Deadpool #2 Review

Deadpool #2
Those who know me, know that Deadpool and I go way back. From the Joe Kelly days to Fabian Nicieza's Cable & Deadpool run, I've read nearly everything that's featured Deadpool as a prominent character. It's that background which allows me to say that Daniel Way's Deadpool is on its way to being one of the best.

This issue shows the..."interesting" methods Deadpool utilizes when teaching his new Skrull students in the ways of combat. From cutting their own hands off to telling knock-knock jokes, the Merc with a Mouth provides a wide range of hilarity as he trains the Skrulls to kill each other then their superiors.

Way has caught a lot of flack for his writing previously with titles like Wolverine: Origins but it would seem he just hasn't found the right book though it would seem the right book found him.

Paco Medina's art is still colorful and expressive. His characters help to tell the story almost as much as the words on the page.

After the surprise ending of issue #2, it's quite clear Deadpool is going to be integral with the Secret Invasion storyline. Finally, some respect for the character everyone thinks is a joke...though that would probably be 'Pool's preference.

4.5/5 stars

Ultimate Spider-Man #126

Ultimate Spider-Man #126
So, this is Brian Michael Bendis' 126th issue of Utimate Spidey and can I just say that when this book hit stores way back in 2000, right when Tobey donned the wall-crawler's iconic blue and red duds, I thought this book wouldn't make it to issue #13. Boy, was I wrong.

Bendis continues to write Ultimate Spider-Man with a love that is not seen with most writers. Issue #126 while eventful (Spidey-Venom kicks the crap outta most the Ultimates...except Thunder God, Thor) seems to serve as only a stepping stone to a greater storyline that one can only imagine to be "Ultimatum."

With the revelation revealed in "Ultimate Origins" last week, it would seem that Nick Fury has known Peter Parker for more time than previously thought. Without giving away any spoilers, lets just say that I heard what happens in Origins #4 and I now want to read it.

#126 is a good Ultimate Spider-man issue but the art of Immonen seems to have become increasingly muddled. I'm speaking mostly of the apparent butchering that is Nick Fury's face. To put it lightly, Fury looks to be modeled after a dump that someone decided to draw a face on, give it a goatee and make it blind in one eye (hence the eye patch). The same could be said for most of the other characters but I feel Fury looks the absolute worst.

Bendis has consistently delivered on this book and deserves a little leeway with these last few issues. It must be hard to keep all the stories straight when you write 11,174 books for Marvel at one time.

4/5 stars

This Solomon Kane May Be Too Mysterious

Solomon Kane #1

Dark Horse’s new Solomon Kane series is the latest attempt at a comic book based on one of author Robert E. Howard’s (creator of Conan) lesser-known characters. Solomon Kane is a 17th century Puritan wanderer who apparently travels to the dark corners of the world seeking to vanquish evil in all its forms—usually in the name of God. Howard’s Kane always dresses in black, wears a cool, black slouch hat and carries various weapons, including a sword, dagger, musket and a pair of flintlock pistols. His adversaries tend to be those who traffic in magic as well as monsters, vampires and pirates.

For the first issue of the new series, writer Scott Allie selects a story fragment written by Howard in the late 1920s or early 1930s, entitled “The Castle of the Devil.” The original story does little more than introduce Kane as well as John Silent, a fellow Englishman who he befriends, and tells of the two cutting down a young man from a gallows and heading to the local castle to confront the Baron apparently responsible for the hanging. And that’s it. Perhaps wisely, Allie builds on this whisper of a story and introduces the German Baron, his Persian wife, the fact their castle was built atop a former abbey that once housed a Satan-worshiping priest and other juicy details that would appear to set up an interesting longer tale, although it’s too early to tell.

A main complaint about this first issue is the fact that the reader is thrown into the story without much explanation about Kane—who is he? Why is he wandering? What’s an Englishman doing in Germany? Etc. Allie seems to assume that the reader has some kind of previous knowledge of the character, which is a huge assumption since Kane only appeared in several dozen stories, mostly in Weird Tales, between 1928-32. His adventures also were collected and reprinted in books and paperbacks in the 1960s (I bought them), and there were a few Marvel comics adaptations in the 1970s and 80s. A Solomon Kane film has been completed, starring James Purefoy (Mark Antony in the HBO series, “Rome”). It’s to be released later this year or early next year and is the first part of a projected Kane trilogy.

Additionally, the art by Mario Guevara is so sketchy that sometimes it is hard to tell exactly is happening. He seems to be trying to channel the legendary Joe Kubert, who provided a variant cover (John Cassidy drew the regular version—and it is a beauty). His style doesn’t do much for me.

All-in-all, this a book with some promise but it might be better to wait for the series to be collected and reprinted because, presumably, an introduction would include more information about the character.—RFM

3/5 stars

'Embrace' funny advertising

It's been a while since I last talked about and ad in comics (check the All American Rejects post). Marvel's genius advertising people have decided to promote their event "Secret Invasion" with some light-hearted fun. The following made me literally LOL:

Finally, some advertising that actually pokes fun at itself.

Well done Marvel.

That is all.

Captain America #42 Review

Captain America #42
It's been over a year and a half since Ed Brubaker did the impossible by killing American hero, Steve Rodgers from the regular Marvel series. Since then there was a long period in which there was no Captain America in his own book. Then readers were shocked and disappointed when James "Bucky" Barnes took up the mantle of Captain America. Issue #42 is the final chapter in a saga which will most certainly go down as monumental in the world of comics.

The book begins with the new Cap, Bucky, saving the life of presidential candidate Gordon Wright; deflecting a snipers bullet from The Red Skulls daughter, appropriately named Sin. Meanwhile, long-time friend of Steve Rodgers, Falcon and SHIELD agent, Black Widow attempt to rescue Sharon "Agent 13" Carter.

This carefully crafted epic by Brubaker has been so deliberately paced and has unfolded with a grace not seen in comics for a very long time. That being said, there is one problem with the concluding chapter. These last two chapters of the saga seem a bit rushed compared to the previous twenty issues.

