Doc's Comic Blog

2010-02-23T15:16:00.003-06:00

The doctor has moved to Florida.

Doc's down with "The Boy's"

2009-08-30T22:31:00.004-05:00

The Boys: A New Review of an Old Classic
So, after reading the hilariously outrageous miniseries called "Herogasm" by Garth Ennis, I decided to do something I never really do buy the first trade of the regular series "The Boys." All I have to say is...Wow, what a dirty little treat.

The premise of the book is surprisingly simple yet somehow never thought of before in the comic world. The world's superhero's turn out to be not so super. They kill civilians without a passing glance, demand humiliating things from their up-and-coming potential teammates and in the case of the "Teen Kix" aka Teen Titans, they have all out orgies to satisfy their teenage needs. They're the bad guys of the series it seems and it's great!

This is where the boys come in. The head of the team, Butcher, is a tough talkin' Englishman who likes to throw around some nice bloody English lingo which can be hard to understand. Next is the Mother's Milk, a straight man who keeps Butcher in line. The newest entry is the Simon Pegg inspired Wee Hughie. He's asked to join the team after the love of his life is literally torn from his arms by superhero A-Train thus fueling his need for revenge against the supes. Fourth is appropriately named "The Female" as she is the only girl of the group. A quiet little thing who so far is a walking killing machine without so much as saying a word. The fifth and final member of this superhero swat team is The Frenchman. He's French. Go figure. But he also is one of the more interesting characters as he goes from apparent scholar to crazed lunatic without so much as an awkard glance.

The objective of the CIA-backed team is to keep the sick and depraved supes in line and from time to time, exterminate the all out crazy ones. Simple enough. That's about as much as I know at this time.

However, what I also know is the series is so dark and gritty that it almost seems plausible that superheroes would actually act this way. Why wouldn't they? Who's gonna stop 'em? Nobody. Enter The Boys and enter some all out name-takin', ass-kickin', French-talkin' madness that's insanely cool to read.

Stay tuned for a medical look at Volume 2 here at Doc's Comic Blog!

4.5/5 stars

Ever want to see Superman go completely berserk?

2009-07-01T19:55:00.006-05:00

Irredeemable #4

WELL NOW YOU CAN!

Though it's not the DC wonder boy, it is a very similar character called "The Plutonian," who one day decides to go ape-$%$@ and kill millions of nice civilians and fellow heroes.

We're four issues into the story and we still have no real idea what has caused this utter 180 from the nice lovable superhero to this crazy genocidal maniac, aside from a failed love interest, that is. This could be a bad thing but the story and art make the tale one of the more interesting books on the shelves.

We've all wondered what it would be like to see Superman become a violent lunatic and this book shows it in all it's sick awesomeness. We see The Plutonian completely wipe the island nation of Singapore completely off the map all because they offered to make him their king in this issue. What it really appears to be however, is he destroyed their land because the elected official reminded him of the good he used to do for the world.

If I had to put money on it, I say he's gone bonkers because a life a selflessness is not a real life. So, being a man of extremes, he goes to the other side of the spectrum and becomes completely selfish, killing millions.

Just my opinion, but what do I know?

Anyway, can't wait to see where this goes.

Is it bad I hope he can't be stopped? I didn't think so!!!

4.5/5 stars

Tony Stark's not the brightest...

2009-07-01T19:35:00.004-05:00

Invincible Iron Man #15

...meaning he's willingly deleting his memories in order to save invaluable data from a certain Goblin who like to wear socks on his head. So, since the beginning of the "World's Most Wanted" storyline which started as a direct link to the end of Secret Invasion way back when, Stark's been slowly making himself more and more dumb to save the world and shows no signs of letting up.

Really not the best idea for the "world's smartest man" to make himself stupid. What happens if Dr. Doom pulls a fast one on the FF or Loki pulls the Asgardian wool over Thor's winged head? Tony Stark would normally help out but now he's gonna be drooling in his alphabet soup trying to say the word "AWHLCLA."

Frankly, I feel like this is starting to drag on. If a story takes more than 8 parts to tell, it should either be completely epic storytelling or just an ongoing thing like "Walking Dead." All the reader sees is Stark become thicker and thicker and Pepper Potts coping with being the new hero Rescue.

Oh, and there's some sort of story involving Maria Hill and Black Widow, which I confess I've pulled a Tony Stark and have no idea what is going on. Apparently, Hill wants to give something Stark gave her to Captain America and Black Widow is going to help her do it.

I have no doubt however, that Matt Fraction is completely capable of bringing all this together, I just really want it to come soon and get going on the next story.

ENOUGH OF DUMB IRON MAN ALREADY!

Let's wrap it up.

3.5/5 stars

Asgard officially becomes roomies with Dr. Doom

2009-06-26T21:59:00.003-05:00

Thor #602

Just got done reading the latest ish of Thor and the book is one of the most solid comics out there today. Too bad it's not on a very good shipping schedule (I had to read the last issue to remember what's happening) but at least I know JMS is putting top-notch work into his run on the God of Thunder.

Storywise, there's not a lot of new stuff is going on, with the exception of the reintroduction of Lady Sif after more than...what's this like issue 14 in the run? I never remember since Marvel did the whole "let's relaunch this back to the old numbers so we have an anniversary to sell to the kids!" (which is total BS).

Anyway, Sif is back with Thor and things are good, except for the whole Thors kicked outta Asgard for killing Odin's father and he now has his powers attached to Mjolnir so if it's destroyed, he will be too thing. Plus, Asgard is now in Latveria which is quite possibly the dumbest move ever by any God. What kinda good guy wants to live in the home turf of Dr. Doom? Pretty much, things aren't lookin' so good for the norse gods.

There are however, so good things. I really enjoy reading about the hick boyfriend of Kelda. I don't know what it is but it's nice to have a human presence with all the gods and goddesses. At first...didn't really care for him but slowly I'm becoming more attached to the redneck.

The issue's really good for some characterization but lacks in propelling the plot forward very far.

Oh, and JMS writes Loki to be such an P.O.S. It's Awesome!!!

4.5/5

Can't we all just get along

2009-06-25T19:55:00.003-05:00

Dark Avengers/Uncanny X-Men #1

So, the whole X storyline of unequal rights and prejudice have been played out pretty often. That doesn't mean that the stories are any less emotional when done correctly.

Essentially, this story's about the X-Men in San Fransico being confronted by A-Hole, Simon Trask and his followers. Trask heats things up with some panic-inducing dialogue to drive his people into fearing for their lives and causing riots all over the greater San-Fran area. Enter Norman Osbourn and his Dark Avengers to keep the peace in the land.

There are some twists and turns in this single issue involving Emma Frost and a former leader of the X-Men that add some cool peaks to the storyline. However, the coolest thing about it was how they use the Dark Avengers and seeing how their different from the actual good guys. I've not read the Dark Avengers but this issue almost forces me to get into the series.

All the Dark Avengers are interesting in their own ways particularly Bullseye and Ares. As someone who doesn't know much about the characters it's really interesting that Ares appears to actually be the God of War. I wonder what a meeting between him and Thor would be like.

Epic, I'm sure.

I've always thought Bullseye was a pretty big B.A. but when you've got him as a "good guy" who wants to kill but can't, it's really intense reading. After not killing some rioters, Bullseye says to the cops "I don't know how you guys do it because not killin' em sucks."

Pretty gruesome right.

I can't wait to see where the story leads, hopefully somewhere with some kind of definite ending but that's unlikely. Be here for the review of part 2 in the story which takes place in Uncanny #513.

4/5 stars

Sorry...

2009-06-25T00:37:00.004-05:00

I wanted to have some reviews up today but my friends Jeff and Berto decided to hang out today so check back in tomorrow. Just so you're aware I picked up the new Uncanny, ASM, Thor and the conclusion to "Messiah War" in X-Force, so check it out!!

