A sequel to the blockbuster G.I Joe has been greenlit, and Lee Byung-Hun has signed to reprise his role as Stormshadow. The apparent demise in GIJoe Rise of Cobra couldn’t keep a good ninja down, and Paramount will be bringing back the white suited ninja and his band of COBRA buddies for a sequel. A director is expected to be announced later in the week.
January 17, 2011 Tags: Cobra, gi joe, Lee Byung-Hun has, movies, paramount, Storm Shadow
Category: Movie News No Comments 
This week snuck up and slapped me on the back of the head. Originally I looked at my virtual pull list and saw 2 books. What a bummer. And I was thinking, Well the podcast will be a quick one this week, and I also thought about doing a column about digging through the quarter bins. Luckily Marvel Comics unleashed a flurry of #1 issues, and between them and a few surprises, by pull list exploded. These may be a bit short, but I wanted to cover everyone.
One Month To Live #1 (OF 5)WRITER: Stuart Moore, John Ostrander, RICK REMENDER & Rob Williams
PENCILS: Mike Del Mundo, Andrea Mutti & Koi Turnbull
INKS: ANDREA MUTTI
COLORED BY: ANDREA MUTTI
This book looked semi-interesting, and I must admit that I only picked it up for a few reasons that weren’t too compelling. But I enjoyed the crap out of it, and I think the average reader will too. We are introduced to Dennis Sykes who is your average joe working for a greedy-evil bank that won’t lend to a kids orphanage because the fat cats want their bonuses. After he delivers the bad news, he tries to help someone out of a robbery and gets beaten and poisoned with toixic waste (only in the Marvel U) but is rescued by The Thing (again only in Marvel’s NY). After Dr. Richards revives him, he give him the bad news that he has serious cancerous growths, and only a month to live.
Invigorated by the short deadline of his life, Dennis discovers he has weird matter-altering powers and decides to steal the money owed to the orphanage, but is caught by his family who think poorly of him for being Robin Hood. Since he feels guilty, he breaks back in to return the money, only to be captured by Spider-man, who eventually lets him go. Instead he uses his powers to give the orphans what they wanted (which is a rock garden) putting him on the radar of a bad guy who runs the neighborhood.
Now after that synopsis, I’m sure you can’t find many appealing mind-altering ideas that make your rush out to buy it. The real magic behind it isn’t the “It’s Clobbering Time!” or the witty commentary by Spider-Man, but it’s the interpersonal emotional dialogue between Dennis and his wife, and the awkward dialogues with his adopted daughter. The story is actually wracked with tragedy, but as a comic book reader, you get sucked into this world hoping for him, and hoping for a happy ending.
What also gives the book more impact that it should is the artwork by Mike del Mundo. The artwork is bright, dark, gritty and clean when it needs to be to illustrate the moods of the book. The darker panels give the proper somber tones and even a stressful tension that the teenage girl brings to her scenes. This book may be finite, and given its more grounded approach, we have a sense of reality that isn’t present in Avengers. Sure Spidey and Thing show up, but they are the same as seeing a bright green camaro, or a woman with a short skirt. They give you a sense of rare instance, but don’t dominate the overall mood.
It may be because I enjoy Vertigo books, but I really took a liking to this more grounded Marvel book, and the human problems that are in it. I like to escape to a world filled with super powers as much as the next guy, but as a comics reader, I enjoy books like this because they demonstrate what the medium is capable of. Not once did I turn the page and roll my eyes when Dennis manifested powers. I didn’t sigh heavily when the Thing yelled “Clobbering Time!!!”. I was able to set the fan boy down, and embrace the story for the emotions that Rick Remender wanted me to feel, and that my friends is a rare thing.
Avengers Children’s Crusade #2 (OF 9)WRITER: ALLAN HEINBERG
PENCILS: JIM CHEUNG
INKS: MARK MORALES
COLORED BY: JAYPO LLC
LETTERED BY: NEUROTIC CARTOONIST, INC
COVER BY: JIM CHEUNG
Jimmy Cheung is a great guy, and I have had the pleasure of hanging out with him since he is here in the boondocks of Florida. When you see his work, you automatically are drawn to the great character drawings, the framed action sequences, and the panel layouts. It’s always great work. And then when you meet the guy, you just become a rabid fan. He’s one of the nicest dudes, and a genuinely good guy. So of course I’ll pick up this book. I don’t even need Heinberg on it.
This book is a fantastic return of the too short lived Young Avengers title, and I am one of those fan boys that winces at the idea that anyone different from Hienberg and Cheung handling the book. Luckily we get a breath of fresh air, and this dynamic and young group can once again have adventures in an old-fashioned Marvel way.
I can blab on and on about Jimmy all day, but let me swing the spotlight on Heinberg. I was frustrated as hell when he left Wonder Woman since he was doing and awesome job of rebuilding her after Infinite Crisis. Heinberg seems to get comics. He’s fantastic at TV writing, but I love his comics work. He actually reminds me of Jeff Loeb the way he stays within the standard tropes of comic books, but where Loeb loses me, Heinberg excels. Heinberg doesn’t insert everyone’s favorite one-liners for the sake of defining the book and giving people “What they want”. He merely writes a good story, stays true to the characters, and gives us some fun twists and turns along the way.
