365 Days of Comics

5 Reasons to Switch to Digital Comics

2012-01-12T12:41:00.000-08:00

In a world where space, time and money is not an issue I still thoroughly enjoy physical paper comic books...as opposed to those mental paper comic books (brain paper-cuts...no thank you). Unfortunately, space, time and money are factors for myself and others, so I have been forced to make the shift to digital comic books.

The adjustment has been hardest in the area of comic shop owner pals. I absolutely enjoy stopping by my local comic shop (the Comic Bug in Manhattan Beach, CA) because the guys that work there are friendly and funny. I want them to do well as business people, but unfortunately my switch to digital comics will hurt them. For that...I am sorry. But with that said...I present...

5 Reasons to Switch to Digital Comics

5 Reasons to Switch to Digital Comics

5. You Forgot Again?

The convenience of a tablet is unquestionable. You can literally take your library of comic books anywhere! This can be quite useful when sharing comic books at work. When sharing your comics with co-workers it can be a bit annoying to remember to search through your boxes at home for the books they wanted to borrow and then bring the comic books into work. At my work in particular, when there is a little downtime or if it is a lunch break, some people enjoy reading a couple of comic books. I find it much easier to hand them my tablet to borrow at work then to remember and dig through my comics at home. The tablet helps avoid a minor hassle in this case, but any hassle avoided at work is worth it.

4. Take that, Nightlight!

Not everyone has a light or lamp right next to their bed. If one of these lamp-less people decides they want to read a physical comic book in bed they have to read their issue and then get out of bed to turn off the light. What if it's cold outside of the sheets?! This is a problem easily remedied by digital comics on a tablet. When one gets ready for bed they turn off the lights, hop into bed with their tablet and then simply turn their tablet on. Bam! Lit reading! When you're done you can either place the tablet on a table near your bed, or if a table doesn't exist near your bed, simply slip it under your bed so you do not step on it in the morning.

3. What Nerd Store Does our Grandchild Like, Again?

My grandparents and the rest of my extended family are amazing. This is a fact. They constantly give me great Christmas and birthday presents ever year, including presents I ask for. They aren't the type to buy things for me based on guessing. They do their homework! Unfortunately, for my family members (especially the non-locals) they tend to run into a problem if I want comic books. They find out I want comic books but are not always sure what exact ones to purchase. If they are not local to my shop they cannot simply buy me a gift certificate for that shop. Plus, if they got me a Barnes & Noble gift card then I am limited to their smaller selection of graphic novels and single issues (they do actually sell some single issues). For them, the convenience of me having an iPad is that they can simply give me an iTunes gift card and I am able to purchase comic books with iTunes credits: purchases I can make from my work, my home, the toilet...basically anywhere. No longer do I have to go to the shop to get comic books. Granted this option isn't available for non-apple iPad users, but enough people do use an iPad which makes this a valid point when it comes to comic book gift giving.

Digital Comics on the iPhone

2. More Than Just Rock Can Harm Paper.

Comic books are made with paper material properties which are found somewhere between a solid and gas state. I know this because all of my comic books' pages become wavy due to the high moisture in the air, in my city. Living in or near a beach city can really screw with the crispness of comic books. The paper is generally too thin to hold it's hard non-wavy form. But a few waves of pages isn't so bad...it's the over time color fade that gets me. Older books don't retain their colors they way digital ones do. The colors pop on tablets and digital readers while they sit waiting to fade, in physical comic books. Plus, the color is always a little off when the comic goes to print. Ask any graphic designer what happens when they try printing something at a place like Kinko's: the colors always turn-out slightly off. When the comics are mass produced the coloring may get slight changes. I want to see the true colors, and I feel like I can only get that with digital comic books.

1. Lots of Boxes That Don't Pay Rent

Lets be real. Not all of us are settled down and living in a house which may have storage. Not all of us can afford a habit like comic book collecting and paying for a storage unit just for our dozens of comic book boxes. Many of us do not have the space to store our physical comic books. Clearly digital comic books save space. This seems to be a major reason people are making the switch to digital comics. As a younger fellow who may move around a bunch, the transportation of nearly 20 comic book boxes becomes a huge pain in the ass, as well. You know what's easier than moving 20 comic book boxes? Not moving 20 comic book boxes. The mass amounts of physical comic books our suffocating me. Thankfully, digital comic books our setting me free.

There are plenty of other great reasons to switch to digital comics. What are you reasons for switching, or not switching?

Comic Book Gifts for the Kids

2011-12-12T16:18:00.000-08:00

This weekend I stopped into my local comic shop, The Comic Bug, and searched for a few comic books to give as Christmas gifts. I was specifically looking for a couple of comic book tales for children. Two of my co-workers have a child who is starting to get into comic books, so as the office comic book authority I took it upon myself to their child some good reads. I already get their son the individual Reed Gunther comic book issues, but this is Christmas for Christ's sake (literally)! It's time for some trades.

Bad Island

Bad Island

The first trade I grabbed was a book I was not familiar with, however, Greg (a Comic Bug employee and friend) suggested some great books by the popular author Doug Tennapel. Tennapel may be best known for his character Earthworm Jim, who later starred in his own video game.

The Doug Tennapel selection I picked up was a trade titled, Bad Island. From what I could tell by looking through the wonderfully illustrated story, Bad Island features robots, monsters and of course...a bad island. I can't wait to hear how Bad Island turns out. Plus, I'm looking forward to asking a 9 year old if I can borrow his comic book.

The Incredibles - Family Matters

The Incredibles - "Family Matters"

The second trade I picked-up had to have some characters I assumed their young buck would recognize, so I went straight to the Disney section and grabbed the Mark Waid Incredibles story, "Family Matters." I had read somewhere that this little trade was highly entertaining, and that even older readers would enjoy Waid's story. Mark Waid is one of the premier comic writers in the industry, so I knew I couldn't go wrong with this second comic book trade selection.

I hope my co-worker's child enjoys these comic books and that one day, thanks to my contributions, he may enjoy comics as much as I do...if not more.

Were these pretty good selections for a 9 year old? What comics would you get a little guy or girl on your list?

5 Comic Book Gifts for X-Mas

2011-12-07T17:12:00.000-08:00

Come Christmas time many comic book enthusiasts have a Hardcover or two on their gift lists. The list has the comic book items carefully typed-out and described in detail, so that dear old mom and pop won’t somehow come home with a Twighlight trade paperback.

“What? Isn’t this what the kids like…teenage vampires?”

Assuming you haven’t given your fifth Christmas list revision to your family and friends, I have come up with a list of 5 comic books you should ask for, for Christmas. Oh, and if you already have these, be a pal and get them for your friends.

Zombie DickHeads

Zombie Dickheads

The Walking Dead has thrust zombies into mainstream pop-culture in a way not seen since Michael Jackson’s thriller video. But rather than getting everyone to buy a sweet red leather jacket, The Walking Dead has gotten people to watch zombie media and buy zombie comic books. So what’s a Walking Dead TV show fan to do over the mid-season break? Simple. Buy a zombie comic book. I recommend buying the fun and inventive, Zombie Dickheads.

Written, illustrated and generally completely created by Chris Moreno, Zombie Dickheads follows a group of non-flesh eating zombies who have retained their intelligence and speech. The odd group of zombies has been forced into hiding, after the zombie Apocolypse, by humans who want to blow the heads off of ever zombie on Earth. Zombie Dickheads features vulgar language, hillbillies with guns and a zombie make-out that only adds to your adult brain’s begging to be devoured by Moreno’s world o’ zombie.

Recommended for Ages 16 and up – Cover Price $10: http://zombiedickheads.blogspot.com/

Thor: The Mighty Avenger

Thor: The Mighty Avenger: Volumes 1 & 2

Have you been nudging a non-comic book reading person into comic books? Is your friend a kind, slightly innocent, individual who enjoys Pixar films and light-hearted humor? Also…did they see the movie Thor? If you answered “Yes” to at least one of those questions than Thor: The Mighty Avenger: Volumes 1 & 2 are perfect for your pal, guy or gal!

Thor: The Mighty Avenger features illustrations by one of the best visual storytellers in the business, Chris Samnee. The Mighty Avenger tells the story of Thor, a fallen God of Thunder who must come to terms with his anger while banished to Earth. He discovers kindness, through goofy friends, romantic charity rides, and brawls with Britains in bars. Thor: The Mighty Avenger is a wonderful all ages adventure filled with multiple Marvel special guests and smile producing moments. Buy both volumes for the complete story!

Recommended for All Ages! – Cover Price $14.99 Each – Your Local Comic Shop may have these in-stock http://www.amazon.com/Thor-Mighty-Avenger-Vol-Earth/dp/0785141219

All-Star Superman

All-Star Superman TPB (The Complete Series)

Unlike in 1939, today’s comic books have a hard time giving readers a sense of wonder and awe. Superhero stories have been done to death by this point, and in some cases even stories about their deaths are unoriginal and without impact. For one character in particular, interesting original tales have been hard to come by since he is basically unmatched in strength, speed and hair. Superman has suffered through many a ridiculous and poor comic book adventure in his day, and unfortunately, the comic reader has suffered with the man of steel.

Suffer no longer, comic book fan! Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely breathe new life into a character who has seen and done it all. Morrison writes a story depicting why Superman is the world’s greatest hero by giving readers pages of super-powered feats; but more importantly, All-Star Superman shows readers that it is his heart and determination that makes him the legend he is today. Plus, Frank Quitely’s delightful character designs instantly pull eyes and minds into a universe where a man can fly. All-Star Superman made me feel like I was reading the first comic book I have ever read. And that wonder and awe that comes with reading a comic book in 1939…it suddenly feels obtainable, 70 plus years later.

Recommended for Ages 10 and up – Cover Price $29.99 - Your Local Comic Shop may have this in-stock http://www.amazon.com/All-Star-Superman-Grant-Morrison/dp/1401232051/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1323217498&sr=8-7

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Collection Volume 1

New parents sometimes ask, “What do I use to shape a child into an awesome individual?” To this I simply respond with the items that shaped my childhood and crafted me into the radical dude I am today: a pair of sais, katana blades, nunchucks and one bow staff.

For anyone who has ever shouted cowabunga and enjoys comic books, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Collection Volume 1 is the perfect gift. The original Ninja Turtle comic books have finely been reprinted and collected in a huge 300 page addition that lets us in on the phenomena of the Ninja Turtles before they were the Fab Four of children programming.

Fear Agent

Fear Agent Volume 1: Re-Ignition TPB

With the final issue already printed and release in book stores, I’d say it’s about time you get your Fear Agent trade paperback collection started. Fear Agent comes from the mind of the extremely talented writer, Rick Remender, and follows the drunken Texan Heath Houston on an adventure filled with aliens, sexy women, jet packs and more comic gore and foul-mouthery than you can shake a stick like object at.

Readers may know Remender from his more recent Marvel runs on popular titles such as Uncanny X-Force and Venom, but Fear Agent is among one of his creator owned series that has sky-rocketed him to new heights on the list of current industry greats. Oh, and did I mention that Fear Agent Volume 1 was illustrated by the amazingly talented Tony Moore? Well, it is…and holy shit does Fear Agent look out of this world for it. Opena’s art is so unique and panel perfect that a motion to change the $100 dollar bill to just a Moore panel is often heard in the U.S. Congress. The only reason the motion doesn’t pass into law is because representatives feel the value of the Moore panels are much greater than a $100. Get this book for yourself, or buddy, today!

Recommended for Ages 16 and up – Cover Price $9.99…I think http://www.amazon.com/Fear-Agent-Re-Ignition-Rick-Remender/dp/1582406189

1 Comic. 1 Sentence. 1 Word. - Fear Itself #7

2011-10-21T15:29:00.000-07:00

Fear Itself #7

The visually strong and content weak Marvel mini series, Fear Itself, concluded (kind of) in an uneventful climax which included the killing of a God who everyone knows will simply resurrect...again.

Whatevessss.

This Week in Walter Peck Bombardment

2011-10-04T10:01:00.000-07:00

Those of you who picked up this past Wednesday's Ghostbusters #1 will instantly recall who Walter Peck is. The rest of you who didn't pick up the IDW comic book should now be able to remember the character Walter Peck because of the Ghostbusters mention in my first sentence. Walter Peck was the bad guy who arrests the Ghostbusters after he releases a ton of ghosts back to the streets of New York City, in the film.

Walter Peck will stare your ass down.

The IDW comic book, Ghostbusters #1, brings back the classic villain best known for his angry shouting as a ton of marshmallow gets dumped on him at the end of the film, Ghostbusters. The comic book closes-out with a city official placing Walter Peck in charge of holding the Ghostbusters crew accountable for their services, and once again making sure that the Ghostbusters team isn't actually responsible for the vast amounts of ghost. While it did seem a bit ridiculous that the city would bring Walter Peck back into the ghost-fold, it made for a fun reader moment that tied the comic to the film and created the reemergence of a known villain.

Ok, so Peck showed-up at the end of an obscure comic book...how is that bombardment? Well, that appearance alone would not call for this post. True. However, once the recognizable actor who played Walter Peck, William Atherton, showed up on ABC's "Castle" last night we were all officially Pecked at the eyes...in a good way!

Atherton did not play Peck on "Castle", but rather he played a doctor who worked at a facility in which people paid to have their bodies frozen and preserved. Atherton's lines still maintained their familiar cadence thus making it easy to instantly spot Walter Peck. Once you get past the old...visually he's there, too. Oh, and don't bother checking Atherton's IMDB. His "Castle" stats aren't listed...yet.

"Castle" viewers may have also caught the little shout-out to the classic Walter Peck character which was nicely worked into the show. A kid who was briefly interrogated in the episode had the last name, Peck. It can't be just a coincidence that the actor who played Walter Peck, a famous Peck in pop-culture, starred in an episode where another character had the Peck last name. A tip of the keyword to the writers of "Castle" is in order.

(Pause for keyboard tipping.)

So, is the Walter Peck bombardment over, or is it just beginning? My guess is we will see him this week in "Sons of Anarchy", "Community" and "Doctor Who."

1 Comic. 1 Sentence. 1 Word. - Aquaman #1

2011-10-03T16:18:00.000-07:00

Aquaman #1

With genius moments like Aquaman getting lunch at a seafood restaurant after saving the day on land, Geoff Johns sets the sails for an interesting Aquaman run.

Buoyant.

1 Comic. 1 Sentence. 1 Word. - The Flash #1

2011-09-28T17:45:00.000-07:00

The Flash #1

The fast paced Flash #1 is highlighted by the talented Francis Manapul's pencil skills and paneling ability.

Lively.

Guest Posting on Behold the Geek!

2011-09-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

A fellow contributor to TheOuthousers.com, The Geek, recently asked me if I would write a guest post on his amazing blog, Behold the Geek! Since I am a fan of his website (the fun design makes mine look like garbage) I of course was willing to content-out a fellow blogger's page, and help out with a post.

Behold the Geek! is slightly different than 365 Days of Comics in that Geek deals with all things geek, not just comic related nerd gold. This meant I was given the opportunity to write about something other than comics! Finally! So what did I write about exactly? Well, if you follow the link, you will find a true tale about... A Gathering.

Enjoy!

1 Comic. 1 Sentence. 1 Word. - Thunderbolts #163.1

2011-09-22T23:56:00.000-07:00

Thunderbolts #163.1

Thunderbolts #163.1 reminds us of how good the Thunderbolts run has been, and how exceptional the title will continue to be in the near future.

Zemo.

1 Comic. 1 Sentence. 1 Word. - Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #1

2011-09-20T16:22:00.000-07:00

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #1

A strong art performance by Sara Pichelli highlights the Bendis tale of yet another young man who gets bit by a spider and gains the power of...invisibility?

Beginning.

1 Comic. 1 Sentence. 1 Word. - Deathstroke #1

2011-09-19T10:15:00.000-07:00

Deathstroke #1

Deathstroke #1 is a fun self-contained story which sets-up the direction of the title and introduces readers to DC's most self-proclaimed badass character.

Killer.

Cliff Chiang-ing the DC Talent Perception

2011-09-16T11:38:00.000-07:00

Okay, so the title is stupid. But I say to you, reader, stumble-uponer, that DC Comics has been criticized for not having the same level of overall talent as Marvel (I have actually claimed that myself), yet with amazing artists like Cliff Chiang on DC's roster that criticism just lost a whole bunch of validity.

The Harvard grad is coming off of memorable runs on Green Arrow/Black Canary and Vertigo's Human Target to illustrate the DCNU Wonder Woman series. I am new to Chiang's work, but right away I can see that he is extremely talented with a wonderful style that feels like a cross between Daniel Acuña and Stuart Immonen: stylized yet simplistic.

Anyway, see for your self by scrolling through some of the pieces I posted below and continuing to Cliff Chiang's website.

Green Arrow/Black Canary #1 - Standard and Variant

Chiang displays his background tree ability: Wonder Woman #1 - Green Arrow/Black Canary #9

Cliff Chiang's Star Wars Illustrations

Another Cliff Chiang Star Wars Propaganda Piece


Human Target interior illustrations by Cliff Chiang.

Cliff Chiang's Breakfast Club/Teen Titans piece

Is Ultimate Spider-Man the Ultimate Answer or Ultimate Hero?

2011-09-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #1

This Wednesday, Marvel's Ultimate Universe finally brought the new Spider-Man, Miles Morales, to readers. Brian Michael Bendis writes the new-reader friendly Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #1, in which he begins to tell the tale of how young Miles becomes the next Spider-Man. You will be able to find reviews of the issue on every other comic book website, so I will spare you my full thoughts on the book (which was amazing, by the way). What you may also find, within well written reviews on sites like iFanboy.com, is that comic book readers know their nerd fiction. In this case, their "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" fiction.

The Ultimate Number?

