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Welcome! Our comics blog features our take on comics, comic books and comic book movies. Note: our "new comic books" doesn't cover every new title that comes out that week, just what we picked up.
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Great article on sidekicks
Cracked.com's Seanbaby wrote a great article on sidekicks this is not to be missed. Although The (original) Human Torch and Toro open the segment, they're not actually part of the list, which I think is fair because the recent The Torch mini series was awesome - and I'm really looking forward to The Invaders getting back together after a sixty five year or so absence! But back to topic, Seanbaby's list is not to be missed as the obscure, crappy and offensive sidekicks of the Golden Age get what they deserve. Robin and Bucky have more than been redeemed, so they are not on the list - just FYI.
Siege is over!
Siege is over! Siege is over! Thank God Almighty, Siege is over!
That's how I feel, anyway. I know it was supposed to mean something, but they really dragged it out almost to the point of death. Oh, FYI, expect spoilers from here onward. The first half was OK, but with the exception of Dark Wolverine, there really was little need to spread it into all the books of the characters it effected, and that's probably only because the Dark Wolverine Siege cross over was well executed, not because it was a necessary component to the story. After Siege #2, we probably only needed 1 more book to wrap it all up and certainly didn't need a billion books of different people wandering through the rubble of Asgard, not to mention the meaningless, useless Siege One Shots.
For all the fun, exciting, epic scale of Siege 1 and 2, issues 3 and 4 fall pretty flat and are fairly predictable. The sheer insanity of The Sentry tearing Ares in half was great, but you knew the only way this could end was with The Sentry giving way to The Void, who would have to die for his crimes. The death of Loki was a bit of a surprise, but a meaningless death; he'll wiggle his way out of Hel or wherever he ends up sooner or later. And Sentry: Fallen Son left the door wide open for The Sentry to come back, so again, useless death. And Ares is a God, so we know he'll be back to, which was alluded to in... uhm, I think it was Siege Thunderbolts.
The worst part about the end of Siege is it means the end of Dark Avengers, which I really enjoyed. I hope Marvel comes up with a new super team that is a pain in the ass for the Avengers in a similar, frustrating way.
The best part about the end of Siege was getting the Captain America situation sorted out for good - Steve Rogers made it clear he didn't want to resume the role - at least not right now - and since Bucky Barnes as Captain America has been extremely popular with Marvel readers, this has created a perfect storm for Marvel to use both characters with Bucky as Cap in the Avengers and Steve Rogers leading The Secret Avengers in Rogers' new role as National Security Adviser. Given the history of the characters and the nature of Steve's new job as a super spy, it seems that Bucky is better suited to that job, and I would guess that once the Captain America movie gets closer to release, Bucky and Steve Rogers will switch roles. It would be confusing to have Bucky be Cap in the comics and be, well, Bucky in the movie (presumably) and Steve Rogers be Cap in the movie.
So Siege is finally over, and Marvel's story arc that took, what, seven years (?!?) to run its course is finally over, and we couldn't be happier. So begins the age of heroes... what this means, we'll have to wait and see.
Zuda Comics
Zuda Comics is the online division of DC Comics, featuring interactive voting on the comics. If a comic receives the most votes, Zuda will 'renew' the comic. It's pretty neat, it's online, and its FREE! We get the feeling this is a good breeding ground for DC's Vertigo comic line.
New Comic Books December 9, 2009
Be aware: the following contains spoilers!
WOLVERINE: UNDER THE BOARDWALK ONE-SHOT # 1 - Marvel Comics
We didn't find this random Wolverine adventure to be the most interesting, well thought out story we've ever read. And, just have to ask - how does someone find Wolverine's cell phone number? Don't the X-Men code that shiz up for him or something?
Black Widow: Deadly Origin #2 - Marvel Comics
This has been fun so far, if a bit all over the place. What the book lacks in focus it makes up for in action. It's also fun to see the hero worship Black Widow inspires... she is pretty cool, after all. It seems like they have too big a story to tell for only four issues. We'll see how they do squeezing it in to the time left. We liked that she was wearing white camouflage in the snow... with her bright red hair exposed.
BATGIRL #5 - DC Comics
Does she kick butt or what? Batman/Dick Grayson needs to get a grip; however, the almost sibling relationship between this new, 10 year old Robin and Batgirl is pretty funny.