I’ll admit that the first issue gave me whiplash as they went back and forth to Avengers Tower, but this issue was fluid, and had a confluent idea behind it to keep driving the Young Avengers on their quest. The idea of the kids pairing up with Magneto was delicious, and the torn loyalties and tension was fantastic. All of which eventually leading to a fantastic teaser for next issue which I am anxious to read. Damn it Jimmy! Hurry up!!!
Brightest Day #9Written by GEOFF JOHNS & PETER J. TOMASI
Art by IVAN REIS, PATRICK GLEASON, ARDIAN SYAF, SCOTT CLARK & JOE PRADO
Covers by DAVID FINCH
Variant covers by IVAN REIS
Another solid hit. I was worried to death that we would have a run of Haws stuff, but luckily, it was J’honn and Aquaman. Although the book seemed brief compared to Superman:Last family #2, and 1 Month to Live, it was still filled with good stuff. J’honn is torn and decimating Ollie’s magic forest, as Ollie has to stop the out of control Martian Manhunter, we learn the new Aqualad is the son of none other than Black Manta. That will make for some great stories in the future. In the hands of Geoff Johns Aquaman goes from confusing-crap-character to cool water-avenger.
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #158Writer: Larry Hama
Artist: Agustin Padilla, Rod Whigham
The Joes turn up the heat, and rally at COBRA’s secret Silent Castle. Scarlett and Snake Eyes, infiltrate the castle while Duke and boys rouse bloody hell outside. The issue is filled with great action sequences that leap out of an 8-year old imagination (not a bad thing), and story really does a fine job of giving everyone their minutes of glory. My only gripes were that a few twists in logic drew me out of the story. Even though the story was a bit muddled near the end, and telegraphed everything happening in simple terms, I still enjoyed the book as an enjoyable military toy book. I’m looking forward to seeing the Joes kick the crap out of COBRA this time, and especially anxious to see Cobra Commander’s new battle armor.
Superman The Last Family Of Krypton #2 (OF 3)Written by CARY BATES
Art by RENATO ARLEM
Cover by FELIPE MASSAFERA
I had no idea how much I missed the “Elseworlds” books until this book showed up. And it’s hard to “break in the room”, especially with this crowd or over-analyzing fan boys. Cary Bates continues to write a logically different Superman book, and Renato Arlem illustrates it with balanced and beautifully rendered imagery.
The saga of the Els continues as Clark tries to find his place on Earth. His super-powered twin siblings learn that they are half-mortal due to their earth-birth (sounds like a disgusting beer), and Lex continues to outshine Clark. Only in this book we get a look at the growing cult called “Doomsday” that wants this fantastic super-family off Earth.
Much of the book’s imagery and famous lines can still be found in Mario Puzo’s screenplay of Superman:The Movie, but it wasn’t too awkwardly jammed into the book. I still enjoyed the twist of the half-super twins, the way Lex is playing both sides (naturally) and I especially liked the artwork. These double issues are great, and I’m happy I grabbed this is in issues instead of trade.
Thor For Asgard #1 (OF 6)WRITER: ROB RODI
PENCILS: SIMONE BIANCHI
INKS: SIMONE BIANCHI
COLORED BY: SIMONE PERUZZI
LETTERED BY: NEUROTIC CARTOONIST, INC
COVER BY: SIMONE BIANCHI
I know some fans must hate it, but I’m loving the influx of Thor titles, and I really enjoy these side books. Some fans have cried foul on the account that the movie is coming out, and Marvel is trying to rip-off the readers. Horse hockey! Here’s why: Shut up. Enjoy the extra Thor books, and no one is putting a gun to your head to buy them.
So in this tale Thor is putting down rebellions in the 9 realms after Odin has gone missing for two years and Blader is dead. Can anyone say Ragnarock? Thor must carry the weight of Odin’s throne a she tried to lead the Gods through this dreary time. He Doesn’t have the power of Mjoner, and times are getting leaner and leaner. It was a dreary read, but the tale is dreary. My highlight of the book is when Thor and company have to attack civilians and front giants alike since the frost giants are using the simple folk as human shields. Interesting commentary there. Bianchi draws a pretty good Thor book. The photo-real renderings and character designs are really easy on the eye, and the layouts break up the pages in refreshing ways.
Wolverine #1WRITER: JASON AARON
PENCILS: RENATO GUEDES
INKS: ART & COMICS INT’L
COLORED BY: MATTHEW WILSON
COVER BY: JAE LEE
Jason Aaron has joined the ranks of Geoff Johns, Warren Ellis and Brian K Vaughn as a writer whom I will try anything their name is on. He writes a solid story, with good cliff hangers, true characterization, great experimentation without compromise of character, and a great balance of reality and fantasy. I have always felt that the great comic book writers are the one s that can take chances, remember the stories that have come before, and still write a book that is something new without betraying the true nature of the character.
Here Aaron writes a Wolverine book that gives us the gritty back-story that accompanies Wolverine, and manages to move along at a good pace without being mired in inner-dialogue. Wolvie meets up with Wraith, and then a mysterious group attacks wraith, Wolvie’s girlfriend, and presumably everyone he cares about. Mystique comes to the rescue, and explains that Logan is actually separated. At this point the story ends with Logan about to be tortured in the bowls of Hell. I know right? Craziness. But it all worked. Renato Guedes art is well done, and I enjoyed the thin lines that cleanly rendered the characters. He had great action panels, and some cool character designs.
I also enjoyed the Silver Samuri backup story even though I had no idea he died. It was great, and you can really tell that Aaron has read every issue of Wolverine and that is why he gets him. Not a cliché in sight.