This is the most apparent by the sudden and drastic change of sides by Dr. Faustus. He was at a time comparable to the evil that is The Red Skull, then he abruptly changes sides and attempts to free Sharon. There was no recognizable explanation as to the sudden shift in allegiance. I can only suspect Brubaker did this with the intention of setting up future storylines now that this story has concluded.

The art of Steve Epting is and has always been consistently well drawn. His style, while dark and muddled, brings a certain grittiness to the policical action comic.

Brubaker and Epting's run on Cap will become stuff of legends but one has to wonder where the series will go now that there is officially a new Captain America and The Red Skull, for the time being, is out of the picture. However, I'm sure Bucky and the gang will still go great places in the hands of the Nathaniel Hawthorn of comics, Ed Brubaker.

4.5/5 stars

Frank Miller's All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder #10

All Star Batman and Robin #10
Frank Miller's All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder has caught flack since its beginning for breaking the mold of the respectable Cape Crusader and deploying the ultimate, scruffy-faced badass.

But for those willing to truly indulge in the power of Miller's words, the ASBR series has done its part to help slack the jaws of the faithful, emitting poetic character interactions and thought bubbles. ASBR #10 does not just contain good writing, it contains GREAT writing, perhaps the best of the series.

There have been multiple threads strewn across the Internet completely bashing #10. The reasons behind that are hard to fathom, let alone dissect, since the issue does far more for the series than one might think.

Perhaps the pacing of the plot-lines are a bit slow, but one has to appreciate the depth Miller is trying to achieve. Remember, this is MILLER'S UNIVERSE, fully disjointed from the D.C. spectrum. ASBR #10 is simply the downward force on the springboard, one that will launch the series into comic book history as a truly great piece of fiction. An epic culmination is inevitable, as the characters inch closer and closer to each other.

Small clips of the characters' progression throughout Gotham provides a back-story filled with sadness, revenge and violent justice that simply hints of a complex future.

#10 introduces the spectacled lieutenant James Gordon as he walks the shores of Gotham City, contemplating the past and not-so-certain future of the gloomy, city streets. The opening scene screams noir, something one would expect to read in a comic based off a Raymond Chandler novel. Perhaps Miller's style is frustrating for the impatient adrenaline junkies out there waiting for the next flesh-ripping beat down or cold-blooded murder. One should recall the old saying, though - patience is a virtue. There is no doubt that those who wait for the series to really explode will be surely rewarded.

The Black Canary makes an appearance as the red-hot crimefighter, literally burning down scenes with her almost psychotic presence and will to damn evil to hell.

Batgirl continues on her journey, although this issue features a run-in with a foe that falls a lot closer to home - the police. But Batgirl knows that certain "connections" will get her out of the dog house soon enough.

The Caped Crusader and Boy Wonder are used primarily to help flex Jim Lee's artistic muscles. Batman and Robin are the main focus of the best scenes in the book visually. Their time to bash the skulls of evil will come soon enough. Remember, be patient.

4.5/5

Hulk #6 Review

Hulk #6
After my all-out bash-fest of Jeph Loeb's Ultimates run, I feel (and apparently I'm the only one) Loeb's writing style works well with an over-the-top character like the Hulk.

The story concludes the series' first arc where all that's been happening is Red Hulk kicking everyone's ass. From Thor to The Watcher, no hero is safe from Rulk's wrath, even Hulk himself, until this issue.

By the way, the whole Watcher getting punched in the face thing was hilarious and perfect for this book

We finally get to see Green Hulk finally not act like a three-year old girl who just gets his ass handed to him by a big, red killing machine. The issue also throws in a twist at the end, which isn't all that surprising, and it was cool to see Green Hulk and Thor talk about what happened with all the Planet Hulk, World War Hulk business.

The art of Ed McGuiness is a perfect match to Loeb's story. Everything is over-exagerrated and cartoony, just look at the cover to the left for cryin' out loud. It's exactly how the book should be drawn. It takes me back to the Joe Kelly-Deadpool days. Ahhh...how sweet those days were.

People are missing the point of this book. It's supposed to be thoughtless and crazy. Do you really want all your comics to be something you have to sit down and focus on for 30 minutes? Shouldn't there be some books that just try to have fun and throw in as many cameos as possible. Some people take their comics to seriously and to those people I say, "You're reading a 32-page book with pictures everywhere. It's not a novel. Give it a rest."

Anyway, a majority of comic critics absolutely hate Loeb's take on Hulk. They feel Loeb can do nothing right. However, this is the guy who wrote "Long Halloween" and "Dark Victory." The guy obviously knows how to write some good stories. I think he just needs to come back to Earth a little and stay away from anything with the word "Ultimates" in the title.

3/5 stars

X-Force #7 Review

X-Force #7
After the amazing conclusion to "Angels and Demons," the X-Force team is back for its newest arc entitled "Old Ghosts."

The book starts out very strong as we see the reaction Rahne has to seeing Angel. It's pretty cool to watch and read without giving away too much. From here however, the book takes a turn for the worse.

The main problem is the new readers of X-Force or any X-Men comics have no idea who some of these characters are. Who is the little golden boy named Elixir, what's his power and what did he do that he wants to forget so bad as to call upon Emma Frost's freaky space girls? Who are those girls anyway? They clearly have some sort of telepathic power but for those of us who are new, we have no idea.

The book then decides to bring back the old "Mutants are bad and must be destroyed" senator. This isn't necessarily a bad thing but it's a little exhausted in X-books. From there it ends with X-Force's new target, a guy named Vanisher. Once again, who is this guy? I can understand why the team wants to go after him but give the readers a little character background.

Lastly, the biggest problem with the book is the arrival of new artist Mike Choi. The most exciting thing about reading X-Force each month was to see the visuals Clayton Crain used to tell the story. Now, we have some dude who draws kind of like Crain but doesn't deliver that visual punch one expects to see when reading X-Force.

