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Comic Review: Anywhere #1

2010-01-03T12:55:00.000-05:00

Anywhere #1

Story by: Tom Akel and Eric Mahoney

Art by: Alan Quah

Colors by: Scott Kester and Kamikaze Studio

Letters by: Bill Tortolini

Publisher: Arcana Studios

Cover Price: $1.00

With a cover that looks like a tabloid carrying the headline "Gay Heroes Rescues Pussy", well, this wasn't a comic I could pass up. Especially considering that sweet cover price. Seriously? $1.00! Take me back to those sweet 99-cent days!

When you go pick this up, and yes I do mean when (It. Costs. One. Buck. Dude!), you will find the story of superhero slackers. That's right, superhero slackers. What do all superheroes do? Try to stop evil. What do these guys do? Try to party all night, play video games all day, and play the occasional game of hoops. And that's what they do to our amusement.

Who are they? There's Dust, the "leader" of the group, if couch potatoes actually have leaders. Then there's Wormhole. He opens worm holes to avoid using the subway and to go eat foreign food in foreign countries. But don't let him "drive" when he's been drinking. You could wind up anywhere. Then there's What's Up, the homosexual coffee-jockey with stretchy powers. He's Mr. Fantastic if Reed was a slack ass and no smarter than Ben Grimm. What? Reed's not gay? No, Sue's just a cover. Ok, fine...and "if" Mr. Fantastic was gay...

The humor is shown us by Alan Quah's vibrant art, with outstanding colors from Scott Kester and Kamikaze Studio.

It's not just beer jokes and video games, either. You'll find satire on superhero names, reality tv, and video games. So call your comic shop and tell them to get you a copy. Or find it online. I can't wait until next issue because this story could go...Anywhere!

Comic Catch: December 23, 2009

2009-12-23T13:17:00.001-05:00

ABSOLUTION #5 - Story by: Christos Gage
Art by: Roberto Viacava
Cover by: Jacen Burrows
Publisher: Avatar Press
Cover Price: $3.99

John Dusk's life continues to unravel as he finds himself in combat against his former teammates. Has he finally snapped? And even if he survives, is there any hope of salvaging some kind of life...or will he become a fugitive criminal like those he once hunted?

The searing saga of Absolution rockets to its conclusion...don't miss the book Ed Brubaker calls 'my favorite thing from Christos Gage so far'! John always knew there would come a time when he had to choose between his two lives. That time is now.

And either way, there's no going back. He wants to be forgiven...but he doesn't want to stop.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #616 - Story by: Fred Van Lente
Art by: Javier Pulido
Colors by: Javier Rodriguez
Cover by: Paolo Manuel Rivera
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

The Sandman has vacillated between good and evil over the years, joining the Sinister Six and the Frightful Four...as well as becoming a reserve Avenger and a member of Silver Sable's Wild Pack. But as of this issue, and forever more, he will always be known as a villain -- one of the worst in the Wall-Crawler's Rogues Gallery -- and it's all Spider-Man's fault!

CHEW #7 - Story by: John Layman
Art by: Rob Guillory
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

Meet Lin Sae Woo.

She’s a covert operative for the United States Department of Agriculture, and one its most lethal assassins. She has the equivalent of black belts in four different disciplines of martial arts hand-to-hand combat and is equally deadly with swords, throwing knifes, sniper rifles and handguns.

She’ll make a corpse out of anybody who tries to stand between her and completion of her current assignment—and that includes that nosy F.D.A. agent with the creepy cibopath power, Tony Chu!

DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP #7 - Story by: Philip K. Dick
Art by: Tony Parker
Cover by: Brett Weldele, Scott Keating
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Cover Price: $3.99

From the bestselling book that inspired the film Blade Runner! Things heat up in this issue of Philip K. Dick’s masterpiece as Deckard’s tireless hunt for the Nexus-6 androids continues. Although they are not easy to identify, staying alive may prove to be the hardest part of Deckard’s quest!

GUARDIANS OF GALAXY #21 - Story by: Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning
Art by: Brad Walker
Colors by: Jay David Ramos
Letters by: Joe Caramagna
Cover by: Dave Wilkins
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

A REALM OF KINGS ISSUE! As the shocking true dangers of the Fault become apparent, the Luminals make an unregulated trip into the wild zone, and they've brought back something that threatens to exterminate all life on Knowhere! You guessed it, now it's up to our rag-tag band of misfits to save the universe in another issue of the series that Ain't It Cool News says “makes my geek heart pitter-patter!”

HELLBOY BRIDE OF HELL - Story by: Mike Mignola
Art by: Richard Corben
Cover by: Mike Mignola
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Cover Price: $3.50

A year after their Eisner-nominated collaboration Hellboy: The Crooked Man, horror comics legends Corben and Mignola reunite!

A nineteen-year-old girl is kidnapped and Hellboy tracks her down to a remote clearing in France where she's about to be given to Asmodeus, in a strange tale of ghosts, demonic revenge, lost love, and King Solomon.

IMAGE UNITED #2 - Story by: Robert Kirkman
Art by: Erik Larsen, Rob Liefeld, Todd McFarlane, Whilce Portacio, Marc Silvestri & Jim Valentino
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

The greatest threat the Image Universe has ever faced makes his first move toward world domination! You can't miss this historic event as the original Image Founders draw all the characters they made history with. Each page is an amazing jam piece - it's a story told in a way never before attempted in comics.

INCREDIBLE HERCULES #139 - Story by: Greg Pak, Jeff Parker, Fred Van Lente
Art by: Reilly Brown, Rodney Buchemi
Colors by: Elizabeth Breitweiser
Letters by: Simon Bowland
Cover by: Michael Bierek
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

"ASSAULT ON NEW OLYMPUS," Part 2 (of 4) Hercules leads the New and Mighty Avengers against the overwhelming forces of Hera's New Olympus -- but these are no ordinary foes our heroes face, but the gods themselves! Can the superpredator Wolverine outfox an immortal Huntsman? Can Spider-Man out-webspin the divine Arachne? Can Henry Pym outgrow the giant Argus? And with his love Delphyne Gorgon prepared to slay his mentor Athena, Amadeus Cho must make a final, fateful choice!

INVINCIBLE #69 - Story by: Robert Kirkman
Art by: Ryan Ottley, Fco Plascencia
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

EVERYTHING IS DIFFERENT NOW!

Who is Universa?! Why did she come to this planet in search of the one called Invincible? What does it have to do with the impending Viltrumite Invasion?! And why did she decide to come NOW, on the eve of an attack from the SEQUIDS?! The answers to all these questions and even more questions piled on top of them – in this issue of Invincible.

IRREDEEMABLE #9 - Story by: Mark Waid
Art by: Peter Krause
Cover by: Javier Pulido, Dan Panosian
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Cover Price: $3.99

A “twilight of the superheroes”-style ongoing series that examines super-villains from Mark Waid writer of KINGDOM COME and EMPIRE! The hunt for Modeus may be over but ultimate chaos is still at hand! With the Plutonian still on the loose, The Paradigm find themselves with little time and little choice. Have the Paradigm unleashed something they cannot control?

JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #34 - Story by: Bill Willingham
Art by: Travis Moore & Dan Green
Cover by: Jesus Merino
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: #2.99

The Justice Society struggles to pick up the pieces after the team's devastating break up! Regrouping at a new, temporary home base, the smaller team reflects on the recent infiltration of their ranks and how they can protect themselves from another such attack in the future! And why is the new Dr. Fate acting so weird?

NEW AVENGERS #60 - Story by: Brian Michael Bendis
Art by: Stuart Immonen
Colors by: Dave Stewart
Letters by: Comicraft
Cover by: Stuart Immonen
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

Get ready for something you never thought you'd see! Is this the end of Luke Cage? Has the Dark Reign found a casualty so horrifying that the Avengers may not be able to keep it together? Another shocker from the crack team of Bendis and Immonen.

POWERS #2 - Story by: Brian Michael Bendis
Art by: Michael Avon Oeming
Cover by: Michael Avon Oeming
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.95

POWERS continues its monthly comeback!! Following the shocking revelations about Walker's past in our first issue, we dig deeper into the mysterious death of Z, the leader of the super hero rat pack of yesteryear. All this PLUS the long-awaited return of the Powers Personals! That's right!! Will Kick-Ass get you a girl? No. Will Incognito get you a honey? Pretty unlikely. Will Kabuki get you-- Well, Kabuki will probably get you a threesome but...Powers is back!!

PUNISHER #12 - Story by: Rick Remender
Art by: Tony Moore
Colors by: Dan Brown
Cover by: Mike McKone
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

The Punisher is dead, so who, or what, is the giant patchwork monster skulking through the tunnels under New York? And what do those strange armored Japanese hunters tracking him want? Criminals are no longer being killed; they are simply vanishing into thin air. Listen closely, you can hear their pleas far below the streets. Those forgotten by society have a new protector. The Legion of Monsters has found a new leader.

SUPERMAN #695 - Story by: James Robinson
Art by: Fernando Dagnino & Raúl Fernandez
Cover by: CAFU
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $2.99

Metropolis gets a chance to see the new Mon-El in action. But now the stakes are raised even higher and the action escalates as Mon finally goes mano-a-mano against the Parasite! This is a battle that's been brewing since Mon's emergence on Earth and now it explodes into the streets and skies of the city.
Plus, with Mon-El's secret identity publicly known, how will the Science Police react to him now that they know he's been living among them all this time? All this plus the return of Natasha Irons and the fate of Steel!

UNCANNY X-MEN #519 - Story by: Matt Fraction
Art by: Terry Dodson
Letters by: Joe Caramagna
Cover by: Greg Land
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

Cyclops takes a voyage into the head of Emma Frost in hopes of containing the horrifying piece of the villainous Void that has been stuck there since UTOPIA. Can they possibly defeat the awfulness that has haunted the most powerful being in the Marvel U? Tensions are rising on Utopia as the X-Men deal with the new members of their team and the fact that the island is…well…sinking. And Wolverine and a classic pal take one of the craziest journies you’ve ever seen.

X-MEN LEGACY #231 - Story by: Mike Carey
Art by: Clay Mann
Cover by: Adi Granov
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

The NECROSHA event hits X-MEN: LEGACY! Selene’s masterplan is clicking into place, but she got something she didn’t plan for when Destiny was brought back to life. A major X-Villain came back with Destiny and a who’s who of X-Men are sent to Muir Island to deal with them. Join Nightcrawler, Colossus, Psylocke, Rogue (if she makes it through #230 alive) and a new member (who’s so secret we can’t mention him here) as they dive into NECROSHA.

Comic Book Review: The Big Bad Book

2009-12-23T10:27:00.000-05:00

The Big Bad Book

Words by: Nikola Jajic
Pictures by: Sergio Giardo, Rick Hershey, Bob Cram, and Cliff Kurowski
Letters, Edits, Chapter Intros, and Additional Art by: Michael Czerniawski
Cover Art by: Sergio Giardo
Published by: Alterna Comics

For hundreds of years, different civilizations worshipped a variety of god pantheons. The Greeks worshipped Olympus, the Norse worshipped Asgard, and Egyptians worshipped Heliopolis. Nowadays we don't woship these ancient polytheistic pantheons, we mock them. Marvel's Incredible Hercules makes fun of ol' Herc and the ever dysfunctionaly Greek gods. Michael Avon Oeming's God Complex does the same. Joining that impressive lot is Nikola Jajic with The Big Bad Book.

We're quick to make fun on the more familiar Greek gods, but Thor and Norse mythology isn't done, save for Marvel's Warriors Three. Thor has always been very straight-laced. But Jajic steps in and gives us that Norse comedy we all crave.

In The Big Bad Book Thor and Loki are both after a book. The book chronicles Thor's many indiscretions. As Loki says, Thor fears "they may fear your meaty member more than your mighty hammer." So Dad has to step in. Odin says they must compete for the book. It will be placed in a mortal's possession and they must convince the mortal to give it to one or the other. The catch, each brother can choose what form the other will take in the same species. Thor, thinking himself clever, says Loki must appear as a clown. Loki does one better and says Thor must appear as a chimpanzee.

The poor mortal caught between warring brothers? Jim. Jim's life isn't that great before Loki and Thor stepped in. He has a job he hates, a sex obsessed roommate named Josh, and the hots for a girl from work, Debbie, whom he can't work up the guts to make a move. Then he starts seeing clowns and monkeys when no one else can.

What follows is a funny rollercoaster as Jim tries to live his life despite seeing a clown and monkey that no one else can see. There's poo flinging, possessions, and the debate over old school 70's porn versus modern porn. Also throw in a rivalry between Odin and Zeus and you have a funny, psychedelic tale.

The art is very good. Different chapters in the story have different artists, but Loki breaches the fourth wall to explain that he's trying to get someone to tell the tale accurately. Each artist's work is well done. Granted, Thor was supposed to be a chimpanzee and what we see is a monkey with tail, but that's ok.

This book will be available in February, so be sure to check it out. It's all fun and games...unless monkey poo puts an eye out.

Check out these links for previews and more information:

http://alternacomics.com/#/the-big-bad-book/4535752912
http://thebigbadbook.tumblr.com/

ISBN: 9781934985144
Diamond Order Code: DEC090644

Comic Book Review: God Complex #1

2009-12-21T10:41:00.000-05:00

God Complex #1

Created by: Michael Avon Oeming, John Broglia, and Daniel Berman
Story by: Mike Oeming
Script: Dan Berman and Mike Oeming
Art by: John Broglia
Letters by: Aaron Walker
Colors by: Dan Berman
Logo and Website by: Tim Daniels
Cover by: Mike Oeming and Val Staples
Published by: Image Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

You know, of all the powers which are often described as curses and yet I can't quite see it as a curse is immortality. I know and understand the theory...if you couldn't die but everyone you cared for could, then you would become lonely. Maybe it's that immortality is such an alien prospect to us that, for me, makes it something I still can't quite grasp as a big deal. I mean, people die, it's sad, we move on, we meet new people, we remember those who have passed but value the new relationships we make...I think the notion of immortality is just too alien for me to grasp the curse which it is often portrayed as. An exception to this is poor Yancy Queeg from DC's 1987 dystopian limited series The Outcasts by John Wagner, Alan Grant, Cam Kennedy, and Steve Mantano. Yancy was immortal and by the end of the series was nothing but a disembodied head. Ok, that would be a curse, but full body granted, I'm missing the curse.

So Oeming, Berman, and Broglia's God Complex does lose me with its main character, Apollo, resigning from the pantheon of Greek gods to lead a mortal life. Maybe it's less that he wants to live and die as a mortal and more that he wants to just meet new people, because centuries of the same arrogant, issue ridden blowhards could drive one to seek that final peace.

