Quickies 7/22/10

While Tony is off at the San Diego Comic Con, the rest of us are stuck here in Maine. We don't get to read comics from the future or meet the creators of our favorite books. We don't get to play Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 before anyone else does! Nope...we're stuck here, dreaming of what this pop culture Valhalla looks like. At least new comics came out this week, those will help dull the pain. Also, I sold all of Tony's comics to customers! In your face Mr. I got my picture taken with Bryan Lee O'Malley!

Here we go!

Dark Wolverine #88

Where can I get a Franken-Castle t-shirt! I want one so badly! If anyone can give me information on where to get one, I'll give you a high five. That's a promise folks!

This issue doesn't waste any time with silly things, like exposition. Daken ditches some models, kills a guy in a bathroom, and then starts fighting the Punisher. I really liked that the first chapter of their meeting was just them fighting. It's all I really wanted them to do anyways. I'm assuming that the next chapter of this story, in Franken-Castle's series, will reveal what the plot will be for this crossover.

If you were chomping at the bit for a re-match between these two characters, then pick up this issue immediately. There isn't a lot there besides fighting, but it's a good start.

Batman Beyond #2

Thankfully, Batman Beyond is not about Batman working at a Bed, Bath, and Beyond. I do think Batman working a retail job, that specializes in home goods, would be entertaining though. It's about Batman in the future, or "Beyond" as the future is referred to in the future.

This book reminds of the straight to DVD movie called "Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker". Why? Because a prominent villain in Batman's rouges gallery suddenly appears in the future, just like in the movie. Naturally, the current Batman goes to investigate while Bruce tells him he doesn't know what he's getting himself into. It's not bad, but we seem to be treading familiar territory here. Granted that familiar territory was awesome.

If you're a fan of the show, like myself, it should be difficult not to read this. Despite using a story idea from a Batman Beyond movie, this book is still enjoyable. I guess if you never saw that movie, this issue would blow your mind. If you are that person, then good for you.

Prince of Power #3

I wish I could dress like Amadeus Cho and not get made of fun of by my co-workers. The casual business attire look has always appealed to me. I'm a big fan of ties, you now know that about me. I would also like that enchanted mace he carries around too. I'm just full of wants today!

This issue feels a lot like how The Incredible Hercules used to. It was a lot of fun, and even made me laugh out loud a few times. Notice that I wrote out "laugh out loud", as opposed to using LOL. The dialouge has great comedic timing, especially when Amadeus makes fun of Egyptian mythology. Having Thor tell Amadeus that he has a large hammer that he can put through his face is good too. The overall plot advances nicely, this issue just flows well.

Overall, it was a lot of fun. If you are a fan of humorous stories, then give this series a try. It really hits its stride in this issue. It also included giant serpents, death scrunchies, Thor watches youtube, and LOLCats!

G.I. Joe #156

Holy crap! Cobra is in charge of the U.S. Military and G.I. Joe is wanted for treason! In other news, cats and dogs are now best friends and hamburgers eat people! This is insanity!

Despite the plot being too crazy for our minds to comprehend, this was a good read. It was nice to see the Joes thrown into a different situation. It was also good to see Snake Eyes kill a lot of Cobra ninjas. Don't get upset with me if you think that was a spoiler. The idea that Snake Eyes doesn't kill a lot of ninjas is laughable. It took me back to Saturday mornings, when I would yell "Yo Joe" at the TV screen and smile.

There are a lot of G.I. Joe books out on the market, but I feel like this one is the best. This is a great jump on point for what, appears to be, an awesome new series.

New Avengers #2 was amazing too, but you don't need me to tell you that.

Tony's SDCC Coverage Day 1!

Comic-con Day 1:

So I finally arrived at the massive San Diego Comic Con. I then had to wait in a line for at least a half hour just to check in and get my ID badge. After this was about 30 minutes of more waiting around.

When you get your badge they also give you a massive jumbo bag (for hauling all of your goodies and also being completely in the way of everyone walking around you) as well as a guide for the entire weekend.

I used this time to figure out where things were and what I had to do. Wednesday night was "Preview Night". This means that the floor opened up at 6PM and only stayed open for a couple of hours.