I'm not excited about this issue but I have a feeling it will explain itself in the end. Until then, I guess I'd better read up on my X-characters and drool over Crain's art in issue #6.

3.5/5 stars

The Ultimates 3 #5 Review

The Ultimates 3 #5
Let's talk about The Ultimates.

Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch produced some of the best comics to recent date as they reinvented the avengers team so kids could become reintroduced to the Marvel staples that are Cap, Hulk and Iron Man. Twenty-six issues of pure greatness. It would be kind of difficult for Jeph Loeb and Joe Madureira to mess up the perfect cast when the two took over all those months ago.

Well, after their run of five issues it's quite clear someone F*&%ed up, namely Loeb.

Honestly, I can't see it being too hard to keep such an awesome series...awesome. Loeb definately made the Ultimates not ultimate. However, when you start throwing in robot clones, it's pretty clear the writer had no idea what the hell he's doing.

That being said, the conclusion to the awfulness that is Ultimates 3 was certainly much better than all the previous chapters combined but still leaves behind a sour taste that won't go away anytime soon.

Loeb attempts to quickly tie-up all those loose-ends he created in the first few issues. At first the reader has no idea what's going on since it's been about 37 years since issue 4 hit stands. There's a robot creating robots and it's Hank and Janet's son? I had to look back at issue 4 just to see if I had missed something or if Loeb just decided to throw it in without any explanation (that seriously wouldn't surprise me). Luckily, it was the case of the former and I wasn't forced to throw the issue right in the garbage disposal.

The only thing that has kept The Ultimates 3 from being toilet paper is the "Ultimate" artwork of Joe Mad. His drawings are tight and expressive with a subtle nod to Japanese Anime. Although, I find his Hulk to be a little strange looking with his fat feet and little hairdo.

All in all, this series sucked. I think I heard Loeb is set to write the next Ultimates book which is a travesty in itself. What the hell is Marvel thinking? Oh well, at least Mark Millar is going to do Ultimate Avengers which will undoubtedly be awesome.

.001/5 stars

Broken Trinity #2 Review

Broken Trinity #2
So, I really didn't want to write a review on this since there is only one more issue coming out and the series is running extraordinarily late. The series was solicited as being a summer crossover. October's around the corner and it's still needs to finish up. However, I felt it to be my blogorific duty to let the readers of Doc's Comic Blog know what this crossover is all about.

Speaking of the word crossover, this series so far has had absolutely no impact on the regular Witchblade series. The previous issue of the regular Witchblade series is all about Danielle's fight with some club guy, Sarah and Danielle talking and ends with a rabbi getting killed.

No mention of a giant Irish ice guy who has a third relic to the "broken trinity" or the return of Angelus.

Nice "crossover," it sure "crosses over" into the other series'.

Also, can I just say I'm really tired of the cryptic asian store owner. Seriously, just give the readers a little insight as to who the hell this guy is and why he knows everything about everything but doesn't like to mention anything to anyone. He just gets a little redundant as a character and could use a little fleshing out.

The art is the one thing the series has going for it. Stjepan Sejic's work is always good and I enjoy looking at every panel.

This whole crossover seems to have lost whatever its original intentions were. Luckily, there is only one more issue left and we can probably expect it out by late January 2025. Don't worry though, I'll take one for the team and actually spend some hard-earned student loan money on the issue and review it for all to see and avoid.

1.5/5 stars

Won't anyone save 'Heroes'

So, I want to take a break from all the talk of superheroes and comic books to talk about...politics. Pssshhh, just kidding. I really want to talk about...well...superheroes and comic books—in the form of the season premier of NBC's Heroes.

I'll try to say this as delicately as I can.

Heroes season 2 sucked!!!

It was the biggest piece of garbage one could find on TV. The level of writing just tanked after the stellar season 1, leaving season 3 to make up to a lot of lost fans. You can blame the writer's strike all you want but they took the show completely where it shouldn't have gone. Seriously, Peter's in Ireland hangin' out in a pub for more than half the season. Gimme a break.

Now that I've vented on how much I hate season 2 lets go on to discuss last nights premier.

Not that impressed. That's the best I can say about it. The show is looking much more promising but doesn't create that love for the characters. Sure, we still love Claire and her dad, we still even love Peter, Nathan and their sinister mom, we still, just barely, care about Hiro and Ando. The one thing the show has to keep on is characterization. The use of powers and abilities are secondary, which is what the network seems to think everyone likes. Don't misunderstand, powers are sweet, but Witchblade had powers and look at what happened to that show.

The show needs its characters. What happened to Nikki's little kid...what happened to Nikki for that matter. The show throws the viewer into the mix and resolves nothing from the second season (except who shot Nathan). It's still entertaining but I'm comic book guy (obviously) and the premier didn't do anything for me. That's sayin' something.

It would appear that the writers of Heroes are trying to make a real life comic book. It's now obvious that some things just don't translate. How many times do we see a Dark-someone in comics. A heck of a lot. To see Dark Claire in a comic would be so much fun but it's hard to swallow that skinny Mohinder is kicking ass in the TV show. Just something that can only be done in comics I think.

The show can only get better from the debacle that is season 2. I'm willing to watch but the powers that be have a lot of explaining to do and fast...like French-speedster-girl fast.