Despite not being able to udnerstand the desire to die, God Complex turned out to be an enjoyable read. Apollo, as Paul, attempts to lead a quiet, normal life, but local hoods force him to reveal his abilities to his new neighborhood getting him a reputation as a hero. That leads the hoods to a witch woman for help and leads the Kronos Corporation, run by the gods, to Apollo.

Oeming and Berman create a serious tale which is not bereft of some lightheartedness like a Kronos Corporation secretary saying of Zeus, "He runs this place like he thinks he's a god" and Hercules is hilarious. Just look for his comment about the new Star Wars.

The story does bare some resemblance to the Olympus Group in Incredible Hercules, but as much as I like Marvel's ol' Herc, God Complex's Apollo, being a more modern character, and certainly more humble, makes for an interesting contrast.

I look forward to the next issue to learn more about the Kronos Corporation and see if Apollo can catch the eye of the fair Sophia.

If you haven't already picked it up, do so...or risk the wrath of the gods...

Comic Catch: December 16, 2009

2009-12-15T20:05:00.001-05:00

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #615 - Story by: Fred Van Lente
Art by: Javier Pulido
Cover by: Paolo Manuel Rivera
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

A locked room mystery! A string of brutal murders! A missing girl! One of Peter Parker's closest friends on the brink of ruin! This looks like a job for the Amazing Spider-Sleuth... and all clues point to the sinister SANDMAN! But all of Spidey's classic villains are being reinvented as part of "THE GAUNTLET", and Sandy is no different -- so nothing is what it seems!

ASTONISHING X-MEN #33 - Story by: Warren Ellis
Art by: Phil Jimenez
Colors by: Frank D'Armata
Letters by: Chris Eliopoulos
Cover by: Phil Jimenez
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

“EXOGENETIC,” PART 3 Dead mutants turned into biological weapons…genetically-reprogrammed Brood sleazoids…missing data on Henry McCoy's research computers…the truth about what Abby Brand was trying to burn out on Cruithne. It all adds up to an attempt to remove mutantcy from the planet Earth entirely -- and the rise of the Bio-Sentinels.

CHIMICHANGA #1 - Story by: Eric Powell
Art by: Eric Powell
Publisher: Albatross Exploding Funny Books
Cover Price: $3.00

Eric Powell, creator of the award winning series The Goon, brings his offbeat humor and distinctive style to his newest creation! A story fit for youngsters, Chimichanga tells the tale of a bearded girl, her less than spectacular traveling circus, and a bizarre creature that turns their lives upside down. Discover Powell's first written and illustrated creator-owned series since The Goon.

DARK AVENGERS #12 - Story by: Brian Michael Bendis
Art by: Mike Deodato, Greg Horn
Colors by: Rainier Beredo
Letters by: Cory Petit
Cover by: Mike Deodato
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

The explosive smash hit series from Brian Bendis and Mike Deodato continues!! The Dark Avengers are pitted against a foe they cannot defeat: A man with the power over every molecule in the world! Norman can't talk his way out of this one as the world gets turned upside down and no joke...someone dies. For reelz!!

DEADPOOL MERC WITH A MOUTH #6 - Story by: Victor Gischler
Art by: Bong Dazo
Colors by: Matt Milla
Cover by: Arthur Suydam
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

Wade, the severed Zombie Deadpool head and Dr. Betty find themselves back on good old Earth, knee-deep in swampy goodness. Seems like Headpool is a little homesick, and everyone agrees the zombie virus should be put safely back into its own dimension. All they’ve got to do is find that damn dimensional portal. Anyway, you don't think A.I.M, is gonna give up that easy, do you? No way. Just because their space station got itself all blown up doesn't mean they're out of the game. But wait -- who's this surprise guest star? Is it a MAN? Is it a THING? Well, you see where this is going ... Is this enough preview copy to get you to buy the damn book…because I can go on all night?!

DOCTOR VOODOO AVENGER OF SUPERNATURAL #3 - Story by: Rick Remender
Art by: Gabriel Hardman, Jefte Palo
Colors by: Jean-Francois Beaulieu
Letters by: Dave Lanphear
Cover by: Marko Djurdjevic
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

The evil which Agamotto foretold has seeped into Earth and amassed an army of possessed children of the supernatural -- all former candidates to the mantle Sorcerer Supreme! Jericho’s journeys through the Everdimensions, in hopes of halting this darkness, have left him broken, near death. With help out of reach and the fabric between our world and the shadow planes corrupted, Doctor Voodoo alone must defeat an army of Earth’s most powerful lords of the arcane and their unnamed master!

INCORRUPTIBLE #1 - Story by: Mark Waid
Art by: Jean Diaz
Cover by: John Cassaday, Tim Sale, Jeffrey Spokes
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Cover Price: $3.99

Last April BOOM! Studios showed the world that MARK WAID IS EVIL with the smash-hit series IRREDEEMABLE. This December, BOOM! shows the world that Mark Waid is now… INCORRUPTIBLE! Super villain Max Damage had an epiphany the day The Plutonian destroyed Sky City. When The Plutonian turned his back on humanity, Max Damage decided to step up. Now Max Damage has changed his name to Max Daring and turned from his formerly selfish ways to become… INCORRUPTIBLE.

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #40 - Story by: James Robinson
Art by: Mark Bagley, Rob Hunter
Cover by: Mark Bagley, Rob Hunter
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $3.99

The JLA can't escape the BLACKEST NIGHT! Faced with the continuing threat of the Black Lanterns, Zatanna, Vixen and the rest of the team confront their pasts when fallen friends and foes return for blood!

LOCKE and KEY CROWN OF SHADOWS #2 - Story by: Joe Hill
Art by: Gabriel Rodriguez
Cover by: Gabriel Rodriguez
Publisher: IDW
Cover Price: $3.99

Far below Keyhouse lies the Drowning Cave, a place where shadows obscure ancient secrets, and the stones are stained with ancient blood. Kinsey Locke descends into the cavern, looking for answers to her family's troubled past, only to discover that it's easier to get in than it is to get out...

MIGHTY AVENGERS #32 - Story by: Christos Gage
Art by: Khoi Pham
Colors by: John Rauch
Letters by: Dave Lanphear
Cover by: Khoi Pham
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

"The Coming Darkness..." The throwdown you've been waiting for-- and that Loki, God of Mischief-- has been scheming towards: THE MIGHTY AVENGERS versus THE DARK AVENGERS! Hank Pym's team has tried their best to be a shining light in the world of Dark Reign but this might be the time that light gets snuffed out! Special appearance by the MIGHTY THOR!

PROJECT SUPERPOWERS CHAPTER TWO #5 - Story by: Jim Krueger
Art by: Edgar Salazar, Doug Klauba
Colors by: Ivan Nunes
Cover by: Alex Ross, Mark Texiera, Stephen Segovia
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Cover Price: $2.99

As the Green Lama continues to struggle to understand the nature of the returned heroes amidst the death of close allies, the Sisters Scarlet make plans to take down Captain Future... now going be his "true" name - Zeus! Plus: the painted origin of President Power by Alex Ross, Doug Klauba and Jim Krueger! Features covers by Alex Ross, Mark Texeira and Stephen Segovia!

THULSA DOOM #4 - Story by: Arvid Nelson
Art by: Lui Antonio
Colors by: Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Cover by: Alex Ross
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Cover Price: $3.50

The origin of the ultimate anti-hero, Thulsa Doom, continues here as we conclude our opening story arc! Atlantis is destroyed! The world is in chaos! And Thulsa seeks his own path to ultimate power! From the pages of writer Robert E. Howard comes Dynamite's Thulsa Doom! Written by Kull writer Arvid Nelson and illustrated by Lui (Red Sonja) Antonio with incredible painted covers by Alex Ross!

ULTIMATE COMICS ARMOR WARS #3 - Story by: Warren Ellis
Art by: Steve Kurth
Letters by: Joe Sabino
Cover by: Brandon Peterson
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

Tony Stark goes toe-to-toe with his deadliest creations! Can the man that created every version of IRON MAN armor defeat all of them at the SAME TIME???

X-FACTOR #200 - Story by: Peter David
Art by: Bing Cansino
Cover by: Esad RIbic
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $4.99

"THE INVISIBLE GIRL HAS VANISHED" X-Factor has relocated back to New York, and their first client is a keeper: Franklin Richards, whose mom has disappeared and who figures that the premiere detective agency in the Marvel Universe has the best chance of finding her. Except Reed Richards doesn't seem especially cooperative in helping them locate his missing wife. What is he hiding, and does it have anything to do with the coming Darkness? Meanwhile, Val Cooper has some bad news for Monet: Her ambassador father has been taken prisoner by terrorists, and she has less than 24 hours to find him before he winds up getting his head cut off on video.

X-MEN LEGACY #230 - Story by: Mike Carey, Duane Swierczysnki
Art by: Daniel Acuna, Steve Dillon
Cover by: Daniel Acuna
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

It’s Rogue and Trance vs. Emplate -- a villain who has single-handedly taken down teams of X-Men A-Listers. Do they stand a chance? We sure hope so as X-MEN LEGACY #231 is on sale two weeks later! Don’t miss the killer climax to the huge first arc of the new direction on X-MEN LEGACY! Plus, a Cable backstory!

Comic Review: Haunt #1

2009-10-14T09:43:00.000-04:00

Writer/Co-Creator: Robert Kirkman
Layouts: Greg Capullo
Pencils: Ryan Ottley
Inks/Co-Creator: Todd McFarlane
Color: FCO Plascencia
Letters by: Richard Starkings
Covers by: Todd McFarlane, Ryan Ottley, Greg Capullo
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

There are certain comic writers who, when they have a new series come out, you just have to pick it up. Robert Kirkman is that writer for me. So with his works Invincible and The Walking Dead well into their double digits, and Marvel readers seeming inability to "get" The Kirkman, when I saw that he had another series coming out, Haunt, I jumped onboard.

Ok, confession, I honestly am not sure how well received Kirkman's Marvel work has been, but appearances suggest lukewarm at best. Hopefully the appearances do deceive here, though Robert writes better with his own characters.

Another confession...I don't automatically love everything Kirkman does. I'm looking at Tech Jacket here. Astounding Wolf-Man is ok, but not good enough to keep considering the vast number of comics that I am biologically compelled to purchase and the effects the villainous Inflation has had on the global society.

But I always give The Kirkman a chance. Does that sound like a dance? Do The Kirkman!

So Kirkman teamed with McFarlane to create Haunt, which filled me conflicting feelings. McFarlane was a favored comic star at one point...90s...and now, not so much. He's still a great artist, and Spawn when it started was excellent, but Spawn's costume stopped having color in it, and after awhile all the characters drawn by McFarlane with fluid-ish costumes (Spawn, Venom) start blurring together. And the cover looks like the same sort of thing...but I was going to see what KirkFarlane could do...

Haunt #1 focuses on feuding brothers Daniel and Kurt Kilgore. Daniel is a priest and Kurt lives a life of espionage and danger. Daniel hears, unhappily, Kurt's confessions when he ready to unburden his soul of the dirty deeds he must do in his line of work.

But when Kurt gets tortured to death, Daniel thinks he's losing his mind when he starts seeing his dead brother. Worse he also hears Kurt plead for Daniel to protect his wife from the men who killed him. But then when men arrive to kill Daniel and Kurt's wife, Kurt enters Daniel's body to protect him, and Haunt is born.

The book certainly feels significantly McFarlane-ish, but with a heavy dose of Kirkman flavor, and it tastes good. Kirkman's characterization makes the disgruntled pair an appealing and interesting team. It's important to note that typically when two characters are at odds, there's one we are supposed to like and one we are supposed to not like, and if that's not supposed to happen, sometimes it happens anyway. However, Kirkman is able to keep both characters appealing. Daniel doesn't approve of Kurt's life, but Kurt doesn't lack morals and his moment of doing the right thing makes him a sympathetic character caught in a violent lifestyle.

The art is nice. I'm not an artist and not positive how all these things work, but I felt like McFarlane's inks overpowered Ottley's pencils, which probably added to the McFarlane feel. But Ottley's still seen in there.

Haunt #1 is definately worth a look. If you passed it last week, pick it up today and check it out. Your decision won't haunt you...

Cool New Titles Coming in December

2009-10-11T10:21:00.001-04:00

Chimichanga #1- Eric Powell, creator of the award winning series The Goon, brings his offbeat humor and distinctive style to his newest creation! A story fit for youngsters, Chimichanga tells the tale of a bearded girl, her less than spectacular traveling circus, and a bizarre creature that turns their lives upside down. Discover Powell's first written and illustrated creator-owned series since The Goon.

Writer and Artist: Eric Powell
Publisher: Albatross Exploding Funny Books
Cover Price: $3.00
Release Date: December 2, 2009
Previews Code: OCT090662

Empowered One-Shot - Even as costumed crime fighter Empowered fights a desperate battle against a functionally invulnerable, grave-robbing supervillain inside a secret underground mausoleum for fallen superheroes, back at Emp's apartment, the alien demonlord imprisoned upon her coffee table spins a tempestuous tell-all tale of the often-struggling heroine's deepest secrets . . . The scruple-free storyteller soon reveals how all of Empowered's many frustrations at work, at home, and even in the bedroom can be conveyed strictly through the vocabulary of her extraordinarily expressive exhalations, thus making her . . . 'The wench with a Million Sighs!'

Writer and Artist: Adam Warren
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: December 2, 2009
Previews Code: OCT090013

God Complex #1 - The co-creator of POWERS and MICE TEMPLAR, MICHAEL AVON OEMING, brings you magic, monsters and GODS. Meet Paul, he's an everyday kind of guy. He's kinda tall, kinda strong and kinda not mortal at all. Paul is actually Apollo (no, really) in hiding from his family the ancient Greek gods. Paul's father (you know, Zeus) would rather see Paul dead than living as a mortal. So, for Paul, being a god is complex... and dangerous...

Writers: Michael Avon Oeming and Daniel Berman
Artist: John Broglia
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 2, 2009
Previews Code: OCT090348

Hellboy: Bride of Hell one-shot - A year after their Eisner-nominated collaboration Hellboy: The Crooked Man, horror comics legends Corben and Mignola reunite! A nineteen-year-old girl is kidnapped and Hellboy tracks her down to a remote clearing in France where she's about to be given to Asmodeus, in a strange tale of ghosts, demonic revenge, lost love, and King Solomon.

