 |
|
|
|
COMIC REVIEWS FOR THE MONTH OF: MARCH 2009
|
|
|
|
BOOK OF THE MONTH |
|
|
|
"Great looking stuff, it’s nostalgic in feel but contemporary in approach."
|
|
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN EXTRA #2 |
REVIEW BY:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
Writer:
Dan Slott, Zeb Wells & Phil Jimenez |
Artist:
Phil Jimines, Paolo Rivera & more |
Publisher:
Marvel Comics |
Shipped On:
012809 |
MSRP:
$3.99
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
MARVEL'S SYNOPSIS: |
|
Even with three issues a month, there's plenty of Spidey's world
left to explore. Amazing Spider-Man Extra! is back to make sure you don't miss a
beat with three important stories that will affect Spidey's life in the month's
to come. Out of the pages of NEW WAYS TO DIE comes ANTI-VENOM in his first solo
adventure by Dan Slott! When ANTI-VENOM tries to take down a black market drug
ring, he comes face-to-face with MR. NEGATIVE...the man who is secretly Eddie
Brock's greatest friend. And maybe things aren't as black and white as they
seem. |
|
SWEET'S REVIEW: |
I know that there are a lot of people who have been unhappy with
the direction The Amazing Spiderman has taken over the course of the last year,
following the controversial ‘One More Day’ storyline by J. Michael Straczynski
and Marvel Editor-in-chief Joe Quesada. Well I’m not one of those people. I have
loved the adventures of Peter Parker, sans ball and chain, since ‘Brand New Day’
kicked off over a year ago, and while Marc Guggenheim’s ‘Character
Assassination’ arc plays out over in the main title, Marvel treats us to two
short stories in ‘The Amazing Spiderman: Extra’ #2 this month.
The first short is written by Dan Slott and illustrated by Chris Bachalo. It
centers around Eddie Brock, the newly-christened Anti-Venom, as he falls back
into a routine from his ‘Lethal Protector’ days, stalking alleyways in search of
miscreants to either assist or attack, depending on the situation, and
unfortunately for Mr. Negative, Eddie has his sights set on him!
I don’t know what it is about the Eddie/Venom characters that make people want
to write them as some sort of Shakespearian-style tragic-hero; kind of makes me
want to lash out violently in some sort of pitiful temper-tantrum, pulling the
hair from my head, shrieking at the top of my lungs “We’ve seen this before!
Remember ‘Funeral Pyre?!’ Remember ‘Lethal Protector?!’ There was an underground
city!” Anyway, Brock and Mr. Negative have a serious hate-on for Norman Osborn,
and when both make a move on an Oscorp truck carrying medication, they end up
butting heads as a result. Nothing Earth-shattering really happens as a result
of the scuffle, but there’s an interesting development at the end of this story,
once all the dust has settled. That’s one of the things I like most about the
new status quo, the way they develop characters and take advantage of these
specials to tell relevant stories that will affect overall continuity.
The second story is a bit tamer, written by Zeb Wells and beautifully rendered
by Paolo Rivera. Rivera’s style reminds me of Marcos Martin (for my dime, nobody
draws a better Spidey than Marcos Martin) which was a big draw for me. Wells
crafts a drinking-buddies story revolving around Spiderman, who doesn’t drink,
and his New Avengers teammate Wolverine, who probably could stand to cut back,
just a bit.
Under the idea something bad is about to happen, Spiderman meets Wolverine in a
snowy, New York alleyway. Wolvie is quite vague about what is really going on,
and even relaxes now that his pal has shown up. The two agree to wait in a local
tavern due to the chilly weather, and there’s some good-natured ribbing in
regard to Spiderman’s unwillingness to reveal his secret identity. The argument
regarding ‘Wolverine’s overall ability to drink alcohol, get drunk, and
experience a hangover vs. his healing factor kicking in, and processing the
alcohol before it could do any harm’ is fueled and fanned, but not resolved.
Then there’s a fight, and not a super-heroish fight either, but rather a dark
turn, virtually sucker-punching the reader’s attention into submission.
Spiderman is, however, able to quell Logan’s berserker rage through reason, and
before you know it the story is resolved, and a fair amount of respect is paid
to our friendly, neighborhood Spiderman.
Great looking stuff, it’s nostalgic in feel but contemporary in approach. I
enjoyed both of these Amazing Spiderman: Extra issues so far, despite the $3.99
price tag, but you do get two FULL-sized stories in each book, so it’s like I
got five issues of Amazing this month! |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
TRINITY #43 |
|
Writers:
Kurt Busiek & Fabian Nicieza
Artists:
Mark Bagley and Tom Derenick |
|
Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
|
Publisher:
DC Comics,
Shipped On:
032509
|
|
MSRP:
$2.99 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
DC'S
SYNOPSIS:
|
|
As the Dark Trinity's all-out war reaches fever
pitch, Krona rears his head with destructive consequences, and Superman, Batman
and Wonder Woman face a world that's changing all around them. Can they find a
way back from exile? And even if they can, does the world have any hope of
survival? Guest-starring everybody |
|
SWEET'S REVIEW:
|
Didn’t Kurt Busiek write critically-acclaimed
stories like “Astro City,” and “Avengers Forever”? That was a rhetorical
question. I already know he’s responsible for those stories, which makes his
appearance in the writing credits for this unreadable piece of garbage an even
harder pill to swallow.
DC’s experiment with weekly comics began with the mind-blowing series ‘52,’
which saw the return of the Monitors and the multiverse to the DCU; it was both
a success critically and creatively. Then came the disappointing ‘Countdown,’
which was supposed to lead directly into the ‘Final Crisis’ event, but failed to
deliver. Finally DC has gone back to the stables with an even bigger shovel;
only to deliver to readers a steaming crap-fest they’ve christened “Trinity.”
One can only imagine what pipe dream Dan DiDio sold to Busiek and Bagley that
would convince them to risk their professional careers for a chance to mutilate
everything DC’s other writers have managed to do with these characters over the
last few years. I hope this is all just a really bad dream, or an alternate
reality, maybe even homage to the old Elseworld's tales, but I’m sure DC will
just put some horrible Deus Ex Machina ending in there that quietly returns
everything to the status quo with limited effect on anything else going on.
Blah.
Bagley’s art looks like trash. You can tell that he’s rushing through his pages
to meet deadlines, and it baffles the mind why DC would head hunt a guy like
him, who went more than 100 issues on Ultimate Spiderman with no problems, and
doesn’t bother putting him on a monthly book starring a top tier character. Put
Mark Bagley on a monthly Green Arrow (or Red Arrow) book, and give Kurt Busiek
something to write other than this drek, and hurry! |
|
|
 |
|
MARVEL APES-SPEEDBALL |
|
Writer:
Karl Kesel
Artist:
Ramon Bachs |
|
Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
|
Publisher:
Marvel Comics,
Shipped On:
031109
|
|
MSRP:
$3.99 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
MARVEL'S
SYNOPSIS:
|
|
Bouncing out of the pages of the hit MARVEL APES
mini-series— it's the masked (monkey) marvel SPEEDBALL! Branded a traitor to the
entire Ape Universe, the simian superhero is now exiled, alienated, and alone on
a bizarre Planet of Humans! Can this monkey make it in Man’s World? It won’t be
easy when he has to take down the Red Ghost and his Super Apes, put up with the
irredeemable Ant-Man...and come face-to-face with the parents of the human
Speedball! PLUS: a super-strong gorilla in a Mexican wrestling mask? It can’t be
Speedball’s best friend, APE X...can it? It’s a super-simian smackdown in the
Mighty Marvel Monkey Manner, and more furry fun than humans should be allowed to
have— just ask any ape!" |
|
SWEET'S REVIEW:
|
At some point between Ultimate Universes and Zombie
Universes, Squadron Supreme Universes and New Universes, Marvel Editor-in-Chief
Joe Quesada figured out what the comic reading community really wants to
see…Monkey Superhero Universes! Yeah right.
(Try to keep up) So in the first mini-series Monkey Speedball follows The Gibbon
back from the Ape-verse to the 616 Marvel U, and registers with the Super Hero
Registration Act, thus enlisting in the Initiative. He’s not respected by his
commanding officers, he’s a prick to his friends, and his bodily hygiene is
constantly brought into question by his fellow cadets. He’s sent into the field
on a mission to contain a known associate of his, a friend and long time
brother-in-arms Ape X (whoopee!). On his way to intercept Ape X, Speedball runs
head long into Marvel’s original ‘Dr. Doolittle’, The Red Ghost and his three
super-powered apes (starting to pick up the theme?). Shenanigans ensue, and lots
of horrible monkey-puns are tossed about hither and yon in such a blithely
manner that I think I can never again find anything monkey-related funny in the
slightest. The whole story ends setting up a universe-crossing tale between the
Marvel Ape-U with a certain group of decomposing, super-zombies (oh yay).
The book tries to blend sentimentality with humor, and only succeeds as coming
off sappy and lame. The art is atrocious, to say I hate it would be too far
considering it’s a comic book about monkey superheroes (again I implore…why?),
but really, bleh, just bleh. There is a five page back-up involving Charles
Darwin, a sorcerer supreme, a Wong, and a monkey-Alicia Masters who gets punched
full-on in the face (snout? beak?).
And what is the deal with the interspecies romantic relationships that take
place in the Marvel U? Seriously, I mean, the ‘Howard the Duck’ was one thing,
that was the 70’s and Steve Gerber was a weirdo, but in this book we’re supposed
to be okay with watching a money and a human girl show their affection for one
another? I’m willing to suspend my disbelief at the talking monkey thing, but
he’s gotta get laid? I hope they’ve milk this idea for all its worth, so that
ten years from now I can laugh at everyone as they look back and complain about
buying it. |
|
|
 |
|
SKAAR SON OF HULK #9 |
|
Writer:
Greg Pak
Artist:
Ron Lim |
|
Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
|
Publisher:
Marvel Comics,
Shipped On:
032509
|
|
MSRP:
$2.99 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
MARVEL'S
SYNOPSIS:
|
|
Where the Hulk smashed, the Son of Hulk slaughters.
