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ADHOUSE BOOK'S FCHS |
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Writer:
Vito Delsante ,
Artist:
Rachel Freire |
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Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet
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Publisher:
Adhouse Books
Available On:
050209
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ADHOUSE'S SYNOPSIS:
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Do you remember high school? All the fun and trouble
you used to get into? All of the sex, sports and alcohol that was your Senior
year? It's time to go back! Join Hector, Kennedy, Jules and the whole gang at
FCHS as they begin their last year of high school. Will they be ready for "the
real world" when it's all over? Will they all make it? It's Archie meets 90210. |
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SWEET'S REVIEW:
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Mix a little bit of 90210, a dash of Degrassi, and
just a dab of (my personal favorite high school genre show) Saved by the Bell
and what you get isn’t so a much a tribute to any of the aforementioned series,
but an entirely different animal that feels like all three mated, in some
twisted orgy of homeroom and hormones, creating the mad bastard child of Archie
Comics and prime time television. As complicated and out-there as that may
sound, that’s really the only way to describe the kids at Forest City High
School, the stars of Free Comic Book Day’s FCHS.
It’s the last day of school, so button up your letterman’s jacket as writer Vito
Delsante cranks up the teen angst! Arguments, parties, class, make-out sessions,
and lots of pseudo-witty ‘inside’ dialogue, obviously meant to pique readers’
curiosity, but instead unintentionally alienate it. That’s the biggest problem I
have with the book, I’m no more interested in the characters after reading it
than I was before I knew it existed.
There is a back up story though. It’s some indie, “I’m sooooo smart that I’m
going to be funny, but I’m really not funny, so I guess I’m not that smart” tale
about a quirky (read: lame) character named Max Guy, and his inability to make
friends with some jerk named Magma Boy.
Maybe it’s just me but when I was in high school I couldn’t wait to get out. I
can’t imagine there’s a market for high school kids that want to read comics
about other high school kids or on the flip side of that, I can’t imagine
there’s an audience of adults that want to try to relive their glory days
vicariously through comic book characters. I just can’t wrap my mind around it.
I just can’t. |
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ALIENS PREDATOR |
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Writer:
Various,
Artist:
Various,
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Review By:
Larry "Bocepheus" Evans
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Publisher:
Dark Horse Comics
Available On:
050209
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DARK HORSE'S SYNOPSIS:
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Free Comic Book Day 2009 heralds the re-launch of
two of the quintessential Dark Horse movie-to-comics franchises - the Fox
blockbusters Aliens and Predator! Featuring a flip-book format with two covers
and two stories - each devoted to one of mankind's deadliest adversaries -
Aliens/Predator opens the airlock to a new universe of terror! |
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BO'S REVIEW:
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20th Century Fox has already announced that a new
Predator movie is going to be made and they are considering doing a prequel to
Alien as well so Dark Horse picked the right time to revive their rights to the
franchises. Their offering for FCBD has a sneak peek of not only the new Alien
limited series from John Arcudi and Zach Howard but the Predator limited series
from Arcudi and Javier Saltares. We will see the Alien series at the end of this
month and the action will take place right here at the Museum of Science and
Industry. Earth has been invaded by the aliens and we seem to have won the
battle but from the dark tone of this story we know that isn’t the case at all.
The short segment from the first issue is perfectly drawn and written. The
second story has a different tone but also is very effective in conveying what
the limited series will be about. This is a great offering from Dark Horse and
also contains a listing of all of the trade reprints from both franchises. |
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ARCANA STUDIO PRESENTS |
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Writer:
Various,
Artist:
Various, |
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Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
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Publisher:
Arcana Press
Available On:
050209
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ARCANA'S SYNOPSIS:
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Arcana Studio Presents Kade, Billy Boom Boom,
Creepsville, Eve/Koni and more in this action-packed extravaganza featuring four
of Arcana's iconic characters in all-new stories, published just for FCBD09!
Arcana Studio Presents four all-new stories of action, adventure and intrigue in
the way that only Arcana can! |
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SWEET'S REVIEW:
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With three short tales designed to whet readers’
appetites for more of their wares, Arcana throws up a brick with this stale,
uninspired FCBD offering. “Kade” is up first with a little back-story and a
whole lot of swordplay. I didn’t get it, is the guy a vampire or some other sort
of undead warrior? The lack of characterization goes to show that Arcana thought
they could get away with delivering a jazzed-up, painted comic (that only looks
kinda-good) without any sort of substance. I wasn’t feeling it at all.