Here's an update...almost 6 months late!

2009-06-23T22:33:00.005-05:00

I won't start by saying this is a new beginning and that I'll post regularly again. I will say however that I miss writing Doc's Comic Blog like a man misses talking about sports with his buddies. Instead of sports, I deal in comics and instead of buddies, I have all the world to preach to...ideally (and a select few friends who read this awesome albeit excessively-late blog). To those readers I would like to say that I'm doin' alright and miss you all. To all those who happen to haphazardly browsing blogs and read this I say "Welcome!"

Welcome to a blog in which the reviews match the source material. If the book sucks, we'll say it sucks. If it's amazing, we'll unabashedly say so. There are no politics that one might find on other web logs.

Some may be offended by the sometimes coarse language but as a journalism major, first amendment rights are very important to me as well as the other authors on the site. Occasionly, there are books that just can't be reviewed without a giant "This is @$#!^in' TERRIBLE" or is so good that "Holy #%@$" is the only justifiable context one can put it in. We try to avoid this but sometimes it's unavoidable.

Comics aren't for everyone but for those of us who enjoy them, we know how pivotal they are in our lives. It's not because we never grew up, it's because part of us really doesn't want to and that alone keeps us feeling young. Look at Stan Lee, the man's ancient but still kickin'.

So, after nearly 6 months in the waiting and countless hours of revisions...(yeah right), without further ado, lets have a review!!! (applause)

Herogasm #1 & 2

Before we get into this, let's just skip the part where I'm a sicko for buying this. All I know is that after reading this review you'll be somewhat intrigued by the story and (ahem) other things going on in the book. Now that the disclaimer is out of the way...this book was so AWESOMELY BAD that words are scarce! The title alone pretty much gives everything away.

Written by Garth Ennis, who is notorious for pushing the envelope with his heroes in the source book "The Boys" and drawn by the same artist, the book is jaw-dropping for something that can be sold next to "Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man," the kiddiest kid book around. The language and scenarios are just about the most explicit stuff I've ever read but the story is becoming more interesting as the issues progress.

Never having read "The Boys," I had no idea what to expect or who the characters are or what they do in the comic but it's easy to figure it out. They regulate the actions of "supes" if they ever get outta hand. However, they take a back seat to the event known as "Herogasm." Apparently, when there are these big events like Secret Invasion and Civil War, our beloved heroes actually go to a secluded island where debauchery is the order of the day. Let's just say there's a two page spread where the pages aren't the only thing being spread. Yeah...it's that bad...and worse! If you can see past the gratuitous...everything, there's a genuine story developing, involving the vice president becoming president through a coup d'etat of sorts.

Like I said, I've never read the book but the story is developing rapidly, though it's difficult to see the final destination. One things for sure, the book can go two ways. A)It'll be amazing or B) It'll be the biggest waste of money and was made singularly for the shocking first issue and fizzle out. I can't really see it falling in between the two extremes.

That being said, I feel that with "The Boys" being as successful as it is, this book will manage to satisfy and turn some people on...to the source book.

What did you think I was gonna say?

Perv...

3.5/5 stars

Bob's back...Yayyy!!!

2009-01-17T10:01:00.008-06:00

Deadpool #6 Review

Once again it's been hard to review some stuff so pardon the two issue gap in reviews. Let's just say there's zombies and the issues almost seem like filler.
This issue has a much different, more relevant feeling as DP fights with Tiger Shark throughout most of the issue. The best parts of the issue, however, have nothing to do with the brawl.

The first series panels show another one of Deadpool's hallucinations/dreams/nightmares as a bunch of celebrities interview him about his battle with the unseen fight with Tiger Shark. Then it's revealed that he's washed up on the beach with a kid jabbing a stick in his eye. Pretty funny stuff.

Later, the best part of the issue comes to light. Bob from Hydra is back and dorkier than ever.
Deadpool tells Bob to throw him a gun only he forgets that Bob throws like a five-year-old girl and proceeds to throw the gun right into the Tiger Shark infested waters. Priceless.
There really isn't anything wrong with Daniel Way's version of Deadpool. He's crazier than ever and it's awesome.

Paco Medina comes back to fulfill his duties as artist and his work is just as colorful as always. A perfect fit for the cooky-crazy writing style of Way.

One problem though. Why does the cover suck? Let's get Paco on the covers and avoid this whole problem to begin with. The cover just doesn't deliver that sense of cartoony fun which fills its pages.

That's all for this visit to your favorite neighborhood Doc. Take two and call me in the morning.

4.5/5 stars

Catching up with Anita Blake

2009-01-17T09:48:00.008-06:00

When I last reviewed Anita Blake: The Laughing Corpse, the first issue had just hit the streets. Now, the fourth just came out. I know, I’m a little backed up just like Kramer after he held it in for too long. Yeah, that was a kinda gross. Sorry.

Anyywayy…Anita has had a whole lot of preternatural and natural problems since then. When we last left Blake, a man named Harold Gaynor wanted her to raise a 283 year-old zombie which, as we found out, requires a “white goat” a.k.a. a human sacrifice. Blake says no way and finds herself another enemy. Then she’s called in to the scene of a murder where an entire family was killed. Anita’s on the case but really hates that she has to be.

Issue 2: Blake rules out all but the possibility of some sort of flesh-eating zombie as the culprit. So, she goes to the only person powerful enough to do such a thing, the voodoo priestess, Dominga Salvador. To make matters worse, Anita discovers that her mentor, Manny Rodriguez, was a devote follower of Salvador’s in his early days. It’s at the priestess’s home where discover the most disturbing truth of all – Salvador has uncovered the method of raising a zombie and preventing it from decomposing – the soul must be trapped in the body after death.

Issue 3: The voodoo priestess has agreed to ask around for any information about the brutal killings as well as revealing that her non-rotting zombies are to be sold to the highest bidder. The priestess also drops the bomb that Manny has “slew the white goat” more than once. That’s pretty messed up right there. Blake than heads off to the funeral of her friend Peter Burke, there she meets his brother, John Burke, the most powerful animator in New Orleans (Blake lives in St. Louis) and another suspect is exposed. After the meeting, Anita receives that the boy who was missing from the family slaying was found and they weren’t any closer to any definite leads.

Finally, that brings us to issue 4. Anita spends the first half of the issue talking with the reporter (YES!), Irving Griswold, who also happens to be a werewolf. The two exchange information as it is the currency used these days. Anita wants info on Gaynor and he wants an interview with the newly appointed head vampire, Jean-Claude. Later, when the two meet up for the exchange at Dead Dave’s, Anita hears the head vamp is looking for her – another problem for Anita with no help in sight.

As the two head into the crowded street, Jean-Claude makes his first appearance in “The Laughing Corpse.” He tells Anita she is his human servant and must begin acting like one. Obviously, this doesn’t go over well with the vampire executioner and she says “No.”

After the exchange, Irving is granted his interview (after repeated attempts) with St. Louis’s head vampire. Anita’s concerned though she doesn’t know why since Irving can turn into a blood-thirsty man-wolf at anytime. So, Anita makes her way to the cemetery where detective Dolph Storr is waiting for her along with two flame-throwing exterminators.

Let’s just say the nice visit to the graveyard didn’t end so well for Blake.

Now that we’re all caught up lets discuss the biggest problem with the series which occurs in this last issue. The previous issues were well-paced and thought-out, then issue four hits stands and everything becomes one rushed mess.

Why does Jean-Claude all of a sudden get thrown in when he isn’t even mentioned in the previous issues?