Where the Hulk found wisdom, the Son of Hulk knows only wrath. But can the
shining sojourner known as the Silver Surfer reveal the father to the son and
awaken the man within the monster? And can Skaar in turn thwart the Surfer from
leading his master Galactus to feast upon Planet Sakaar and its ancient Old
Power? Shocking revelations and terrifying twists await as Skaar and the Silver
Surfer face off one last time -- with the fate of billions in the balance! |
|
SWEET'S REVIEW:
|
I’ve been along for the ride ever since Greg Pak
took Hulk off Earth for the insanely awesome ‘Planet Hulk,’ which saw the savage
beast evolve into an even more savage war-chief, take a bride, and have his
dream of a peaceful life blown to bits by a traitor he mistook as the Marvel U’s
Illuminati. Then Pak took us to war, as Hulk and his Warbound invaded the island
of Manhattan, take revenge on who they thought was responsible, and ultimately
crumble from within. Now Pak has introduced us to Skaar, the son of the Hulk,
and his bride from the planet Sakaar, Caiera the Oldstrong.
Since then Skaar has grown to almost full adulthood, and there’s at least one
trait that he got straight from his old man, good, old-fashioned, unbridled
rage. Obviously the next chapter in this saga is the long rumored ‘Planet Skaar’
storyline in which Skaar finds his way to Earth, and confronts dear old dad face
to face, so this book, I suppose, is nothing really more than a means to an end;
Greg Pak never lets a reader feel that way while immersed in the story though.
You can see elements of Kubert, Lee, Silvestri, and even some Art Adams in Ron
Lim’s artwork, which makes it feel like we’ve known him forever. The characters
are expressive, and the action is pitch perfect; kudos to Cory Hamscher, this
issue’s inker for really bringing Ron’s art to life, without over doing it.
I get the feeling this is just another frame in the patchwork quilt that Greg
Pak has worked out for the Hulk family of titles. Even when allowing Jeph Loeb
to come in and stink up the new book by bringing in the Red Hulk gimmick, I
trust in Greg to deliver a solid epic story, even if it falters slightly along
the way.
I don’t know if its worth it to try and jump on in the middle of the arc, but I
hope more people get behind the upcoming stories that are sure to follow, if for
no other reason than to see the glorious return of the savage, blood-thirsty,
axe-wielding, war-monger side of Bruce Banner (and to end the mockery of a Hulk
title that Jeph Loeb is defecating every month). |
|
|
 |
|
BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL #1 |
|
Written & Drawn by:
Tony Daniel |
|
Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
|
Publisher:
DC Comics,
Shipped On:
031109
|
|
MSRP:
$3.99 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
DC'S
SYNOPSIS:
|
|
"Batman: R.I.P." and FINAL CRISIS saw the end of
Batman. Now, months following the disappearance of her protector, Gotham City
sits at a precipice and it may be too far gone for Nightwing, Robin,
Commissioner Gordon and the rest of the city's heroes to save the day. Amid the
fires, rioting, looting and gang warfare, one question rings out from the souls
of Gotham's desperate citizens: Where is Batman? |
|
SWEET'S REVIEW:
|
With the latest developments in the DC Universe
resulting in the disappearance of Gotham City’s caped crusader, Tony ‘The
Comeback Kid’ Daniel tackles both writing, and art chores in the debut issue of
this potentially status-quo-shattering mini series in search of a replacement.
The streets of Gotham City are overrun with crime as the Batman’s absence begins
to take its toll on everyone whose job, self appointed or otherwise, it is to
defend the average citizen. The story opens with the boy wonder, Robin, and
quickly takes a tour of the best and worse that Batman’s hometown has to offer.
Tony Daniel has written comics before (Image titles like “The Tenth,” not
anything Eisner worthy), but this is his big shot at a major character for one
of the Big Two, and it’s not a bad effort. There are some awesome developments
that, if allowed to play out, could result in an incredibly interesting era,
creatively speaking, seeing as how the books will be helmed by Grant Morrison
for the foreseeable future. Daniel does have some issues with characterization,
especially with Damian and the newly reunited (since when?) Birds of Prey, but
overall it reads like Batman is supposed to read.
More interesting is the growth of Dick, and Tim, Bat-protégés Nightwing and
Robin respectively. The battle, for the time being, or so it would seem, is a
personal one between the two, each a successor to the big man in their own way.
Dick is of the opinion that no one could possibly fill the void left by Batman’s
absence, but Tim is on the other side of the argument, believing the symbol
means more than the man. All the while, violence and malcontent reaches an
explosive boiling point when Black Mask succeeds in taking Batman’s third and
fourth-tier baddies in a bold (but not so new) direction.
One of the things that wasn’t touched on at all, and hardly every seems to
require anything more than a passing mention to quell complaining fans, is what
exactly does the public believe happened to Bruce Wayne, billionaire playboy and
metro-section mainstay? Of all the times Batman has gone into some kind of
exile, or imprisonment, or what have you, no one so much as bats an eye (no pun
intended) at this major coincidence?
Oh, and there’s an armor clad Batman with two big hand-cannons running around
merc’ing all sorts of scumbags and other unsavory characters throughout the
city’s seedy underbelly (and you can imagine how seedy of an underbelly Gotham
must have). Pick this book up, whether you’re a long time Bat-fan or a first
time reader. |
|
|
 |
|
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #31 |
|
Writer:
Dwayne McDuffie
Artist:
Shane Davis |
|
Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
|
Publisher:
DC Comics,
Shipped On:
032509
|
|
MSRP:
$2.99 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
DC'S
SYNOPSIS:
|
|
Death, destruction and betrayal! The fallout from
FINAL CRISIS leaves the Justice League of America on the brink of dissolution.
Black Canary faces her greatest test as she tries to hold her devastated team
together. Will those who remain be enough to save the world? |
|
SWEET'S REVIEW:
|
This is where I rant a bit, so just bear with me.
Why is it that when DC hopes to jazz up their titles, they pull the big three (Supes,
Bats, and Buns) out of play? Didn’t they just try this a couple years ago with
the whole One Year Later fiasco? What a joke.
The JLA are on the outs as Hal Jordan (the newly reborn silver-age Green
Lantern) is headhunting members of Black Canary’s team for one he’s developing
himself. Green Lantern, Green Arrow, The Atom, as well as a few others are
heading over to James Robinson’s mini-series in a few months, Red Arrow is
second guessing his ability to stay on the team when HawkGirl no longer has any
affection for him, and Superman and Wonder Woman have other obligations. The
only team left is John Stewart, Vixen, the female Dr. Light, Zatanna, and Black
Canary, which isn’t really much of a team if you ask me. So when the going gets
tough what do the JLA do kids? Quit. Ouch, way to hand out life lessons guys.
Whatever happened to a good old-fashioned membership drive?
Shane Davis is hit or miss with me, some of his panels are great but a lot of
his characters faces all look the same. I haven’t been interested in JLA since
McDuffie took over the reins from Brad Meltzer, it just seems like an episode of
Super Friends instead of the edgier stuff they were trying to do with the
characters.
As of late DC has been all about a return to Silver Age storytelling, I just
wish they could figure out something interesting to do with their characters
other than shipping them off-world (I’m not complaining too much about Batman,
R.I.P. was, more or less, a fantastic tale botched by scheduling conflicts and
shipping schedules, and ‘Battle for the Cowl’ is shaping up to be a worthy
follow up). I’m almost willing to take bets that ‘Blackest Night’ is bringing
everything back to status quo. |
|
|
 |
|
ASTONISHING TALES #2 |
|
Writers:
by C.B.Cebulski, Dan Goodbrey, Ted McKeever & Jonathan Hickman
Artists:
Kennet Rocafort, Lou Kang Ted
Mckeever & Nick Pitarra |
|
Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
|
Publisher:
Marvel Comics,
Shipped On:
031109
|
|
MSRP:
$3.99 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
MARVEL'S
SYNOPSIS:
|
|
Can the Punisher and Wolverine survive a round with
the ferocious Predator X--and who is the beast's sexy wrangler? Has Arno Stark,
the Iron Man of 2020, met his match in a band of hijack-happy sky-pirates? Will
M.O.D.O.K. make it through a meal without killing anyone in a superhero greasy
spoon? And are newbie directors Cannonball and Sunspot (of New Mutants) going to
make movie magic in the Mojoverse? All is revealed here! |
|
SWEET'S REVIEW:
|
One thing that Marvel Comics does better than any
other publisher is push short story digests featuring second, and third (and
fourth) tier characters. Astonishing Tales is the latest attempt, and gets the
ball rolling right away with a story written by C.B. Cebulski and illustrated by
Top Cow’s Kenneth Rocafort, starring Wolverine and Punisher, and I don’t think
they’re passing out hugs!
Hot on the heels of Viper (the leader of either Hydra, the Hand, or the Hell
Fire Club, depending on the writer) who happens to be purchasing biological
weapons to cause all sorts of trouble. The latest item on her list is none other
than Predator X. I hate how people tend to write The Punisher as some sort of
hot head, moron who would repeatedly fire his pistols at a metal monster, and
then gets his ass kicked by a girl. Wolverine just chews scenery until the
Punisher rushes Kimura (agent of the mysterious organization known as The
Facility…ooh) into the waiting jaws of Predator X, going along with her for the
ride. The story ends on that cliffhanger, so readers have to check out the next
issue to see what happens.
Next up was a story I just didn’t ‘get.’ Written by Daniel Mealin Goodbrey and
drawn by Lou Kang (not the Mortal Kombat guy), “Iron Man 2020” is just a stupid
premise, considering the fact that 2020 is only a scant 11 years away from now,
there’s nothing exciting or fantastic about it. Jessica Drew runs shield
AND has an eye patch (obviously a prerequisite to even being considered for the
job), Warren Worthington IV is a bird-person (birson?), and Iron Man doesn’t
show up at all. Alternate Reality (unintentional plug) stories can be cool, but
give them to us in context, don’t throw together a bunch of semi-nostalgic
malarkey (Madam Modoc, A.I.R., Atlanteans, Heliliners?) and vomit it all over
us, sweet talk us first, let us get to know the characters before the writer
lets us down.