Next up on the chopping block is the story “Creepsville,” and its horrible
“Tales from the Crypt”-inspired host. The corny jokes just keep coming as they
smash the puns into your head with a sledgehammer, so even the ones that are
somewhat amusing come off as obnoxious. The art is a mixture of pencils and 3-d
rendering, with neither one done especially well.
Finally the crossover NOBODY has been waiting for, “Eve ‘Vampire Diva’ and Koni
Waves in Black and Blue in Hawaii.” Ouch. Let me start by expressing my sincere
dissatisfaction with any artist who thinks they don’t need an inker on their
work. Unless you’re the late Michael Turner, whose line work was so clean it
passed for inked pencils, you shouldn’t color your chicken-scratch; it makes the
book come off as amateurish and ugly. The writing isn’t much better as we’re
introduced to Eve, a vampire who kills vampires (hoo-ray) and Koni, who’s just a
touch chick. The two of them are brought together through an unfortunate series
of events and, well you have to read more if you want to know what going to
happen next (which I can’t imagine any one really does). |
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ATOMIC ROBO & FRIENDS
Writer:
Brian Clevinger,
Artist:
Scott Wegener,
Publisher:
Red 5 Comics,
Available On:
050209
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RED 5'S SYNOPSIS:
Who can turn away from the epic battle of Atomic Robo vs. Dr. Dinosaur!?! This
is pure gold - and we're just giving it away! Don't miss the all-new adventure
of indy phenomenon, Eisner-nominated Atomic Robo by Brian Clevinger and Scott
Wegener, along with previews of the 2009 adventures of Red 5 favorites and some
new faces! |
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ATTACK OF THE ALTERNA ZOMBIES |
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Writer:
TBA,
Artist:
TBA,
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Review By:
Larry "Bocepheus" Evans
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Publisher:
Alterna Comics,
Available On:
050209 |
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ALTERNA'S SYNOPSIS:
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The zombie menace invades the Alterna-Verse in this FCBD exclusive! Alterna
Comics characters have turned into zombies and it's up to Jesus and Lincoln to
defeat them and restore normality to their world. Features a brand-new original
story written by Stephen Lindsay (Jesus Hates Zombies) and a knock-out cover by
Michael S. Bracco (Birth, Novo). BONUS: Preview pages of every Alterna Comics
title fills out the pages of this must-have FCBD edition! |
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BO'S REVIEW:
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The small trade offering from Alterna Comics contains segments from Jesus Hates
Zombies, American Terror and Novo as well as shorter tales with segments from
other titles in their line. You get a lot of bang for your buck here and this
should appeal to the college crowd. One of my Facebook friends Steven Lindsay is
the most well known of the creators here and so his zombie hating Jesus gets two
tales here. I could say that after going thru this I am going to start reading
books from the company but that wouldn’t be true. That said, some of you folks
out there in comic book land may find this book chock full of fun.
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MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS |
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Writer:
Brian Bendis,
Artist:
Jimmy Cheung,
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Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet
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Publisher:
Marvel Comics
Available On:
050209
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MARVEL'S SYNOPSIS:
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The mighty Thor and both the New and Dark Avengers
join forces against the frost-giant Ymir in a battle that will have terrifying
consequences for the Marvel Universe - and for these heroes - in the days to
come! Top-flight creators Brian Michael Bendis and Jim Cheung combine talents to
bring you an absolutely essential all-new touchstone story for what's coming up
in the Marvel Universe - and it's yours, absolutely FREE! . |
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SWEET'S REVIEW:
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Ymir the Frost Giant of Norse mythology is pissed
off, and his sights are set on New York City. He’s beaten the tar out of Thor,
who is lucky enough to be rescued (if you want to call it that) by a certain
friendly neighborhood Spiderman, but Spidey is no where near a match for a Norse
legend, so he does what any Avenger worth his salt would do, call in the big
guns.
Brian Bendis’ “New Avengers” has been a wild ride from day one, and it doesn’t
look to be slowing down any time soon. When Bucky, Luke, Clint, Jessica, Bobbi,
Danny, Carol, and Logan all show up to help Pete save the day everything seems
to be in control, but they’re not the only ones looking to take out Ymir, as
Norman Osborn and his team of Dark Avengers shows up. It looks like the throw
down to end all throw downs is about to get underway!