It completely throws off the pacing of the story. Who knows, maybe it’ll work. What do I know? I’m just a lowly comic nerd. I understand that it’s difficult to fit everything from a novel into a 10-12 issue run but that’s the beauty of it. The reader literally gets a graphic novel. That’s pretty much my biggest gripe with the series thus far. Otherwise, the story is thoroughly enjoyable and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

4.5/5 stars

Back by popular demand...of 0!

2009-01-15T08:25:00.006-06:00

Okay, so it's been a long time since I last posted. Life's been a little hectic with the holidays and graduation (thanks for the post Rich) and finding the ever-elusive job in the field of journalism, but hopefully with this newly acquired free time I have, I can go back to blogging in some kind of regular fashion.
It also doesn't help that with no job, there's no money for comics so readers may notice a drastic cut back in reviews.
Ideally, I'll turn lemons into lemonade and write some more feature-y stories. I'm thinkin' of talking to the guy who owns the three comic stores around my hometown of Orland Park, IL and try to do a fake story that won't print anywhere but will become lost in the ocean of chaos that is blog fodder.
Anyway, I only buy the good stuff now so check back soon for more posts. There'll probably be an Anita Blake catch-up and review later today. Later this week: Deadpool, Witchblade and thoughts on the Secret Invasion conclusion.
Later.

Congratulations to the Doctor and the Surgeon

2008-12-19T18:45:00.005-06:00

Those in the know, know that the Doctor (Dr. Hodge) and the Surgeon (Dr. Buzz) have finally graduated from Western Illinois. Congrats to both for surviving the ordeal. Best wishes on your future endeavors and keep posting to the Doc's Comic Blog when you have the chance.—RM

Gigantic is Mixed Bag

2008-11-21T12:46:00.005-06:00

I really wanted to like Gigantic, a new offering from Dark Horse Comics created by writer Rick Remender (Fear Agent, End League) and artist Eric Nguyen (Strange Girl) and maybe I will eventually, but the first issue didn't grab me. The premise is similar to the film, "The Truman Show," but with a giant, Japanese-movie-style robot guy and Godzilla-like bad guys tossed in. Many aspects of Remender's script work well, particularly the stuff about Aliens creating the earth as an enormous reality TV show and the realistic dialogue between the two main Earth characters in the beginning. Additionally, the art is fine, albeit a bit sketchy in places. But the result is less a marriage of diverse influences in which the whole becomes greater than the parts, and more a hodge-podge of discordant elements that don't quite mesh. I think I'll check out issue two before passing judgment on the series but right now I'm on the fence.—RFM
2/5 for now

Loeb really f*#ks things up

2008-11-03T20:42:00.003-06:00

Hulk #7 Review
DOC SMASH!!!!

What the hell is this book about now?

Bruce Banner is the Hulk again in addition to Rulk?

There are two different stories in one issue which seem to have no connection to each other. I mean Banner-Hilk is in Vegas and fights WENDIGOS?! Serioulsy, c'mon.

Rulk fights a bunch of minor female characters and the girls think they can take him?

The only thing good about this book was the art of Ed McGuiness but fortunately for him, he knows a bad thing when he sees it and bailed.

I think I'll give until the end of this arc to get good than it'll probably be over between me and the stupid green/red/purple/orange/lavender hulks.

2/5 stars

Bucky kicks in a new era of Cap

2008-11-03T20:24:00.003-06:00

Captain America #43 Review
It's hard to see where Brubaker is going to take his awesomely awesome series now that the Red Skull is dead and Bucky is now Captain America. This issue marks the beginning of a 3-part arc which seems almost pointless when compared to the 40+ arc readers just went through, but if there's one thing about Brubaker's story is that seeds are sown long before they are harvested.

The biggest change is the introduction of artist Luke Ross who replaces the loss of Steve Epting this issue. Ross' style is similar to Eptings in that the colors are muddled and always seem to have a blueish hue to them. That being said, it's also the problem with his art. When someone takes the helm of something big, it's best to add your own style to whatever you're presenting. That just isn't evident in this issue. It's like editor said "Find me someone who can most closely draw like Epting G#dd#mn$t!"

It'll be interesting to see where the series goes now that the biggest event in comics is over. I wonder how long Brubaker can keep it up.

4/5 stars

"No Hero" #2 Continues Ellis' Rollercoaster Ride

2008-11-03T18:29:00.004-06:00

A short shot: Warren Ellis' "No Hero" #2 hit the stands this past week and it continues the same high octane adventure ride only hinted at in the previous two issues (#0 and #1). Ellis' latest take on the super-hero genre shows there are still ways to craft a super-human tale in a fresh, new direction. Good stuff that is done well. Can't wait for issue #3.—RFM

4/5 stars

The good, the bad and the Watcher

2008-10-23T01:09:00.004-05:00

Secret Invasion #7 Review
SI has been getting better and better and this issue keeps the momentum going, though it still has some strange parts (I didn't really get why the Watcher was there and didn't do anything).

The plot of the issue is pretty straight forward...it's a giant battle sequence between the Skrulls and the heroes. There are really awesome parts and some parts that I really don't understand. Let's delve further into each of the positives and negatives of the issue...shall we?

Awesome:
Bullseye taking out a bunch of Skrulls.

Bad:
At times there's weird choppy dialogue and the art doesn't match what's being said in the story.

Awesome:
Hawkeye kicking ass in an epic way. just Super cool.

Bad:
What the hell happened at the end? Wasp becomes Giant Woman and all the heroes are down and out. There was a flashback that was supposed to do some explaining but I don't follow.

That's what I call a bite-sized review. You got the good, the bad and the ugly. Next issue will make or break the series. So, we'll just have to wait and see if our money paid off.

4/5 stars

Gwen's back!!!...kinda

2008-10-22T23:58:00.003-05:00

Ultimate Spider-Man #127 Review
So, the last issue of USM had Spidey fighting off Venom and for a short time repossessed by the symbiote until the Ultimates show up and trap the symbiote for good. In this issue, Eddie Brock finds Peter at school and threatens to reveal the secret indentity of Spider-Man if Peter doesn't get it back. Before all this though, the Triskillion is attacked and Carnage/Gwen Stacy escapes.

The entire issue is almost completely dedicated to Peter doing research on Roxxon and Trask Corporations and thinking to himself. Normally in comics this isn't a good thing, but Bendis is able to do just that and make the story interesting.

One interesting thread introduced in the story is Ben Urich spying on Peter's research. This could lead to some great interaction between Peter and Urich (as a reporter of sorts, I always enjoy reading about Urich).

The issue ends how we all knew it would...Peter comes home and Carnie-Gwen is waiting for him. Who didn't see that one coming?

But here's what I'm thinkin'. Brock wants the symbiote back, right? Peter can't get it back since it's heavily protected plus why the heck would he? Gwen was the coolest character in the book until she died very suddenly and...well...stupidly. So...BAM...Brock gets the symbiote from Gwen and we get a clone of Gwen and life goes back to semi-normal...YEAH! I really want that to happen since I'm a big Gwen Stacy lover, but it really can't since that would just be stupid (it is comics though).

I guess we'll just have to see. So, until then USM #127 gets

4/5 stars

Serenity: Better Days Graphic Novel is Solid Read

2008-10-21T16:54:00.002-05:00

Fans of the TV show “Firefly,” which prematurely bit the dust a few years ago, are no doubt aware that show creator Joss Whedon has migrated the story of the crew of the spaceship Serenity to another medium—comic books.

To date, Dark Horse Comics has published a handful of mini-series featuring the continued adventures of the characters in this entertaining, quasi-futuristic space opera/western. The most recent three-issue, mini-series, “Serenity: Better Days,” was recently collected and released as a graphic novel.

With script by Whedon and Brett Matthews and art by Will Conrad, Better Days nicely captures the camaraderie and fun of the original series (as well as a subsequent movie entitled “Serenity”). Conrad’s art is solid and he does a competent job of depicting the main characters as well as the action. While the faces sometimes aren’t exactly photo-realistic, Conrad does a good job of conveying the proper emotions.

