Marvel Preview Review for January 2011 Part 1of 2

Lee: I was all prepared to kill Marvel over the supposed price reduction. But then I did some counting and Marvel actually didn’t do so bad. In a totally non-scientific manner, I counted all the books listed in previews (87) and counted the number of books priced at $2.99 (29) and Marvel dropped prices on about a 1/3 of it’s line. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still not great but it’s a start. Now if only they would reduce the total number of books then life would be grand.
Greg: Why would Marvel reduce the total number of books. If it says Marvel I want to buy it even if I have to sell my body to the night to get the money. I love Marvel.

AGE OF X: ALPHA #1
Written by Mike Carey
Pencils by TBD
Cover by Chris Bachalo
Variant Cover by Olivier Coipel
Mutantkind’s final war starts here. If you don’t know which side you’re on, check your DNA.32 PGS./ $3.99
Lee: I believe this is the third of fourth final war between mutantkind and humankind. Sheesh, can’t they think of some new threat already?
Greg: I think this is some alternate reality storyline in Mike Carey's run about world without the X-Men. I generally like Carey, so I'll probably give it a shot.

ULTIMATE COMICS CAPTAIN AMERICA #1 (of 4)
Written by Jason AaronPencils & Cover by Ron GarneyVillian Variant Cover by ED Mcguinness
Captain America meets his ultimate nemesis the Captain America of the Vietnam War! As new enemies face off, old secrets from the super soldier project are revealed. From the superstar Wolverine: Weapon X creative team of Jason Aaron and Ron Garney, get ready for a hard hitting story of one man’s quest to serve his country and the sacrifices he must make.32 PGS./ $3.99
Lee: Probably well done but I’m not sure that I need another Cap story in which he has to sell a piece of his soul because of his beliefs. This is going to make me sound old but I miss the days when Cap was good and fought on the side of Truth, Justice, and the American Way.
Greg: I'm just glad Jeph Loeb isn't writing this.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: HAIL HYDRA #1 (of 5)
Written by Jonathan Maberry
Penciled by Sergio CarielloCover by Adi Granov
From the dark days of World War II to the Heroic Age, witness the brutal battle between Captain America and the immortal evil known as Hydra! How far back has the gruesome group been killing its way to capture the secrets of eternal life? What can Steve Rogers do to halt its sinister spread “when the horrific hordes of the undead rise to stop him? Find out as award-winning horror novelist Jonathan Maberry (Doomwar) teams with five different artists to capture five different time periods “including Sergio Cariello (Lone Ranger), Tom Scioli (Godland), Phil Winslade (Wonder Woman), Kyle Hotz (Conquest: Wraith) and Harvey Talibao (Psylocke) “ and guest-starring The Falcon, Black Panther, Nomad, Nick Fury and The Avengers! 32 PGS./ $2.99
Lee: The idea behind this series sounds fine but I’m more interested in seeing all the different artist renditions of Cap. Hotz! Scioli! Can’t wait to see it. This should be an excellent series… art wise at least.
Greg: Ah, another miniseries making a pitstop at comic stores before its a trade at Barnes and Noble in time for the movie.

THUNDERSTRIKE #3 (of 5)
Written by Tom Defalco
Pencils & Cover by Ron Frenz
And The Demigod Declares Death! Nobody ever said being a super-hero would be easy, but the new Thunderstrike just can’t catch a break. With Gruenhilda the Valkyrie criticizing his every move, the man who would be Thunderstrike begins a quest to recover his stolen mace. Along the way, he adopts a daring different persona, uncovers a plot to invade Olympus and soon finds himself in a fight for his life against a super-powered demigod who is on a mission of vengeance! 32 PGS./ $3.99
Lee: And this cover represents everything that I don’t miss about the 90’s. A lighting shaped mohawk? Seriously? Then again, I have picked this title every month it’s been released because the covers have been so bad. At least it stands out in a crowd.
Greg: BECAUSE MATTHEW DEMANDED IT!!!

INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #500
Written by Matt FractionArt & 50/50 Covers by Salvador LarrocaVariant Covers by Marko Djurdjevic, Joe Quesada & John Romita Jr.
Giant-Sized Anniversary Issue! Three generations of Starks face their ultimate foe, seventy-some years in the future while, in the present, Spider-Man joins Iron Man as he tries to fill in the blanks of his missing memory. What if amnesia was a weapon? What if the smartest man in the land had ten nightmares that all came true? Who is the son of Tony Stark? What's inside of the rings? The future starts now, for the Marvel Universe's favorite futurist. The Eisner-award-winning series makes a four-hundred-something-issue leap and raises a glass of non-alcoholic champale in salute to Ol' Shell-head! By Matt Fraction (Thor, Uncanny X-Men, Casanova) and Salvador Larroca (Uncanny X-Men, Fantastic Four), with special guests Howard X, Y and Z! 104 PGS./ $4.99
Lee: WTH just happened??? Last month this was Invincible Iron Man #33, this month it’s #500? What anniversary are we celebrating now? At least DC was smart enough to jump 1 million issues into the future.
Greg: Bah, they shouldn't have been renumbered in the first place. The important thing here is its more of Fraction on Iron Man. Stop your bitching.

