Batman Theme Song

The Greatness of DC

So, I am fully willing to admit to being a Marvel guy. Not so much I will not read me some DC stuff. I just like the Marvel Universe better. Can't explain why, since i like a lot of the DC characters better. If asked to name favorite superheroes, most of my picks would be DC. But, if asked to list my favorite comic books they would skew to Marvel. It's not even the creators that do it either. I follow some names, but still read titles I like even if the name I was following has left it. No idea why.

Anyhow, the big thing DC is doing to get my money is this Wednesday Comics thing. A fantastic idea. Weekly comic strips of DC characters, as done by big name creators. I am interested anyhow, just by that alone. Then you get into more details.

BATMAN, WEDNESDAY COMICS’ weekly cover feature, by the Eisner Award-winning 100 BULLETS team of writer Brian Azzarello and artist Eduardo Risso

I never read 100 Bullets, but hear how awesome it is. Enough that I am very intrigued by the team responsible for that doing a Batman story. Sounds like a gritty batman, which is rarely a bad thing in my eyes.


ADAM STRANGE, by writer/artist Paul Pope (BATMAN: YEAR 100)

Paul Pope is one of those guys who I didn't really appreciate when I first saw his work. His art frequently turns me off. But, he is so damned talented that it is hard not to want more. Adam Strange does nothing for me. But, Pope's crazy sci fi leanings would fit well with the character.


METAMORPHO, written by New York Times best-selling writer Neil Gaiman with art by Eisner Award-winner Michael Allred (Madman)

Ok. What the hell DC. Did you read my mind? I will buy anything Neil Gaiman works on. Anything at all. I have a nice collection of comics and novels and movies that he was responsible for. I have a list of cds and books and comics and movies he has works on that i need to get. So, yeah, you had me sold already. Then you add in Mike Allred, who is another guy I will buy anything from, and you have me drooling. Finally, toss in Metamorpho, a character i don't really read but have an immediate fascination and love for based on concept alone. Well, I think you have just earned my money. Big time.


THE DEMON AND CATWOMAN, written by Walter Simonson (Thor, MANHUNTER) with art by famed DC cover artist Brian Stelfreeze

Walt Simonson, he of the pen that made Thor truly divine, writing about The Demon. Sold. Catwoman is just icing on that awesome cake.


DEADMAN, written by Dave Bullock and Vinton Heuck, art by Dave Bullock

Don't know who these dudes are, and don't really care about Deadman. Meh.


KAMANDI, written by Dave Gibbons (WATCHMEN, GREEN LANTERN CORPS) with art by Ryan Sook (Buffy The Vampire Slayer, ARKHAM ASYLUM: LIVING HELL)

Arg. I like Gibbons for his art, but he writing has been solid as well. I will buy a book based on the fact it has a Ryan Sook cover, regardless of interiors. So, yeah, I got to have this. Plus, I love Kamandi's concept. Have been unable to get my hands on anything Kamandi to read, but the Wikipedia article and various descriptions on blogs has be totally there. Hello DC, shall I just give you my bank account now?


SUPERMAN, written by John Arcudi (The Mask) with art by Lee Bermejo (JOKER)

Arcudi has done some stuff i have liked. Bermejo has also done stuff I liked. I know because I know the names. What they did, I have no clue. So, they are good enough for me to know the names, but not for me to know why. Superman is a character I like less and less as I get older. I like the idea he represents, but not the character himself. Still willing to try this one.


WONDER WOMAN, written and illustrated by Ben Caldwell (Dare Detectives)

Means nothing to me.


GREEN LANTERN, written by Kurt Busiek (TRINITY, ASTRO CITY) with art by Joe Quiñones (TEEN TITANS GO!)

Astor City is pure comics gold. Possibly so good as to be comics platinum. Teen Titans Go! was a series I liked, but rarely for the art. Green Lantern is a character I only care about because of the spectrum of corps being used currently. So, this is about 50% cool to me. With a decent chance of going up based on how it works in reality.


TEEN TITANS, written by Eddie Berganza with art by Sean Galloway

Got nothing here. All depends on the team used, and how angsty it is. I want a cool team, but not really the current one. Titans that are ex sidekicks or legacy supers I like. Low angst I like. We will see.


SUPERGIRL, written by Jimmy Palmiotti (JONAH HEX) with art by Amanda Conner (POWER GIRL)

Oh hell yeah!


HAWKMAN, written and illustrated by Kyle Baker (PLASTIC MAN, Special Forces)

Another hell yeah, for Kyle Baker. He does such crazy fun I cannot pass him up.


SGT. ROCK, written by Adam Kubert (SUPERMAN: LAST SON), ilustrated by legendary comics artist Joe Kubert

Um. What? Kubert and Kubert? Father and son? Working on the comic that really made dad's career? YES, yes. A thousand times yes!


THE FLASH, written by Karl Kerschl (TEEN TITANS YEAR ONE, THE FLASH: THE FASTEST MAN ALIVE) and Brenden Fletcher, illustrated by Karl Kerschl

Yeah. Karl Kerschl is a name I care about because of his Teen Titans: Year One work. Fun comic with great art. So, him on the Flash I may be cool with.


METAL MEN, written by Dan DiDio with art by Ian Churchill (SUPERGIRL)

I love Metal Men. I car little for the team on this. Balances out to no opinion.


Issue #1 on sale July 8; Issue #2 on sale July 15; Issue #3 on sale July 22; Issue #4 on sale July 29 • 1-4 of 12 • 7” x 10”, 16 pg, FC, $3.99 US


16 pages? For $3.99? Damn you DC. I can't afford a $4 weekly series, even if it is only 12 issues. Especially if it is only 16 pages. I don't care how big those pages are, or how they may be folded to appear as or function as more. I have to call this one a loss, because this price inflation is out of hand.

A shame too, since I really really wanted to get this.

A first for me

I'm actually looking at solicits. I never pay attention. I pretty much have the comics i like, and that's what I read. If something big is coming along, I may pick it up. Otherwise, I get most of my info on what to read based off of other blogs or interesting covers. However, I happened upon some July solicits today so I will talk about what sounds interesting.


BLACKEST NIGHT #1
Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Ivan Reis & Oclair Albert
Variant cover by Ethan Van Sciver
Sketch variant cover by Ivan Reis & Oclair Albert

This is a no brainer for me. I was totally sucked in with the Sinestro Corps stuff because I love balance and duality. When they showed the hints at other lanterns, I was totally sucked in. I have been unable to pick up the GL comics since then, but plan on going back and reading all of the stuff I have missed about the new lantern corps. But, really, it is all about the dead coming back and tearing shit up. So, yeah. I am there.

GREEN LANTERN #43
Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Doug Mahnke & Christian Alamy
Variant cover by Rodolfo Migliari

Oooo, man. I think I should pick this up too. An origin for Black Hand to explain how he is connected to this whole thing is a must have as well. Plus, the cover has me excited. Probably a lie, but still...


GREEN LANTERN #44
Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Doug Mahnke & Christian Alamy
Variant cover by Rodolfo Migliari

Ooo, J'onn back from the dead. We knew it was coming, but holy shit is that a great way to start off.

BLACKEST NIGHT: TALES OF THE CORPS #1-3
Written by Geoff Johns & Peter J. Tomasi
Art by Rags Morales, Chris Sprouse, Ivan Reis, Doug Mahnke and others
Covers by Ed Benes & Rob Hunter
Variant covers by Gary Frank, Francis Manapul and Doug Mahnke

Um, yeah. Must have this as well. I need all of the Lantern stuff i can get with regard to alternate corps.


WEDNESDAY COMICS #1-4

Holy hell. It is like DC read my mind. They have a direct feed into my brain as to what is cool. I need another post just to talk about how this makes me feel.


BATMAN #688
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Mark Bagley & Art Thibert
Cover by Tony Daniel & Sandu Florea

I would consider this, if only for the Bagley art. Plus, Winick I hear writes a good Batman. I know he is capable of good comics. I have seen them. I just don't think he has managed to put one out in a long time.


DETECTIVE COMICS #855
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by JH Williams III; co-feature art by Cully Hamner
Cover by JH Williams III

First of all, look at the team on this book. Really, look. That is a set of names you do not pass up. Also, Batwoman finally in a series where she should have been all along. Much as I loved what Paul Dini did to Detective with his "done in ones," I can survive without that if it means seeing Batwoman and the Question in their own comics.


GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #2
Written by Paul Dini
Art and cover by Guillem March

Um. Yes please?


BOOSTER GOLD #22
Written by Keith Giffen; co-feature written by Matthew Sturges
Art by Dan Jurgens & Norm Rapmund; co-feature art by Mike Norton
Cover by Dan Jurgens & Norm Rapmund

Booster Gold. Blue Beetle. Deathstroke. With Giffen writing and Jurgens art. Sold.


JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRY FOR JUSTICE #1
Written by James Robinson
Art and covers Mauro Cascioli

Geeze, about freaking time this thing came out. Shame it's only a miniseries instead of the originally promised ongoing. I'm intrigued by this hodge-podge of a team. Though, to be honest, the blurb for this one is lacking in anything i would care about. Likely wait for the trade on this. Or wait for someone else to tell me I need it.