This is a perfect time to familiarize yourself with the layout of the floor. I give myself a pretty strict schedule (yay OCD). After a while security kept shooing people around into the designated entrance lines. If you look around though...these lines are freaking huge. I did not want to wait in that so I continued walking around outside the convention floor. I could go upstairs and downstairs and find where everything is located as well as best entrances/exits depending on what panels I wanted to travel to. Also, it's great to be a sneaky bastard. I started seeing the HUGE line move so I opened a "exit only" door and jumped in with them. I noticed a crowd of people tried to follow my lead but security stopped them. I guess I'm too awesome to control.

This entrance was perfect! The very first thing I saw was the Oni Press booth. They had stacks upon stacks of Scott Pilgrim vol 06 and they were flying off the metaphorical shelves. I picked up an exclusive SDCC Scott Pilgrim t-shirt.
Next was the DC and Marvel booths which already had huge lines for the writer/artist signings and all the free stuff they are handing out. DC had a lot of great toys and collectibles and lots of free comics to give away. Marvel had the Odin throne from the upcoming film (EPIC!) as well as free posters and video packages of upcoming video games.

Next was the Image booth. I met up with David Mack (Kabuki/Daredevil) and he gave me an Akemi (from Kabuki) sketch. David Mack is one of the nicest guys I have ever met so I always make sure I spend a moment to chat and then give him some money haha. I then met Jason Howard and Ryan Ottley and less than a half hour into the convention, Ottley was booked up for the next few days. I did get a copy of Sea Bear/Grizzly Shark and they both signed it. I also saw Rob Liefeld. We met eyes and gave each other the nod. I then picked up an awesome Walking Dead t-shirt I've never seen before and I watched Blair Butler (G4) interview Robert Kirkman while I waited in line to pay.

I then made my way to Artist Alley, it seemed smaller than usual but a lot of great people were there. I talked with Shane Davis for a bit (Green Lantern) and he was an awesome and friendly guy. Most people were not set up though since it was only preview night.

I then went the opposite direction and saw all the massive booths set up for the big movie and television studios. There is way too much to even talk about. I saw awesome Harry Potter props and even the Abin Sur dead body that will be in the Green Lantern movie! Holy crap!

I met and talked with a bunch of people including Brian Bendis who is always the man. I also played Iron Man 2 pinball which is great. I really want it for the store.

Anyway, that was only Preview Night and I am exhausted. Luckily there is nothing too early tomorrow so I can sleep in, but tomorrow brings Walking Dead and Scott Pilgrim panels as well as a lot of standing around in lines reading comics!

-tony

You can also follow tony on twitter @tonymalaab

Superman #701

This issue officially begins the "Grounded" story by J. Michael Straczynski (JMS), where Superman Forrest Gumps it across America in an effort to reconnect with humanity. Much like the prologue written in Superman #700, I am somewhat disappointed. The disappointment comes from the execution of Superman making his trek across America, not the concept itself. It seemed like a cool idea on paper, but it just isn't coming together for me.

I was under the impression, from interviews prior to the books release, that Superman would not be wearing his costume. That made sense to me. If he wanted to reconnect with humanity, then he should dress the part. Instead he's walking around in his costume attracting attention from everyone. Celebrities wear disguises when they want to blend in with the public, why doesn't Superman?

I also didn't think he would be using his powers to solve everyday problems, but he is. I feel the same way about this as I do the costume. If he wants to reconnect with humanity, then he shouldn't use his powers to clean up store rooms and fix cars. Use your hands Superman! Open up a book and help somebody out. I don't know. It just seems like it would have been more powerful of a story if he had done these things.

Superman is really preachy in this issue too. For a guy who is trying to find his inner humanity, he spends a lot of time telling them how to live. It feels more like JMS is using this is as his soap box to tell everyone how to live, as opposed to writing the character. The way he talks to everyone isn't going to help win over the crowd that is annoyed by Superman acting like a messiah either.

Overall, it's not a bad issue. It's just not a Superman story that I really enjoy reading. If you're into it, then that's awesome. Please don't misinterpret this post as me telling you not to read this series. The writing, while preachy, is good and the art is great too. There are some real emotional moments, coupled with good advice. It's just not a Superman story that I care to read.

Let me know what you think!

-Action Chad

Quickies 7/8/10

Holy hell! Did you know that my last post was my 100th post! I feel like someone should have made me a cake, bought me ice cream or something. If anyone does want to get me ice cream, I like Snickers Blizzards from DQ or a "like it" size of "cookie doughn't you want some" from Cold Stone. Make it happen people!

On to the reviews!

X-Force #28

The next to last chapter of second coming is here! You should definitely pick up this one though, as the majority of the crisis is resolved in this issue. I'm just letting you know that, in case you thought the final chapter of this story is where all the explosions happen. All the explosions are right here! Woo!