SPIDER-GIRL #3
Written by Paul Tobin Penciled by Clayton Henry
Cover by Jelena Kevic-Djurdjevic
Spinning From The Amazing Spider-Man!The greatest secret Spider-Girl has is her secret identity. Her secret protects both her and the lives of her friends and loved ones. Anya Corazon makes a fateful decision to share that secret with someone but what are the consequences, and why has the Red Hulk come for a rematch against Spider-Girl? 32 PGS./ $2.99
Lee: SWIPE ALERT! Well, it might not be a perfect swipe of Attack of the 50’ Woman but I can’t help but feel this is a swipe from somewhere. Maybe it was this picture!
Greg: BECAUSE, SOMEONE WHO IS NOT MATTHEW DEMANDED IT!!!

The Week of Nov 17 in Review

The topic du jour seems to be the TSA scanning and groping policy. From my view point there are multiple things wrong with this. First and foremost is that I think it is useless. Total safety comes at a price that allows the TSA to do things we would lock up regular people for and does it really “protect” us? Second let’s get the flock out of other countries and stop pushing our agenda down sovereign nations’ throats and maybe the whole situation would calm down on its own. Third the former head of Homeland Security (so close to being called the Fatherland it is scary) is apparently a major player in selling these scanning machines. Nice to know he is becoming wealthy helping to irradiate the flying public. Finally my guess is the people running the scanning machines have not gone to radiology technical training school and have no clue how much radiation is being used and what it could do to a fetus if a woman doesn’t know she is pregnant yet. I can’t wait until we are all so totally safe that we are afraid to travel at all. The war on terror and drugs are federal job programs that do more to employee people then solve any problems. Common sense is apparently an uncommon thing anymore, guess it needs to be renamed.

I love starting these columns off on a soapbox, after all we all want to be a hero in our own way and expressing my opinion is one way I can try to right what I see as a wrong. Of course this blog would probably kill me for getting a security clearance with the government and now onto the comic reviews.

It was Batman, Batman everywhere with Batman The Return and Batman Inc. You can see a full blown review of Batman The Return here. Batman The Return and Batman Inc. is the same story line with different artists. Grant has made Bruce Wayne over into a man who is now driven by a vision and no longer thinks of himself as a brooding loner with followers. He sees himself as a man who has a vision and he wants to recruit like minded individuals to help fulfill that dream. The change in attitude is obvious as he recruits Selina Kyle to help him in going to Japan to find his next recruit. They appear to enjoy a relationship that includes friendship and a sexual relationship. Bruce would only reluctantly allow himself to every get close to anyone and now he is at ease with relationships of those around him. The story itself demands us to focus on the new characters, but Grant does a good job balancing out Bruce, Selina and introducing us to Mr. Unknown. The art team of Paqueete (pencils), Lacombe (inks) and Fairbairn (colors) does a good job, but I believe do not match up to the dynamic work on Batman The Return and may suffer unfairly in a comparison as they are two different styles. I would have scheduled these books a week apart so the comparison would not be as immediate. I find this book to be done very well and hope that the team can hit a monthly deadline. The end of this issue scared me a little as it harkened back the old Batman TV show of the sixties and I’m not looking for a campy version of Batman. I understand the idea of having a little fun with it, but the Batman TV show is what almost destroyed what I believe is the heart and soul of Batman in that he is a creature of the night and not a smiley goofy guy with a cape. Personally I think it was just a goof and that is fine by me as a fun thing to do as long as the book remains like it is. I’m enjoying what is going on in the Batverse and I’m collecting most of the books. I just wish DC would allow Grant to be the driving force and others would have to follow his lead. By this I mean Grant has ideas for other characters in his book and it seems to be ignored elsewhere (Jason having red hair as a minor example). The whole Insider outfit and the cross-over event from a few weeks back seem to be obvious as not any part of what Grant is doing and to a casual fan it has to be confusing as heck, especially since no one ever explains the inconsistencies. Communications need to be better to give the Bat line more coherence.

We saw the end of Astounding Wolf-Man this week with issue #25 and while the wait between issues was extremely long, it was a satisfying ending to a series I followed from cradle to grave. It is also nice to know that Kirkman has plans to keep this character floating around in his super hero universe and hints at a new series or mini-series for him down the road. It is nice to see an almost happily ever after ending for the main character as his life was torn to shreds over the course of this series. One thing I loved about this book is the character kept moving forward and things were constantly changing. The series always keep you guessing where we were going next, but maintained a logical consistency. So many books do left turns by changing characters to be something they never were and I find that to be a cheat as oppose to inventive. Kirkman keeps us guessing, but in hindsight you can always see where it makes sense given what has come before.

I want to do a quick shout out to the two Farscape series coming out from Boom. The Scorpius and regular series have built up everything to the coming war with the Kkore and reminds me of how the TV show will lay the foundation for a big story line. The Kkore have been built up as an enemy that cannot possible be defeated. I loved how Scorpy said there is always a random element that can frell up everything and John is that element in this mix. So far John has been relegated to second string status so I hope that changes and I’m anxiously looking forward to the next few issues. I can’t stress enough that if you loved the TV show, that you will love this series. I’m not sure this series could make you a fan of the show, but show fans should be getting these two series.