Ted McKeever provides us with the next story starring the Mental Organism
Designed Only for Killing, or M.O.D.O.K., as he stops by Hero’s Diner for a
bite, and he sure has a blast (HA). This is a hilarious little story by a guy
you can count on to deliver both smart, witty writing and excellent visuals to
go along with it. The little boy at the end could teach Iron Man and Cap a thing
or two about how to combat a giant floating head with tiny arms and legs, that’s
for sure (I can’t believe they’ve never thought of that).
Jonathan Hickman closes out the book with another great bit featuring X-person's
Sam ‘Cannonball’ Guthrie, and Roberto ‘Sunspot’ Da Costa in “Bobby and Sam in
MojoWorld.” Basically Bobby and Sam are making movies for Mojo, and contract
negotiations aren’t exactly what you’d expect. A very ‘Bill and Ted’s Bogus
Journey’-ish series of contests are played in an attempt to one up each other,
carried all the way through with clever banter back and forth, almost giving it
that feeling of watching a classic comedy duo. Jonathan Hickman is proving
himself quite the versatile scribe and artist Nick Pitarra reminds me of Seth
Fisher, I’d love to see him get a crack at “Amazing Spiderman.”
I’m 50/50 on this one, two of the four tales weren’t that astonishing at all,
and the other two are short but hilarious takes on fan favorite, but little
known (outside of your LCS) characters, but it did succeed in piquing my
interest as far as seeing what else they have to offer. |
|
|
 |
|
MIGHTY AVENGERS #23 |
|
Writer:
Dan Slott
Artist:
Khoi Pham |
|
Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
|
Publisher:
Marvel Comics,
Shipped On:
032509
|
|
MSRP:
$2.99 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
MARVEL'S
SYNOPSIS:
|
|
EARTH'S MIGHTIEST: Part 3 (of 3)"The Last Knight on
Earth"-How can the Mighty Avengers save all of reality from one of their
greatest foes... when they can't even stop fighting each other? To survive their
first trial by fire, lines will be crossed, ideals will be compromised, and not
every hero will make the cut. You better read this issue of DARK REIGN, guys.
Why? Because this one's going to change the Marvel landscape! Literally! |
|
SWEET'S REVIEW:
|
The Brian Bendis era of Mighty Avengers came to a
close three months ago, and when fans heard writer Dan Slott (Avengers: The
Initiative, She-Hulk, The Thing) was going to be jumping behind the wheel there
was quite a bit of buzz regarding his plans to make this series the ‘Avengery’
Avengers title. Whether or not he succeeded is going to be debated on internet
message boards for weeks to come, as his first story arc draws to a close in
this month’s #23.
The dark god of chaos ChThon, using Quicksilver as his vessel, has virtually
destroyed the planet utilizing a magic ‘chaos wave’ to engulf the world and its
heroes in horrible plight after horrible plight. Wanda Maximoff, Quicksilver’s
sister, spent the first issue assembling a rather rag-tag grouping of former
Avengers (Hulk, Iron Man, U.S. Agent, and Jocasta), as well as some potential
new candidates (Stature, Vision, and Amadeus Cho), in hopes that this group of
Earth’s Mightiest Heroes (um, ok…*rolls eyes*) has what it takes to stop a
deity.
There’s some interesting character beats within this story, especially the ones
between Hank Pym, the newly christened Wasp following the death of his ex-wife,
and Tony Stark, whom it was revealed Hank Pym discovered was Iron Man before
anyone else did, waaaaaaaay back during one of their earliest adventures. A
pissing contest ensues, followed closely by a small mutiny by some of Pym’s
followers who chose instead to listen to Tony and try to physically dismantle
Wundagore Mountain, the source of ChThon’s power. Thank goodness for Amadeus
Cho! In case you haven’t been following the totally awesome Incredible Hercules,
Cho is the 8th (or 9th) smartest person on the planet, and it’s his insight,
however off-hand it may have been at the time, which inspires The Wasp’s plan to
use science to overcome magic.
By the end of the issue readers will have a solid idea of who is going to make
up the team and how they’re perceived by the rest of the Marvel U, which is
pretty cool. Also, Slott manages to throw in a twist from out of no where that
could have a HUGE impact on the direction of this book.
Overall this was a solid first arc; there was nothing mind-blowing that raised
the bar for all Avengers comics to come, but it did provide a cool story and
involved some characters that really should be included in the Avenger’s
universe (Hercules, U.S. Agent). I anxiously await the next arc, and I must say
(despite the fact that I believe Bendis’ New Avengers are much more contemporary
and relatable) Dan Slott sure can write superhero action in a big way. The art
by Khoi Pham felt forced and rushed in places, but I made that same comment
about David Finch’s art in Ultimatum, then I noticed the two shared Danny Miki
as inkers and I’m curious if he’s more to blame than the penciler's |
|
|
 |
|
the AMAZON #1 |
|
Writers:
Steven T. Seagle
Artist:
Tim Sale
|
|
Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
|
Publisher:
Dark Horse Comics,
Shipped On:
031109
|
|
MSRP:
$3.50 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
DARK HORSE'S
SYNOPSIS:
|
|
Twenty years to the month after its original Comico
publication, Dark Horse is proud to re-present The Amazon, some of the earliest
work from acclaimed writer Steven T. Seagle and superstar artist Tim Sale! The
Amazon Jungle is among the most ancient and biologically diverse places on
earth, but it's being plundered for its resources and destroyed at a rate of
thousands of acres a day. Reporter Malcolm Hillard travels to this remote land
of mystery to investigate the disappearance of an American worker and sabotage
at a timber site. Locals tell him it is the work of spirits of the Amazon, but
Malcolm doesn't believe in anything like that-until he sees something he can't
explain deep in the jungle. This re-mastered edition has been scanned from Tim
Sale's original artwork and re-colored by Matt Hollingsworth, with a new cover
by Sale and Dave Stewart! |
|
SWEET'S REVIEW:
|
Many years ago (I’m talking decades), a young,
idealistic pair of creators came together in hopes of changing the world for the
better, very much like the characters they read about in comics when they were
children. Together they crafted a story about the threat of deforestation in the
Amazon Rainforest, jadedly believing that people around the globe would read the
book and cry out against the timber barons, the strip miners, the corporations,
and the missionaries who all rape and pillage the land, and culture for their
own benefit. Not surprisingly, however, in this throw-away culture we fondly
refer to as Americana, their message fell on deaf ears. The book was a
commercial failure, and eventually fell by the wayside, only to be picked up
years later (still talking decades) by Dark Horse Comics.
Newly re-released with a brand new painted cover by original series artist Tim
Sale, ‘The Amazon’ is a tale of ecological responsibility told through the eyes
of a reporter, sent to investigate the suspicious circumstances surrounding the
disappearance of a logger in the middle of the jungle, as well as rumors that a
spirit of the jungle has been spotted on more than one occasion. The use of a
double narrative, one being the reporter’s story he filed with his publisher,
and the other, his own personal journal, gives the reader a look on both sides
of the fine line a journalist must strictly adhere to when reporting
objectively. He’s treated to the usual bureaucratic banter from employees whose
company it is he’s there to investigate, ‘nothing out of the ordinary,’ “no
spirits,’ ‘the missing employee couldn’t possibly be behind the sabotage,’ and
other things of that nature. Ex-workers in local pubs are more friendly and
anxious to tell their stories, and when our reporter friend finally spots “the
spirit of the Amazon, Tanando,” near the work site, he’s thrown for quite a
loop.
The art by Sale is spectacular, even though it’s hardly anything like what we’re
used to seeing from him today. Steven T. Seagle’s story, despite its age doesn’t
feel dated or nostalgic, and overall he crafts an original comic book that even
my girlfriend is anxious to continue reading (and she doesn’t like comics). It
seems everyone missed out on this gem the first time it came around, I’m really
hoping that more people pick it up this go-round so it gains the recognition it
deserves. |
|
|
 |
|
STINGERS #1 |
|
Writers:
Joe Brusha & Ralph Tedesco
Artist:
Wagner Reis |
|
Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
|
Publisher:
Zenescope Comics,
Shipped On:
031809
|
|
MSRP:
$3.99 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
ZENESCOPE'S
SYNOPSIS:
|
|
They needed a new planet in order to survive. They
just found us! Brian "Hawk" Hawkins is an Atlantic City bounty hunter and he's
fed up with the world and everyone in it. But as he tracks his latest bail
jumpers to a small New Jersey town he finds much more than what he bargained
for. Now Hawkins must make the decision to flee town or to stay put and fight to
save the one thing he can no longer stand - Humanity! Do not miss The first
issue of the supernatural action mini-series that combines the tone of 28 Days
Later with the intensity of Aliens. They're coming for you! |
|
SWEET'S REVIEW:
|
From the publishers who’ve brought us such
instant-classics such as ‘Grimm Fairy Tales,’ ‘1001 Arabian Knights,’ as well as
the cheesecake laden Pirate-trash comic ‘No Quarter,’ debuts a worn out Sci-Fi
cliché we’ve seen done to death (and since this is comics it’s probably been
resurrected and then killed again).
An alien race way more advanced than our own is in danger, their planet is
dying, and their only hope rests on Earth (cue tense music…now). Enter the cool
bounty hunter/anti-hero named…get this…Hawk. That’s it, Hawk (how cool is
that?!). While Hawk (every time I say it I want to giggle) is chasing down a
pedo-rapist that tried to skip bail on his boss, the aliens make their way to
our planet, crashing right into the Atlantic Ocean. Enter the ridiculously
attractive, over-confident in her role, bad-ass lady sheriff (Okay…Whatever). As
far as I can tell she’s there for no other reason than to let readers know she
exists, which they did by putting her on the cover. Meanwhile, Hawk is anxious
to complete one last job before getting out of the business of scumbag chasing
(did I mention the motivations were as clichéd as everything else in this book?)