Writer: Mike Mignola
Artist: Richard Corben
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Cover Price: $3.50
Release Date: December 23, 2009
Previews Code: OCT090011

Incorruptible #1 - Last April BOOM! Studios showed the world that 'Mark Waid Is Evil' with the smash-hit series Irredeemable. Now, Mark Waid is Incorruptible! Super villain Max Damage had an epiphany the day The Plutonian destroyed Sky City. When The Plutonian turned his back on humanity, Max Damage decided to step up. Now Max Damage has changed his name to Max Daring and turned from his formerly selfish ways to become Incorruptible. The flip side to this year's break-out smash hit, examining the hard, difficult road to changing your ways and making a difference in the world.

Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Neil Edwards
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: December 23, 2009
Previews Code: OCT090784

Mystery Men Adventures vol. 1 - Tenth Anniversary Edition! Reprinting the first four full-color comics of the project that brought about the cult classic Universal movie of the same name starring Ben Stiller, Janeane Garfolo and William H. Macy. These classics are reprinted here for the first time as a 'director's cut' with restored dialogue and creator commentary. Unlike the light hearted movie, the tone of the comics ranged from the surreal to a gritty, dark realism and film-noir style, since unseen in comics.

Writer: Bob Burden
Artist: Various
Publisher: Bob Burden Studios
Cover Price: $19.95
Previews Code: OCT090764

The Unknowns #1 - Wanted meets The Bourne Identity when a beautiful woman living an average suburban life, Alexis Davenport, discovers she was once a superhero and part of a disbanded superhero team, The Unknowns. With the help of her former partners who all have unique superpowers, she now must discover why her memory was erased and what is the secret of the vast conspiracy they were trying to cover up. Features the likeness of model Monica Olsen as Alexis.

Writer: Mark Altman and Steve Kriozere
Artist: Alisson Borges
Publisher: Femme Fatales Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: December 2, 2009
Previews Code: OCT090903

Comic Catch: October 7, 2009

2009-10-06T21:41:00.000-04:00

ABSOLUTION #2 - Story by: Christos Gage
Art by: Roberto Viacava
Cover by: Jacen Burrows
Publisher: Avatar Press
Cover Pirce: $3.99

ABSOLUTION introduces John Dusk, a superhero in a world where they're a sanctioned arm of law enforcement. But this veteran hero has been scarred by his exposure to man's infinite capacity for evil, and he's seen one too many perpetrators escape justice. One day he crosses the line...lets a murderer die...and discovers it feels good. In this brutal second issue, John Dusk's campaign of exterminating criminals intensifies...as his girlfriend Karen reaches the conclusion that only an "enhancile" could have committed the murders she's investigating. We'll see that not all superhumans in John's world are on the side of the law, and meet some of the renegades, including the enigmatic Happy Kitty. And before the issue's over, someone will discover John's secret... He wants to be forgiven...but he doesn't want to stop.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #608 - Story by: Marc Guggenheim
Art by: Marco Chechetto & Luke Ross
Cover by: Adi Granov
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

"WHO WAS BEN REILLY?" begins here! Bursting out of the pages of this year's AMAZING SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL, RAPTOR is back for revenge against the man he claims killed his family - BEN REILLY, the clone of Spider-Man! Unfortunately, the only person alive that fits Ben's description is Peter Parker! As this super powered psycho with a thirst for vengeance targets Peter, his family and his friends, even Spider-Man might not be able to save the day this time!

ASTONISHING X-MEN #31 - Story by: Warren Ellis
Art by: Phil Jimenez, Andy Lanning
Colors by: Frank D'Armata
Letters by: Chris Eliopoulos
Cover by: Phil Jimenez, Travis Charest
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

Abigail Brand, director of S.W.O.R.D., has been in some sticky situations, and she isn’t the type who asks for help to get out of them. But when you’re careening towards Earth in the cockpit of a damaged spaceship after being attacked on an exploding asteroid 7.5 million miles from Earth…it’s time to call the X-Men. They might not have much of a plan, or much of a chance, but that’s certainly never stopped them before. Superstar artist Phil Jimenez joins writer Warren Ellis for the second arc of the mind-bending ongoing series!

DEADPOOL #16 - Story by: Daniel Way
Art by: Paco Medina
Colors by: Marte Gracia
Letters by: Cory Petit
Cover by: Jason Pearson
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

“Want You to Want Me,” Part 2 Deadpool is convinced that, after years of gun-for-hire work, he has found his true calling: He’s going to be an X-Man! One problem, though: they don’t want him! And can you blame them? Wade’s just as likely to fire on his friends as his enemies! But Cyclops is smart enough not to get on Deadpool’s bad side. He has a plan to keep Deadpool both close enough to monitor and far enough away so that no one gets hit by the shrapnel. But Deadpool has a plan, too…

DOCTOR VOODOO AVENGER OF SUPERNATURAL #1 - Story by: Rick Remender
Art by: Jefte Palo
Colors by: Jean-Francois Beauliew
Letters by: Dave Lanphear
Cover by: Marko Djurdjevic
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

Launching from the pages of New Avengers, Jericho Drumm assumes the role of Marvel’s new Sorcerer Supreme as DOCTOR VOODOO! Having foreseen an unimaginable evil that will soon envelop the Marvel Universe, the Eye of Agamotto has passed the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme on to the one man who has the unique gifts to stave off the coming darkness -- but is Doctor Voodoo ready for the momentous duty as avenger of the supernatural? As Jericho begins to grapple with his colossal new position, malevolent beings of vast power see his arrival as an opportunity to strike.

DOOM PATROL #3 - Story by: Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis
Art by: Matthew Clark, John Livesay, Kevin Maguire
Cover by: Matthew Clark, Kevin Maguire
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $3.99

Remember Mento? Yeah, that guy – goofy helmet, lightning bolt on his chest. After reading this issue, it's a sure bet you won't forget him again any time soon. Oh yeah, and the resolution of that whole "black hole" thing from last issue adds a kinda-sorta new member to the Doom Patrol roster. As for everyone's favorite Metal Men, it's the dynamic debut of Douglas, Robot Hunter! We're too good to you.

HAUNT #1 - Story by: Robert Kirkman
Art by: Greg Capullo, Ryan Ottley, Todd McFarlane
Letters by: Richard Starkings
Cover by: Todd McFarlane, Ryan Ottley, Greg Capullo
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

Daniel Kilgore is dragged into his estranged brother Kurt’s secret life of murder and espionage... by his ghost. With no training whatsoever, guided by the spirit of his secret-agent brother, Daniel must now solve his brother’s murder and save the world – or die trying! It all starts here, people: Witness the birth of HAUNT!

IRREDEEMABLE #7 - Story by: Mark Waid
Art by: Peter Krause
Colors by: Andrew Dalhouse
Letters by: Ed Dukeshire
Cover by: Gene Ha, Dan Panosian, Jeffrey Spokes
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Cover Price: $3.99

A “twilight of the superheroes”-style story that examines super-villains from Mark Waid writer of KINGDOM COME and EMPIRE! The Plutonian’s former teammates, the Paradigm, start to turn the tide against their former comrade. But you know what they say about a cornered animal…

JUSTICE LEAGUE CRY FOR JUSTICE #4 - Story by: James Robinson
Art by: Mauro Cascioli
Cover by: Mauro Cascioli
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $3.99

How far would you go for justice? The heroes have found themselves turning to darker tactics in their search for retribution. Starman and Congorilla have captured the killers who took down some of their friends, but now what do they do with them? Meanwhile, Green Lantern and company wrestle with the idea of torturing villains for information in order to save lives.

NORTH 40 #4 - Story by: Aaron Williams
Art and cover by: Fiona Staples
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $2.99

The undead have come to Lufton High, and the party hosted by Lufton’s “supernaturally gifted” students is in chaos. Meanwhile, Sheriff Morgan and the Atterhulls (who want him out of the picture) find that something new and ground shaking has been loosed in the night, and Morgan’s arsenal combined with David’s super-strength may not be enough to stop it.

PROJECT SUPERPOWERS MEET THE BAD GUYS #2 - Story by: Alex Ross, Joe Casey, Jim Kreuger
Art by: Mike Lilly, Doug Klauba
Colors by: Ivan Nunes
Cover by: Alex Ross
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Cover Price: $3.99

Dynamite invites you to "Meet the Bad Guys!" with this special PROJECT SUPERPOWERS series plotted by Alex Ross, scripted by Joe Casey and illustrated by Dynamite artistic sensation Mike (The Black Terror) Lilly! As the heroes return, the villains rise - this second villainous issue introduces The Revolutionary... an awesome force to be reckoned with for the Fighting Yank!

SAVAGE DRAGON #153 - Story by: Erik Larsen
Art and Cover by: Erik Larsen
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $3.50

Savage Dragon is reunited with his son Malcolm but the reunion is anything but happy. What's a son to do when his father has merged with a ruthless, unyielding killer? Meanwhile Dart continues to manipulate the Original Daredevil and the mysterious new Overlord is making a few changes to the Vicious Circle in his quest for power!

SUPERMAN WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #8 - Story by: James Robinson, Greg Rucka
Art by: Pete Woods, Ron Randall
Cover by: Gary Frank, Joe Kubert
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $2.99

On a mission in space, Superman and his fellow Kryptonians encounter the might of the Thanagarian Army. Can Superman keep things peaceful between the two races – or will The Man of Steel discover that Hawkman's legendary temper is shared by all his people?

ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #3 - Story by: Brian Michael Bendis
Art by: David LaFuente
Colors by: Justin Ponsor
Letters by: Cory Petit
Cover by: David LaFuente
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

The world of Spider-Man is turned upside down! Friends are enemies and enemies are friends!! Mysterio is on the loose and gunning for Spidey big time. And the Hulk is back!!!?? Plus--and this is a biggie--you'll never believe what iconic super hero is moving into Aunt May's house!!

VENGEANCE OF MOON KNIGHT #2 - Story by: Gregg Hurwitz
Art by: Jerome Opena
Colors by: Paul Mounts
Letters by: Joe Caramagna
Cover by: Leinil Francis Yu
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

“SHOCK AND AWE,” PART 2 Moon Knight is back in the Big Apple to pick a fight with the man who chased him out of town in the first place: Norman Osborn. Freed of his demons and armed with an arsenal of incredible new weapons, Moon Knight is throwing down the gauntlet to his old nemesis. Is Osborn ready for Round Two? Uh….yeah. The real question is, is Moon Knight ready for the Sentry?

WITCHFINDER IN THE SERVICE OF ANGELS #4 - Story by: Mike Mignola
Art by: Ben Stenbeck
Colors by: Dave Stewart
Cover by: Mike Mignola
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

A horrific monster rampages through the streets of Victorian London, but not everyone wants to see the menace dead. The Heliopic Brotherhood of Ra wishes to capture the creature for their own dark purposes, and if Edward Grey is to have any hope of killing the beast before it falls into their hands, he’ll have to seek aid in the most unlikely of places -- a lunatic asylum!

X-MEN VS AGENTS OF ATLAS #1 - Story by: Jeff Parker
Art by: Carlo Pagulayan, Chris Samnee
Colors by: Elizabeth Breitweiser
Letters by: Joe Caramagna
Cover by: Ed McGuinness
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

It's a monster-sized throwdown as the Agents of Atlas go toe-to-toe with the Uncanny X-Men! Venus has been kidnapped and the Agents will scour the Earth to find her! The Uranian needs a bigger boost to enable his mind to scan the globe, and intel suggests the one machine that can help is CEREBRA- which brings the Agents of Atlas head to head with no less than THE X-MEN!

Comic Catch: September 30, 2009

2009-09-29T21:50:00.001-04:00

ALIENS #3 - Story by: John Arcudi
Art by: Zack Howard
Colors by: Wes Dzioba
Cover by: Raymond Swanland
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Cover Price: $3.50

Untold trillions of miles from Earth, the planet Chione holds limitless treasures, ancient mysteries . . . and horrors beyond imagination. In the presence of the greatest archaeological discovery in human history, biologist David Sereda's journey of discovery becomes a desperate rescue mission as he plunges alone into a vast, maze-like necropolis to save the life of a woman trapped amidst an infestation of deadly xenomorphs. But when Sereda comes face to face with the madmen who murdered his crew -- and buried him alive -- he begins to doubt his quest as he realizes that for any hope of success in the midst of monsters, Sereda may need to make a deal with devils.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #607 - Story by: Joe Kelly
Pencils by: Mike McKone
Inks by: Andy Lanning
Colors by: Chris Chuckry
Letters by: VC - Joe Caramagna
Cover BY: J. Scott Campbell
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

Look out, Spidey! Hot on the heels of his old girlfriend’s trip home, The Black Cat’s back (and front!), sexier and more dangerous than ever! The deck is STACKED as the one woman that loves Spider-Man more than Peter Parker is up to some devilish shenanigans…and nothing bugs Spidey more than shenanigans! BRAce yourself for danger, Spidey! It’s gonna be …umm…sexy?

BOMB QUEEN VI #1 - Story by: Jimmie Robinson
Art by: Jimmie Robinson
Cover by: Jimmie Robinson
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $3.50

“OH, BOMB AH!”

Image superheroes are lining up to congratulate President Obama, But NOT the villain dictator of New Port City. Bomb Queen is seething with bloodlust when the new administration targets her criminal city for closure along with Guantanamo Bay. Bomb Queen vs. Barack Obama?

Only Image would dare! Don’t miss it!

DARK REIGN LETHAL LEGION #3 - Story by: Frank Tieri
Pencils by: Mateus Santolouco
Inks by: Mateus Santolouco
Colors by: Chris Sotomayor
Letters by: Chris Eliopoulos
Cover BY: Tommy Lee Edwards
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

The mysterious circumstances surrounding the final showdown between the Lethal Legion and the Dark Avengers are finally revealed! What could have happened that day that forever altered Marvel’s criminal underworld as we know it? Twists, turns, terror—and a shocking conclusion you won’t want to miss!

DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP #4 - Story by: Philip K. Dick
Art by: Tony Parker
Colors by: Blond
Letters by: Richard Starkings
Cover by: Bill Sienkiewicz, Moritat
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Cover Price: $3.99

Worldwide best-selling sci-fi author Philip K. Dick’s award-winning DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP? - the basis for the film BLADE RUNNER – comes to comics in an innovative, ground-breaking maxi-series with the full text, fully illustrated. What secret does the Rosen Corporation keep? What happens when one bonds with John Mercer, the new messiah for a new age? What does it mean to be human? These are the questions Rick Deckard must face in his strange quest! With backmatter by Ed Brubaker!

JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #31 - Story by: Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges
Art and cover by: Jesus Merino
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $2.99

Magog and Wildcat square off as the team traitor involved in the attack on a fellow JSAer is revealed! It all leads to greater tension and permanent rifts within the most storied Super Hero team of all time! Clearly, this was an inside job, and though they may not realize it now, the damage to the group is deeper than any of them suspects.

LAST DAYS OF ANIMAL MAN #5 - Story by: Gerry Conway
Art by: Chris Batista and Dave Meikis
Cover by: Brian Bolland
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $2.99

His powers are gone. His teammates are beaten. His family hates him. Prismatik and Bloodrage have all the power of the League of Titans HQ to themselves. And this miniseries only has one issue to go. It doesn't look good for Buddy Baker, does it? There's a reason we called it The Last Days of Animal Man, folks!

PUNISHER ANNUAL #1 - Story by: Rick Remender
Art by: Jason Pearson
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

"REMOTE CONTROL"

The Punisher faces his greatest challenge yet: Trapped in the throes of a hypnotic spell, Spider-Man's gone psycho and he wants to grind Frank Castle's bones to paste! And since Spidey's not really to blame for his actions, Castle faces a dilemma: Fight (the only way he knows how) or die. Can the Punisher survive a bloodthirsty Wall-Crawler long enough to disconnect him from the control of the Dirty Dozen's leaders, Letha and Lascivious? Super-star artist Jason Pearson joins regular series writer Rick Remender.

RAPTURE #4 - Story by: Michael Avon Oeming, Taki Soma
Art by: Michael Avon Oeming
Colors by: Val Staples
Cover by: Taki Soma
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Cover Price: $3.50

In the midst of a postapocalyptic world, a lone avenging champion named Evelyn Town struggles as she watches civilization collapse around her. Evelyn's lover, Gil, is nowhere to be found and she has failed to save her mother from the cannibals who terrorize the remaining survivors. Evelyn is taken aback by all that has challenged her since accepting the power given to her by the mysterious being known as Word. Will Evelyn's newfound power help to reunite her with Gil? And can Gil survive the hellish world, ruled by a twisted child champion, in which he now finds himself living?

SUPERMAN #692 - Story by: James Robinson
Art by: Fernando Dagnino, Raul Fernandez
Cover by: CAFU
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $2.99

Tragedy strikes in the aftermath of "Codename: Patriot" as Metropolis buries one of its own! And with a man down, the Science Police are on their own to stop a cadre of Super-Villains from stealing a formerly common commodity that has suddenly become rarer than gold!

THULSA DOOM #2 - Story by: Arvid Nelson
Art by: Lui Antonio
Colors by: Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Cover by: Alex Ross
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Cover Price: $3.50

The origin of the ultimate anti-hero, Thulsa Doom Continues! Atlantis is destroyed! The world is in chaos! And Thulsa seeks his own path to ultimate power!

From the pages of writer Robert E. Howard comes Dynamite's Thulsa Doom! Written by Kull writer Arvid Nelson and illustrated by Lui (Red Sonja) Antonio, the daring opening story arc continues!

X-FACTOR #49 - Story by: Peter David
Pencils by: Valentine De Landro
Inks by: Pat Davidson
Colors by: Jeromy Cox
Letters by: Cory Petit
Cover by: David Yardin
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

Cortex stands revealed! Or does he? The plan of the president's science team threatens Madrox and Layla! Or does it? Shatterstar gets a milkshake! Or does he? It's all going according to the plan of Doctor Doom! Or is it?

Comic Review: The Field on the Edge of the Woods Book 1

2009-09-20T17:14:00.000-04:00

The Field on the Edge of the Woods Book 1

By Mike "Frick" Weber, Loran Skinkis, and G. Morgan
Publisher: http://www.filmsandcomics.com/
Cover Price: $3.99

"Just beyond the final breath of our years, lies a field...The Field on the Edge of the Woods. To the north, the Great WHite Wall, a beacon of hope on a remorseless landscape, and to the south...The Woods, the dark twisted closet of the world...a place that never forgives, and never forgets."

So reads the inside cover of the first book of The Field on the Edge of the Woods. With it's cover simulating the appearance of a worn leather tome, you expect a serious drama of the struggle between good and evil, the White Wall versus the dark Woods.

That's not exactly what you find, however. The story is framed in the context of reently deceased Gary reading a script written by...Death? As the hooded, grinning skeleton guides the confused Gary, we overhear the tale as Death reads the part of the narrator saying it would be cool if the narrator sounded like Morgan Freeman.

The story concerns a white rider and his army fighting the Dark Nasties, troll-like forces of the dark Woods over a mysterious bundle. The white rider, whom we learn is Pontius Pilate, gets aided by the Gov'ner and Chenoa, apparently also denizens of the Woods under the care of the Woman of the Woods. A tenuous alliance is forged and the three begin their journey in search of the stolen bundle.

What could easily have been a serious sword and sorcery tale easily lost amidst the many previous stories of the genre actually becomes an intriguing and fun adventure. Weber and crew through in humor as easily as mystery and adventure and the humor is all too modern day. The Gov'ner sounds like he could fit in with any Kevin Smith movie which contrasts the more proper fantasy tone of Pontius Pilate. Throw in the Dark Nasties who wear t-shirts reading "No Fat Chicks", "OMFG", "Vote for Pedro", "Size Matters", and the like and you can see that the strange blend of classic fantasy and modern humor creates a unique and fun reading experience.

Here's a very cool trailer for the book...Check it out...

September 16, 2009

2009-09-15T19:55:00.000-04:00

ACTION COMICS #881 - Story by: Greg Rucka and Sterling Gates; James Robinson
Art by: Pere Pérez; CAFU
Cover by: Pere Pérez
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $3.99

The Hunt for Reactron" starts here! Spilling out of the stunning finale of "Codename: Patriot," Supergirl and Flamebird find themselves at each other's throats! What's happened to these two childhood friends to put them at such odds, and can Nightwing calm them down before the situation escalates? And just what are they going to do about all of the guys who are surrounding them? You know, the guys in the tanks?

AGENTS OF ATLAS #11 - Story by: Jeff Parker
Art by: Gabriel Hardman, Dan Panosian
Colors by: Elizabeth Breitweiser, Chris Sotomayor
Letters by: Tom Orzechowski
Cover by: Adi Granov
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

There's no enemy quite like a former lover, is there? The gloves are all the way off as Jade Claw and her forces begin assaulting Atlas on every front! The Agents throw everything they've got at the Great Wall, but to no avail. Gorilla-Man is convinced only ONE member of the team can possibly stop the rain of pain...

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #605 - Story by: Brian Reed, Fred Van Lente
Art by: Yanick Paquette, Javier Pulido, Mark Farmer, Rick Magyar
Colors by: Nathan Fairbairn, Javier Rodriguez, Rob Schwager
Letters by: Joe Caramagna
Cover by: Mike Mayhew
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

In Issue #605 don’t miss the special “Red Headed Stranger” Epilogue! MARY JANE WATSON has returned to New York ... and all the worse for her because of what THE CHAMELEON is about to do to it! Time is running out, no one knows whose face the Master of Disguise is wearing now, and Everyone's Friendly Neighborhood-er is locked in a death-duel with Mayor J. Jonah Jameson's all-new SPIDER-SLAYER SQUAD.

DARK AVENGERS #9 - Story by: Brian Michael Bendis
Art by: Mike Deodato
Colors by: Rainier Beredo
Letters by: Cory Petit
Cover by: Mike Deodato
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

Poor Marvel Boy... he had no idea how sinister a gang the Dark Avengers actually is. And now he is running for his life. And poor Ares, he has no idea where his son goes while he is off being an Avenger. And now he is going to find out. And when he does... there will be hell to play. Guest-starring Nick Fury and the Secret Warriors. Oh, you heard that right. Ares versus Nick Fury! You know when Stan used to say 'nuff said? This is the kind of thing he was 'nuff saiding about!

DEADPOOL MERC WITH A MOUTH #3 - Story by: Victor Gischler
Art by: Bong Dazo, Jose Pimentel
Colors by: Matt Milla
Letters by: Jeff Eckleberry
Cover by: Arthur Suydam
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

“HEAD TRIP,” PART 3 They don’t call it the “Savage Land” for nothing! Trapped between cavemen zombies and an elite Hydra strike team, Deadpool’s only bargaining chip is the thing they both covet: The severed-but-still-devious head of the Marvel Zombies Deadpool! If the Merc With a Mouth is going to survive, he’s going to need all his wits and a timely assist from a guy in a loincloth named Ka-Zar and his saber-tooth sidekick. And he’d best keep one eye on “Headpool” – ‘cause that little critter is not to be trusted.

JSA VS KOBRA #4 - Story by: Eric Trautmann
Art by: Don Kramer and Michael Babinski
Cover by: Gene Ha
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $2.99

The trail of Kobra leads the Justice Society of America to Fawcett City! Jason Burr may think that it's safe to venture into former Shazam territory, but he's about to learn that the JSA protects each other's turf no matter what. And now that Burr has gotten them mad, there's no holding the Justice Society back!

MIGHTY AVENGERS #29 - Story by: Christos Gage, Dan Slott
Art by: Khoi Pham, Danny Miki
Colors by: John Rauch
Letters by: Dave Lanphear
Cover by: Marko Djurdjevic
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

"SECRETS & LIES" It's all out action at the Avengers new headqarters as RONIN and VISION face off against the SCARLET WITCH! Readers already know the Scarlet Witch is secretly LOKI, but could this be the issue where STATURE and the other MIGHTY AVENGERS find out? Also, on the outskirts of Tibet, QUICKSILVER and a longtime Avengers villain uncover THE UNSPOKEN'S plan to dominate all life on Earth. What is the secret origin of The Slave Engine? And what horribly, freakish thing has it done to the U.S. AGENT? Guest Starring: RONIN and THE YOUNG AVENGERS

POE #3 - Story by: J. Barton Mitchell
Art by: Dean Kotz
Publisher: Boom Studios
Cover Price: $3.99

He created Horror. Find out how horror created him… In this pulse-pounding issue Poe must rescue his brother and his brother’s wife from THE RED DEATH! But when THE RED DEATH offers to bring Poe’s wife Virginia back to life in exchange, will Poe make the right choice? Supernatural adventure for fans of books like HELLBOY!

PUNISHER #9 - Story by: Rick Remender
Art by: Tan Eng Huat
Colors by: Lee Loughridge
Letters by: Joe Caramagna
Cover by: Mike McKone, Tom Raney
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

“DEAD END,” PART 4 It’s one of those days… Gunning for the Punisher, the monstrous and impenetrable tank of the Hijacker lays waste to New York…Frank Castle uncovers the terrible history of his brand-new assistant, Henry (an origin guaranteed to astonish)…and someone just dug up the caskets of Castle’s family (that’s got to end badly).

ULTIMATE COMICS ARMOR WARS #1 - Story by: Warren Ellis
Art by: Steve Kurth, Jeffrey Huet
Colors by: Guru-EFX
Letters by: Joe Sabino
Cover by: Brandon Peterson
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

Exploding from the ruins of ULTIMATUM, Tony Stark races against time to save his crippled corporation and stop the theft of his armored arsenal! Superstar writer WARREN ELLIS (ULTIMATE HUMAN) teams up with rising talent STEVE KURTH (IRON MAN) to bring you a globe-spanning, high-octane thriller with a blast from Tony's past that you’ve gotta see to believe!

VENGEANCE OF MOON KNIGHT #1 - Story by: Gregg Hurwitz
Art by: Jerome Opena
Colors by: Dan Brown
Letters by: Joe Caramagna
Cover by: Leinil Francis Yu, Dave Finch, Alex Ross
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

“SHOCK AND AWE,” PART 1 Moon Knight is back in the Big Apple and looking to pick a fight with the man who chased him out of town in the first place: Norman Osborn. Freed of his demons and armed with an arsenal of incredible new weapons, Moon Knight is finally the hero he always aspired to be – taking out criminals with massive flair and throwing down the gauntlet to his old nemesis. Is Osborn ready for Round Two?

WALKING DEAD #65 - Story by: Robert Kirkman
Art by: Charlie Adlard, Cliff Rathburn
Cover by: Charlie Adlard, Cliff Rathburn
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

THE HUNT CONTINUES!

His time is up.

WE KILL MONSTERS #3 - Story by: Laura Harkcom, Christopher Leone
Art by: Brian Churilla
Colors by: Ronda Pattison
Letters by: Jeff Powell
Publisher: Red 5 Comics
Cover Price: $3.50

Mechanics Jake and Andrew Basher team with a sexy ex-girlfriend to kill a terrifying giant insect monster with a homemade weapon rigged from spare car parts. While Andrew discovers a clue about the monsters' origins, Jake's latest fix of monster juice gives him a shocking new side effect.

X-FACTOR #48 - Story by: Peter David
Art by: Valentine De Landro, Pat Davidson
Colors by: Jeromy Cox
Letters by: Cory Petit
Cover by: David Yardin
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

Cortex stands revealed! Or does he? The plan of the president’s science team threatens Madrox and Layla! Or does it? Shatterstar gets a milkshake! Or does he? It’s all going according to the plan of Doctor Doom! Or is it?

X-MEN LEGACY ANNUAL #1 - Story by: Mike Carey
Art by: Daniel Acuna, Mirco Pierfederici
Colors by: Daniel Acuna, Mirco Pierfederici
Letters by: Cory Petit
Cover by: Daniel Acuna
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

Rogue takes over the driver’s seat of X-MEN LEGACY with a bang. But she’s not alone. Her new role with the X-Men puts her in close contact with the Legacy of the X-Men, the students. It’s up to Rogue to foster the last generation of mutants, but can she even keep them alive? A classic X-Villain returns in this giant-sized special that kicks off X-MEN LEGACY’s NEW DIRECTION!

Comic Catch: September 10, 2009

2009-09-08T21:11:00.000-04:00

BPRD 1947 #3 - Story by: Mike Mignola, Joshua Dysart
Art by: Fábio Moon, Gabriel Bá
Colors by: Dave Stewart
Cover by: Mike Mignola
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

The newest B.P.R.D. members are thrust into the jaws of a group of unsavory vampires as they search for a missing comrade in the bowels of a dilapidated old chateau.