GREEN ARROW AND BLACK CANARY #27 - DC Comics
So is this the end of this story line? What the hell is going on? Flashbacks... eh... yet, we can't stop reading this book, it sucks us in!
House of Mystery #20 Vertigo Comics - DC Comics
coming soon...
New Comic Books December 3, 2009
Be aware: the following contains spoilers!
BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #38 - DC Comics
Batman teams up with an old Blackhawk pilot, so naturally, some good old fashioned Nazi brainwashing is waiting in the wings. There are pacing problems, but we think this story line will pick up quickly next issue.
CAPTAIN AMERICA: THEATER OF WAR: PRISONERS OF DUTY # 1 - Marvel Comics
Finally! An issue of Theater of War that doesn't suck! Set during World War II, Private Rogers is captured and sent to a military prison some time after the failure of Operation Market Garden, where he finds more American prisoners waiting for the cavalry to show up. Only trouble is, Rogers isn't certain its going to. This issue is well paced and wraps up in a satisfying way, a tough thing to achieve in a one shot.
THE MARVELS PROJECT # 4 - Marvel Comics
This book is great! We're getting close to the culmination of the Operation Rebirth project, and getting a look at the circumstances surrounding it is really fun. Issue 5 should be even better as the shiz really hits the fan when the experiment truly gets under way. Well written, well paced, and a fascinating look at Nazi spies behind enemy lines.
TORCH # 4 - Marvel Comics
As we've said during this mini series run, Torch is just good old fashioned fun. As an aside, now that Bucky, Sharon Carter, Toro and the Original Human Torch are all back from the dead, is there anybody left in the big old Marvel cemetery? A long time ago, Captain America mused, "Why is it that the bad guys always come back, but the good guys always stay dead?" Turns out, you just have to wait a bit longer, Steve - like we'll have to wait for your resurrection.
New Comic Books November 25, 2009
Be aware: the following contains spoilers!
AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE # 30 - Marvel Comics
A little too drama heavy, like Uncanny X-Men... its nice to see some of those old Serpent Society characters, though - Constrictor, Diamondback... and maybe Asp and Black Mamba in issue 31. But, we're done here. This book just isn't for us... too heavy on the soap opera.
NEW AVENGERS # 59 - Marvel Comics
Don't be fooled by the cover - Spider-Man and Spider-Woman aren't going to team up on a mission of their own... sometimes, it seems like Marvel just picks covers out of a hat, doesn't it? But this was a great issue as the Avengers get all their homies together and kick butt in the name of Luke Cage. Good stuff!
POWERS # 1 - Marvel Comics
The sex, the violence, the sex... Yes, this book is intended for mature audiences. The nipples make that clear, as does the blood. And yet, this book is still a good time.
ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS # 4 - Marvel Comics
This book is a delight. You know how many super powered special operatives you need to bring down Captain America? More than Nick Fury brought with him, we're sure of that - and we love it! Long live Ultimate Avengers! Although, for some reason, we get the feeling we're only going to get 13 or so issues, like always. Oh well.
UNCANNY X-MEN # 517 - Marvel Comics
So the X-Men have beaten all of the Predator X monster thingys (can you Marvel writers come up with a proper noun for something pertaining to X-Men that doesn't have the letter X in it somewhere? Can you? Give it a try, it might be fun!) but now that bad thing in whats-her-names head ends up in Scott Summers head... OK, we're done. The soap opera drama of this book is turned up a bit too high for us, and you really need to be invested in the nine million characters in this book, and we're just not. So we're out. Peace!
New Comic Books November 18, 2009
Be aware: the following contains spoilers!
BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #37 - DC Comics
You know what one of the coolest things is about BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL? You don't have to read nine other titles to be aware of what is going on! The writing is pretty good, too. This issue launches a new storyline, "Blackhawk Down," so yes, it'll be old school, prominently featuring the Blackhawks. Now, we certainly could do without the 'ca-kaw!' yelling, but they're keeping it to a minimum - in fact, don't think there is any in this issue. See? Another Batman Confidential plus!
DARK AVENGERS # 11 - Marvel Comics
Norman Osborn's Avengers have been beaten, quiet easily, and the Molecule Man is behind it. Maybe Hand has a plan; probably not, though.