The story isn’t knock-your-socks-off brilliant, partly because not much actually happens, but Whedon and Matthews clearly like these characters and have fun. This would have made a fine, middle-quality episode of the “Firefly” series. As with all Dark Horse collections, the print quality is excellent and the pricing is affordable at $9.95.—RFM

3.5/5

'Origins' Not so Ultimate

2008-10-20T23:22:00.009-05:00

Ultimate Origins - The Complete Series Review
Doc's Note: Instead of reviewing all five issues of Origins, we've decided to do a general review of the entire series. So here ya go.
Brian Michael Bendis can really do no wrong in the comic universe. He's a living legend. That being said, the series "Ultimate Origins," the lead in to the Ultimatum story line, was a pretty big let down.

We are able to see some of the secrets behind the biggest events in Marvel comics but there still isn't enough punch in the limited series to deliver a decent ending. It's hard to write a review of the story without giving away a lot of spoilers but the main thing you need to take away is that a certain green guy had a more profound impact on a certain wall crawlers life than we previously thought...in the Ultimate universe, of course. Oh, and apparently the Silver Surfer is some kid. That's pretty much all Bendis' giving up at the present time.

Are the issues worth getting into? If you like the mythos and sometimes entertaining little stories on how things tie together, than "Ultimate Origins" is the series for you. But if you're just looking for something to gear you up for Ultimatum, than just pick up the free "March on Ultimatum Saga" which gives a lot of back story on things that have happened since the Ultimate universe began nearly a decade ago.

3.5/5 stars

The Spirit of Vengeance...isn't the only one?

2008-10-20T23:00:00.004-05:00

Ghost Rider #28 Review
Ole Flamehead has been getting a lot of publicity since Scalped writer Jason Aaron took the helm of the series and it's understandable. I've been reading this volume of Ghost Rider since its mid-teens and man...it was pretty god awful. Now, there's actually stories I want to read about since they seem to be going somewhere. This issue in particular answers some questions that may have been on the mind of any G.R. fan.

Have you ever wondered why the Spirit of Vengeance is only in the USA? Well Aaron answers that by depicting a Tibetan ghost rider by the name of Khrag 'Thung. Unfortunately, this version of the Ghost Rider meets his demise a few panels later at the hands of Danny Ketch, which leads to the main conflict of the issue...Blaze Vs. Ketch.

The two duke it out for a bit until we discover that Ketch has his own Ghost Rider and, undoubtedly, flaming skulls will ensue in the following issues.

There are a couple of little things about issue #28, the first being why is there a blue Ghost Rider when in the comic there is no visual of blue flames? I was really looking forward to some cool blue and red, complimentary color combos but none were to be seen. What gives? The second thing is a much bigger problem. It's cool Marvel decided to add a history of Ghost Rider to the back of the issue but it really sucks they added a dollar onto the price tag too. We could've went without the history but since the reader has no choice, we have to pay the price for the content we didn't even want.

Ghost Rider is finally getting good and I can't wait to see where it goes next.

4/5 stars

Pixie rejoins the 'Uncanny X-Men'

2008-10-20T00:27:00.004-05:00

Uncanny X-Men #503 Review
Last issue of Uncanny introduced the Red Queen, who apparently is supposed to be a dark Emma Frost or something. This issue has almost nothing to do with that...and that makes me very angry.

We see Cyclops down in the Hellfire Cult's sex basement where the Queen is waiting but because he's Cyclops and an idiot, he thinks its Emma. Way to go.

The issues primary focus however, is to reintroduce Pixie back to the X-squad. These kind of stories are always cool. Unfortunately, Matt Fraction and Ed Brubaker do it in the wrong way as new post-Messiah Complex readers have no idea why she left the group in the first place. They did manage to make a teenage girl with fairy wings pretty badass as she stabs her soul dagger in Empaths head.

The issue ends with Cyclops saying to Emma he thinks his dead wife, Madeline Pryor is alive. Who is that? Is she that Red Queen lady? All I really want are some questions answered in my comic books but that's evidently not happening so I'd better just save my money. Yeah right...comics are too fun but this issue wasn't.

3/5 stars

'New Ways to Die' ends in an old way

2008-10-20T00:07:00.005-05:00

Amazing Spider-Man #573 Review
"New Ways to Die" began on an extreme high note. We read solid writing for Dan Slott and saw great art from John Romita Jr. It almost appeared some questions regarding a few of the stupid new villians were going to be answered.Unfortunately, nothing is resolved and what the reader is left with is a profound sense of disappointment.

I understand you can't kill off a villian. It's an unsaid rule. But the writer can explain the origin of the character i.e. Mr. Negative or Menace. It looked like we were going to get some answers as to why Menace looks so much like Green Goblin, but no. Instead, we get another villian in Antivenom and no explanation to anything. God, this is awful.

It wouldn't be as bad if it didn't start so strong. Readers thought their diligent waiting was about to payoff in the 6-part story. Nope...sorry.

The series almost seems to be going for a "Lost" story where they just keep introducing question after question. The problem is that the story for ASM is just stupid and won't keep any intelligent reader interested. There has to be some sort of storyline and not a series of events which provide no character development. All the villains are alive and well, Spidey's life still blows and there's no sign of Mary Jane.

I don't know how much longer I can go reading this. I've loved Spidey since I was a tike, but sometimes you just have to move on.

2/5 stars

Iron Man maintanes iron story

2008-10-19T23:49:00.004-05:00

Invincible Iron Man #6 Review
Iron Man is one of those character who hasn't always been the mainstream hero. With the release of the hugely successful Iron Man movie, that just isn't the case anymore. Iron Man has become one of the flagship titles for Marvel and thankfully the comic is good enough to carry that burden (unlike a certain wall crawler and his new day).

The first arc of Invincible Iron Man is about Tony Stark's fued with Obidiah Stane's son, Ezekial Stane. With the not so cliffhanger ending of the last issue in which (gasp) Tony Stark's dead, this issue reveals the body of Stark to be a robot and a royal Stane butt whooping ensues delivered by the iron hands of Stark.

All I have to say about this series is thank god it isn't awful. With all the mediocre series that have hit stores lately, it's nice to see a book that actually lives up to its potential thanks to Matt Fraction and Salvador Larroca.

I can't wait to see what's next especially when the teaser cover on the back page shows Iron Man and Spidey. I'm a sucker for cameos even though most of the time they suck.

4/5 stars

Rogues Revenge is Best ‘Final Crisis’ Tie-in So Far

2008-10-18T23:10:00.004-05:00

I’m not a big fan of the multiple book crossover storylines that are in vogue at the present time. I often buy the main book, e.g., Civil War, Secret Invasion or Infinite Crisis, but can’t afford to buy the dozens of tie-in books, related mini-series, etc. that are part of the package. Case in point is the current Final Crisis company-wide crossover series at DC Comics. While the book doesn’t directly crossover in any ongoing DC series (or so the company promises), it has generated some two-dozen related one-shots and mini-series to date—with more, no doubt, to come. The main Final Crisis book has been slow in developing, so I’ve skipped just about all of the peripheral titles. However, one of the mini-series caught my eye: Final Crisis: Rogues’ Revenge, written by the ubiquitous Geoff Johns and illustrated by longtime Flash artist Scott Kolins. I think I was drawn to the book because it was Johns, who also wrote the Flash for many years, and Kolins together again—and it was only three issues! The third and final issue of the series was released this past week and it is fine. Johns has given remarkable depth to the Flash’s old villains, the Rogues (Captain Cold, Heatwave, Mirror Master, Weather Wizard, the Pied Piper and the new Trickster). He has skillfully created a unique code of honor or ethics—if hardened criminals can be said to have ethics or honor—that demands they get revenge against another villain, Inertia, who coerced them into killing one of the Flashes (the Bart Allen version) about a year ago. Without giving away too much, suffice to say that Johns resolves some major loose ends in the Rogue storyline in this series and sets up a new role for the group in the forthcoming new Flash series, which, it has been reported, will bring back Barry Allen as the Scarlet Speedster. Enhancing the excellent story is Kolins scratchy artwork, which, while not appealing to everyone, captures the sort of frenetic energy that should be part of any story involving characters that can run faster than the eye can follow. It’s too early to say this is the best of the mini-series related to Final Crisis, since several are still to come, but it definitely is the best to this point in the story.—RFM

4/5 Stars

Favorite Superhero poll results!!!