Oh, and as it turns out the guys Hawk needs to track down before he can retire
just so happen to be the very people who first encounter the alien intruders (no
that doesn’t sound the least bit contrived to me, does it?).
Aye, aye, aye, this book is so horrible it boggles the mind as to how anyone
thought it was going to be good enough to publish. There isn’t a single page of
readable dialogue; the art is reminiscent a poor man’s Brian Hitch, and a very
poor man at that. Overall it’s a crappy comic, and I’ve read crappy comics
before (I grew up in the 90’s after all), but at this point why even spend money
that would be better off being lit on fire, or flushed down the commode. Skip
this book at all costs. |
|
|
 |
|
ACTION COMICS #875 |
|
Writer:
Greg Rucka
Artist:
Eddy Barrows |
|
Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
|
Publisher:
DC
Comics,
Shipped On:
031109
|
|
MSRP:
$2.99 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
DC'S SYNOPSIS:
|
|
To give the full details of this story would spoil
the dramatic finale of the "New Krypton" crossover, and we don't want to do
that! Suffice to say, a "World Without Superman" is a very dangerous place,
indeed, and the only thing standing between the good (and not so good) folks of
Earth and an impending shadow of doom are the all-new Nightwing and Flamebird!
Eisner Award-winning writer Greg Rucka (FINAL CRISIS: REVELATIONS) teams with
rising star Eddy Barrows (TEEN TITANS) to kick off a bold new era for ACTION
COMICS! |
|
SWEET'S REVIEW:
|
Not since the landmark ‘Death of Superman’ story
line from almost a million years ago have I read an issue of ‘Action Comics’
that wasn’t starring Superman, that is until DC comics decided to send two of
their “big three” into some twisted form of temporary exile, resulting in
whatever it is that happened to Batman, as well as Superman journeying
off-planet to do the intergalactic thing.
Enter Nightwing and Flamebird, and no I don’t mean the Nightwing and Flamebird
that Superman and Jimmy Olsen pretended to be in the bottle city of Kandor, and
no, I don’t mean Nightwing as in Dick Grayson, he’s busy over in the Bat-titles.
So, it begs the question, just who are these two stand-in heroes and what do
they have planned for an Earth without a Superman? Well, for starters they’re
hunting down Kryptonian sleeper agents planted on Earth by General Zod, and
imprisoning them in the Phantom Zone, and by about eight pages in they’re able
to scratch the first name off of their list. Due to tension being at an all time
high between Earthlings and Kryptonians, public displays of that kind of power
raises eyebrows amongst the media, as well as militaries representing both
races.
The identities of Nightwing and Flamebird are both revealed in this issue and I
can’t tell you much more without giving some pretty big things away, but I will
tell you that the characters have both been seen before. More importantly, the
way they’re brought together and the mission they’ve set out to accomplish makes
sense.
It’s a very fun time to be a DC universe fan right now. New directions bring new
characters; and new challenges for old favorites. This story fits in with the
bigger, epic New Krypton storyline (Shield symbol 17 as a matter of fact), so if
you’ve been following that, it’s an obvious choice, but in case you haven’t (as
I haven’t) you can pick it up and become acquainted with two new heroes and
their adventures |
|
|
 |
|
ULTIMATUM #3 |
|
Writer:
Jeph Loeb
Artist:
Davd Finch |
|
Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
|
Publisher:
Marvel
Comics,
Shipped On:
031809
|
|
MSRP:
$3.99 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
MARVEL'S SYNOPSIS:
|
|
The saga that will change the Ultimate Universe
continues! What is Magneto's true plan? Can he be stopped before all the heroes
die? And in the end, what fate is in store for The Fantastic Four? The Ultimates?
Even Spider-Man? Shock follows shock from the Emmy-nominated, Eisner-award
winning writer Jeph Loeb and superstar artist David Finch! Note to readers: The
events in this book PRECEDE the events of Ultimate X-Men # 100. |
|
SWEET'S REVIEW:
|
So Jeph Loeb set his sights on the Ultimate
Universe, and unleashed his own special version of Armageddon two months ago,
the results of which are still being dealt with by every player in the Ultimate
cast, major or otherwise. A handful of mutants, a couple Ultimates, scores of
villains and millions of civilians are all dead, and the man responsible for it
all, Magneto, is resting comfortably in his citadel above the Arctic Circle.
Hawkeye, Hank Pym, and the rest of the Ultimates take on legions of Multiple Men
in New York City, where Yellow Jacket gets revenge for Blob’s vicious attack on
his ex-wife, the Wasp, however I’m sure it left a bad taste in his mouth.
Meanwhile, the X-Men seek out the drowned bodies of some of their closest
friends. Since it’s the X-Men there’s tons of angst, like some WB network
special, as Angel swears vengeance against the master of magnetism (as if the
guy with wings is capable of taking the guy who can strip the metal from
Wolverine’s bones…pffft), and THEN they find out their mentor is dead (ouch).
Captain America and Thor fight for Valkyrie’s soul in Valhalla against the
undead armies of Hela, but even in victory manage to find only loss, as the
rules of the game change, and only two of the three are allowed to leave.
This issue signifies the halfway point of the universe-spanning, semi-epic,
restart button that Loeb has his finger on, and I feel none the wiser as to what
Magneto proposes to do with the world once he reshapes it in his image. He blabs
on and on about a brutal old testament God, flooding the world, and sparing only
those he saw as loyal to him, but other than the rhetoric there isn’t any
substance to his cause. The body count is getting pretty high, but there doesn’t
seem to be any rhyme or reason to who lives and whose head is on the chopping
block. I know they’re restructuring the titles when they change the format from
Ultimate to Ultimate Comics (ooooooh…sigh), but I’m not sure they have it all
mapped out as well as they’ve led us to believe.
Does anyone else remember David Finch’s interiors looking as bad as they do on
this issue? His covers are still fantastic, but it seems like his quality has
had a bit of a back slide since the last time he penciled a series.
Nevertheless I’m anxious to see how everything plays out. I’ve been a fan of the
Ultimate line of titles for a while, but I also belong to a very vocal group of
people who believe they’ve lost their way as of late. As long as all this chaos
is brought to a head in an interesting way, moving the universe and its
characters forward without rehashing the 616 stuff too much, then I’ll try not
to complain too much during the ride. |
|
|
 |
|
SUPER-HUMAN RESOURCES #1 |
|
Writer:
Ken Marcus
Artist:
Justin Bleep |
|
Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
|
Publisher:
Ape Entertainment
Shipped On:
031109
|
|
MSRP:
$3.50 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
APE'S
SYNOPSIS:
|
|
Tim joins the HR department of the world's greatest
super-team. Let's hope that he survives the experience! (Because, um, he might
not... just saying.) |
|
SWEET'S REVIEW:
|
So a majority of comic books revolve around super
heroes doing battle against super villains; utilizing expensive gadgetry funded
by seemingly unlimited resources at their disposal, and never quite dealing with
the repercussions of their actions, or at the very least, the paper work. Ape
Entertainment (never heard of it? It’s ok, me either) offers us the debut issue
of Super Human Resources, a four issue mini-series taking a look at all the
little people who work behind the scenes in your favorite funny books, and never
getting any credit.
Ken Marcus crafts a funny story revolving around Tim, a ‘Temps-r-Us’ employee
assigned a job at Super Crises International, the corporate headquarters for The
Mighty Super Hero Squad. Along with several nods (‘wink, wink; say no more’) to
both Marvel and DC fan-favorites, Marcus is able to parody comic books and comic
book fans in a way that’s not offensive, but still funny. Its success comes from
the subtle way some of the scenes are layered, with jokes constantly coming at
you, but never too in-your-face, or beaten into the ground to a point of feeling
played out. The art is phenomenal. I love a great cartoon style when the story
and subject matter calls for it, and this does. I don’t know if I’d want to see
Justin Bleep drawing something like ‘The Authority,’ but I’d love to see him do
something with the X-Babies, or maybe the Tiny Titans.
By the end of the first issue we’ve been whisked around the office, given the
same tour as Tim, and by the end we’re let in on a little secret, something is
rotten in Super Crises International. Pick up ‘Super Human Resources’ for a
hilarious take on what could easily be going on behind the scenes of your
favorite comic book super team. |
|
|
 |
|
KILLER OF DEMONS #1 |
|
Writer:
Chris Yost
Artist:
Scott Wegener |
|
Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
|
Publisher:
Image
Comics,
Shipped On:
031809
|
|
MSRP:
$3.99 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
IMAGE'S SYNOPSIS:
|
|
Hell has invaded Earth, and only one man can stop
it... junior account executive Dave Sloan, aka the Killer of Demons! With an
angel at his side, Dave can see the demons that have infiltrated our world...
and they all have to die! But these 'demons' are mostly Dave's co-workers at the
office or people that annoy Dave in some way, leading him to believe that he's
gone totally insane. Or has he? Now Dave must fight to survive and find out the
truth... is he a whacked out mass murderer, or the last hope the world has
against the forces of Hell? |
|
SWEET'S REVIEW:
|
Okay, every so often I come across a cool little
creator-owned comic that doesn’t get that much buzz, even though it may deserve
it. “Killer of Demons” is what that crap T.V. show ‘Reaper’ could only dream of
being. A smart little independent title from current X-scribe Chris Yost, ‘KoD’
quickly became my favorite pull of the week.
Four months ago, Dave Sloan was approached by the angel Uriel, and was given
‘the vision,’ or the the ability to see through the guise demons use when hiding
out amongst us humans. Ever since then Dave has been pulling double duty, when
he isn’t working in his cramped cubicle at a job he hates, he’s out slaying as
many evil demons as he can get his hands on.