DARK REIGN - THE LIST: AMAZING SPIDER-MAN ONE-SHOT # 1 - DC Comics
Shock of shockers here... We don't want to spoil it for you, but, despite Norman Osborn's stupid list and the stabbed through the heart Spider-Man on the front cover, neither Peter Parker nor Spider-Man gets stabbed or dies. Shocking! At least they are putting the wheels in motion to end this Dark Reign, which is getting a bit tiresome.
MIGHTY AVENGERS # 31 - DC Comics
The Unspoken storyline finally comes to end. So, who do you think is going to win? Good guys or bad guys... tough one! Its more of a question of how, huh?
WOLVERINE: WEAPON X # 7 - Marvel Comics
Wolverine, or, as he's known to himself and identified as 'Patient X,' is still having a hard time figuring out what is going on, or who the hell he is. But, he might be coming around, and once he does, well... you'd figure that Dunwich Sanatorium is about the last place anyone would want to be and Dr. Rottwell is about the last person you'd want to be.
NOMAD: GIRL WITHOUT A WORLD #3 OF 4 - Marvel Comics
OK, the plot is a little lame, but the dialogue and pacing is very nice. And its great to have a new Nomad in town... trying to explain exactly where Rikki Barnes comes from is a bit difficult, though. Maybe she'll go hang out with that Young Avengers crowd after this is over.
Air #15 - Vertigo Comics
This book is trippy as hell, in a grounded sort of way, which is a weird way to talk about a comic book called Air. Check out the cover for this issue - that's Amelia Earhart in a wedding gown... that would take a ton of explaining... its a good book, we highly recommend it - lets leave it at that for now!
Simpsons Comics #160 - Bongo Comics Group
Animal tales galore! And can any issue of Simpsons Comics featuring animal tales be complete without Plopper, AKA Spider-Pig? No, it couldn't. And guess what? This issue is COMPLETE!
New Comic Books November 11, 2009
Be aware: the following contains spoilers!
DAREDEVIL # 502 - Marvel Comics
OK, its starting to look like Matt Murdock has a plan, even if its a little nuts. If you're not reading this, you probably should be!
BATGIRL #4 - DC Comics
Hey look, they toned down the purple in Batgirl's costume! Nice job, there. This is going OK so far, but we're curious to see how long we can stay on board for.
BATMAN #693 - DC Comics
Batman (currently Dick Grayson) is getting his investigation on, espionage style. This is fun! Not sure where its going, though.
BATMAN AND ROBIN #6 - DC Comics
Robin takes a pounding (no, not form Batman... that was not a gay joke), and we're curious to see how bad he's hurt and how long it lasts for. From the symptoms he described, it sounded like his Robin career was over...
BATMAN/DOC SAVAGE SPECIAL - DC Comics
We didn't get the memo that DC was doing a re imagining of the DC Universe, from the begining. The begining was fun, but the plot fell on its face when the murderer Batman and Doc Savage agreed to combine forces to hunt for his killed... right after Batman and Doc Savage agree to work together to find him... and the murderer is killed off page... yeah, that's lame. Don't worry, though: they have a zillion more comics due out in 2010 to tell the rest of the story with all the old school DC characters, like The Spirit. Joy.
GREEN ARROW AND BLACK CANARY #26 - DC Comics
Which one is the real Green Arrow? Hint: the crazy one is probably not the real Green Arrow. Probably.
Red Herring #4 OF 6 - WildStorm Comics (DC Comics)
coming soon...
Comic books are good for you
An article in the Telegraph explains that "scientists from the University of Illinois claim that reading any work successfully, including comics, requires more than just absorbing text. Professor Carol Tilley, from the department of library and information science, said that comics are just as sophisticated as other forms of reading, and children benefit from reading them at least as much as they do from reading other kinds of books." Oh snap! Take that, Mrs. Krabappel!
New Comic Books November 4, 2009
Be aware: the following contains spoilers!
BLACK WIDOW: DEADLY ORIGIN # 1 - Marvel Comics
Black Widow is going well so far - we're not sure exactly what time frame it occurs in, but it seems to be in the near past as James Buchanan Barnes (aka Bucky, aka Captain America) is still in his 'Winter Soldier' getup. The story has us so far, so we're in for at least another issue.
CAPTAIN AMERICA: REBORN # 4 - Marvel Comics
The story trugs on, but we're finally getting somewhere... and the bad guys are winning. This isn't really a problem, but it looks, however complete, that their win is only temporary. Isn't it always? we foresee a battle of wills between Steve Rogers and the Red Skull in issue 5.