DOOM PATROL #2 - Story by: Keith Giffen; J.M. DeMatteis
Art by: Matthew Clark and John Livesay; Kevin Maguire
Cover by: Matthew Clark
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $3.99

It's a black hole, but it's not a black hole. If you're a Doom Patrol fan, that made perfect sense. And even if not, then you're in for one hell of a ride as the Doom Patrol face off against the most annoying alien this side of G'nort. Who's G'nort? What, do we have to spoon-feed this stuff to you?Oh, and we send the Metal Men into space. Just because.

G-MAN CAPE CRISIS #2 - Story by: Chris Giarrusso
Art by: Chris Giarrusso
Cover by: Chris Giarrusso
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

Wizard Glendolf Williams has bad news for G-Man. The magic in G-Man’s cape has become dangerously unstable! And it’s going to take more than the sorcery of Glendolf to set things right!

HELLBOY WILD HUNT #6 - Story by: Mike Mignola, Gary Gianni
Art by: Duncan Fegredo
Colors by: Dave Stewart, Alex Wald
Cover by: Mike Mignola
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

With the Queen of Blood's legion of followers growing ever larger, it's clear that Hellboy needs to find some powerful allies of his own if he's to have any hope of saving humankind. As luck would have it, it seems one has found him. But this mysterious benefactor -- an ancient sorceress of legendary power and ambition -- has an agenda of her own . . . on behalf of Hellboy's ancestors!

INCREDIBLE HERCULES #134 - Story by: Fred Van Lente, Greg Pak
Pencils by: Reilly Brown
Inks by: Nelson DeCastro
Colors by: Guillem Mari - A
Letters by: Simon Bowland
Cover by: Rafael Alberquerque
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

"The Replacement Thor" continues as the Mighty Hercules, wearing the Thunder God's togs and towing a most unexpected guest star along to provide the pyrotechnics, descends to mysterious Svartalfheim to save the day from a new threat among the Dark Elves. But everything changes when the wicked Elven Queen turns out to be as languorously lovely as she is lethal! What Would Thor Do? Probably not what happens in this book!

KICK ASS #7 - Story by: Mark Millar
Art by: John Romita Jr., Tom Palmer
Colors by: Dean White
Cover by: John Romita Jr.
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

SOON TO BE A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE! Dave Lizewski has had better days. When he first pulled on the Super Hero suit, it was the thrill of a lifetime. Since then, he’s been banged-up, beaten, broken, bludgeoned, and all sorts of other b-words. He’s met a 9-year-old assassin and been on a super hero team-up. He’s watched people die and seen himself become an internet celebrity. But all that means nothing—compared to tonight. MARK MILLAR and JOHN ROMITA JR.’s foul-mouthed super hero saga continues!

LIFE AND TIMES OF SAVIOR 28 #5 - Story by: J.M. DeMatteis
Art by: Mike Cavallaro
Cover by: Mike Cavallaro, Don Perlin
Publisher: IDW
Cover Price: $3.99

'Book Five: Day of Drums.' The saga of America's greatest hero concludes as Savior 28's killer-and former sidekick-sifts through the events of James Smith's final days, revealing a man whose life has been utterly destroyed... and whose death could possibly save the world.

MARVELS PROJECT #2 - Story by: Ed Brubaker
Art by: Steve Epting
Colors by: Dave Stewart
Letters by: Chris Eliopoulos
Cover by: Steve Epting, Steve McNiven
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

The award-winning and best-selling team of Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting bring you CHAPTER TWO in this definitive tale of the origins of the Marvel heroes. As 1940 hits the world is already changing -- The Human Torch is on the run, The Angel makes his masked debut, The Sub-Mariner stalks the surface-worlders who have targeted his people -- and a young soldier named Nick Fury saves a German scientist from the Nazis and leads him to the USA. The battle-lines drawn in this race to create superhuman weapons of mass destruction still reverberate today in the Marvel Universe -- as this epic espionage thriller continues to unfold and reveal new twists

PUNISHER FRANK CASTLE MAX #74 - Story by: Victor Gischler
Art by: Goran Parlov
Letters by: Cory Petit
Cover by: Dave Johnson
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $4.99

SPECIAL, DOUBLE-SIZED ISSUE! Deep in the Louisiana Bayou with cannibal rednecks in hot pursuit, Frank Castle is in a world of trouble. And if Frank thought Big Earl was a handful, wait until he gets a load of Junior, the Geautreux who makes the rest of the clan look like charm school graduates. To survive, the Punisher just might have to make peace with the cargo he was hauling down the back roads in his trunk – cargo that just got free and wants a little payback.

SECRET SIX #13 - Story by: Gail Simone
Art by: Nicola Scott and Doug Hazlewood
Cover by: Daniel Lu Visi
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $2.99

War breaks out on the new Devil's Island and the Six are split in half. Now they're on opposite sides and ready to die (or kill) for their cause! But what in the world are they fighting over that's strong enough – and brutal enough – to take down Wonder Woman?

SUPERMAN WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #7 - Story by: James Robinson, Greg Rucka
Art by: Pete Woods
Cover by: Gary Frank; Bryan Talbot
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $2.99

It's never a dull moment on New Krypton – just when Superman was getting used to his place on his reborn homeworld, he's thrust into a new position that makes his previous duties look like a cakewalk. And thanks to the fallout from the "Codename: Patriot" storyline, New Krypton's ruler – and Superman's aunt – Alura has her hands full keeping the people of Kandor from panicking. So of course it's the perfect time for an alien threat to arrive and declare war…

TITANS #17 - Story by: Pat McCallum
Art by: Angel Unzueta and Wayne Faucher
Cover by: Angel Unzueta
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $2.99

Spotlight on Beast Boy! Gar Logan grows tired of not being taken seriously by his Titans teammates. And what he plans on doing about it will shock you!

ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS #2 - Story by: Mark Millar
Art by: Carlos Pacheco, Danny Miki
Colors by: Laura Martin
Letters by: Cory Petit
Cover by: Carlos Pacheco
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

ENTER THE RED SKULL! Reeling over his near-fatal encounter with the Skull, Captain America takes matters into his own hands in pursuit of his terrifying new adversary and his terrorist employers! Meanwhile, Nick Fury reveals the horrifying truth behind the Red Skull and kick-starts Project Avengers in earnest with the arrival of Gregory Stark, Tony’s older, richer and smarter brother! Join MARK MILLAR (ULTIMATES) and CARLOS PACHECO (X-MEN) for the next pulse-pounding issue of the biggest, baddest book of the summer!

UNWRITTEN #5 - Story by Mike Carey
Art by: Peter Gross
Cover by: Yuko Shimizu
Publisher: DC/Vertigo Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

In the India of the British Raj, young journalist and would-be novelist Rudyard Kipling gets an offer he can't refuse. It's an offer that will catapult him to fame, fortune and inexorable destruction. The secret history of the Unwritten begins in this stand-alone story...

Comic Catch: September 2, 2009

2009-09-01T21:06:00.000-04:00

AGENTS OF ATLAS #10 - Story by: Jeff Parker
Art by: Gabriel Hardman, Paul Rivoche
Colors by: Elizabeth Breitweiser
Letters by: Tom Orzechowski
Cover by: Dave Johnson
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

There's no enemy quite like a former lover, is there? The gloves are all the way off as Jade Claw and her forces begin assaulting Atlas on every front! The Agents throw everything they've got at the Great Wall, but to no avail. Gorilla-Man is convinced only ONE member of the team can possibly stop the rain of pain...

CHEW #4 - Story by: John Layman
Art by: Rob Guillory
Cover by: Rob Guillory
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

A senator with bloodstream full of drugs and a belly full of chicken is stone dead in the morgue, and the trail leads back all the way the Arctic, to a joint U.S./Russian space observatory that has been singularly focused on a single, distant, Earth-like planet. Tony Chu and his partner are about to discover whatever secret this planet holds does not compare to those being kept by the astronomers.

Yeah, that weird stuff just got weirder, in a spacey story from Image’s deliciously twisted new series about cops, crooks, cooks, cannibals and clairvoyants!

DEADPOOL #15 - Story by: Daniel Way
Art by: Paco Medina, Juan Vlasco
Colors by: Marte Gracia
Letters by: Cory Petit
Cover by: Jason Pearson
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

“WANT YOU TO WANT ME,” PART 1 Now that he knows that a pirate’s life isn’t for him, Deadpool's now starting to seriously question this whole “mercenary” thing. Maybe there’s something else he could do with his life. He doesn’t know what that could be, but then he turns on the television, and he knows exactly where he needs to be, and who needs him most. Hello, San Francisco!

DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP #3 - Story by: Philip K. Dick
Art by: Tony Parker
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Cover Price: $3.99

Worldwide best-selling sci-fi author Philip K. Dick's award-winning DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP? - the basis for the film BLADE RUNNER - comes to comics in an innovative, ground-breaking maxi-series with the full text, fully illustrated. Thanks to the Rosen Corporation and its invention, the Nexus-6 android brain, human being's artificial counterparts are now harder to detect than ever. But bounty hunter Rick Deckard has a special weapon in his arsenal...the empathy test. With backmatter by Ed Brubaker!

IRREDEEMABLE #6 - Story by: Mark Waid
Art by: Peter Krause
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Cover Price: $3.99

The Plutonian’s rampage continues as the Paradigm’s dwindling members regroup and prepare to go on the offensive. Even with new information about the Plutonian’s past, will it be enough to tip the scales against a mad god? A "twilight of the superheroes"-style story that examines super-villains from Mark Waid writer of KINGDOM COME and EMPIRE!

JUSTICE LEAGUE CRY FOR JUSTICE #3 - Story by: James Robinson
Art by: Mauro Cascioli
Cover by: Mauro Cascioli
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

The team welcomes two new members as Supergirl and Shazam join the roster! And it's just in time, too, because when Prometheus is finally caught and his evil machinations are revealed, the League finds out they may be unable to stop him.

MERCY SPARX #4 - Story by: Josh Blaylock
Art by: Matt Merhoff
Cover by: Josh Blaylock; Chuck BB
Publisher: Devil's Due Publishing
Cover Price: $3.50

Mercy finally gets some answers, like just why Heaven sent her of all people to Earth - and there's lots o' fightin' too!

MIGHTY #8 - Story by: Peter J. Tomasi and Keith Champagne
Art by: Chris Samnee
Cover by: Dave Johnson
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $2.99

Gabriel Cole's family has fallen apart, and Alpha One has a nuclear bomb! But Alpha's pride could be his undoing when Cole finds himself alone in the "hero's" headquarters…and his rage begins to lead him down a terrifying road!

NORTH 40 #3 - Story by: Aaron Williams
Art by: Fiona Staples
Publisher: DC/Wildstorm Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

It's after dark at the salvage yard, and two boys are about to discover that the nightmare gripping Conover County can come clad in steel and fire. Meanwhile, a gathering at the high school goes on as planned, though this dance wasn't originally going to be overseen by teenagers who could set fires with their minds or consume souls with new "parts" they'd grown. But even they may not be prepared for the guests coming from Lufton's graveyards. And what does Dyan, one of the architects of Conover's fate, have in mind for a frumpy classmate whom she's luring through the nightmarish streets?

SAVAGE DRAGON #152 - Story by: Erik Larsen
Art by: Erik Larsen
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $3.50

Transformations. Savage Dragon takes a turn for the worst. Meanwhile, the mystery of Overlord deepens and Chicago may never be the same.

STRANGE TALES #1 - Writer: Various
Artist: Various
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $4.99

At long last, the wait is over!! Marvel is proud to present the debut of this hotly anticipated three issue anthology showcasing Marvel’s greatest characters re-imagined by the best and brightest talents working in independent comics today. Don’t miss what’s sure to be one of the most exciting collections of comics short stories ever produced!!! Every issue stars a stunning array of the best, most exciting cartoonists on the planet—showcasing the Marvel Heroes as you’ve never seen them before! Featuring the long-awaited Peter Bagge “Incorrigible Hulk” serialized over all three issues!

THULSA DOOM #1 - Story by: Arvid Nelson
Art by: Lui Antonio
Cover by: Alex Ross
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment

From the pages of writer Robert E. Howard comes the debut of Dynamite's Thulsa Doom!

Written by Kull writer Arvid Nelson and illustrated by Lui (Red Sonja) Antonio, the opening story arc also features cover artist Alex Ross! Featuring the origins of the ultimate anti-hero, Thulsa Doom #1 opens after the destruction of Atlantis, when the world was in chaos and Thulsa sought his own path to ultimate power!

ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #2 - Story by: Brian Michael Bendis
Art by: David Lafuente
Colors by: Justin Ponsor
Letters by: Cory Petit
Cover by: David LaFuente
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

All the shocking revelations from the first issue come to bloom in this pulse-pounding second chapter!! Who is the Shroud!!?? Who is Spider-Man?? And who the hell is Mysterio and what did he go and do to the Kingpin?!

The Ballad of GI Joe

2009-08-12T08:56:00.000-04:00

I keep hearing that the GI Joe Movie sucks. I have a hard time believing it can be that bad, but I'll find out when it comes out on DVD. But even if it sucks, it brought this wonderful video.

The Ballad of G.I. Joe from Olivia Wilde

Comic Review: Absolution #1

2009-08-11T17:39:00.001-04:00

Absolution #1
Created and Written by: Christos Gage
Artwork: Roberto Viacava
Color: Andres Mossa
Publisher: Avatar Press
Cover Price: $3.99

In the Golden Age of comics, many heroes started wearing the spandex being frustrated in their efforts as police men and lawyers to keep criminals off of the street. Christos Gage takes that idea but adds a twist with John Dusk in Absolution.

John Dusk is a superpowered police officer. He has all the costume and power of your standard superhero, but also all the rules and regulations of a police officer. So what does he do with the sick criminals he apprehends? In Absolution #1, he begins acting as judge, jury, and executioner.

Superpowered Neo-Nazi White Power has abducted women and raped them, so when, in the course of subduing the criminal, John Dusk seriously injures him, rather than trying to stop his blood loss, Dusk lets him bleed out. But how far will he go?

Absolution is a look into how much horror a police officer can tolerate before he cracks. Gage makes us sympathetic for main character John Dusk, and adds some interesting supporting characters in The Servant and Alpha Bitch. Everyone should seek Absolution.

Comic Catch: August 12, 2009

2009-08-11T17:28:00.000-04:00

ACTION COMICS #880 - Written by: Greg Rucka; co-feature written by James Robinson and Rucka
Art by: Julián López; co-feature art by CAFU
Cover by: Fernando Dagnino and Raúl Fernandez
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $3.99

"Codename: Patriot" part 2! Nightwing and Flamebird are hot on the trail of the psycho sleeper agents Nadira and Az-Rel when the heroes run into another deadly duo – Reactron and Metallo! What do these two want and how does it tie in with General Lane's plans? Meanwhile, Superman and Supergirl arrive on Earth searching for the shooter – but will their actions here cause more harm than good? And in part 2 of the new co-feature, Captain Atom's memory is falling apart right in the heat of battle – can he keep it together without annihilating an entire town? Luckily a deadly new player is about to take that choice out of his hands – permanently!