Strip clubs, the office, yes, even the sanctity of White Castle doesn’t seem to
be safe from deceitful demons who live secretly among the sheep-like humans, who
follow every fashion trend, and listen carefully to directions given to them in
advertisements. Humans seem to listen to demons’ suggestions as well, usually
quenching their thirst for blood and senseless violence by committing horrendous
acts against those we care about. This is where Dave comes in, usually too late
to protect any human lives from being lost, but when it comes down to killing
the bad guys, no one seems to get the job done like him.
Chris Yost is solid gold here; more adult (obviously) and more witty than
anything he’s done for Marvel (namely New X-Men, which I love), and yet reserved
enough to know where to draw the line, I mean not everyone has to be Garth
Ennis. Scott Wegener’s artwork is to be applauded, he’s pretty in places, and
yet gritty enough in others to remind you that this book isn’t all fun and
games. His characters are expressive and emotive; dirt bags look like dirt bags,
Dave’s lack of interest in either of his dual lives is equally moving. It brings
to mind something Eduardo Risso might do if he began working for Cartoon Network
instead of Vertigo.
I’m not only going to recommend this book, I’m imploring everyone to pick up a
copy of “Killer of Demons” on your next visit to the store. This is a great
effort that needs more attention and support from fans who complain about the
lack of originality in comics today. |
|
|
 |
|
BATMAN #686 |
|
Writer:
Neil Gaiman
Artist:
Andy Kubert & Scott Williams |
|
Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
|
Publisher:
DC
Comics,
Shipped On:
021109
|
|
MSRP:
$3.99 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
DC'S
SYNOPSIS:
|
|
"Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?" part 1 of
2! Best-selling author Neil Gaiman (THE SANDMAN) and superstar artist Andy
Kubert (BATMAN, Marvel 1602) join forces for a special 2-part BATMAN event!
"Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader" is a captivating and mysterious tale
the likes of which Batman and friends have never experienced before. Delving
into the realms of life, death and the afterlife, Gaiman leaves no stone
unturned as he explores every facet and era of Bruce Wayne's life. |
|
SWEET'S REVIEW:
|
Acclaimed scribe Neil Gaiman’s two-part, “Whatever
happened to the Caped Crusader?” storyline starts here, and he’s covering lots
of ground! There’s a very surreal feel to this issue. From the first page to the
very last, Gaiman weaves a mixture of the mysterious and the unbelievable into a
web of Batman mythology so dense that readers practically need a chainsaw to
separate Bob Kane’s original contributions from Grant Morrison’s twisted take on
classic characters. Frank Miller’s grime and grit is in there too, as is Dick
Sprang’s square jawed 50’s icon. Elements of the early films, and animated
series sprinkled sparingly through out seem to keep a deep, and philosophically
challenging tale grounded; humorous despite the grim subject matter. There’s
stuff that will remind you of characters you haven’t seen in ages, and some that
we hope we never have to bear again.
Opening with Selina Kyle, driving a Cat-Mobile no less, as she arrives at a
shady, back alley entrance to a run down, hole-in-the-wall where the viewing of
the Batman’s body is being held in a back room. The crowd is a rather eclectic
mix of characters both friend and foe, mingling and sharing stories of their
encounters with the Dark Knight. From this point the story branches out into two
smaller retellings of the Batman’s death, one by Catwoman, and the other by
Bruce Wayne’s faithful butler, Alfred Pennyworth.
Both stories have an out-there feeling, where everything is almost the way it
should be, but not just quite. Presenting an existential look at Batman, Gaiman
and Kubert craft a classically inspired, new-school take on old-school
storytelling. This book reminded me of the silver-age Batman/Superman 80-page
specials, which makes sense considering the theme. The Catwoman story was
alright, nothing about it was out of this world, but what really got my
attention was the second story-within-a-story entitled “The Gentleman’s
Gentleman’s Tale.” This is a take on the Batman lore that I haven’t been exposed
to before, inspired in its simplicity and still dark, depressing, and twisted,
which is what I’ve come to expect from anything Bat-related. |
|
|
 |
|
AZRAEL DEATH'S DARK KNIGHT #1 |
|
Writer:
Fabian Nicieza
Artist:
Frazer Irving |
|
Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
|
Publisher:
DC
Comics,
Shipped On:
031809
|
|
MSRP:
$2.99 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
DC'S
SYNOPSIS:
|
|
He was a husband and a father. A brother and a
friend. A cop and a dark knight. But he had all that taken away. And in return,
he was given a suit of sorrows, a quest for redemption and a new name. He is
Azrael, avenging angel for the Order of Purity and a new protector for Gotham
City's troubled times. But who will protect the citizens from him?
Guest-starring Robin, Nightwing, Talia and the League of Assassins, this
miniseries runs alongside BATTLE FOR THE COWL and features the dramatic presence
of a strangely familiar, troubled hero with two things on his mind: crazed
vengeance for the wrongs he has suffered and salvation for the sins he continues
to commit! |
|
SWEET'S REVIEW:
|
Seems like every time Batman/Bruce Wayne gives up
the old cape & tights some guy named Azrael shows up thinking he’s the rightful
heir to the title. Didn’t Jean Paul Valley learn anything the last time he went
up against Bruce’s boys? Right off the bat we learn that it may not be the
ex-Batman running around as the flaming-sword wielding Angel of Vengeance.
Building from Grant Morrison’s mind-blowing run, ex-GCPD Patrolman Michael
Washington Lane is one of the three replacement Batmen trained to take over the
mantel in case the Dark Knight were to fall in battle. Y’see, Lane is a
disgraced star athlete, a marine who served two tours of duty in Iraq, and could
easily be labeled ‘damaged goods,’ just like the Batman himself, due to losing
his wife, child, brother, and sister to horrific events. A twist of fate leads
Lane to a confessional inside a church secretly operated by the Order of St.
Dumas, claiming to have had a hand in killing Batman. It’s that very provocative
claim that puts him in the running for the Suit of Sorrows and the Sword of Sin,
as well as the title of Azrael. The Order of St. Dumas isn’t the only group who
claims to own the Suit of Sorrows though; Talia Al Ghul had come across the
suit, and passed it on as a gift to her lover/rival Bruce Wayne. When she
discovers the suit has been stolen she sends a vile looking group of ruffians to
retrieve it. They manage to track down the suit just as its being presented to
Lane for the first time, leading to quite a scuffle, and a cliffhanger ending
which may lead readers to ask “Are we going to see a newer new Azrael by next
issue?”
I’ve never been a Fabian Nicieza fan, even back when he wrote X-titles for
Marvel, but this story works, maybe the old dog still does have some tricks left
in him after all. The artwork is amazing; I will absolutely be looking for more
work from Frazer Irving in the future. For a title I wasn’t sure about getting
(despite the Battle for the Cowl banner), I was pleasantly surprised by the
result. I don’t think we have to worry about seeing this guy in a bat suit any
time soon, but it’s a fun little corner of the Bat-universe that hasn’t been
explored lately. |
|
|
 |
|
INCOGNITO #2 |
|
Writer:
Ed Brubaker
Artist:
Sean Phillips |
|
Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
|
Publisher:
Marvel/Icon
Comics,
Shipped On:
021109
|
|
MSRP:
$3.50 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
MARVEL/ICON'S
SYNOPSIS:
|
|
The team that's won every MAJOR AWARD in comics
continues the most twisted super-villain story ever told! Meet the Black Death.
Five years ago someone ratted-out this super-powered crime lord and he's been
doing hard time ever since. So, what will he do when he finds out an old
henchman who's supposed to be DEAD has been living in Witness Protection all
this time? Hint - He's going to kill a lot of people. |
|
SWEET'S REVIEW:
|
Incognito #2 continues the story of Zack Overkill,
ex-super villain and current office file clerk, as he rediscovers his abilities
and his love of living on the wild side. This issue introduces us to The Black
Death, Zack’s former boss, who is rotting in the clink because of the testimony
that Zack delivered against him and his organization. There’s a very interesting
dual conversation that goes on between The Black Death and his attorney, letting
the reader know how someone in the can is still able to run a criminal empire.
We’re also given a little more background into the death of Zack’s brother,
explaining his motivation to turn his life around.
I can’t even begin to describe how much I like this series. Brubaker and
Phillips seem to have mastered the ability to take rotten bastards and make then
relatable, I mean I’ve seen Superman proposition by women he’s saved, but I’ve
never seen him take any of them up on it. Well, Zack certainly isn’t Superman,
and his only pal, whom we’re also introduced to in this issue, is no Jimmy
Olsen, and by the end it’s unclear whether he’s a friend of Zack’s or something
else. I loved the first issue of this series, and the second issue delivered
just as much if not more of the same attitude and intrigue that makes us love
the guys we’re supposed to hate, as long as Ed Brubaker is at the helm, and Sean
Phillips is delivering the goods. |
|
|
 |
|
TOP COW SPRING 2009 PREVIEW BOOK
MILO VENTIMIGLIA PRESENTS BERSERKER #0 |
|
Writers:
Milo Ventimiglia & Rick Loverd
Artist:
Jeremy Haun |
|
Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
|
Publisher:
Top Cow
Comics,
Shipped On:
021109
|
|
MSRP:
$2.99 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
TOP COW'S
SYNOPSIS:
|
|
Get a sneak peek at some of the exciting new
projects coming from Top Cow in 2009! This Preview Book features an original
Berserker story, the new comic series produced by "Heroes" star Milo Ventimiglia
and his DiVide Pictures partner, Russ Cundiff. Created by screenwriter Rick
Loverd, the story combines elements of superheroes with Norse mythology and
weaves in the very human themes of self-worth, courage and determination. Throw
in some bone-crushing violence and punch-in-the-mouth action and you've got a
recipe for a great Top Cow book! That's just the beginning! Also in this Preview
Book is an exciting glimpse at a diverse mix of other projects coming from Top
Cow in 2009. You don't want to miss it! |
|
SWEET'S REVIEW:
|
Top Cow Comics and ‘Heroes’ star Milo Ventimiglia
present ‘Berzerker,’ a twisted take on a Nordic legend. Written by Rick Loverd
with art chores provided by Jeremy Haun, this preview issue lets us peak into a
private session between Farris Jorn, a soldier dealing with PTSD, and his
psychologist, as they explore techniques in memory retrieval. In an attempt to
regain some lost moments in his war time experience the doctor hypnotizes
Farris, who is quickly taken back to a time he was held captive by extremists in
Afghanistan.