SECRET SIX #11
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Nicola Scott & Doug Hazlewood
Cover by Daniel LuVisi

It's Secret Six. The best thing to come out of Infinite Crisis. So, yeah, I'm reading this.


THE SPIRIT #31
Written by Mike Ploog
Art by Mike Ploog & Dan Green
Cover by Nick Cardy

You see the name Mike Ploog? Guy worked with Eisner himself. Gut has amazingly fun artwork. Plus, this comic has been mostly good regardless of the team (though nobody has bean Darwyn Cooke's run yet). I not only plan on reading this, I long for it. I needs it. The precious.


TINY TITANS #18
Written by Art Baltazar and Franco
Art and cover by Art Baltazar

Aw yeah Titans!


NORTH 40 #1
Written by Aaron Williams
Art and cover by Fiona Staples

How badass is this:
Somewhere in Midwestern America was a place called Conover County. When the old book was opened, and the runes therein used in haste and ignorance, a place of farms, simple folk, and small-town dreams became a den of monsters and nightmare. NORTH 40 is the story of those who survived and came to confront an even greater evil on the horizon – one that wouldn't just consume their flesh, but their souls as well. Heroes arise with power to bring against the dark: Wyatt, an unwilling protector of his former tormentors; Amanda, an apprentice to forgotten arts; and Sheriff Morgan, whose bonds with Conover County go back farther than even he can remember. See where it started, and watch where it's all going in NORTH 40 #1.


GREEK STREET #1
Written by Peter Milligan
Art by Davide Gianfelice
Cover by Kako

Modern reimagining of Greek Tragedies. I think I can justify an issue or two of this before making a judgment.


FABLES #86
Written by Bill Willingham
Art by Jim Fern & Craig T. Hamilton
Cover by Joao Ruas

Never miss an issue. This series has managed to be awesome from issue one, and has somehow managed to stay good when the major overarching plot has been resolved. Somehow a series about fables in New York because they lost their homelands has managed to work after they have managed to defeat the conqueror responsible.


JACK OF FABLES #36
Written by Chris Roberson
Art by Tony Akins
Cover by Brian Bolland

Another awesome series I have not missed an issue of. As long as Jack writed the cover message and previews of the next issues, and as long as Babe has his page of thoughts, i will keep reading.


HOUSE OF MYSTERY #15
Written by Matthew Sturges
Art by Luca Rossi & David Hahn
Cover by Esao Andrews

The way I see this, it is the new Sandman. So, I have to keep reading. It helps that the series is actually good.


So, that's the DC and DC Imprint books. Next up Marvel. When I am not feeling as lazy. Also, sometime soon, the Wednesday Comic post.

Watchmen: The Movie

So, I went to see Watchmen last Friday. I have held off on the review to give me a few days to think on the movie before giving my thoughts. I wanted to have some time between me and the movie to make sure i was being objective, since i have a habit of snap judgments.

Just to warn you, there are spoilers ahead. If you have not read the comic or seen the movie, do not read on.

First of all, I am quite pleased with this. Zach Snyder managed to make a decent, and mostly faithful, adaptation of the comic. I say mostly because many have pointed out his lack of understanding the deeper meaning and purpose of the story. Which, really, I don't see. I must have missed the deeper meaning myself. So, you know, I have no issue with that.

The opeing was pretty good. You get a condensed history of the Minutemen and events leading up to the current story. A bunch of new stuff added in here, but all things that work for expanding the story. Silk Spectre as a pinup on the side of a bomber plane was a nice touch. As was the Comedian assassinating Kennedy. Which may have been in the original story. I don't remember it there, but the idea seems so natural that I am sure there is some reference to it somewhere in the book. Need to read again.

Anyhow, the beginning fight was suitably interesting without spoiling anything. Loved seeing Rorschach "without his face" all over the place. Just like the comic. It was nice to see that, as a fan. Hints at the future story revelations, without being totally overt.

There was also a nice touch that I noticed a couple times where they did the pull away shot. The Comedian's button and the statue at the funeral in specific. In the comics, the cover was the start of that shot, with the first few panels in the comic being the same shot from further away before the action actually begins. Nice to see that here.

Few tings I didn't like. The violence was amped up. Dan and Laurie fighting the thugs in the alley was a bit much to me. Braking bones puncturing the skin broke my focus. Rorschach and the child molester was another scene that was a bit too much. I was hoping for the scene as it was in the comic, not flat out murder. Makes the scene better with him not blatantly killing the man.

The sex being a bit more overt was also not a big plus. It was ok for the movie I guess, but seemed a little too much. Like softcore porn. Not a major flaw, but a flaw anyhow.

Ooo, the dream sequence being in the movie, kind of unexpected but fun anyhow.

Some of the plots being eliminated were also a frustration. Specifically, Hollis was such a side character in the movie that I don't get his inclusion at all. Without his being killed after the prison riots, I see no reason to have included him to begin with.

I noticed they took out all of the smoking (other than the Comedian lighting a cigar off of his flamethrower). So, make the sex and violence more graphic, but lose the smoking? No sense at all. Especially since the comic even go so far as to tell you it isn't unhealthy like it used to be. So, they had to make Laurie seem like an idiot for playing with the flamethrower on Archie, instead of just naive. Bah.

So, biggest complaint. The ending. Didn't like it. I knew the giant space squids were not going to be in. I was ok with that. The squid would look stupid on the screen anyhow. So, no major complaint there. I just didn't like them choosing the changes they did. Make Dr. Manhattan look like the villain? Um...not really my idea of a decent plot. Even worse, soon after, the world seems to have forgotten they blame him for the destruction. It was like a scene after the new announcements that there is a reference to him being awesome again. I don't get it.

Overall, I am happy and satisfied with this. I think the Black Freighter and Under the Mask DVD stuff will be fun, and I await the director's cut to see how much was lost to edits.

In the end, I think I will see it again and definitely be buying. But, the source was better. As usual.

MK vs. DC

I have to admit, I love the Joker's first Fatality. Totally what I would expect from him. I am a little disappointed that Wonder Woman doesn't get a Fatality of snapping someone's neck. One Fatality and one Heroic Brutality for her would still be in character. Do like how the heroes don't kill while all of the villains and MK characters do. Nice way to keep the heroes heroic.

One Month of Comics (Part Two)

So, on to the DC comics. Lots of stuff here.

Tiny Titans #7: As usual with this series, perfection. Always kind of cute, with some sill stories and goofy dialogue. Aw Yeah Titans! That's how you clean a room, and avoid getting in trouble for being gone for 5 days without asking permission. I can't wait to share these comics with my kids (once I have some, that it).

Teen Titans Year One #6: Bah, nothing great here at all. Robin has angst dreams. The villain from before comes back. Titans become a team. Batman can't express emotions. This was the weak link in this miniseries. A shame, since it has been universally great to this point. This, with Tiny Titans, was the only Teen Titans comic I was still getting. Now I am down to one Titan related story. Sad.

Trinity #11-14: So, we have Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman becoming more like each other. At first a bad thing, but seeing Superman take down Owlman, Superwoman, and Ultraman all at once is amazing. Hardcore, a little brutal, and effective. Not much else has really happened with the main story. I am a little concerned for Green Lantern. Hope that ends up better than it is looking like it will. The backup stories are ok. the tarot-themed crimes are at an end, with everything pointing to Riddler. Which, you know, makes sense with the eventual hinting at a reveal. I was sort of thinking that was who it was. Not the version it seems to be, but at least I was close with the Riddler thing. Also some fights, in a graveyard. Bad guys have their pieces of the Trinity's trinity. So, now what? I do wonder how this story will be able to last a year without dragging on too long. I am starting to wonder if I still want to buy it. I keep it up, for the Bagley art. Otherwise, I could wait and read the trade at a Barnes and Noble in a year.

Tangent: Superman's Reign #6: I wish Dan Jurgens was drawing this as well as writing it. I'm not liking the art in this much at all. This issue was kind of neat, finding out about how Superman got to where he is at. Plus, Batman meets Batman, and the Tangent Outsiders are born. Next issue should be awesome. Superman vs. Superman. The back-up story is kind of interesting for a reminder as to what all the Tangent Universe is all about, a good thing since the original Tangent stuff was something like 10 years ago.

The Spirit #20: Spirit is roped into helping a children's field trip at an aquarium. Then he solves a murder dealing with dolphins. Nothing super special, but nothing disappointing either. Solid comic, as usual.

Batman Detective Comics #848: Man, I love that this comic is numbered in the 800's. How sweet is that. Anyhow, this was an interesting addition the the story. Hush and Catwoman fight, then she reveals his face, which we do not get to see, but it shocks her. We get Batman punching a kid...Venomed up, but still a kid. Then there is the flashback, showing more if Hush's past, including the allusion that he was the friend who was engaged to the new Ventriloquist. Finally, the big final page, which is shocking and completely implausible. Looking forward to more.

Simon Dark #11: This one was funny. I seem to remember the series not being this funny to begin with, but has had a definite humor aspect to it over the last few issues. An interesting issue, for the origin of Simon, and his choice at the end. Can't wait for the next issue.