Wolverine Road To Hell #1WRITER: JASON AARON, MARJORIE LIU, RICK REMENDER & DANIEL WAY
PENCILS: Mico Suayan, Guiseppe Camuncoli, Will Conrad & Jerome Opena
This book stole my lunch money. Another one of those books with 9-page previews of other books that I shouldn’t be charged for since it is a big advertisement. Boooooooo Marvel for this book.
September 3, 2010 Tags: DC Comics, gi joe, IDW Comics, Marvel Comics, Superman, thor, Wolverine, young avengers
Category: Featured, I Have Issues No Comments
This was a good week for Marvel Comics. I am predominantly a DC comics reader, but this week I had a majority of my stack come from the “House of Ideas”. Since the events of Siege, and this clumsy rebirth of a “heroic” (old school) era, I have lost interest in Marvel. With 217 Avengers titles, and 2 more mini-events concerning characters I couldn’t care for, I just don’t have anything on my pull. But, I think that this week’s pick of the week comes from Marvel, even though the bi-weekly Brightest Day was really, really good.
Avengers Prime #2WRITER: BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
PENCILS: ALAN DAVIS
INKS: MARK FARMER
COLORED BY: JAVIER RODRIGUEZ
LETTERED BY: NEUROTIC CARTOONIST, INC
COVER BY: ALAN DAVIS
I grabbed this title for the sake of the podcast, but also because I like these characters. When it comes down to it, I have a noob’s sense of the Avengers, and the past incarnations of the teams don’t interest me much. New Avengers has a cast of great characters, but seems really crowded with all the a-list heroism. Avengers Prime has the atmosphere of a musketeers book. Three men who are top of the class, and are able to overcome great odds due to working together for so long. While New Avengers feels crowded like a Freshman 101 class, Avengers Prime feels like a 404 advanced class with only 10 students. Here, Professor Bendis can break down the basic elements of the story, and show us the character study of who these men are, what they do, and what they are capable of.
Tony Stark appears to get the worst of it in this issue. Last issue the three were sucked into a vortex left behind from the broken Rainbow Bridge that helps transport the Gods between Asgard and Midgard. Now the nine worlds are open, and our three heroes had to figure out where they were, and how to find one another. Tony follows his instinct with his talent of hubris, name drops his way into trouble, and without his armor demonstrates to the readers his mortality. Steve Rogers had acquired a familiar shield and scale mail last issue, but is seduced by a local lady, all while Thor is piecing together how the nine realms are collapsing in on each other, and who is behind it all.
Alan Davis’ pencils are fantastic, giving us a sense of familiarity with the character posing and visuals we are given. Sexy ladies, and men in heroic gestures help illustrate the “return” of the classic feel Marvel once had, and the “heroic” feel they are trying to reestablish. Bendis seems to be able to flex his more advanced writing techniques, weaving the three storylines together and building to the stress point. Davis does a fantastic job cutting and placing the frozen scenes together, and by use of color and perspective the panels converge to bring the drama to its height. Those pages are what makes me love comics.
Brightest Day #7Written by GEOFF JOHNS and PETER J. TOMASI
Art by IVAN REIS, PATRICK GLEASON, ARDIAN SYAF, SCOTT CLARK and JOE PRADO
Cover by DAVID FINCH
White Lantern Variant covers by RYAN SOOK, FERNANDO PASARIN and JOEL GOMEZ
White Lantern Variant covers by RYAN SOOK, FERNANDO PASARIN and JOEL GOMEZ
I knew that I would one day pick Brightest Day as my favorite of the week, and this one came damn close. After 6 issues of milling about, the resurrected B-listers get a sense of direction. Most readers bitched around issue #3 for an issue like this, and I pity them. The weekly series that DC put together in the past worked so well due to its slow-burn style. They have a lot of pages available, and the talent behind these books can take full advantage of this. So let hem do their thing. After-all, look at some great long-form series we have all enjoyed in the past. Books like Preacher, Sandman, Y:The Last Man have all enjoyed the long story form without the 2-week publishing schedule propping us their sales numbers. Here we get a good story, and we don’t have to wait for it as long. Enough bitching.
So Deadman finally grabs the White Lantern after having a cheeseburger, and the White Entity reveals the story to us. Someone on Earth will take the entity’s place (any bets?), and small prophecies and missions are dolled out. We get teased out the ass for future story lines, and now the story will truly begin to quicken its pace. What I really like about prophecy stories is the feeling you get that there are a bounty of surprises yet to be dealt to us. The author is so sure of the story that they have no problem tipping their hand because of what they truly have planned for you. This type of story device is a fantastic way to keep all of us comic book readers enrapt, and it really is best digested in weekly format. Sure, you can trade wait, but you would miss out on the tension that is created every 14 days. What we now know is that Digger will throw a boomerang at Dove that Hawk has to intercept, but why? And what will come of it? Much less, will it happen? These types of questions can drive a comic fan crazy, and I can’t wait for issue 8.