Lots of blood, guts, and foul language can be found in only an eight-page story,
which is either very good for the upcoming series, or very dooming. I, for one,
am a huge fan of horrific, graphic violence in comics as long as it comes with a
purpose, and the two page interview with the creative team, after the story,
promises that there is plenty of purpose and mythology to these characters and
their madness.
After reading the preview issue I’ll probably be picking up the first full
issue, if the price tag is fair. After only eight pages of actual story I almost
cringed when I saw the $2.99 price tag for this book, when more than half of its
volume is in-house ads, and interviews about upcoming books other than ‘Berzerker.’
The Dale Keown cover is pretty cool, reminiscent of his Darkness and Pitt
characters, just more of the same stuff he draws over and over again (to me at
least). I’m interested to see if the Cow can follow through on their pledge to
make 2009 a year without any $3.99 regular issues, if that’s the case I’ll keep
‘Berzerker’ on my pull list, if not, well, I just might go…nah…just kidding. |
|
|
 |
|
ULTIMATE X-MEN #100 |
|
Writer:
Aron E. Coleite
Artist:
Mark Brooks |
|
Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
|
Publisher:
Marvel
Comics,
Shipped On:
031809
|
|
MSRP:
$3.99 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
MARVEL'S SYNOPSIS:
|
|
SERIES FINALE! Ultimatum tie-in! Xavier's School for
Gifted Students was a sanctuary for young mutants...but in the wake of
Ultimatum, it's starting to look more like a graveyard. Don't miss this
groundbreaking series' final issue as the scattered X-Men pull together to stand
united in the face of extinction! |
|
SWEET'S REVIEW:
|
Ultimately it’s the end of an era for the line of
Marvel titles that debuted nearly 10 years ago as Jeph Loeb’s mega-event,
‘Ultimatum,’ continues wreaking havoc throughout the Ultimate Universe.
Everyone is more or less aware that the original plan for the Ultimate U. was
that characters and stories wouldn’t have to be pigeonholed by 40+ years of
continuity, freeing up creators to tell newer, fresher stories than ever before.
Over time, however, creators began to rely heavily on pre-established Marvel
canon, while just inserting minor twists and tweaks to tales already told (and
retold). That’s how the Ultimate Universe became the re-hash spectacular
universe, and that’s why Joe Quesada decided to let Jeph Loeb flood the whole
damn thing.
In no book have the actions of Magneto, everyone’s favorite purple helmet
wearing mutant menace, been felt more severely than that of his arch-enemies the
Ultimate X-Men. Already dead are the Beast, Nightcrawler, the Dazzler, and Prof.
X., with plenty more on the way, I mean, this IS the last issue of the series,
after all.
Magneto has recruited ‘The Multiple Man, Jamie Madrox’ as a reusable human bomb,
sending him after numerous threats to his cause, all at the same time. Britain’s
House of Parliament, Emma Frost’s School of Tomorrow in Chicago, the Morlock
tunnels beneath Manhattan, even the Savage Land is not safe from Magneto’s rage.
The X-Men split into three groups to take on as many Multiple Men as possible,
which is a seemingly insurmountable task, considering every time you hit one he
creates a duplicate of himself, but it is a comic book, and an X-Men comic at
that, so there’s no better way to solve a problem than with violence, and
there’s a lot of it.
Overall the issue feels quite forced, with Aron Coleite’s grasp of
conversational dialogue ranking somewhere right around ‘T.V. sitcom’ in terms of
believability. The plot and dialogue feel like I’m reading a ‘Hero’s Reborn’-era
Marvel title, as opposed to the edgy, new-school stuff I’ve become accustomed
to, thanks to writers like Ellis, Bendis, Brubaker, Fraction, Morrison (yeah I
know he’s a DC guy now), Pak, and others.
Can’t forget to mention Mark Brooks (whose art I’m not particularly a fan of),
who’s pencils seem phoned-in at best. I mean there are good panels in there
somewhere, but not a lot of them.
I’ve always been all about moving characters forward, without forgetting where
they came from, but I can’t say I’m too moved by the changes they’re attempting
in the Ultimate line of comics as of late. Maybe it’s the whole thing that’s
gotten a little stale, and that’s their justification for the reboot, maybe not,
but I am in favor of seeing what Mr. Loeb and Mr. Quesada have planned for this
pocket of the Marvel Multiverse, even if I have to sift through some crap to get
there. |
|
|
 |
|
SUPERGIRL #39 |
|
Writer:
Sterling Gates
Artist:
Jamal Igle & Talent Caldwell |
|
Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
|
Publisher:
DC Comics,
Shipped On:
031809
|
|
MSRP:
$2.99 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
DC'S SYNOPSIS:
|
|
"Who is Superwoman?" part 3! Supergirl continues her
manhunt for Reactron, determined to bring him to justice for the heinous crimes
he committed in "New Krypton"! Meanwhile, Lois Lane and Inspector Mike Henderson
investigate the appearance of a dead body in Metropolis Harbor. Whose body is it
and what could it have to do with the new Woman of Steel? Find out as the big
mystery of 2009 continues! |
|
SWEET'S REVIEW:
|
Riding high on the wave that is ‘New Krypton’,
Supergirl #39 continues the “Who is Superwoman?” story arc by writer Sterling
Gates, and finds the thinner, prettier, blonder, “Sweet Valley-Superman” up
against Reactron, a dangerous criminal who murdered her father.
Within the first 6 pages Superwoman’s allegiances are established, setting up
young Linda for quite a surprise next issue with the planned reveal of
Superwoman’s identity. Apparently Police Detectives in Metropolis are still
called Inspectors, and at least one in particular keeps a journal. That’s right,
Mike Henderson, a Detec…er…an Inspector in the Metacrimes division of the
Metropolis P.D. has a diary, and we’re treated to a few entries where he seems
very distraught over the unsolved murder of Agent Liberty (sigh), when all of a
sudden (wouldn’t ya know) there’s a break in the case leading him to the
Super-Family.
Recent developments in Superman and Action Comics have led to a city-wide ban on
Kryptonians in Metropolis, which ends up coming off as stupid and forced; As if
a bunch of human soldiers pose any sort of threat to aliens super charged by our
yellow sun. The panel where ‘Major Lane’ points a finger menacingly toward Kara
Zor-El spewing military rhetoric about illegal aliens, and airspace, and blah,
blah, blah (These people can fly without planes! It’s their airspace now!), was
almost painful. The art is so-so, talent Caldwell has that J. Scott Campbell/Joe
Mad thing going on with his pencils, so if that’s the thing you’re into (I was,
when I was 12) you’ll be jazzed for about 4 pages, while Jamal Igle stinks it up
the rest of the time.
I know there are a lot of people who are digging this ‘New Krypton’ direction in
the Superman titles, but I just can’t find the rhythm. I know purists need a
complete run, but if you’re looking to add new titles to your pull list I can
recommend a handful of titles that are also $2.99 that are much better, and need
your support. |
|
|
 |
|
IMMORTAL IRON FIST #22
|
|
Writer:
Duane Swierczynski Artist:
Travel Foreman
|
|
Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
|
Publisher:
Marvel Comics,
Shipped On:
020409
|
|
MSRP:
$2.99 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
MARVEL'S SYNOPSIS:
|
|
Iron Fist and the Immortal Weapons kick off another
dimension-spanning adventure! Think you know everything there is to know about
the Seven Capital Cities of Heaven? Well, maybe you do. But a couple of arcs ago
we did tease there being an EIGHTH city...oh that's right...Duane Swierczynski
and Travel Foreman are taking it there! |
|
SWEET'S REVIEW:
|
Out of all the characters in all of comics that I
never thought I could possibly find myself caring about, Danny Rand the Immortal
Iron Fist, was definitely near the top of the list. I jumped on this series with
issue eight (when Ed Brubaker and Matt Fraction were still writing the book)
during the “Seven Cities of Heaven” story arc, and haven’t been let down since.
In issue #22, a great jumping-on point, billionaire playboy/immortal living
weapon Danny Rand finds himself, accompanied by the six other living-weapons,
traveling to an eighth mystical city, that the legend claims to be home to
ghouls, ghosts, demons, and all sorts of other scary business. The problem is
the doorway to this rumored eighth city opens in only one direction, trapping
all those who journey there. But it wouldn’t be much of a comic book if they
didn’t ignore the warnings and go anyway, so without a doubt when our heroes do
find themselves overrun by nasty, horrible looking creatures, forced to fight in
gladiatorial combat with the biggest baddies the Eighth city has to offer, it
doesn’t come as much surprise. The last page does toss a curveball our way when
Danny learns that the seven immortal weapons aren’t the only ones currently
being held against their will.
I was worried about the new creative team of Duane Swierczynski and Travel
Foreman coming on the book, afraid that the character may run out of steam
changing hands so quickly. Suffice it to say there has been very little momentum
lost; Swierczynski is already establishing the foundation of the Iron Fist
legend to be one lined with numerous cracks and imperfections, leaving the
reader ready to delve even deeper into the background of not only Danny Rand,
but also the HUGE supporting cast.
Travel Foreman’s style of art is not similar to David Aja’s (the previous
artist) and I wasn’t sure how the feel of the book would adjust to it, but
Foreman’s pencils do the trick quite nicely. This issue comes off cleaner than
the arc he drew prior, but that could be the addition of a different inker, but
none is credited in either this issue, or any previous.