Oh right, there’s a Frost Giant tearing his way through New York, and since
everyone is supposed to be on the same side, this issue sees the unlikely
alliance of Avengers both New and Dark, combining forces on a hunt for the
Twilight Sword, the only weapon capable of taking out a mythical being such as
Ymir. Swordplay, winged ice-beasties, and witty quips abound as Bendis writes
what I can only describe as the best FCBD book I’ve ever seen.
Jim Cheung is probably one of the most solid artists I’ve ever seen who doesn’t
get regular work. Since his “Young Avengers” run with Alan Heinberg this guy
hasn’t had a regular title to call home, which I think, personally, is a
travesty. His grasp of the characters and action, while moving the story along
is pitch-perfect, not to mention the fantastic rendering of a particular
‘fastball special’ that we haven’t seen in quite a while. I really like the way
Marvel Comics has taken FCBD so seriously ever since it began. If they keep
pumping out awesome original stories by top-tier creative teams, and then give
them away just to show fan’s they appreciate their loyalty, well, I’ll take one! |
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CONTRACT SPECIAL |
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Writer:
Garan Madeiros,
Artists:
Anthony Cannonier, Ariel Padilla, Thony Sillas, & Kevin Sharpe |
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Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet
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Publisher:
A First Salvo,
Available On:
050209
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A FIRST SALVO'S SYNOPSIS:
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As the hard working CEO of the CyberMerc company, "The Stellar Rangers", Jessie
Garrett needs a break from the daily mercenary rat race. A visit home to see her
dad is just what she needs to recharge. However, her homecoming is interrupted
by an unexpected guest - forcing Jessie to relive just how she became a merc in
the first place. A great jumping-on point for new readers! |
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SWEET'S REVIEW:
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Filling the ‘intergalactic-bounty hunter-chick’ gap
on comic shelves A First Salvo Productions presents “Contract,” a dull, watered
down, and flavorless take on intergalactic bounty hunter chicks. Egads, this
book is crappy, and with 4 short stories to introduce the universe and its
characters, it’s crap to the fourth power.
Jessie Garrett is a ‘Merc,’ which is apparently the hip and trendy way of
explaining her job as a mercenary. She works with a team taking down seedy
criminals all over the Helios Star System to make a living. In the first story
she takes a short vacation home to visit her father, only to find his place is
abandoned. She runs into one of his neighbors and fills him in on what her life
is like, providing the perfect opportunity for the author to introduce his
creation to the world.
In the second story (the best of all of them) readers are shown a different side
of Jessie, in a hilarious tale called “I’m Just a Girl,” (however I did find it
a little odd to see the writer spend so much time establishing how awesome and
fearless this chick is only to have her cower in terror at the sight of a little
bug). The third story revolves around Tsumi, a member of the Stellar Rangers,
Jessie’s merc team. His ability to ‘channel’ Teralite energy makes him a
formidable opponent for anyone hoping to pull one over on him and his group. The
final story is a funny piece involving a sitcom style miscommunication, leading
up to a cute resolution, and not much more.
The writing in this title is DREADFUL, and so is the art for the most part. I
think the most talented artist of the four stories was Ariel Padilla, and I hope
to see more from him on books other than this tripe. |
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CYBERFORCE/HUNTER-KILLER PREVIEW |
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Writer:
Mark Waid,
Artist:
Kenneth Rocafort,
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Review By:
Larry "Bocepheus" Evans
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Publisher:
Top Cow Comics
Available On:
050209
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TOP COW'S SYNOPSIS:
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Top Cow launches its biggest summer event to date with the return of Cyberforce
and Hunter-Killer! When two fan-favorite antagonists join forces, both teams are
thrust back into the spotlight and must band together to keep the world safe.
But can they get along long enough to succeed? This FCBD09 preview issue leads
directly into the five-issue event series launching in July and features an
original story by Waid and Rocafort, plus special sneak-peeks of this year's
"Pilot Season" contenders. |
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BO'S REVIEW:
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Within the pages of this offering you will get the beginning of the return of
both Cyberforce and Hunter/Killer with the hops that this aperitif will get you
back into the stores to pick up the limited series that begins in July. The
limited series is from Mark Waid and Top Cow standout Kenneth Rocafort. The
initial part of the story deals more with Hunter/Killer but we do get to see
Cyberforce on a nice two page spread that should make us want to see what
happens from this point on. The book also contains data files about the
Cyberforce team and has a bunch of ads that are supposed to make you read Top
Cow books. The art here is very shiny and cool so the limited series should
attract a few fans.