I have to give credit to Marvel in their efforts to generate more books that have female leads. DC has been the true leader in that category but Marvel is pushing with teen-age girl heroes as we have X-23 and now Spider-Girl. X-23 has been added to my list after three issues and Spider-Girl made it in one. I had no clue of who this character was and find it a little annoying with the retro-con of her Dad being the unofficial official interviewer of the Fantastic Four, but it is a minor quibble and probably well established before this series. This is my introduction to the character and I liked her a lot after reading the book. It was nice to see her have an open relationship with her Dad, in that he knows she is doing super hero stuff. I find it difficult to accept that she has no super powers and was just trained by Steve Rogers and others and that is the extent of her abilities. I think for a long term series and to make her adventures more exciting she needs to be more than an acrobat. Marvel heroes without powers never seem to fair that well as they have no Gotham City to fight crime in. It also reads a little young and that helps keep it light, but it may also make it too light and not edgy enough to build a solid fan base across all ages. For a book I enjoyed I have been harsh, but I see a lot of potential and I would like to see this book succeed as it has good writing and solid art. In order for it to succeed I think she needs some real powers and will need to develop a little edge to her. This book has tons of potential with this title, but also has the potential to go too light and lose me as a fan if it doesn’t ramp up in a few issues.

Every time I read GI Joe Cobra I’m blown away by how much I enjoy this book. For an “action” oriented type of franchise this book continues to explore some cerebral themes about good and evil. We are back to Chuckles finally and he has a show down with Cobra Commander. Now I know nothing of Cobra and the various chains of command, but it appears Cobra Commander is the guy in charge and he convinces Chuckles to sign up with them. It then wraps back to the beginning of the book where we were talking about cognitive dissonance. I have to tell you seeing a comic talk about those types of subjects and work it all into the plot is highly entertaining. GI Joe Cobra is a well written and a type of psychological thriller that is not being done anywhere else.

I was very happy to see Killer Modus Vivendi back on the stands. Archaia has a spotty history at best so I was worried they had gone under again. This deep into the current story it is impossible to try and convey a plot summary, but the story is more complex then the first Killer series and better for it. This issue we see the Killer at work in both the bedroom and the rooftop plying his trade and his moral ambiguity with equal aplomb. I hope the final issue comes out sooner, rather than later.

Warlord of Mars #2 also came out this week and while I agree with the slow pace of the book to help expand the first book of the series (Princess of Mars), I hope it does not put off any potential new fans for John Carter. Right Now I’m re-reading the Chessman of Mars and what I’m finding is how many things ERB was talking about in his books. He was more philosophical then I remember and it is not subtle at all, but still illuminating. The idea of a race that is just a brain and uses headless human bodies as their transports is amusing and give Burroughs the chance to expose his views about what represents the best of humanity. The comic series itself is well done from my view as I love the source material and can’t wait for the next issue when John Carter actually arrives at Mars. I wonder if someone who never read the series is finding this entertaining, I certainly hope so.

Back to Batman, we also got Streets of Gotham #17 and Batman #704. Both I think suffer from overly complex plots, especially with so much going on in the Gotham side of things. At least Paul Dini in Streets acknowledges the cluster flock that was the “Insider” thing being done in the recent cross-over. Also Selina Kyle is now everywhere in Inc, Streets and Batman proper. At least I believe Streets will hold together when read as a whole, Batman I’m not so sure about. Tony Daniel’s last six issue arc tried to do too many things at once and again Tony seems to be doing that with multiple plot lines that may or may not ever come together. Tony’s art is certainly strong and his layouts are better this issue, but the story seems to be going everywhere at once. I still think a co-writer or stronger editor could make Tony into the super star I know he wants to be in the future. This would be especially true if the co-writer is perhaps an artist themselves and can help with page design, which is where Tony will fall down on occasion. Matt Wagner comes to mine for me as a mentor to help push Tony to that next level. Mr. Daniel also brought back Catgirl which I could have done without; let’s see if he can make me care about her at all.

The last book I wish to comment on is Green Lantern Corps #54. Tony Bedard is doing a bang up job on this and Rebels. I enjoyed the fistfight between Kyle and Sinestro and it was only appropriate that Sinestro won as he has been build up to be one of the best GLs ever before he went too far. Then Kyle goes back to OA to gather up some friends to rescue his girl friend Soranik from the Qward weaponer. Tyler Kirkman has certainly brought some extra power to the artwork and Tony has written the story to give him some big panels and a double page spread to show off his prowess. All in all GL Corps and GL Emerald Warrior continue to outshine the regular Green Lantern series.

A good week for comics in general, a very strong week for DC and wow did we get a lot of Batman. So far, so good with all the Bat stuff but I worry that we are pushing to too much with Batman. Thankfully it is split up with a lot of characters which makes it a little more palatable.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows movie pt1

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Movie Review (movie 7)


*SPOILERS*


Sadly I only got to see the newest Harry Potter movie last night breaking my normal tradition of seeing the midnight showing. Regardless I am super excited about the newest edition to the Harry Potter movies. I am a big fan of the Harry Potter books and the 7th (and final) book was one of my favorites - the 3rd and 5th book being my other favorites in the series. As the 3rd and 5th movies were some of my least favorite lets just so I was a bit worried about being disappointed in the final 2 installments of these movies. For those of you who don't follow Harry Potter the makers of the films decided to break up the final film into 2 movies which, while frustrating, was probably a good idea. This film didn't disappoint and honestly I'll probably go and see it again while it's still in theaters - but even with breaking it into two movies so much gets lost due to time constraints.


First of all the good/great.


The movie really set the mood of the book. Harry's now living in a dark and dismal world with very few rays of light. While there is still some humor the movie conveyed the setting and feel of Harry's world very well - the opening to the movie was brilliant. The movie started showing Harry, Hermione and Ron (Ron only to a small extent) preparing themselves for what they know they'll inevitably face - going underground with Harry as he hunts for the keys to defeating Voldemort. Honestly I was tearing up fairly early on watching Hermione erase herself from her parent's memories in order to protect them.