Iron Fist is a character free from decade’s worth of continuity that a writer or
an artist must worry about when they’re trying to tell a story. This is exactly
why the character is so appealing, because there are no restrictions limiting
the directions the creative teams can go in. SO…pick this book up today and
buckle up, because the ride is going to get bumpy. |
|
|
 |
|
FANTASTIC FOUR #563 |
|
Writer:
Mark Millar
Artist:
Brian Hitch |
|
Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
|
Publisher:
Marvel Comics,
Shipped On:
012809
|
|
MSRP:
$2.99 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
MARVEL'S SYNOPSIS:
|
|
Mister and Mrs. Thing! And a threat from the world
of 1985! Plus: Who are the Masters of Doom? |
|
SWEET'S REVIEW:
|
Alright, this is for everyone who jumped off the
book during the less-than-satisfying C.A.P. storyline. Well since then, an
Invisible Woman has died; Nu-Earth has been populated entirely with the citizens
of a future reality, and the New Defenders have followed the people there,
acting as that world’s sole super team. This issue is a buffer, of sorts,
between the last world-shattering dilemma that the family faced down, and the
upcoming ‘Masters of Doom’ story that writer Mark Millar has been cooking up for
a while.
So it looks like the ever-loving, blue-eyed, Thing is getting himself hitched.
That’s right, Ben Grimm and girlfriend Debbie Green are engaged to be married,
and this issue never lets us forget it for a second. Johnny is interrupted from
some super-hero-sandwich-action with a lovely pair of young ladies dressed as
Storm, and the Scarlett Witch, with word of the pending nuptials, and he
anxiously rushes home to congratulate his favorite rock-skinned rival. Reed and
Sue of course welcome Debbie with open arms. T’challa (the Black Panther) even
sees fit to send a Wakandan fertility mask Ben’s way, assuring 6 healthy sons;
his way of saying congratulations. In this issue, for the most part, a lot of
people let Ben know their really happy for him.
That is until we’re transported “one dimension away” to see the death and
destruction capable by the hands of Doom’s mentors. Gravity is dead. Yellow
Jacket is dead. Ms. Marvel, Spiderman, Doc Samson and a host of others all lay
decimated amongst the rubble of something that could only accurately be
described as an ex-city. When we do meet this dimension’s Fantastic Four it’s
only to witness its Dr. Richards’ heart ripped from his body, and his brother
Jack Richards “The Human Torch” destroyed trying to make his last stand, leaving
the reader with a grim outlook for our favorite foursome.
Millar’s run has felt solid to me; everything has built nicely upon everything
else.
Hitch’s art doesn’t seem as crisp as it did on either ‘Ultimates’ series, but
then again those only came out once every three or four months, so I guess he
has to sacrifice a little quality to get the job done on time, which I
appreciate, even if no one else does. |
|
|
 |
|
NEW AVENGERS #49 |
|
Writer:
Brian Michael Bendis
Artist:
Billy Tan |
|
Review By:
Larry "Bocepheus" Evans |
|
Publisher:
Marvel Comics,
Shipped On:
012809
|
|
MSRP:
$2.99 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
MARVEL'S SYNOPSIS:
|
|
Luke Cage must find his child and he will do
anything he has to to bring her home safely... including teaming up with the one
person he has sworn vengeance against. Building to the bombastic 50th
anniversary issue. Brought to you by Brian Michael Bendis and Billy Tan! |
|
BO'S REVIEW:
|
|
For those of you who wanted to know what happened to
Jessica Jones and Luke Cage’s baby this is the issue you need to pick up. It
answers all the questions left from Secret Invasion concerning the remaining
Skrulls and sets up the events in next month’s double size issue of New Avengers
while dealing with the fall out from Dark Avengers #1. Action wise this issue is
a bit light but that doesn’t mean the issue is dull. We just have to read the
book and then when we have had enough then Tan has fun with a short action
sequence that establishes why Luke and Norman aren’t going to be friends. The
last three pages show the team in their temporary hangout and have some dialogue
that makes you laugh out loud. The last two show the team watching Norman’s
announcement of his version of the Avengers and Clint Barton’s reaction to what
he is seeing is perfect. You could call this a ‘transition’ issue but those
kinds of issues are generally fun. Here we close some windows and open another.
Many years back there was an X-Men issue that took place after a major change in
the status quo and all it did was show the team behind the mansion playing
baseball but also showed the team dealing with what had happened. Here we show
what Norman is capable of while reinforcing the relationship between Luke and
Jessica and trying off the Skrull loose ends. |
|
|
 |
|
FACES OF EVIL: KOBRA
|
|
Writer:
Ivan Brandon
Artist:
Jesus Merino
|
|
Review By:
Larry "Bocepheus" Evans |
|
Publisher:
DC Comics,
Shipped On:
012809
|
|
MSRP:
$2.99 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
DC'S SYNOPSIS:
|
|
Who is Kobra? After his death, Kobra's terrorist
organization has been in disarray, with different factions and false leaders
vying for control. Now a new figure has infiltrated the Kobra Cult and started
systematically destroying its powerbase. But who is this new player? Is it the
original Kobra reborn - or something far more sinister? |
|
BO'S REVIEW:
|
|
I always thought Kobra was a lame concept-a weak
version of Marvel’s Hydra. Someone over at DC must have thought that as well
because this one shot actually makes the secret society both interesting and a
threat to the DCU. Brandon begins the issue with the rebirth of Jason Burr, the
brother of Jeffery Burr, the former head of Kobra then moves on with a cool
sequence involving Superman and Checkmate. One of the last things that Kobra did
under its old leadership was to create children who were half human/half reptile
and Superman has been tasked with protecting them. Brandon takes great pains
here to establish that this is a new Kobra with new methods and a willingness to
push the limits of humanity. Burr is quite insane but to him he isn’t, just
determined to gain revenge on the heroes of the world. We see that he isn’t
going to be a villain that we can forget about as we turn the pages of a book
which is good because DC at times is woefully short of compelling villains. I
think that this is the first time we have seen Lopez’ work and he shows talent.
He has a great feel for Superman so maybe DC will give him a shot at drawing him
again. I no longer think Kobra is lame after reading this one shot. |
|
|
 |
|
DAREDEVIL #115 |
|
Writer:
Ed Brubaker Artist:
Michael Lark |
|
Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
|
Publisher:
Marvel
Comics,
Shipped On: 012809 |
|
MSRP:
$2.99 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
MARVEL'S SYNOPSIS: |
|
The shocking ending of LADY BULLSEYE is here! It's a
non-stop kung-fu extravaganza, as Daredevil faces Lady Bullseye and the Hand -
and confronts one of the toughest decisions of his life! |
|
SWEET'S REVIEW:
|
|
What’s worse than being accused of murder? Probably
proving yourself innocent by admitting to cheating on your psychologically
damaged wife, who’s currently serving time for murder her self. Matt Murdock
knows he’s a dirt bag, we know he’s a dirt bag, and we know he knows he’s a dirt
bag, and yet every time something horrible happens to the blind lawyer from
Hell’s Kitchen we find ourselves sympathizing with him. The murder accusation
just gets the ball rolling in the ‘Lady Bullseye’ story arc by series writer Ed
Brubaker and artist Michael Lark. By this issue we’ve seen DD in the hot seat
for a crime he didn’t commit, his friends, Iron Fist, White Tiger, and Carlos
LaMuerto (a.k.a. Black Tarantula) attacked by The Hand, and been introduced to a
potential new mentor for Matt. This issue picks up in the midst of a fierce
battle between DD and a whole apartment full of Hand ninjas led by a couple of
familiar faces. Of course help is on the way, as it almost always is in funny
books, and one giant melee soon turns into three smaller slobber-knockers. The
reveal in this issue isn’t so much a ‘whodunit,’ as ‘why do it,’ which I think,
if allowed to play out, may hold some substantial changes in store for Matt
Murdock. Although this is the end of this arc the story doesn’t feel over, and
judging from the cover and title of the next issue it’s safe to assume dark days
are on the horizon for Daredevil. I must also express my adoration for the cover
by Marko Djurdjevic. It should go down as one of the most intensely brutal, yet
strangely beautiful covers of this series, ever. |
|
|
 |
|
THUNDERBOLTS #128 |
|
Writer:
Andy Diggle Artist:
Roberto De La Torre |
|
Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
|
Publisher:
Marvel
Comics,
Shipped On: 012109 |
|
MSRP:
$2.99 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
MARVEL'S SYNOPSIS: |
|
From the ashes of Secret Invasion, an all-new era
for the Thunderbolts erupts, with repercussions felt right across the Marvel
Universe! Yelena Belova (a.k.a. Black Widow II) leads the irredeemable Ant-Man
and the sinister Ghost in a daring mission to take down the U.S. President
aboard Air Force One! But even as Norman Osborn tightens his grip on power, he
must battle toe-to-toe against his deadliest foe: the Green Goblin! Wait,
what...? Be there as writer Andy Diggle (The Losers) and artist Roberto De La
Torre (INVINCIBLE IRON MAN) flip everyone's favorite team of villains upside
down! |
|
SWEET'S REVIEW:
|
Norman Osborn’s dark reign of terror continues
sweeping across the Marvel U, and nowhere is that change more apparent than in
Andy Diggle and Roberto De La Torre’s ‘Thunderbolts.’
To usher in the regime change completely editors welcomed back Barack Obama for
his second appearance in the Marvel Universe, his first as president (the
appearance in Amazing Spiderman is as President-Elect), and surprisingly enough
he plays a pretty large role. We catch up with Osborn waiting in the cold for
the commander in chief, the one person in the MU with more political power than
Norman himself possesses. Once all the formalities are out of the way and Air
Force One is in the air Norman faces allegations from Doc Samson, regarding an
attack by the Green Goblin inside Thunderbolts Mountain, resulting in the death
of several people (see the ‘Thunderbolts Caged Angels’ trade paperback by Ellis
and Deodato it rules!).
It’s at this point that Andy Diggle chooses to let us in on Norman’s back up
plan; he’s been secretly reassembling the Thunderbolts as a black-ops
assassination squad, including Ant-Man, Ghost, Black Widow II (Yelena Belova),
and more. Oh, and they’re attacking Air Force One, while Norman and the Prez are
on it! Oh, oh, AND a great big gob of Green Goblin goodness (say that three
times, real fast)!