STRANGE TALES # 3 - Marvel Comics
The final issue in the 3 issue limited series, Strange Tales went out on a bit of a lame note. There was some good stuff here, no doubt, particularly the encounter between Molecular Man and Nightcrawler, but this issue was the least fun of the three.
THE MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ # 1 - Marvel Comics
The Marvelous Land of Oz continues the story immediately after the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. So far, we've gotten familiar with Jack Pumpkinhead and Tip - and its going well.
TORCH # 3 - Marvel Comics
The original Human Torch (again, he's not human, don't know why they call him that) is not in control of himself, but he seems to be aware. Hey, bad guys... this is bad thing for you fellas. And Toro is on the move... it's old fashioned story telling, and we're digging it.
BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #36 - DC Comics
The new storyline is getting its sweet industrial espionage on, or perhaps something even more sinister. We're liking this book, we're glad we picked it up.
BATMAN: WIDENING GYRE #3 (OF 6) - DC Comics
Batman finally has a meet and great with the new super hero and town, and he seems like an OK guy. Bruce also continues his personal relationship with Silver. Who knew Aquaman was so hilarious... but then, Kevin Smith seems to relish putting jokes in the mouths of characters who don't usually make jokes, much to the other characters' surprise.
House of Mystery #19 - Vertigo Comics
This is the first issue of House of Mystery we've purchased, and we're loving it! But is this book based around Cain, or the gang inside the house?
Star Wars Invasion #5 - Dark Horse Comics
Are we the only ones loving the relationship between Finn and his droid, Prowl? So far, this is good stuff, bringing classic characters, expanded universe characters and new characters together with good story telling.
Jack of Fables #39 - Vertigo Comics
This is some crazy shiz, bouncing back and forth between two realities. We don't have a good handle on it yet, but we think we're going to stick around and find one.
Superman/Batman #64 - DC Comics
This is some crazy space shiz Batman and Superman have gotten themselves into, Kryptonian style.
New Comic Books October 28, 2009
FYI, we decided to give up on SPIDER-MAN: THE CLONE SAGA and didn't buy issue #2 of the limited series. It felt too much like a soap opera, treading that dangerous ground between action adventure, melodrama and soap opera.
Be aware: the following contains spoilers!
DARK REIGN: THE LIST - WOLVERINE # 1 - Marvel Comics
For a book that said, 'Wolverine' on the front, there wasn't much of Wolverine in it! However, the buddy comedy assault of Marvel Boy and Fantomex on 'the world' was a lot of fun. Marvel's site also herald's 'Jason Aaron�s never-before-reprinted first Wolverine story, from WOLVERINE,' which was OK.
NEW AVENGERS # 58 - Marvel Comics
This issue features the most misleading cover ever, a phenomenon that is starting to tick us off a lot of late.
ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS # 3 - Marvel Comics
We're really enjoying this so far, and we love the idea that you need a team of heavy hitters to bring in Captain America, as Steve Rogers isn't really a super powered being.
WOLVERINE: WEAPON X # 6 - Marvel Comics
Not sure how Logan ended up in a mental institution, and we're even less sure we understand what is going on, but its fun so far!
X-FACTOR # 50 - Marvel Comics
The current story line has ended and it looks like the time shifting is done, at least for now. A new storyline begins, and we couldn't be happier someone is finally investigating the Fantastic Four. Something has always felt wrong there...
BATMAN #692 - DC Comics
Batman has his hands full with the return of the Falcone crime family. Should be fun!
X-Men Forever # 10 - Marvel Comics
Uhm, does anyone really want to read an X-Men comic without Wolverine? Are we alone on this one? They promised all deaths would be for real, so we assume he's not coming back.
Superman/Batman # 63 - DC Comics
Oh DC, we so love it when you yank on our proverbial chain with your Batman scenario simulation.
Star Wars Legacy # 41 - Dark Horse Comics
The Mandalorians are in the house, yo. So, uhm... what happened to the characters from the previous issue? These are all new characters, right? Sorry, we're new to this book and uhm... yeah, we're pleased with the writing, but WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON? Guess we'll figure it out soon enough... or ask someone at the Star Wars Live Concert.
New Comic Books October 21, 2009
We passed on BATMAN: UNSEEN #2 (OF 5) from DC Comics. It just wasn't doing it for us - we picked up issue 2 and flipped through it and immediately put it back down. The story, format (the flow is short with lots of sudden stops; each scene feels like it is over before it begins) and art isn't to our liking. And we hate it when people draw Batman with enormous horns on his head.
