Panels

There were some pretty awesome moments in the world of comics this week. Normally, I would select just one panel that really stood head and shoulders above the rest. This week is different though, I could only narrow it down to three!

This is every young boys, and some girls, comic fantasy finally seeing print! This panel speaks for itself!


Next up is from this weeks Deadpool. There were a lot of really funny moments in this book, but for some reason this one stuck out the most to me. It's awfully kind of Spidey to see Hit-Monkey off at the airport. This is a fantasy scene though. You can tell because LaGuardia is not jam packed full of miserable people trying to get on a plane.

Lastly is this awesome scene from this weeks Fantastic Four. Mr. Storm is too hot to handle and too cool to wear conventional winter clothing. In your face scientists that will normally freeze to death in the Arctic air. You should try setting yourself on fire! He then coolly asks whether or not anyone ordered a pizza! You can't get pizza delivered on the North Pole! He's too much! You've just been STORMED scientists! Boom!

Good times! Until next time everyone!
- Action Chad

Justice League: Crisis On Two Earths

The new Justice League animated movie comes out tomorrow, and you may be wondering if it's worth your hard earned money. Luckily for you guys, I managed to get my hands on an early copy. Let's find out if dropping $20 is a good idea!

The story, based on Grant Morrison's JLA: Earth 2, is solid. Despite the film being about doppelgangers from an alternate Earth, it's not an in depth look at the choices one can make and how those choices have a lasting impact. That's not a bad thing though. Instead we have movie that is vibrant, action packed, with well developed characters. You can ascertain your own thoughts on doppelgangers since the characters are portrayed so well, while also watching them kick butt. It's a good balance between the two.

Unlike the Superman/Batman movie, the animators decided not to copy the art style of the artist of JLA Earth 2. Since that artist was Frank Quitely, that's probably for the best. I can't imagine how long that would have taken! The animation is smooth and colorful. The fight scenes are animated particularly well, showing a variety of fighting styles. It's not imitating Frank Quitely's work, but it's still visually appealing and fun.

The voice talent is strong in this movie. Each cast member does a good job and they define their characters well. I couldn't believe they were able to get James Woods to play Owl Man. I'm a total James Woods nerd. Ever since he took over the Kwik-E-Mart when Apu was fired on The Simpsons. He definitely makes Owl Man the strongest character portrayed. His voice work alone, sets the stage for this new Earth. It's dark, cold and a little crazy.


So is it worth the money? I'm saying yes! I thought it was a well done animated feature that even someone who has no idea about DC's alternate Earth's would enjoy it. If you are familiar with the inner workings of the DC universe, then there are a lot of cameos that you will enjoy seeing. Also, Wonder Woman really kicked the snot out of a lot of people in this movie, she's brutal! (I think I'm in love!)

Until Next Time!
-Action Chad

Image United Continued!

Hey guys! Remember that blog post where I wrote about my concerns regarding Image United? Well the books have come out and I have read them. I hate to say I told you so but...oh who am I kidding? I was right, and I rather enjoy saying it!

If you're wondering what I'm talking about, then I would like to direct your attention to the quote below.

"This book is absolutely going to be late. As of Friday, McFarlane and Silvestri have contributed absolutely nothing to Image United #3. We're swimming in 10 year anniversary waters here..."

Todd McFarlane and Marc Silvestri are late with their drawings?? An Image book is running behind?? We don't know when it will actually arrive in stores?? Say it isn't so! This has never happened before, I don't understand...

Oh wait, this is the same crap we've been dealing with since the beginning of Image Comics. The founders of Image Comics do not produce things on time, that's a fact at this point. The idea of having them all work together on a single book sounds cool on paper, but has lead to this books downfall. What makes matters worse is that Liefeld even acknowledges this. It's almost as if he knew this was going to happen too!

The sad thing about it is that this book was actually selling well, despite itself. People were excited about it. They came back to the Image fold for a taste of nostalgia. Instead they have been greeted with the same treatment that turned them away in the first place. It's like getting back together with an ex-lover, it's fun at first but then you quickly remember why you broke up. In this case they are never on time, they make a lot of promises they can't keep, and their stories are weak. I'd normally say it's not you, it's me...but in this case Image, it is you.


I also noticed that Invincible is late as well! Robert Kirkman spent an entire year getting Invincible, and Walking Dead, out on time. Then he starts working on a project with the Image founders and his book is late. Coincidence? I don't think so. Let Kirkman work on his own books, don't rope him into this. There is some type of virus going around the Image offices, and hopefully it won't ruin the books that are actually good.

A fan of this series can only hope that things will improve in the future. At this point I would only advise cautious optimism. History is repeating itself once again, and anyone who remembers the past knows how this story will end.

Until next time,
Action Chad

Spider-Man by Another Bad Creation

The Heroic Age

I was recently asked if I thought the coming return of the "white hat/black hat" way of telling stories is due to recent purchase of Marvel Comics by Disney. My answer to this question is no. I think the Heroic Age is a logical step in the progression of Marvel continuity, not a corporate mandate from the new owners.

I came to this conclusion by thinking "how would this work in wrestling?". If it were building towards Wrestlemania, the heel (bad guy grrr) would be champion. The heel would be messing with the face (good guy yay!), keeping him from the championship he desires. The heel would accomplish this by hook or crook, and would manage to keep the belt for some time. Naturally the crowd hates this, as they do not like the heel being their champion. Eventually, the face would overcome the odds and earn a match at Wrestlemania for the championship. The face would then go on to capture the title at the biggest event the promotion holds, in front of millions of viewers. It's a huge payoff for the face and the fans.