2008-10-16T13:07:00.003-05:00

The votes are in and the winner of the "Favorite Superhero" poll is the Merc with a Mouth, Deadpool. Thanks to all who voted and check back soon for more poll action.

City of Dust #1

2008-10-15T13:33:00.004-05:00

With Radical Comics' latest release City of Dust, readers enter a futuristic Earth, consisting of strict bureaucracy and seemingly unjust persecution.

The City is made up of 2 different levels – the upper level, where the rich dwell, and the lower level, a place of darkness, crime and fear segregate Steve Niles’ world.

All religious beliefs and prayers are considered "curses" and reading children's books and fairy is considered pollution. Any involvement with the items above warrants one of two punishments - a life of imprisonment or death.

Our opening scene is one of the best in the book. Two fairly unimportant characters (but quite important if one views them literally as an introduction to the evil), Dirk and his girlfriend, are driving their hovercraft through the upper level and get into an accident, forcing them into the depths of the lower level.

To make a long story short, ripped limbs make this issue worth spending money on. The pictures that make up City and Dust are easy to indulge in.

A mysterious man known as Zid did the art contained in COD, and his work is quite breathtaking. It is hard to handle the physical copy of City of Dust, since it often seems as though it is sacred scripture, delicate to the touch.

Philip Khrome, our story's protagonist, is one of the pawns in this unfathomable game; he is a cop, a confused one, who wants to believe what he is doing is right. He often contemplates his past. Khrome turned daddy in for reading him a bedtime story.

And one could only imagine what Khrome turns to in times of confusion and depression - cigarettes and a hooker named Kylie.

Niles' writing is entertaining,, and his 5-part series looks quite promising. COD is book to look out for next month.

4/5 stars

The Marvel undead are back from the...dead...again

2008-10-13T21:48:00.003-05:00

Marvel Zombies 3 #1 Review
Ok, so the zombies didn't come back from the dead because they haven't died and they haven't come back as they are non-existent in this first issue of the new series writen by Fred Van Lente and art by Kev Walker.
Unlike the first two series, this run takes place in the regular Marvel universe. The only problem with that is we're probably not going to see any big heroes become zombies, which was undoubtedly the appeal of the first two series.

The story follows Florida state intiative team, The Command, as one by one they become zombie food for the recent transdimensional traveler, the one and only Merc with a Mouth, Deadpool. Enter the Alternate Reality Monitoring and Operational Response Agence aka ARMOR as they recruit Machine Man.

First off, who the hell is Machine Man. I've been reading comics for a while now and consider myself fairly informed, but I have no idea who he is. The same goes for the Jabba the Hutt dancer turned silver on the cover. Apparently, the two have some kind of kinky, robot history, which I'm sure will be rekindled by the end of the series' run.

The issue ends with the obligatory twist and the winding path that is Marvel Zombies has begun.

The most exciting thing about this issue (besides an appearance from Deadpool) is the teaser cover at the end of the issue. The cover looks positively scary but as to whether or not the book is remains to be seen in 30 days.

3/5 stars

Garth Ennis gets 'Crossed'

2008-10-13T19:32:00.004-05:00

Crossed #1 Review
Garth Ennis is known for his adult comic books. Crossed is yet another title to that long list, with its complete over-the-top use of gut-wrenching violence and language that could make a sailor-turned-truck driver blush.

The book is a different take on the zombie genre which seems to be the trend in comics. People have crosses burned on their faces and proceed to do the most vile things a person can think of. While nothing is really explained in regards as to how the people become "zombies," it's quite clear that the book follows a group of survivors.

We all know the interest in apocalyptic-zombie comics is in the character interaction, but it's becoming dull. The Walking Dead is the only zombie book that does this correctly but Crossed takes an a different approach. It's almost as if Ennis read TWD and thought there's not enough F-bombs or gore, so he decided to make one himself.

The book has the nastiest imagery, which I won't go into in detail as to not spoil it, but lets say a little kid gets ripped apart. My jaw seriously dropped with one of the last panels which was a two-page spread and was the most disturbing thing I've seen in comics in a long time.

I find myself buying a lot of Avatar books which I'm kind of happy about. It's interesting to see what comes out of other comic companies besides Marvel and DC, which apparently is awesome grotesquities and a whole lot of swearing.

3.5/5 stars

Change we can believe in...for real this time.

2008-10-09T00:28:00.006-05:00

As you can see, Doc's Comic Blog has a political side and with this entry, it's evident which 2008 Presidential candidate Doc wants to see in the oval office. I know, politics on a comic blog is never a good thing but when IDW releases a comic about a candidate, isn't that fair game? John McCain's comic would have a spot on this blog but being that I'm a lowly journalist (journalism student which is actually worse), I couldn't really afford both.

The book is a heavy read. It goes through Senator Obama's entire life in 28 pages thus leading to a somewhat hurried tale. There are some interesting tidbits about Obama's life, the most prominent to me was his openness to experimenting with pot and cocaine in his high school days. The book then goes to explain his college life, his days as a lawyer, all the way to the present day when he was named the democratic nominee for the White House.

So, here's the thing about this comic. The art is really hit and miss. It almost seems as if IDW asked their artists to draw a picture of Obama and picked the best one. The problem is you have an adult Obama head on the body of an eight year-old Obama. It just looks a little strange. The cover art by J. Scott Campbell however, looks really cool.

The book serves it's purpose as a way of getting the history of Obama out to a younger generation. I know it did for me.

I tried to keep my personal political views out of this review as it may offend some readers. If we've lost some readers due to this entry we ask them to realize that either candidate is better than the one currently in office, but it's easy to go up from crap.

So, here's to the idea of change that each candidate is promoting and to the actual realization of those ideas.

Peace,
Doc

P.S. C'mon, how awful is Palin though? If she is made Commander-in-Chief, it would be a sad day for all Americans. Ohhh...you betcha it would (wink).

Finally: A Book Fit for a Superman

2008-10-08T23:13:00.003-05:00

Geoff Johns is a frigging genius. He’s made Superman cool. Over the years, it’s the rare writer who can make the Man of Steel interesting. The problem is that Superman is so damned super. He can do so much with his powers that it’s difficult to create challenges, villains and storylines that actually make the guy sweat.

Of course, Johns didn’t make the big guy cool overnight. He began co-writing Action Comics with Kurt Busiak (starting with issue 838), and co-authored another nine or so issues with film director Richard Donner (starting with Action 844). And while those stories were fine, they weren’t particularly stand-up-and-shout quality. But then came Action 858, a story arc featuring a powerless Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes. It also marked artist Gary Frank’s (former Incredible Hulk and Squadron Supreme artist) first foray into the world of Superman. The issues were outstanding and the grandpa of all comics, Action Comics, began getting a bit of love from readers who appreciate quality work.

