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Tag Archives: green lantern corps.

Around the Tubes

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Brett

I’ve really got nada right now but…. Friday is a cool interview with a comic book writer that’ll be written up after or for Saturday and at 3pm EST we’ve got some news we’ve had to sit on, so come back then…. Until then, here’s the news you might have missed.

Around the Blogs:

Kotaku – See Arkham City’s Batman Without his Mask On – The toys look pretty decent, the game looks amazing.

Death and Taxes – Batwoman Is the Black, Gay Sheep Of Batman’s Comic Family – Great interview.

Vancouver Sun – Comic books in schools lure reluctant readers – Another article about how comics are promoting literacy.

Con Coverage:

Bleeding Cool – And Finally… Going On A Date With Marvel Comics

Spandexless – SPX Pulls: Healed, George O’Connor & S. Griffin

Spandexless – SPX Talks: Alex Robinson

Comics Alliance – RedBubble’s New York Comic Con T-Shirt Design Challenge [Contest]

Fantagraphics Books – SPX 2011: Now With Even More Photos!

Spandexless – SPX Pulls: Darryl Ayo Roundup

Spandexless – SPX Talks: Aaron Diaz/Dresden Codak

MTV Geek – Diamond Select Toys Announce Exclusives for NYCC 2011!

The Beat – ICv2 Conference takes 2011 hiatus

Fantagraphics Books – Fantagraphics APE 2011 Programming Schedule

Around the Tubes Reviews:

Comicsgirl – Amulet Book Four: The Last Council

MTV Geek – Blood Blockade Battlefront, vol. 1

CBR – Daredevil #4

MTV Geek – Supergirl #1

Comics Alliance – Ultimate Comics X-Men’ #1

Entertainment Weekly – Batman #1 and other new DC Comics reviews

Bleeding Cool – Wednesday Comics Review: Batman, Wonder Woman, Legion Of Superheroes, Supergirl, Nightwing, Birds Of Prey, Captain Atom, Catwoman, Green Lantern Corps, DC Universe Presents, Blue Beetle, Red Hood And The Outlaws

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 8/17/11 Part 1

Posted on August 28, 2011 by Brett

Getting close to catching up with reviews, but here’s the first batch of reviews from last week. Hopefully the second batch will be up later tonight.

Avengers #16 – Bucky is dead (again) and Steve is on the trail of Sin. The issue continues the ongoing interviews that tell the story, which is a solid and different way to do it. The issue is solid in it’s story telling and you get a good sense of remorse.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Avengers Academy #18 – The kids still need to fight Titania and Absorbing Man and there’s some fun moments in the issue. It’s not bad, but not great either. It does have a pulp sense to it, a throwback to old school super hero days.

Story: 7 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7

Captain America #2 – A pretty cool comic with a great look to it, but a bit too Inception for me. There’s some great stuff here though and it’s clear Ed Brubaker hasn’t missed a step with this relaunched series.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.5

Daredevil #2 – A cool second issue that focuses on Daredevil getting resettled in the Marvel universe and the repercussions of his meltdown. The issue also reveals the baddie that he’ll face in the first arc and I have to say, this one should make it pretty interesting.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

DMZ #68 – The war is over and in these last few issues Brian Wood focuses on what it takes to keep the peace. It’s an interesting discussion and shows how important this series is in reflecting on the past decade of wars. It’s sad to see it winding down and here’s hoping Wood will again put together such an important discussion about our modern times.

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9

Fables #108 – There’s a vacuum up North as someone needs to take charge as the North Wind. Everyone else also begins to figure out what’s waiting for them post Mr. Dark and the adventure in Oz picks up again (which I forgot about). There’s a lot going on here and the who knows what the series has in store next.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

Fear Itself: Deadpool #3 – So fucking bad, I want my money back.

Story: 5 Art: 6.75 Overall: 5

Fear Itself: Fearsome Four #3 – Did this really need to be four issues? I understand Man-Thing should play a big role in Fear Itself, but there’s better ways to do it than this.

Story: 6.5 Art: 6.5 Overall: 6.5

Fear Itself: The Home Front #5 – It’s a mixed bag here. Some of the stories and art is good, some of it is pretty bad. But, we’ve learned Fear Itself will be solved with flipcams….

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

Flashpoint: Legion of Doom #3 – Hmmm, not sure what to think about this one. It’s not bad in any way, but has a feel of forgettable 80s comics. It didn’t add much to Flashpoint in the end and not sure it was really needed.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Flashpoint: The Outsider #3 – Unlike a lot of the other tie-ins, this limited series directly goes into the main Flashpoint series as we learn what motivates The Outsider to get involved. The story is interesting, but it’s not a vital read. If nothing else, it opens up some possibilities if the world is ever revisited.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Flashpoint: Wonder Woman and the Furies #3 – The truth about the conspiracy is revealed as a lot of back story is filled in and this issue goes directly into the fifth and final issue of Flashpoint. The art and story telling are decent and the fact this does add a bunch to the main storyline makes it a worthwhile read if you’re interested in that.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Generation Hope #10 – Now the series gets to the point I think it should have hit a while ago. There’s so much power here. A story about hate, race, history and what some must do to confront evil. It’s easily the best issue of the series, very powerful and a must read, even if you’re not a fan of the series and have never read an issue.