Since this is the issue where we get some big payoffs, it was a really entertaining read. Craig Kyle and Chris Yost crafted a solid ending to the battle in the death bubble on the Golden Gate Bridge. That's not an easy thing to do, considering that this story is now 13 issues long. It's really easy to produce a lackluster ending given the amount of build up that has occurred. Luckily, they avoided that by having some tense emotional moments coupled with some crazy fighting. There are some parts that are kind of cheesy, like the gathering of San Franciscans leaving candles and pictures outside the death bubble. The fact that you finally get to see Hope do something cool far outweighs those moments.

You may remember back when Nightcrawler died that I said you should buy that issue as it may be a collectors item. Well I'm kind of saying that again. Someone important may be kicking the bucket here guys. That's all I'm saying.

Batman and Robin #13

Call me old fashioned, but I like the usage of the crow bar to beat someone. Especially when that someone is a clown. Just something about it that warms my heart.

Thomas Wayne is alive? When did this happen? I have no idea, but he is strutting around town like it's nobodies business. Meanwhile Batman talks to Jim Gordon about some theories he has. All the while Robin, that little monkeyshine, is trying a new form of crowbar therapy with the Joker's face. This was a really fun issue! If it didn't look like crap, it would have been perfect. The art is stiff, lacking emotion, and the color is awful. I know this artist has done better work in the past. If some DC editor is to blame for rushing this man, then shame on them.

Read it for the story and try to deal with the art. That's what I did. Also, does anyone else think that Damien should be on the Teen Titans? Just to tell them how much they suck? I think it would be amazing.

Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four #1

What is one of my favorite things in the whole wide world? When Spidey and the FF team up to fight bad guys! I also love when Spidey and the Human Torch spend half the issue insulting each other. That's what comic books are all about guys, insults between friends.

This mini-series will be taking place in the past. Reed and Sue have just become engaged, if that gives you an idea of where this falls on the time line. Dr. Doom has agreed to work out some treaties with some neighboring countries at Empire State University. That's kind of weird, but what's weirder is that he wants the FF to be his security team! Surely you jest Doom! You hate the FF! Why would you want them to be...oh I get it, it's an insult to them...clever Doom. While the FF are standing guard outside, Peter Parker shows up. He's spider-Man, but what is he doing at Empire U.? He goes to school there! This is so convenient! Within seconds, monsters appear and the place goes crazy. Good times are had by all.

I thought this story was a lot of fun to read. It's setup and dialogue are very reminiscent of comics that would have come out during this time period. It's nice to go back to past every now and then. The art in this book is solid for the most part, but there are a few weird looking faces every now and then.

If you're a fan of Spidey and the FF like I am, or just a fan of 60's era comics, then picking up this book is a no brainer.

The Last Zombie #1

This book is suggested for mature readers. That's because dead people are walking around and people say bad words. Nobody gets eaten though, don't worry about that. I guess everyone is over zombies eating people. They want to know what our society will be like post zombie apocalypse. Will we still like Doritos? Will Jim Belushi still not be funny? What are the answers to these questions?!

You won't find any of those answers in this issue. You will find a book about life after a zombie apocalypse though. This book takes a look at the life of a scientist that is living in a military compound in Colorado. He's working on a cure while talking to his wife that is held up in another compound in West Virginia. The West Virginia compound suddenly goes quiet and a posse is put together to find out why. Premise!

The books backdrop, zombie apocalypse, is its downfall with me. It's another zombie book trying to grab my attention. It's not a bad book by any means, but it's not holding my attention like the Walking Dead does. The art could use some work too. The lack of backgrounds leaves it feeling almost unfinished. The people look good, but what does the room there in look like? Do they live in gray clouds? I don't know. The letterer doesn't put the vertical line in their E's either. I kept noticing it and it was driving me crazy.

If you need to read everything that has zombies in it, then pick it up. This would be a good book for Walking Dead fans to pick up while they're waiting for the next issue of that series to come out. It will help pass the time, and maybe you'll really like it.

Bring me ice cream!

Stick with the tights

In case you've been living under a rock, or another dense object that would limit your ability to receive information, you know that Wonder Woman has a new costume. Reactions have been mixed to say the least. They range from loving the new look, to accusing Wonder Woman of being a communist. Given that Wonder Woman is a character that is rich in Americana, it is no wonder that people would have such strong reactions regarding a change in her attire.