Avengers: The Origin #5WRITER: JOE CASEY
PENCILS: PHILIP J. NOTO
INKS: PHILIP J. NOTO
COLORED BY: PHILIP J. NOTO
LETTERED BY: RICHARD STARKINGS
COVER BY: PHILIP J. NOTO
I am really sad this is over. I would be fine with Casey and Noto continuing to tell all of the old Avengers tales. Casey has a good sense of what to decompress, and what to shorten for today’s readers. And I could stare at Noto’s art all day. People don’t care for the ink-free style but I love it. I have said it before on the podcast, but I just admire someone who’s clean pencils and bright coloring style illustrate the book, and set it apart from all the heavily ink, “dark” books that are out there (Looking at you Irredeemable). There aren’t many artists whose original pages I would buy, but I am going to start searching for pages from this series.
So Loki is found out, Hulk is let go, and the Avengers….assemble. After all the decompression of the past 4 issues, this one did feel a bit rushed. Loki is dealt with, and the remainder of the issue quickly established Jan’s idea of a super-team. The ending sequences were very nice though. While the team waxes on about confronting evil, Noto gives us polished prophecies of storylines long-time Avengers readers are familiar with. And while Casey’s story felt a bit truncated for time, so did Noto’s art. Many of the backgrounds were plain or missing, and even though the focus would be on dialogue, there was nothing to look at but headshots. This was a fun retelling of the beginning of Marvel’s Super-team, and I hope it will be available in trade for Christmas, cause it is a prime stocking-stuffer.
Irredeemable #16Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Diego Barreto
I was expecting a very boring set-up issue, and I was half-right. It wasn’t boring, but slow paced, and it should have been. Issue #15 was action packed, and now we need some quiet moments to catch our breath. Volt is buried, and Keiko and Quibit morn him. Survivor terrorizes the government that betrayed them, Bette and Gilgamos have split-up leaving Bette alone in her depressed misery, and Tony and Modeus/Samsara stick it to a wreckless driver. This is a good jumping on issue since all the build up has been spent, and there are a few catch-up panels. Just when you think the story might wind down to a gasp, you can tell Waid has a lot more story to tell, and that the next 15 issues are going to be amazing. I am all in on this, and hoping I will have a long box full of Irredeemable soon.
The Rage of ThorWRITER: PETER MILLIGAN
PENCILS: MICO SUAYAN
COLORED BY: M AND E MILLA, INC.
LETTERED BY: NEUROTIC CARTOONIST, INC
COVER BY: MICHAEL SUAYAN
Picking up where The Trial of Thor left off, Thor is plenty pissed at Odin, who just wants to drink the incident off. Thor takes off to have a quite life on Midgard, but like every western film, the angry warrior’s past catches up to him, and things will never be the same. I really like this series, despite this being a predictable issue with some very heavy inking. This particular series of One-Shots deals with the mythology of Thor, and by telling the legends of Asgard, gives Thor the grandeur that is sometimes lacking in regular issues.
G.I Joe: A Real American Hero #157Writer: Larry Hama
Artist: Agustin Padilla
Cover: Agustin Padilla, Rod Whigham
Okay, I love the snot out of this book. When I want to read a Joe book, I want to see the Joes prevail against odds, and fight like hell. Here they do….again. I jumped on this book last issue, and it has its hooks in me. Sure, it’s as predictable as the cartoon was, but certainly not as hokey, and definitely has better actions with consequences. Any really, they aren’t any more predictable than a cape book. These books just don’t have characters with loads of super powers to make it seem as “creative”. This book continues to pile on the action, and it is still building. Pick this one up now while you still have a shot at the ground floor of it, cause it seems like this will be a good thrill ride.
Batman Odyssey #2Written by NEAL ADAMS
Art by NEAL ADAMS
Sketch variant cover by NEAL ADAMS
This book truly puzzles me. The art is great, the story is pretty intriguing, but I’m really having trouble reading this book without putting it down 4 or 5 times. It could be due to every panel being crammed with art and a metric ton of word balloons. The past two issues have really focused on Batman getting shot up like a Civil War deserter. Sure there are other things going on, but I keep focusing on Batman getting riddled with bullets. I really want to like this book, but this might be my last issue, and I’ll catch this in trades. The storylines are a bit too jumpy for me to remember them from month to month, and I think that is what is doing it in for me, cause the art is damn gorgeous.
Hit Monkey #2WRITER: DANIEL WAY
PENCILS: DALIBOR TALAJIC
INKS: DALIBOR TALAJIC
COLORED BY: JOSE VILLARRUBIA
COVER BY: Dave Johnson
Okay, I like it. The first issue left me wanting, but issue #2 was a step in the right direction. The Hit-Monkey grabs a tuxedo, and finally gets to work. The metaphysical/psychosomatic stuff at the end was a bit much for me, but the interplay between Bullseye and the way the Monkey still got his mark was great. Now I hope the showdown between the two in next issue is just as good.
Superman: Last Family of KryptonWritten by CARY BATES
Art by RENATO ARLEM
Cover by FELIPE MASSAFERA
This is the first “Elseworlds” book I have seen since the rebirth of the Multi-verse. Here we have the answer to the age-old question: Why didn’t the brilliant scientist Jor-El just build a ship for his family? Well here he did, and in this double-issue we get to see how things unfold differently. Jor-el makes it his mission to help humas evolve to Earth’s potential with his technological advancement, while Kara sends Kal to the Kents to get a grounded upbringing. Then the story just develops wildly as Kal becomes a disappointment to his father, Luthor gets a job with Jor-El, and Kara gives birth to twins. This will be a fun, and divergent ride, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the conflict will come from, and how “Superman” will emerge from all this. As always, Superman bores me to tears, but the Elseworlds dealing with Superman are fascinating.