In the Douglas Adams's classic, "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," Adams writes that there exists an answer to the ultimate question, and that answer, the ultimate answer, is 42. The number 42 in nerd lore is always associated with "Hitchhiker's Guide", and this may be exactly why Bendis uses it in Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #1.

In Bendis's first issue he explains that there are tests being run on multiple spiders so that the source of Spider-Man's powers can be reproduced by Norman Osborn. The spiders involved in the tests are numbered so that the researcher, and more importantly the comic reader, can understand that many spiders are being tested upon. The spider we are concerned with, the spider that eventually bites Miles Morales, is the spider numbered 42.

Is this a clever reference to "Hitchhiker's Guide?" It would make sense seeing as 42 is the ultimate answer and this Spider-Man is in the Ultimate Universe. The Ultimate question coming into this new Ultimate Universe reboot was, "Who will be the new Spider-Man?" The ultimate answer-numbered spider bites Miles to answer the ultimate question. But...

The spider that eventually bites Miles Morales is numbered 42.

What if there is more to the number 42?

What if there is another significant reason Bendis chose to label the spider that gives Miles powers, 42?

When I first read Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #1, and saw the spider was numbered 42, I actually did not think of Douglas Adams; rather, I thought of Jackie Robinson.

When Peter Parker was killed-off, and Bendis and Marvel had to decide on who to make the new Spider-Man, or rather, how to sculpt the next Spider-Man, they ended up making a rather unique and slightly risky decision: Spider-Man would be black.

Of course there isn't anything wrong with that, and it really shouldn't matter, but to this point there has never been a top superhero that has been black. Spider-Man is probably one of the top 5 recognized superheroes in the world, and along with the others (Batman, Superman, and whoever else you may argue) he was white. The big boys, the top guns, the money makers...they are all white.

That's kinda messed up!

That is why I thought the number 42 was an ode to Jackie Robinson.

Jackie Robinson (#42) with the Brooklyn Dodgers

Robinson was the first black baseball player to break the color barrier (April 15, 1947). Robinson was the first black baseball player to play Major League Baseball (Dodgers). His entrance into America's most popular sport, and form of entertainment (at the time), is arguably one of the most important events in the last 100 years, of the United States' history. Miles Morales is actually a mix of several US minorities, but he is recognized as black and "black" basically just means minority in this situation. Miles is breaking a barrier that has stood for far too long.

To me, the number 42 represented a positive change in comics and our society in general. It represents equality. 42 marked a social hero, a cultural hero, a baseball hero and a people's hero. An American hero.

But you know what? Maybe I am reading way too far into this. After all, when Douglas Adams was asked why he chose the number 42, Adams did not give some amazing, magical or logical answer. Adams simply said, "It was a joke. It had to be a number, an ordinary, smallish number, and I chose that one...I sat at my desk, stared into the garden and thought '42 will do'. I typed it out. End of story."

Why do you think the number 42 was chosen to mark the spider that would create a hero, in Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #1?

Guest Voice on the WTO Podcast!

2011-09-14T09:17:00.000-07:00

In a brilliant move by my good friends Scott and David, I was invited to provide my nightingale-like voice to the Way Too Opinionated podcast. To be honest, I am unsure how bright a move it was seeing as we review last weeks set of new DC 52 books, of which I read one of them. But hey! I have opinions! Plus, the book I read was Action Comics #1 by Grant Morrison and Rags Morales...a big-deal of a book. You can read my written review of it in TheOuthousers.com 52apolooza: Action Comics section.

Without further words not spoken in my angelic voice, proceed to the newest Way Too Opinionated podcast's newest episode featuring...me!

Worth Your Digital Dollar

2011-09-12T16:25:00.000-07:00

Fantastic Four 1234 #1 - Morrison & Jae Lee

There's more to owning a digital tablet than just carrying it around in public and absorbing everyone's hatousy (hate and jealousy combined...a.k.a. jealate, the other Italian ice cream). A purchased tablet should be filled with entertainment and information that will come in handy when on a long flight or while at a convention you were forced to attend by your company. I fill my iPad 2 tablet with apps that stream TV shows and films, arcade style games and of course, comic books.

The comic book apps such as Comixology, the Marvel app (which runs on the Comixology platform) and Graphic.ly are must haves for digital comic readers, but simply having the apps on your tablet does not mean that you have a vast library of comic books on your reader. The apps will offer free books for download and mental consumption, but not many. Plus, the amount of free high quality comic books is limited. To get the more appealing comic books on your tablet you must purchase them individually (costing anywhere between $.99 to $3.99 a comic book).

The first couple of weeks I didn't purchase any comic books. I simply downloaded the free comics and marveled at how those issues looked digitally: color-popping and awesome! I wanted to buy some books, but which to buy? If I started buying an ongoing I would want to read from the beginning, so the whole title would have to be listed for purchase digitally. Also, I don't want to mix and match my ongoing titles between digital and physical comic books. That would add to confusion when trying to reference an old issue or looking for it to read in the future. So...what to start with?

Great Suggestion Marvel, I'll Take Some More!

As mentioned above, there are free comics available for download...usually they are #1's. Plus, often the #1's are apart of a mini series that only includes a limited run of issues. Perfect for a few reasons.

If the mini series is only 4 issues long, and I get the first one for free, I essentially get a fourth of the series for free. This makes buying the rest of the series quite painless.
The mini series aspect limits my commitment in regards to space dedicated to the downloaded title.
With physical comic books, when I purchase a #1, yet don't particularly care for it, I end up still completing (purchasing) the mini series. "I already spent money on a fraction, I might as well finish out." Since I am now able to test the waters for free with the first issue digitally, I have no monetary commitment to the title and thus, I have no need to complete the mini series and waste money on unwanted content.

Marvel has done I nice job when it comes to offering #1's of mini series. They have offered up entry point issues for limited series runs, by popular creators such as:

Grant Morrison and Jae Lee (Fantastic Four 1234) - 4 issues long
Mark Millar (1985) - 6 issues long
Brian K. Vaughan and Marcos Martin (Doctor Strange: The Oath) - 5 issues long

So far I have spent most of my money on mini series runs, but because of the great issues provided digitally I have also expanded to one-shot issues. Obviously, one-shots come with no continued buying commitment, so these are also great books to spend digital dollars on. The one-shot issue I purchased happen to spawn out of my enjoyment of Jae Lee's art on the purchased mini, Fantastic Four 1234. Lee had done one issue of The Incredible Hulk where he manned the artistic duties for it's interiors. I used the "search creators" function in the Marvel app and found myself a great book.

Hopefully the issue you want is available on Marvel Mondays

Oh, and if you happen to catch a mini series you have been thinking about purchasing during one of Marvel's discounted "Marvel Mondays" then you are in luck. The "Marvel Mondays" issues are all available for only $.99!

DC Has a Good Thing Going Too

I highlighted why Marvel has been able to sell me by way of mini series, but DC is also doing the same thing. Unfortunately for DC, I have always been more of a Marvel person, but also, I have caught them at a weird time. Buying a mini series about a world of characters that DC has rebooted and made some minor adjustments to (here and there) feels odd. If I like where the DC mini leaves me at the end, will I be angry that I know it doesn't lead to anything that effects the characters today? Maybe. I don't know! And that is why I don't want to take the chance on the old DC mini series books.

Mini series aside, DC does have the owning the complete series from issue #1 thing going for it. Since they are restarting all of their titles at #1, and releasing all of their titles day and date (releasing physical comics the same day as digital), I am more interested in starting up some DC ongoing collections digitally. So far I have bought Grant Morrison's Action Comics #1 and Justice League #1 by Jim Lee and Geoff Johns. With Marvel I am only taking the digital ongoing plunge on their new Ultimate Universe line of comics, but with DC...their whole line is the limit.

If you have a tablet and haven't bought any digital comics yet, but would like to, I suggest checking out the titles I mentioned above...especially Fantastic Four 1234 and Doctor Strange: The Oath.

Moon Knight #5

2011-09-08T15:38:00.000-07:00

Moon Knight is like the USA Network: Characters Welcomed

I can't say enough good things about Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev's, Moon Knight.

Quirky.
Original.
Funny.
The best kind of reboot.

Okay, that's enough...for now.

Moon Knight is possibly the best Marvel Comic for non-Marvel readers, or non-superhero readers for that matter. It reads like a P.I. story, and to this point, hasn't involved super powers...just old fashion hand to hand combat between men, and most recently in Moon Knight #5, women. Moon Knight gives you the grit of real life confrontations with bad guys, while still holding on too that bit of flair that comes along with an occasional costumed hero.

Another notable aspect that brings a sense of reality to the book, for me in particular, is that the story takes place in Los Angeles. For many local readers (LA locals) that I have spoken with, the location is actually appealing. The story also involves Marc Spector (A.K.A. Moon Knight) working in the entertainment industry which in real life is populated by many comic book fans. So I think the ability of Moon Knight to connect to comic book readers out west is strong.

Moon Knight #5 was a particularly fun issue for a couple of reasons.

Marc's fully on crazy comes out in this issue when he is torn on how to react to a confrontation with the police. In his head, 3 different voices consisting of Spider-Man, Captain America and Wolverine are telling him to do different things. Each one of them speaks in a way consistent to their actual characters. For example, Cap is overly understanding of the cops' hostility towards Moon Knight, where as the Wolverine voice thinks Moon Knight should cut the pigs up. Great inner (but really outer) dialog.
Marc gets his ass beat by Echo. In a wonderfully funny moment, Marc reads a situation poorly and kisses Echo. Echo is shocked by Marc's frontal assault on her face and proceeds to bloody his own face with a few fists of fury. As she storms off he yells out a charming joke to her, but since she is deaf it goes unnoticed. Great scene.

The dialog is top notch and the art fits the tone of the book perfectly. I've raved about Moon Knight before, and I have no problem doing it again. Bendis and Maleev have rebooted a B lister without even having to restart a whole line of comic books. Get this book. It's excellent.

Who Framed Rocket Raccoon?

2011-09-06T13:07:00.000-07:00

I did.

Over the weekend Aaron Brothers had a few coupons for 50% any one item, so I thought I might as well make some art presentable. I took a few prints and an original sketch of Rocket Raccoon by Timothy Green II (which was also inked) to the store and found my matting of choice along with some clean basic frames. When I went to pay for the frames and mats I was informed that the frames I picked-out were already discounted frames, and that the 50% coupon did not apply.

That's when I got all Larry David on them.

Many frames throughout the store were supposedly pre-discounted by Aaron Brothers, and had the lowest price guaranteed "all the time." The sticker on the wrapped frames proved this. The employees said those frames were always discounted and thus, a coupon could not be applied to those frames. But here's the thing... If some frames are always discounted, then that discounted price becomes their actual price. If the price always remain the same without change, then that is the actual price. There is never a time when the frames' price raises. Thus, the price is not really discounted. The price simply is.

I then insisted that my 50% off coupon should apply to one of the frames. If the price is always discounted, then it can never really be discounted because the price is always the same.

I went back and forth with 3 different employees on this point. I was never really mean, however, I may have seemed a bit snarky. I did raise my eyebrows and give a slight smile while I tilted my head saying, "But again, If the price is always discounted, then it can never really be discounted because that is always the price."

The employees may have understood what I said, but I think to think they didn't get it. I had turned into Larry David from "Curb Your Enthusiasm" where watchers of the scene I had created understood my point, yet the people I was interacting with didn't seem to have a clue.

Before I went into a stare-down, backed by some clarinet music, with the employees to see if they truly got what I was throwing their way and not lying about being clueless, I paid full price for my frames (though i did get a mat for 50% off saving $2) and left.

When I got home I matted the original sketch of Rocket Raccoon by Timothy Green II, and mentally moved on from frustration...to delight.

Rocket Raccoon by Timothy Green II doesn't understand why the 50% off coupon didn't work.

Another Justice League #1 Review

2011-09-02T13:31:00.000-07:00

Guess which 3 heroes didn't appear in JL #1.

Over at theOutHousers.com the grading of the DC 52 is underway with the review of Justice League #1.

The way the review system works:

3 Different reviewers review an issue.
The reviewers consist of a DC enthusiast, a Marvel Zombie and an all around comic reader.
Reviewers rate the issue out of a score of 100 total points.

I was fortunate enough to be selected to review the first of the new 52, Justice League #1. Geoff Johns is a proven power-house of a writer when it comes to huge events and Jim Lee is one of the greatest artists to draw comic books, so I was definitely looking forward to getting my eyes on Justice League #1. You can read my review (I'm the Marvel-fan reviewer), and the other 2, by clicking on to 52apolooza: Justice League.

Coastal Comic Book Reading

2011-08-26T10:55:00.000-07:00

Deadpool's 1st appearance: New Mutants #98

When I read comic books on the outskirts of Cleveland, Ohio with Bone Thugs N' Harmony I didn't have this problem. When I read comic books in the east bay near Oakland, California with M.C. Hammer I didn't have this problem. When I read comic books in Long Beach, California with Snoop Dogg I didn't have a problem. But now, here in El Segundo, CA (near Manhattan Beach), with no hip hop legend, I have a problem.

When I bring a comic book to my place, which is about a mile from the ocean, the comic book pages begin to warp and become wavy due to the moisture in the air. This happens without failure to everyone of my comic books. Some of my trades with thicker pages seem to hold-up better to the aerial assault, but even Richard Starkings' Elephantmen trades feel the warped ways of the Pacific ocean.

If I keep my books sealed in bags and boards they remain well kept. This is great for some older issues I have that may be worth a good amount of money if kept in a 9.8 to 9.6 grade. These issues consist of the first appearance of Deadpool, Cable, Venom and Carnage. These books are not worth a ton, but they do retain some value when left very crisp. The problem I have is that I would still like to be able to occasionally read these issues at my leisure. It seems ridiculous to take these books several miles inland just to open them up and read them.

My dilemma seems to be quite simple. Do I move a couple of miles inland so that I no longer have to worry about wavy books? Or, do I never open up my older books again, and live by the M.C. Hammer code: "Can't Touch This"?

Comic lovers, what should I do?

Pulls and Quick Reviews for 8/24/2011

2011-08-25T14:06:00.000-07:00

FF #8 - Cover by Daniel Acuña

Wolverine #14 - $3.99

Jason Aaron finally wraps up his "Wolverine's Revenge" story arc in a way only half expected. The Red Hand, the group throwing random fighters at Wolverine, plays their final card, and we learn something about the fighters Wolverine has taken down during the last several issues. I'm happy the story is basically over since I thought too many issues were wasted on the build-up, and I'm also pleased with what comes out of the arc. Jae Lee does another fin job with the cover as well; however, I'm not a huge fan of the claw-like finger tips. The dude already has adamantium claws, do his nails have to be long and pointy, as well? Rating: 3.5/5

Uncanny X-Force #13 - $3.99

Any time Remender has Fantomex pull a Jamie Kennedy on someone ("you just got x-ed") I know I'm going to enjoy Remender's issue. A well timed misdirection helps X-Force and the Age of Apocalypse good-guy crew get back to the 616 time-line. Granted when they get there they run into an unexpected welcoming party which is sure to add some action to issue #14. Maybe it's because I'm not a hardcore X-Men fan, but I get sick of this idea that Wolverine is obsessed with Jean...even a Jean from an alternate reality. By this time I feel like Wolverine could control his feelings, and understand the difference between his time-line and another. This issue gets docked a bit for mushiness, but overall it's still an action filled fun edition to the Uncanny X-Force run. Rating: 3.5/5

FF #8 - $2.99

I find it funny that one of Marvel's best books is only $2.99. There may be 2 less pages, but Jonathan Hickman and Steve Epting (this issue's artist) add so much story-telling content that this book could easily shift to $3.99 and I wouldn't even notice. Hickman has a way of weaving so many plot lines together in the FF that I can't help but starve for the next issue as soon as I finish the current: the villains that have assembled to assist in getting rid of the alternate time-line Reeds begin to reveal their true colors, while the Inhumans' entrance into the battle becomes troubling, while the true Reed and Doom's plans fall apart. Things are heating-up as Hickman's FF run continues. Value and Steve Epting art alone give this issue a strong score. Rating: 4.5/5

The Ultimates (Three) #1 - $3.99 (purchased digitally)

Jonathan Hickman is kind of a big deal, so who better to reboot the Ultimate Universe's main title than Marvel's Ron Burgundy. Not only did Hickman write a fast paced exciting first issue, but his Ultimates partner Esad Ribic did an amazing job on the books art. The nature of the characters such as Tony Stark and Thor really comes out in this first issue. Ribic does a particularly fine job on defining the characters based on their body positioning, facial expressions and movement throughout the panels. The Ultimates #1 ends in entertaining chaos and is sure to continue with a large-scale adventure. Rating: 4.5/5

Captain America and Bucky #621

Yeah, the story is well written by one of my favorites Ed Brubaker, but this reason this book is almost a perfect comic is due to the amazing pencil work of Chris Samnee. His style sets the tone of the 40's based Cap and Bucky arc with a mastery that hasn't been seen in comics for some time now. Samnee has proven himself to be a once in a decade artist who's style tells a story so well that if his comics did not include any text, they would still be some of the most impressive books on the stands. Get this comic book! Unfortunately, I cannot give it a 5 out of 5 due to Marvel's horrible decision to use an Ed McGuinness cover. I would not usually recommend harming a comic book, but ripping off the cover and then bagging and boarding the rest may be a good idea. Rating: 4.5/5

DW Annual 2011

Warehouse 13 #1 - $3.99

I have yet to read this comic, but I like the show...so I gave it a shot.