We also passed on DCU HALLOWEEN SPECIAL 2009. This boasted 13 stories of Halloween horror, and after our experience with Justice League of America #1 a few weeks back, that was enough to scare us off, if you take our meaning.
Be aware: the following contains spoilers!
DARK AVENGERS # 10 - Marvel Comics
Dark Avengers is surprisingly interesting. No idea what kind of mess Osborn has gotten his team into, but it looks like its going to be fun. The emerging relationship between Bullseye/Hawkeye and Moonstone/Captain Marvel is, well, a little disturbing, but then, that's the intent of the book, right?
DARK REIGN: THE LIST - HULK # 1 - Marvel Comics
We haven't been following the Hulk for some time, and its interesting to see Bruce Banner palling around with his son, Skaar. It's also fun to see how dangerous Bruce Banner is in his human form as he gets his science on. Skaar, however, has some old school Hulk going on, but with better vocabulary.
AZRAEL #1 - DC Comics
Never mix business with pleasure. This is a good adage. Maybe DC should consider another one: Never mix religion with comics. This is tough sell because it has made everybody bank in the past and it's a proven formula, but we're just not interested. When the title character of a book crucifies themselves at the end of the first issue, that's when we bounce. We're not protesting and we're not offended, it just seems... tired.
BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #35 - DC Comics
Batman seems to be winding down the Russian storyline, if it's not over completely for the foreseeable future. It was fun while it lasted. You have to love when people think they can handle Batman: "Lets lure him to Moscow so we can beat him on our own turf!" Sure, that'll make a difference. It's clear that the bad guys haven't been reading Batman comics. As Batman said to Bruce Wayne in the Justice League Unlimited television series, it doesn't matte where or when you are:
Batman: Are criminals still superstitious and cowardly?
Bruce Wayne: Yep.
Batman: Good enough for me.
MIGHTY AVENGERS # 30 - Marvel Comics
Not exactly sure what the Avengers are fighting, but it looks like they're losing. But don't worry, Hank Pym has got some insight from The Watcher, so it's all good - after all, Pym is a founding Avenger from the 1960s - surely he'll just build a gadget and just fix shiz, right? This issue is a little all over the place, but with so many characters and story lines, you can see how that would happen.
Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic #46 - Dark Horse Comics
This is our first issue of Knights of the Old Republic, and we're digging it so far. The characters are fleshed out fairly well and the story is interesting. It's all very personal, and we're going to stick around and see where its going. And you know what? Didn't see one lightsaber the entire issue.
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #38 - DC Comics
With the Justice League in shambles, the remaining few are trying to decide if they should go on. We vote no - Vixen has become such a whiny so and so that we wish someone would put her out of her misery and just cancel the book. "Where was Superman when my leg got broken in 3 places?" Uhm, are you serious? Why aren't the other characters in the book attacking her for such a ridiculous statement? Someone should have just slapped her in the face and told her to get the hell out - maybe not Plastic Man, as he seems to be melting - but someone. Anyway, we don't know where this is going and we're not sure we care.
AIR #14 - Vertigo Comics (DC Comics)
This is our first issue, and we have to say, we like this book very much. It's telling a side of a real story that needs telling. Pick it up, we don't think you'll regret it.
New Comic Books October 14, 2009
Be aware: the following contains spoilers!
THE MARVELS PROJECT # 3 - Marvel Comics
Wow, we're loving this book! THE MARVELS PROJECT is doing a great job of telling the story of the dawn of the age of super heroes in the Marvel Universe - this issue features a very quick fight between the original Human Torch (who wasn't actually human...) and Prince Namor, aka the Sub Mariner.
UNCANNY X-MEN # 516 - Marvel Comics
Magneto is back and he looks like he's ready to render under Cesar (that would be Cyclops!), but of course, Professor Xavier doesn't trust him. If you read between the lines, it does seems like Magneto has something up his sleeve, but we'll have to wait and see.
BATMAN #691 - DC Comics
Dick Grayson may not be Bruce Wayne, but he is Batman. Two Face seems to be on to the ruse, but he's about to get a fist full of 'it doesn't make a difference!