Peter Schmeiser – Giggaheim Director
August 6, 2010 Tags: avengers, Batman, boom studios, brightest day, DC Comics, gi joe, hit monkey, IDW Comics, irredeemable, marvel, Superman, thor
Category: Featured, I Have Issues 1 Comment
I Have Issues is a comic book review on the week’s new releases. SPOILER WARNING: if you haven’t read your books yet, read no further.
This week was a great collection of variety, and I wasted no time diving in. We had a mass of capes books, different publishers, and different genres. Romantic thriller, horror, and adventure; all in one week, and all of it was good.
Walking Dead Vol 12 Life Among Them
story ROBERT KIRKMAN
art & cover CHARLIE ADLARD & CLIFF RATHBURN
I’m going to pull a fast one picking my favorite book of the week. I’ve never said as much, but I always wanted to highlight the issues that came out, instead of collections. However, I only read some titles in collected format. Robert Kirkman has revitalized Image Comics with two titles that have been both original and consistently good. One of them is Invincible, and the other is Walking Dead.
Volume 12 picks up after we learn that Carl has shot another child that none of the other survivors could deal with. Carl shot his best friend, and Rick has to somehow see his son through it. Meanwhile it’s revealed that Eugene is a phony, and the group’s quest to find civilization in Washington D.C. is a fools errand. Just as all hope seems lost, a stranger appears, and offers our survivors civilization. Kirkman dials up the tension higher and higher as the book progresses until the wow finish that always, always, always makes me want to read more.
The amount of mental damage theses people have by surviving in this harsh world is explored without any censorship. The decision they make, and the way the act around others feels organic to how the story progresses. The natural distrust of strangers, the hopeless feelings that life will never get better. The anger and guilt of being able to continually survive when others haven’t. The last chapter of the book was an incredible, and stressful, journey though what could have been the most hopeful moments of the survivors lives. Before the last page is revealed we have hope that they have finally found a place to call home, only to let the worst angles of their distrustful nature take hold. Brilliance in Black and White. Robert Kirkman successfully takes you on this journey with his characters, and through several story devices, makes you feel as mortal and venerable as they are. You feel as afraid, as angry, and distrustful of a good thing as they do. Before you know it, there is no escape from this story except for when the back cover closes.
This is why I love this book, and why I have to read it in collected trades. Not only is the stark black and white pencil work by Charlie Adlard a great setting for the book, but the writing never caters to small thoughts, it never ceases to be interesting, and it certainly never goes in a direction you imagine.
This story is coming to a small screen via AMC, and the Giggaheim has happily posted teases and news about it. The fan base is very guarded about spoiling the book to others due to its raw tension and suspense. When a community of braggarts creates a safety perimeter around a single story, it demonstrates with a ringing endorsement that this book is at a high mark that is impossible to reach.
Zatanna #3
Written by PAUL DINI
Art by STEPHANE ROUX & KARL STORY
Cover by STEPHANE ROUX
Variant Cover by BRIAN BOLLAND
I love this series. Love it. I’ll be getting a few copies of the trade to hand out to people, and put under Christmas trees. It is that good. Between Paul Dini’s ability to write issues that feel like they are a “Done In One” story that culminate in a 3 issue story arch is one thing, and Stephane Roux and Karl Story’s artwork works the combination punch.
Brother Blood makes his power play, and Zatanna winds up having to deal with him, and the ghost of her dead father. The nightmare imp comes back into play to save the day, and everyone gets what is coming to them. Without even having to open the book I remember certain panels, such as Zatanna’s look on her face when her father kisses he goodbye, and clever looks on the nightmare’s face as he an Zatanna broker a deal for his freedom. This was a fantastic issue, and I certainly hope it gains in readership. If you haven’t picked it up yet, do yourself a favor and get issues 1-3. They are a great read, and if you are a comic book reader, they are a great example of artists working at the top of their game.
Alan Moore Neonomicon #1 (OF 4)
Writer: Alan Moore
Artist: Jacen Burrows
Amid all the other news concerning Alan Moore, he had one of “his last” books begin to publish this week, Nenomicon. The book hurls us into an FBI investigation of a series of murders, and we are taken directly into an interrogation room for a serial killer. We learn that the killer speaks fluent gibberish, and clams up at the mention of a club. We gets hints that the female character has a few addictions before we try and catch the suspect. That’s all. I’m sure this book in its entirety will be good, but for now, I certainly don’t have enough story to persuade me to keep on reading. For a 4-issue book, Mr. Moore is certainly taking his sweet time getting to any point, or giving the reader anything worthwhile to read. I’ll be catching this one in trade.
Avengers #3
WRITER: BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
PENCILS: John Romita JR.
COLORED BY: DEAN V. WHITE
LETTERED BY: NEUROTIC CARTOONIST, INC
COVER BY: John Romita JR.
While Alan Moore’s latest outing would be described as a quiet thriller, Brian Michael Bendis writes a bombastic issue of Avengers #3. Picking up where we left off, Apocalypse and his horsemen battle the Avengers while they scramble to fix the time line that Kang wrecked.
While I think that John Romita Jr’s artwork is filled with busy lines, and every face seems to look the same to me, he does give the action panels a lot of energy. Naturally Bendis writes a few character moment panels, mainly around Spider-Man, that give us time to breath before we jump back into the action again. The issue was filled with action, but it felt as though we ran in circles this issue since there hasn’t been any real progress in the story. Marvel does their classic switch up by presenting covers that have nothing to do with what happens on the inside. Ugh.