And all of that background brings me to the current issue of Action, #870. The finale of a six part storyline involving Superman and Braniac, this issue combines fabulous artwork, spectacular action, a great story, some major pain for Braniac delivered by the Man of Steel and a totally unexpected ending (that I won’t ruin). Johns has taken all the previous Brainiac stories, incorporated the best aspects of each and concocted a logical reworking of the story of the villain from the computer planet Colu, who collects planets and civilizations. It’s not often that when I finish a comic that I immediately flip back to the beginning to read it all over again, but I did because this one was so incredible.

Like I said, Geoff Johns is a frigging genius.—RFM

4.5/5

Gears of War #1 Review

2008-10-08T22:54:00.006-05:00

Gears of War #1
Videogames get a bad rap for having bad stories when compared to other mediums such as books. It could be because a lot of videogames are a little lacking in the plot department, or it could be because even if a game has a great story, it is completely butchered by someone, such as Uwe Boll, who has no understanding of how to handle a great concept.

The Gears of War comic seems to follow the same trend of taking a good idea created in the videogame world and completely butchering it, knowing that even if it is awful, people are still buying the name. Sure, Gears doesn't have an amazing story in the ways the "Halo" or "Bioshock" games do, but the overly macho heroes fighting off a mysterious monster horde on a futuristic planet is still entertaining, except when transfered over to the pages of a comic book, apparently.

The art is mediocre at best. The story involves a lame search and rescue mission that ends in a fight with the Locust. The first issue in a comic arc usually are slow and get things moving for the next few issues, but this story seems to have no direction other than to rescue survivors who have gone missing and return to the human stronghold. It is possible that an exciting threat will arise, or that a new important mission will sidetrack the Gears from getting back to base, but so far it seems as if nothing is happening that couldn't be summed up in one short level in the Gears of War videogame. Hopefully the writers have something much larger planned, because if they don't, this could be a very short series.

2/5 stars

Deadpool #3 Review

2008-10-08T22:17:00.004-05:00

Deadpool #3
This issue marks a sad truth. It's the end of the biweekly issues of Deadpool and now we have to wait a whole entire month before #4 hits stands. It is indeed a sad day. The good news however, is the issue was a nice strong finish to the opening arc.

There are two major plot points to the book but both are essential to telling the story. The first is the Merc with a Mouth's epic fight with his nemesis, the Super Skrull.

The second is 'Pool explaining how his powers work to the exasperated Skrull doctor. This allows for new readers to understand what exactly Deadpool has been through, though it still doesn't let the noobs in on how his cellular regeneration causes him to be a little crazy which is made a little evident by any book he's been in.

This exposition would normally have taken away from the story but on the next page when Fury asks what took him so long to get to where he needed to be, Deadpool's explains that he was in a "exposition-heavy scene." It's good to see that Daniel Way still allows 'Pool to break the fourth wall which he's infamous for doing.

Paco Medina's art is as always perfect for the book though he seems to struggle with giving Deadpool expression through his mask. He appears to only have two emotions: Bad-ass or surprised. While this is just a little knit-picky thing, it still is noticeable and takes away from the book.

The only thing I'm sad to see is Crayton Crain's no longer doing the covers for Deadpool starting next issue (you know, the one we have to wait 30 days for). I love Crain's work and his covers look awesome and almost seem to give the Regeneratin' Degenerate some credibility that he lacks so much of (I don't know why).

I can't wait for the next issue (30 days...booo) and to see what is in store for 'Pool with a certain leader of the Thunderbolts.

4.5/5 stars

Walking Dead #53 Review

2008-10-08T15:11:00.002-05:00

The Walking Dead #53
TWD is one of my favorite books to read each month. The issues are always interesting and something always seems to happen, whether it be plot or character developement. Issue #53 definitely has both.

After Rick and Carl meet up with Michonne, the three luckily are in the path of Glen (my favorite) and Maggie. The five then go back to Hershel's farm where Andrea (my other favorite) and Dale (ok, they're all my favorites) are with Sophia. The next morning a clan of three strangers roll up to the farm asking for supplies. The man with the gun in the middle is Sergeant Abraham Ford, the woman is Rosita Espinosa and the guy with the radio-lookin' thing is Dr. Eugene Porter. The group reveals their plan of heading to Washington D.C. since that's where the country is most likely to be organized as well as the fact the Dr. knows how this pandemic happened.

This issue opens up a lot of potential awesome storylines. Will our group we've been with since the beginning go to D.C.? Will we find what the cause of the zombies are? Personally, I'm ready for a road trip and hopefully some urban-setting stuff (that was the coolest part in the beginning of the series).

The other interesting aspect of the book is the depiction of how the characters are dealing with the trauma. At first, we see Rick talking to his dead wife via telephone, now Michonne is talking to her dead boyfriend and little Sophia thinks Maggie is her real mom. All our characters are starting to look more and more mentally unstable. It could be within the realm of possibilty that Kirkman is getting us ready for a shift in lead characters, which isn't necessarily a bad thing if executed (no pun intended) properly. There's a lot of evidence to suggest this. Rick is constantly saying he doesn't want to lead anymore and that "As long as Carl's safe, I'm just along for the ride." Their world has been torn apart and these new characters enter to almost save the day. Part of me hopes I'm wrong but another part really wants to be right, so we can see things under a different light than we have ever previously experienced.

TWD is consistently awesome and shows no signs of letting up.

4.5/5 stars

Batman #680 Review

2008-10-08T00:22:00.010-05:00

Batman #680
Batman #680 brings the R.I.P. storyline just one issue from its sure to be shocking ending as Batman, who is still in an altered state of mind, makes his way to face the Club of Villains at Arkham Asylum. Nightwing is about to be lobotimized and the Joker has been set free to cause mayhem.

While this issue doesn't have any truly shocking moments (the twist at the end is something most fans have probably wondered for a while) it still manages to mix things up a little bit. The Joker isn't necessarily willing to play nicely with the Black Glove's goons and even has a different attitude towards Batman after blaming him for being shot in the head a dozen or so issues back.

The art is very moody and brings the story to life with not only the great drawings and vivid colors, but also the way the panels are layed out in a way to offer fragments of all the action going on. A lot of things go on subtlely, but are not drawn causing confusion, which is very hard to do.

This arc has done a great job of slowly bringing all of the pieces together without revealing the big finish to the arc just yet. With next issue's conclusion to the R.I.P. storyline, #680 ends with everything in place and even though it offers very few answers and even more questions, it doesn't seem like a whole lot more can happen without answering a few questions, such as: who the Black Glove is, where Robin has gone off to, what part will Damien play, and just what lies ahead for The Dark Knight?

R.I.P. is so good that it is sad to see it end, but at the same time, R.I.P. is a story that solely relies on everything coming together to create one big finish. Hopefully it doesn't fail, but with such a fantastic run so far, it doesn't look like Grant Morrison has intentions on letting friends down.

5/5 stars

Doctor's Note: We apologize for the lateness of this essential review. Be sure to take two pills before bed then check Doc's Comic Blog in the morning.

I Am Become Death Review

2008-10-06T21:20:00.006-05:00

Ok, this is going to be short and not so sweet. I just finished watching the newest episode of Heroes and all I have to say is ... what the hell happened?

There's so many things wrong with this show now, I can't even go into them all because you'd be reading the worlds longest blog.

I gave them the benefit of the doubt last season with the writers strike and all. After four episodes, the show could possibly be worse than it was last year. Last week, I gave myself a little hope due to the increased level of writing (plus no Mohinder...thank god). Sylar and Noah was the best thing the writers have done in a year and a half. Today, there was none of that, there wasn't even Noah, who is the coolest character on the show. Safe to say, I just want to quit watching the show all together.

What was the point of the episode? Why do we need to see Sylar in the future with a kid? Whose kid? Another thing, haven't we seen this whole bomb kills a lot of people storyline in the show already? Oh wait...there isn't a good idea in the Heroes writing circle anymore so they just use the same ideas over and over again.