Doctor Who: Annual 2011 - $7.99

I have yet to read this comic, but I like the show...so I gave it a shot. Plus, the cover art looks cool!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 - $3.99

The turtles are back! In their first issue readers get to see a partial origin story and some lively combat between street thugs and the turtles. The issue jumps around a bit by going back several months to explain the team's reconstructed origin (this ain't your youth's TMNT origin) which has April O'Neil still wearing yellow, but with a very different job. The series, or at least the first arc, seems geared to continue with the looking-back storytelling since the book must explain how the fighting four was reduced to the fighting three. That's right, the team is one turtle down! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 is a nice starting point which includes lively art that is fine for an IDW book. The quality of art can be seen during non flashy panels involving a couple of people talking. There isn't great detail, but it'll do in terms of telling the story. I recommend checking out the book if you were ever a turtle fan. And let's face it...who wasn't? Rating: 3.5/5

Dominic and The Red Wing

2011-08-15T12:43:00.000-07:00

Dom and The Red Wing

Some people don't care for their names. Those who self-hate either have ridiculous names like Pompillio (my father tried naming me that but my mother nixed that old-country name), or they have short boring names like Peter. I feel for those people because I was labeled with a truly wonderful first name: Dominic.

(Funny Side Note: There is no better way of dehumanizing myself than by referring to my naming process as "labeled.")

Dominic is a glorious name. It takes time to say, and lasts in the ears like one of those Star Trek 2: The Wraith of Khan mind controlling bugs. The only time it leaves your thoughts, and then ears, is when the name dies. Dominic is a flexible name. If you don't have the time to bask in it's greatness you can say "Dom." I always wanted to get the domain name DomthebombOG.com just because of the way it rhymes and flows.

Dom and Dominic may be the same name, but when I introduce myself to people they have very different uses and implications. When I introduce myself to women I like to introduce myself as Dominic. The longer semi-unique name stays with them longer and it reminds women of a romantic Italian name. Their mind's short sexy-time stories almost always include the name Dominic. Also, they loved that little boy with a ferret from Kindergarten Cop...also named Dominic.

Dom, on the other hand, is a quick lively name. It implies fun and unpredictability. When a guy meets another guy named Dom, he feels like he can fit in with "the guys." I named my twitter handle @365Dom after this site and the short side of my name so that people would initially think I was fun, and thus, a person they would want to follow. Also, Vin Diesel is named Dom in the Fast and Furious movies. Say what you will about the man as an actor...he always plays a bad-ass. Remember Iron Giant? Diesel voices the Robot. Bad-ass.

(Another Side Note: I am not a bad-ass. How many bad-asses use a hyphen when typing the word "bad-ass?")

You can see I love having my name, but as you may have noticed, I also enjoy when my name is used in movies, television and literature. It's not a common name like Mike or Bob which is used in ever other story. Dominic is used sparingly. It's the name you don't want to overuse or burnout. It's the injured prized athlete of names which you want to take his/her time getting back to playing condition so that he/she doesn't have any setbacks. That's Dominic.

(Last Side Note: I used "her" and "she" as an example of a prized athlete. There are no prized women athletes. Sorry for that moment of equality)

The newest home to the majestic name Dominic, is the Jonathan Hickman 4 issue mini series, The Red Wing. The Red Wing is a time traveling, war, adventure story which is 2 issues complete. One of the main characters followed in the comic book is a legacy time-fighter-ship pilot named (drums please)...Dominic! His father (thus him being a legacy pilot) was a famous pilot who gets lost in time when his ship wrecks through and across time. By the end of the second issue we learn something crazy about Dominic and about how he changes as a person over time.

Story aside, I can't help but be compelled by my name. I really do wonder (because I'm conceded and an idiot) if my friends read The Red Wing and think of me every time they read my name. Again, it's not some common name. It's Dom! I know when I read about Spider in Warren Ellis' Transmetropolitan I think of my good pal Spider from Pleasanton, California. Coincidentally enough, my bud Spider was almost named Pompillio, too.

So what the heck was the point of this post mostly about how I love my name, and very briefly about The Red Wing? This post was written in hopes that boring named people would think a bit before they name their children. Oh, and don't go watering the Dominic name down by naming your next born Dominic, as well. Only about 1 in 250 of you can do that. Talk amongst yourself or conduct a raffle to determine whose son will be awesome, and whose son will be just another Dick. Excuse me...I mean Richard.

Growing Up: Comic Book Posters

2011-08-12T12:26:00.000-07:00

When I was younger my bedroom's walls were lined with comic book posters. Now that I am older the bedroom and living room walls of my apartment are not aloud to be covered in comic characters due to being an adult and occasionally wanting girls who are not as into comics as I am to come over. (Note that I said "wanting" and not "having"...things are gonna pick-up!) Now I fake being an adult by placing my comic characters in picture frames and spreading them out in the proper frame hanging distance.

"Ah, there's a matting. Now it's legit."

So my walls are more adult, but I am still a bit of a child at heart because I still have all of my comic book related posters from when I was a kid. (By "kid" I mean I bought posters from a young age up through my early 20's...I'm 28 now. I wear dress shoes at fancy restaurants and everything. I'm an adult now.) The reason I don't buy posters anymore (or often) isn't because I'm a big boy, rather it's because I'm cheap.

It's hard to bring myself to buy a poster these days unless it's a crazy special addition one. Case and point...case in point...how ever that phrase goes...I did shell out $35 each on the Marko Djurdjevic 9ft. long Spider-Man and Avengers posters from a year ago. Those were giant posters that I knew would not fit in my house. I instead brought them to work! Yet, regardless of where I brought them, the point is that they were the only 2 posters I've bought in the past 6 years.

Marko Djurdjevic's Avengers poster under the boss-man's window.

Posters are not very expensive, but I feel awkward paying for them. One of the main reasons is that they won't be hung-up at home, but another almost equally as important reason is because you can get posters for free. Many comic book conventions have publisher booths that give away free posters for promotional purposes. Plus, since I'm a Marvel fan, I luck out that Marvel happens to constantly provide comic book retailers with free mini poster handouts. The mini posters are perfect for putting up around my desk at work, and since they're free, when a new one is passed-out I can simply take down the old one, toss it, and put up the new poster.

I have always been a fan of comic book posters, but as I grow the space in which they can occupy has shrunk. Besides some space at work...the space for my comic book posters: old and new, big and small, expensive and free, has become the bottom of my closet or sadly...the bottom of a garbage can.

(Note: Who actually uses garbage "cans" any more? Waste baskets, garbage bins, and other containers are more accurate...sorry for the confusion.)

Dom's 8/10/2011 Comic Book Pull List

2011-08-08T16:04:00.000-07:00

Last week wasn't too bad, but there appears to be a lot of comic books on my list this week. Oh my poor wallet...

Spider powers come w/ a free Spider-Man shirt!

Amazing Spider-Man #667 - $3.99

The "Spider-Island" event officially starts with this week's issue. The story has had quite a bit of hype (advertised in almost every Marvel comic book), so I am curious to see if the hype is justified. But honestly, I just buy Amazing Spider-Man out of habit...regardless of the quality.

Detective Comics #881 - $3.99

This is it! The last Detective Comics issue before the DC reboot, and the last Detective Comics issue in Scott Snyder and Jock's wonderful run. This book will be great. Guaranteed. I am actually looking forward to when Jock and Snyder's TEC run gets collected into a hardcover so that I can get it for my bookshelf, and gift it for my friends.

Fear Itself #5 - $3.99

This issue is sure to be intense. When last we left Fear Itself, Thor was just about to do battle (hammer style) with the Thing and the Green Hulk. Some reviewers haven't been kind to the Fear Itself story telling, but I have enjoyed the title to this point. I recommend getting this issue just to witness the Stuart Immonen Thor, Hulk and the Thing layouts. You'll thank me later.

Fear Itself: Uncanny X-Force #2 - $2.99

Honestly, I can't remember what is happening in this miniseries. All I know is that I like the current X-Force team. Nuff' said.

Hell powers do not include a free shirt.

Hellboy: The Fury #3 - $2.99

Word on the street is that big red kicks the bucket in this issue. Though popular characters can't stay dead in comics, I still feel like the issue will have some significance. Plus, Mike Mignola will be at my local comic shop, the Comic Bug, to sign copies of The Fury #3. Last time I saw him I won a $100 gift certificate from his daughter, so I owe it to him to make an appearance and buy his book.

New Avengers #15 - $3.99

I just enjoy Bendis books. Plus, this team has characters I really enjoy: Spider-Man, Wolverine, Cage, Spider-Woman, etc.

The Red Wing #2 - $3.50

It's Hickman. I'm getting this comic book miniseries purely based on my Hickman Secret Warriors (which has ended) and FF love.

Reed Gunther #3 - $2.99

This is the best all ages book in stores. I actually already own this book in a black and white printing, but I started getting it for a co-worker's child. It really is a great gateway comic book. In another year or so I think their kid may be ready for Punisher MAX.

Wolverine #13 - OutHousers Review

2011-08-04T13:51:00.000-07:00

What you don't see is the pool below them.

If you follow my link for Room With a Review: Wolverine #13, you will get my thoughts on Jason Aaron's dragging Wolverine storyline. Plus (there's always a plus), I gush over Jae Lee's cover art, and I recall a scene from Austin Powers which Jason Aaron could learn from.

Read on! ...or not.

Thanks for stopping by.

Moon Knight: Read This Comic Book

2011-08-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

How does Moon Knight keep that cape so white?

If you are more of a real world comic book reader who doesn't usually care for tales of men in tights or super-powered beings, I recommend a book about a superhero titled, Moon Knight. Moon Knight follows Marc Spector, a superhero who has moved out to LA to produce a TV show loosely based on his adventures as Moon Knight. After some time in LA Spector gets mixed-up in a mystery involving the LA crime scene and an Ultron head (Ultron is an evil AI robot who constantly tries to destroy humans...for you non-superhero readers).

So why am I suggesting this title to the non-cape-reading community? The book is grounded. I'm not talking no flying characters grounded...I'm talking about a story which could actually take place. Marc Spector (Moon Knight) comes off as if he isn't so much a superhero, but rather, Spector is written with more of a PI tone. Plus, he has multiple personality disorder which takes him out of that cookie-cutter superhero mold.

Click on to read my full gush fest over Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev's Moon Knight.

Comics You Should Be Reading: Moon Knight

SDCC 2011 Purchase: Eric Canete's Egg Sketchbook

2011-08-02T13:59:00.000-07:00

Back and Front of Eric Canete's "Egg" Sketchbook

Often times when I attend comic book conventions I end-up buying a bunch of sketchbooks, prints or comics, but the San Diego Comic Convention is so overwhelming in terms of awesomeness everywhere you look that I couldn't pull the trigger on purchasing anything (well, almost). Fortunately, before the zombie storm of product bombardment hit me I got off one round and ended-up with a truly pleasing item.

Eric Cantete: Egg Sketchbook

Since reading Iron Man: Enter the Mandarin a few weeks back I have been in wonder of Eric Canete's lively art work. His characters seem to jump off the page at you in a way I haven't felt since I first discovered Chris Bachalo's work. Like Bachalo, Cantete has a unique slightly exaggerated (Bachalo's are a bit more exaggerated) design style. The characters feel real, yet are infused with an energy that is purely comic book like. Canete's art is perfect for the pages of comics. With that said, once I spotted Eric Canete on the far wall of Comic Con I made a beeline for his table.

I played it cool.

"I have to say, your work on the Iron Man: Enter the Mandarin changed my life...I mean. It had a lot of life and energy. I liked it a lot!"

Cool.

"Thanks," Eric Canete said with a welcoming smile as he looked-up from a piece he was commissioned to draw. He then looked back down and continued to do his work while I flipped through his portfolio of original pages. The pages were out of my price range, but so thrilling to look at. I then moved to his sketchbook "Egg" which was in my price range ($25). Though the cover was slightly scuffed and dented, Canete only had 2 left...and it was only Friday!

I was so excited to get a copy and say thanks, I forgot to have him sign it! I didn't even relize that I had forgotten until this week when I was looking through the sketch book again. At that point I had "Egg" in my hands and on my face.

Dangzor!

Signature aside, "Egg" is a masterful sketch book. I particularly love all of his Marvel work since I follow Marvel Comics' characters pretty closely. I am admittedly still a bit of a child at heart when it comes to nude drawings...something that there are several pages of in Eric Canete's "Egg." They are well done figure drawings and...

Boobs!

Sorry. Like I said...a bit of a child.

I may have only purchased one thing at the San Diego Comic Con 2011, but it was a purchase I am supremely happy with. Take a look at one of the Avengers sketches from inside of Eric Canete's "Egg" below. Enjoy!

Eric Cante: Egg Sketchbook - Intricate Avengers Sketch

Detective Comics #880

2011-07-31T17:16:00.000-07:00

Which stings more: slit mouth or bat contacts?

The second to last issue in Scott Snyder and Jock's Detective Comics run thrills readers by giving every Batman fan what he/she really wants: the Joker.

Jock illustrates a creepy looking Joker which looks like a mix between Heath Ledger's sliced mouth corners Joker, and a super-skinny crack addict. Why is Jock drawing the Joker? Well... The Joker has recently escaped from prison and Batman (Dick Grayson) is tracking him down. Meanwhile, Commissioner Jim Gordon is tracking down his ex-wife Barbara because he fears the Joker will attack his family, as he always does. After Jim get's to his ex-wife too late to protect her from the Joker's laughing/smiling toxin, Jim and Batman learn that the man he thought responsible for Barbara's attack may not have been the clown prince after all...and that man may not have reached his Barbara attack quota for the night.

Detective Comics #880 has a few standout moments:

The final panel of the book has a very lasting quality to it. It reminds me of that scene in Jurassic Park where Nedry (Newman!) is trapped in a car with a dinosaur. The Detective Comics #880 panel would cover the moment just as the camera looks away and we hear the attack. Attacks can be that much scarier when they are only partially witnessed.
Just because you're paralyzed doesn't mean you have to do everything the hard way. Barbara Gordon, Commissioner Gordon's daughter/Oracle, is shown next to her computers in Watchtower during one panel with something very important missing: a mouse. Don't tell me she uses the touch pad. Even the best touch-padder in the world can't...touch...the skills of a person using a mouse. Unless Oracle has some sort of Minority Report thing going on, I think Jock forgot to draw her a mouse.
When Jim Gordon's ex-wife is found in the bathtub (all Joker-gassed out), did anyone else think, "Damn, she's kind of buff."? Her lat and arm look like she's been holding herself in the fetal position for a long time. If she recovers, look out bad guys. The ex has some guns she might put to use.

So this is it for the wonderful Jock and Scott Snyder run...one more issue. I'm sure the DC executives would have guessed that the long running title would one day end on the numerically significant...#881? Hmmm, well 881 was the title of a Singaporean movie in 2007; and in Mandarin, 881 sounds like the word papaya...so it's got that going for it.

Anyway, great issue. I look forward to papaya!

FF #7 - No FF Members...No Problem

2011-07-29T09:09:00.000-07:00

The white directional lines mean intensity.

I'll keep it short here, so that you can click through below to my full review of FF #7.

Quick Breakdown

This is the 2nd straight issue without evil Reeds or any FF members.
The art by Greg Tocchini and Paul Mounts makes me smile.
This isn't one of those lame issues where Black Bolt doesn't say one word...he speaks!
If you enjoy tentacle porn, you'll like the beginning of FF #7...sort of.

Read my Room With a Review: FF #7 to get my full thoughts on the issue.

Marvel's Digital Push

2011-07-26T10:16:00.000-07:00

Marvel's Digital App

After sitting through many panels, at the San Diego Comic Con, that dealt with digital comics (even the podcasting panel that got hijacked by the digital topic) I started to formulate a pocket of confusion in my head.

Why can't I get every book on my iPad when I want it?

Marvel in particular seems to be dragging their feet on the issue. Their slow-rolling of their day and date comics is not helping me as much as DC's extreme push of releasing every comic book day and date starting in September. DC targeted readers like me, and Marvel...well, they are targeting another type of reader.

Check-out my full thoughts on Marvel's Digital Day and Date Dilemma at theOuthousers.com.

iPad 2 Apps to Hold Me Over

2011-07-20T09:45:00.000-07:00

Today I head out to San Diego, from Los Angeles, to attend my first ever Comic-Con! As you can tell from the exclamation mark...I'm pretty excited. I hop on board my Amtrak train for a 2 hour 40 minute trip later today, so for now I load my iPad 2 (tech name dropping) with thinks to keep me busy while I sit and wait for my 4 day adventure.

These are the iPad Apps I have downloaded:

Falling Stars - This cool new app gives users the ability to create sweet sweet music by way of star tear-drops and floating plant-vines in the sky. Sounds weird, but it's amazing...and free.
Marvel Kapow! HD - This Marvel game (free version) pits Marvel's heroes and their weapons against the villains of the Marvel universe. It's kind of like Pong meets Space Invaders.
Geometry Wars - I love this game. You are basically a ship that flies around shooting a bunch of weird shapes (thus Geometry). It is the suped-up version of Astroid for the 21st century. The handling is a bit difficult because it is like controlling a PlayStation controller on a touch-screen, but once you get the motions down...it's both amazing and addicting. Cost: $.99.

Besides the apps I have also placed the movie Crazy Heart and Source Code on my iPad 2. HD movies look amazing on the screen and I am looking forward to getting to use my iPad 2 and utilizing it's creativity and battery life.

Check out the clip of Geometry Wars below.

Dom's Pull List: 7/13

2011-07-13T14:10:00.000-07:00

Jae Lee makes Wolvie do the snake dance.

The Red Wing #1 (of 4) - $3.50

That's a weird price, right? Regardless, the comic book is a Jonathan Hickman story who has been killing it with his Marvel work as of late: FF, Secret Warriors and S.H.I.E.L.D. I'm always willing to give a Hickman book a try.

X-Men: Schism #1 (of 5) - $4.99

My many days of listening to Ron Richards on iFanboy.com podcasts has finally worn me down. I pick-up this X-Men event book due to his influence over my brain and his love of anything X-Men. He's like those alien things on Falling Skies that control you...but nicer...and not on my back.