Booster Gold #11: See, this is why I think Dan Jurgens should be drawing his Tangent comic. This is lovely stuff. I have to admit, I was a bit worried about this one, since it is the first with the lack of Johns on the writing. But, you know, this was still really good. I liked the batman and team vs. Killer Moth at the beginning, then the impostor Moth later on. The Change to the timestream was quite fun, where they were able to save a Gotham without Batman, but managed to make it worse with Killer Moth actually not being a joke of a villain. Alfred is also quite kick ass, but we already knew that.

The Dark Knight

So, as any self respecting comic geek has done by now, I have seen The Dark Knight. I have loved the Dark Knight. I want one more (and probably only one more) movie to go with this. I say round out the trilogy with a Riddler/Catwoman movie. Maybe another Scarecrow appearance. While I think this movie ends in a way where they could possibly leave it as is, I think they almost need another movie the redeem Batman.

As everyone else has been saying, Heath Ledger is amazing. Enough so that I actually forgot he was in the movie. His Joker was so real, and so engaging, that I forgot who was playing him.

Two Face was also a great addition to this. The movie really was Harvey Dent/Two Face's story. Batman and Joker were there, making big appearances and whatnot, but the movie wasn't about them. They were there to help Harvey's story to happen. This is how it should have been.

I don't even know what I can say that hasn't already been said. Except, Watchmen.

That Watchmen trailer has me sold. Still do not like the costumes too much, but I can accept them. The big things for me are they got Dr. Manhattan right. They got Rorschach's mask right. The scenes look awesome. I must reread the trade now, and drool over the eventual awesome this movie will be.

I Return...But For How Long?

Nearly a month since the last post. No excuses. I have been lazy. But, here's a new post. Hopefully I will have more soon.

Joker's Asylum: Penguin- Ok, so I read the first issue of this series and liked it. Actually, with the Joker issue, I first disliked it, then by the end I loved it. This one started out much better, had a great middle, and a somewhat sad end. I actually felt bad for the Penguin in this one. I do love how he got mad at the chef in the restaurant, and instead of killing the man he just made the guy so miserable that the guy offed himself. That's a true villain there.

Trinity #6- I am liking this series so far. Not a lot of anything happening, yet I think it will lead somewhere good. I love Busiek as a writer and love Bagley as an artist. I'm going to keep reading for a bit longer. Backup stories are a little meh.

Booster Gold 1,000,000- What a great issue, and a great run for this team. This was such a fun concept for the entire series, with a Zero Hour tie in earlier and this issue here. Booster gets the boost he needs to his self image when Batman confronts him with photos from his run-in with the Joker (Killing Joke era). I love the idea of Booster having a guy in the future who looks at him as a sort of icon to emulate. Peter Platinum. Great stuff. Also, the big reveal at the end was so fantastic, i can't even describe how happy it made me.

Batman Detective Comics #846- Meh. Hush was a fun story, and a villain I don't hate. This, though, is nothing fantastic yet. I dunno how this will play out. I have hope since it is a Paul Dini story, and I like him.

Marvel Adventures: Hulk #13- This series is so fun. Peter David knows how to tell a good story, and is a master of Hulk stories. This is just goofy fun. Living Pharaoh/Monolith. Who ever expected to see that character ever again?

Captain America: White #0- Nice preview of what should be a good series. I wasn't going to but this, but my comic shop had it in my box. Good thing about the place I shop, they do that. You have one series on your pull list, they will place other related stuff in there assuming you may like it. So, even though I wasn't planning on getting it, I bought it...and loved it. Will likely get the rest.

Eternals #2- As much as I hate to admit it, I didn't like the mini that lead into this. However, I do like this so far. I love Acuna's art. I find that it is really suiting this comic a lot. This is looking to be a decent series.

Nova #15- Oh man, this is not good for poor Nova. His actions on the planet, trying to stop Harrow and save that last people on the planet means he may have lost the Worldmind. This is very possibly a bad bad thing. Next issue, Secret Invasion. Looking forward to seeing how this works.

Guardians of the Galaxy #3- Wow, more ties to the original Guardians team with an appearance by Starhawk, who kicks Vance Astro's ass. This, of course, causes problems for the new team who are already suffering from issues of their own. There are currently at least 3 ongoing plotlines I have been able to see so far. We have the mystery with the Church. We have the Mystery of the future Guardians. We have the threat of the Fissures. Got to say, I am loving this so far.

Captain Britain and MI13 #3- The only Secret Invasion tie-in that I really care about buying. Not counting my regular monthlies that happen to be part of the event. This one, while it isn't great, has me interested enough to keep reading. I love Pete Wisdom, for no reason I can explain. I love the concept of Captain Britain. I am really loving Faziza, and want to see more of her. So, I dunno why, but I keep wanting to read.

Secret Invasion #4- Half way through, and I am still quite liking this. Nick Fury coming back, and kicking ass as only Nick Fury can is awesome. His new Howling Commandos are pretty cool, and I want to see more of them (even a separate mini or ongoing). This issue was the weakest of he bunch so far, with a decent end but nothing as drastic as before. I still do not think Stark is a Skrull. Just doesn't work for me. I do wonder what will happen next and how it will all end.

Ultimate Origin #2- Ok, wow. This is a fun series. The last issue was better, but this one wasn't bad at all. Introduction of Wendell Vaughn to the Ultimate universe. Wonder if he will become Quasar at some point, or just using the name. Introduction of Project: Pegasus. Introduction of Dum-Dum Dugan. Origin of Steve Rogers/Captain America. The origin takes the whole issue, which was a slight disappointment, as we have already seen it. So...you know...more coolness next time. Still good, though.

Also, this week I finally dropped Teen Titans and Titans. Never cared about Titans anyhow, that was added since i had Teen Titans. I am keeping the Teen Titans: Year One and Tiny Titans comics on my list, though.

Been a While...

I know I promised to get back here and start reviewing my comics from way back...but I never did it. Frankly, it isn't really worth doing now, as most of those comics are too old to be worth reviewing now, while still too new to review based on nostalgia. So, I give you a link instead.

Year One is a very cute and funny webcomic in the same vein as Tiny Titans or Mini-Marvels. For those who are comic fans, this is a must read. Just give it a chance if you read from the beginning, as the early strips are a little rough. Trust me, they get better. A lot better.

My First Comics

This article about the first comics of many current comic creators is an interesting read. There have been a few other people on my Livejournal friends list who have posted their own comic firsts. So, now it is time for mine.

The first comics I distinctly remember reading are all kind of a jumble. I remember a handful of comics from my childhood. Having read them all so long ago, i had to do a quick search to find the exact issues.

Going by the timeline, then, my first Marvel comic was Fantastic Four #272. Which, really, is kind of cool. First partial appearance of Reed's Dad. Who turned out to be all kinds of different characters (Kang, Immortus, Rama-Tut, etc.).

The comic I always though of as my first was Uncanny X-Men #208. I remember it blowing my mind. Nimrod, Hellfire Club, Rachel Summers being attacked by Wolverine, Rogue stealing Colossus' powers (which, I now hear is considered impossible). This was heavy stuff for a 7-year old.

Also at the same time as that was Web Of Spider-Man #17. This also blew my mind. I mean, Spider-man may have died to a guy in a spiked suit who can shoot freaking lava out of his hands. That's pretty hardcore, there.

Turns out, though, that the other Spider-Man issue I remember reading early on was actually predating that one. Web of Spider-Man #15 is one I remember reading, but remember nothing about.

My first DC comic was apparently Action Comics #533. Though, I remember Detective Comics #527 somewhat better. Funny to think that a guy who doesn't read Superman and is more of a Marvel guy to begin with got his start at the ripe old age of 3 on a Superman story. Actually, that makes sense. I was too young to actually read the earliest comics I had, so the ones I remember best are the ones I was able to read myself, and therefore those are the ones I was more drawn to at an older age.

The sad thing is that my first comic to get me to actually start collecting and reading was this one. A decade after my actual first comics, I was hooked by that.

Timely

Here we are, last weeks entry into my longbox.

Crossing Midnight #15: That was an odd twist in there. I liked the three levels of protection, with the wall of truth being a form of protection. The origin of the strange abilities the twins carry was unexpected, and awesome. I know there are only going to be about three more issues, and I am sad to see the series go. At the same time, it will be good to have some actual closure on the story.

Fables #70: The Farm is given a great deal, with very little in the way of a negative to it. I loved how they are all worried about going home and losing television and ipods. I'm sorry to see Blue lose his shot with Rose Red. I have been in his position one time too many, so I know the feeling. His response is the one I have wanted to have, but never managed to muster. Next issue, war were declared.

Jack of the Fables #20: Somehow, Jack managed to win in this one. He got the gold. He got Babe. He got the trifecta. He also got a kick to the junk, but we can all agree he deserved that. As usual, superb comics reading here.

Teen Titans Go! #52: Totally cool. Introduction of four "new" heroes, with a great explanation as to where they came from and why they seem so derivative of better characters. Plus, the reveal being yet another mainstream DCU character who deserves more attention.

Crime Bible: Five Lessons of Blood #5: The end of this series, and it is a pretty predictable one. Not to say that's bad, it is just very obvious this is where it was leading. The real shock was not where it led, it was that it ended in the death of the "bad guy." Frequently, these sorts of stories end with submission, not death. Quite good.