3/5 stars

War Heroes is Victorious

The second issue of Marvel’s War Heroes is out and—no surprise—drags you even deeper into the political conspiracy-bloated mind of writer Mark Millar. For fans of realpolitik comics like Brian K. Vaughan’s Ex Machina or Warren Ellis’ Black Summer or No Hero, War Heroes is red meat. The basic premise is that America is at war against Iraq and its agents of terrorism, who have set off nuclear bombs on U.S. soil. The U.S. government responds by developing pills that endow soldiers with superpowers for 24 hours, like flying, some invulnerability, pyrokinesis, super strength, speed, etc. In the second issue, we follow the training of some of the new recruits, including the book’s main protagonist, who is the younger brother of a much-decorated super-soldier. Without giving away the issue ending, all is not exactly what it seems. This second installment nicely fleshes out the plot concepts introduced in the first issue and sets up the remainder of this six-issue mini-series. Because of its irresistible storyline, it’s rumored that a movie deal is in the works. As with his other book, Ex Machina, artist Tony Harris achieves just the right tone of gritty realism mixed with the fantastic; it’s all very believable. If you like your comics deep fried political, check this one out while you can still find the first issue.—RFM

5/5 stars

Don't Miss This Echo

For years, I read good things about Terry Moore’s “Strangers in Paradise,” but had never picked one up. I think part of the reason was that by the time I became aware of the book, which received some great buzz, it was already so far along I wasn’t interested in trying to find back issues or waiting for the trades. So, when I saw his newest independent comic, “Echo,” I was intrigued. I glanced through the first issue and saw it was black and white, which didn’t bother me too much, but the art was nice and clean. The story seemed a bit of soap opera mixed with some science fiction but accessible. So I bought it. And I bought the next issue. And now it’s issue #5 and I’m hooked.

Moore has developed a simple but irresistible premise: soon-to-be divorced Julie Martin is out in the desert shooting some photos when there is an explosion in the sky above her. Liquid metal droplets fall all over her, her truck, etc. The liquid seems almost alive as a portion of it draws itself back together and solidifies on her chest and shoulder into a kind of form-fitting breastplate. And all help breaks loose from there as she tries to find out what the stuff is, tries to get it off of her and finds she is being hunted by the U.S. government, which wants it back (it turns out it’s some kind of super defense suit). Toss in the fact that the consciousness of woman pilot who was wearing the suit when it exploded is still somehow embedded in the liquid metal and you have a strange but fascinating premise. Moore’s line art is strong and simple—he draws very realistically proportioned characters—and the writing sings, particularly the dialogue. Issue #5 brings all the major characters into play and sets up the story for a nice long run.

This is a great series and you’re missing something if you haven’t been picking it up. Fortunately, a trade of the first five issues will be available in about a month or two.—RFM

Rating: 4/5

Spider-man #572 Review

Spider-Man #572
It cannot be stressed enough how much better the "New Ways to Die" arc is than the garbage known as "Brand New Day" was. Not only is this new arc better, but it manages to clean up all the crap that "Brand New Day" created as well. Without giving too much away, the onslaught of new villains that have been created have been fit in to "New Ways to Die" and are finally made relevant.

With just one issue left now, issue #572 puts everything together to set the stage for what looks to be a great finale. The Spider-tracer plot appears to be coming to a close, as well as many other plot lines that have been lingering along.The final page also offers something that a lot of fans have most likely been wondering about in the back of their minds, but didn't know if it would come out.

If there is one gripe this issue offers, it is that Spider-man seems to have too easily gotten around being traced by Osborn after his camera was found with a frequency tracker on it. Still, The Amazing Spider-man series seems to be on the right track and with any luck, the next arc will hopefully move things along even further. There are still plenty of questions to answer, but "New Ways to Die" is at least attempting to fix all that is broken in the world of Spider-man.

Ghost Rider #27 Review

Ghost Rider #27
I haven't been reading Ghost Rider for very long but writer Jason Aaron knows what the hell he's doing.

In issue #26 we see the introduction of old Ghost Rider, Danny Ketch, as well as a bunch of old Ghostie villains like the Orb, Death Ninja and Blackout, all of which I had no idea who they were.

This issue easily explains everything that one would need to know in order to grasp the size of this event that Aaron is writing.

The character of Caretaker dies (who sounds like he has a pivotal role in the Ghost Rider mythos) after a battle with the aforementioned villains leaving his granddaughter, who happens to be a nun, to carry on the family legacy.

After entering a building which Caretaker tells him houses the secrets to the Spirit of Vengeance, Blaze meets up with Blackout, a vampire with the power to turn out lights (sounds stupid, I know). The scene however, becomes the best one in the issue.

It depicts Blackout telling Blaze how he's fought Ketch many times before but this is his first showdown with Blaze's Ghost Rider, to which Blaze says "You're Blackout. The vampire whose power is to turn all the light out, right. You're like The Clapper but with fangs." As Blackout turns the lights out he says, "Yeah Blaze, that's right;" as he acts all like a badass. Then we see black panels with a lot of those stupid words that describe sounds like; "POW" or "WHAP" only to reveal that when the lights come back on, Blaze has essentially made the seemingly invincible Blackout, his ghost-bitch.

Totally a sweet scene.

The thing I don't get about this ish is how does the new Caretaker-nun girl suddenly go from being dressed in full-on nun garb to being a hot snow bunny after she sees the room with the bikes and guns and stuff? That nun sure knows how to slip outta those clothes fast. You wouldn't really think that...would ya?

She's a nice nun one moment to all of a sudden being a badass bitch who knows all the Ghost Rider mythology. Kinda doesn't make sense...but I'll give Aaron the benefit of the doubt.

Lastly, the issue gives us our first look at Zadkiel, the angel, as he and his followers tear the spirit of the now deceased Caretaker to bits and cast him off into the "winds of eternity" (whatever that is).

Also, I'm really not a fan of the art by Tan Eng Huat. The expressions are all contorted and don't illustrate the dialogue the characters are saying. It looks like that piece of art called "The Scream." Some may like it because it matches the abstract-esque qualities of Ghost Rider but it's too much for this insignificant blogger.

Ghost Rider has improved a lot during the past year that I've been reading undoubtedly due to the help of Scalped-writer Jason Aaron.

4/5 stars

The Stand # 1 Review

The Stand #1
Stephen King’s The Stand won readers over with its scripture-like telling of a plague that sweeps across the world, killing everyone, expect those fortunate enough to experience the utter chaos of good vs. evil. As a novel, The Stand is an American classic, creating a crystal clear picture of the events and characters strewn throughout its 1200 pages.

Now, with Marvel’s latest 5-part comic adaptation of the timeless tale, readers now have those pictures already drawn out for them in pristine detail – all the blood, guts and goo one can imagine, and then some.