The scene with the Order of the Phoenix getting Harry to protected ground by having multiple people drink polyjuice potion to look like Harry was rather entertaining at the start and as usual the actors playing Fred and George Weasley were brilliant. I also teared up when they killed Hedwig though. All considered I'm fairly certain the last movie will be an emotional roller coaster.


The actors all did a wonderful job. I think considering these actors pretty much grew up playing these characters has pretty much made for some of the most accurate character portrayals I ever seen - even the guy who plays Draco Malfoy (who used to be a terrible actor) has been excellent the last few movies. Hermione, Harry and Ron's difficulties in living in a tent and barely avoiding detection was very realistic with how their friendship becomes truly tested over time.


The battle scenes we good as well. Nagini was very scary and the wizard magic battles were well choreographed.


Now onto the not as good...


Honestly I don't actually have any complaints about the movie as someone who's read the books. I can easily fill in the blanks myself with what I've read. However lots of fans have only watched the movies and don't have the same information to pull from. They really haven't explained the horcruxes very well (they didn't take the time last movie and you can see the lack of further explanation in this one). The movie going audience is missing key information when they watch the movies. While I understand time constraints the movies seem to just throw information at you at seemingly random intervals and I'm sure this must seem to leave unexplained plot holes to the movie audience. I know that I have to explain some things to my fiance when we watch the movies as he hasn't read the books.


They also cut out a lot of the secrecy and disguise Harry had to use in the book - although as far as the movie goes I can understand - the more they have the actual actors playing the characters (rather then random actors to convey Harry using polyjuice potion) the better the acting turns out.


In conclusion


I had a great time seeing part 1 of the Deathly Hallows and can't wait until the final installment. Also I really want the new Gryffindor hoodie Hot Topic is selling... sadly it is $50 :( Regardless, great movie, great story, great acting, great effects. Despite the plot gaps I continue to be a huge fan of the Harry Potter movies and they have taken the time to try and convey the final book with as much accuracy is possible with a modern movie and all the time constraints thereof.

Rating the Writers

For those who follow this and Cosmic Comics, this is the same column I wrote and let them publish, but I decided to run it here also.

I have always been more of the story guy and I decided for no particular reason to give my opinion on the current crop of writers that I pay attention to in comics. My criteria was I had to remember who they are without pulling up any website and they have to be currently writing stuff that I’m reading. In no order whatsoever:

Geoff Johns – God I used to want to grab and read everything he wrote as soon as it hits the stands. He was my number one writer just a short while ago. Somewhere between being named Chief Creative Officer and writing books to get to events Johns has slipped. His work is still good; it is just lacking that certain something extra. My best guess is over extended and writing to get to the event is making his work feel like it is treading water.

J Michael Stracynski – I’m very hot and cold on JMS. I enjoyed Superman Earth One, loved his Brave and Bold stint, enjoyed Wonder Woman and was bored to tears by Superman on walkabout. Still because of his pedigree with Rising Stars, Midnight Nation, Babylon 5 and Changeling I will check out his work. Plus I heard he is going to complete the Twelve and I love that series.

Ed Brubaker – Ed tells some great stories. I think his “noir” stuff shines the brightest (in an odd twist of fate) as that is where his passion lies. Sleeper, Criminal, Incognito have all been fantastic reads and his partnership with Sean Phillips is a high point for both of their careers. I also enjoyed Ed’s work on Batman, Captain America and Daredevil. I think the more “super” we get the less we are in Ed’s comfort zone. For me seeing Brubaker’s name as the writer is a sure fire method to get me to try out the book.

Jeff Parker – This guy is one of my bright lights of the MU. Jeff’s work from X-Men First Class to Agents of Atlas is always high energy and a lot of fun. I’m glad to see that he is starting to graduate from doing the lowered tier books and getting a shot at what I would classify as at least second tier books with Thunderbolts (okay tier 2.5) and Hulk. I would love for Marvel to let this guy go on Avengers. I’m so over Bendis and I think Jeff could bring so fresh perspective to the group.

Marc Guggenheim – Marc hit a home run with co-writer Butters on Halcyon and I have enjoyed his work at various times and have not enjoyed his work at other times. Right now I thought his first JSA issue was a good start and this new creator owned series was interesting so Marc is in my good gracious right now.

Scott Snyder – Is my pick for the writer who is the next rising star in the industry. Scott puts a lot of effort into his scripts and it shows. American Vampire is a series about vampires and given the over blown hype surrounding that genre I thought I would hate it, but I love this series. I’m betting right here and now he blows us away with his work on Detective Comics.

Grant Morrison – Grant is always swinging for the conceptual home run and he definitely thinks a lot different than the rest of us. At times his work is brilliant and the best of the best (All Star Superman) and at times I need a guide to understand the point of his story (Sea Guy). No matter what, his work is thought provoking and always worth the read. Grant has an incredibly long tenure and is consistently a writer I want to read.

Dan Slott – He made me want to read Spider-Man again! Dan has been flying under the radar for many years and in fact he did a great Arkham Asylum mini-series years ago for DC and then Marvel smartly brought him into their fold. Dan maybe just getting his chance to be a big star in the industry now, but he is ready for it.