Wolverine #12 - $3.99

Jason Aaron does Wolverine like no other writer. I have been picking up this book from about issue 5 and have enjoyed it quite a bit. The current story may not be as good as the last, but it still beats most non-team superhero books. Oh, and every cover is by Jae Lee...who is a cover God.

The Amazing Spider-Man #665 - $3.99

I just love Spidey. I will always pick-up ASM. Nuff said.

FF #6 - $2.99

As I mentioned before, Hickman has been doing a great job with FF. Currently Black Bolt has been introduced after a couple of years out of comics, and the multiple Reeds storyline is picking-up quite nicely. Besides the event books Flashpoint and Fear Itself, this is the issue I most look forward to reading each month.

The return of Steve...McNiven!

Captain America #1 - $3.99

Steve is back! No, not Steve Rogers...Steve McNiven! McNiven is an amazing penciler, which goes without saying, but more importantly to this title, McNiven draws the Cap outfit better than 99% of all other artists. I left that 1% open on the slight chance that some monk in Tibet may be the worlds greatest artist and I simply just never knew.

Detective Comics #879 - $2.99

If it wasn't for Scott Snyder's writing I would most likely not be getting a DC book this week. His work on Detective has become a run worth noting and certainly collecting in trade or hard cover format (once it becomes available). Snyder's work has been consistently good, which makes buying his comics an easy choice. You know they're going to be good.

The New Avengers #14 - $3.99

I can't pass-up a flagship title for Marvel. Bendis is looking to bounce back after his last story-arc on New Avengers didn't fair well with readers...including me. I have enjoyed the Fear Itself tie-ins which are in ongoing titles like Thunderbolts, Avengers and Invincible Iron Man, so I look forward to seeing if Marvel and Bendis can keep it up with this New Avengers tie-in.

Well, that's it for this week in pulls. Did I miss pickingup anything important? Keep in mind...I'm a Marvel Zombie.

Real Geek-Girls Strike Back!

2011-07-12T13:24:00.000-07:00

Part 2 of my "The Real Geek-Girls" post is up on my work's website. So far, the women in the posts have been very cool towards me. Thanking me for saying nice things and placing them in a list with other great women is not something they need to do at all, yet very much appreciated. It's always nice to have positive feed back from people you look up to and respect.

Anywhoot! Check out The Real Geek-Girls (Part 2).

Who Are Real Geek-Girls?

2011-07-11T10:04:00.000-07:00

In an attempt to right the wrongs slighted upon Geek women, I have written a post on my work's website blog...correcting a piece one of our non-geek woman workers wrote. Say that 10 times fast! I hope you will read on and enjoy my post titled: The Real Geek-Girls (part 1).

Week'n Read'n - Iron Man: Enter the Mandarin

2011-07-08T22:14:00.000-07:00

Iron Man: Enter the Mandarin #1 cover

Besides a handful of personal writing projects such as a "Room With a Review" post for Fear Itself #4, for TheOuthousers.com, a follow-up blog on geek-girls for my work's blog (wpromote.com), and some fleshing-out of some plot points on stories I'm working on, I will finally read the rest of artist Eric Canete, colorist Dave Stewart and writer Joe Casey's Iron Man: Enter the Mandarin. I got the mini series for half the price in a bargain bin, and after one issue I am already counting my stars (because all stars are lucky...just ask Mario.)

The selling point for me on this issue is Eric Canete's art ( I linked his art page to his name twice to make sure you click on it. ). It has so much life and jumps from the page with a playful attitude. I just want to do double dutch jump rope with it!

Crazy for Moon Knight #3

2011-07-07T12:21:00.000-07:00

Moon Knight #3 delivers a bullseye.

Moon Knight has been a series which has gotten better and better with each issue. In Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev's most current installment, Moon Knight #3, they get slightly out done by their colorist Matthew Wilson who puts together a very subtle, yet beautiful performance.

Check out my further ramblings about Wilson, Maleev and Bendis by going to a Room With a Review: Moon Knight #3 over at TheOuthousers.com.

Top 5 Saddest Animated Deaths

2011-07-02T14:53:00.000-07:00

Death can be a hard thing to deal with for a child. The loss of a connection at young ages can be quite traumatic. So when you combine animation, something children love, with death, something children struggle with...it can make for a highly emotional situation. The following list consists of the top 5 saddest animated deaths. These are the moments that messed kids, and admittedly adults as well, up, in my lifetime.

5. The Death of Optimus Prime - Tansformers: The Movie (1986)

The fearless leader of the Autobots falls in battle to his arch nemesis, Megatron, when the hot-shot Hot-Rod tries to help Optimus out. The big O had won and saved the day, but the young rook had to screw it up...for all of us.

4. The Death of Morph - X-Men: The Animated Series (1992)

In a shocking turn of events, one of the X-Men heroes, Morph, bites the laser in the second episode of the popular animated series. Though his powers were lame compared to everyone elses (besides possibly Jubilee's) the death of Morph became so sad because he meant so much to the team, especially Wolverine who had to be knocked-out by Rogue so that the team could retreat to safety. Oddly enough, the team later storms the Sentinel base and takes out more bad guys than they faced when they retreated. Oh, and of course, like any comic book story...Morph didn't stay dead for long.

3. The Death of Ellie - Up (2009)

Carl and Ellie - Pixar's Up

Watch the Ellie and Carl Relationship through time scene which leads to Ellie's death.

In the saddest montage of all time, Pixar's Up tells the story of Ellie and Carl, a couple in love their whole life. Short bits of their relationship tied together by beautiful music driven by a lovely piano line make this film introduction one of the most sleeve wetting segments in the history of cinema, which ends with the death of Ellie, Carl's love.

2. The Death of Mufasa - The Lion King (1994)

The wise and great King Mufasa is undone by his brother's (Scar) treachery and his love for his son, Simba. If it wasn't for Mufasa's great voice (thanks to James Earl Jones) and his constant haunting of Simba, this may not be as high on the list as it is, yet the memories of this amazing father live on throughout the movie and in every person who have seen The Lion King. Even now, I feel like I should call my father and tell him I love him.

1. The Death of Littlefoot's Mother - The Land Before Time (1988)

Watch the last time Littlefoot and his mother speak, just before Littlefoot's mother's death.

This is the undisputed saddest animated death. The Land Before Time displayed the intense love of a mother for her child when Littlefoot's mother fights off a Tyrannosaurs Rex to defend her child. After Littlefoot's mother falls she still holds on to tell her son she will always be with him. The love Littlefoot carries on is symbolized through his holding onto a tree-star his mother gave him, as well. Seeing the leaf is like seeing his mother on the ground, in the rain, as she passes away. The film's animation is a great example of what old school 80's movie animation had to offer: wonderful detail and character design. Oh, and the music...well take a listen to the song below and try not to get sucked back to your sofa where you cried and hugged your mother.

That's it! It was a tough list to create, and I unfortunately had to leave some classics off of the list such as Bambi's mother being shot. Arguably that could be in the top 2, but for this list I wanted to go with some slightly more modern movies. Regardless, in honor of Bambi's mother, I have posted her clip below. Enjoy watching Bambi figuring out his mother was murdered!

The Other Side

2011-06-13T00:18:00.000-07:00

Just as there is more than one way to skin a cat (though if you ask the 2000 year old man...there is only one way), there are many ways to seal the back of your comic book with tape. Excluding the bags that come with their own adhesive strip, the below pictures will help define some of the most popular ways people tape their plastic flaps down. Great band name, by the way: Taped Plastic Flaps.

The Horizontal Single and The Vertical Single

The Horizontal Single isn't just my nickname, it also refers to a non-collectors way of taping a comic book. To the guy on the street, we'll say a hobo or bum, it may seem like a good way to tape a comic book's plastic down since it appears to cover more space: more plastic is being taped down for extra security. Unfortunately, there are a few downsides.

The corners are not secured. This means the corners could eventually flap-up and make for an aesthetically unpleasant look to the back of your book. That rhymed.
The biggie here is the tearing of the tape odds. Often times when one tries to open their horizontal single tape job, they end up tearing the tape. The comic is left with one part of the tape attached to the plastic flap and the other tape-half attached to the back plastic.

The Vertical Single also has the same corners flapping-up problem but the VS carries another unexpected problem: tape stretching. What is tape stretching? Tape stretching occurs when you are trying to unseal the comic and the tape does not un-stick right away. (This next part gets vulgar, so feel free to get out the lotion and tissues.) You end up sliding your fingers under the flap at an angle to get the tape to begin peeling back. The tape stretches a bit making it not perfectly flat for when you tape the comic down. Now your tape has slight tenting to it and is no longer smooth and crisp looking.

The Power of Pairs or Double Trouble?

The Double Vert

The Double Vert is a very recognizable comic shop taping. Mike Wellman, of the Comic Bug in Manhattan Beach, CA, mentioned that comic shops tape their back-issues this way so that the corners do not flip up when the comics are slid into their bins, where they stand vertically. The smooth presentation can help sell a comic and make an older book look fresh and new.

The Double Vert is almost perfect except for the potential tape stretching, which was covered above. Wellman, did also comment that if collectors want to avoid tape stretching they should get soft-stick tape. This type of type is most recognizable as a blurry looking tape. If you can see through the tape you might as well just burn the comic book because you've sentenced the back plastic to a life of stretched hell...you piece of shit. Sorry. Tape gets me worked up.

My Recommendations

The Single Slant

The single slant is how I tape my books. I make sure to lay my comic books flat, so I don't worry about double tape jobs for the corners. Plus, after spending all of my money on comics, I just can't afford 5 yards of scotch tape for $1. My goals are to hold down the plastic and avoid stretching. The angled tape makes it possible to un-stick the tape with a smooth motion. This is the way to go for a careful collector on a budget.

The Double Slant

If you have cash just coming through your air vents, then try the Double Slant. It solves the corner and stretching issues. The DS isn't right for everyone, so consult a comic shop owner before subscribing to this technique. It's like the last chapter of the Karma Sutra. This isn't something you just start doing without some consultation and Single Slant testing.

It's Just the Back - Go Fucking Crazy

The Crazy Bastard - Show the flap who's boss!

Feel free to take the poll on the right regarding your taping style. Plus, leave me a message if you have other ways to tape down your plastics. The world, and I, need to know.

A Can't Miss Title: Thunderbolts

2011-06-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

Leaders always have ripped shirts...always.

For comic book readers who are not into the indie scene, and would prefer to read from the big boy's published pile, I would recommend picking-up Marvel's Thunderbolts. Warren Ellis had a nice run on it for awhile (several years ago), but since then it has lost some readers...which is understandable. I'm here to tell you that since Jeff Parker and Kev Walker have combined forces on Thunderbolts #144, and created a new team, the comic book has been consistently one of Marvel's best titles. With Juggernaut and Crossbones (for awhile) on the team, how can you not be interested in Thunderbolts?

Click onward to my article and read my complete thoughts on Comics You Should Be Reading: Thunderbolts.

Spare Time With Dom: Reed Gunther's Creative Team

2011-06-01T14:30:00.000-07:00

Shane and Chris Houghton, with Dom...drinking a beer.

I recently spent a night bowling with the creative team behind Reed Gunther, Shane and Chris Houghton. I learned a bit about the books origins and a lot about the bowling styling of each brother. I felt bad for Chris's wife because she had to see his destruction. Shane's girlfriend didn't have it so bad, but I'm sure she felt like she was with the wrong man once Shane came-up one pin short against the BK (Bowling King), Dom (me!). My girlfriend, on the other hand, carried me off into the night on her shoulders shouting, "Dom is number one! Dom is number one!" Yeah, she's buff.

Get the whole scoop in the first post ever for "Spare Time With Dom."

Are Too Many Comics a Bad Thing?

2011-05-29T12:51:00.000-07:00

Secret Avengers #13 did not make the cut.

This past Wednesday Marvel filled the shelves with popular titles while swiftly emptying their readers pockets. My mostly Marvel pull was packed with the likes of Captain America, Secret Avengers, Secret Warriors, The Amazing Spider-Man, Wolverine, The Mighty Thor, The Astonishing Spider-Man and Wolverine, Venom and FF. Plus, I picked-up DC's Detective Comics and one comic book from last week that I forgot (Avengers). With many of the Marvel comics costing $3.99, my week came to a hefty price even with my local shop's 20% discount for regulars. Though I love when my books come out, I've started hating these big weeks.

After a couple weeks, in one month, that total over $30 each I start doing what the publishers do not want me to do: I consider dropping some titles. When I add up how much I spend on comic books over the course of a month I get depressed. It's almost always around $100. If I had an extra $100 a month I could pay off my student loans quicker, move into the technology age and upgrade to a phone with a data plan, go to a sporting event more often and even set some money to the side for a vacation. Comic books are a great form of entertainment, but once they start taking away from other passions in my life...well, that's when I start to cut books. But what should I cut?

This past week is actually a great list to use for comic cutting. The Astonishing Spider-Man and Wolverine ended with this week's issue #6, so that one is gone. Secret Warriors ends after the next issue, thus making that cutting decision easy, as well. Now for the tougher cuts... I think it's time to cut Secret Avengers. I was getting it for Ed Brubaker's writing, but he has recently departed from the title and to be honest it never really was that interesting. I probably should have cut S.A. a while ago. This is why Marvel should try to spread out their release days a little better. If I wasn't just hit with a large bill I wouldn't have started removing books from my weekly pulls. Secret Avengers was sneaking by because I didn't mind spending a bit extra, once a month, to see if the next issue would be any good. Now, unfortunately, I can no longer take that chance. It better not get good next month!

Amazing Spider-Man is always safe on my list, and Hickman's FF has been so well written that dropping it is not a possibility. Venom, The Might Thor and Wolverine are sticking around for now because their creative teams include some of the best in comics right now (Remender, Fraction, Coipel, Aaron, and Acuna). I ended up cutting three books which seems like a good cut, but as we all know, there will always be new titles that get added to the purchase pile. This cut process will happen again, but it does not have to happen as often. If Marvel could try to space their popular titles a little better I wouldn't notice the obscene amount of money I spend weekly, and monthly, on comic books.

I'll gladly remain broke as long as I'm slowly drained of my money. It's like having a girlfriend as opposed to seeing a prostitute. With a girlfriend I slowly spend my money on her over time and am rewarded with joy when she is happy; however, with the prostitute I spend my money in bulk for moments of pleasure which make me feel good at the time, but very bad later...like when the doctor tells me I just got venereal disease.

Please Marvel, don't give me a VD.

Invincible Iron Man #504

2011-05-23T18:31:00.000-07:00

The French mimes got really good.

On Sunday, I got to the last of my comic books (from last week) and ended-up enjoying my choice to conclude the week: Invincible Iron Man #504.

The reason for it being my last issue was that it is a tie-in comic book to Marvel's "Fear Itself" event. Often times, tie-in issues are not that great because they do not add anything to the overall event arc and there tends to be a lack of action; however, Invincible Iron Man #504 seems to get further into the "Fear Itself" story than the actual mini-series itself...fear!

After Tony and Pepper do their relationship dance, Tony goes to Paris to explore one of the many falling objects from space (we know to be hammers from Fear Itself). He gets to Paris and discovers that everything has been turned to stone...including people, who now appear as statues. As Tony starts to realize that something is very wrong he is attacked by a super-powered Grey Gargoyle who has discovered the hammer which fell to earth in Paris. The Hammer has boosted his powers to the extreme causing him to turn everything he sees into stone. For some reason Tony's armor is keeping him from transforming into a statue, and fortunately, it is also keeping him alive as he is thoroughly smashed on by the possessed Grey Gargoyle and his newly obtained hammer.

The battle is of course intense because it involves a huge beast of a stone-like character swinging a massive hammer at a man in a metal suite, but the battle also takes on a bit of tension as readers are highly aware that every time Iron Man gets knocked through a group of human statues, he is actually shattering any chance of saving the humans which are the statues. At the end of the battle Iron Man is nailed with a face-shot via a huge hammer, and when Tony wakes from his knock-out slumber he finds himself on a pile of crushed statues. The pile is several stories tall and goes on far off in the distance. Was the whole of Paris population killed? I can't wait to find out in Invincible Iron Man #505.

The Amazing Spider-Man #661

2011-05-20T12:09:00.000-07:00

Teens are very different these days, Spidey.

While Dan Slott takes a 2 issue break to finish-up work on his upcoming "Spider Island" arc, Christos Gage steps in to pen a 2 part adventure which has Spider-Man, Marvel's first teen superhero, substitute teaching the teens from Avengers Academy. Gage writes some wonderfully funny dialog and creates standard awkward Spidey moments which seem to help define Spidey's lovable goofiness.

Oh, and the back-up 10 page story by Paul Benjamin and Javier Pulido, in The Amazing Spider-Man #661, is outstanding. The Sandman panel will blow you away.

Check-out my full review, with additional pictures, over at TheOuthousers.com!

Funko Creates Sweet New Marvel Bobble-Heads

2011-05-10T11:03:00.000-07:00

I must have these new Marvel bobble-heads from Funko! I like the character selection; however, I wonder why they decided to go with one villain. Most likely the choice for the villain being the Red Skull was due to the Captain America movie coming out soon, and the fact that the character's red skull makes for an interesting design to bobble about.

I would love to see Funko come out with more of these Marvel bobble heads. Here is a list of the top 5 additional characters I would like to see in Funko Marvel Bobble-Head form.

A large scale bobble-head Galactus.
A battle helmeted bobble-head Thor.
A flaming skull bobble-head Ghost Rider.
A horned helmeted bobble-head Loki.
A miniature bobble-head Ant-man.

Which additional character would you like to see?

Check-out the current batch below!