Unlike other adaptations that fail to stay true to the main highlights of the original text, one should not worry about this comic’s continuity. There is only one big difference in the first issue’s opening scene compared to the opening chapter of the book.

Perhaps the series script writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa felt that a bit of back-story was necessary, showing the origins of the plague that runs rampant throughout The Stand. And if it’s any consolation, Stephen King, the master of horror himself, is both the Creative Director and Executive Director for the series.

The main characters of The Stand are all admirable in their own ways. Stu Redman, the series’ hero, doesn’t say much, only interjecting himself when needed. Readers may notice early on that Redman is the ultimate badass, though. His quiet, yet powerful presence is the only hint one needs to assume a future, epic showdown.

Frannie is another character worth following. An unexpected, life-changing event alters the course of things before the plague hits, perhaps setting things up for the future. It seems that Frannie is good at keeping her composure, able to keep her cool and see things for what they are; she is a straight shooter who just so happens to be a bit confused as well.

And then there is Larry Underwood, the drug-addled rock star struggling with the pressures under the spotlight. Readers may root for Larry as the story develops, since he runs to his mother when no one is left to umbrella his downfall. He tries to weather the storm by himself until he realizes His scene is quite unique. Readers who have read the novel will be amazed by the continuity of his story. The images in the comic are spot on to what would be formed in the mind while reading the original text.

The art and color is fantastic throughout the book. The Mike Perkins-Laura Martin duo does the scary nature of the text justice, making truly horrific scenes nearly jump out, bopping steady noses everywhere. Plague victims are hard to ignore when their puss-filled growths are oozing across the page.

Comic fans have much to look forward to if the first issue of The Stand is any hint of what is to come.

4.5/5 stars

Uncanny X-men #502 Review

Uncanny X-men #502
Uncanny X-men is yet another series, which has had awesome highs and dismal lows.

After the incredible X crossover “Messiah Complex,” Uncanny went through a few rough transitional issues depicting the various adventures of different groups of X-men.

Wolverine, Colossus and Nightcrawler visit Colossus’ native land of Russia while Cyclops and Emma Frost have some trippy adventures in San Francisco, the area the group now calls home.

Now we are finally back to the various X members being together under the new direction of writers Matt Fraction and Ed Brubaker.

Their story features a lot of the X-men facing off against the Hellfire Cult after the Cult beats the hell outta Pixie, the fairy-winged Welshwoman.

The Hellfire Cult is led by a dominatrix looking lady called “Red Queen,” who sends her men out all over the greater California area in search of beating up any and all mutants that cross their path.

In a surprising twist, the identity of the Red Queen is revealed to be a very familiar face for X readers.

There have been many reviews that bash the artwork of Greg Land, I find there to be nothing wrong with the art. The characters look real and are very expressive, the colors are bright and the action looks really cool (namely the scene where the bullets go through Nightcrawler’s bamf smoke).

The only panel that didn’t look very good, was the flashback scene with Emma Frost in front of the classroom full of Hellfire students. It’s illustrated as if it were drawn in 5 minutes on a bar napkin after a raunchy nightcap.

Many critics aren’t happy with the direction Fraction and Brubaker are taking the series but for the casual reader who like to see the various escapades of the X-men, the book is a fun read.

3/5 stars

Walking Dead #52 Review

Walking Dead #52
Robert Kirkman's series "The Walking Dead" has consistently been awesome since its first issue hit comic stores way back in 2003 and #52 is no different.

Some may be put off by the book since the conclusion of its most intense arc in #49. The issue has the main character, Rick's, wife and new born daughter killed by a shotgun blast. It also has most of the people in their camp die by the hands of the Governor's people.

Since that issue, Kirkman has had his leading man and his son, Carl, on their own...until now.

After trying to teach Carl how to drive, Rick goes to scavenge a nearby car for goods and leaves Carl alone in the car (great idea, I know). Sure enough, Carl is attacked by a roamer and enter the awesome reemergence of Michonne, the katana-wielding badass bitch, to save Carl from becoming lunch. After the rescue, Carl jumps into Michonne's arms.

This scene is especially poignant since throughout the series Michonne is portrayed as a loner and kind of crazy. It's nice to see her have some humanity when she tells Carl she's happy to see him.

The rest of the issue goes back to the old "here's what we'll do and here's how we'll do it" style of writing that it seems to always have. It also illustrates how Rick feels he really doesn't have it in him to lead anymore, after they run out of gas in the dark. Upon hearing this, Michonne, who once again shows some humanity, tells Rick "lack of confidence doesn't suit him," and they decide to take shifts being lookout while Carl sleeps.

Without revealing too much (Buzzamus just told me I write too many spoilers), the last panel brings some characters back into the mix.

This issue is great due to the fact the for the last three issues Rick and Carl have been alone, leaving the reader to feel alone with them. Now, Michonne is back and the reader feels relief that the two are no longer alone. It's also feels great to have character interaction that isn't just father and son anymore. The story will be even better after the next issue which teases the introduction of at least three new characters and some old ones.

Here's my one and only problem with "The Walking Dead."

THE ISSUES READ TOO FAST!!!

I wait for a month or more and I read the issue in less than five minutes.

It's like when you go out to eat and wait an hour for the food, then in 15 minutes the food is gone and you're left wanting more. Yeah, it's a lot like that.

This is undoubtedly a good problem to have for Kirkman's book. It shows he knows how to write concisely without a lot of filler, which makes big events seem all the more massive.

Kirkman has had many awful titles like his recent run on "Ultimate X-Men" and "Marvel Zombies 2," but one thing is for sure; time and time again, he lets readers know that he knows how to deliver with "The Walking Dead" and the book we all care so much for is in safe hands.

4.5/5 stars

The Dark Tower: Treachery #1 Review

The Dark Tower: Treachery #1

The Dark Tower series is a unique comic in the sense that it is full of narration and a bit of dialogue to be a fairly lengthy read each issue, but yet, is still mostly driven by its artwork. Full pages act as one large panel and sometimes even a two page panel is present with large drawings layed out to help tell the story. The dialogue and narration lingers in the skyline and around characters.