The way I look at Marvel comics is that we have been on the road to Wrestlemania throughout House of M, Civil War, Secret Invasion and Dark Reign. The heroes have been beaten down left and right by the villains. To add extra salt to the wound, the government even placed Norman Osborn (The Green Goblin) in charge of America's safety. This backwards logic leaves you feeling angry, you want to see some comeuppance! The championship is firmly in the hands of the heel.

Now we're at Siege, a story I dare compare to the multimedia spectacle that is Wrestlemania. If you think I'm wrong then please think about this. How big does it get when a power mad super villain gathers up the rest of the worlds villains, and sets out to destroy the ancient city of Asgard. That's pretty huge! On top of this, the reader knows that he lied about his reasoning for attacking th Asgardians. Normsn is a poor excuse of a leader, a horrible champion. The siege of Asgard is being broadcast to everyone around the world. Millions of people are watching this titanic confrontation.

In issue #2 of Siege, Captain America (Steve Rogers) gathers several groups of heroes to attack Osborn. He realizes that this is the time to strike back and take back what is theirs. The right to protect the people. Each one of these heroes has an axe to grind and is looking for plenty of payback. They have been beaten down and forced into hiding for years, and now it's time to come back into the light. The face wants their championship back, and the stage is finally set to do it.

If you were like me, the last page of Siege #2 left you thinking "finally!". The moment we've all been waiting for is upon us, the triumphant victory of the heroes. The heel will be pinned by the face, and the belt will change hands. It's the conclusion we all knew would come, but could not wait to see.

That's my reasoning as to why I don't feel it is a corporate mandate for the good guys to regain control of the Marvel Universe. It only seems logical at this point to move ahead toward something positive, in my opinion. Keep in mind, that I'm not saying it's impossible for this to be the case. It certainly could be. However, without a credible source I will continue to have my doubts.

Besides, if these pages from Captain America: Reborn #6 are any indication of what the Heroic Age has waiting for it, the party does not look like it's going to be lasting very long..


As wrestling commentator Jim Ross would say, looks like business is about to pick up.

Review of Siege #2

** This review contains spoilers! So don't be hatin' on me if you readin' somethin' you don't like, ya dig? **

The Siege of Asgard is in full effect, in 2 issues no less! This is kind of a rarity in big stories nowadays (not spending 3 issues messing around in the Savage Land +500 points). Norman Osborn and his Dark Avengers have been beating the crap out of the Asgardians. Normans crew apparently brought their "A" game today as a bunch of D list villains have managed to take down Thor! (Thor having an off day or something? -300 points). Things are looking pretty grim for Asgard at this point.

In the midst of battle it is revealed to Ares that Norman lied to him about the intentions for invading Asgard (what do you mean there is no WMD'S?? +200 points). Perturbed by this new information, he heads off looking for Norman. His intention is to cut his head off for this deception (That's how a man solves a problem! Decapitation! +500 points).

Before Thor is arrested Maria Hill shows up with a bazooka, machine gun and an old pickup truck. Somehow, she manages to completely own the group of villains that just took down Thor with these items (maybe Thor should carry an enchanted bazooka? -500 points). She rescues Thor, with the help of a yokel, and drives him back to the nearby town (I used the word yokel in this review! +100 points)

Captain America #1 has a meeting, and basically says Norman Osborn is a jerk and he is sick of his crap. He wants to get a posse together so he can go kick the crap out of him. Everyone in the room, which includes the New Avengers, Secret Warriors and the Young Avengers, all agree. They gear up and get ready to go rock and roll. (Spider-Man is in this scene, hooray! +500 points)

We then cut back to Asgard to see that Ares has caught up with Norman. Just as he is getting ready to cut his head off, The Sentry attacks Ares. A brutal fight ensues between Ares and The Sentry, which is toppling buildings all over Asgard. The Sentry gains the upper hand and then proceeds to rip Ares in half!! (You stupid meth addict! I hate you!! - 1000 points). Naturally, everyone is a little taken aback by this!

While the body ripping is going on, Daken has located Thor in the city and is preparing to engage him. Unfortunately for Daken, Thor summons several lightning bolts down which burns him, brutally (I'll take the Kentucky Fried Daken value meal, with a side of mashed potatoes and a Pepsi, K thnx +500 points).

Norman, annoyed that Thor just cooked one of his guys, sends The Sentry after Thor. Taskmaster then yells to Norman to turn around. As he does, you see Cap's shield coming at him in the reflection of his helmet! (FINALLY!! It's on now!! +500 points!)

The issue end at that point, so let's recap!

- no bikinis (-200 points)
- no usage of the phrase "mamma jamma" (-100 points)
- no Iron Fist (-100 points)
- Oliver Coipel's art is AMAZING (+1000 points)

Final Tally = 1600 points! Damn! This one is a keeper folks!

Until next time!
-Action Chad

Contest! Contest! Contest! Contest!

Hey guys! I'm so excited about being nominated for the Best Blog of '10! To celebrate, I'm holding a contest!

All you have to do is email a picture saying you voted for me, and you'll be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card for Coast City Comics! The picture can consist of you holding a sign or some type of wacky photoshop creation, BUT it must feature you in some way.

The winner will be chosen at random once the voting for The Phoenix awards is over. I'll be posting some of my favorites on the blog, so if you do not want them posted then please make sure to note that in your email.

So to recap!

1. Send me a picture of yourself saying you voted for me to chad@coastcitycomics.net (1 entry per person)
2. Your name is entered into a random drawing
3. I'll choose the winner at the end of the voting period.

It's amazingly easy guys! I'm practically giving $50 away! I'm a crazy person!

Thanks so much, and make sure to keep voting every day!

-Action Chad

Bigger than Rocky Vs. Drago

"Superman is so ugly that he should donate his face to the US Bureau of Wild Life. "
-Muhammad Ali (paraphrased)