ADVENTURE COMICS #1 - Story by: Geoff Johns
Art by: Francis Manapul, Clayton Henry
Cover by: Francis Manapul
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $3.99

It's the return of one of DC Comics' longest running books and one of its greatest modern-day heroes – Conner Kent! In our first heroic issue, Superboy can't wait to jump back into his life – but which life will it be? With a clarity he's never had before, Conner makes a beeline for the greatest place on Earth...Smallville? Plus, in the wake of FINAL CRISIS: LEGION OF THREE WORLDS, Starman heads off on an all-new mission in the present. And it's one that will not only impact Superboy, but the future of the DC Universe itself. Fortunately, the off-kilter Legionnaire won't be dong it alone! And in the upcoming months of ADVENTURE COMICS look for Lex Luthor! Brainiac! Lightning Lad! Superboy's pal Simple Simon! Sun Boy and Polar Boy! Ultra, the Multi Alien! Wonder Girl! Black Lantern Alexander Luthor! And many, many more new and familiar faces!

BPRD 1947 #2 - Writer: Mike Mignola, Joshua Dysart
Artist: Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Cover Artist: Mike Mignola
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

A chilling old-world vampire tale!

As the rest of the team hunts for their missing man, a lone agent follows his mysterious benefactor further into the dark recesses of her world.

DEADPOOL #13 - Story by: Daniel Way
Art by: Shawn Crystal
Colors by: Lee Loughridge
Letters by: Cory Petit
Cover by: Jason Pearson
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

Deadpool has ceased to exist, he’s given his good-byes, he’s driven his car into the ocean. They’ll think he’s dead, but he’ll sail away. Then, he becomes a pirate!

G-MAN CAPE CRISIS #1 - Story, Art, and Cover: CHRIS GIARRUSSO
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

Mini-Marvels creator CHRIS GIARRUSSO returns with a brand new G-Man miniseries! When pieces of G-Man’s magic cape fall into the wrong hands, things quickly spin out of control. G-Man and his friends must battle to recover the pieces, and this time the bad guys have the same power as G-Man!

INCREDIBLE HERCULES #132 - Story by: Fred Van Lente, Greg Pak
Art by: Reilly Brown
Letters by: Simon Bowland
Cover by: Rafael Albuquerque
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

Beginning a storyarc so earth-shattering, so momentous, so, well, incredible, we just had to give it to you TWICE A MONTH! (Well, for the three months, anyway). When terrible threats rise in Svartalfheim, the land of the Dark Elves, only Mighty Thor, Son of Asgard, can hope to triumph! But what happens if the Odinson is temporarily...unavailable? It's Hammer Time for Hercules as the Lion of Olympus gets his thunder on! Meanwhile, in Incredible Hercules 133, the Secret Origin of AMADEUS CHO begins! Who really killed Amadeus' family? What is his true relation to Hercules? And, most importantly, what is the connection between him and The Twelve's MASTER MIND EXCELLO? Everyone's favorite irascible boy genius is after the answers himself -- but to get them he's going to have to go through his arch-nemesis, PYTHAGORAS DUPREE, the sixth-smartest man on Earth!

JSA VS KOBRA #3 - Written by: Eric Trautmann
Art by: Don Kramer and Michael Babinski
Cover by: Gene Ha
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $2.99

The JSA follow the trail of Kobra into Opal City! But the stars of this shining metropolis have been darkened by a deed so vile, it's a new low for the global terrorist. Meanwhile, Kobra warriors have been turning up dead. Is Jason Burr a lone serpent now, or is there a greater plan at work?

LOCKJAW AND THE PET AVENGERS #4 - Story by: Chris Eliopoulos
Art by: Ig Guara
Colors by: Chris Sotomayor
Letters by: Nate Piekos
Cover by: Karl Kerschl
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

They’ve been up/down/around/about/forward/backward. They’ve gone to the jungle/ocean/Central Park/outer space. They’ve scratched/pawed/clawed/gnawed their way throughout all existence, ALL for this moment! Now they’ve FINALLY found all of the Infinity Gems…so what’s a moon-puppy to do when he’s given all the power in the universe? FIND OUT HERE!!!! Featuring a VERY special presidential puppy appearance!

RED CIRCLE INFERNO #1 - Written by: J. Michael Straczynski
Art by: Greg Scott
Cover by: Jesus Saiz
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $2.99

The mysterious stranger was brought into the hospital with one name on his lips: "Frank Verrano." He has no memory of who he was, where he came from, or how he could possibly be the only survivor of a bombing attack on a cruise liner that killed hundreds of people. But as deep as that mystery runs, a violent attack on the hospital opens a deeper one. How can this man burst into flames…and survive? And why does the man who stands in those flames, the man know as the Inferno, look nothing like the one who stood in his place just seconds before? Blaze into this thrilling issue featuring art by Greg Scott

TITANS #16 - Written by: Christopher Yost
Art by: Angel Unzueta and Wayne Faucher
Cover by: Angel Unzueta
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $2.99

Why has Starfire been acting odd the past few issues? Turns out the warrior woman has major rage issues coming out of her recent breakup with Dick Grayson, the events of FINAL CRISIS and more. Her super-powerful emotions could very well rip the team apart!

ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS #1 - Story by: Mark Millar
Art by: Carlos Pacheco
Colors by: Laura Martin
Letters by: Cory Petit
Cover by: Carlos Pacheco
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

Guess who’s back!! That’s right, kids, MARK MILLAR (THE ULTIMATES, WOLVERINE: OLD MAN LOGAN) and superstar artist CARLOS PACHECO (AVENGERS FOREVER, X-MEN) blast into the Ultimate Universe for a mind-blowing, heart-pounding and gut-wrenching event of epic proportions! When a highly-classified secret threatens Captain America, only the newly-returned Nick Fury has the tools to bring ‘em in! As the first of a series of blockbuster arcs begins: PROJECT AVENGERS is a go!

ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #1 - Story by: Brian Michael Bendis
Art by: David Lafuente, David Lafuente Garcia
Colors by: Justin Ponsor
Letters by: Cory Petit
Cover by: David Lafuente
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

Almost ten years ago, Ultimate Spider-Man launched the Ultimate line, a reinvention of the Marvel Universe that defied the odds and every expectation. Today, it happens again: This new chapter in the life of the teenaged webslinger picks up in the aftermath of Ultimatum and completely redefines the status quo of Spider-Man for the next generation! With a new supporting cast, new villians and maybe even a new Spider-Man, this new chapter will keep you guessing month after month. Join Eisner Award-winning writer BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS in introducing new ongoing artist DAVID LAFUENTE (ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL, PATSY WALKER: HELLCAT)! You have never seen a Spider-Man like this before! Be there!

UNCANNY X-MEN #514 - Story by: Matt Fraction
Art by: Terry Dodson, Rachel Dodson
Colors by: Justin Ponsor
Cover by: Terry Dodson, Simone Bianchi
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

UTOPIA rages on! Norman Osborn’s victory in San Francisco is cemented when the Dark X-Men succeed where the X-Men can’t. All the while the Dark Avengers are forced to watch from the sidelines. But how long will Bullseye and Ares sit idle? Part 4 (of 6)

WALKING DEAD #64 - Story by: Robert Kirkman
Art by: Charlie Adlard, Cliff Rathburn
Cover by: Charlie Adlard, Cliff Rathburn
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

THE HUNT CONTINUES!

They’ve never been in more danger.

Comic Review: Irredeemable #5

2009-08-08T16:54:00.000-04:00

Irredeemable #5

Creator and Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Peter Krause
Colorist: Andrew Dalhouse
Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
Editor: Matt Gagnon
Covers: Gene Ha and Art Lyon; Dennis Calero; Dan Panosian; Jeffrey Spokes
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Cover Price: $0.99 (Can you believe it!)

What of Superman was evil? No, seriously evil. You know how nice and benevolent Big Blue is now? Make him just as malevolent. DC's looked at that a little from time to time with like Ultraman and General Zod and Bizarro, but they never really explored just how evil he could become and how much terror he could cause. But Mark Waid doesn't back away from the dark depths of an apparently unstoppable force of evil. I love it!

The Pltuonian spent years defending the people of Earth but then, inexplicably, turned on them, turned on everyone, and has caused death and destruction the world over...with no explanation. This issue starts with the Plutonian giving a world wide broadcast answering "fan mail"...questions he's heard as he terrorizes the world. In so doing he lets everyone know that there are no secrets from him and he could be anywhere. After explaining that, like the gods of myth, he disguises himself to walk among the people and he could be anyone, the people of the world turn against each other.

Qubit, leader of the remaining heroes of the Paradig, meanwhile, waits for his Modeusbots to determine where the original Modeus has gone into hiding because Modeus was the only person about whom the Plutonian ever displayed any amount of fear. But when the Modeusbots come to a conclusion, it reveals that Bette Noir has had a secret.

Will the Paradigm tear itself apart like the rest of the world before they can find an answer to Plutonian's rampage?

This is a great book. One of the few villains ever to show no remorse, no regret. There seems to be no end to his evil deeds, and I can't wait to see what Waid comes up with next.

Irredeemable: Volume 1 Available at Amazon.com

Comic Catch: August 5, 2009

2009-08-04T17:10:00.000-04:00

AGENTS OF ATLAS #9 - Story by: Jeff Parker
Art by: Dan Panosian
Colors by: Elizabeth Breitweiser
Letters by: Nate Piekos
Cover by: Leinil Francis Yu
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

The Agents of Atlas find themselves racing around the world to rescue their leader! Jimmy Woo and M-11 find themselves under the talons of the most terrible power in China...the deadly- and beautiful- JADE CLAW! With more minions than the Atlas Empire and the more advanced killer robot M-25, it seems nothing can stop her, and Jimmy has now set off war with her organization THE GREAT WALL. Lesson: never look up your ex-girlfriend!

ASTRO CITY THE DARK AGE BOOK THREE #4 - Written by: Kurt Busiek
Art by: Brent Anderson
Cover by: Alex Ross
Publisher: DC/Wildstorm
Cover Price: $3.99

As the world faces cosmic annihilation, Charles and Royal's mission of vengeance takes them into the heart of the danger. Will they get their revenge? And what price will they pay? Featuring Honor Guard, the Silver Agent, the First Family, the Omega Rangers and more in a destructive showdown that could tear Astro City – and the Williams brothers – apart.

CHEW #3 - Story: JOHN LAYMAN
Art and Cover: ROB GUILLORY
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

Amelia Mintz is a food critic and a Saboscrivner. That means she can write about food so accurately, so vividly and with such precision, people get the actual sensation of taste when reading her restaurant reviews. Since the government prohibition of poultry, she’s lost her enthusiasm for the culinary world, and only reviews restaurants with a “D” rating or less from the Health Department. Her last review caused half the city to projectile vomit, and sent hundreds to the hospital with severe food poisoning. Agent Tony Chu has been assigned to arrest Amelia Mintz, but there’s just one problem with that... he’s madly in love with her!

DEADPOOL MERC WITH A MOUTH #2 - Story by: Victor Gischler
Art by: Bong Dazo, Jose Pimentel
Cover by: Arthur Suydam
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

It’s the Merc with two mouths! It’s the Dawn of the Living Deadpool! It’s…oh, you get the point. Crash-landing in the Savage Land, Deadpool finds himself face-to-face with the last thing on Earth he ever expected to see: his own Zombiefied head! To make matters worse, the nasty little critter went ahead and bit a few of the locals, so Deadpool has to put the smackdown on some zombie cavemen if he’s going to have any chance at escaping and completing his mission. Did we mention that a crack team of Hydra mercenaries are waiting in the wings?

DESTROYER #5 - Story by: Robert Kirkman
Art by: Cory Walker
Cover by: Jason Pearson
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

It's all been leading up to this! Destroyer comes face to face with his most dreaded adversary yet--DEATH! It's a no-holds-barred winner-take-all fight to remember. The stakes--high! The prize--life! Nothing can prepare you for this sense-shattering conclusion. Also in this issue--violence!

DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP #2 - Writer: Philip K. Dick
Artist: Tony Parker
Publisher: Boom Studios
Cover Price: $3.99

Worldwide best-selling sci-fi author Philip K. Dick's award-winning DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP? - the basis for the film BLADE RUNNER – comes to comics in an innovative, ground-breaking 24-issue maxi-series with the full text fully illustrated. In 2021 Earth is a far uglier place. Most humans are on Mars but Deckard’s back home, among the wretched. See San Francisco as its denizens try to live in the aftereffect of World War Terminus. If they think human life is hard, try being an android among the masses…

DOOM PATROL #1 - Written by: Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis
Art by: Matthew Clark and Kevin Maguire
Cover by: Matthew Clark and Kevin Maguire
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $3.99

Come one, come all! The world's strangest Super Heroes are back, and they brought those robot guys along with 'em! Thrill to the strange adventures of the Doom Patrol, with script by Keith Giffen and art by Matthew Clark! Whether you think you know 'em or you wouldn't know 'em if they bit you on the behind, this Doom Patrol's for you! But that's not all! Read all the way to the back cover for the all-new adventures of those elemental everymen, the Metal Men, featuring the triumphant return of the creative team that brought you JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL! That's 40 full pages of comic-bookery for just under four American dollars. So why not try some Doom Patrol with a side order of Metal Men today?

INCARNATE #1 - Story by: Nick Simmons
Art by: Nick Simmons, Matt Dalton
Colors by: Brian Buccellato
Letters by: Rob Steen
Cover by: Jo Chen
Publisher: Radical Comics
Cover Price: $4.99

Mot is a boy who cannot die. Riddle him with bullets, burn him at the stake, douse him with napalm, hang him from the gallows…still, he will walk away. Forever haunted by a mysterious doppelganger that no one else can see, Mot has wandered the world for centuries, searching for meaning and, perhaps, an end to his endless life. He is a Revenant—an immortal, ageless creature that has existed since time immemorial. Their origins are a mystery—they have been worshipped as gods, feared as monsters, and scorned as devils. But they have always been there, living in plain sight, in the bright altars and dark corners of every ancient civilization since the beginning of humanity. There has never been a force on this earth that has been able to give them the death that Mot, secretly, seeks. Until now. Now, something is different. Now they are being hunted.
Read Evil Genius Comics's Review of Incarnate

IRREDEEMABLE #5 - Story by: Mark Waid
Art by: Peter Krause
Colors by: Andrew Dalhouse
Letters by: Ed Dukeshire
Cover by: Gene Ha, Art Lyon, Dennis Calero, Dan Panosian , Jeffrey Spokes
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Cover Price: $0.99

NEW ARC! AND ONLY .99 CENTS! This is your chance to hop on board the superhero event of 2009 that dares to ask: What if the world’s greatest hero decided to become the world’s greatest villain? Buy issue #5 for .99 cents and get the trade of the first four issues for only $9.99 and experience what everyone has been talking about. A “twilight of the superheroes”-style story that examines super-villains from Mark Waid writer of KINGDOM COME and EMPIRE!