Shadowpact #22: So glad this story is over with. Sort of sad to see a character go (especially one that wasn't Zauriel), but if that's what I need to take to end this arc I will take it. Next issue's cover shows Blur Devil. hopefully he rejoins the team. I want more of the feel of the series from the start back.

Teen Titans #56: Poor Kid Devil. He makes a bad deal to be like his hero, is nearing the end of his contract, has seen what he becomes when that happens, and is losing everyone to Blue Beetle. Then there's the party. Really not the best situation to be in. Then, to top all of that, just as he thinks he may have made a friend, the guy turns on him and he gets his ass beat.

Marvel Adventures: Iron Man #10: How sad is it that the first thing I did when i got this issue was flip to the back to see the Mini Marvels. Which was disappointing, as I had already read that one. The issue itself was decent, with some Spider-Woman and some Chameleon. Decent story, with a sudden ending.

Marvel Adventures: Fantastic Four #33: Poor Ben Grimm. Trying to tell a story and having Human Torch heckle him. Then the kids put him so far down their list of who is the strongest. All he wants is a bit of respect. Lucky for him, Abomination proves to be a decent enough foe to bump him up. Just not quite enough, though. Hehe.

House of M Avengers #5: Everyone gets what they deserve. Nothing more need be said. Well...except that Black Cat changing her clothes in front of everybody sort of stood out to me as a bit unnecessary. Pandering at its worst.

Young Avengers Presents: Hulking: Wow, this one was very touching. Eddie meets his father, for the first time. Captain Marvel, to his credit, takes it rather well. He does run at first, but comes back and they have a nice talk. Then end got me a little choked up.

Thunderbolts: International Incident: Kind of crap. Only good bit was Arnim Zola.

Captain America #35: Yeah, the shit has hit the fan. Tony Stark is in trouble for the rogue SHIELD agents. Red Skull has gained a very strong grip on America. Bucky as Cap is still badass. Sharon Carter is totally not doing well, and it is looking worse and worse.

Ultimate Fantastic Four #51: The Ultimate Shit is hitting the Ultimate fan here. The cube is taken by Thanos, and that's never good. Beyond that, nothing more need be said.

Ultimate Spider-Man #119: Liz freaks out about her being aflame and flies off. Iceman and Spider-Man try to catch her and calm her down. She switches abruptly from fear and confusion to joy over her freedom. Then Magneto shows up.

Like a Ton of Bricks

Since I actually have this weeks comics this week, I figure I should read and review the rest of my backlog to get caught up.

Justice League Unlimited #42: This was a sad story. Queen seemed to be trying to get her life together, but everyone else was against her. Wonder Woman made a bit of effort to help, but it couldn't outweigh Green Lantern's dickery or the Royal Flush Gang's tenacity. The ending was at least somewhat upbeat.

Tiny Titans #1: Perfection in a small package. I love everything about this comic. The cute artwork. The references to the regular DCU. The short format of the stories. I think this is by far the best thing I have read in an all-ages comic in forever. If Marvel would repackage their Mini Marvels stuff in this sort of format (as they are pretty much the same thing, just one page at a time), I would buy that as well. And all would be right with the world.

Infinity Inc. #6: As it was in my box, and I didn't want to be a dick about them pulling it and then not buying it, I bought this issue. The last one i get. The cover of this was misleading. the "guest star" eluded to, being Batman, shows up on one page to basically talk with Superman about a crime and then neither is heard from again. It's not even a direct relation to the main characters, just a random crime that ties in with the story. Vaguely interesting lead in to a new arc, but not enough to get me to come back.

The Flash #237: A good issue, but also dropped from my list. I drop this not due to lack of quality, as with the Infinity Inc debacle, but because I just don't feel like spending money on it. Not totally sure why, as it is quite a good book. This issue was fun with Wally and the Kids having some good lines. *shrug*

Batman Detective Comics #841: What a clever idea, and with a great twist as well. The interior artwork was sort of iffy to me, but the cover was made of awesome. I loved how it took Batman a while to solve the case because it was so out of character for Hatter to be acting the way he was. Glad to have this one back from the crossover (which I have not yet read, but own the issues for).

Booster Gold #0: Fun concept. Fun comic. The "Zero Hour" issue of the series, showing the origin of Booster. I liked that he had the chance to change his life for the better, and chose to take the harder road to make sure Ted remained alive. I also love the crazy logic of time travel in this one. Almost makes sense, almost hurts your head. Good end, also.

The Spirit #13 & 14: The Holiday Special was ok. Three stories, each one ok. The first story dealt with criminals in disguise and a tiger tamer. It wasn't to bad, and had a good ending. The second, about a family treasure was also ok with a fun ending. The best, though, was the final story that was virtually word free. That one was a great use of images to tell the story, and something I think Eisner would be proud of. The other issue was the first one with the new team. A fun story, with an interesting mystery involved. Good writing, and lovely artwork. Mike Ploog is one of my favorite artists out there, and it is nice to see him working on his mentor's character.

Teen Titans Year One #2: Another good issue. Less funny than the first one, but still quite a decent story so far. I like the reasoning behind the team getting together, and the way the characters interact. Plus, Aqualad is one of the best loser heroes ever.

Simon Dark #5: I still have no idea what the hell is going on in this series, but I love it. It was very sad about kitty, and the way Simon didn't quite understand that he was special with the not dying by losing your head thing. The best part was wishboning the villain, and the following panel of laughter. It seems like we may be getting a bit more explanation coming up soon-ish. I hope so. Enough to not be quite as lost, without giving it all away just yet.

marvel Adventures: Hulk #8: The Defenders. Surfer is a pansy. Strange is an ineffectual leader. Namor is a dick. Hulk kicks ass. Rick and Monkey are Rick and Monkey. The Nameless One's dialogue with itself was finny at first, then tiresome. At least there was Mini Marvels.

Marvel Adventures: Fantastic Four #32: A very fun story about Ben Grimm and time travel. Old West meets sci-fi. Nothing more needs be said.

Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man #36: A so-so story about Harry Osborne trying to live up to his dad's expectations. Redeemed by the redemption of Harry himself.

Marvel Adventures: The Avengers #21: Crimson Dynamo and Black Widow are both after Iron Man, for different reasons. Not a bad story, and well written as well. The artwork is beautiful. The comic manages to show a sexy Black Widow without being so sexy as to endanger the all ages rating. A hard balance to find. I love Spider-Man whining about the training and how Giant Girl and Hulk were allowed to opt out.

House of M Avengers #3 & 4: Punisher selling out humanity and then redeeming himself. Luke Cage being Luke Cage. Thunderbird being an absolute dick. Kingpin being Kingpin. Black Cat being Black Cat (and dying for it). All leading up to a final confrontation, which leads into the long past House of M. S'ok.

X-Force #1: I dunno. I love the art, most of the time. I love the characters. The story seems decent. I hate the concept, though. I like it when X-Men don't kill, and don't like Cyclops having a black-ops wetwork kind of team. Will probably keep reading, though. It was a fun read.

Runaways #29: Not a bad read. If it was actually coming out on time, I would likely enjoy it more. Thankfully Whedon's run is ending after one more issue. He has done a total of one story arc, and it has taken him forever to do so. Very disappointing. I dislike that he can get away with it, because he's Joss Whedon. I dislike that enough that I can't even remember enough of the issue to review properly. Hopefully the next team will keep an actual schedule (or the book is cancelled until Vaughn decides to return).

The Mighty Avengers #8 & 9: The exact opposite of Whedon, here's Mark Bagley helping to catch this title up after Cho slowed it down. He saves what Bendis is ruining with his stupid thought balloons. We finally see how the symbiote plague was ended, and where it came from. We also get a confrontation with Doom, which is always nice. In fact, we get the most kick ass splash pages of fighting since Nextwave #11. That's not something that is easy to accomplish. Loved the last few pages, with the retro feel.

New Avengers #38 & Annual #2: We see the Hood breach Dr. Strange's defenses and take the Avengers on at their home. Big fight ensues. Strange saves them, but not in a way he is happy with. He leaves the team, and they lose their base of operations. Also, Luke Cage and Jessica Jones look like they are losing their marriage. Which is crappy, especially in the wake of Spider-man's One More Day debacle. I want one solid marriage with characters I like to remain intact.

The Man Called Nova #1: The first Nova annual. An interesting look at his past and future, which may or may not be true. Also, Kvch, homeworld of the Phalanx. Next issue of this will (finally) be what I have been waiting for.

The Order #8: Getting close to eh end, and we have a stellar issue. Good action, good exposition, good background info. This will be one helluva series when it is all over with.

Avengers: The Initiative #9: This is why you don't mess with clones. Or alien tech. And never both together. Taskmaster is pretty cool in this one, both in his using the training to expand his own base of skills and his knowledge of when to bow out of a fight. Gauntlet coma-walking to get more alien tech for a big showdown. This is still one of the best series on the shelves today.

X-Factor #28: A slightly confusing issue, as I missed the whole Messiah Complex crossover (missing one issue in the middle, so can't read it yet). I know enough of what is going on to not be totally lost. Sad to see Rhane go, but it will likely make for a good story for the rest of the team to deal with her leaving. Tattoo Maddrox is pretty hardcore. Strong Guy is still one of my favorite underused characters in the X-Books.