Batman Beyond #2 (OF 6)
Written by ADAM BEECHEN
Art by JOHN STANISCI
Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
The mystery of Hush continues to deepen as Terry runs into a new Cat Woman. There are things that I like about this book, and some that fall flat on me. The general idea I have on the book is that this entire arch is a bridge between what Bat-books we read, and this futuristic world. I also feel that the next story might have the feel of a Batman Beyond book I was used to watching on TV. I’m digging the art style, as it is distinctly a Batman Beyond look and feel. The character designs, and Gotham’s backdrops are perfectly styled for a far-flung DC future. I only hope that we get to see a good fight between Terry and Hush.
Brightest Day #6
Written by GEOFF JOHNS & PETER J. TOMASI
Art by IVAN REIS, PATRICK GLEASON, ARDIAN SYAF, SCOTT CLARK & JOE PRADO
Cover by DAVID FINCH & SCOTT WILLIAMS
Variant cover by IVAN REIS
Another great chapter in the Brightest Day saga. The Martian Manhunter storyline took the front stage as J’onn discovers that his very touch kills all plant life around him while he tries to solve a series of gruesome murders. Meanwhile Mera reveals her new ret-conned origin as the intended assassin of Aquman. Also Deadman, Hawk and Dove try to fathom the secrets of the White Ring (which made me hungry) and the Firestorm matrix has one person too many in it.
See what a proper 22 pages can do? (Looking at you Alan) The art team does a great job of illustrating all the great locations, action and drama within the pages. There are only a few awkward panels considering the task of publishing this size of a story bi-weekly. The writing team as well is doing a great job of balancing several stories at once, keeping the pace high, the amount of story crammed, and keeping our interests high. Definitely worth picking up this issue.
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #156
Writer: Larry Hama
Artist: Agustin Padilla
Cover: Agustin Padilla, Rod Whigham
Every once in a great while I peek in on G.I Joe to see what the book is up to. The book is like an old friend in many ways. The same character cast is there, good and bad. The same wild violence and vehicles. The comfy conflict between the Joes and COBRA. And this issue was a great demonstration of how to begin reading comics. Just pick the damn things up.
The first inner page has the synopsis of issues past, and the issue kicks right into Duke trying to reach out to the scattered Joes as COBRA tightens it’s marshal grip. Every Joe is given a spotlight of what they do best, and it took almost no time to read. Some books are hard to translate mediums. I’m used the cartoon of the 1980’s where lasers were shot everywhere wildly, people ran at each other, and the fight was constant. But when you see it panel to panel, the pace slows to a crawl, and soon its as if you are watching a slide show from a vacation.
Agustin Padilla should be commended for the layouts, and the way he actually captures all the action. From duke firing a grenade launcher at a COBRA officer’s face point blank, to Snake Eyes tearing into some Red Ninjas. The way he illustrated the action wasn’t heavy, or boring, but it was full of energy, and moved the story right along.
Justice Society Of America #41
Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art by MARK BAGLEY & NORM RAPMUND
Cover by MARK BAGLEY & JESUS MERINO
“DC 75th Anniversary” Variant cover by GEORGE PÉREZ
I’m not too sure what is really going on here. I lost focus about 3 times, and continually found myself putting this book down. After we had the break-through of Obsidian being okay, he’s back to being a bad guy? Sheesh, and this isn’t the best JLA team. I had this book waiting for me, and frankly, I kept putting off reading it. This Jade, Brightest Day crossover thing just isn’t doing it for me. Some of the art is pretty good, but I wish the story (in its 2nd issue) would be a bit more forth-coming on what the @#$ is going on. I get Brightest Day is the latest top secret cross over thing to slam a banner on to, but this is a true cross over event, and you need to give your readers more to go on, than just rehashing the events of what happened in the last issue of JLA. For that reason, I’m out on this. I really want to care about it, but frankly if they are going to make me wait to get answers, I’ll make them wait to get my money.
Time Masters Vanishing Point #1 (OF 6)
Written by DAN JURGENS
Art and cover by DAN JURGENS & NORM RAPMUND
Variant cover by CHRIS SPROUSE & KARL STORY
Yet another “What the @#$ is going on here” cross-over book by DC Comics. In the past few issues of Batman: the Return of Bruce Wayne, Grant Morrison has had a few JLA members (real ones) chasing after Bruce because he could destroy the time stream in his quest to get back home. Here we get the issues of what happened between those issues, behind the panels as it were, and as much as I like the Booster Gold book, and the Return of Bruce Wayne, this book looks like it will be more of the same. Frankly, I could do without it. The inconsistencies of telling Superman about the dangers of time travel (who as a kid played with the Legion of Super Heroes in the 31st Century)for the sake of the audience, and the duplicate content of this story make it a redundant pick for me. It was pretty well done, but definitely not worth another book’s worth. Play this out in the pages of Booster Gold, but we don’t need another book that just catches up to the main Batman storyline.
True Blood #1
Writer: Alan Ball, David Tischman & Mariah Huehner Artist: David Messina
Cover: J. Scott Campbell, Joe Corroney, Andrew Currie, David Messin
I bought this one on the ol’ iPad, and read it digitally though the IDW comic reader app. Since the LCS didn’t have it in stock, and I was curious about this series, I was happy to see IDW did a simultaneous release in the digital world. I haven’t seen an episode of True Blood on HBO, but I was hoping for a good intro and story that would catch me up a bit, and still give me enough incentive to come back for issue #2.