Gail Simone – Birds of Prey and Secret Six are the two books I associated with Gail Simone and the quality of the work on these books always makes me willing to try anything she maybe writing. Sadly she is the only female writer that came to mind when I threw this list together. We need more female voices in the industry. I even give Gail credit for trying to writer Wonder Woman, which I think is the hardest book to write in comics and even she missed on that. Still Secret Six is the heir to the great Suicide Squad series from DC and Birds of Prey is back and Gail has two series that I look forward to each month.

Terry Moore – The man writes and draws Echo, which is one of the best series being published. Echo is a great science fiction novel in the best tradition of taking us to just a little into the future. At the same time the richness of his characters is astounding, I feel like I know Julie, Ivy and Dillon. Add to that the Strangers in Paradise series (that I read the first collection of) and you have a strong name for the indie world. Also I’m impressed as he is a self publisher and surviving, not easy in this industry.

Joe Hill – He only has the Locke and Key series, but his stuff is literate fiction like Echo, Scalped and American Vampire. Joe has crafted a great comic book series and I bet most people don’t even know he grew up in the shadow of his father Stephen King.

Christos Gage – Christos is one of those writers whose name I have been seeing for years starting with a Deadshot mini-series from DC years ago. He continues to be a fill in guy for Marvel on many series but was given Avengers Academy to run with and does some great work on GI Joe Cobra. Heck I loved his Absolution series from Avatar also. I expect to see Mr. Gage have a break out hit one day and it could came from almost anywhere.

Brian Woods – Demo, DMZ, Northlanders, DV8, Local and Supermarket is a pretty darn impressive resume for someone who never crosses over into the mainstream of the DCU or Marvel. Brian has carved out a niche for himself as an indie creator, but does most of his work for Vertigo. I’m willing to give any series he is writing a try and would highly recommend Local if you never read it.

Jeff Lemire – I love this guy. Sweet Tooth has become one of my favorite Vertigo series. When you add the first issue of the new Superboy series and I think Mr. Lemire is a triple threat. Artist and Writer, but at ease with both capes and his indie work (I classify Vertigo as indie work published by DC). If you want to see what got Mr. Lemire on everyone’s radar read Essex County the collected edition, a great story that is truly a heartfelt book that holds your interest from beginning to end.

Paul Cornell – From my vantage point this guy just popped up out of nowhere, but I know he was doing some Marvel work that James and Greg (fellow CCX panelists loved) and I’m sure he had some work in British Comics. I’m enjoying Action Comics, was turned off on Knight and Squire, but for now Mr. Cornell is someone to watch. It is too early to say if he will be a long lasting star or a flavor of the month.

Peter Tomasi – One of DC’s best editors changes over and immediately becomes one of the DCU’s best writers. Right now I think Tomasi is the best writer of the core DCU stuff. He has done great work on Nightwing, GL Corps and now Emerald Warriors and Brightest Day. His run on the Outsiders was the only time I enjoyed this latest incarnation of the book. I think he needs to be given the JLA.

AJ Lieberman – He is on this list for Cowboy Ninja Viking. It is the only work of his that I follow and I’m unaware of any other work he is doing, but this book has made me know who he is and I will be amenable to trying out another series with his name as the writer.

John Layman – Like AJ, he is on the list for one book Chew. Still it is such a great book that I look forward to any new ideas he may having cooking in his brain.

Robert Kirkman – Right now the darling of the comic industry and the uber-meister of creators owning their own work. It was only a few years ago when he was struggling with his work at Marvel and letting Invincible and I believe Walking Dead fall behind schedule. Now he has both books hitting on all cylinders and is the creative mind behind the hit AMC series Walking Dead. Add to that the fact the Walking Dead is the second best book on the stands and he is having the year of his life. Kirkman fits with his own books, he did not fit doing MU work. Oddly enough he was the writer on one of the mega hits of all time for Marvel and it involved Zombies, destiny!

Jason Aaron – The writer of the best comic book series being published, Scalped. If Jason did nothing else he would still be a phenomenon in my book. I challenge anyone to read the first three trades of Scalped and be able to stop reading the book. This book is dynamite and is the hardest hitting and rawest (from an emotional point) book on the stands. Add to that a very cool run on Ghost Rider, some decent work on Wolverine and Jason is an indie star with Scalped and a MU sensation with his cape and cowl work.

Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning – These guys write entertaining comics and stuff you want to read. Resurrection Man, LOSH and lately the cosmic side of the Marvel Universe. Nothing that has stood out as the best book ever or a top ten series of all time, but entertaining and fun comics that keep you engaged.

Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti – The writing team supreme behind Jonah Hex, Freedom Fighters and I’m sure a bunch of other stuff. Jimmy was famous for being partners with Joe Quesada back in the early days of his career and has been a great idea man for DC with his writing partner Justin Gray. Heck with Gray and his wife Amanda Conner they produced one of the best 12 issues runs taking a character from the “C” list to at least the “B” list as Power Girl was a critical darling and no longer just boobs.

Matt Fraction – I have tried to like “caption” Fraction, but he just keeps missing with me. I think he is a good writer and sometimes I have enjoyed a story or two by him, but I think he gets caught up in being too clever for his own good. He got way too cute with the captions in Uncanny X-Men and this current Thor run has some good ideas, but he is caught up having this regular human nerd character being a part of the mix. It could be a generational thing, but Fraction is someone everyone wanted to be a star and as far as his MU work goes he has yet to prove it to me.

Nick Spencer – Another rising indie star with Morning Glories being his claim to fame and now getting Supergirl and Thunder Agents from DC. Morning Glories is interesting, but it is not the next Chew or CNV. Thunder Agents had a good first issue and I liked what he did with Jimmy Olsen, but the jury is still out on whether Nick is a shinning or shooting star.