Free Comic Book Day at The Comic Bug

2011-05-08T12:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a huge day for entertainment. There were large sporting events such as the Manny Pacquiao vs Shane Mosley boxing match (Manny won), a no-hitter was thrown by Justin Verlander (that's baseball for you nerds) and playoff basketball continued, as well; but, yesterday was not to be taken completely by sports. May 7th was also Free Comic Book Day.

I celebrated the day with my buddy Ryan on a trip to our local comic shop in Manhattan Beach, CA: the Comic Bug. The Bug is one of my favorite places to spend money (on non free days) because it is run by the nicest staff of any shop I've been to. I mean...once I went to a PF Changs and got free Banana Rolls, but even then I was like, "nice try, but you're no Comic Bug!" I threw the dessert in the server's face and stormed out to the music of Anamanaguchi.

Back to the Bug...

The last few years have been crazy at the Comic Bug, on Free Comic Day. With creators like Mike Mignola (HellBoy), Richard Starkings (Elephantmen), Chris Yost (TV's The Mighty Avengers and Wolverine and the X-Men...not the Spectacular Spider-Man like I foolishly asked...thankfully he was cool) and Phil Ortiz (The Simpsons comics) there was a line out the door for practically 5 hours. Inside, everything except new issues was 25% off (and some things 50% off) and there was a huge table of free comic books which kids and adults could load up on. I stuck with some free stuff, but Ryan picked up a couple of trades with a nice discount.

The Bug was also able to draw out some people who dress-up in comic-esk gear for all kinds of occasions. The cosplay I saw included: Wonder Woman, the Flash, Storm Troopers and Wonder Boy...who you will meet in one of the videos below.

Finally, just before I left the shop after being there for about 3 hours talking with friends and a few creators, Mike Wellman announced 2 raffle prizes for $100 gift certificates to the shop. Though I won last year, and at the last event (I've been lucky), I did not win this year; however, some of my pals did. I guess that's nice. F em'. Either way, I had a great time on Free Comic Book Day thanks to...The Comic Bug!

Continue to scroll to view some pics from the shop! I'm in blue...for people who haven't met me before.

Dom's Comics for May 5th 2011

2011-05-04T15:20:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share some quick thoughts on the books I pulled this week, at the comic shop. I haven't had the chance to read any of them yet, but I always have a quick thought, or two, on each one of the comic books I grab. I better considering I chose them instead of buying many packages of Keebler Elf cookies. Hopefully I made the right choice.

The Amazing Spider-Man: Spidey Sunday Spectacular - $3.99 - I know this comic is probably mostly filled with reprinted pages from the back-ups in past Amazing Spider-Man issues, but the issue is collecting all of Marcos Martin's beautiful art in one place. I couldn't pass on this one.

Fear Itself #2 (of 7) - $3.99 - Matt Fraction and Stuart Immonen's mini-series is the Marvel event of the year. If it has the possibility to affect Marvel titles I read, I think it is probably necessary that I read it. Plus, I really enjoy Immonen's work and I will eat up any Marvel event Marvel tells me to anyway. Marvel kid syndrome.

Annihilators #3 (of 4) - $4.99 - Timothy Green II's Rocket Raccoon and Groot story sells me without even having a cover image (on the non-variant).

Herc #2 - $2.99 - I got the first issue for only a $1, and it was pretty good. Since the Taskmaster mini, Fred Van Lente's work has been outstanding, too.

Moon Knight #1 - $3.99 - The character has been dieing for a really good comic series, and with the superstar team of Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev I am hoping for the best.

Uncanny X-Force #9 - $3.99 - Rick Remender may be the best writer in comics right now. His Uncanny X-Force issues are the comics I most look forward to each month. Great characters handled well...what more can you ask for?

The Mighty Thor Saga - Free - With the midnight showing of Thor coming up in one day I thought I should grab one of Marvel's free "catch-up" handouts to keep up to date on my son of Odin knowledge.

DC Universe Online Legends #7 - $2.99 - This is one of the few DC titles I have been picking-up regularly. It's a great DC superhero read for comic book fans who don't normally read DC. It's like not reading comics, but still watching the DC cartoon television series: entertainment without having to know everything about the many characters.

Who is Jake Ellis #2, #3 - $2.99 x 2 - I bought the first issue from writer Nathan Edmondson at Wizard World Anaheim, had him sign it and then read it later that night. Okay Nathan...I'm interested. I'll finish out the 5 issue run.

The surprise of the week in The Comic Bug (my local comic shop) was the use of the new style of plastic bags for comic books. Each bag includes an adhesive strip which is used to seal the bag instead of using tape. I wonder how much this is going to cut into the profits of the Scotch corporation.

Finally, I would like to leave you with an amazing sketch Timothy Green II gave me for free at the recent Wizard World Anaheim show. He is without saying (but I will) talented, but by way of an interesting conversation, I also found him to be friendly and open about his artistic process. Check out his work in Annihilators #3, on sale this week!

What? You never heard of a gun-toting Raccoon named Rocket before?

Detective Comics #876

2011-04-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

Another killer whale of a story by Snyder and Jock

Scott Snyder has kept up his side of the deal we made in my head. I said I will continue to buy his Detective Comics issues as long as they remain the best book DC is producing every month. I made this deal with him in my head because that's where he has been since he started American Vampire over a year ago.

Detective Comics #876 begins a new arc, yet continues to draw on the Commissioner Gordon (and son) storyline which has been running through each Snyder Detective book. This issue is definitely another great story piece by Snyder, but it is accented by graceful sky dancing and fantastic facial expressions penciled by Jock.

Check out my full review of Detective Comics #876.

FF #2

2011-04-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

Fire? You mean my burning desire to be awesome?

Why exactly is Doom asked to join the new Future Foundation (which I will always tyle as simply "FF" from now on)? Reed keeps saying he can explain, but he never actually does. FF #2 doesn't really give us more answers, but it does give us a nice twist at the end and some pitch-perfect art from Steve Epting. Oh, and Jonathan Hickman's Doom dialog is evilicious. (It's a word.)

Check out my full review of FF #2 at: Room With a Review: FF #2

The Punisher #60

2011-04-24T13:43:00.000-07:00

Marvel walking the thin line of racism.

Before Robert Downey Jr. played a man who underwent surgery to make himself black, in the film Tropic Thunder, Frank Castle underwent an operation to become a black man.

The Punisher #60 is a crazy issue I was unaware existed. I'm sure there were plenty of out-there stories, such as a man changing his skin color, by 1991; however, the fact that it happens in a mainstream brand aware publication like Marvel is pretty surprising. The issue itself features the Punisher getting his skin color changed so that he can lay low from the authorities, due to his recent brake out of prison. Later in the issue, Frank is still pulled over by the police, but this time because he is driving awkwardly. Once the cops notice he is a black man they are very aggressive with him and even call him a "coon."

The fact that the cops used such a horrible slur in the Punisher #60 is the most surprising aspect of the comic of the day. I do not believe changing a character's skin color is offensive, but a slur...well, that's ridiculous! I can't believe Marvel got away with it. Personally, I think it is fine to use depending on the context of the story. Obviously, the story is trying to point out the racism in our society and pointing out the discrimination that occurs even from our officials. Marvel isn't just throwing around slurs in this case, which is why it works as a shocking moment which identifies problems we have as a society.

Marvel handles the the Punisher #60 well except for the cover, which I think is penciled by Val Mayerik, the interior penciler. The cover features Luke Cage and a black Frank Castle, and they look exactly alike! Black people all look the same, huh? The men are so similar looking they had to draw a gun with one man to make sure people know that one is the Punisher. The only argument I can think of in Marvel's defense is that maybe they are supposed to look the same and be out of their uniforms to play on a theme like: outside of the rolls we (Cage and the Punisher...at the moment) play, we are one...a black man. Eh, I don't know. This is a crazy issue.

Wolverine and Jubilee #4

2011-04-22T16:30:00.000-07:00

Thor looks so tiny compared to Jubilee.

As Wolverine and Jubilee comes to an end, I find that I the series didn't really have an effect on the characters or myself. Don't take that to mean that the book isn't entertaining...it does have moments I enjoyed (which I will get into in a moment), but like most non-event mini-series, it had no effect on the X-Men or Wolverine and Jubilee's future.

Passing on this comic of the day (or the trade when it comes out) is recommended, but if you are a hard-core Wolverine or Jubilee fan here are a few things to look forward to in Wolverine and Jubilee #4.

Wolverine and Jubilee continue to have very unique and playful banter. Jubilee makes fun of Wolverine constantly and talks back to him as if he is the push over father that allows daddy's girl to get away with anything. On the other side of the same token, Wolverine talks to Jubilee in a blunt style which comes across as a funny way to talk to a kid-like person. At one point Wolverine tells Jubilee he cut a zombie accountant's "fucking head off" and it just comes across as funny. Jubilee: what happened to that dude? Wolvie: fucking murdered him.
A giant dragon get's punched in the face.
Wolverine owns Emma Frost...verbally. I enjoy any interaction where someone talks back to Emma and gets under her skin. In Wolverine and Jubilee #4, Emma makes a brief appearance where she basically wants to lock Jubilee back up for tests. Wolverine knows what that experience is like, so he tells Emma nothing in regards to Jubilee's whereabouts and mocks her in the process. When will Jean come back and kick Emma out of the X-Men? Mind-cat fight!

365 Days of Comics Gives in to Reality

2011-04-21T15:27:00.000-07:00

After several discussions with friends, some readers and my girl on a trip through wine country, I have decided to change the format of 365 Days of Comics from creating a post every day to creating a post when I am inspired to do so and/or have the time. Rather than carry on this ridiculous notion that I will catch-up on writing posts (2 months worth...yeesh, I was lazy) I will understand the reality that my time is split amongst my relationships, work, lots of TV viewing, going to the movies, reading (of comics and novels), writing on other websites like TheOuthousers.com and, of course, the gym. I mean I have to stay buff.

I completed a year's worth of everyday posts about comic books, so I'd say the 365 Days thing was successful; but now, it's time to step into a roll outside of a writing exercise and into legit comic book blogging. Because nothing says "legit" like blogging.

So here I go. I look forward to writing new posts without the stress of getting them done on time (though it seems I stopped caring about that 2 months ago). Catch new comic book reviews and rabmlings here and over at TheOuthousers.com. My specific review area is titled: Room With a Review.

Thank you for your time and I hope to see some comments in the future...good ones...regarding my muscles.

S.H.I.E.L.D. #6

2011-02-17T14:00:00.000-08:00

Something awesome happened...but what?

Maybe I like this comic of the day, and series so far, because I believe I should. Many comic book websites I follow, such as iFanboy.com, have touted S.H.I.E.L.D. #6 as their comic book "Pick of the Week," and to be honest, at first read I would agree. What I mean to say is that if I had to choose the "Pick of the Week" right as I finished this issue, I would choose it. Yet, if I had the day to think about S.H.I.E.L.D. #6, I may actually determine that it was good in the moment, but it isn't sticking with me in a positive way.

I feel dumb when thinking about this issue. I am not all that sure what happened or why it happened, but it seemed exciting at the time. I think my brain and eyes caught the name Leonardo da Vinci, Issac Newton, Tesla, Stark, Richards and Michelangelo and I thought to myself, "Hey! I've heard of these names before!" I felt smart for knowing names learned in grade school and I equated that to being in on an adventure for intellectuals...which everyone would like to think they are.

The reality is that I was fooling myself. Me is know smarted. The point of the story was either over my head, or it wasn't filled with a very good story, rather, it was filled with high-culture names which make it seem like a intellectually deep story. I like to think that I am smart enough to know when I am confused with a story and it is over my head, so I believe that Jonathan Hickman's S.H.I.E.L.D. #6 is probably a very well done book. It just didn't leave me with any substance or closure...something I felt the last issue of the arc should have.

Strange Tales II #1 (Vol. 2)

2011-02-16T11:33:00.000-08:00

Rafael Grampá's cover has a "fwt" on it.

I love this concept. Having cartoonist and writers from other fields do short 1 to 8 page stories, using the Marvel characters, is a fun way to tell tales that would never be seen in actual continuity. These are the goofy tales that pop into our head such as a fat Wolverine who is love sick or the Watcher, Uatu, experiencing life through by way of booze. Thanks to Strange Tales II #1, some of the wacky stories we wished to see come to life.

II Tales Stood Out to Me

1. The amazing cover artist Rafael Grampá created a Strange Tales II story starring Wolverine where he is in a "mutant wrestler" league. The story has the old vet fighting Deadpool's son: a cocky young buck who fights in the same style of his father. Wolverine allows the young rook' to assault him and stab him through with many swords and blades. The 8 page tale is very bloody and graphic. Plus, it has a very 80's feel to it which pulls from an era of graphic action in both movies and comics.

Throughout the battle with Deadpool's boy, Wolverine is thinking of a letter, from a love, he received in his locker before the fight. After the battle is over, Wolverine sits alone and thinks of his lover who has left him and simple drinks a beer and realizes he lot in a sad life. The story is nice, but the art is wonderful. Highly detailed and uniquely designed characters at times have a Ren and Stimpy close-up look to the: gritty and slightly grotesque. It's beautiful.

2. The other story, in the comic of the day, that stood out to me was a tale by Shannon Wheeler which basically was a "what if the Red Skull turned into a decent man" story. It seemed like such an odd choice of characters to turn into a changed man because unlike a villain like Loki or Magneto who are affiliated to fictional associations (being a God and being an evil mutant), the Red Skull was a Nazi leader. It's not like he was a reluctant Nazi leader or was just following orders...he was a freak'n monster. It actually seemed like it could be a little offensive, and I wonder if Marvel received any complaints or letters about the story. But, with that said, it was just a silly tale that was in the context of a book with silly strange tales, too.

Did anyone else read this story in Strange Tales II #1 and think the same thing?

Invincible #60

2011-02-15T14:49:00.000-08:00

The amazing Invincible #60 fold-out cover featuring the Image universe.

For whatever reason I only read Robert Kirkman comic books in collected editions. When I read the Walking Dead it was collected in a first volume hardcover. When I read Haunt it was collected in the first trade paper back. And as I continue to read Invincible (my favorite title of the 3 mentioned) I only read the hardcover collections which include about 10 issues each.

Reading the HC Invincibles is an amazing experience. Robert Kirkman has created a comic book which build reads like a Dan Brown novel in that every issue (chapter, in Brown's novels) leaves you wanting more from the following issue. Robert Kirkman isn't just writing about events in a superhero's life, he is writing about a superhero's life itself: an ever evolving and growing with experience life. These 10 issue books give fans the ability to dedicate a whole day to a story and character which entertains through (at times) non stop action, violence and emotional family issues. But what happens when the day is over and the reader is done with the latest hardcover edition?

Some readers begin to collect the individuals because they simply can not wait to read more Invincible. I, however, wait for the next hardcover, and that...has been horrible! It took nearly a year for the next hardcover edition to be released and an unfortunate case of memory loss hits me as open-up the edition and begin to read Invincible #60.

The comic of the day opens with Invincible walking out of some desert where he had smashed in the evil scientist guy's head. Well, the dude lives and all of a sudden (month's later according to the comic's narration) a ton of Invincibles from other dimensions are attacking the Image universe: smashed face to alternate universe Invincible onslaught in a matter of a couple of pages. I was so confused and the bombardment of action gave my brain no time to rest. It was awesome!

The issue is a bit of an Image event because it features some classic Image characters for the first time in the Invincible title. Spawn, Witchblade, Pitt and more show-up and both do some damage and get messed-up. Kirkman respects the power of the other characters while still displaying the might of Invincible.

If you've never read Invincible, do yourself a favor and at least pick up the first hardcover edition. I guarantee you'll be picking up the next 5, and thanking me one week later after your mind keeps you awake at night unable to sleep due to welcomed Invincible overload.

Doom 2099 #5

2011-02-14T00:14:00.000-08:00

Of course the future baddy has a mo-hawk.

I swear this is the last Doom 2099 post for awhile. I just had to briefly speak about something I have been noticing in the Doom 2099 books, and especially in Doom 2099 #5. So here it is...

Within the first couple of pages in the comic of the day a Doom support tells Doom, "This is the 21st century Doom." This has been said to Doom several times. The people saying it are implying that Doom is out of touch with the current times, but it drives me crazy to no end because...

Doom is in fact from the 20th century...but just barely! Doom 2099 draws Doom from the current time-line which is on the year (when the comic book was printed) 1993. Doom lived 7 years away from the 21st century. That isn't very far.
The people who are telling Doom that it's the "21st century" are just barely in the 21st century. Why would they reference a century they are on the edge of? It is practically the 22nd century. Just say the 22nd century. It's like when your birthday is tomorrow and someone you don't know asks you how old you are today. Just say how old you will be tomorrow. They don't know you. Who cares?!

Listen people in the year 2099...no one is impressed. We get it, your tech is more advanced, yet everyone dresses like it is the 80's again. If Doom says something you think is dated don't give him your snarky opinion. If he wants your opinion, he'll take his 20th century dick out your mouth.

Doom 2099 #4

2011-02-13T23:20:00.000-08:00

Why does he say Tiger Wylde...the first?

Well of course Doom won.

We last left Doom about to fight Tiger Wylde, a man who eviscerated him in Doom 2099 #1, and after reading Doom 2099 #4 we leave the comic of the day with only one metal clad man standing: Doom...of course. Making good use of foreshadowing in the past issue, John Francis Moore (Francis is truly a great middle name) uses Doom's new ability to phase his body through anything to defeat his foe. Doom suckers Wylde into a fight to distract him into being blown to hell by a massive explosion...which Doom phases through.

Doom is always so theatrical. In Doom 2099 #4, Doom literally floats up and out of the flames and broken down mountain, cape floating behind, and announces, "I am Risen!" Who does that?

So now Doom controls Latveria once again. But his sights have been set on much more. He says he does not want to conquer the world, rather, Doom wants to become the world's architect: Mr. Doom Vandelay.