I am in the "not a fan" camp, when it comes to the new costume. When it comes to a super hero(ine) costume, I fall back to something I read in the biography of the wrestler Edge. He mentioned how much he disliked it when wrestlers would wrestle in street clothes. Whether it be jean shorts or track pants, he felt it took away from the pageantry of the show. I feel the same way about super hero costumes. I don't care for a super hero trying to look more hip by wearing street clothes. Wearing ridiculous tights is part of the job, part of the escape for the reader. To ignore that, like wrestling, takes something away from the experience.

I understand that some people are excited now that Wonder Woman has pants. Does it matter if she has pants if the artist draws them as being painted on? I showed a picture of the new costume to several woman, who don't read comics, last night. The reactions were all the same. They all said she looks like a 90's club skank. Keep in mind, that this is a small sample of people, but is that really the look you want for your flagship heroine? Was raising the cut of her top and giving her a long skirt (like her 40's costume) too difficult? That would have made more sense to me. Also, the boots are just stupid.

Regardless of any ones opinion, the costume is here to stay for the moment. It's possible the costume may grow on me, but I'm not going to hold my breathe. Especially when it comes to those boots.

FCBD 2010 On Point with Booster Gold and Blue Beetle pt. 10

Quickies 7/1/10

Secret Avengers #2

Holy crap, we are on freakin' Mars! Avenging, secretly, on the fourth planet from the Sun! This Avengers group is hitting the ground running.

Since this is an odd grouping of heroes, you get a lot of interesting interactions between each team member. Some of them like each other, while others are skeptical of a members abilities. Ed Brubaker does a great job of making sure each member of the team has a unique voice. They are not all trying to crack jokes off of each other, like in the main Avengers book. The story itself is fun so far. I'm really interested to see where this whole martian space crown thing is going. Mike Deodato's art in this book is solid as well, but that isn't anything really new.

This series has been filling the void, that was left behind by Dark Avengers, quite well. The group dynamic is certainly weird, but it's really interesting to read about it. I highly recommend this series.

Green Lantern #55

Lobo is trying to kill Atrocitus! In trying to do this, the majority of a downtown city will be crushed in the process. I can't imagine living in the DC universe. Between Blackest Night, Final Crisis, and War of the Superman I'd be having a panic attack every five seconds. That's assuming Sinestro doesn't "accidentally" knock a building on me first though...stress!!

This issue was decent, it was mainly a big fight scene between "The New Guardians" and Lobo. Not that I'm complaining about that, I like fighting. It just wasn't anything that really moved the larger story along, or answered any questions you may have about the growing threat that they keep mentioning.

The real heart and soul of this issue is the origin of the red lantern cat, Dex-Starr. I'm not ashamed to admit that this tale made me bite my lip a little bit. I like the idea that red lanterns aren't murdering psychopaths, but instead rather tragic characters. It makes them more relocatable and cooler.

Not a bad issue by any means, but nothing amazing either. Read it for the cat story.

Invincible #73

The Viltrumite War rages on! Mark is clinging to life on an alien world, while his father and brother bond while eating alien bugs. This is a real family issue guys! Meanwhile, Tech Jacket and Allen continue the fight against the Viltrumites. Battle Beast shows back up, and there is a traitor afoot! Intrigue, suspense, terror!!!

After the brutal ending to the last issue, I wasn't sure if Mark was going to survive. Apparently he can heal from anything, given enough time. This kid is friggin' unstoppable! I guess that's why they call him Invincible.

The bonding between Nolan (Mark's Dad) and Mark's brother is a good read. It helps build upon their characters, while providing humorous moments. The Viltrumite War is still shown progressing in between these moments, which helps show just how long they are stranded on this world. It's a well put together issue by Kirkman and Ottley. Unlike Green Lantern, the larger story progresses, while building up characters. Also, there is a Star Wars reference. It officially has everything now!

The Viltrumite War is proving to be one of the best Invincible stories yet. You should be reading this series, if you aren't already.

Wonder Woman #600

I was going to review this, but Tony sold my copy! Now what the hell am I supposed to do! It's sold out in our store. I'm not going to another comic store to get it, because that would feel dirty and wrong.

If anyone would like to provide me with their thoughts on this issue, feel free to send me an email at chad@coastcitycomics.net. I'll post any reviews/thoughts I receive from you guys on the blog! That will be fun! Any other crap you want to email me with is fine too.