JERSEY GODS #6 - Story: GLEN BRUNSWICK
Art: DAN McDAID
cover: MIKE ALLRED
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $3.50

Will Zoe’s intense desire to own the only Frank Lloyd Wright designed house in Cherry Hill drive a wedge between her and Barock's love before they even get off the ground? And just who in the heck is Hecticus? And why is he out to make Barock’s life a living Hell in New Jersey? This is part one of "The Abandoned" - an exciting dramatic five part story arc that sets the new status quo on earth – it’s a perfect jump on point for new readers. MARK WAID and JOE INFURNARI continue their exciting Gods of Neboron Civil War back-up story.

JUSTICE LEAGUE CRY FOR JUSTICE #2 - Written by: James Robinson
Art and cover: Mauro Cascioli
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $2.99

The team continues its proactive hunt for justice as the trail leads to an army of Super-Villains. But the big bad may be deadlier than all of the new team combined…

Continuing the anticipated 6-part miniseries event from James Robinson (STARMAN, SUPERMAN) and rising star artist Mauro Cascioli (TRIALS OF SHAZAM)!

MIGHTY #7 - Written by: Peter J. Tomasi and Keith Champagne
Art by: Chris Samnee
Cover by: Dave Johnson
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $2.99

Ring of fire! Gabriel Cole's predecessor, Taylor Rhines, continues to leave him bizarre hints about the dark secret of Section Omega. But time may have already run out for Cole to crack the code, as a terrible power has taken aim at his family!

NORTH 40 #2 - Written by: Aaron Williams
Art and cover by: Fiona Staples
Publisher: DC/Wildstorm
Cover Price: $2.99

As Conover County continues to transform into a supernatural sanitarium, the inmates flex their newfound "muscles." David Atterhull – now able to toss pickup trucks – and his kin begin to claim territory as well as hostages. Wyatt, discovering strange new powers of his own, is confronted by enemies from school; enemies that can now call on unnatural energies. And Alisha continues her crash course in being a witch. It's an apprenticeship that allies her with Sheriff Morgan, who has reason to believe Conover hasn't yet seen the worst of this mess.

RED CIRCLE THE HANGMAN #1 - Written by: J. Michael Straczynski
Art by: Tom Derenick and Bill Sienkiewicz
Cover by: Jesus Saiz
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $2.99

J. Michael Straczynski dives into the DC Universe at last – and he's bringing four of the finest heroes of the Golden and Silver Ages with him!

Completely reimagined for the modern world from their original appearances in Archie/MLJ publications, these four heroes will show you a side of the DC Universe you've never seen before!

The Civil War claimed many lives…but one of those lives still hasn't ended! Union doctor Robert Dickering found himself on the wrong side of the battle lines, and despite his heroic treatment of a fallen enemy soldier, he also found himself on the wrong end of a noose! But a shadowy power stepped forth in the twilit moments between life and death and offered him a deal he couldn't refuse: to forever roam the Earth, saving the lives of innocents condemned like himself – or hastening the deaths of the guilty! But in taking the seemingly righteous mission of the Hangman, has he accepted God's work? Or has he become the vengeful fist of the Devil himself? Featuring art by Tom Derenick and Bill Sienkiewicz, the acclaimed team behind REIGN IN HELL!

SAVAGE DRAGON #151 - Story, Art and Cover: ERIK LARSEN

With Savage Dragon out of commission following his battle with OverLord, Dragon's kids, Malcolm and Angel, face the marauding menace of Mako! Plus Dart and the Golden Age Daredevil!

SECRET SIX #12 - Written by: Gail Simone
Art by: Nicola Scott and Doug Hazlewood
Cover by: Daniel Lu Visi
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $2.99

A crisis of conscience splits the Secret Six right down the middle and puts them on opposite sides of a horrific war involving Amazons led by a deluded Artemis! But that's just the opening bout for the main event: Jeannette vs. Wonder Woman!

SOLOMON GRUNDY #6 - Written by: Scott Kolins
Art and cover by: Scott Kolins
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $2.99

Died on a Saturday! Death has come to Slaughter Swamp and his name is Frankenstein! But can Bizarro save Grundy before it's over? Will the Green Lantern interfere? And can Cyrus find his killer before the Blackest Night? The horror is coming to an end that Solomon Grundy fans will be talking about for years!

SUPERMAN WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #6 - Written by: Greg Rucka and James Robinson
Art by: Pete Woods
Cover by: Fernando Dagnino and Raúl Fernandez; Eddy Barrows and Julio Ferriera

It's chaos in Kandor as the 4-part "Codename: Patriot" storyline kicks off here and runs through the August Superman titles! Someone has been shot and Superman will stop at nothing to find the culprit! But when the shooter flees to Earth, can Superman stop him in time to prevent making the two planets even more hostile toward each other? Continued in ACTION COMICS #880!

WAR OF KINGS #6 - Story by: Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning
Art by: Paul Pelletier, Rick Magyar
Colors by: Wil Quintana
Letters by: Joe Caramagna
Cover by: Brandon Peterson
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
This is it – the big fight for all the cosmic marbles! Shi'Ar vs. Inhuman! Black Bolt vs. Vulcan! Who will rule? The fate of two intergalactic civilizations teeters on the brink, and the outcome of this conflict will send shockwaves throughout the Marvel Universe! Don’t miss the climactic chapter in what IGN.com calls: "Action-packed but intimate and character driven…this could very well be the textbook definition of how to execute major superhero storylines."

WAR OF KINGS WARRIORS #2 - COVER BY: Paul Renaud
WRITER: Jay Faerber
PENCILS: Adriana Melo and RAMON PEREZ
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

The royal women take center stage as we spotlight Crystal and Lilandra! When a group of disgruntled Kree launch a series of bombings aimed at the Inhumans Royal Family, Crystal is charged with quelling the violence—but can she bring the guilty to justice without causing civil war? Plus: a flashback story to one of Lilandra's earliest adventures, as the future Empress of the Shi'Ar must face a trial by fire ignited by the Brood! It’s two brand new stories that spotlight key players in the War of Kings!

WITCHFINDER IN THE SERVICE OF ANGELS #2 - Writer: Mike Mignola
Artist: Ben Stenbeck
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

Mike Mignola teams up with artist Ben Stenbeck (B.P.R.D.: The Ectoplasmic Man) for a long-awaited glimpse into one of the Hellboy universe's greatest enigmas: nineteenth-century occult investigator Edward Grey!

After his confrontation with a spectral assassin, Sir Edward hopes to find answers from a mysterious medium in London's underworld, but discovers only a labyrinthine tangle of conspiracy as the body count continues to rise.

Comic Review: Incarnate #1

2009-08-03T10:42:00.001-04:00

Incarnate #1

Creator and Writer: Nick Simmons
Penciler: Nick Simmons
Inker: Matt Dalton
Colorist: Brian Buccellato
Assistan Artists: Nam Kim, Ben Harvey, and Shi Hua Wang
Letterer: Rob Steen
Publisher: Radical Publishing
Cover Price: $4.99

One of the great things about comics today is that villains are becoming lead characters in their own books. No longer are they supporting punching bags for the hero protagonists. They have become their protagonists in their own right. It was tried a few times in the past...Marvel's Super-Villain Team-Up (1975) which lasted only 17 issues and DC's Secret Society of Super-Villains (1976) which lasted 15 issues. They didn't seem to last very long. Throw in Marvel's Tomb of Dracula (1972) and Suicide Squad (1987) from DC and finally you have evidence that villains could be lead characters, except these two don't quite fit the bill. Tomb of Dracula often focused more on the Drac hunters than Drac himself, and it helped that the comics code relaxed its regulations in 1971 allowing Drac to get his own mag. Suicide Squad, which consisted mainly of villains, was pretty much blackmailed into fighting the good fight, but the deathtoll and dark tone made it a unique title even in the late 80s. But now villains seem to be center stage, which I feel is where they should be.

Enter Radical Publishing's Incarnate. I'm going to tell you now, I'm not sure for whom I shouold be rooting. Incarnate #1 follows Mot on a bloody path to reunite with an acquaintence, Connor. There's a lot of blood in the first few pages. It's not really explained what Mot and Connor are. They have sharp teeth and claws and eat humans. They can be hurt, but heal quickly, and Mot had been gone "a few decades" and was "never coming back." But Mot says, "There's something disturbing...no...exciting happening in this city."

Mot and Conner go meet another like them, Ripley, in what he calls, "my clubhouse of forgotten gods." Ripley says that the humans know they exist and have come up with a way to hurt them. Mot finds the notion hysterical...until the mysterious Vincent arrives proving Ripley's fears.

Incarnate is a fast paced, bloody mystery. What are Mot, Connor, Ripley and the other "forgotten gods"? Who is Vincent? What's going on? Add a sprinkling of humor, and Incarnate, you will find, is a fun read.

My only complaint, except the heavy exposition at the beginning of this issue, is the art. It looks fine, but it's a taste thing. I don't like Manga style art. But as important the art is to a comic, my draw has always been to the story, and this one has me intrigued.

Incarnate #1 comes out this week, August 5th. Be sure to pick it up.

Comic Review: 3-D Pete's Star Babe Invasion Special

2009-08-01T16:51:00.000-04:00

3-D Pete's Star Babe Invasion Special

Everything by Mike Fisher

Is it me, or is there a lack of star babes in today's sci-fi films? A few years ago everyone went gaga over Jeri Ryan as Seven of Nine on Star Trek Voyager, but she was cover in clothes. These days, sci-fi babes might be attractive, but are they wearing revealing space outfits? Not hardly!

But Mike Fisher comes to the rescue with 3-D Pete's Star Babe Invasion Special. 3-D Pete talks about some of the great Star Babes of years past such as Racquel Welch as Captain Nirvana in a Mork & Mindy episode, Patricia Laffan as Nyah in Devil Girl from Mars, and several Star Trek and Lost in Space star babes. 3-D Pete also takes a look at Gort from the original The Day the Earth Stood Still including an interview with the giant robot. The jokes are funny and Fisher's art depicting the star babes is excellent.

Visit www.goofaman.com for more information.

3-D Pete tells us to check out a video with Raquel Welch in Space Babe attire dancing in some kind of video. Enjoy...

Comic Book Review: Unwritten #1 and Chew #1

2009-07-26T11:16:00.000-04:00

The following is a guest review by my wife, MrsEvilGenius.

I confess that it's not often that I find something new in Comic Books that really grabs me. Perhaps its just that I'm old and jaded (I've been reading comics for over 40 years now - I'm a vintage comic geek. Give me 30 years and I'll be that saggy old tattoed and pierced, grey-haired lady who causes you to do a doubletake at the con. You'll reassure yourself that I'm there with my grandkids, but nope, I'll be in line to get Robert Kirkman's autograph on an unnamed, wrinkly body part.)

ANYway, so it takes something really interesting to wow me nowadays. Bodog, (my hubby and Evil Genius Comics's faithful reviewer) is not like that. He's a comic book omnivore. He gives almost everything a fair chance and finds good in titles that I'd never consider - which has caused him to discover delightful Indies like Ariel Press's Harker by Roger Gibson and drawn by Vince Danks.

This is the sort of stuff I'm talking about! Joe Hill's Locke and Key is another good example of what tweaks my nips. Great stuff. Fresh and unusual, well written, crisp, lovely art (I am an artist by trade. Art is very important to me.)

So I was pretty much floored to acquire, via Bodog, two new comics that just blew me away and left me eager for more.

The first is Unwritten (Mike Carey / Peter Gross, Vertigo). Leaving aside the cool, graphic design-y cover, which charmed me immediately, the story is fresh and they leave us several tempting loose ends. The premise is a man, Tom, whose father wrote a madly popular series of books (think Harry Potter-ish) and patterned the main character, Tommy, after his son. So the boy is now grown; dad, the author, has mysteriously vanished; Tom is making his living mooching off of his fame and making appearances. Many fans have trouble distinguishing him from the character his father invented (something that actors like Daniel Radcliffe face every day one supposes) and there are the usual assortment of weirdos, like the cult who thinks he/ his character is the second coming.

Enter a mystery chick who claims Tom is NOT actually the son at all but an imposter. All hell breaks loose as the fans turn bitter and the fanatics get crazier. Oh, and the wee tid-bit about how Tom is Tommy and why.

Tell me you don't want to read this comic!

The second fab pick is Chew (John Layman / Rob Guillory, Image comics). The cover is brilliant. I thought I was looking at (yet another) zombie comic (Bodog farkin' loves zombies. Bleh. I can only stand so much gore. Gore in context, like Punisher, I can handle, but whole comics of brain eating and dragging entrails *holp!* No thanks.) but the carcass is a turkey and that gun is pointed right at the viewer not some walking dead.

The premise is Tony Chu, police detective, and his unnerving ability to get psychic impressions from whatever he eats. Yes, I said eats. So if he eats a grape, he might get the image of the guy who picked the grape, the gal who packaged the grape, or the loony tune furry fetishist who trucked the grape to Tony's local grocery store.

In Tony's world, poultry is illegal, banned by an overzealous nanny government (can you see it coming?! Wonderful social commentary, that) due to avian flu. Tony and his neanderthal partner are staking out a chicken speakeasy when the FDA send a man in black to tell them that they can't continue as their mark is an informant.

Long story short, Chu and partner end up eating at the underground restaurant and things get really REALLY weird. Remember Chu gets impressions from his food. What exactly is in that soup?

Well, you'll have to buy it and find out, won’t you?

Srsly, run to your local comic shop Wednesday and beg the greasy-haired geek behind the counter to order these two for you. You will NOT be disappointed.