Doom 2099 #3

2011-02-12T22:25:00.000-08:00

Giant Doom hates buildings w/ sweet logos.

I'm kind of obsessed with this book right now. Three Doom 2099 posts over the course of the last week makes me think I should have labeled this week Doom 2099 week. I just did not know I'd be into it.

Doom 2099 #3 doesn't really have a whole lot going on. The main thing that readers get here are more scenes with some rich bad guy who is so afraid of germs that he travels around in a plastic wrap suit. The plastic is literally skin tight on his face. In a book where one guy wears a metal mask (Doom), and another guy's face resembles a metal tiger's face (Tiger Wylde), the random mysophobe (one who has a fear of germs) is the freak.

The comic of the day bridges the first storyline of Doom trying to take out Tiger Wylde (to take back control of Latveria) to the actual confrontation between Doom and Wylde. The last panel has Wylde riding in on his futuristic flying war vehicles ready to cave in Doom's underground hideout. Doom is sure to come out and get all Tiger-uppercut on Wylde's ass, but that will have to wait until the next issue...and tomorrow's post.

Oh, and guess what is included in every Doom 2099 book so far. Here's a hint: they appear in many books in the late 80's to early 90's starting about a couple of pages into the comic book. If you guessed those little hole-like tears in the paper (usually in threes) at the bottom of the pages...you're correct! Fuck those tears! When those little tears show-up in a comic I love, I always pause for a moment, look into the distance and hear Eric Clapton's "Tears in Heaven" in my head.

Doom 2099 #2

2011-02-11T15:04:00.000-08:00

Bubble attack level 1...take that bad guys!

So, I kept reading...

The fun in any story involving Doom seems to root in his arrogance. In Doom 2099, Doom has traveled to a future where he is not known by his fellow country men (and women), let alone worshiped as he feels he should be. His castle is in shambles and he has essentially turned into the Zachary Taylor of Latveria (a forgotten leader of a great nation), yet he still acts like tough shit and walks around giving orders to people who helped him when he was torn-up by the villain in Doom 2099, Tiger Wylde (yeah, he looks kind of like a tiger). Doom consults nobody and does whatever he wants. At one point in Doom 2099 #2 a fellow country woman who helped Doom when he was injured confronts Doom. She complains that she was left out of the loop on important decisions (in regards to reclaiming Latveria), and Doom just brushes her off and says he has more pressing matters to attend to. Doom then just takes a walk to see his crumbled castle.

The arrogance and cockiness is fun to witness, but what makes Doom books good reads are the slight moments of compassion or humanity. In the comic of the day, you get the sense that though Doom may want to rule Latveria for selfish reasons he still genuinely cares for his people. He still recalls when he was a young nobody in Latveria when an evil dictator ruled. His father was killed and his people were forced from their homes, and Doom still remembers.

Doom 2099 has me interested in the showdown between Doom and Tiger Wylde...especially after the last page in Doom 2099 #2 when Doom emerges from the flames of a plane-crash and screams, "Tell Tiger Wylde... that Doom has returned... and war is declared!"

Heroes for Hire #3 (Vol. 3)

2011-02-10T21:30:00.000-08:00

Rock, paper, scissors...gun!? Cheater!

I figured it out. I just don't like Paladin.

Paladin is an on again off again superhero. In some comic books he is working for his own best interests and being a general jerk. Back during Civil War he tried to trick Captain America and capture him for the side of the government and in the future (according to the date on this post), in the Amazing Spider-Man #656, he makes a snide remark to Spider-Man which causes the web-head to lose his web-mind and get physical with Paladin. Normally, Spidey wouldn't hurt a super-fly, but Paladin is a super-jerk.

Another thing that can't be overlooked is Paladins uniform. He is wearing a padded purple suit with an old school hockey helmet. He is just a guy with a lot of body armor...and not the cool kind that's shaped like a skull on his chest. The purple hatred may actually root in the fact that I do not care for the L.A. Lakers who sport purple while playing a sport. That's just wrong! As a young boy I was trained to not like pink and purple, and to love sports. They should never be combined! Thinking about it a little more in depth, my anger towards purple may also come from the day the purple people eater, Grimace, ate my grandmother on a trip to McDonald's as a child. I had to walk home like 2 miles. That sucked!

In the end Paladin seems to be a poor-man's Hawkeye (also in purple), who is a poor-man's Captain America. Cap is the upper-class hero. Hawkeye is the middle-class guy. And Paladin is just some lower-class poor bum!

I think I could get into the comic of the day, Heroes for Hire #3, and the earlier issues for that matter, I just gotta have more cowbell. Oh, and less Paladin.

Wolverine #5.1

2011-02-09T14:42:00.000-08:00

Wolverine #5.1 makes a great bookmark!

Based on the killer Wolverine #5.1 promotional bookmark, which marvel released about a month ago and I have been using in my Michael Cain autobiography The Elephant to Hollywood (recommended), I imagined that the Jefte Palo one-shot would thoroughly please me. Unfortunately, my expectations may have been set a little too high.

Wolverine Wednesdays - Wolverine #5.1

Jefte Palo put together an eye opening mini series this past year when he worked with Fred Van Lente on Taskmaster. His version of Tasky had a playful edge to him which humanized his character. While the playful edge definitely carried over in the comic of the day through depictions of Marvel heroes at a surprise party for Wolverine, something was still lacking. If I had to take a stab at what it was I would say the noses.

It seemed like the noses on ever face were very awkward. Their presence seemed unsure. It was as if someone stole the characters noses and when that person returned the noses, the thief returned thumbs instead. We can all understand how that can happen. Who's grandfather hasn't stolen their nose at one point in their life?

Every panel that contained noses started bugging me and made me wonder what went wrong. The answer seems quite simple, actually. In the Taskmaster series, Palo did not draw many noses. Most of the characters wore masks that did not include noses, such as Taskmaster and the multiple goofy villains he fought. With a little more than just a mini series to practice on, I'm sure Palo will improve on the human horn and I can go right on anticipating his next projects.

Doom 2099 #1

2011-02-08T23:09:00.000-08:00

Doom 2099 sports a sweet Donatello belt.

Along with those 10 issues for $10 of Ghost Rider 2099 I bought recently, I also purchased 26 issues for $20 of Doom 2099. The reason for that purchase was because I heard it was the best of the 2099 books (though that may not be saying much) and it also featured some of the first Warren Ellis Marvel comic books (issues #25 and #26).

First off, you need to do a double take at the cover. At first glance it's easy to miss; however, upon further examination you may notice that the two "O's" in "DOOM" have eye slits for the centers which resemble Doom's actual eye slits. The inner "O" is also red, as you will notice Doom's eyes are on the cover, as well. Oh, and after reading the keyword "eye slits" now three times, don't you feel a little dirty?

After reading the comic of the day, it is pretty clear why Doom 2099 seems to be the consensus pick for "best of 2099 books." Of all the 2099 comic books Doom 2099 is the only comic to include the original character. The Dr. Doom, in Doom 2099, is the Dr. Doom from current (at the time) continuity who had traveled forward in time further than he meant to go. The other 2099 comic books included new versions of old characters such as Spider-Man, Ghost Rider and the Punisher. Readers all ready know this arrogant, need for control, Doom and can accept the character quickly while they move onto understanding the story. It's really a great way of getting out of creating a new character, which can be difficult to do. A point which leads us back to Stan Lee's: Ravage 2099.

Ghost Rider 2099 #1

2011-02-07T23:29:00.000-08:00

In my senior photo I had to wear a tux!

For $10, I bought Ghost Rider 2099 #1 to issue #10. I was sold on the pack when I found out that the early issues of Ghost Rider 2099 feature the early art of Chris Bachalo. I had recently gone back and looked at some old Kev Walker Marvel art and was very interested to see a top artist's work back when it was a bit more raw. With Ghost Rider 2099 #1, you are getting the glimpses into a yet to be perfected style which is definitively Chris Bachalo.

The pencils are very rough and have been drowned a bit in pools of ink and excess ink-dust (slight flecks of ink all over the panel); however, there are a few intense elaborate panels which have become some what of a Bachalo signature. His Ghost Rider 2099 appears to be a mix of what the standard Ghost Rider looks like along with a biker-gear clad Terminator robot. Like if the Terminator didn't have a fake human skin, yet still wore a black leather jacket. Oh, and his head was constantly on fire.

Bachalo's cover is very menacing. The skull-like robotic head of Ghost Rider 2099 has an evil smirk which sets the tone for the character's attitude. Ghost Rider 2099 #1 is of course set in the future 2099 universe Marvel dabbled in in the early 90's. Rather than being the incarnation of a demon of vengeance, in the comic of the day he is revealed to be a Ghost Rider for a conscious cyber-stream of data which is created to protect man-kind from itself and from accidentally wiping out all the data man-kind have collected. He's like a demon created by the internet itself. Like Mark Zuckerberg or Rebecca Black. Zing!

In all seriousness, Rebecca Black is actually pretty amazing in the sense that her name now comes up on Google just by typing the letter "R" in the search field. Joke as everyone will, her music is in your head setting it ablaze with both hate and vengeance. Remind you of anyone?

Power Girl #7

2011-02-06T19:30:00.000-08:00

Power Girl #7 is a replica of Superman #281

The discovery of Power Girl #7 (and the following issue, Power Girl #8) has changed my life forever. I am now in the know. Not only do I know of DC's Vartox, but I have also been opened-up to the world with Zardoz, starring Sean Connery.

Vartox is a DC character which first appeared in Superman #281 and is based on the appearance of Sean Connery's Zed character from the film Zardoz. From what I could best make out, after watching Zardoz on Netflix instant watch, is that Zardoz is a movie based on the structure of control, both religious (through the use of Gods) and social. Zed (Connery) discovers one level of "God" control after he reads "The Wizard of OZ."

The Vartox character which appears in Power Girl #7 does take some things with him from the movie into the comic of the day: his handlebar mustache, the flying rock head ship, and his skimpy outfit. Besides those things, Vartox is a different person. He is an immortal, super-powered leader of his planet who has come to Earth in search of a mate which will help him repopulate his planet...which has been attacked with a contraception bomb. Yeah, possibly the best set-up for a comic book ever.

Vartox is written as an arrogant mocho man who does not understand rejection. His ridiculous third person dialog, written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray, is equaled by Amanda Conner's panel perfect facial reactions by Power Girl and Vartox. Conner's panel in which Vartox stops Power Girl from speaking with his index finger is exceptionally enjoyable.

Power Girl #7, and Power Girl #8 for that matter, should not go unread and forgotten in time much the same way Zardoz has in the realm of film. The characters populating these forms of entertainment are amazingly out-there and forever memorable. You'll thank me.

SuperPatriot #1

2011-02-05T22:12:00.000-08:00

It's not the size of the star, it's how you use it

I never liked early Image comic books. Image started out with some great artists, but their writing talent was lacking big time. When I was a child and Spawn #1 came out I bought it up just like millions of others, but I didn't purchase another Image comic book until 10 plus years later. After receiving a bunch of old Image comic books from my friend's childhood collection...I can understand why it took me so long to be interested in another Image comic book.

Exhibit A - SuperPatriot #1

Can we all agree that the name alone makes us groan? There can't be many more modern characters with names that pander to an audience more than SuperPatriot. "Super", huh? Oh, like super-powers or super-human or super-hero. Okay, the first part establishes we are dealing with no ordinary Joe. And the second part? Patriot. Well played. Let's get those USA loving buyers' attention. Mom and Dad, this here is a safe one for the kids. It's about a patriot!

The cover further proves what an awesome patriot SuperPatriot is by the way he is shooting a gun (while doing a flip) and wearing an American flag-like costume which features a star right on his ball sack. Both of his weapons are American. F*** Yeah!

The inside of the issue is no better. The comic of the day is about figuring out how to control this government made agent. SuperPatriot is suffering from mistaking every super (there's that word again) character to be the Savage Dragon. The Savage Dragon is a popular Image character which is thrown in to help boost sales, I'm sure. Why SuperPatriot is seeing others as the Savage Dragon is unknown in SuperPatriot #1, and not compelling enough to make me want to read SuperPatriot #2.

I'll have to chalk this up as yet another mystery which will go unsolved. Damn.

Batman Beyond #2

2011-02-04T16:10:00.000-08:00

Geez, Micron. Share the cover once in a while.

Watching Batman, future or present, beat up the Justice League is always a nice treat for Bat-fans, but this comic of the day won me over not because of Batman giving the Justice League the boot, but because of how the future version of the Atom, Micron, gave Batman the boot, literally!

While Batman (Terry McGinnis, Batman's future young successor) is trying to systematically neutralize the Justice League, he loses track of the Micron and eventually finds the miniaturized fella on his shoulder. Before Batman can react Micron increases in size in a blink of an eye and crushes Batman under his large boot. It's pretty funny and awesome.

I never really thought about how that could be an effective attack move, but it totally worked in Batman Beyond #2. I started thinking that characters like Marvel's Ant-Man and DC's Atom could simply get airborne over the bad guys and just do a giant belly-flop on top of them.

Great scene!

The Invincible Iron Man #500.1

2011-02-03T21:39:00.000-08:00

High tech drunks are the most fun!

The consensus is in! Invincible Iron Man #500.1 was kind of boring...which is too bad because the issue cost $3. I could have used that money on a Trader Joe's salad. They're so cheap!

"Boring", you say in an inquisitively mocking voice. Yeah! I think the story could have been much better. So what would I have done?

Well, you could keep the whole first part of the story where Tony is explaining his life and his decisions in life, but at the very end the panels should widen and pull back on the scene to reveal that Tony has fallen off the wagon and is super drunk speaking to a bunch of people in the lobby of a Triple A (AAA) office. A worker then walks up to Tony and says, "Mr. Stark, your vehicle registration papers are all set on your new "thing in your chest powered" car. Tony throws down his bottle of XX (Dos Equis) and asks the reader, "Now, who would like to take a ride with the most interesting man in the world?"

The comic of the day just got freak'n awesome. You're welcome.

DC Universe Online Legends #1

2011-02-02T16:53:00.000-08:00

DC for dummies.

Marvel is my main brand. I grew up reading mostly Marvel comic books and currently read mostly Marvel comic books. My love for Marvel is strong; however, that does not mean I do not also enjoy other publishers such as DC. Some of my favorite stories are DC stories such as All-Star Superman and Batman: The Long Halloween. So though I know Marvel well, I still know a little bit about DC and their characters.

Being a comic book fan means I am in the comic shop almost ever Wednesday and thus see all of the comic books that come out. I've been cover-coerced into buying DC books quite often. And with DC Universe Online Legends #1, that is exactly what happened.

The comic of the day follows the online video game's storyline involving Lex Luthor's eventual victory over Superman which turns into a betrayal by his alien computer partner Brainiac. That ol' story. The first issue does a nice job of setting up the problem which must be overcome: ridding the earth of Brainiac and dealing with Luthor's misguided ambition to kill Superman.

DC Universe Online Legends #1 turns out to be the perfect comic book for people who know about DC characters, but do not follow what is currently prominent in DC story-lines. Basically, if you are a person that doesn't follow the time-line of what's what these days with DC, this is the book for you.

Thunderbolts #152

2011-02-01T15:29:00.000-08:00

Lead the way to fun, Luke Cage!

Jeff Parker's Thunderbolts #152 is exactly what I want to read. Let's review why!

The comic of the day stays true to the Thunderbolts title by continuing to evolve the team through the addition and subtraction of members. Parker throws Hyperion, a Superman-like character, into the mix and doesn't tell the reader if he is an evil bad guy like Crossbones was or if he is just a misunderstood bad-due like Juggernaut currently is. As the story unfolds we see a side of Hyperion which the team did not expect and leads straight into the next issue.

The next aspect of the issue that I loved was that the Thunderbolts team with heavy hitters like Juggs, Luke Cage and now Hyperion are pitted against a bunch of monster sized creatures such as a snapping turtle the size of a city. Parker gives these amazing beasts to Kev Walker so that he may destroy the book with outstanding visuals. (When I say "destroy" I mean it in the sense that he owned art. Kev Walker gave the idea of art a head-lock and noogie, and told art that it will bend to his will. So "destroy" is a good thing.) Writing Juggernaut as he attacks giant creatures is fun to see, as well. Momentum building never felt so fun!

Fighting creatures is cool, but in the end I want to see some battles between people. As I touched on when mentioning Hyperion, the ending of the book bleeds it's way into an exciting lead-in to the next comic book where there is sure to be some fist damage done. My guess, Juggs and Cage put a new member in his place. A sign of a good issue is a comic book which makes you want to buy the next one. Well played Jeff Parker.

January Comic of the Day Recap

2011-02-01T11:53:00.000-08:00

Well it only took me until March, but I finally got through the first month of the year. I am pretty excited for the new type of comic of the day post, Drunken Comic Books, which came out of January...just a couple of days ago, in fact. It will give me a chance to both expand my thoughts on some comic books and, of course, get drunk more often.

So what drove you to become an alcoholic, Dom?

Comic books.

Check out some of my favorite posts in January!

Marvel Comics Presents #100 (Vol. 1)

2011-01-31T22:17:00.000-08:00

The back cover shows Wolverine crushed.

Even a comic book can get cocky.

On the last page ( actually the interior of the back flap which is also a second cover on the Marvel Comics Presents comics) there is an image of Wolverine with a statement underneath which reads: Here's to Another One Hundred Issues of Marvel Comics Presents. With only 25 issues to go, Marvel stopped Marvel Comics Presents at issue #175.

So what had Marvel Comics so cocky in Marvel Comics Presents #100?

The issue starts with Doctor Doom (ok, good start), then Ghost Rider is thrown into the mix (alright, skull-top is popular at the time in 1992), then we throw in the ever present Marvel Comics Presents hero Wolverine (here we go, now I'm digging this) and they all meet while Doctor Doom slumbers (wait...what?).