I seriously can't believe how the writing has plummetted like it has since the stellar first season.

The show really needs to drop many of its characters and the ones they did drop were the ones they shouldn't have. They were the characters the people had a personal relationship with. We see Micah in the last episode for twenty seconds but not this time. Maybe I missed something, but isn't Nathan still married to the lady who was in the wheelchair? So, why's he with Tracy or Jessica or whatever the hell her name is? The part when she was going to commit suicide, I couldn't help but think, "Yes, give in to the sweet release and get the hell off the show. It's going to be so much better without you." Then what happens, Nathan swoops in to save her. Oops, there goes his secret again. Wasn't there a time when he didn't want anyone to know he could fly? Man those were the days. Back when the characters seemed like real people and not a bunch a crazy's.

Last thing, why...oh why...did they bring Adam back. He sucks.

Guess this wasn't short but it definitely wasn't sweet. I really want Heroes to be good but there isn't really an indication that it's going to be. Let's hope the big return next episode will steer the show in the right direction...but probably not.

.001/5 stars

Witchblade #121 Review

2008-10-02T21:27:00.003-05:00

Witchblade #121
As I mentioned in my Broken Trinity review, the current Witchblade arc features a threat to the Orthodox Jewish community in New York. And let me just say this issue is so much better then the previous one (even though there is still no indication whatsoever that the Broken Trinity crossover has any bearing on this series).

We are introduced to a grisly crime scene in which an Orthodox Rabbi has been brutally murdered in a way that no normal human being can do. After a witness tells her story of how she saw a monstrous beast just prior to the death, Detective Sara Pezzini and her partner/boyfriend Patrick Gleason go hunting for something that goes bump in the night. Pezzini runs into a journalist who has put the pieces of the Witchblade together and is in need of some proof to give her story some legs. So, the clingy reporter follows Pezzini into the den of what can only be a Golem.

A Golem is apparently a Jewish creation which is a creature made of mud and other natural things then given life to do the bidding of the one who raised it. I remember watching an episode of "The X-Files" (best TV show ever), in which a Jewish woman raised her dead husband from the dead as a Golem. It's interesting to see another take on the mythology of the Golem.

This issue brings another idea to the table. What if Pezzini's secret weapon became not so secret via a newspaper story by a certain nosy reporter. That's what I hope writer Ron Marz is thinking also. It would certainly allow for a lot more storylines to open up which Marz could really use since he's agreed to write 'Blade until at least issue #150.

Sejic's art is as always amazing. Sometimes I think his drawings are real life faces put in a comic book. He does an awesome job of creating a mood with his various shades of color.

While this issue is hands down better than issue #120, I still wish it had something to do with the crossover like First Born did. That reason really brings the rating down but I can only hope that Marz has some plans as to how he's going to work in Broken Trinity into the regular Witchblade series.

3.5/5 stars

No Hero #1 Review

2008-10-02T12:48:00.004-05:00

No Hero #1
Elite writer Warren Ellis seems to be the only guy writing for Avatar Comics. He has at least four different series that I know of and No Hero is his newest story in the mix.

The book is almost a take-off of Wanted. A guy gets into a special club, in this case "The Front Line" and becomes a freedom fighter (except there is no murder or rape and the main character doesn't become a bad guy like in the aforementioned series...so it's not really like Wanted at all). Anyway the story follows Josh Carver as he tries his hardest to get noticed by Front Line boss, Carrick Masterson, the creator of a superhuman drug that can make any human...super. After finally grasping the attention of Masterson via a royal ass-whooping of some goons in an alley, Carver is invited to join the Front Line.

The most noticeable aspect of the book is its attention to detail in the art. Juan Jose Ayp's pencils are some of the most precise in the industry even if they are a little cartoony. I especially enjoyed the half eaten corn dog in one of the panels. There is just so much to look at when gazing upon Ayp's work that studying the art is almost as fun as reading it. That being said there are some problems with this issue. The first being that Ayp seems to have trouble drawing men. When the only female is introduce, The Operator, she is drawn so much better than the two men. Carver looks like an adult Chris Griffin from Family Guy while Masterson appears to be modeled after the vampire Lestat; with his flowing blonde hair.

The other problem, which maybe will be explained later is what the hell are those little popcorn-looking things that appear when a character hits something. It's actually distracting from the art which is never good. Each time something or someone is hit, there appears to be a small foam party. It's small but it bothers me.

Ellis' writing is as always excellent but you have to wonder why he seems to be working strictly for Avatar. Does he own the company or does he just like the creative freedom? I wish I could ask him but I'm just a lowly comic blogger who gives this...

4/5 stars

Anita Blake: The Laughing Corpse #1 Review

2008-10-01T15:16:00.004-05:00

Anita Blake: The Laughing Corpse #1
Last year Marvel released the comic book adaptation of the Laurell K. Hamilton vampire crime novel called "Guilty Pleasures" featuring Hamilton's famous main character, Anita Blake.

Blake is an Animator, a person whose job it is to raise the dead for a short period of time and for a fee. Her more well known job is that of a vampire hunter. She is a court-appointed vampire slayer who has earned the nickname within the vampire world as "The Executioner."

Now she's back after a brief hiatus for another adventure which undoubtedly will be featuring zombies.

Issue #1 of "The Laughing Corpse" is every first issue; there's a lot of exposition, a little action and the main conflict is introduced. Like the previous arc, Blake has more than one problem in her life and watching her cope and deal with these problems is the best part about an Anita Blake book.

There are two main storylines in this first issue. The first has Blake meeting a potential client who wants her to raise a 200 year-old corpse. She refuses as the client offers to supply the "white goat," which we come to find out is animator lingo for a human sacrifice. Hopefully, we'll see a lot more of this since she's never raised anything that old.

The second storyline takes place at a murder scene. The reader only knows as much as Blake does which makes the crime all the more mysterious and gruesome. This is my favorite part of the Anita Blake series; going along for the ride as she tries to solve the case all the while attempting to keep some semblance of a real life.

For those who are wondering why she is wearing an ugly pink dress on the cover, it's because of the third storyline. Blake is a bridesmaid at her friend Catherine's wedding. As to why she's looks like Rambo with a small armory, one can only hope she's gonna kick some ass at a red wedding. Oh man...I'm hilarious. Red wedding...white wedding...blood...get it...Oh, nevermind.

Good read and I can't wait for the next issue.

4.5/5

Deadpool #2 Review

2008-09-30T18:26:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-29T00:37:00.003-05:00

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

2008-09-28T15:11:00.003-05:00

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

2008-09-26T19:41:00.006-05:00

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

2008-09-26T18:31:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-26T00:00:00.007-05:00

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

2008-09-25T22:44:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-24T22:02:00.003-05:00

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

2008-09-24T20:31:00.003-05:00

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

2008-09-23T23:53:00.004-05:00

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'

2008-09-23T11:42:00.006-05:00

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

2008-09-23T10:54:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-22T10:52:00.004-05:00

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

2008-09-19T02:27:00.005-05:00

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

2008-09-18T23:41:00.003-05:00

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

2008-09-18T21:07:00.011-05:00

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

2008-09-18T16:44:00.005-05:00

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

2008-09-17T18:30:00.003-05:00

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

2008-09-15T01:13:00.004-05:00

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

2008-09-12T02:48:00.004-05:00

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

2008-09-12T01:27:00.005-05:00

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

2008-09-10T20:06:00.004-05:00

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

2008-09-10T19:03:00.004-05:00

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

2008-09-09T01:10:00.008-05:00

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

2008-09-07T22:55:00.003-05:00

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

2008-09-05T18:44:00.004-05:00

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

2008-09-05T00:38:00.010-05:00

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

2008-09-05T00:25:00.002-05:00

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!!!