Captain America #34: We have a new Cap. Finally. He's also pretty good. I loved how they managed to highlight the similarities and differences between Caps in a single fight. I also actually felt bad for Tony Stark by the end of this one. Not an easy task anymore.

The Immortal Iron Fist: Orson Randall and the Green Mist of Death: A nice bit of back story for the late Iron Fist. I really want more stories about him and his Confederates of the Curious. This was a nice slice of that, showing the many encounters they had with John Aman. A nice villain/hero thing that turned into mutual respect and eventually a sort of friendship. Goo lead in to the next issue of the Iron Fist series.

Annihilation: Conquest #4: Adam Warlock may be an actual warlock now? Ronan the Accuser has a Phalanx-proof army of robots? Star Lord is fucked, as usual? High Evolutionary may have joined the bad guys? Talk about a suspenseful issue. I need more, now.

Terror Inc. #5: Meh. I read it all. It's over. Funny line at the end. Otherwise, meh.

Ultimate Human #2: More interesting than the last issue. We get some action. We get a cured Hulk. We get more insight into why Hulk is the way he is, and how powerful he just might be. Then the shit hits the fan. Actually looking forward the the next one.

Ultimates 3 #3: Wow, mid scene SPLASH PAGE FIGHT, with no real lead in or resolution. It just sort of happens. I don't know if I should blame Loeb's writing, Madureira's layouts, or the editor for not making it get fixed. Then, for no reason, the story changes focus. At least it is going to be over soon.

Ultimate Iron Man 2 #3: Made of awesome. We get some nice mental chess between three different characters, plus a "How's he gonna get out of this one" ending. With one issue left, I am almost sad it's gone by so fast. I wonder if there will be an Ultimate Iron Man 3.

Ultimate Spider-Man #118: Peter almost has an aneurysm at school. Hilarity ensues. I like Kong a lot in these last few issues. I also like that Liz Allen's hate of mutants is really blossoming into something interesting. Not the Firestar I was expecting.

Ultimate X-Men #90 & 91: Ultimate Apocalypse. Taking what was an interesting story arc with Sinister, and expanding it to show he's not actually as crazy as he seemed. In top of that, the way it has all pretty much been building to this moment over Kirkman's run is beautiful. Apocalypse himself is much scarier than his 616 counterpart already. Even if he looks a little stupid before cyborging out. Best part was seeing how Wolverine got to the physical state he was in when he was Cable. Didn't expect to see that so soon, or ever. I wish I had the rest of this arc to read right now. I don't feel that way often, especially with this series.

Kill Me Now

So, this is turning out to be a rather not-fun time for me. Had a graveyard shift over the weekend, scanning the store I work in for inventory. 12.5 hours of scanning t-shirts and shoes was not very fun. On top of that, I caught a cold that hit just as my shift was starting. I am starting to recover, but still not feeling 100%. Finally, I have no extra money for comics for a couple more weeks. So, nothing new for a while. Sad day.

Anyhow, here's the stuff from my last comic run.

Ghosting #4: Meh. It has been too long between issues for me to keep caring much. The art in this one is not too great, but the mystery of who the ghost really is has me interested. Will buy the last issue, just because. I am less likely to get anything by Platinum Studios anymore, though. They just don't quite have anything interesting to offer int he big picture. Unless they do a new Weapon series.

Faker #6: This should have ended 2 issues ago. Finding out the reason nobody remembered Nick was all I cared for. The rest was just sort of uninteresting. The series had a better ending with #4 than it did in this issue. A shame, as Mike Carey and Jock both do good stuff, normally.

The Umbrella Academy #5: On the one hand, I can't wait to see how this ends. On the other hand, i don't want it to end. This is one of the best things to come out of comics in a long time. I am a little disappointed there was no actual indication of who those armored dudes were in the diner, but the fact that 00.05 was able to wipe them out without any real problem was pretty cool. Over the course of this issue, he managed to change from mildly streange to outright creepy. Must have more.

Countdown to Mystery #5: First time I have not liked the Doctor Fate story at all. This was just him getting over his stupidity with the drinking and reading a stupid comic. Only good part was the last panel, where the legacy aspect comes into play. The Eclipso section, on the other hand, was pretty awesome. I love the attempt to use the Eclipso power to do good, in a non-superhero way. It's something you don't ever see in comics, but totally makes sense. Good enough to get the next one.

Crime Bible: Five Lessons of Blood #4: As with the rest of this one, a good issue. Not a lot to say. Cops being killed by a cop. The reveal that this is all being orchestrated by Flay to indoctrinate Renee into the church. Which was something hinted at previously. The next issue should be fun.

Teen Titans Go! #51: Pretty much noth8ng happens, and yet this is one of the best issues yet. As has been mentioned elsewhere, this was a good redesign of the Geo-Force costume. It was also fun to see the origin of Terra. Quite a good issue.

The Spirit #12: Awesome. Some back story on Denny Colt, plus some good noir action. I will be sad to see Darwyn Cooke and J. Bone go, but the new team should be just as good. I am a huge Mike Ploog fan, and knowing he worked with Eisner back in the day give me hope this will remain good, if not improve. Anyhow, this issue was a fitting farewell to the original team.

Shadowpact #21: This issue was pretty fun, actually. Other than Blue Devil being absent, it looks like the team is getting back together. It wasn't mindblowing or anything, but enough to give the series a reprieve from the chopping block. Plus, Detective Chimp surfing the internet for love on a furry site was classic.

The Flash #236: A smart end to an ok story. A nice twist, tying the back-up stories with the main arc. I wasn't expecting that, but did enjoy it. Not enough to really continue this series. It's not bad, I just don't really care about this Flash as much as Bart. May give it another shot, may not. Depends on if I remember to take it off my list before the next issue. Hah.

Teen Titans #55: In the aftermath of the future Titan's return, the team is pretty messed up. Kid Devil and Ravager's seeming romance is over as she has moved on to an interest in Blue Beetle. Kid Devil is not taking that so well, which looks like it will lead directly to the future version of him we just saw. Miss Martian looks like she had started to go crazy, with her future self imprisoned inside her mind. Robin and Wonder Girl break up, and it isn't pretty. Wonder Girl sends Supergirl away, and this is also not pretty. All the while, some new villain is watching and preparing to take them down. This is a great issue for following up on the last story as well as leading directly into the next one.

Booster Gold #6: Made of awesome. Solid time. A pulse to liquefy solid time. 4 Blue Beetles at once. Booster Gold and Blue Beetle II together again, and joking while they fight their enemies. What works best is that the timeline hasn't changed. At all still happened like everyone remembers. The only difference, now we have the Blue and Gold back in action. One of the more satisfying returns of a dead character.

Marvel Adventures Iron Man #9: Tony comes to terms with his father, while saving the life of a young boy. Decent issue. What I like is that the last couple of these have had covers that initially seemed to be just random pin-ups of Iron Man, which were cool enough. Then, after reading the story, you see that they actually tie in really well. Much better random cover = actual contents than many comics pull off.

Marvel Adventures Spider-Man #35: Hahaha, that was funny. Venom trying to get Spider-man with the ploy of being a sidekick. Well executed and a good read. Plus, White Rabbit. Nobody ever uses White Rabbit.

Marvel Adventures Avengers #20: Another solid one. Hank Pym disappears. Giant Girl goes to figure out what happened to him. Spider-Man tags along. It turns out to be a bit of deliberate miscommunication, ending with the introduction of Atlas (though he isn't named as such in this). A decent story, with some fun Pym/Van Dyne romance involved.

Young Avengers Presents: Patriot: Very nice. We see the intelligent, truly patriotic high school kid speaking his mind, and his "patriotic" classmates missing the point and being idiots. Then the smart kid does what we have all wanted to do, and gets himself in trouble. Which is all a roundabout way of introducing him to Bucky. The end result is Patriot and Bucky having a talk about Cap and what true heroism means. Very touching and a good reintroduction to the character.

The Order #7: A lot of talk between Namor and Henry. Mostly just Namor being a dick, and then being shown up. Nothing fantastic. The next issue should be better.

Immortal Iron Fist #12: A bit more backstory on the troubles within K'un-Lun. Impending revolution over a fascist leader. We also see the Prince of Orphans do his thing, which makes the short round in last issue better by way of foreshadowing. Outside, in the real world, Hydra is about to blow some shit up. This is why this series is ongoing instead of the limited run it was originally meant to be.

Ultimates 3 #2: I dunno. Hawkeye like this isn't really feeling correct. Captain America seems a bit off as well. What's with the telling someone off for saying "crap" but letting a "bitch" go from his teammate. The Quicksilver siding with Magneto bit sort of works. I'm also wondering why there was a need for the "Two Seconds Ago" caption for the last page. Either there's something i missed, or Jeph Loeb thinks we are too dumb as readers to understand Wolverine just arrived at the scene. Will continue to buy, since I will buy anything Ultimate. But that's the only reason why.

Ultimate Iron Man II #2: A great issue. Other than Tony being able to regrow limbs like that, I am liking this look at his youth much better than the first series. This is all working out to be a great story.