Tony Bedard – I used to avoid Tony’s work or at least not give a darn about it. Rebels changed all of that for me as this series has had a plan from the jump and it felt like the first work he was given to do with what he wanted. Often he was more of a fill the gap or pure fill in writer. Now he is starting to be someone whose work I like to read in Rebels and GL Corps. Tony has moved into my zone of a writer I will read.

Chris Roberson – Another rising star. His IZombie book is the heir apparent to Buffy and a joy to read. I love the whole cast of characters he has given us and the twist and turns this series has taken in just a few short issues. Now he has been tapped to write Superman from JMS’s story outline. Given how little I have heard his name that was quite a jump from Vertigo to a high profile DCU book. I hope it works out.

Mark Waid – Mark almost seems to be more famous for hyping stuff then what he has produced lately. Kingdom Come has always had a contentious history with him and Alex Ross, Flash was Waid’s best work and Potter’s Field was a very cool book. For me Irredeemable and then the spin off Incorruptible have suffered from trying to make a limited concept into an unlimited series and I have dropped both books. Perhaps Mark’s best skill set would be managing a line of comics as he proved by turning BOOM around.

Matt Wagner – Matt is currently writing Madame Xanadu and Green Hornet Year One, but will always be known for Grendel and Mage. I love Matt’s work and have enjoyed his Batman work a lot over the years. As an artist I think Matt was never the best, but his work was good and I think it helps him in writing comic scripts for others. Matt’s name on the credits is a guarantee of quality work.

Garth Ennis – If it is a war story and Garth is writing it, I will read it. Garth is also known for doing a definitive run on the Punisher, as the 60 issues Punisher Max run was a seminal piece of work for Garth along with Preacher. Garth can also go for pure shock value at times as he did with Crossed and Preacher, but it always seems to serve the story and is not shock for shock’s sake. Garth is a quality writer.

Bill Willingham – On the list for his Fables work, this book has been the project of his career. Bill was an artist/writer first and then became just a writer. His work in the DCU has been hit or miss, but still between Fables and co-writing Jack of Fables Bill has crafted one of the best runs and a large body of work that will, I believe, will pass the test of time.

Brian Bendis – At one time I used to like some of his work, but like Geoff Johns this guy is spread thinner then Olive Oyl (Popeye cartoon character). His dialogue on the Avengers book is horrible, but some of his concepts and ideas have reinvigorated the line and made it the center of the MU. I prefer his work on solo characters like Alias and Daredevil and I’m looking forward to his Moon Knight take, but I avoid his Avengers and group books like the plague. I wish he could provide plot direction and act as an almost story editor and let someone else actually write the Avengers stuff.

Mark Millar – Katy Perry is alive and well as a comic book writer. What I mean is that I see Millar as appealing to the lowest common denominator and believe that like a pop star his work will not stand the test of time. He is popular, but will ultimately be found to contain transfat and be banned by the FDA. I will give him credit with crafting some great action movie type of comics and giving us solid entertainment at times. At this point I have grown tired of his work and look to avoid it.

David Hine – This guy was doing some fantastic work with Marvel on the “Son of M” series and other stuff and then after he left Pietro was turned back into a good guy of sorts. He went over to DC and has slowly been given more and more work on “B” and “C” level titles with some fill in work on an “A” level book. If you never read Strange Embrace, you should check it out as this was the work that got David Hine noticed. He is an intelligent and thoughtful writer who I’m looking to break away from the pack when he gets the right series.

Rick Remender – Fear Agent is great stuff, his Punisher work has been interesting, but Uncanny X-Force maybe the book that puts his name on the map. It should have been Fear Agent, but the sales have never been that great, but X-Force started off with a great first issue. Here is hoping that the next issue and those that follow make X-Force a book I want to read for a long time.

Jonathan Hickman – Mr. Hickman had a home run with Nightly News and has in some ways struggled ever since. Jonathan was tagged as a super star way too fast and Bleeding Cool called him the next Alan Moore. I guess that means some great work and then he goes off the deep end and worships Snake Gods or something. Anyway Mr. Hickman has obvious potential as he has some cool ideas and concepts, but has yet to make it work 100%. I’m back on his Fantastic Four run right now hoping this will be his turning point from promising rookie to big hitter.

Jim Shooter - The man, the myth, the legend and at times the pain. Jim Shooter has been around the comic industry for a long time and I’m impressed as his latest work on Solar, Magnus and Turok is still rock solid. In fact the Turok launch was the best of the three. I have read he was a tough Editor in Chief at Marvel, but what shows in his work is a game plan. Issue one sets up the next issue and you can tell he knows where we are going.

And that is about it. I know with just a little bit of research I could generate a lot of names and I’m sure I have left off a few favorites of mine and a few not so favorite writers of mine. The bottom line is that even the writers that I don’t like their work have a high level of craftsmanship. The overall talent level for writing in comics has never been higher then it is today. A myriad of reasons entered into why that is true, better pay, more recognition, movies being made from comics, comics being written for an older audience and the list goes on. This is not to denigrate those who came before, because John Broome, Garner Fox, Arnold Drake, Stan Lee, Roy Thomas, Gerry Conway and all the rest paved the way for us to be where we are today.