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DABEL BROTHERS SHOWCASE
Writer:
Various,
Artist:
Various,
Publisher:
Dabel Brothers
Available On:
050209
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DABEL'S SYNOPSIS:
The Dabel Brothers bring you three original, never-before-seen tales for Free
Comicbook Day 2009, including the Dresden Files "Restoration of Faith"; "The
Calm Before," the prelude story to adaptation of the classic film, The Warriors;
and "Previously, on Take A Chance," which steps back in time to the day a
gene-altering virus was released into the world. All this, plus a sneak preview
of Del Rey's forthcoming novel, Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi - Outcast by Aaron
Allston, a bold new adventure for Luke, Han, and your favorite Star Wars
characters! |
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EC SAMPLER
Artist's:
Wally Wood, Jack Davis, Harvey Kurtzman, Johnny Craig
Publisher:
Gemstone
Comics,
Available On:
050209
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GEMSTONE'S SYNOPSIS:
Wally Wood's cover for Tales From the Crypt #27 wraps four classic stories from
the EC Archives: Wood's "Gray Cloud of Death" (from Weird Science #9); Harvey
Kurtzman's "Corpse of the IMJN" (from Two-Fisted Tales #25); Johnny Craig's "The
Sewer" (from Crime SuspenStories #5); and Jack Davis' "Well Cooked Hams" (from
Tales From the Crypt #27)! |
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FIST OF JUSTICE |
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Writer:
Chad Lambert,
Artist:
Oscar Bazaldua. Pow Rodrix |
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Review By:
Jim "Good Old JR" Rutkowski |
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Publisher:
Digital Webbing,
Available On:
050209
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DIGITAL WEBBING'S SYNOPSIS: |
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Breaking free of his past, Fist of Justice confronts the one man who stands in
the way of his return as Charm City's greatest defender. This is the perfect
jumping-on point, because everything you need to know about Fist of Justice is
in this issue! |
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JR'S REVIEW: |
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Breaking free of his past, Fist of Justice confronts
the one man who stands in the way of his return as Charm City's greatest
defender. This is the perfect jumping-on point, because everything you need to
know about Fist of Justice is in this issue! But after reading this, why would
you want to? As generic and downright boring a title as I have read in years.
Sorry kids. This one was a real chore. Uninspired writing and generic art are a
lethal combination. How can a 24 page story put me to sleep? This does not
inspire me to want to read more. |
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GOLD DIGGER
Writer/Artist:
Fred Perry, Rod Espinosa,
Publisher:
Antarctic Press,
Available On:
050209
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ANTARCTIC PRESS'S SYNOPSIS:
New look! New beginning! New characters! New adventures! If you've ever thought
about reading Gold Digger, this is the jumping-on point you've been waiting for!
The next hundred issues start here! And if that weren't enough, this fantastic
new-reader-friendly issue also contains a special preview of Prince of Heroes:
Chapter Two by Rod Espinosa! |
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GREEN LANTERN BLACKEST NIGHT |
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Writer:
Geoff Johns ,
Artist:
Ivan Reis, Ethan Van Sciver, |
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Review By:
Jim "Good Old JR" Rutkowski |
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Publisher:
DC
Comics,
Available On:
050209 |
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DC'S
SYNOPSIS:
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Across the universe the dead will rise! Prepare for the coming of "The Blackest
Night" with this prelude to the biggest comic event of the year! This special
edition recaps the key moments from "Sinestro Corps War" and "Rage of the Red
Lanterns" that led to "Blackest Night", and will give readers everything they
need to know about the Green Lantern universe, their ongoing War of Light, and
their dark days ahead. |
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JR'S REVIEW:
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Geoff Johns has emerged as one of comics most
talented writers. John's always seems to have the ability to breath some fresh
life into just about anything he tackles. His run on Green Lantern has brought
that character back to his iconic stature and maybe even elevated GL to the
ranks of DC's big 3. In this teaser issue, John's whets the palette with a short
but very exciting prologue to the upcoming Blackest Night arc. And trust me it's
a doozie!! Tying in with Final Crisis as well as Batman RIP this looks to be
another great read from Geoff Johns. All it takes Johns is 12 pages and we're
off to the races with a very thrilling preview of what's to come. The writing is
well serviced by Ivan Reis's dynamic artwork. A must! |
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LOVE AND CAPES |
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Writer/Artists:
Thomas F. Zahler |
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Review By:
Jim "Good Old JR" Rutkowski |