Comic Catch: July 22, 2009

2009-07-21T03:04:00.000-04:00

ALIENS #2 - Writer: John Arcudi
Penciller: Zach Howard
Inker: Mark Irwin
Cover Artist: Zach Howard
Publisher: Dark Horse
Cover Price: $3.50

A strange, abandoned city of impossible scale lies ready to give up its secrets, but at what cost? Jealously guarded by a half-mad group of planetary prospectors, the labyrinthine necropolis may be a treasure trove of incomparable wealth, or a funeral complex with no exit, as an archaeological team from Earth discovers too late. But these off-planet interlopers soon become the least of the prospectors' worries, as their priceless possession offers up a monstrous surprise of murderous beasts from the darkest abyssal nightmare . . . and the prospectors only hope may lie in the unmarked graves of those they themselves betrayed.

ALL NEW SAVAGE SHE-HULK #4 - Story by: Fred Van Lente
Art by: Michael Ryan, Peter Vale, Nelson DeCastro, Terry Pallot , Nelson Pereira
Colors by: Marte Gracia
Letters by: Simon Bowland
Cover by: Stephane Roux
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

True Believers, can you withstand the mind-blowing revelations that await you in these pages? Can you retain your sanity upon learning the ultimate implications of Norman Osborn's DARK REIGN? Will you ever sleep again knowing the superhuman-spawned horrors of the twenty-third century are just around the bend? And the only woman standing between us and the apocalypse to come is the ALL-NEW SAVAGE SHE-HULK, locked in a climactic death-duel with the DARK AVENGERS! Plus: Reprinting the Scorpion vs. Venom tale by Fred Van Lente and Leonard Kirk.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #600 - Story by: Bob Gale, Marc Guggenheim, Joe Kelly, Stan Lee , Dan Slott , Mark Waid
Art by: Mario Alberti, John Romita Jr., Marcos Martin, Colleen Doran , Klaus Janson
Colors by: Mario Alberti, Javier Rodriguez, Dean White
Cover by: John Romita Jr., John Romita Sr., Alex Ross, Joe Quesada
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $4.99

The greatest Marvel super hero of all celebrates his 600th issue with the biggest all-original issue of Amazing Spider-Man EVER! This one’s got it all! The return of Doctor Octopus, Daredevil, a wedding you never predicted, and the return of one of the most important people in Peter Parker’s life in a giant-sized lead story by Dan Slott and John Romita Jr. Doc’s back in town, but it’s only a prelude to darker days ahead as Spidey unknowingly prepares for a gauntlet he can’t even see coming. On top of all that, witness the return of one of Spider-man’s creators, Smilin’ Stan Lee (along with Masticatin’ Marcos Martin) as he presents a story of unbridled passion, drama and angst as Spidey reflects over his many, many years of adventures. But that ain’t all…as the rest of the Spidey Web-Heads bring you several short features showcasing some rarely explored aspects of both Spidey and Pete’s life, drawn by some of the greatest artists in comics. Plus, several other surprises and NO REPRINTS! 104 pages of goodness brought to you by some of the best creators that have ever worked on Spidey!

DEADPOOL SUICIDE KINGS #4 - Story by: Mike Benson, Adam Glass
Art by: Carlo Barberi, Sandu Florea
Colors by: Marte Gracia
Letters by: Cory Petit
Cover by: Mike McKone
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

“SUICIDE KINGS,” PART 3: JOKER’S WILD Deadpool’s been framed. No, really! This time, Wade didn’t do it! To prove his innocence and find the person responsible, he’s got to avoid the Punisher (wants to kill him) and Spider-Man (wants to web him). Luckily for Wade, a certain Man Without Fear believes his story.

DETHKLOK VS THE GOON - Story by: Eric Powell, Brandon Small
Colors by: Dave Stewart
Cover by: Eric Powell, Jon Schnepp
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Cover Price: $3.50

From Eric Powell and the creators of Adult Swim's Metalocalypse: since 2006, Metalocalypse has been bringing its special brand of dark comedy to the masses through the American/Scandinavian death-metal band Dethklok. And, since 1999, The Goon has contributed the best in bucktoothed zombie brawls to the world of comics. Now, the twain shall meet . . .

GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #2 - Written by: Paul Dini
Art and Cover by: Guillem March
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $2.99

Tommy Elliott, a.k.a. the villainous mastermind known as Hush, has escaped the confines of Batman's headquarters and is wreaking havoc throughout Gotham City all under the guise of Bruce Wayne. Will the loose assemblage of Catwoman, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn be enough to stop the madman's rampage? Or are Gotham's femmes fatales doomed to fail before they even begin?

GUARDIANS OF GALAXY #16 - Story by: Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning
Art by: Wes Craig, Jose Pimentel
Colors by: Nathan Fairbairn, Wil Quintana
Letters by: Joe Caramagna
Cover by: Salvador Larrocca
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

The future begins—and ends—here! Caught between the Shi’Ar and the Kree, and desperate to stop a conflagration that could implode the universe itself, Star-Lord leads the Guardians on their most reckless and deadly mission yet! But does the “Future Tense” of the enigmatic Starhawk and the original Guardians really hold the secrets our ragtag team seeks...or is it a really, really bad idea? Be there for a key War of Kings chapter in what CBR.com says is “... the one book that delivers every month.”

INCREDIBLE HERCULES #131 - Story by: Fred Van Lente, Greg Pak
Art by: Ryan Stegman, Terry Pallot
Colors by: Raul Trevino
Letters by: Simon Bowland, Joe Caramagna
Cover by: David Williams, Gabriel Hardman
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

They've battled rampaging gods, enraged Eternals, sinister Skrulls, Avengers Dark and Mighty, armed-to-the-teeth Amazons, and literally gone to Hell and back together. But now, after all this time, and all those adventures, the team-up between Hercules and Amadeus Cho may be...no more! What shocking secret is revealed in this issue that could ruin their friendship forever? Find out here, then come right back next month for a MAJOR change in status in the title that will always be "INCREDIBLE"!

INCREDIBLE HULK #600 - Story by: Jeph Loeb, Fred Van Lente
Art by: Ed McGuinness
Cover by: Alex Ross, Tim Sale, Ed McGuinness
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $4.99

WHO IS THE RED HULK?! THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN IS GOING TO TRY AND FIND OUT!
GREEN HULK! RED HULK! SPIDEY! SECRETS REVEALED! A STORY SO BIG IT CAN BARELY BE CONTAINED IN THE INCREDIBLE 600TH ISSUE OF HULK!

ALL THIS AND A STARTLING SURPRISE ENDING TO TOP ALL THE OTHER SHOCKING SURPRISES THIS HULK BOOK IS KNOWN FOR!

The chart-topping team of Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness bring you a 600th-issue celebration guest starring your friendly Neighborhood Web-Head as the original Incredible series returns! Plus, back-up story by Fred Van Lente featuring the Savage She-Hulk! And representing the first issue of the Loeb/Sale HULK: GRAY series.

INVINCIBLE #64 - Story by: Robert Kirkman
Art by: Ryan Ottley, Fco Plascencia
Cover by: Ryan Ottley, Fco Plascencia
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

INVINCIBLE WAR: AFTERMATH!

The battle with CONQUEST concludes... and there is a casualty.

LIFE AND TIMES OF SAVIOR 28 #4 - Writer: J.M. DeMatteis
Artist: Mike Cavallaro
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Cover Price: $3.99

Savior 28 is branded a terrorist and traitor by both his government and his fellow super-heroes: abducted and tortured, he faces a lifetime of captivity. Help arrives in the form of two unexpected - and dangerous - allies, but accepting their help means crossing a line that will change Savior 28, and the world, forever.

MS MARVEL #42 - Story by: Brian Reed
Art by: Sana Takeda
Colors by: Sana Takeda
Letters by: Dave Sharpe
Cover by: Sana Takeda
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99

In MS MARVEL #41, not only does new Ms. Marvel Karla Sofen have to deal with Deadpool, now she's got the New Avengers coming at her in full force. Prelude to this summer's epic WAR OF THE MARVELS! Then in MS. MARVEL #42, WAR OF THE MARVELS begins here! Karla Sofen battles for her life in the streets of Los Angeles as an exciting new chapter in the history of Ms. Marvel begins! Guest starring the New Avengers and...someone we can't tell you about!

OUTSIDERS #20 - Written by: Peter J. Tomasi
Art and Cover by: Lee Garbett and Trevor Scott
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $2.99

"The Deep" part 6! Against their will, the Outsiders help the Insiders find the last pieces of the meteorite which will restore the immortality of the Insiders once and for all. But a fateful choice has to be made by Geo-Force that will lead to a life-changing moment for him and Katana. Plus, more on the mysterious origins of Metamorpho and his connection to the Insiders.

POWER GIRL #3 - Written by: Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray
Art and Cover by: Amanda Conner, Guillem March
Publisher: DC
Cover Price: $2.99

It's the striking conclusion of the first arc from the fan-favorite writing team of Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray (JONAH HEX, TERRA) and artist Amanda Conner (JSA CLASSIFIED, TERRA)! Power Girl battles Ultra-Humanite! And things get ugly as the two powerful beings come to blows!

PROJECT SUPERPOWERS CHAPTER TWO #1 - Story by: Jim Krueger
Art by: Edgar Salazar, Doug Klauba
Colors by: Victor Ramones
Cover by: Alex Ross, Stephen Segovia, Jae Lee
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Cover Price: $2.99

The Next Exciting Chapter Of Dynamite Entertainment's PROJECT SUPERPOWERS Is Here! Overseen Again By Ross, Who Plots And Art Directs The Entire PROJECT SUPERPOWERS Universe, Writer Jim Krueger Returns For Chapter Two, As The Pair Of All-Star Creators Are Joined For The Series By Edgar (DEATH DEFYING 'DEVIL) Salazar! The New Series Is Faster, More Intense, And The WORLD IS AT STAKE! This Oversized, 48-Page Issue Includes 22 Pages Of Story And Art, PLUS A New, 2-Page Painted Origin Of The 'Devil, PLUS 8 Pages Of Bonus Materials, And It's All For Just For The Regular Price Of Only $2.99!

WE KILL MONSTERS #1 - Written: Laura Harkcom, Christopher Leone
Art: Brian Churilla
Colors: Ronda Pattison
Letters: Jeff Powell
Publisher: Red 5 Comics
Cover Price: $3.50

Two unassuming auto repair shop owners discover that monsters are infesting the world. When they are attacked, the glowing blue juice from the monster's brain heals his arm and saves Jake's life. But this gift only begins a life-long link to the monster invasion.

YOUNGBLOOD #9 - story, art and cover: ROB LIEFELD
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

FIRST STRIKE BEGINS! While the new Obama appointed Youngblood team deals with the threat of a resurgent Cybernet, the White House is under attack! The President must work with a surprising figure from Youngblood's past in order to stay alive. Who is the member from Youngblood's past that is behind the assault on the First Family?

Radical Publishing at San Diego Comic Con

2009-07-17T16:36:00.000-04:00

At SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL 2009, Radical Publishing will be featuring an all-star panel with top talent from both the comic and entertainment industry. Hosted by Ain’t It Cool News’ founder and head geek, Harry Knowles, the Radical Creators Panel will treat fans to a preview of upcoming Radical projects as well as the opportunity to hear some exclusive announcements on Friday, July 24th from 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M. in Room 4. Guests who arrive at the panel will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a pair of passes to the Radical Event at the Hard Rock Hotel. The lucky winner will be announced at the end of the panel.

The Radical Publishing Creators Panel will include comic book legend Jim Steranko, cover artist for Radical’s Hercules: The Knives of Kush; Arthur Suydam (Marvel Zombies), creator and writer for Cholly & Flytrap: Center City; Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), creator and writer of City of Dust: A Philip Khrome Story; Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex), creator and co-writer of the upcoming Radical series Time Bomb; David Hine (Civil War: X-Men), writer of FVZA: Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency; Rick Remender (Punisher), creator and writer of Radical’s upcoming futuristic crime thriller The Last Days of American Crime; Nick Simmons (A and E’s Gene Simmons Family Jewels), son of rock legend Gene Simmons and creator, writer and artist of Incarnate, which debuts at Comic-Con; Zombie Studios CEO Mark Long, Nick Sagan (writer of the Idlewild trilogy) and M. Zachary Sherman (SOCOM: Seal Team Seven) of the critically acclaimed science fiction epic Shrapnel: Aristeia Rising; Sam Sarkar, creator and writer of Caliber, soon to be a major motion picture produced by Johnny Depp’s Infinitum Nihil; and Steve Pugh, writer and illustrator of the supernatural detective series Hotwire: Requiem for the Dead, based on a story by Warren Ellis.

“This is a panel that’s sure to live up to the hype,” said Radical President and Publisher Barry Levine. “We’re proud to be hosting a collection of the best in the business at our San Diego Comic-Con panel this year and we’ll be announcing some of our most exciting projects to date that will implement the new Bigger Books! Bigger Value! format. This is something you won’t want to miss.”

Black Widow Scarlett

2009-07-17T11:05:00.001-04:00

Here's a look at Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow in Iron Man 2...

Admittedly, I'm not sure how good she'll be as Natasha Romanoff. She just seems too soft. And unfortunately we don't see much of the costume, but we can clearly see the bracelets which, in the comics, are the source of her Widow's Sting. I wonder if she'll have them in the movie. But I don't dislike her, and after the first film I trust Jon Favreau and his team to put together another excellent film.

3-D Pete's Star Babe Invasion

2009-07-16T10:22:00.000-04:00

Independent creator Mike Fisher of Goofa Man Productions has produced a brand new independent book that takes a look at those charismatic curvaceous creatures from the cosmos... STAR BABES in "3-D Pete's Star Babe Invasion Special!"!

From “Devil Girl from Mars” to Jane Fonda as “Barbarella,” Star Babes have been a part of our pop culture consciousness for decades. Fisher — and his cartoon buddy, 3-D Pete — takes a look at some of the more noteworthy Star Babes from television and movies.

In a recent interview, Fisher said, “In these trying times, our nation can’t afford to ignore voluptuous women from the stars in skimpy outfits.”
“And another thing,” Fisher went on to rant, “I know that we’re all moving to pixels and away from comics printed with ink on paper, but that’s just the way I wanted to do it!”

“Sure, I invested a lot of time and money in a dying medium,” Fisher whined. “WAAAHHH!,” he cried, as he ran up the stairs in tears.

Fisher produces cartoons for “Animation Magazine” as well as web sites such as strangehorizons.com. He was a contributor to Starlog magazine for over 20 years.

In addition, he is a producer of award-winning independent short animations. His short animations have shown at film festivals across the country. Many have shown at the San Diego Comic-Con Short Film Festival.

http://www.goofaman.com/