Oh well.
Look, I’ll be straight here. I’m not too much into vampires. I think they are silly. But, I can also spot some clunky writing and chunky inking near the end when the Indian tentacle monster shows up. Since when do people use their full names when addressing others? C’mon. the whole book was filled with story devices that may work in other mediums, but are poorly disguised in the comics medium.
Alright enough bashing. Despite the freshman writing, the book could have some potential. As someone who doesn’t watch the show, I have no idea if the girl has some sort of mind reading power or not, so I’d like to get to the bottom of that. The artist seemed t nail Anna Paquin’s looks, and even though I find it a bit distracting, the out of focus backgrounds did lend some depth, and probably help transition TV viewers into the comics. I won’t be back fro this story, but hopefully someone who watches the show found it entertaining.
What did you think of this week’s releases? comment below, or start a thread on our forums! Sometimes comments and threads started will earn you some signed swag, so voice your opinion!!
Peter Schmeiser – Giggaheim DirectorJuly 23, 2010 Tags: avengers, Batman Beyond, brightest day, dc omics, gi joe, icon comics, IDW Comics, Image Comics, JSA, Marvel Comics, Neonomicon, Robert Kirkman, True Blood, walking dead, Zatanna
Category: I Have Issues 4 Comments
I Have Issues is a comic book review on the previous week’s new releases. SPOILER WARNING: if you haven’t read your books yet, read no further. These reviews will be posted a few days after comic book release day to give you time to read them so that you can throw your two cents in about what you thought of these books. The picks are currently limited, due to the small selection available in my local comic book shops, but hopefully that will change in a few months. Visit the Giggaheim.com Forums and start your non-censored, no-holds-barred thread on your favorite books. On with the reviews:
Green Lantern Corps #48
Written by TONY BEDARD
Art by ARDIAN SYAF
Cover by RODOLFO MIGLIARI
I have to hand it to DC editorial. They did a fantastic job on release schedule during the “Blackest Night”, delivering books in sequence with the story beats, and not risking spoiling key moments. Brilliant job. Today however, I feel as though they went on a much-needed vacation. It could just be me, but I’d rather have a week between Green Lantern, and Green Lantern Corps. So when you read about Green Lantern, in two weeks you get the continued story. Currently, it’s just a heaping helping of Green Lantern, and maybe as this story progresses, we’ll see why.
Both Green Lantern Corps and Green Lantern had some memorable panels this week. First, Ganthet creating his ring in the Foundry on Oa was awesome. Syaf penciled a hell of a layout that was powerful, and evoked feeling of other famous ring-forging scenes in literature such as the Nibelungen, or Souron’s One Ring.
What I liked the most on this book were the diverging storylines, all of them were interesting, and driving the companion stories forward while having their own importance. Bedard continues to do a magic plate-spinning dance, and crafts a story that we can sink our teeth into, and keeps us coming back for more. With Syaf penciling, this book promises to have some great comics moments in the future.
Secret Avengers #1
WRITER: Ed Brubaker
PENCILS: Mike Deodato
COVER BY: Marko Djurdjevic
Yeah I know, and other “Avengers” title near the top spot. What can I say? Marvel is emerging from their disaster of an event, “Siege” with good titles, and they are off to a great start. Ed Brubaker crafts a story that sits in his wheel-house, and tackles the “Secret Avengers”; The avengers that preempt terrorist attacks, super villain schemes, and work in the shadows. I didn’t even want this title. Most “secret” super groups start great, and then end horribly. Steve Rodgers not being Captain America? Beast on the Avengers again? Nova? What is Nova doing on the book? Moonknight? You’re $#%^ me? Valkurie…okay this is just ridiculous….
This rag-tag group of characters actually pulls together an interesting dynamic, and with Mike Deodato’s pencils, and Beredo’s colors…It’s a solid book. The pairings of heroes are intriguing, the story moved at a good pace, the main plot is intriguing, and the book ended with a good cliffhanger/reveal that makes me want more.
Steve Rogers creates and commands a group of heroes that not only are powered to the hilt, but he uses them in the genius manner you would have anticipated and expected from the former Captain America. I’m a sucker for the first issues of team books. The best part is when everyone looks around at one another, and they gather for the first time. This book is slightly different but delivers the great character moments you would expect. It was just a solid book, and I’m glad I pulled it. While Avengers #1’s “Back to the Future” storyline might wilt in interest in 4 issues, I see this run being good for a long while.
Green Lantern #54
Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art by DOUG MAHNKE and CHRISTIAN ALAMY
Cover by SHANE DAVIS and SANDRA HOPE
This title was also in the running due to the ever-gathering lanterns, and the great moments with the Red Lantern Atrocitous. Dex-Star, the Red Lantern Kitty, stole the issue by melting gang bangers in the subway. The mystery of the weird guardian continues as it gathers the “Entities”, and the White Lantern calls for them as well. I’m looking forward to seeing where Johns plans to take this story after wrapping his latest Green Lantern epic.