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Publisher:
Maerkle Press
Available On:
050209
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MAERKLE PRESS'S SYNOPSIS:
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Abby's decided that the best way to know more about
Mark is to become more like Mark, so she's found a way to become just as super
as he is. What will happen when the Crusader gets a partner? Just be sure not to
call her a "sidekick"! All of this, and more, in the latest installment of
comicdom's favorite heroically super comedy! |
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JR'S REVIEW:
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All at once a parody and an homage to classic super
heroes. The book has fun with the archetypes that you will clearly recognize,
but never MAKES fun of them. Indeed, writer/artist Thom Zahler creates his own
very likable characters within the concept. The Crusader has been protecting
Deco City for nearly a decade now. In his secret identity, Mark, he is an
accountant that is engaged to bookstore owner Abby. She is aware of of Mark's
identity as well as that of Mark's billionaire best friend Paul LaCroix. Who in
reality is Darkblade, the defender of the night. Mark's ex is Amazonia and they
are all members of the Liberty League. If you can't see where all of this comes
from, then you haven't been reading comics! Well written, with some clean but
overly cartoony artwork, Love and Capes has a nice sense of humor about it and
the characters are all very amiable. Recommended. |
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LOVE & ROCKETS |
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Writer/Artist: Los Bros. Hernandez, |
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Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
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Publisher:
Fantagraphics,
Available On:
050209
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FANTAGRAPHIC'S SYNOPSIS:
With its retooling into a series of all-new, annual graphic-novel-size
collections earlier in 2008, Love & Rockets has thrust itself back into the
spotlight in a big way! This preview edition includes a sizeable chapter of the
second half of Jaime's amazing super-hero romp "Ti-Girls Adventures" (starring
Penny Century), as well as Gilbert Hernandez's typically unique "Chest Fever,"
both from the upcoming Love & Rockets: New Stories Vol. 2, plus selections from
the acclaimed first volume, and a new jam cover by Gilbert and Jaime created
especially fof this FCBD09 edition!
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SWEET'S REVIEW:
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I always referred to these kinds of comics as
pop-culture-lite. These were the comics everyone who thought they were indy, or
trendy, or counter-culture would rave about and I just didn’t get. What is the
appeal? They’re very ‘Archie’ in they’re delivery and art style, and I found the
writing to be just as bland. The whole point of these Free Comic Book Day titles
is to get you in the mood to keep reading, but with the Hernandez Brothers
(Jaime and Gilberto) title ‘Love and Rockets,’ I just couldn’t wait to stop. The
book is actually a couple different stories from each creator, each with their
own flair and flavor, more than likely to leave a bad taste in your mouth.
‘Ti-Girl Adventures, Chapter 3: Daughters of Doom’ is a run of the mill
super-femme story with lots of boring stuff. ‘Sad Girl’ is about an aspiring
teen actress. Teen angst? Check! Midriff-baring tee-shirt? Check! Bland
uninspired dialogue? Check! ‘Rocky in Rocket Rhodes’ is a tale about a girl who
goes on adventures through space with the assistance of a friendly robot, and
the only story that I liked in the whole book. ‘The Children of Palomar’ is
called a ‘magical-realist’ story that didn’t feel magical or realistic.
Bottom line, for a title touting itself as the ‘greatest comic series of all
time’ it failed to hook me with anything that I wanted to come back and read
more of. Sorry. |
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MTG AGENTS ARTIFICE SAMPLE
Writer:
Josh Blaylock,
Artist:
Matt Merhoff,
Publisher:
Wizards of the Coast,
Available On:
050209
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WIZARD'S OF THE COAST'S SYNOPSIS:
Get readers hooked on the new Planeswalker novel line with a sample chapter of
the first book, Agents of Artifice by Ari Marmell. Fans of the Magic: The
Gathering trading card game, as well as any fantasy reader, will devour the
engaging introductory chapter to the Planeswalker novel line, and become avid
readers of these new character-rich, plot driven, smartly written novels!
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MERCY SPARKS UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
Writer:
Josh Blaylock,
Artist:
Matt Merhoff,
Publisher:
Devil's Due,
Available On:
050209
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DEVILS DUE'S SYNOPSIS:
Mercy Sparx is the story of a Devil-Girl secretly hired by Heaven to hunt down
rogue angels. If she plays her cards right, she might get a free pass into
Heaven. Mercy starts the second chapter in her life on Earth as a true
"employee" of Heaven, with new bosses and new tasks... and even more fighting
and drinking! The new hit series created by Josh Blaylock gets a new series -
and issue #1 is FREE! The second issue ships in July!