Ultimate Fantastic Four #50: All of that lead in finally begins to pay off. The Cosmic Cube activates, basically taking out a section of Manhattan and prompting the return of Thanos and the Seed 19 team. Fan and Shit are about to have a confrontation. Will be fun to read.

I Can't Believe I Read It All

So, here's more of my really late reviews. All that is left is the huge stack of Marvel titles (somewhere around 20 I think). After I get these out of the way, I can read the purchases I made Sunday.

Countdown the Mystery #4: The Eclipso stuff doesn't do much for me. The Doctor Fate bits are fun, though. Also loving the art on the Doctor Fate stuff.

Countdown to Adventure #5: I know why I started reading this. I don't know why I still do. I loved 52 and figured anything the reminded me of it would be good. The stars of this series are the three that were lost in space for that series. This ties in with what they did and what happened to them, but not enough for me to care. Just a lot of blah for me. No longer buying, I think.

The Search for Ray Palmer: Red Son: I love alternate reality tales. I like Jason Todd. I loved Red Son. This, wasn't too bad. It was better than some of the other issues in this, but not as good as others. I do like how it loosely tied in with the actual events of the originating story. Fun read.

Crime Bible: Five Lessons of Blood #5: This has been one of the better 52 aftermath series. Though, really, to be fair this isn't really even 52 aftermath anymore. That one ended so long ago that the current weekly is almost done. I will let that pass, as this is a great story. I really love how each issue deals with a specific teaching of the Crime Bible, and ties in well. The greed aspect was all over this one.

Teen Titans Lost Annual: So good, it will get a separate post. When I get around to doing one.

Teen Titans Year One #1: Beautiful art + Funny script = Awesome comic. 'Nuff Said.

Suicide Squad #5: General Eiling is pretty badass, what with the plotting behind Waller's back. Not that it will do any good, because you just know she is totally planning for him to betray the team. I mean, really. It's Amanda Waller. She plans ahead better than goddamned batman.

Shadowpact #20: I'm a little undewhelmed by this issue. What started as a great miniseries turned into a good series, and is now losing my interest. I want more Blue Devil. I want more Detective Chimp. I want more of the team working together, instead of spread out over too many storylines. Bring the team back together, and bring on more Doctor Gotham!

Infinity Inc. #5: Um...yeah...I'm done. This is another one that I am just intrigued enough to read, but not enough to buy. I did like Kid Empty, though.

The Flash #235: Hmm. I am sort of at a loss here. On the one hand, I have enjoyed this story and the return of Wally West and all of that. On the other hand, I was only reading any Flash comic because of Bart. I have only kept on this long because I never remember to drop stuff. I already bought the next issue in this one, so I will read it and review later. If I like it, and the next issue sounds interesting enough, i will keep this one going. Otherwise...

Teen Titans #54: I loved the original Titans of Tomorrow story. It was what got be to buy and read this series to begin with. THis follow up was less than inspiring, but still fun. The only thing about this story that is not so good is that it seems no matter what the Titans do now, they appear to be destined to become assholes.

Simon Dark #4: I don't even know where to begin with the cool in this series. Steve Niles is working magic to make me care about this character, who hardly even shows up. Mix in the creepy factor of that villain who seems to have a connection to Simon and the mystery over who Simon really is, and you have one of my new favorites. Oh yeah, and the art is beautiful.

As usual...

I'm really late on these. Just haven't had the desire to read my comics for a while. Back to it, though. Here's the issues from my last comic run that actually have been read today.

Dark Sector Zero: While I can admire the fact that Seinkiewicz is a good artist, and has a very unique style that is refreshing in comics, I just am not a huge fan. In some comics and stories, it may work. This one, not so much. I also have to say that this is the second free comic I have seen used to promote a game, and the second to pretty much suck. The idea behind the game is awesome (gleaned from reading the interview at the end). The story they chose to tell in this comic to sell people on the game, not in the least bit exciting or interesting. A shame.

Crawl Space: Xxxombies #2: Pretty good follow-up to the first issue. The pornstar who did the zombie becomes one. The 'roid enhanced guy who punched through a zombie's head likewise becomes one. Nobody seems to know what is going on, which I kind of like as a change of pace. Jenny's dad is totally badass. I do think that his demeanor, and the fact that she ran away to become a pornstar likely means he is less than a good guy. I would not be all that surprised to see him being the final antagonist in this story.

Umbrella Academy #4: As always, a great read. A lot of arguing between the siblings. 005 explains his thought process a bit, and apparently has managed to catch teh eye of some tough looking dudes. I am guessing a temporal cop sort of thing. Vanya's power finally manifests, years too late to prevent some seruious issues. Next couple of these will rock.

The Exterminators #25: The story of how AJ managed to come back from the dead. A mildly interesting story, but it pointed out something I had not realized. While I like reading this series, I don't really like it enough to spend money on it. It just isn't quite as clever as it used to be, or doesn't feel that way to me anymore. Between the last issue with teh cruise ship catering to the most depraved of desires, and this one showing King Tut trying to sodomise AJ's dead soul-body...it just feels more crude than interesting. I suppose this means either reading at the comic shop, borrowing from a firend (if I have any that read this), or downloading a torrent. Bah.

Crossing Midnight #14: The current story arc is very interesting. One lie turning everyon against the only person who knows the truth. I will be interested to see how this one ends, and how the series will continue on after the current arc.

Jack of Fables #18: MORE BABE! I love the Babe the Bull interludes. This one was particularly clever, and funny. The Americana story is continuing the tradition of fantastic storuys in this series. I am very intrigued by the whole plot. Jack does his thing, not realizing that the bigger story keeps moving on, and involving him. A nice sort or irony. He wants to be the center of it all, and he is without realizing it. To think, i used to consider this series secondary to the original Fables.

Teen Titans Go! #50: THis particular issue wasn't great, but it wasn't bad either. It was a decent idea. Showing the growth of a villain that mirrors the growth of Robin. What makes it good, though, is that Robin's growth is very subtle. There's also the new opportunity for new characters, now. Would have liked a bit less continuity to this. I feel like i am missing something.

Justice League Unlimited #41: I liked that the Joker is feeling jealous over losing Batman's attention. I like how he and Harley are able to stall the four Leaguers who are around to stop them. I like Zatana, especially her "nrocpop." Somehow, though, I do not like this story.

So, that's all I read today. More as I read more.

That Time Again

Here's last weeks comics, reviewed in my usual stream-of-consciousness style.

Fables 66: Good to see Ambrose wasn't as naive as everyone thought. He knew ahead of time that Bluebeard and Shere Khan were up to no good. It was also fun to see the two of them get what they deserved. I am wondering if this spell Ambrose speaks of will be powerful enough to stop the Adversary's army. This is a big risk he is taking. All of this is also making me wonder when the comic became such a big story. I remember the early issues being equally good, but not having nearly the scope of the cuirrent stuff. Not complaining, I just wonder what hapopened to the smaller scale stuff.

The Umbrella Academy 2: Damn, but this is still a great read. i totally like where this has been, where it is going, and the possibilities it all holds. I do want to see more of the back story on these cahracters, and a bit of their solo adventures. All, of cousre, in later installments as they do not apply directly to this awesome that is this story arc.

Simon Dark 1: This was actually out a week earlier than I got it. I just had to hold off on it for a week due to lack of funds. Totally awesome and worth the wait. I am very interested in seeing more. Not sure what else can be said, as this was the usual first issue introducing everything important.

The Search for Ray Palmer: Crime Society: Absolutely nothing about the Challengers in this, really. It was all just a background for the Jokester (this reality's Joker). A fun read, and I would totally support a Crime Society ongoing if it remained this interesting...but not at all what the issue advertises with the "Search for Ray Palmer" title. Next issue willbe ffun with teh vampire Batman thing going on.

Shadowpact 18: Not much to say here. The Nightshade Dimension stuff was weak, but may have been improved with more coverage. Protoge is awesomely badass, being both an evil and self-centered bastard and a renegade son at the same time. The rest of the issue was nothing great. We need more Blue Devil and his tasks, pronto.

Marvel Adventures Fantastic Four 29: Another iffy issue from the weeks haul. The Fantastic Four fight the Hulk. It all turns out to be a set up to get more government grant money for research. In the end, the Hulk's identity is revealed and all is resolved in an unbelievable way. I would prefer a bit mroe continuity beweeen series in the Marvel Adventures line. Would be nice to have the standard Marvel Universe, the Ultimate universe, and the Marvel Adventures universe. Along with the other random realities (like Squadron Supreme).

Marvel Adventures Avengers 17: The first time I have been disappointed in an issue of this sereis. Each part of it felt contrived and out of character compared to how they are usually written. The Vision was cool, but the origin wasn't. Much more hard to take coming from this title, which so far has nbeen one of the better comics on the stands.

Penance Relentless 2: I am beginning to think that Paul Jenkins is a hack. I have not liked much of his writing since he did the original Sentry miniseries. Not sure if I will get the next issue of this. Probably, because it is loosly tied in to the Thunderbolts, and I am a sucker for that still.

THe Mighty Avengers 5: An issue I felt was almost good. If the next issue of this is at least as good as this one, I will continue to read it. The thought bubbles were less intrusive this time, and also less abundant. I still hope Bendis forgets this little experiment in bringing them back and either drops them, or uses them in the more classic way.