The first issue in the new limited series, Treachery, picks up with Roland back in Gilead, with his two ka-tet comrades earning the title of gunslinger. The two boys are not respected by their peers, however, as other boys feel that Roland is the real reason behind their success.

As the boys deal with their problems, Roland is still possessed by the grapefruit. Roland’s dad, however is also on a mission as he rides out with several others to deal with oncoming evil.

Overall, the first issue of Treachery is mainly setting the pieces up for the rest of the series, but it does so by still keeping things interesting. It is almost certain that the two new gunslingers will do something in the next few issues to prove to the others that they deserve their newly received title. Just how remains to be seen, as well as just how Roland escapes his infatuation from the grapefruit and just what is in store for Roland’s father. The first issue will definitely hook readers into coming back for more.

Amazing Spider-man #571 Review

Amazing Spider-Man #571
It would appear the "New Ways to Die" arc will only get better as it goes on. Unfortunately, it's only carrying on for a couple more issues so savor it while it lasts.

Or could this be the turning point since this overhaul of the Spider-Man universe?

This book is the best of the four. It has everything the last book promised and a couple new little bits to create more mystery.

Norman Osborn and the goblin-wannabe have an all-out slug fest in some abandoned buildings (in the middle of the city...yeah right), while Spidey still fights off the creature Anti-Venom.

The Osborn/Menace fight did an awesome job of giving Menace some much needed characterization. He argues with Osborn about how he had everything, but gave it all up just so he could "get Spider-Man." Menace then says Osborn "isn't worth his time," which is kind of a dig towards Spider-Man's supposed arch-nemesis. Who couldn't have time for the Green Goblin?

This was the best part of the book but there were some other key parts as well.

Osborn discovers Peter's camera on a building and discovers there is a tracker which locates the frequency of Spidey. This allows for Osborn to locate Spider-Man at any time, which will ultimately lead him to Peter Parker...again (friggin' Brand New Day). At the end of the book we see Bullseye say some cheesy thing about how doesn't need weapons because he's there, which makes me think that's something Colin Farrell would say and that's never good.

The one question I have is...who the heck is that shimmering dude at the hospital? Are we supposed to recognize him or is he another new villain? I guess we'll soon find out.

All I have to say is I hope Slott and Romita Jr. finish this book as strong as it's been these last couple issues. It could be just what ASM needs to get the public back into the number one wall-crawler.

3.5/5 stars

Deadpool #1 Review

Deadpool #1
Well, Deadpool has finally arrived after the series "Cable & Deadpool" was cancelled. Even though that series ended only months ago, it seems like an eternity since the Marvel universe could make their readers laugh (and not like that bad "Brand New Day" kinda way).

So, here we are with a new ongoing Deadpool series and it starts right in with the action.

The Skrulls have invaded a baseball stadium when a stangely costumed mascot comes out to the field ... only to get blown away by a canon. Low and behold, it's the one and only Merc with a Mouth ready to lay bedlam all over the Skrulls.

The interesting thing is when the Skrulls mention "If he was a significant threat, we would know who he is." This leads to the notion that Wilson has no Skrull mimicing him and that could make for a huge cameo in the solemnly serious Secret Invasion books. This would be sweet for us ... Deadies (I'm officially coining the term).

The book ends with a surprise of sorts as Deadpool offers his help to the Skrulls, which for hardcore Deadpool fans, this is no shock as he is a mercenary and has double-crossed in the past numerous times.

The one thing about the book that didn't fly with me is that there is no indication of who his supporting cast. Where's Weasel? Better yet, where's that old bird Blind Al? She was just as crazy as Deadpool. Deadies the world over would like to know something other than Deadpool's fighting the Skrulls in his first issue of the new series.

That being said, the book had a lot of really good qualities. The first being the style in which Daniel Way writes Deadpool.

Way gives Deadpool not only one personality but, from what I can tell, three distinct voices. There seems to be his physical self, his mental self and then another mental voice. This provides for some confusing dialogue but makes Deadpool all the more crazy and real.

Another character trait which has never occurred in a Deadpool series, is now he hallucinates. There is a panel in which all the attacking Skrulls turn to little cute men and start asking Deadpool for his autograph, to which he says, "Ah crap...I'm hallucinating again aren't I?" upon realizing the unlikely hood of this happening. Pretty hilarious stuff and makes Deadpool, once again, crazier then he's ever been.

The art by Paco Medina fits well with a character like Deadpool. It's bright and colorful and doesn't take itself to seriously. It's a lot better than whoever drew "The Deep End" storyline from "Wolverine: Origins." God, I hate that guy almost as much as I hate Howard Chaykin's art.

This new series will be unlike any other Deadpool book whether good or bad. Some may not like the new direction Way takes Deadpool but for us Deadies, it will undoubtedly be another awesome book about the one and only Merc with a Mouth.

4.5/5 stars

Grant Morisson: The King of the DC Universe

Grant Morisson may very well be the most powerful man in comics right now. In one hand, he holds the future of the Batman franchise with his current Batman R.I.P. arc. In the other Hand, Morisson holds the fate of the rest of the DC Universe with his Final Crisis crossover. What makes this is even more interesting is that Morisson is not an editor of any kind. He isn’t a DC big shot making all the calls, but rather a writer and a damn good one at that.

DC is betting all of its chips on Morisson coming through and he has no intention of failing. One thing has become perfectly clear lately and that is Bruce Wayne will soon no longer be Batman. As the story unfolds, things are getting worse in Gotham City. Nightwing is drugged and placed inside of a villain run Arkham Asylum. Alfred is beaten and held hostage by the Club of Villains, but it is Bruce Wayne who is in the worst state. Drugged and left on the streets, no memory of who he really is, he has reinvented himself as a Batman from an alternate reality.