BATGIRL #3 - DC Comics
It looks like Batgirl has her feet under her and with Barbra Gordon behind her, things are looking up - accept their taste in fashion by putting her back in the purple batgirl outfit. Booooooooooooooooo!
WEB OF SPIDER-MAN # 1 - Marvel Comics
The letter page, which is, of course, devoid of letters for the first issue, is written entirely by editor Stephen Wacker, who talks about the original Web of Spiderman book that debuted in 1985 and talks about how he found the book very hit or miss and it never really carved out its own identity... that's a great summary of Web of Spiderman #1, all right. Three random stories that don't relate to each other in any way - was this intentional? Guess Web is going to be for the hardcore Spiderman fan, and that's not us - so, we're done here. Sorry, Steve.
Star Wars Invasion #0 - Dark Horse Comics
Just has some interesting side stories about what happened right before the invasion of the Yuuzhan Vong, the Star Wars universe's version of holy warriors, who will kill in the name of god.
NOMAD: GIRL WITHOUT A WORLD # 2 OF 4 - Marvel Comics
Despite the bizarre ending of issue #1, we're pleased with issue 2 of Nomad. Hey - any time the Falcon shows up and Redwing sits on somebody's shoulder, it's a good time, right? The plot of this issue reminds us of The Third Wave, accept replace the Nazi thing with aliens. But the character development is interesting. We like Rikki Barnes very much, even if we're not thrilled with the plot. But Flag Smasher? Please, keep that guy on the shelf. He's totally lame.
GREEN ARROW AND BLACK CANARY #25 - DC Comics
As difficult as it can be to forgive DC for their rampant proper noun disorder (Green Arrow? Black Canary? Star City? Hang out with J. K. Rowling much? "He's a werewolf, and his name is Lupin! Get it? Lupin!"), but they sure know how to tell a story.
FABLES #89 - Vertigo Comics (DC Comics)
Sometimes you read comics about spandex clad super heroes... and sometimes you read comics where one of the flying monkeys from the Wizard of Oz outsmarts a genie into going back in his lamp. It's good stuff!
Red Herring #3 OF 6 - WildStorm Comics(DC Comics)
FYI, ladies - let the fellas take a leak in peace. Whatever you need to talk about, it can wait 2 minutes. Please. Wish we didn't miss the first two issues...
New Comic Books October 7, 2009
Be aware: the following contains spoilers!
CAPTAIN AMERICA: THEATER OF WAR: GHOSTS OF MY COUNTRY #1
Wow. This was really heavy handed and boring. A struggle to get through. Captain America isn't really in this issue at all. The whole Theater of War line has been a huge disapointment. It'll be really hard to not buy a comic book that says "Captain America" on the front, but we'll manage. We feel like we've been robbed... but dirtier. Like we had to watch Mickey Mouse rape Captain America or something...
DAREDEVIL #501
Daredevil is quickly becoming our favorite book. They really have ol' Matt Murdock flying off the handle these days, maybe more than he ever has. However, having just one little ol neighborhood answer to the man without fear sounds like a modest goal for a guy with a small army at his command. You think that guy is really dead? Nah, neither do we.
STRANGE TALES #2
This series is fun. We'll miss it when its gone. If you didn't get it when it was on the shelf, you'll have to wait for the TPB. We really liked the ads for Galactus - it sounds like working for Galactus has great benefits, including a premo health plan!
TORCH #2
This series is old school, and we're digging it - who remembers the last time The Mad Thinker was around? Crazy scientist bad guys are FUN!
BATMAN: UNSEEN #1 (OF 5)
This is starting to remind us of the Kevin Bacon movie. Not sure we're going to make it all the way through this series.
BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #34
When a Russian cop has second thoughts about setting up Batman, he runs into the square screaming something like, "no, no, the hit is off! don't shoot!" to which Batman replies, "Uhm, I'm Batman. I took care of your snipers... you know I'm Batman, right? I sneak up on you, jackass." This book is GOOD STUFF.
Star Wars Invasion #4
Classic Star Wars characters in a new, expanded setting based on the Star Wars novels and films. We're digging this so far, but we'll have to see where it goes. The conflict between Han Solo and his son Anakin over the death of Chewbacca (say it ain't so!) is very interesting so far.
The Incredibles #1
Jack-Jack has the flew and his snot seems to be giving regular people super powers. We're guessing the effects will turn out to be only temporary, like they loose their powers when the snot dries up or something... this is gross.