Spider-Girl #1 (Vol. 2) -- A Review

Publisher: Marvel

Writer: Paul Tobin

Artist: Clayton Henry/Dean Haspiel

Colorist: Chris Sotomayor/Edgar Delgado

Letterer: VC's Joe Caramagna

Format:
main-story -- 23 pages of story and art plus 1 recap page

backup-story -- 8 pages of story and art plus 1 letters page

Price: $3.99



In the interest of "going green" and "redeeming the time", I'm going to adhere to two of the three R's and Reuse and Recycle the letter I just sent off to Marvel about Spider-Girl #1 for this review. As you will see I'm very passionate about my Spider-Girl comics...

OK TO PRINT

Dear Marvel,

This past summer just before leaving on a two-week family vacation out west, I secured an interview with Paul Tobin for the blog: Comics And...Other Imaginary Tales, because I was so enthusiastic about his work on Marvel Adventures Super-Heroes! (BEST Avengers title on the stands PERIOD!!!) By the time I got back and began preparing questions for him, the news about this "all-new, all-different" Spider-Girl series had been announced. As a May "Mayday" Parker Spider-Girl fan from the beginning (since What-If #105), I was NOT pleased that someone else would be using the Spider-Girl name. Still, I asked Paul about the upcoming series and if he had anything to say to May's fans that might make them try it. Based on his responses, I promised him that I would at least buy issue one and give it a fair shot, instead of boycotting it like I had planned.

Two days ago, I kept my promise and yesterday morning I finally got to read the issue. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!! The art (including the coloring and lettering) is phenomenal! For example, the page where Anya and her Dad move the couch is so natural and authentic. (Great couch upholstery by the way.) I immediately connected with them and I'm very concerned about her Dad's condition at the end of this issue. HE BETTER NOT BE DEAD!!! See, I care already.

Oh, and NO ONE writes the Invisible Woman better than Paul Tobin. I totally dig his Captain America-flirting Sue in Super Heroes, which is quite a departure from the family Sue in FF, but he writes her perfectly every time. The whole "going out to lunch" sequence was awesome. Making a conversation interesting is no small feat, but it's almost like watching a film the way Clayton masterfully changes the "camera" angles in each panel. The perspective is always spot-on too. Even when there aren't any backgrounds, Chris really enhances the scene with his superb colors. This is a team supreme for sure!

I do have some questions about Spider-Girl's costume. How does her web-swinging work anyway? Is the rope contained in the spider-shells on the back of her hands? It looks more mechanical than Spidey's webbing, but there must be a way to reproduce it or how could she tie up bad guys and still web-swing. I know you guys have a logical explanation -- let's see a pin-up schematic sometime.

The backup story was great too. Dean's art and Edgar's colors were wonderful and fit the story's tone to perfection. I love their lumpy Thing and the way Mr. Fantastic stretched across the floor when he fell from the water bubble. I think it's cool for Anya to have such a strong connection with the FF, since Spidey encountered them so early in his career.

Excellent job everybody! You're doing the Spider-Girl name proud!!! I think that's the highest praise I can give.

Best regards,

Matthew G. Mann Sr.

Columbia, Maryland

PS. I STILL want Mayday to get her own series again, but I can support two Spider-Girls. I just wonder which one Disney will want to use in a TV show.

PPS. While I've got your attention...PLEASE SAVE THOR MIGHTY AVENGER!!! It's my favorite Marvel comic being published right now!

If you think you're surprised at my gushing reaction, imagine how I felt. (I sure hope they print my letter.) Oh, I liked the preview in Amazing Spider-man #648 too (A BIG TIME thanks to Cosmic for my coupon that allowed me to get it for FREE!). Wow, I'm back on the monthly Spider-man bandwagon after SIX YEARS and I'm supporting an Arana comic book. Hell's never going to freeze over (and it won't be the "party time" that AC/DC sang about either), but I certainly didn't expect this to happen...

Grade A+: Worthy of the name "Spider-Girl"!!! A wonderful, easily accessible start to the new series with realistic dialogue, great characterization, and astounding artwork with splendid layouts. Everyone should add this to their pull list!

Indies Preview Review for January 2011 Part 3 of 3

The final day...

Image Comics
Shuddertown HC by (W) Nick Spencer (A) Adam Geen
The dead are killing. While struggling to hide the secrets of his own tortured past, troubled homicide detective Isaac Hernandez investigates a string of murders in which all of the forensic evidence points toward perpetrators who are already dead themselves. One of the year's most critically acclaimed and talked-about crime stories, finally collected in a beautiful oversized-hardcover format! Available Again, Not a New Release. $19.99
Lee: This isn’t a new release but the last issue just came out last month after a six or seven month hiatus so I’m betting everyone forgot about it. But, those that read the final issue said it was great and worth the wait so I shall get this.
Gwen: This looks really cool. First of all I'm a sucker for detective stories and this seems to be one with an interesting twist. I'm also a sucker for supernatural twists so it's pretty easy to sell me on this one.

NBM
Ordinary Victories GN by (W/A) Manu Larcenet
This is the story of Marc, a photographer who's tired. Meet the very patient chick he meets and of banal horrors and his pain-in-the-neck cat. It's the story of his art thrown against heavy anxiety attacks; of a really cute woman in his small town who seems to take to him against all odds; of the old neighbor, a peaceful likable fellah until you get to know his disturbing role in the war. Available Again, Not a New Release. $15.95
Lee: This isn’t a new release but this is a great book about growing up. And not the growing up that kids do, this is all about the growing up that adults have to do as they move through life. The hype doesn’t do this justice because this is one of those rare books that really captures all the anxieties of life without being depressing. Highly recommended.
Gwen: While this type of genre can be well done it can easily fall flat as well because with this type of story you need to have something in common with your fans. So I'll have to take Lee's word that this is one of the better done versions as it's just as easy to run into the creator work that's hard to empathize with. I'm not really referring to similar life experiences either (as I love Persepolis and have next to nothing in common with that creator's life experiences) just something in the story of another person that's easily relatable.