The Batman from Zur-en-arrh may seem like a bad sci-fi twist to new readers, but for those who have followed Batman from Morisson’s first issue will know that every piece of the plot has been perfectly layed out, waiting for the completion to reveal the whole picture. Readers have watched and learned that Wayne has taken every precaution and thought up of every scenario to make sure he never fails. He has studied the minds of psychopaths and participated in an isolation chamber experiment, where he nearly lost his mind for good. Morisson has envisioned Wayne as a disciplined crime fighter obsessed of always being one step ahead of the evil in Gotham.

While it is hard to tell just who the mysterious Black Glove is orchestrating all the events leading to Batman’s demise, or just what the newly re-created Joker’s true role will be, one thing is certain: Batman R.I.P. will change everything readers know about Batman. With just a few issues to go until the conclusion, Morisson has reader’s counting the days, until the conclusion comes and they will have to ask themselves whether or not they can live with such a drastic change to one of comic’s most celebrated characters.

Secret Invasion #6 Review

Secret Invasion #6
Secret Invasion has been a hit and miss series. Sometimes the reader has no idea what the hell is going on unless he/she/it reads the various Avengers books and the special tie-in's. Other times the book is awesome and really feels like the way a cross-over was meant to be.

This issue definately falls in the latter category.

The book begins with a strange scene for us core-book readers. It shows Captain Marvel dying in the arms of Marvel Boy. Captain Marvel reveals himself to be a skrull while telling Marvel Boy that the skrull people have it all wrong; they have no sense of honor and so forth. Captain Marvel also says something to the effect that Marvel Boy "is the reason for everything."

In the previous chapters of the book, the story-telling seemed to jump around from super team to super team with seemingly no cohesiveness. This is the first issue which seems to flow as far as telling multiple storylines and in climaxes in a huge and epic way, just the way I hoped it would.

The final pages show the ultimate showdown; the skrull army, lead by Spider-Woman, and the heroes of earth, ready to fight for their freedom.

As the cover depicts we finally get the godlike introduction of the real Thor, which was teased back in issue four. Cap is back as well as Tony Stark since cleaning the virus out of his armor.

The issue has two singulary awesome parts.

1) Thor speaks with the new Cap (Bucky) and asks who he is.
What makes this scene stick out is how Bendis actually (gasp) sticks to continuity. It's a nice payoff for those who have been reading Cap.

2) When Nick Fury says "My God has a Hammer"
This is just so cheesy, it's friggin' sweet.

The art for the issue also seems to pick up especially with the two full spreads which Yu pencils.

Finally, after months, the book gains some much needed momentum. Hopefully, the momentum keeps up through its surely mythic ending.

4.5/5 stars

"Gears of War" brings the battle to comics

Lets talk video games for a moment as a nice break from the daily grind of the rat race that is comic book blogging.

Well, it's not really a break since we're still previewing a comic but at least we finally don't have to talk about Spider-man, Batman, Ant-Man and all the other "Man"'s (yes, Wonder Woman is a man) in the comic-verse.

On October 8, gear-heads can wet their palettes for the locust-style mayhem and carnage with a new on-going series from DC/Wildstorm based upon the hugely popular game, "Gears of War."

The series is said to connect the events of the first installment with the beginning of the sequel, the cleverly titled "Gears of War 2," which is set for an early November release.

"Gears of War" will follow ultimate badass Marcus Fenix and his team of ragtag soldiers who make the Delta squad as they fight their way through the locust horde trying to stop the destruction of earth.

Sounds sweet, I know, but will the series be as good as the game?

"Halo" was made into a 4-part miniseries last year with writer extraordinaire Brian Michael Bendis at the helm. You could almost hear the cash rolling in, it seemed like such a sure-fire success.

Yet, we still await the release of the ever-elusive concluding chapter after mediocre sales, at best.

Who knows though? With "Gears of War" being written by actual game writer, Joshua Ortega, who's worked previously on titles such as "Death Dealer" and artist Liam Sharp weilding the pencils, it would seem that this new series could just stand a chance.

The first arc, which comprises of six issues, will be the deciding factor, but "Gears of War" seems to be on the right track to be a killer book. Only time will tell.

Amazing Spider-man #570 Review

Amazing Spider-Man #570
After almost a year of hit and miss stories, ASM actually pumps out a somewhat decent story with the newest "New Ways to Die" arc. This is no doubt due to the excellent writing of Dan Slott and the always stellar work of John Romita Jr.

The story follows the epic fight between the two Venoms, as Spidey attempts to find a way to take care of both of them, all the while trying to save Aunt May at the homeless shelter.

Issue #570 is the third chapter in the arc and a blending together of various story elements. Aside from the Venom/Anti-Venom conflict, Dan Slott revisits the old character Menace who any real comic fan thinks is really dumb and a complete goblin rip-off.

Hopefully, as the last panel of this issue indicates, we'll see some sort of explanation as to why Menace looks a lot like a Goblin.

We also see Aunt May begin to suspect the dark motives of the apparent villain Mr. Li aka Mr. Negative, as he reveals to have a panic room inside, of all places, a homeless shelter.

Hopefully, we'll begin to see a fleshing-out of these villains, as the beginning of "Brand New Day" brought these baddies to light and since then they've done literally nothing with them. These characters have some interesting traits but lack much of what is necessary to create cool, mainstream villains.

I want to like ASM, but this method of writing Spidey is proving not to be the right way after nearly a year of production. This latest arc is the right step in where Marvel needs to take ASM though.

3/5 stars

Invincible Iron Man #5 Review

Invincible Iron Man #5
The fifth installment to the newly relaunched Invincible Iron Man series is the best of the bunch, namely because we see Tony Stark get his ass kicked by Ezekiel Stane, son of Obadiah from the Iron Man movie.

The issue starts with a well thought out explanation of the empire that is Stark Industries, as four tour groups simultaneously visit the four biggest Stark Industries plants in the world, which also happen to be the targets for Stane's terror.

The Vallencia factory is the first casualty to the plan, causing fifty-eight civilian deaths by suicide bomber.