New Comic Books September 30, 2009
Be aware: the following contains spoilers!
Spiderman Clone Saga #1 Limited Series
In a rare occurrence, Marvel is coming out and saying, "Look, when we did this clone saga in Spiderman back in the day, we blew it - it could have been great, and it wasn't. Our bad. We're giving ourselves a do over." It's going all right so far - a little heavy on the melodrama, but what're ya gonna do? It's a Spiderman title.
Wolverine Weapon X #5
If you thought Logan was in a bad spot at the end of issue 4, well, that didn't end up being that big of a deal, huh? The teaser for next month's cover sure did generate some confusion, though.
Futurama Comics #45
It's a fantastic What If machine issue! Bender asks, "What if I ruled the world?" Leela asks, "What if I had a normal childhood?" Amy asks, "What if we were all stinking lobsters for a minute?" It's a good one, capturing all of the elements of the What If Machine television episodes but giving us a fun, new storyline. And Robot Devil as Vice President? Genius!
X Factor #49
This shiz just keeps getting heavier. You don't need a degree in quantum mechanics to read this book, but it helps. And as for the outrage over the Mets? We hear ya!
Star Wars Legacy #40
Pay no attention to the cover, this issue is character driven and well done. No mom vs son free for all.
Batman The Widening Gyre #2 Limited Series
All this issue did was generate more questions. But we admit it; Kevin Smith has us hooked.
Justice League of America #1
Lots of mini stories that never really develop. The central plot line takes a heavy, predictable, perhaps even unnecessary turn. We're not sure if we're sticking around to find out what happens.
Runaways #14
Isn't it a little cliche to have a character in a book called 'runaways' to get hit by a car? That Frog thing they drive around in is pretty trippy!
Mark Millar's Civil War is NOT an original idea
As we sit through the tediously slow Captain America: Reborn limited series, which will answer the question whether or not Captain America will be reborn - and from the title, we're guessing he will - we've been pondering the Civil War storyline that caused the death of Steve Rogers (aka Captain America) in the first place. If you read through Wikipedia's page on the Marvel Comics Civil War, you'll come face to face with a quote from the series' writer, Mark Millar. "I opted instead for making the superhero dilemma something a little different. People thought they were dangerous, but they did not want a ban. What they wanted was superheroes paid by the federal government like cops and open to the same kind of scrutiny. It was the perfect solution and nobody, as far as I'm aware, has done this before."
Hmph. Milar was born in 1969, so we know he didn't miss the 1980s and the Mutant Registration Act that ran through Marvel Comics as early as 1981, but came more to prevalence in 1984 and became a huge cross over event in 1987 and 1988. The recent X-Men movies have also delved into this storyline, which essentially required that all mutants register themselves with the federal government so they could know who was a mutant and what their powers were. Many mutants formed a group called 'The Resistance' and they often fought against other super powered heroes or the government.
So, while the specifics might be different, we're looking at essentially the same storyline, aren't we? But its really a combination of the Armor Wars storyline that ran through Iron Man and other titles at the same time as the MRA, during which Iron Man deactivated many suits of armor that his alter ego, Tony Stark, had placed into government or private hands, citing that the armor was too powerful if it fell into the wrong hands. When Iron Man destroyed the suits of the guardsmen at the prison for super powered criminals (called the vault), many escaped, and Steve Rogers came down against Stark for this and they fought. There were tensions in and between the super hero and mutant communities during this time too - it never really came to the head that the civil war did, but, it's pretty much the same thing. In the 80s, Rogers gave up being Captain America before things got really out of hand and the new Captain America often arrested mutants who were resisting the MRA, the way SHIELD was arresting super-powered beings who resisted the OTHER registration act.
This is a long winded way of saying that Millar's story isn't especially original, just an ultimate version of old story lines and they fake killed Steve Rogers and brought back Bucky Barnes (see below) in the process - two things that, while well executed, they probably shouldn't of done. While we're committing comic book sins, we'd like to pitch a Marvel-DC cross over event starring Batman and Spiderman's parents.
[Mark Millar quote attributed to "classic.newsarama.com - Civil War & Peace Of Mind with Mark Millar (Part 2)". http://classic.newsarama.com/marvelnew/millar/millar_2.html. Retrieved 2007-03-20.]