Thor #610
WRITER: Kieron Gillen
PENCILS: Doug Braithwaite
LETTERED BY: VC – Joe Sabino
COVER BY: Mico Suayan
Considering ”Siege” was all about Thor and his home environment, we finally get the epilogue of Asgard 2-3 weeks later. This seemed to settle all the lost threads that were left in Loki’s wake, and frankly I’m glad to be rid of Loki for a while. Thor is once again welcome in Asgard (nice of everyone), and offered the throne again, but he takes the position of advisor and defender. We catch up with Bill the brave and Kelda’s love affair, but the best part is Gillen erasing the wilder divergence in Thor by having the Mighty God of Thunder destroy Clore, and as Balder says: “An end to that.” This book sets up a clean beginning for the Thunder God, and I’m hoping it’s a good one. The title fell off the rails in the past issues after JMS’ sudden departure, and I hope it can find its way back to glory.
Superman War Of The Supermen #4 (OF 4)
Written by STERLING GATES and JAMES ROBINSON
Art by EDDY BARROWS and J.P. MAYER
Cover by EDDY BARROWS
Variant cover by ARRON LOPRESTI
My hat’s off to DC for pumping out a quick, 4-issue arc story that had impact on the characters involved, and delivered some stellar moments. The end was just as explosive and action packed as it begin, and I’m glad I was there for the ride. I was a bit disappointed that Kal-El and Zod didn’t have a epic, multi-page fight, but the way the events transpired served the story better. Pick up this thin trade, or if you are lucky, you might find the collected issues at your local comic book shop.
GI Joe Hearts And Minds #1
Writer: Max Brooks
Artist: Howard Chaykin, Antonio Fuso
Cover: Howard Chaykin, Antonio Fuso
I really enjoyed this issue, and the only thing holding me back from making this a pick of the week was the length. It ended too early for me. Just as the table was set, there was no dinner. We get a great set of characters studies, but the story never really started. I can appreciate what Howard Chaykin was after art-wise, but this particular art style isn’t my favorite. The cuts between the characters was a great layout idea, but these pencils just feel a little loose for me. The face construction just doesn’t seem consistent. I will be picking up the rest of this run, but I certainly hope there is more to read in issue #2.
Boondock Saints In Nomine Patris #1 (OF 2)
Writer: Troy Duffy, J.B. Love
Artist: Guss Floor
Cover: Chris Brunner
Sometimes there is a good idea that becomes a cult hit, and then someone just skull-@#$% it until it’s no longer worth attention, or even entertaining. Duffy and Love write a decent story, but the art was too jarring for me to follow at all. Even though it’s a two-issue run, I won’t be finishing it. Ugh.
May 28, 2010 Tags: Boondock Saints, comic book reviews, gi joe, green lantern, green lantern corps, Secret Avengers, thor
Category: I Have Issues No Comments
Free comic book day is a fantastic idea, and a great way to get into comics. Every first Saturday of May, your local LCS will give away comic books for FREE. Publishers will have certain titles they will give away, normally #1 issues, to help get new readers introduced to their titles. Here’s a few for this year’s FREE comic book day:
G.I. Joe #155 ½Written by: Larry Hama
Art by: Agustin Padilla
IDW Publishing
This title has really had a renaissance in the past few years. The Origins stories have been a fun read, and I was happy to see one of my favorite childhood titles reinvigorated, and represented in Free Comic Book Day. IDW acquired this title from Marvel’s dust bin, and has done a stellar job. My only gripe with this book is it’s half an issue.
Love and Capes #13Written and Drawn by: Thomas Zahler
Maerkle Press
I had been meaning to check this book out since I have heard many great things about this title. Thomas Zahler is a graduate of the Kubert Art School, and it certainly shows in this full issue give-away. The artwork could be described as a “Jetsons” look, with very clean lines, bold colors, and clean inking. It’s no wonder this romantic comedy is being picked up by IDW. A word of warning, there is no adventure, it’s really just a Superman & Lois type- of book.
Iron Man ThorWritten by: Matt Fraction
Art by: John Romita Jr.
Marvel Comics
Marvel wastes no opportunity to market its hot properties, and this is one of two books that Iron Man gets to star in. John Romita Jr. (of Kick-ass and Spider-Man fame) illustrated Matt Fractions fun little one shot story of mega-rich people abusing their power. Although I found the ending a little strange, it fit the fun nature of the story. This was probably my favorite of the Free Comic Book Day offerings.
Iron Man NovaWritten by: Paul Tobin
Art by: Craig Rousseau
Marvel Comics
And again with Iron Man. Nova and the cosmic characters have been quietly establishing a great series over at Marvel, and I was happy to see Nova introduced to new readers in Free Comic Book Day. This adventure has all the prerequisite pillars of a good book: Monkeys. Need I say more? Moving on…
DC Kids Mega SamplerCreative Team: (W) Landry Walker, Art Baltazar, Franco, Sholly Fisch (A) Eric Jones, Art Baltazar, Mike Norton, Dario Brizuela (C) Baltazar
Publisher: DC COMICS
This is a great sampling of DC’s Eisner award winning work aimed at younger readers. Hell, I read “Tiny Titans” any chance I get, but “Super Friends” is just as enjoyable. If you are a comic book evangelist, I suggest getting as many left over copies as you can, and spreading the word. There are great books, and would make great stocking stuffers if the Xmas season was closer.
Absent from my shop: “War of the Supermen #0” I look just like Supes on the cover. “Waahhh!!”
April 30, 2010 Tags: Cobra, DC Comics, free comic book day, gi joe, IDW Comics, Image Comics, iron man, Love and Capes, Marvel Comics, Nova, superfriends, Superman, thor, tiny titans
Category: I Have Issues No Comments
