is still up in the air, but we're all now fully committed to getting this book out in the first half of 2006 -- i.e. sometime between January and June. I know that's a pretty big window, but we'll keep you posted as we begin to nail things down.

To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the theatrical release of Mallrats, View Askew decided to release a jam-packed 10th anniversary DVD featuring an all-new recut Extended Edition of the movie. This is a pre-order item which will ship on it's release date of September 20th.This will retail for $34.99

Now for the Pre-Reviews:

CONAN #19 (MR) $2.99- Cary Nord returns! A new chapter in the classic story of Conan unfolds. If you were ever a fan of Conan, this is definetly a series that embraces all the strongest elements, and faithfully unfolds a story of great proportions.

DAREDEVIL #76 $2.99- The end of an era begins here. The final arc of Bendis/ Maleev Daredevil is upon us, and it promises the best that this team has to offer. The Kingpin has the upper hand, and has finally decided the worst has to be done to Daredevil, to save himself. Jump on board for what promises to be the best DD story in years.

DAREDEVIL VS PUNISHER #3 (OF 6) (MR) $2.99- Wha? This one is here this week... did I read last month? Hmmm... well, if you like Punisher, this is probably a better book for you.

MARVEL KNIGHTS SPIDER-MAN #17 $2.99- The reveal of last month's issue has me on pins and needles. What is Spider-Man going to do when an alien Superman comes to kill? The crossover between DC and Marvel that can no longer happen... happens. Shhh... don't tell DC.

WOLVERINE #31 (MR) $2.50- The spectacular Mark Millar/ John Romita Jr. run also reaches it's conclusion. Wolverine has alot to answer for, but first he has to kill everybody who has screwed with him. This one should end just as it started, with me on the edge of my seat waiting for that last body to be mutilated.

Well, that's all for today, finally.

A Day of Rest

2005-08-21T11:23:00.000-05:00

It is quite a lazy day here. I am currently sorting through comic and trade lists, figuring out what I need to get that I missed. If anyone knows of a good online shop, please give me a link, I have found an excellent one for subscriptions with 35% off, and free shipping after spending $30 dollars, but I feel really loyal to my local shop. So even a great deal like that is not quite what I am looking for.

Also starting on another CD for my brother, which he will no doubt want by tomorrow. He won't get it, but he will still ask for it then. This will be the last one I do for awhile. His unique taste in music makes for impossibly long waits for download, which makes for an impossibly slow computer.

I just saw Blade: Trinity. And I think I will have to buy it at some point. It is the only movie in the trilogy that I have ever wanted to own. The character of Hannibal King fascinated me, quite a bit. Plus, he was really funny. I doubt Marvel did a movie TPB, but if they did, I will see if I can get that too. I hope there will be a Nightstalkers movie, like is rumored, and like the alternate ending hinted at.

I will be back tomorrow for, Comics to Come.

Catching Up

2005-08-20T01:07:00.000-05:00

I found this link to Spoilt!

A blog dedicated to giving away the plots of mainstream comics.

Their guerilla manifesto:
Nothin' but plot. Wanna know what's going on without shelling out big bucks? We post spoilers for DC and Marvel superhero comic books.

Why? Because we disagree with the growing emphasis on superhero "universes" and event-driven writing and marketing.
Because comics are too expensive to buy just because a crossover tells you you should.
Because fans who only care about shock plotting and what happens next hurt the industry.
Because it costs too much to follow characters you love through ten titles a month.

So, if any of you are wanting to back into a title from one of the big two, want to know just how the heck Wolverine got a clone? Or which one of Spidey's exes slept with the Green Goblin? Who the heck was Hush? Or how many licks it takes to get to that tootsie roll center? Just follow the highlighted link. Follow the -- follow the--- follow the highlighted link.

Fanfic 2099

2005-08-19T04:39:00.000-05:00

Well, it's a day late, and a century short... er... no that doesn't really work. I wrote this story awhile back, after reading that the makers of this site wanted people to write for some of their titles. I originally wrote up a short DD 2099 proposal, and the editors really helped me settle in. Then I finished up this story for their anthology series.

They did a much better job describing it, then reading the story itself, read on in this letter:

~2099UGR Unlimited # 5 featuring Wylder 2099 by Justin Karguth:

The privileged class of New York flaunt their wealth and status to the world. And from the arrogance of these so-called "Uptowners" comes jealousy from the have-nots that stir below in the forgotten deaths of the futuristic New York City. For you see, desperation abounds in the pit of squalor that is Downtown. Desperation, that can sometimes spill over into the hallowed heights of Uptown...

Now one man must make a choice. A choice that not only may affect the rest of his life, but the lives of his family as well.

But he'd better make it quick. The wall-crawler is watching....

Check it out at:
http://members.tripod.com/wyzeguy79/2099un_05.html

Also, check out the main page at: http://members.tripod.com/wyzeguy79/2099ugr.html

Jason McDonald; Asst. Editor, 2099 Underground Revised

Take this Unemployment...

2005-08-18T16:48:00.000-05:00

And shove it.

That's right, you are now reading the blog of a working man (well in about two weeks). I suppose I could go on and on with cliches, and moral sayings that I have given myself over the year. But I am mostly happy that I will have money for comics.

I planned to link to a fanfic I did online. If it gets put up today I will update it into this blog. Oh, and Happy Birthday to my friend Shana who turns twenty today. You still can't go out drinking... hahaha.

Well, it is going to have to be short today, I decided to save my comics for next week. See ya tomorrow.

The Holiday Headaches

2005-08-17T13:00:00.000-05:00

Well, judging by the November solicits for the major comic companies. I might have to brace myself for December. I know it comes every year. A bit of a holiday glut. I suppose it hits me hardest on the holiday months, mostly because I am not giving to my fellow man, I would rather sit fat and happy on a big pile of comics.

And the strange thing is, I am going to wake up one day, and the comics really are going to mean very little, I will be like the weekly soap opera watcher. Complaining that I like very little of something that used to be a huge part of my life. I won't love comics. I know that now, but I cannot detach myself enough to say, "Maybe you don't need that Karl Kesel issue of the FF Wedding Anniversary." The examples are limitless... you could drop Conan... or not get Supergirl... why are you getting so and so Avengers, you didn't get them before.

I wonder if I will ever learn to deal with the fact that I am going to need to start living accordingly? Because my collection is most certainly not going to put anyone through college.