Meanwhile, Tony is looking for Stane at an undisclosed location and, as previously mentioned, gets his metal butt handed to him by the aforementioned Stane.

The issue ends with a cliffhanger.

Tony Stark is dead!!!

Haven't heard that one before.

The story for this first arc is quality work from writer Matt Fraction, but come on, the old "hero is dead" story again, only to discover that he actually isn't and who we thought was dead, was really a clone, robot, skrull, (insert stupid plot device here). Still, the story keeps me interested and is one of the fastest reads each month.

The art for this issue was good as Larroca does a good job of illustrating the hurt that Tony gets from Stane especially when he gets a repulsor ray to the face.

The series, which launched around the time of the superbly-awesome Iron Man movie, is a legitimate offshoot of the film as Stane wants to kill Stark for killing his father.

It truly is a great jumping-on point for those, like myself, who don't really know anything about Iron Man and all his troubles.

I'm stoked to see how it plays out

4/5 stars

Fringe #1 Review

Fringe #1
The thought of buying a comic tied into an overly hyped TV series that hasn't even premiered yet seems destined to suck. With only six issues to prove otherwise, Fringe has its work cut out for it, but the first issue does a good job of showing it isn't a book trying to cash in on J.J. Abrams' name. Joss Whedon's little brother, Zack, follows in his footsteps and creates a story that manages to keep readers curious at the least.

The characters aren't developed and there is still a lot to be desired, but the first story out of the two in this first issue of Fringe introduces readers to Walter Bishop, a young genius who has recently become a college profesor and in his downtime likes to explore mad scientist type experiments. Bishop manages to come off as more of a grumpy phenom than someone who wants to blow up the world, though.

The second story happens to be the shorter and the most interesting of the two. It is interesting, though, because it also happens to be its short length that keeps the story from being better than it is, as it is easy to be confused as to what is going on. The story deals with a nice science fiction element of having people's minds switch places. In this case, a prison inmate and a man who just proposed to his girlfriend. What the man did to get in prison is just one of the many questions the story leaves open. Sadly, those questions look to remain unanswered, as the second story lacks a "to be continued" banner at the end.

It is too early to tell if Fringe is another terrible tie in, or if it actually has merit, but its throwback science fiction elements have managed to make the first issue interesting enough to make the second issue worth a look.

3.5/5 stars

Witchblade #120 Review

Witchblade #120
Sara Pezzini has come a long way during her 120 issue lifetime and with no real end in sight, Ron Marz continues to pump out good stories though lately they have been a little lack-luster.

This issue focuses on Daniel Baptiste, who shares the Witchblade with Sara, as she lashes out at a nameless club guy who hits on her a little too hard. Sara comes in to help her out and the two spend the rest of the night talking.

This is definately an issue for the lady readers. The two talk about their trouble with men and how the good ones want to be with them but they want the bad boys. It doesn't make for a very interesting read except when Sara does her badass cop thing with the punk clubber.

I found myself wondering how a dude like Ron Marz feels about writing girly stories. He does do a good job of catering to the female audience as Witchblade is the only comic book I buy that my fiance will read. (A girl reading a comic? I know, I know ... she's awesome. Why do you think I asked her to marry me?)

I just can't wait for when Marz writes a totally kick-ass story with lots of um ... violence and stuff.

The issue's big fault is that Sara and Danielle do things which aren't explained. The two end their talk up on a bridge. How the hell did they get up there? On the next page it's revealed that the Witchblade allows the weilder to FLY?! I haven't been reading Witchblade since the beginning but I'm pretty sure she never flew ... with fairy wings no less.

It looks cool but it was a big thing that I felt deserved a bigger unveiling or at least an explanation.

The art however was, as always, stellar. Sejic has a knack for drawing chicks and making them look especially hot and not in the stupid, cartoony, FFF's-cups and toothpick waist kind of way.

The issue's ending is kind of strange as well. Dani is dancing then cut to a Rabbi writing Hebrew and getting killed. I'm not really into killing Jews but I'm really not liking all these stories which aren't connected.

We had the awesome story of David Iron's and him taking the Witchblade from Dani, then we get a Aphrodite appearance and no continuation of that story. (I'll assume Marz has plans for the future, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, but definately could've used more Aphrodite.) Now we have a girls night out and I'm not really impressed. It's good for characterization but lets see some story arc's or something.

Speaking of story arc's, how does this issue tie in with the whole Broken Trinity thing? Even though BT hasn't had a second issue in nearly two months, I still really have no idea how they relate, if at all.

This issue wasn't bad but it wasn't good either so it gets an ok rating

2.5/5 stars

DEADPOOL'S BACK BABY!!!

Remember how "Wolverine: Origins" had sucked for about twenty issues straight?

Remember how it didn't become good until the one and only Merc with a Mouth, Deadpool showed up?

Well, he worked out so well Marvel gave Deadpool his newest ongoing series.

Thank God!

The new look of Deadpool.

Hmmm...sure could use a chimichanga.

Deadpool is such a breath of fresh air within the comic character community. He is as famous for breaking the fourth wall as he is for just being plain 'ole crazy and I couldn't ask for more.

I was one of those guys who liked Spiderman because he had a sense of humor and always made funny little quips in the heat of battle.

Then I discovered Deadpool.

He's like Spiderman in that he makes funny little quips in the heat of battle, but unlike Spidey who cracks jokes in order to hide his total, overwhelming sissiness (is that a word?), Deadpool's just nuts and doesn't care. He'll just keep yappin' away until you kill him.

Am I excited? In a word...HELL'S YEAH!!! (ok...that's two words but I'm really excited)

I have no idea...but it's gonna be friggin' awesome

He finally ditched Cable, who's book sucks by the way (The baby story was the best part of Messiah Complex and they totally screwed it up) and now he's back to doin' what he does best...Merc'n.

Oh yeah...Praise be to Bea. If you get that then you are instantly my bestest BFF friend.

If you wanna read more check out IGN's interview with the new Deadpool scribe, Daniel Way click here


Peace