Roberto De La Torre’s artwork really brings Norman Osborn to life. Whereas Mike
Deodato liked to draw him looking like Tommy Lee Jones, De La Torre gives Norman
his own identity, his own face. The addition of the new team gives this book a
facelift, and a fresh direction. With Osborn playing a larger role in titles
like ‘New Avengers’ and ‘Dark Avengers’, I hope he’s regulated to playing
‘Charlie’ to the Thunderbolts’ ‘Angels’ in this series. Pick up this issue now
to jump on the dark side of Marvel’s Dark Reign. |
|
|
 |
|
SUPERGIRL #37 |
|
Writer:
Sterling Gates
Artist:
Jamal Igle & Keith Champagne |
|
Review By:
Larry "Bocepheus" Evans |
|
Publisher:
DC
Comics,
Shipped On: 012109 |
|
MSRP:
$2.99 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
DC'S SYNOPSIS: |
|
Who is Superwoman?" part 1 of 5 and a "Faces of
Evil" issue! After her encounter with the mysterious Superwoman, Supergirl is
left with two burning questions: who is Superwoman, and what gives her the right
to wear the symbol of the House of El? The answers lead Supergirl into the
darkest depths of New Krypton and drastically alter the Superman Family forever! |
|
BO'S REVIEW:
|
|
With the events of the New Krypton arc in the
Superman titles over it appears that it is time to solve the mystery of who is
behind the cowl of Superwoman. The opening pages of this issue are narrated by
the mysterious woman in the well designed costume and her last words suggest
that conflict isn’t far away. Gates nicely establishes life on the new planet
after the narration then keeps up the good work the first time we see Supergirl
in the issue. He also uses the issue to reintroduce into Superman continuity a
character from the George Reeves TV show but tweaks the character a bit to make
him seem like more than just a cop. Of course this is all tied into the Agent
Liberty story but Gates is cagy enough to not show all the cards but lay out the
table in a way that makes the last pages of this issue make sense. Igle’s art
seems to get better with each issue and he shows a great feel for the character.
The history of this title has been for it to meander along and attract a small
following that sells enough to keep the book on the racks but not enough to
suggest that a majority of readers care about the character. Gates and Igle have
to be fully aware of that and their work on the book so far may change that
perception. I don’t think this will ever be a top 10 book but it should be a
solid performer for DC. |
|
|
 |
|
GI JOE #1
|
|
Writer:
Chuck Dixon
Artist:
Robert Atkins |
|
Review By:
Larry "Bocepheus" Evans |
|
Publisher:
IDW
Comics,
Shipped On: 011409 |
|
MSRP:
$3.99 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
IDW'S SYNOPSIS: |
|
A new beginning and a new world of threats for the
fighting men and women of the elite military force known as G.I. Joe - Freedom's
last hope and the first-to-fight in battle with a hidden enemy and a secret war
that's already won! The world's terror underworld whispers of Cobra. Who or what
is Cobra and what can the Joes do to stop an enemy they can't identify or find.
Think you know Joe? Think again. Chuck Dixon and Robert Atkins begin a whole new
era, with superstar artist Gabriele Dell'Otto and Dave Johnson supplying amazing
cover images, too. |
|
BO'S REVIEW:
|
|
The publicity campaign for the new GI Joe movie went
into full swing with the debut of the trailer Super Bowl Sunday but the comic
book version didn’t wait that long. The license for the Hasbro toy line has
moved to IDW. The concept behind the team in the film is different and the same
holds for the comic. Dixon and Atkins begin things on a ship making its way thru
the Gulf of Mexico. The crew is looking for some cargo to steal and since crime
doesn’t pay they find a lot more than they bargained for. Their discovery brings
in the Joe team and Dixon makes clear that he wants you to think of the team as
regular people charged with a need to serve instead of cardboard cutouts. We get
a good sense here of team leader Duke, Beachhead and Scarlett because he shows
them talking and not in action. Everything here follows the events of Joe #0 so
Cobra isn’t the major threat that it will become but this issue is packed with
hints that it will be. The art isn’t rushed here and Atkins shows great layout
skills. |
|
|
 |
|
PUNISHER #1 |
|
Writer:
Rick Remender
Artist:
Jerome Opeña |
|
Review By:
Larry "Bocepheus" Evans |
|
Publisher:
Marvel
Comics,
Shipped On: 010709 |
|
MSRP:
$3.99 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
MARVEL'S SYNOPSIS: |
The fight against the "Dark Reign" begins as the
duty of chronicling Frank Castle's war journal is passed to new regular team of
writer Rick Remender (End League, Fear Agent) and Jerome Opeña (Wolverine, Fear
Agent).
One man with one bullet, in the right place, at the right time, can change the
world. That's why the Punisher is perched atop a building on the Jersey shore
with a high-powered Skrull rifle, his crosshairs trained on a target in Midtown
Manhattan. But who is his target -- and why? One thing's for sure: They're
anything but helpless. Someone is watching their back. Someone big. Enter: The
Sentry! |
|
BO'S REVIEW:
|
|
After the events of Secret Invasion things have
changed a bit in the Marvel Universe. Norman Osborn is considered a hero but the
heroes of the MU know that isn’t the case at all. Marvel is ending Punisher: War
Journal in favor of this title which has Frank Castle on a new mission-killing
Osborn. This title is written by Remender, who co-wrote War Journal and he has
brought along his Fear Agent artist Opena. Frank’s new mission is made clear in
the opening pages and we also see that Norman has protection of the super hero
variety in the form of the Sentry. Since the Sentry is way out of Frank’s weight
class the fight between the two is unconventional and thrilling at the same
time. We are also introduced to a new character in this issue that I would bet
assumes the role of Frank’s procurer of weapons and intel. Opena’s gritty art is
a natural for the character and his Frank is likely to always look in dire need
of a shave and some bandages. This first issue also includes a history lesson
about Frank that should serve to catch newcomers up to speed on him and his
mission. |
|
|
 |
|
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #21 |
|
Writer:
Jane Espenson
Artist:
Georges Jeanty
|
|
Review By:
Larry "Bocepheus" Evans |
|
Publisher:
Dark Horse
Comics,
Shipped On: 010709 |
|
MSRP:
$2.99 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
DARK HORSE'S SYNOPSIS: |
|
Television writer Jane Espenson (Buffy the Vampire
Slayer, Battlestar Galactica) returns to Buffy the Vampire Slayer in Season
Eight. Espenson is the first of five acclaimed writers that tackle this
groundbreaking story arc-where Buffy fans are introduced to a new world where
vampires are in and Slayers are out. Cue Harmony, the bubblegum cheerleader from
Sunnydale High whose ambitions include blood sucking and stardom. |
|
BO'S REVIEW:
|
|
This issue focuses on the shallowest vampire in the
world, Harmony. Buffy writer/producer Espenson starts things out with her
outside a trendy club trying to get in and being turned away. Harmony wants to
be famous and as the issue progresses we see that once the airhead decides to do
something she generally gets it. Her life of MTV fame is paralleled with Buffy’s
mission to recruit more Slayers. In this issue we meet a young Hispanic gang
member who wants out. Her Slayer ability becomes active and she is approached
but doesn’t join up. She does slay vampires on her own and while getting a
tattoo she comes in contact with Harmony and decides to make her the next
vampire to become a dust sandwich. We know that she isn’t going to kill Harmony
but what happens when she tries makes the lives of Slayers a little bit more
interesting. Dark Horse and Joss Whedon have formed a nice partnership here.
They get books that sell and he gets to continue the Buffy series past the
conclusion of the show on the CW. Most of the time Jeanty draws the issues and
he is a steady artist who has a nice talent for faces and paces his stories
well. |
|
|
 |
|
DEAD OF NIGHT: WEREWOLF BY NIGHT #1 (of 4) |
|
Writer:
Duane
Swierczynski
Artist:
Mico Suayan |
|
Review By:
Larry "Bocepheus" Evans |
|
Publisher:
Marvel/Max Comics,
Shipped On: 010709 |
|
MSRP:
$3.99 each
(15% OFF during it's 1st Week of release only at Alternate Reality!)
|
|
|
MARVEL'S
SYNOPSIS: |
|
For 28 days of the month, Jack Russell leads a
normal life. He's got a beautiful wife and a baby on the way. He's the picture
of happiness. On day 29, however, he turns into an uncontrollable, bloodthirsty
monster. But as the saying goes, the best-laid plans of wolves and men... |
|
BO'S REVIEW:
|
|
Cable’s Swierczynski and Mico Suayan take the
Werewolf by Night concept here and turn it on its ear in this first issue. As
long time Marvel fans know the werewolf in question is Jack Russell and he has
gone from misunderstood creature to hero to misunderstood creature again over
the course of his existence. We move from moment of time to moment of time here
by starting with 1983, moving to present day and then back and forth thru the
life of Russell. He has a new life now with a wife and baby on the way. Jack
also has found a way to save himself from his curse that is actually quite
ingenious. Swierczynski has him narrate the issue and that helps us feel for
Jack. He didn’t want this curse and he has spent his whole life dealing with it
but in the corners of his mind it is always there. Suayan’s artwork is lush and
brutal at the same time. His werewolf is composed of sinew and muscle with eyes
that lack a single piece of humanity. There is a lot of brutal action in this
issue which is why it comes out from the MAX imprint. |
|
|
|
|
|
All Books/Characters pictured herein are © Copyright 2009 by their respective
owners. No rights given or implied by Alternate Reality, Incorporated.
Reviews © 2009 Alternate Reality, Inc.
|
|
|
|
OTHER REVIEWS...
|
|
RASSLIN' REVIEW
|
|
 |
|
Pay Per Views and House Shows, we
layeth the Smaketh- Down on both!
|
|
|
|
KIDS REVIEWS
|
|
 |
|
Dozen's of kid friendly titles arrive every week and we review the ones that
stand out.
|
|
|
|
AT THE MOVIES
|
|
 |
|
Every week we give you our opinion on what's playing at the cinema.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