Captain America Reborn
In the time honored tradition of comic books, Marvel is bringing back one of the oldest characters in comics, Steve Rogers, aka Captain America. Captain America was created, along with a slue of other patriotic characters created in the 1940s, to fight the Nazi war machine on the funny papers. The first issue of Captain America featured him punching Hitler in the face, a clear indication of where the creative team of the book stood on the state of world affairs. The comic's popularity waned after the war and eventually ceased publication until the 1950s, when Captain America: Commie Smasher! debuted. Fans understand that in comic book lore that although the character in 'Commie Smasher' uses the name Steve Rogers, he is not in fact the same Steve Rogers that fought the Nazis, but instead a doppelganger who assumed the role of Captain America after the real Roger's disappearance in 1945. Commie Smasher ran for a few years, but it too eventually went to that big comic book store in the sky. Then, in the 1960s, Marvel put out the iconic Avengers #4, in which the true Captain America is found and returns to life as a man out of time, who is somewhat befuddled by mini skirts. Captain America was eventually given his own comic book when Tales of Suspense #99 gave way to Captain America #100. Accept for brief instances, the Rogers character has fought on as Captain America ever since, accept for a brief tenure as a New York City police officer and two other times when he took up the garbs of Nomad and The Captain. Eventually, the super soldier serum, or, the medical process that brought Steve Roger's body to the peak of human perfection, began to go stale and his body began to die slowly. Rogers was completely paralyzed, but was able to choose to spend his final days fighting on in a battle suit that enabled him to move. On his death bed, Rogers was rescued from facing mortality, ironically by his greatest and oldest enemy, the Red Skull, who, at the time, inhabited a body cloned from Rogers himself, who was therefore a perfect match for the complete fluid transition that brought Rogers back to his prime again. So, the story arc having run it's course, Rogers had, as it seemed, died a second time but found a way to come back. While this is not an unusual occurrence in comic books, some characters who have died in the Captain America series actually stayed dead. Or at they did for a few decades. Bucky Barnes, Captain America's version of Robin, died, or appeared to have died, at the end of World War II when Rogers went missing. Sharon Carter, Rogers love interest, secret agent and unofficial partner, was killed in the 1960s, but she returned when Rogers nearly died in the 1990s. When Rogers himself was cut down by assassin's bullets just recently, the fictional comic book world and the real world reacted. Comic book characters worked through their issues in a 5 issue mini series that dealt with the 5 stages of grief. Stephen Colbert retired Captain America's shield on the wall in his studio. Bucky Barnes, who had apparently cheated death 60 or so years ago, now assumed the mantle of Captain America and it appeared Rogers was really dead. But no, not so fast! Marvel is bringing Rogers back in a 5 part mini series, Captain America: Reborn. So, while we're glad that Steve Rogers is returning, as he's the one true Captain America, we do feel they are bastardizing one of the oldest, greatest titles. True, bringing people back from the dead is a comic book tradition, but then, Captain America had a nice tradition of its own in giving some real mortality to the series and its characters. And did they really need to bring back Dennis Dumphy, aka D-Man? Plus, Carter and Barnes's deaths were key elements to the Rogers' character's psychological make up. Anyway, please, Marvel, please - its important to not fake kill people, especially Steve Rogers. If he was really gone, that's rough, but we respected your decision. Now Rogers is back, and we're glad, and we understand comic books are violent melodrama, but stop screwing with us!
Media Reactions to the death of Captain America
Comic book movies dominate in '08
Between The Dark Knight, Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk, comic books are all over the place this summer.
Well, maybe not in comic book form, but it's out there. DC also has two stright to video releases, a Wonder
Woman feature and several Batman shorts called Gotham Knight. Why are comics so appealing to movie studios
right now? Fear.
Yep, the movie studios seem to be afraid of putting anything to original out there right now. Taking a big
leap on an original idea is just not in the cards these days - check out this summer's releases. There's not an original
idea in the bunch: aforementioned movies, Hell Boy 2, Indiana Jones 4, Sex and the City, and not to mention
the Brendon Fraiser contingent: The Mummy Tomb of the Dragon Emperor and Journey to the Center of the Earth.
So, comic books get to cash in this summer (next summer and beyond) as they continue to bring in the profits.
Who's to blame? Certainly not the Batman franchise - the sales went through the roof of comic book properties
after the first XMen hit big at the box office. It sure is fun to see our heros come to life, except when it
sucks... we're looking at you, Punisher. The sequel better be up to par.