Doctor Doom is being terrorized while he sleeps by the menacing villain Nightmare, and Doom won't allow himself to be attacked even while he gets some shut eye. After all, even super villains need their sleep. Doom's plan to fend off Nightmare by using Ghost Rider's experience with demons that mess with one's head and Wolverine's fierceness in general kind of works in regards to getting rid of Nightmare, but creates even more animosity towards himself from Ghosty and Wolvie.

The comic of the day is an example of how to get major characters together and not have them have an effect on main stream story lines. If a character fights in a dream than they are good to go in actual Marvel life. Personally, I feel a little cheated by comics like this. I generally enjoy reading on-goings which actually effect the world they are in. The dream stories are kind of cheap ways to bring characters together, but in the end, the reader does get to enjoy several cool characters in one book.

The Incredible Hulk #252

2011-01-30T22:32:00.000-08:00

Toys"R"us used to be awesome!

Tonight I am going to try a new type of comic of the day post which has been done plenty of nights previously, yet it never had a definitive name. Tonight I give this type of comic book post a name. Tonight I present the first official...

Drunken Comic Books

The comics themselves are not drunk; rather, they are inanimate objects and drinking would only cause them to be wet and later-on stained. And that...I will have none of.

While opening up The Incredible Hulk #252 I noticed....Oh, wait! First of all, every time I see the issue #252 I think of The Amazing Spider-Man #252 because it is the landmark issue which first brings the alien symbiot (black costume) to the main Spider-Man title. Ok...next!

I'm not sure if it's the fact that I am drunk, or just comic books from this era (The Incredible Hulk #252 was produced in 1980), but there are way too many words. Every panel has narration, thought balloons and word balloons. Each panel is jammed packed with information which the art on the page could convey on it's own. Doesn't it seem a bit odd that a Hulk book has so much text? The character is short on words, yet his comic book is more than happy to blabber on.

The issue is just another "Hulk save friends from monsters" issue and not nearly as memorable as the above mentioned Amazing Spider-Man #252. Yet the thing...sorry, I just stepped away to watch a buzzer beating shot by some college women's basketball player. The announcer said "you go girl" and totally belittled the situation. Kind of messed-up. Anyway... The thing that will make The Incredible Hulk #252 memorable to me are the outdated and ridiculous advertisements.

The Ads

The first ad has a comic drawing picture of O.J. Simpson and states, "The 'Juice' says...'Show Them Your Heels'." It's an advertisement for Spot-bilt athletic spiked-running shoes. It's funny to look back and think about how O.J. was known as a huge celebrity back in the day and not as a man who got away with murder. Sadly enough, like Nicole Simpson and Ron Goldman apparently O.J. also killed Spot-bilt shoes because I have never heard of them.
The second ad has a multi page spread and is basically selling rings to men: "Gentleman's rings." Who buys a comic book and then is enticed to buy a ring? Are there secure men who think they can get away with buying a nerdy comic book and still be macho enough to pull off wearing a ring? If so, that guy is awesome. He does what he wants just like the Hulk. And like the Hulk, after wearing one of the cheap rings sold in this comic book for a while I'm sure his finger will also be green.

Uncanny X-Force #4

2011-01-29T21:57:00.000-08:00

Worst babysitters ever.

Yesterday's comic of the day post featured one of the hottest DC (and thus Vertigo, as well) writers, Scott Snyder (Detective Comics and American Vampire), and today's comic book post features Marvel's current writing sensation Rick Remender (Fear Agent, Punisher, and Venom's upcoming ongoing).

Like Snyder, Remender has put together a wonderful first arc on his newest title Uncanny X-Force. Remender pits his team of straight-up killers (Wolverine, Archangel, Deadpool, Fantomex and Psylocke) up against a task which at first seems easy enough: kill Apocalypse while he is still a child. I say "at first" because when you think of who Apocalypse is (a villain), it feels alright to kill the little bastard. Unfortunately, you fall into the "if you could kill Hitler as a child, would you?" dilemma. Sure he grows up to be evil and be responsible for an incalculably amount of deaths, but currently he is just an innocent kid who has not yet committed heinous acts. If the child was raised differently the future can be changed...can't it? That is the discussion the X-Force team has at the end of Remender's first arc. So what does the team decide to do at the end of Uncanny X-Force #4? Well, I can't, or rather I won't tell you. Uncanny X-Force is so good you need to buy the first trade yourself and find out on your own.

Though the story is great in Uncanny X-Force #4, the page of Deadpool feeding Archangel shaved pieces of flesh from Deadpool's own forearm steals the show. Jerome Opena's rendering of the scene is both hilarious and grotesque. I hardly ever post more than one picture per post but this had to be revealed. Enjoy!

Deadpool. Is it in you?

Detective Comics #873

2011-01-28T15:05:00.000-08:00

This cover needs more bat shaped imagery

Have you ever been so thirsty in the middle of the night that you pour yourself a great big cup of water and pound it so hard and quickly that after you finish you let out a huge amount of air so as to catch-up on breathing again, and in turn not die? You need water to survive and you are so short on it that you give up another necessity for a period of time to catch-up on water. You sacrifice one need for another and constantly live with the threat of self inflicted death. This is how I live my life. This is how I read comic books.

What the hell am I talking about?

Well, first off I may have been a little drunk when I wrote the opening to this post. When you're drunk all of your comparisons seem very deep and meaningful. It's like being on drugs and dancing. I swear this one time in college I was crypt walking and looking pretty awesome. In reality I was probably just stumbling around.

Secondly, I am trying to compare the above to my feelings towards a week when two personally anticipated comic books come out in the same week: Uncanny X-Force #4 and Detective Comics #873. Both of them are necessity when it comes to comic book entertainment, but unfortunately, thanks to the limitations of my human brain only one can be read first.

As I have mentioned in past posts, it is rarity that I start any week with a DC book, but on Scott Snyder Detective Comics days (so two up to this point) I make an exception. Detective Comics #873 helped me live by wrapping up the first arc by Snyder. Snyder writes Dick out of a tight spot without the normal vulgarity one might expect when writing about Dicks in tight spots. I will say that at the end of Detective Comics #872 (great issue and also a comic of the day post) it seemed as if Dick was not going to make it out of a sure beating due to an airborne toxin, yet when Detective Comics #873 starts up Dick somehow has strength to fight his way out of a deadly mob. Basically, the last issue said there was going to be no way out and in this issue it starts with saying, "Well, it's tough but I can do it. Ain't no thang." Besides that little dampening of the last issues cliffhanger, the comic of the day was another nice addition to Snyder's growing comic credentials.

Not to put Snyder down but I was glad when I finished Detective Comics #873. It meant I could finally let out a huge breath and read Uncanny X-Force #4.

Fantastic Four #587

2011-01-27T23:10:00.000-08:00

Is that 3 in Helvetica?

Rather than going into the comic book itself, which has been discussed to death (literally), I would like to write a word about the containment unit of Fantastic Four #587. Yes, the thick Hefty-type bagging that encased this comic of the day was the real story.

The Superman Effect

It was great idea for Marvel to release the comic in the black bag with nothing but the circled number 3 on the front because many comic book collectors, like myself, ended up buying two issues: one issue to open and read, and another issue to never open an keep as a collectors item. When Superman died, in Superman #75, DC released the issue in a black bag. Collectors who did not open the bag were rewarded (are still rewarded) with a slightly higher value given to the comic book. These unbagged issues will be worth a bunch of money one day, and collectors who never opened their loot will look like geniuses one day. Unfortunately, until that day comes (if it ever does) collectors of this issue, and Superman #75, will be known as the freaks placing the issue in a bag, into a another bag...with a piece of cardboard, of course.

Nightclub Wristband Packaging

Don't get me wrong. I've ripped through a plastic bag before. I've ripped through a grocery, a trash, and even tote bag to get what I want (grocery - food...trash - food due to a rough patch in my life...tote - that puppy had it coming), but the bag that sealed Fantastic Four #587 must have been made of the same material that Reed's suit is made of. I could not tear that sucker apart without the use of my keys...which unlock my scissor drawer. The bag was basically the equivalent to one of those nightclub wristbands which you try just pulling off when you leave, but no matter your power level it simply wont snap. It ends-up getting super thin and string-like while digging into your wrist and fingers as you drunkenly continue to pull at it. Now, I must admit I did not Hulk-out on the bag for fear of damaging the interior goodness. The comic inside is much like the inside of a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. I like to gently eat the surrounding chocolate and leave the inner peanut butter intact. I then eat the peanut butter as a singular unit. Yep, just straight peanut butter. The Easter Egg and Christmas Tree Reese's are the best!

X-Men #7 (Vol. 2)

2011-01-26T22:43:00.000-08:00

Can't fool me cover. I know Bachalo is inside!

Give me Chris Bachalo or give me death!

I love everything Bachalo does, but I especially love his portrayal of Spider-Man. So when I picked-up X-Men #7 my wait for his art was finally over; however, besides a page at the very end of the book, I did not receive my Bachalo-Spidey fix. From the cover, one can clearly see that Spider-Man was going to be apart of the X-Men story, yet the fashion in which he would appear was unknown. Needless to say, the one page at the end was not enough.

Disappointed would not be a word I can use with X-Men #7. That would be like saying I'm disappointed my sports team didn't win by more points. A win is a win. I should be happy my team (team - Chris Bachalo...mascot - Spider-Man) was at least in the game and came out with a victory. The overly excited fan in me always wants more. And that is exactly what next month's sure to be future comic of the day X-Men #8 will be...more. Much Spidey-filled more.

Besides my anticipation thoughts, X-Men #7 did have some great art work. At times some of the paneling was a bit confusing, yet other panel work was absolutely fantastic. One specific sequence where Bachalo draws the group of X-Men traveling through the sewers by constructing the panels together like a long sewer system was a particular treat.

(Update: I've seen X-Men #8 and it is spectacular.)

Invincible Iron Man #500

2011-01-25T20:23:00.000-08:00

3 iron arms are better than 2.

Though Tony Stark is known as a narcissist, it's Peter Parker that comes off as the self involved character in Invincible Iron Man #500. After a jumbled story which flashed back and forth between present day actions and future possibilities, Tony and Peter sit down to discuss what to do about an invention of Tony's which could be used with evil in mind. Peter brings up the idea that Tony should create a backdoor program that only Tony will know to shut down his invention just in case it falls into the wrong hands.

What does Peter suggest the backdoor should be represented by in the comic of the day?

A spider.

Oh, and did anyone else notice that Iron man has 3 arms on the cover of Invincible Iron Man #500? Does Iron Man have a third arm or is he just happy to see me?

The Amazing Spider-Man #318

2011-01-24T20:53:00.000-08:00

It's not the size of the tail, it's how you use it.

Now this is the Scorpion design I really like.

I mention in the last post for The Amazing Spider-Man #652 that the Scorpion shows up and is sporting his new, and improved (depending on who you ask), scorpion suit. While the new get-up may make him an almost indestructible enemy, I was always in favor of his sleek Todd McFarlane designed greens as seen in this issue, and on this cover, of The Amazing Spider-Man #318. The suit allows for for natural movement and allows Mac Gargan to use his hands at ease. Ever try doing things with your hands while wearing mittens? It's almost impossible.

Plus look at that tail. All you ladies reading this comic of the day post (not you mom) look at that sexy tail and tell me it doesn't do something for you. Yeah, you like it when that tip attacks and spits out...poison.

The Amazing Spider-Man #652

2011-01-23T20:23:00.000-08:00

Can we get a few more hands on this cover?

What was with that slightly floating jump by John Jameson Jr. at the end of Spider-Man 2? He got all astronaut-walker on earth and I started hoping it was going to lead to a Man-Wolf reference. No such luck in Spider-Man 2 or The Amazing Spider-Man #652.

Spider-Man Sunday - The Amazing Spider-Man #652

I'm not a huge fan of insect on insect action. All of the ant-like fighters in this issue were a little too weird for my Spidey-taste; however, I do enjoy a classic Spider-Man versus Scorpion cliffhanger which the comic of the day gives webheads on the last page. That said...I'm not a fan of the new Scorpion outfit, either. I think it reached it's peak in design in the early 300's of The Amazing Spider-Man when Todd McFarlane was on pencil duty. The suite seemed sleak and powerful, not bulky and robotic-like. I'm happy to see Mac Gargan back as the Scorpion, but without the old McFarlane design it's a little bittersweet.

Going back to the Scorpion reveal in the book...if you happen to pick-up this issue, or if you already have it, check out the second and third to last pages of the main story. The panels by Stefano Caselli are thrilling! They have a presence of intense speed and stress which add to the scene perfectly. Caselli really helps crescendo the comic towards a great issue conclusion.

Marvel Super-Heroes #14

2011-01-22T20:08:00.000-08:00

So much balls-out action!

While searching the $1 bin at The Comic Bug I came across a Marvel Super-Heroes comic book I had to have for the tag-line in the upper right corner, "When Balls Collide!" It actually says that on the cover!

Of the 3 stories that comprise Marvel Super-Heroes #14, the Speedball story is the one that get's the cover's tag-line. The line refers to the energy balls that surround Speedball and the ball connected by chain (ball and chain) to the villain the Absorbing Man. They battle it out in the last story of the issue. Both characters have a "ball" connection, but a better fit for the comic of the day tagged with "When Balls Collide" would be a passionate story between Speedball and Quasar. "Balls" would have a very different meaning in this story that would never get past the comic code back in the day.

Oh, and look at the picture of the Absorbing Man on the cover. He looks exactly like Kane from the WWE (formerly the WWF).

Superior #4

2011-01-21T13:40:00.000-08:00

What's that hand really reaching for?

There a lot of great things happening in Superior #4 and only a couple of things that make me continue to question if I real do enjoy this story.

Mighty Mark Millar Moments

After reading the first issue of Superior I couldn't help but think how this little kid who turns into Superior is going to effect the actor who plays Superior in the comic book's movies. The look of Superior is based off of what the movies' actor looks like. So when the main kid (Simon) wishes to be Superior, he transforms himself into what he knows Superior to be, and how Superior looks. This means the actor who plays him has some guy flying around looking exactly like him, doing what he could only do in movies. Millar addresses the fact that the studio who makes the Superior movies wants to hold off on making another movie just in case there is a lawsuit issue for stealing the likeness. The actor is now out of luck when it comes to staring in anything else now, too. Who won't see Superior, a now real life hero, when looking at the actor now. Oh, also the actor's name is Tad. Great name.
Superior (Simon) determines he needs direction and thinks that if he goes to the white house and tells the President he wants to help the government in current conflicts (he mentions Afghanistan in the comic) that he is doing the right thing. By Millar having Simon think this is the right thing to do, Millar displays how children think: our government is always right and wars are won by brute strength and power. Simon means well, but he is still just a child. This can make him unknowingly dangerous, and if I've learned anything from reading comic books, the government always has secret plans (for people with powers) that are not always moral.
The evil monkey. Millar uses a goofy astronaut-suit wearing monkey the bad guy who is creating conflict by original making a kid a superhero and now enticing another kid to feel anger so that he can turn him into a super-villain. The monkey is just starting conflict seemingly for his own pleasure or other unknown reasons. It's weird that he is a monkey, but monkeys are creepy. Just ask my mom who hates the 3 M's: monkeys, Muppets, and midgets.

Mundane Mark Millar Moments

I have been told several times that Millar's style is to put a tag line on his comic books to give them an extra attention grabber. Superior #4 is no different that many of his other issues an includes the line, "The Best Book on the Stands." Really? It's ok. I don't no like it, but declaring the thing oneself produced is the best...well, that's just tacky. I was under the impression the readers, or even critics (creditable blog sites with a lot of followers, unlike mine), would be the judge of which comic was the "Best." On iFanboy.com (a popular comic book and comic-culture community) users can rate which comic is their "pick of the week". The website displays all of the comic book issues which came out that particular week and then shows the percentage of user picks below the the issue. For the week of 1/19/2011 Superior #4 ranked 12th overall with an "iFanboy Community Pick of the Week Percentage" of 1.7%. I would like to point out that DarkWing Duck #8 was a more favorable book that week with an "iFanboy Community Pick of the Week Percentage" of 2.9%. Now, besides the liability of the book the rating of the book was high, but again, not the highest of the week. In no sense of the word "Best" is Superior #4 "The Best Book on the Stands."
In short...the female reporter, in the comic of the day, trying to kill herself just to get an interview from Superior (who would see her and stop her) was too Lois Lane-like for me.

Imperial Guard #1 (of 5)

2011-01-20T02:06:00.000-08:00

Has a God of War feel, doesn't it?

I stopped into The Comic Bug (my local comic shop) to sort through the dollar bins recently and I came across quite a few gems. One such stone of beauty I found was Imperial Guard #1. At first glance it just seems like another tie-in to the "Realm of Kings" story line, but after closer examination of the top left corner I noticed that Kev Walker has art duties on this comic of the day. Walker is the current artist on one of my favorite on-going titles, Thunderbolts.

Kev Walker's Thunderbolts run has been an eye opener, in regards of his talent, after only a handful of issues. His art is clean and very comic booky. When I say comic booky one may wonder what I mean. I can only explain it in this way...

Sometimes when people refer to the taste of a certain type of fish they say it tastes fishy. Well, obviously all fish could in fact taste "fishy" since all fish...are fish. But sometimes there are types of fish that people describe as not tasting fishy. Kev Walker's art looks the way comic book art should: not too realistic and not too cartoony. His art is so perfect and fits comics so well, it's quite fishy. But was it always so fishy, or did it once have a different flavor to it?

Imperial Guard #1 answers that question for me. The issue came out about two years ago and features the Imperial Guard of the Shi'ar Empire and the current Shi'ar Majesty, Gladiator (a former guard himself). Though the scenery is space, as apposed to Thunderbolts' Earth, I can still see Walker's style...but not as clearly as I thought I might. The art does not seem as clean or crisp. That may be do to the inking, but there is definitely something rough to the style. Also, the paneling is a little sloppy. Imperial Guard #1 has several panels that are tilted to the side or into another panel and it actually is a pit distracting. Panels should pace the story for a reader while not being noticed.