2008-09-03T22:09:00.015-05:00

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

All American Rejects is really what they are

2008-09-01T19:52:00.013-05:00

All I have to say is the people who designed the "Got Milk" ad for the All American Rejects which is on the back off all the comics this week, didn't really think this one through.

You have four guys, who already look ridiculous, standing with a white substance dripping off their upper lips.

I mean, I can't be the only one who thought to myself "Wow, they really are gay" when I first saw the ad.

The only thing that helps is the lead singer holding a glass of milk.

This is the first "Got Milk" ad I've ever thought had gay imagery. C'mon, look at the guy on the left, he has it dripping down the side of his face like he just got off the set of "Studly Stallions 9."

The scary thing about it all is that they look so natural with this white substance on their faces.

That is all for now.

8/27/08 Reviews

2008-08-31T22:50:00.024-05:00

X-Force #6
When the newest volume of X-Force hit stands, it was riding high on the "Messiah Complex" wave. Cyclops had put together his ultimate killing team to take out the Purifiers once and for all.

Since then however, X-Force has been trying to find its stride over the last six months and with the conclusion of the appropriately titled first arc, "Angels & Demons," we finally see Logan and his team become the best at what they do ... kick ass.

Everything writer Craig Kyle and artist Christopher Yost were trying to achieve comes to fruition.

Kyle's writing takes a much different turn as it is told as a briefing from Wolverine to Cyclops after the mission. This new method of storytelling allows for a more fluid, more story-driven issue.

What makes this issue so much stronger then the five previous is the story and the art work together to deliver the most depth and emotion.

There are three standout scenes in this issue.

1) Rahne Sinclair (Wolfsbane) turns to her purifier father after he says, "Ye are Satan's daughter, not mine and it is time ye return to him." She sees in a haze the severed wings of Angel behind him. Suddenly, she reverts back to her objective to "kill the angel," only this time it happens to be someone we want to die. This works so well because the art explains Rahne's abrupt change as she see the wings of angel line perfectly with Reverend Craig.

2) The next scene is the first of two which involve Angel. Angel is crouched atop a seeming mountain of carnage; his arm bracing the weight of all the deaths he now has on his conscience. In this scene the opposite approach is what makes it work, the words make it so much more powerful, as a surviving Purifier says "The angel of death is coming for us." It's another one of those angelic scenes that you either love or don't really care for. It just so happens I'm a sucker for that type of imagery which leads to the last scene.

3) For those who've read this issue it seems pretty obvious that the last great scene is the full page art of Angel passed out atop his mountain of death, with a single beam of light cast upon his newly formed feathered wings; making him look more angelic than ever.

Even with all these things that work so well, there is still one big problem with this first arc.

WHO THE HELL IS MAGUS!!

For many of us first timers, we have no idea who or what Magus is. Hopefully Kyle will go on to explain it for all the noobs like myself.

This issue puts a nice spin onto the next arcs as the final panel shows Cyclops asking Wolverine who they are going after next as a screen showing the various X-enemies is cast over them. I look forward to seeing what Kyle and Yost have in store next.

4/5 stars

Kick-Ass #4
"Kick-Ass" has been my favorite book to read since it hit the stands all those months ago. I let Mark Millar have the book out late because the story is so good and juicy. However, my feelings towards it has changed with the release of the series fourth issue.

Every issue seems to follow a set pattern: "Kick-Ass" goes and gets his ass kicked, refuses to ever don the scuba suit thing he wears again, but he can't quit the adrenaline that he gets whenever he "fights crime."

Last issue left me salivating as to who this little girl was and how the hell she could weild a blade like that. This issue was supposed to explain her story and they were going to ... well ... kick ass together.

What we got was her running away after the carnage and Dave trying to figure out who she and the dude with the chainsaw are. Not very interesting.

This issue did have the blood, guts and gore we all have come to expect from "Kick-Ass," but it can't be the only thing that drives the story forward.

When compared to other books that saturate the shelves, Kick-Ass is still fresh and exciting, but when compared to itself this issue is not very strong. I'm willing to give Millar a few more issues to get something new going, but issue four is by far my least favorite.

3/5 stars

Ultimate Spiderman #125

Brian Michael Bendis's reign over Ultimate Spiderman has been very strong throughout its 125 issue run, hitting some sour patches every now and then. In his newest arc, Bendis brings Eddie Brock and his symbiotic partner, Venom back. However, the symbiote has other plans as it rejoins with its original host ... Peter Parker.

There isn't much to say on this one since Bendis and Immonen are almost always consistent in their presentation of Spiderman in their series. I like how Bendis brings Trask back after nearly 100 issues from when the original venom arc occurred. It will definately be interesting to see where it goes from here.

4/5 stars

Wolverine #68
From Kick-Ass to Wolverine, Mark Millar has his hands in everything, making him almost comparable to Bendis. Millar's run on Wolverine is fresh and interesting as we watch a passive Wolverine travel across the country in his arc "Old Man Logan."

Part 3 has Wolverine and his blind buddy, Hawkeye, on a search and rescue mission to save Hawkeye's daughter from the imprisonment of the new Kingpin.

This issue was more of the same as it shows Wolverine still being a big sissy ever since he vowed to never pop his claws after the heroes fell to the villains fifty years ago. Hawkeye is still a hippy with an attitude looking to get Wolvie out of his shell again.

Without spoiling too much, the issue ends with Wolverine being forced into saving Hawkeye. No, he doesn't go "snikt" yet but it's building and when it does happen it going to be epic and awesome.

Millar has a knack for writing over-the-top characters except this is more under-the-top (if that's a word) as we wait for Logan to get so pissed that he rages and kills everything in sight.

Steve McNiven is perfect as far as art is concerned. His style matches Millars completely. (I'm thinking of the panel where Hawkeye kicks down the door and stabs a nameless henchman in the face through the door ... awesome.) The two were meant to work together.

I can't wait for the next installment.

4.5/5 stars

Ghost Rider Annual #2
Ghost Rider is hopefully at long last going to become a mainstream character after a pretty awful run by the previous writer. Now with Jason Aaron at the helm, ole Flamehead seems to be getting a resurgence as ads for the upcoming storyline are in every Marvel comic.

I've always been a fan of storylines which involve mythology of heaven and hell, angels and demons. So, naturally I became involved with Ghost Rider. The fire and brimstone themes never get old for me as the first Ghost Rider, Danny Ketch, comes back into the fold, working for none other than Johnny Blaze's arch-enemy (at the moment) Zadkiel. This however, has absolutely nothing to do with the Ghost Rider Annual #2 "A Town called Mercy."

"A Town Called Mercy" follows Ghost Rider as he stops by a town called ... you guessed it ... Mercy, where numerous murders have occurred. The story is actually very interesting in that the creature has been killing all these people in order to get them into heaven. All the victims have been suicidal but don't end their lives as it will ensure their arrival into Hell. So, this creature calls to these people so that he may murder them and allow them into heaven.

The creature explains that he was once a Seraph, "An angel shepard of the ninth choir" until he was cast out when he objected to suicide being considered a sin. Why deprive people who have endured the horrors of life, paradise in heaven. Makes sense to me.

This issue was truly an unexpected pleasure. Having never heard of writer Simon Spurrier or artist Mark A. Robinson, I was pleasantly surprised by their work, especially the art. Robinson uses bright colors and illustrates heavenly and hellish images with fluidity. I also like how he showed the bubbling fire of Ghost Rider as it tried to show through Johnny's right eye. Very Cool.

I look forward to seeing what else each of these when comes up in future projects.

Can I just point out the obvious question? Why ... oh why ... is there an annual #2? It's called annual because it comes out annually. They should've just labeled a one shot like everyone else and that would've been a lot better. I've never heard of such a thing but what do I know.

4.5/5 stars