Captain America 31: So. Damned. Good. All the brianwashing attempts were fun to read, and a little disorintning. Seeing Captain America atalk and act that way, even knowing it was all fake, was really strange. Decent cliffhanger ending, though you can almost be certain that Bucky didn't shoot Sharon. As usual, cannot wait for more.

Ultimate Fantastic Four 47: Ultimate Red Ghost. Awesomeness! Reed being a dick, and then getting over it was kind of interesting. I was pretty much right in my thoughts about his obsession with the cosmic cube. Hope that will be followed up on in the next story arc, but not this one. I want more Soviet Super Bears.

Ultimate X-Men 87: Another issue that wasnt bad at all. The revelation of the whole thing was great, and I have to admit to liking this version of Stryfe better than the normal one. Best part, however, was the very last panel. I must know more on this. Hopefully next issue will reveal it to the reader, of not the rest of the team.

Terror Inc. 3: More violence. More gore. More humor. More surprises. Best cliffhanger ever. 'Nuff Said.

Superman/Doomsday

OK, so I recently saw this movie. Here's what I thought.

First of all, let me be clear that I have never read the comics this was inspired by. I have read the Funeral for a Friend aftermath stuff, but never actually had the opportunity to read the actual death or the follow up stuff with the replacements and the rebirth. This, of course, has an influence on what I felt about the movie.

I kind of liked it. I also kind of didn't like it.

The story itself was pretty fun. I know there were some pretty severe changes, and some similarities. The way I see it, the first half of the story was pretty good. The fight with Doomsday was sweet. The death and funeral bits had me tearing up. I didn't really like how the Superman/Lois Lane romance was handled. It seemed a little too risque for a Superman story in my opinion. Superman sort of sounded like a pervert at times there.

After the death, the movie suffered a bit. Toyman was lame. The return of Superman was lame. The complete lack of an actual Superman until the very end was lame. They should have opted for some additional time and used the replacements from the comics. I would have loved some Steel, Superboy, Last Son of Krypton, and Cyborg Superman action. Hell, even one or two of them would have been batter than what we got.

Frankly, the Luthor clone Superman didn't work anyhow. An exact clone, with the Luthor programmed memories, that suddenly turns from a regular Superman into a "Justice lord" style Superman didn't work in the time they had. It felt sudden, and contrived. Just an excuse to have Supes fight himself, really.

I also didn't like the complete and unexpected change in Jimmy Olsen. I have a hard time imagining the death of Superman making him suddenly become a materialistic, sleazy tabloid photographer/paparazzi wannabe. More like the exact opposite, I would think.

I also had issues with the animation style and the voice actors. While the actors did a decent job, I really wasn't feeling it. I kept thinking how the character sounded wrong. I wanted the JLU versions. The animation was the same. It was just close enough to what I am used to with the DC Animated Universe that it felt familiar, while just different enough to kind of make me feel something was off. Superman looked old. Luthor looked too thin. Lois looked sleazy. Toyman looked like a pedophile. I want my regular animated universe versions back.

Now, the good side to the whole thing is that this weekend, when I get my comics, I am totally going to pick up the trades of the Death and Rebirth of Superman, as well as attempt to dig out my Funeral for a Friend issues to see what I was missing out on.

Also, the DVD extras included a brief preview of what the New Frontier movie will be like, and that totally has me psyched. It also had a documentary on the creation of the Death of Superman story from the comics. That was the best part of the whole DVD. The how and why of the story planning, the stuff I never would have noticed (the use of the number of panels on a page to show the severity and scope of the battle). I would almost buy this movie just to have that documentary.

I guess, all in all, the movie was fun and entertaining. It just wasn't quite u[p to the level of the usual DC animation stuff.

Marvel Two-in-One

So, the last couple weeks have been hellish at work. Among other things, I managed to put in a 23 hour day. That's 23 consecutive hours. So, yeah.

Anyhow, I did manage to pick up my comics despite the fatigue. Here's what I thought.

The Weapon 4: Good ending to a good series. I like how our hero managed to use his supposed weakness (the time limit on his writ things) as a strength. I also like how he didn't mind killing him some bad guys. The "surprise" betrayal wasn't really a shock or anything, other than I was not expecting the duplicate to be identical. I look forward to the next mini, or an ongoing.

Zero Killer 2: As with the first issue, I am totally into this world. Not only is this series a good read, but it is fully fleshed out in the background. The extras at the end, something I always like but occasionally skip over, have been awesome to read. More information, in character, for the story. Awesome.

Stormwatch: Post Human Division 12: By the way this ended, I assume the series is ending as well. I don't remember hearing about that anywhere. Guess that's ok. I liked the series, but not enough to feel any real loss if it goes away. Have to admit, though, the way the team worked together to take out the villains in this was awe inspiring. Made me feel like i could totally take a super on.

Faker 4: So, I was right in my assumption last issue. Great to know I got that before the actual reveal. Usually I don't catch on that soon. I do wonder how this is going to go on for 2 more issues, as the selling point was the mystery they already revealed. I hope this remains good, and doesn't loose the crazy-cool it had going so far.

Jack of Fables 15: HAHAHA! Jack is such a dick, and I love him for it. Quite a fun origin for Jack and John and all that. Jack is too clever for his own good (let along anyone else's). The further revelation of the origin of Kevin, Revise, and Gary is totally getting me intrigued. Finally, Babe totally needs his own miniseries...except his bits wouldn't actually be able to carry a full comic let alone many issues.

The Exterminators 22: Nothing needs to be said here. This series maintains the odd storylines and crazy pace. Beyond that, wow.

Justice League Unlimited 38: Aw, Giganta loves Flash. Flash, being a guy like myself, totally doesn't get it. Once he finds out, it is too late. Best bit was the "Rosenbaum and Associates" billboard. The picture on the billboard looks like Michael Rosenbaum playing Lex Luthor in Smallville, and Rosenbaum voiced Flash on JLU. Nice touch.

Metal Men 3: I don't get it, but will keep reading. I think.

Infinity Inc. 2: I wish they would have gotten to the missing Natasha thing in this issue. More Kid Empty was nice, though. Will keep reading for now, because I am curious.

Tales of the Sinestro Corps: Cyborg Superman: I enjoyed some of this. Never knew the full origin of this character, so seeing it recapped was cool. But, the rest of this was lame. So far, these side stories are 0 for 2.

Green Lantern Corps 16/Green Lantern 24: Oh my god, but these have been so awesome. On the one hand, I don't want this event to end because I am enjoying it so much. On the other hand, I do want it to end so I can save a bit of money by not buying these anymore. I know that when it ends, it will likely end well. I just am sad at the thought of no more war.

Suicide Squad 2: This one wasn't quite as much fun as the last issue, but it sounds like it will pick up again next issue. Still pretty dang good.

Batman Detective Comics 837: The triumphant return of Paul Dini. And what a return it was. Having the Riddler use Harley and replacement Catwoman do an investigation was incredibly fun. Seeing how Riddler was trying to play Bruce Wayne, who was really playing Riddler was beyond compare. This is why I read this series.

Marvel Adventures Hulk 4: This first issue I really didn't enjoy. In fact, I don't even remember much about this issue at all. I remember Radioactive Man and Multiple Man being in. For one thing, it is too early in the series to be bringing them back in my opinion. Also, I don';t really see Multiplae Man siding against the Hulk after the issue he was in. Bah.

Marvel Adventures Spider-Man 32: This, on the other hand, was awesome. Hydro-Man showed a combination of great planning, and absolute stupidity. Which, actually, kind of worked. The splash page of Spidey saving JJJ was a great homage, though I suppose using that particular image is sort of cliched anymore. The trap set to capture Hydro-Man was so perfect it is beyond perfect.

Runaways 28: It has been so long since an issue of this has come out, I forgot I read it. I actually had it in my pull box, and had to double check to make sure it was there when I saw an issue on the shelf because I couldn't remember if I had it on my pull list or not. Granted,. the issue was decent. But, not really worth the wait. I love Joss Whedon, but hate how his comics are never on time. I am almost tempted to drop this out of protest. We will see how the next issue or two do before i choose.

The New Avengers 35: Ugh. Nothing I can say here about the disappointment with this that has not already been said elsewhere. Boo on the cover not having a thing to do with the contents.

Nova 7: Interesting. I like how the writers have found a way to save Richard Rider from the Phalanx infection, without a complete cop-out. I wonder if there will be a final cure by the end of the Annihilation: Conquest event. I am assuming so.

The Order 3: Zobos. Dude, freaking zobos. How fucking cool is that. This comic is totally all about tossing out the crazy shit left and right. The character portraits we get interspersed with the story are interesting too. The story about the dead ex-member should be good.

X-Factor 24: Another issue I can't even find words to describe. Consistently amazing.

Super-Villain Team-Up MODOK's 11 4: Another one I only vaguely remember from when I read it. Fighting the new Mandarin. Puma sort of getting his powers back. Rocket Racer betrays the team. Nobody realizes the Chameleon isn't who he seems (which, really, they should have noticed by now). Next issue it all wraps up.

28+1

So, as it is late and I must get to work early in the morning, I will try to be quick.

Demon's Mercy 1: Free preview. Crappy. Will not be buying this one any time soon.