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RADICAL COMICS PREVIEW |
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Writer: Various
Artist:
Various, |
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Review By:
Larry "Bocepheus" Evans |
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Publisher:
Radical Comics,
Available On:
050209
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RADICAL'S SYNOPSIS:
In 2008, Radical Publishing debuted with their FCBD08 preview issue, which also
teased at what to expect beyond 2008. Radical 2009 now fulfills that breakout
promise with a showcase of Incarnate (from Nick Simmons, son of KISS's Gene
Simmons); Oblivion (created by Joseph Kosinski & written by Ian Edginton), FVZA:
Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency (written by David Hine), The Last Days of
American Crime (by Rick Remender), Hotwire: Requiem for the Dead (by Steve Pugh
& Warren Ellis), Hercules II: The Knives of Kush, Legends, Shrapnel: Aristeia
Rising, Aladdin: Legacy of the Lost, and more!
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BO'S REVIEW:
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The media/comic company Radical submitted sneaks of
their upcoming titles instead of an actual story for Free Comic Book Day because
that approach works better for them. Within these pages we see segments from the
already out Shrapnel (co-written by Carl Sagan’s son, Nick), a peek at the fall
shipping Aladdin (from Ian Edginton and Patrick Reilly), the sequel to Hercules,
their horror offering FVZA from the Son of M team of David Hine and Roy Allan
Martinez, a teaser piece for Rick Remender’s The Last Days of American Crime,
pages from the currently running Hotwire and peeks of their upcoming graphic
novels. The decision was made to sell fans with looks at the artwork without
dialogue while telling the premise at the start. Of the books sneaked here I
have interest in FVZA and The Last Days of American Crime but I am sure that
most will find something here that they will show interest in. |
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RESURRECTION |
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Writer:
Marc Guggenheim,
Artist:
Austin Greenwood, |
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Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
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Publisher:
Oni Press
Available On:
050209
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ONI PRESS'S SYNOPSIS:
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From the writer of Marvel's Amazing Spider-Man comes
a science fiction epic that explores the aftermath of Earth's most brutal
conflict. For 10 years the alien invaders have laid waste to our planet, but now
they've vanished, leaving the survivors with two questions: "Where did the
'bugs' go?" and "Where does humanity go from here?" Its existential questions,
alien-fueled intrigue, and some of the biggest action in comics today! PLUS: A
preview of Stephen Colbert's Tek Jansen! |
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SWEET'S REVIEW:
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We’ve seen the ‘Earth invaded by aliens’ story play
out again and again, each time Earth prevails as the victor, sending the
other-worldly invaders packing. But what would it be like if Earth lost? More
accurately, what would it be like after the aliens left?
With Earth in what could only be described as a state of disrepair, two
survivors meet in the middle of a deserted New York City. Suspicions run wild,
as Dwight, a former abductees tries to convince Wendy, the last radio contact
between Europe and the U.S., that there is some shady business going on inside
the world powers that claim to have defeated the alien threat. Y’see Dwight was
approached seven years ago, by a member of British Intelligence investigating
his claims of contact with extra-terrestrial life (which got him thrown in the
Looney bin), the same Brit who claims to have helped destroy the alien mother
ship years later, only Dwight knows the truth, there was no mother ship.
Marc Guggenheim has written some drek in the past (anybody catch the
“Bleh-worthy” Wolverine Civil War tie in arc? Ouch), but since his inclusion in
the Spiderman-Braintrust I’ve liked more and more of what he’s done. This is the
first independent title I’ve read of his, and surprisingly enough it doesn’t
suck. I get a “Walking Dead, but with Aliens” feeling, but that isn’t a bad
thing, since “The Walking Dead” is a phenomenal book and aliens are always super
awesome.
Justing Greenwood’s art is great, with clean lines and interesting character
design. I do have one bone to pick with the artist and that’s the consistent
lack of backgrounds through out the book. Sure there are establishing shots on
some pages, or when the scene changes, but for the most part its people on a
blank background, which I find quite boring.