Olympian Publishing
Fracture of the Universal Boy GN by (W/A) Michael Zulli
The acclaimed Sandman illustrator retreated for years to produce this semi-autobiographical tale that takes readers into the most treacherous recesses of the human experience. Nearly two decades in the making, Fracture is less a graphic novel and more a self-exorcism onto the printed page, evidence of how emotionally explosive graphic novels can be. $20.00
Lee: There’s nothing better than seeing, and reading, about tortured artists. They tend to put all their efforts into producing visual tour-de-forces when “excorising personal demons.” Zulli is a master artist and I can’t wait to see the pictures he’s drawn.
Gwen: ... I don't know, I'm fairly certain I can easily think of things better than seeing and reading about tortured artists... like waffles. Mmm, waffles.

Cursed Pirate Girl SC by (W/A) Jeremy Bastian
Adventures on and under the high seas lead a cursed pirate girl to encounter mythic creatures, gnarled and crusty pirates, and ghostly apparitions in this whimsical swashbuckling tale of wonderland journeys and unimaginable dangers. The first three issues are collected with an all-new epilogue. $20.00 Visit Jeremy here and read a review, see previews here.
Lee: Everything I read about this compared it to Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland which is pretty high praise. But, based on the images I've seen I'd have to agree. The art has the feel of old, turn of the century material and I love it. I'm sold.
Gwen: This looks amazing. As someone who loves pirate stories and Alice in Wonderland this looks like one of those books made specifically to appeal to me. The art looks great too!

Pure Imagination Publishing
Joe Kubert Reader SC by (A) Joe Kubert
Lost Joe Kubert artwork from the 1940s and early 1950s rediscovered and never-before reprinted! Horror, adventure, romance, and superhero artwork unseen for half-a-century. $25.00
Lee: Every single time I swear it’s the last PI book for me, Theakston (the publisher) finds a way to draw me back in. I can’t pass up a chance to see early Kubert art in an oversized, crystal clear format that allows you see to see every inked line and nuance. These are fantastic books if you love the old stuff.
Gwen: That's all you Lee. I am very rarely interested in buying a pure art book... of course if they come out with one for Amy Reeder I'd make an exception.

Rebellion / 2000AD
Greysuit: Project Monarch SC by (W) Pat Mills (A) John Higgins
The covert operatives known as Greysuits enforce the British Government's interests in the world's most dangerous places. Specially conditioned to have heightened strength and reflexes, Greysuits are the most deadly secret agents alive. $22.50
Lee: There certainly isn’t a lot in this write up to draw the casual reader in but I’m betting it is pretty good. Pat Mills is an accomplished writer and John Higgins is an excellent artist. I’m betting the art is going to carry this.
Gwen: As I am not often sold on art alone this would probably be a pass. However as a gift I might pick something like this up - Andre loves spy stories.

Lee: It may have been light in terms of the sheer number of books but there was some cool stuff to be had.
Gwen: I can still think of lots more things better than seeing and reading about tortured artists. Halloween, puppies, driving in nice weather with the windows rolled down and the radio turned up....

Greg's Uncomfortably Enthusiastic Absolute All Star Superman Review

You never forget your first time.

Yesterday, I bought my DC’s Absolute All Star Superman. It was the first Absolute edition I’ve ever gotten.

Now, I’ve bought oversized hardcovers over the years, but I’ve never dipped my toes in the Absolute pond. DC’s Absolutes usually don’t interest me (Absolute Green Lantern: Rebirth? Really?), involve multiple volumes and thus are a little too pricey for me (Planetary), or I already own it in trades and I’m not spending $400 dollars for Absolute versions of it (Hellooooo Absolute Sandman). All-Star Superman, however, is the perfect Absolute book for me.

It’s self-contained. It has beautiful Frank Quitely art. It’s the best Superman story ever and it doesn’t even need a hoodie. It was time to pop my cherry.

After paying my local retailer a hundred odd dollars and promising him a portion of my first born child, I was given the book in a non descript white package. The first thing you notice about it is the heft. Walking home with it on the streets of Baltimore, I felt immense power. Surely I could render any superstitious and cowardly criminal that came my way comatose with but a swing of the weighty tome. Bullets would bounce off it like a thick kryptonian hide.

Yes father, I thought to myself, I shall become a book.

Anyway, after cleaning up the streets of Baltimore, I returned home and opened my package. Its slipcase splits a giant Frank Quitely image between the two sides. It doesn’t even need a superman logo its so damn arty. Inside, the book itself is large, but not cumbersome. Quitely’s wonderful art looks great on the high quality paper, and Morrison’s notes in the back contain some interesting insight into where he drew inspiration for the various parts of the book. I was concerned about how double page spreads would look in a book that large, but they look incredible. With a sewn binding that uses the hairs of unicorns, it opens nearly flat and it looks great.

In short, this is an amazing book. It is the treatment that one of the best comic book stories in recent years, it will let you become a crime fighter, and it may even cure a few diseases. Not that I’m getting carried away or anything.