Consumed 3: Still funny. Loving the roomies even more. Looking forward to the end, while wishing it could go on. Don't know how an ongoing would work, though.

Ghosting 2: Creepy. Confusing at the bit where there is the replay of the conversation from the graveyard inside the burned out frat house. Quite fun.

Stormwatch Post Human Division 10: Accidentally bought this, as it was in my box and I didn't pay close attention to the cover to realize I had it already. Oh well.

Madman 4: Awesome as always. Go Mike Allred.

The Umbrella Academy 1: Awesome origin story with a fun cliffhanger. If this can keep up the crazy/cool factor, it will be like another Hellboy.

Crossing Midnight 11: Yikes. Bad news. Good story.

Teen Titans Go! 47: Robin's origin was ok, with a good ending. Starfire/Raven bit was funny and awesome.

The Spirit 10: Great parody of modern "news" reporters. Loved all the parodies, and the ending was a blast.

Black Adam: The Dark Age 2: The beginning was cool, with fun visuals. The Felix Faust bit was kinda neat, and a great source for Black Adam's powers. Overall, though, it was sort of "meh."

Countdown to Mystery 1: I liked the whole thing, except the potential change to Eclipso's origin.

52 Aftermath: The Four Horsemen 2: Total shit. Not buying any more issues of this one. A shame, as I was looking forward to it the most save for the Bible of Crime.

Countdown to Adventure 2: Nice twist. Scary to think of what is coming. The JLAxis needed more story, less "Forerunner is cool and Monarch is a douchebag."

Shadowpact 17: Made of awesome. About time this comic started getting back to how cool it initially was. I think it needs more Blue Devil, and keep the level of Zauriel to 0 if possible.

Tales of the Sinestro Corps: Parallax 1: Disappointing. The rest better be as cool as the main event.

The Flash 232: The West Children are so awesome while being so cute. Almost glad that Wally's back now, even though I still miss Bart.

Teen Titans 51: A return to the arc that brought me to this comic to begin with. I love it all over again. Future Titans are assholes. Wanna see Future Ravager, though.

Marvel Adventures Fantastic Four 28: "Pizzower Coshizzmic?" Really? Just...no.

Marvel Adventures Avengers 16: Hawkeye was awesome. Villains were fun. Too bad they gave away the whole point of it early. Still good. Best Marvel Adventures series, by far.

Penance: Relentless 1: Nipple Piercings. Nothing more need be said, save I will likely buy another issue just to see what is going on with the numbers.

Avengers: The Initiative 6: Really hating the New Warriors hate going on here. The attacker was a scary surprise. Really really scary.

The Immortal Iron Fist 9: Still more awesome that anything short of Bruce Lee fighting a Ninja-Pirate-Monkey. For reals.

The Immortal Iron Fist Annual 1: Annuals should not be continuations of the main story. Especially if the first page recap spoils the current issue of the main series.

Captain America 30: Sharon is a scary lady. Captain Bucky is on his way. You just know it is going to happen.

Terror Inc 2: Icky, but fun (but icky).

Ultimate Fantastic Four 46: Hah, awesome. Thing's brain is in storage, and he still kicks bad guy ass. Psycho Man was much cooler here than in the real Marvel Universe. Next arc is called "Ghosts." Having not been paying attention to previews, I hope it means Red Ghost. I want me some Ultimate Super-Apes.

Ultimate Spider-Man 114: Out of the frying pan and into the fire. Par for the Spider-Course.

Annihilation: Conquest Quasar 3: Super Adaptoid is still one of the coolest villains. Moondragon is a dragon, bringing up images of creepy love scenes with Quasar. Shit hits the fan.

Annihilation: Conquest Starlord 3: More shit hitting many fans. The Groot/Rocket Raccoon interactions are the best.


So, that be all this week. Hopefully will have my next batch up closer to the actual purchase date this time. Either Thursday or Sunday, depending on outside forces.

Heavy load

So, here they are, the most recent reviews I have got to offer.

Stormwatch post Human Division 11: After the destruction of the bar last issue, the team is pretty messed up. Concussions, rebar through legs, and one alien-hybrid killing machine makes for a bad day. Lucky for the team, the monstrosity is in love with one of the other team members, and saves the day. There is a bit of intrigue with the teams families being threatened, until the actual treat is made more clear. Bye bye police station.

The Walking Dead 42: Wow, what an issue. Carol dies in the horrible way you expect from a suicidal-turned-zombie. The seeming tension with Herschel and Andrea over her friendship with Tyreese is resolved before it is even begun. More plans to defend against the nearby town, using a guard tower manned by Andrea and a layer of zombies outside the gates. Then the shit hits the fan when the nearby townsfolk invade. In tanks.

The Un-Men 2: I have no idea what the hell is going on here, but I like it.

Fables 65: The journey of Flycatcher seems to be at an end when he reaches his homelands. Bluebeard and Shere Khan are up to no good, still. We learn that the entire conflict is really more of a game of chess played out between the Adversary and Frau Totenkinder. Conflict on many fronts looms.

Jack of the Fables 14: The beginning of the true origin of Jack. Maybe. More stuff dealing with Kevin, who appears to be more powerful and less human than we were initially led to believe. I was also expecting him to be more Fable aligned than Golden Boughs. Babe steals the show with his rich fantasy life again. Enough so that I read his one page before reading the comic itself, again as I read the issue, and a third time just because it was that good.

Booster Gold 2:Rip Hunter finds trouble. Supernova causes trouble. Booster Gold is the reason Guy Gardener was not Green Lantern and also the reason Sinestro came up with the Sinestro Corps. Great way to play with continuity.

Green Lantern 23: More Sinestro Corps. Hal's ring runs out of juice, so he steals a bunch of Qwardian ones to use in the interim. Ion is freed, and Parallax seems to break Guy's neck (though he is better soon after). The Sinestro Corps attacks Earth and the Guardians lift the lethal force restriction.

Countdown to Adventure 1: Dude, Starfire is hot. Buddy Baker is not very bright, missing his son's obvious crush on her, and his wife's obvious discomfort with her. Adam Strange gets pink slipped, and replaced with a fucking psychopath. This will not end well. The history of the Forerunners is actually kind of cool. Definitely something I like there. Looking forward to another issue, if only for the Nazi Justice League bit.

Countdown Presents: The Search for Ray Palmer 1: This was utter crap. A shame, too, since it involves a character I sort of like now (Jason Todd) and the Wildstorm universe. *sigh* What a waste.

Suicide Squad 1: As with all things comics and cool, I missed out on this back in the day. All I know of the team I learned from one of the greatest minds in comics blogdom. That said, I think this will make me hunt down old issues of the original series so I can get acquainted with the cool. Must read it all.

Marvel Adventures Hulk 3: Hulk is captured by Hulkbusters. Rick Jones saves him, and Radioactive Man as well. They hang out, with Radioactive Man siphoning gamma radiation from Bruce to keep hum human. Then the shit hits the fan and Rick has to coerce the Hulk into staying mad (like that's all that hard). In the end, we are back to the status quo. All in all, a fun read.

X-Man Emperor Vulcan 1: We catch up with the team that stayed behind in Shi'ar space. They try to make a surprise attack on Vulcan and the rest of the Shi'ar Empire, but are summarily defeated. Then some new alien race appears that seem the hate the Shi'ar more than anyone else does. Interesting, and fun to see some of these character playing off each other.

The New Avengers 34: After a night alone, the team all come back together and let Doctor Strange cast a spell revealing their true natures. Luke Cage is pretty much himself, though more retro in look. Jessica Jones wants to be a superhero again. Iron Fist is his legacy. Spider-Man wishes to be himself, before the bit. Echo wants to be Daredevil. Hawkeye/Ronin wishes to be Captain America. Doctor Strange wishes to be a surgeon again. Wolverine, late tot he party, is apparently a samurai. Not a Skrull in the bunch. The team decide to say screw the danger and alert the other Avengers team of the danger. Instead, they see a lot of symbiotes running amok int he city. Also, Wolverine's junk is shot off.

X-Factor 23: We learn how crazy Quicksilver has become, which is a little scary really. Layla Miller is confused, which is more scary. Monet and Siryn get the kids they were after, which appears to be a set up. Finally, Josef Huber is a badass mofo.

Nova 6: Stuff happens. Nothing that really impressed of disgusted me enough to write about. Plus, I am getting tired of writing and want my dinner. HAH!

Ultimate Power 7: After who knows how long of a delay, we finally get another issue of this one. I still want to know where Doom came from, since I thought he was on Zombie Earth. Spider-man thinks Doom is responsible for the mess. Emil Burbank admits to Reed that he is responsible for the mess. Hulk is about to be brought into play. The original Squadron Supreme makes an appearance, just to make this more of a mess.

Ultimate X-Men 86: Stryfe seems to be up to something, but what is it? Psyloke is Bishop's future wife? Pyro is a spy, but already uncovered as such? Best part is Wolverine and Storm taking down the Sentinels.

Ultimate Spider-Man 113: All that needs to be said is that Norman Osborne is one crafty bastard...and not nearly as crazy as we thought.

With that out of the way, I invite you back Thursday(ish) when I will give you last weeks and this weeks comics. Together, for the first time.