Be sure to grab a copy of “Resurrection #0” on FCBD so you get the back story to
what could be one of the more promising titles of the coming year |
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SAVAGE DRAGON |
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Writer/Artist:
Erik
Larsen |
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Review By:
Larry "Bocepheus" Evans |
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Publisher:
Image Comics,
Available On:
050209
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IMAGE'S SYNOPSIS:
All-new story and art from fan-favorite writer/artist Erik Larsen (Spider-Man,
Wolverine)! There's a new vigilante in town: The Dynamic Daredevil! This
recently resurrected hero from comics' Golden Age has made Chicago his new home
and it pits him against Chicago's fin-headed finest! Plus a mysterious assassin
from Dragon's past is introduced as Dragon's battle against the notorious
Vicious Circle heats up! It's the ultimate introductory issue and fit for
readers young and old! |
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BO'S REVIEW:
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Image decided to do something different this time
around for FCBD. The story seen in their offering will also be sold on the racks
as well. There are some stores out there who do not for one reason or another
participate in the annual giving away of comics and so this issue will go on
sale the same month as this free issue comes out. The version that you have an
option of paying for will have a bonus section and the fun filled letters page
that Dragon is known for. The issue itself has Dragon team up with the Golden
Age Daredevil who is also being shown in Dynamite’s Super Powers as the Death
Defying Devil. Since Marvel has the copyright on Daredevil Larsen can’t call him
Daredevil on the cover but is free to do so within the pages of the comic. In
the story DD helps Dragon find his kidnapped children and in the process fills
in readers on not only his history but the history of the Dragon. Larsen
realizes that on FCBD people wander into the friendly neighborhood comic book
store that either hasn’t read comics for a while or just lost interest so his
story is as new reader friendly as you can get. The book is loaded with action
and a few laughs as well. This is likely to be one of the best offerings of the
day so make sure you snag one |
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SHONEN JUMP
Writer:
Stan Lee, Hiroyuki Takei,
Artist:
Hiroyuki Takei,
Publisher:
Viz Media,
Available On:
050209
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VIZ MEDIA'S SYNOPSIS:
The Shonen Jump FCBD09 edition features 32 action-packed pages of manga fresh
from Japan, featuring a new chapter of Ultimo, an exciting manga serial by
legendary creators Stan "The Man" Lee and Hiroyuki Takei, creator of Shaman
King!
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STUFF OF LEGEND PREVIEW |
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Writer's:
Mike Raicht, Brian Smith,
Artist:
Charles Paul Wilson III,
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Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
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Publisher:
Th3rd World Studios,
Available On:
050209
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TH3RD WORLD 'S SYNOPSIS:
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The Stuff of Legend is a dark fantasy adventure in which a group of toys loyal
to their human master fight an unseen war to save him from every child's worst
nightmare. Led by the toy soldier known as "The Colonel" and the boy's faithful
teddy-bear Max, the toys enter the dangerous realm of The Dark where they will
face off against The Boogeyman and his army - a legion of the boy's forgotten,
bitter toys! Featuring writers Mike Raicht (Army of Darkness) and Brian Smith,
with art by Comic Book Idol runner-up Charles Paul Wilson III, this FCBD09
offering gives a look at the first 20+ pages of The Stuff plus some of Th3rd
World Studios' other
offerings for 2009. |
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SWEET'S REVIEW:
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Opening with probably one of the more terrifying
nightmares a kid could ever have, a young boy is pulled from his bed by dark
tentacles, and dragged across the floor into the pitch black void of his bedroom
closet. Then we find out he wasn’t dreaming, and what I initially wrote off as a
child’s comic book with exceptional art becomes a twisted take on “Toy Story.”
The boy’s toys descend into the darkness, on a collision course with The Boogey
Man and his army of forgotten play things.
Taking a children’s premise and giving it an adult edge makes this one something
I’m not soon to forget. The art is gorgeous. And the panel layouts (while not
taking full advantage of available space) make the book flow like a story read
aloud by a grand-parent before bedtime.