I like seeing the old Walker work (old as in a couple of years, not his early work from the late 80's) because it makes me appreciate his art now. There is a level of respect which I afford artists when their work grows and improves in such a short period of time. The idea that an artist is always trying to improve to meet their comic book perfection is commendable and much appreciated by the fans, like me.

Thank you Kev Walker for improving your good art until it reached it's current Thunderbolts status: F-ing amazing (kids read this blog...well, they could).

(Note: My "fishy" example actually works in reverse. I'm not a fish lover, but from what I hear, When fish does not taste "fishy", that's when it's good.)

Daken Dark Wolverine #4

2011-01-19T19:46:00.000-08:00

Daken...the proverbial muffin bottom

I recently read that several decades ago comic book publishers used to provide their books to newsstands and stores in bunches, but whatever the newsstands and stores did not sell would be returned to the publisher and essentially not paid for. The publisher having no use for a product not sold would simply trash the comic books. That's right. Early issues of Captain America, the Fantastic Four, Action Comics and so forth, which would be worth in the thousands today, were just scrapped (possibly a reason some of the old books are rare and worth as much as they are). Unfortunately for comic shop owners, these days you have to estimate how many issues you think will sell of any given comic, buy the product in bulk and hope that they mostly all sell. There are no refunds for old books anymore. Comic shops are stuck with the over abundance of books they estimated would sell more but did not. So instead of refunds for a book that just didn't sell, there are only stacks of Daken Dark Wolverine #4.

Wolverine Wednesdays - Daken Dark Wolverine #4

My local comic shop will at times, as every shop does, miscalculate what they think may catch their consumer's interest. When this happens they usually sell the issue a week or two later for only a dollar to at least get something in return for books already paid for. For this reason I sometimes hold out on books they bought a ton of...even books like Uncanny X-Force #1 which is an amazing book, but the pile they had on Wednesday could have fed a family of six for three weeks...a family that ate well scripted story and beautiful art! Anyway, if you can hold out on a good book, sometimes you can get a great deal a week later.

Now where as the decent books sell for a dollar a week or two later, other extra books just won't sell. So what did my shop do with one such book titled Daken Dark Wolverine #4? They just gave it away for free. Yep, it was thrown in...on the house. It's really a great idea. Who knows, maybe a person who they give the comic book to will actually end up liking it. That person may then buy the next issue and so on. Besides the good call on possibly enticing a future sale, the giving away of the unwanted product feels a lot like the Seinfeld episode where Elaine has a muffin shop called "Top of the Muffin to You" which only sells muffin tops. The shop doesn't know what to do with the unwanted bottoms so they give them to the homeless shelter. The homeless eventually complain because even they don't care for the muffin bottoms. Just because they are homeless and hungry doesn't mean they'll take anything. Great episode, by the way.

This leaves me with a couple of thoughts in regards to the comic of the day. First off, just because the book is free doesn't mean I want a piece of scrap. Yet secondly, and on the contrary, maybe Daken Dark Wolverine #4 eventually gets scrapped by everyone (the shops and the poor people they give them to). Who knows...one day maybe Daken Dark Wolverine #4 can be this generations old Captain America, the Fantastic Four or Action Comics issue and be worth thousands one day.

Wolverine and Jubilee #1 (of 4)

2011-01-18T22:59:00.000-08:00

"Just the 2 of us, we can make it if we try..."

WARNING: This post is intentionally offensive...especially towards blood suckers. Yes, I mean you women.

The first thing I thought after reading Wolverine and Jubilee #1 was that the scene of Jubilee in the box car with a bunch of bloody dead bodies was very similar to a popular scene in the Showtime show "Dexter." Besides that bit of memorable imagery I also couldn't help but think that while issue #1 has both Wolverine and Jubilee in it, the comic of the day feels more like a Jubilee comic with a few scenes involving Wolvie. Seeing how the story revolves around Jubilee dealing with being a vampire the Jubilee heavy issue makes sense.

With the X-Men eye on Jubilee again I started thinking about her more myself. When you think about the life she was born into, and then evolved into, one can really start to feel for her.

She's a girl. Let's face it...in today's society women are still targeted for exploitation and sexism. Once I listened to one talk and she said it sucks or something. At least I think that's what she said. I was distracted because at the same time her chest was speaking to me...if you know what I mean.
Jubilee is Asian, or at least partially. Asians are still the recipients of some cruel stereotypes such as slow drivers (when she is older she'll hit the trifecta for slow driver stereotypes - old, a woman and Asian) , outspoken racist towards other minorities in their convenient stores, and baby murderers (that's a new one that's getting around).
She is a mutant. Mutants, no matter what their appearance, are still looked upon as second class citizens and freaks...in bed! You know who I'm talking about: Emma Frost and the Blob.
Jubilee is now a vampire. Some people dig the fangs but others get turned off by blood-breath. Plus, with vampires constantly wearing black and being out at night they are impossible to see on the road while they are jogging. It's like they are trying to get hit by a car. I know running on the asphalt is better for your knees, but at night you have to use the sidewalk, night-walker.

All in all, I like Jubilee. But I like Wolverine more. From the looks of the ending in Wolverine and Jubilee #1, Wolverine and Jubilee #2 will feature a bit more Wolverine...and thank god because I am sexist, a racist and an anti-vampite.

The New Avengers #8 (Vol. 2)

2011-01-17T14:19:00.000-08:00

Dinner, wine, a Doombot...so romantic.

Don't get me wrong, I love Stuart Immonen's work on the New Avengers and other team books (Nextwave is possibly the greatest comic series in the last ten years), but after many New Avengers issues in a row with the same artist it is nice to get a change of pace. Daniel Acuña takes his turn at the Marvel top selling New Avengers by introducing a Doombot, a squinty Luke Cage and an inconsistent, yet interesting, inking/coloring/outlining style.

Starting with the Doombot, the main thing I loved about Acuña's take was the power beams coming from the Doombot's hands. The blues are very intense and jump right off of the page and into my nervous system. I loved the Doombot even though I knew he was just that...a bot. Doom never just all of a sudden appears. And if he did just appear, two heroes couldn't take him.

Moving along to Luke Cage, I couldn't help but notice that his actual eyes were not present most panels. I guess a happy or strained face makes one lose the ability to see, rather one must feel with their heightened thoughtfulness and confidence, which Luke often exudes. I liked it, but at the same time I thought it was a bit goofy.

Now for the style of Daniel Acuña... The artistic ability is strong in this one, yet I did notice something that wasn't bad, rather it was just inconsistent. In panels where characters are set to a white background Acuña often gives a layer of color around the outside of the character. It is almost as if he used a highlighter to ink the characters (though there clearly is a black ink lining, as well). Personally, it works for me. The odd thing is that if you flip through the book you may notice that he doesn't always use this technique. Sometimes characters are just set on white backgrounds with nothing but the standard ink job separating the white from the characters. At first glance the inconsistency is not noticable, but once you notice it it does leave one wondering "why?"

Art aside, the comic of the day is a fun look into the lives of a superhero couple. The New Avengers #8 seems like an example of what Bendis would like to do with the comic book if he didn't constantly have to write the series to involve some overarching Marvel plot. It turned out to be a nice little show by Acuña and Bendis.

Ultimate Thor #3

2011-01-16T13:17:00.000-08:00

With yesterday's post involving wolves fresh in my mind, I am treated to a fact that few people in the Marvel universe know: if you wanna kill Odin, you have to be a wolf...an ice wolf.

The Mojlnir Maglite. May the mighty light thy way

Yeah, the poor eye-patched bastard goes the way of the god-like Dodo in Ultimate Thor #3 due to a run in with an ice-giant who knew the turn into wolf trick. A trick that left me with some questions... Ice is the solid form of water which can change shape very easily and quickly, so the shape-shifting can be justified, but if getting to the water state and back to the solid ice state was done so quickly wouldn't the ice-wolf shatter at the slightest touch of anything due to the extreme temperature changes? As soon as the wolf's ice-teeth struck Odin the teeth and thus wolf should have shattered. I guess there is no place for science among some gods (yeah, I get super profound like that).

The comic of the day was all out battle which was well displayed through some great ink work by Dexter Vines, once again. This is the second time I took note of the ink work in Ultimate Thor making me think that while Dexter may very good at what he does, maybe the coloring isn't very strong. The tones are a bit muted, but I am unsure if that is the reason for another inking standout performance. Hmmm, i wish I understood the art of inking more.

Astonishing Spider-Man and Wolverine #4

2011-01-15T19:24:00.000-08:00

Spidey's crown of thorns fell off his head

With each new issue of Astonishing Spider-Man and Wolverine Adam Kubert's art rises in my eyes while Jason Aaron's overall story falls in my...heart or head...which ever makes that sentence sound better.

My above claim is seen through a couple of moments in and on the comic of the day. Let's start with the strong cover performance Kubert gives which is highlighted by some rad looking wolves. One of the first rules of making a Wolverine based cover is that if you want it to be badass, include a wolf. Kubert decision that maybe comic wolf fans would like to see several wolves with Wolvie was a great call, as well. The addition of Wolverine within the pack of wolves reinforces Wolverine's animalistic persona making him one of the group. Just a great Wolverine cover. And oh...Spidey is there, too!

Moving along to the downside of the issue I present the random pairing of guys with a baseball bat, with diamonds in it. They apparently go through time whacking people with the bat to mess with them. Maybe I am missing something but I have no idea where this story is going, and by 4 issues in I would think I should know. Astonishing Spider-Man and Wolverine #4 reminds me of how I was enjoying the Jason Aaron Wolverine Weapon X story "Tomorrow Dies Today" until Wolverine Weapon X #15 when the time travel story got confusing. After another go at time travel, I think it's time (see what I did there) for Aaron to stick to a basic time-line story.

Don't get me wrong. Jason Aaron is a great story teller and I think he writes amazing dialog. It's just that time traveling stories have been done, and coming up with a new original way to do them seems like it may take more thought than a writer with so many different projects could afford to put forth.

Does anyone else feel the same way about Aaron's last couple of time-travel-esk books?

Widowmaker #2 (of 4)

2011-01-14T13:26:00.000-08:00

"Better shape up...cuz I need a man..."

Marvel really did a genius thing (possibly on purpose) when they had Jae Lee do two covers out of four, of the Widowmaker mini-series.

Personally, the only reason I got the first 2 issues of Widowmaker is because of Jae Lee's amazing covers. I particularly like how he signed his name down the leg of Black Widow on the cover of Widowmaker #2. Plus, the Widow's red hair is set in such dramatic angles making for popping and memorable imagery. The art sold me. The collector in me will make me finish out the series.

By Marvel pushing stunning art like Jae Lee's, on the comic of the day, Marvel may pick up other readers like myself who are not particularly interested in a Black Widow and Hawkeye story. Once I have the issues I am going to read them, and since I read the first two I will close out the series with the second two...no matter how average the covers are (and they are). If Marvel could only get so many covers out of Lee, then they were smart and shared the wealth of his talent to pick up sales across an array of issues.

Secret Warriors #23

2011-01-13T22:53:00.000-08:00

Get that gut up on that scale, soldier!

This comic of the day was a very entertaining issue. Not entertaining in the normal thrilling story or action-packed paneling kind of way, but entertaining in The Biggest Loser kind of way.

Every time I happen to stumble upon an episode of The Biggest Loser I stop browsing and finish the show. There is something about watching people who have lived so many years without the ability to maintain a healthy and respectable life all of sudden be able to flip a switch and change. I think a lot of what may motivate the contestants is fear of looking even worse on television, or looking worse compared to others who are changing for the better around them. Whatever the reason for the individuals changes, they do do so. Seeing how much weight is lost at the end of a week of dieting and working out makes watchers like myself understand that health can be achieved if the effort is put forth.

After seeing an episode I most always then go to the gym and do my thing. For me I have to consistently go to the gym. I do so because the dieting side of the healthy living is tough for me. I end up eating poorly and then working out for about 2 hours a day, 5 to 6 days a week, just to keep at an equilibrium. Some of my friends tell me I would be totally ripped if I would just stop having it my way (BK reference). But alas...

Back on point, Secret Warriors #23 was a Biggest Loser issue. We see an individual discarded from his friends because his lifestyle commitment is lacking. If he can't take care of himself, how can he take care of others? That is the thought process of Nick Fury when cutting Sebastian Druid from the team. Fury then assigns an agent to whip him into shape physically. When this finally happens, Sebastian realizes he has more confidence in himself and can control his powers with great ability. He then gets to rejoin the Secret Warriors.

Hickman's tale is motivational. It's true that when one gets in shape they become cheerful and more confident. They have conquered their weight demons and can now take on the world knowing that hard work may be just that: hard, but when it is done the benefits are rewarding. After I read this issue I went to the gym.

I then came home and ate a whole Digiorno pizza.

Heroes for Hire #2 (Vol. 3)

2011-01-12T23:04:00.000-08:00

This one's for the Silver Asians!

Why do I do this to myself? I think I just start to make up reasons to buy comic books for the sake of collecting.

Back in late November, I wrote that I would let this comic go. I had nothing positive to say about and even questioned why I bought issue #1 in the first place. Yet...here I am today. Today being the day I actually wrote this post, not the date notated below...I mean...all of my posts are written on time! Anyway, this time the comic of the day achieved further odd reactions from me. The notable one being my feeling on how Silver Sable was handled.

Silver Sable is European, right? On the cover she looks Asian, which isn't to say that she can't be Asian. I just don't think she is...or was. I know most comics have a different cover artist these days, but how about a little consistency? They wouldn't put a green Hulk on a cover and then put a red Hulk on the inside... That may have been a very bad example or a very good example. I'll let you decide.

Another thing that bothered me about Silver Sable was (this going to make me sound like a square but...) the way her boobs were drawn. Sigh. Maybe I am getting mature in my old age (28) or maybe her boob on the first page is shaped too much like a Hershey Kiss that I can't let this stand! I know women are drawn so over the top in most every book, but it is (I can't believe I am saying this) starting to wear on me. I like the more realistic women drawings where their bodies can be athletic, but also proportional. An athletic women is often less "set" then how women are portrayed in many comic books. Heroes for Hire #2 was so out of control (figure-wise) that I had to mention it.

So back to the top. Why did I buy this book and "do this to myself?" I like to collect, my buddy at work wanted me to pick it up since he read my first one too, and I'm an idiot. There is no way I will get Heroes for Hire #3.

(Update: I got Heroes for Hire #3. I have a problem.)

The Infinite Vacation #1

2011-01-11T18:41:00.000-08:00

An app-solutely great idea!

Last year I was intrigued by The Invincible Iron Man #31 and issue #30 because they included a storyline which made use of smartphone applications. The issues used internet apps on the phone to control aircraft, and at the time I thought that was a cool idea, but what Nick Spencer comes up with in The Infinite Vacation #1...well, it's like no app ever created.

The Infinite Vacation is a comic that is based around a smartphone app that allows one to buy, sell or trade alternate realities of yourself. Basically, you can buy the ability to live your life in another reality. The alternate realities are your lives if you had made a different choices at different points in your life. Examples the comic of the day uses are the differences in talking to and not talking to a girl at a coffee shop and deciding to go or not go to Hawaii to start a surf shop.

The idea is very timely to the ever growing online app store reality we currently live in, and yet far enough out there to justify being in a comic book. To be honest, I thought "Angry Birds" would be the first app with it's own comic book.

Praise of the book aside, there were a couple of parts to the book that were tough to get past.

The section where real photos of some dude are used to explain the application rubbed me the wrong way. The wrong way like when you rub the sofa fabric the opposite way from how it naturally sits and it makes that part of the sofa look like it is off-color. For some reason it's amusing to do, but in the end having the sofa maintain one full color makes the sofa look better.
If such an advanced app exists, why are people still using smartphones to access the data? Shouldn't there be holographic phones are little holographic tablets that appear by moving your hands a certain way (you could have the projection through a wrist band)? I just didn't feel like the rest of the world didn't have an advanced enough feel to it...compared to the app being used, of course.

With beautiful art by Christian Ward (I'd like to get an app that would make every comic use colors the way Ward does) and a fun creative story by Nick Spencer, The Infinite Vacation #1 is worth picking up in stores or by use of some digital comic app.

Thor the Mighty Avenger #4

2011-01-10T22:08:00.000-08:00

The big guy is always so jolly.

The Thor "Boys' Night Out" issue is fantastic. Men drink. Men fight. Men have a good time. Stories like this sometimes make me wish I was more simple minded because the seemingly fun situations that Thor and the warriors three get into never happen to me. Sure I drink with pals, but I never get into a fight and then later drink with the person I just fought. Plus, I haven't been in a fight since middle school. What educated person still fights? Anyway, there is something to be said for the male longing to be more primal and less...well, nerdy.

I like sports!

Sorry just had to throw that in so I don't seem like a complete nerd (says the person with a blog who writes about a comic book a day).

Back to the comic of the day at hand...Thor's group has the perfect hangout ratio for a story. Thor the Mighty Avenger #4 includes Thor's buddies who fit all the classic group stereotypes: Thor is the all-around athletic cool/nice guy, there's a big fat guy, there's the ladies man, and there's a friend of a different race. The group of guys is straight out of a 90's high school movie...and I love it.

Something about the simplicity of the group, the simplicity of Thor's and Jane relationship and the simplicity of the art (by Chris Samnee...who puts together the 8 issue run of his life...so far) makes Thor the Mighty Avenger #4 one of the all time best single buddy issues that I can remember. Oh, and the fact that I can't remember a straight-up buddy issue means all the past ones were forgettable and not well done.