Seriously this is probably the first FCBD book ever to whet my appetite to such
an extant that I’m actually hungry for more. I’ve read a lot of this stuff, and
I’ll come across books that I think are cool and for whatever reason or another
I just never get around to tracking them down. This however, is something that I
feel is absolutely worth my time, and probably yours too. Do yourself a favor,
put down one of your cape-clad super stories and pick this up. You’ll be glad
you did. |
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TMNT #1 25TH ANNIVERSARY REPRINT |
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Writer/Artist's:
Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird, |
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Review By:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet |
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Publisher: Mirage Studios,
Available On:
050209 |
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MIRAGE'S
SYNOPSIS:
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Mirage Studios proudly celebrates Free Comicbook Day 2009- and its own 25th anniversary! - by
reprinting the groundbreaking first issue of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by
Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird (first published in May, 1984)! Old fans and new
readers alike will thrill to the seminal adventure of Donatello, Leonardo, Michaelangelo, Raphael and Master Splinter as they settle an age-old blood feud
with their arch nemesis, the Shredder and his Foot Clan minions! |
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SWEET'S REVIEW:
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It’s nearly impossible for me to describe to you the
effect “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” had on my adolescent development. I was
one year old when the comic book initially debuted in stores, so I wasn’t
exposed to Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, Raphael, or Master Splinter until
the cartoon show several years later. Once I laid eyes on the martial arts
mayhem they wrought on anyone trying to cause trouble in New York City I was
hooked; it was like crack for children, no matter how small of a dosage given to
us we’d always be back for more, from comics to cartoons, to toys, to video
games.
So how does the old TMNT mythology stand the test of time? How does an
old-school, hardore, shell head take to diving into those waters again, after
what has to be more than a 15 year absence? I’ll tell ya, it’s not bad. It’s not
that bad at all.
I could most easily compare my experience reading this book to that of running
into an old friend whom you haven’t seen in far too long. You’re not going to be
as well acquainted as you used to, but you’re able to fall right into step with
each other, and before you know it you’re completing each other’s sentences as
if you haven’t gone a day without seeing each other.
The origin of the turtles has been told and retold again and again, but here in
its purest form, its original form, it completely holds up. I don’t care for it
as much as I did the four, colored graphic novels that the first movie was
adapted from (there’s no Casey Jones). But, it did inspire me to check in on the
current adventures of the radical ronin reptiles, so there ya go. |
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TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED / GI JOE
Writers:
Chuck Dixon, Larry Hama, Marty Isenberg,
Artists:
lRobert Atkins, Tom Feister, Dario Brizuela,
Publisher:
IDW Comics,
Available On:
050209 |
IDW'S
SYNOPSIS:
G.I. Joe and the Transformers kick off IDW's FREE COMICBOOK DAY comic with three
great stories! First up is an 11-page Transformers Animated tale that features a
young Optimus Prime in his days at the Autobot Academy. Next is not one, but two
great G.I. Joe stories - a six-page story written by the maestro
behind-the-series today, and the second written by the maestro behind the series
originally! Secrets are revealed and action abounds! |
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WARHAMMER ONLINE
Writer:
Graham McNeill,
Artist:
Rahsan Ekedal,
Publisher:
Boom Studios,
Available On:
050209
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BOOM'S SYNOPSIS:
The Age of Reckoning is here! A chapter from the graphic novel included in the
collectors' edition of the million selling MMORPG, Warhammer Online: Age of
Reckoning, is revealed in this FCBD09 offering! The horrific hordes of Chaos
march towards... the Hill of the Dead! Join the battle that is sweeping the
world! |
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WILLIAM SHATNER PRESENTS
Writers:
William Shatner, Scott Davis, David McIntee, CJ Henderson,
Artist:
Various,
Publisher:
Blue Water Comics,
Available On:
050209 |
BLUE WATER'S SYNOPSIS:
Bluewater Productions and iconic actor/novelist William Shatner will be
providing a free 12-page original story prologue of the upcoming adaption of
William Shatner's best-selling book series, TekWar, for FCBD09! The book will
also feature a preview of the other Shatner-based comic series - Quest for
Tomorrow and Man O' War - as well as a sneak-peek at the as-yet-untitled
original story developed by Shatner. |
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WORLDS OF ASPEN
Writer:
Various,
Artist:
Various,
Publisher:
Aspen Comics
Available On:
050209 |
ASPEN'S SYNOPSIS:
TA special compilation issue featuring four exciting 6-page story outtakes from
several of Aspen's hottest titles! Soulfire and Soulfire: New World Order are
two of the showcased titles, plus you'll get first-look premieres of Aspen's two
newest titles coming this summer! Cover by Joe Benitez & Peter Steigerwald.
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"Remember, Saturday May 2nd, 2009 is Free Comic Book Day this year
and we're giving away the over 40 titles listed in these pages at the store that weekend. That's a lot of
titles and as always some are going to be of more interest to you than others.
So take a look at the ALL AGES, TEENS AND UP and REFERENCE offerings for this
year and begin to dream about the 2nd Happiest day of the Year (right after
Christmas!) |
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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.
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