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

Green Lantern Corps. #63 – A nice wrap up to everything that’s been going on and that last panel is solid. It’s a few short stories that focus on the aftermath of the war and gives a nice lead up into whatever comes next.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Invincible Iron Man #507 – However the good guys will win, it looks like it all starts here. Tony has a plan and it looks like it It might involve his modifying himself as well. But during it all, someone is out to stop him. It’s interesting and the fact that Tony is drinking again is the real highlight.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

Around the Tubes

Posted on August 19, 2011 by Brett

It’s Friday, nuff said. So, tomorrow is Baltimore Comic Con, so follow our Twitter account for updates and our YouTube page to check out the videos as we upload them. Until then, here’s the news you might have missed.

Around the Blogs:

CBR – Top Cow’s 2011 “Pilot Season” is On the Air – Details on this year’s Pilot Season by Top Cow. There’s always solid books coming out of this, well worth the pick up.

Around the Tubes Reviews:

IGN – The Avengers #16

IGN – Avengers Academy #18

IGN – Batman #713

CBR – Captain America #2

IGN – Captain America #2

IGN – Daredevil #2

IGN – Deadlands: Death Was Silent

IGN – Fear Itself: Deadpool #3

IGN – Fear Itself: Fearsome Four #3

IGN – Fear Itself: The Home Front #5

IGN – Flashpoint: Abin Sur – The Green Lantern #3

IGN – Flashpoint: Legion of Doom #3

IGN – Flashpoint: The Outsider #3

IGN – Flashpoint: Wonder Woman and the Furies #3

IGN – Gladstone’s School For World Conquerors #4

IGN – Green Lantern Corps #63

IGN – Hulk #39

IGN – Invincible Iron Man #507

IGN – Justice League of America #60

IGN – Ka-Zar #3

IGN – Legion of Super-Heroes #16

IGN – Spider-Island: The Amazing Spider-Girl #1

IGN – Star Wars: Knight Errant – Deluge #1

IGN – Ultimate Comics: Fallout #6

IGN – Uncanny X-Men #542

IGN – Venom #6

IGN – The Walking Dead #88

IGN – X-Factor #224

IGN – X-Men: Schism #3

Examiner – Picks Of Comic Book Week for 8/17/11: Where’s Speedball When You Need Him?

IGN – Comic Book Reviews for 8/17/11

Around the Tubes

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 7/27/11 Part 1

Posted on August 14, 2011 by Brett

I’m a bit behind in my reviews. So, instead of waiting to post all of the reviews, I figured I’d get it out in pieces.

The Amazing Spider-Man #666 – The prelude to Spider-Island, there’s enough here to get me interested, but it also plays off a lot of back story which makes me hesitant. I will say, I can understand why everyone is saying Spider-Man is back to form and this is one of the best runs in a long time.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

American Vampire #17 – Scott Snyder continues to show why he’s one of the hottest writers out there. His “Ghost War” story pitting American vampires versus Japanese ones has been through so many twists and turns with moments you just don’t expect. This issue mixes action with a lot of character development to the point I felt emotion on what happened to a few of them.

Story: 9 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9

Astonishing X-Men #40 – The X-Men and Agent Brand battle the Brood and I yawn. There’s some things I really like and others I scratch my head and wonder what they’re thinking. The story is so-so and the art I could pass on. This series doesn’t quite fit it’s title of “astonishing.”

Story: 7 Art: 6.75 Overall: 7

Avengers Academy #16 – Half of the issue I disliked and half of it I liked. Pym continues to fight Absorbing Man and Titania. My issue with this is the inconsistent art as well as the fact the two possessed villains are speaking in English when at other times these Asgardians speak in another language. The second half dealing with Veil is so much better and actually somewhat touching. Overall, I don’t see why so many praise this series as it’s the weakest in the Avengers family.

Story: 7 Art: 6.75 Overall: 7

Brightest Day Aftermath: The Search for Swamp Thing #2 – An interesting read, but I’m not sure I understand the real need for the series other than to give a real bridge bringing these Vertigo characters into the greater DC universe. Some inconsistent art and the story is ok.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7 Overall: 7.25

The Cape #1 – Wow, to say this series knocks it out of the park with the first issue is an understatement, beyond solid with a great story and fantastic art. I have no idea what to expect, but it’s set up what looks to be one hell of a story.

Story: 9.5 Art: 9 Overall: 9.5

Captain America & Bucky #620 – How Bucky met Cap. I’m not sure if Bucky’s back story has been delved into this much, but it’s a solid beginning for this “new” series.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75

Criminal: The Last of the Innocent #2 – When I think of noir, I picture dames and detectives in the 20s or 30s. Brubaker has fast forwarded that formula for the 60s, and instead of his protagonist being a rough anti-hero, we’re focused on a main character that’s as bad as the villains. It’s a throwback to the Eerie crime stories of the 40s and 50s with the focus on crime and murder, and boy is it good.

Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10

Fables #107 – A pseudo one-off story that follows up on a plot point that was made a long time back. It’s entertaining but something is slightly off. Not quite the best foot forward after the previous epic storyline.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Fear Itself: The Deep #2 – Hmm, I’m a bit torn on this limited series. There’s a lot of potential with the characters and the interaction is good, but it’s one fight after another with explanations thrown in between as to what’s going on. Kind of a snoozer and overall it doesn’t add a lot to the Fear Itself storyline.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Fear Itself: The Worthy – Some background on all of the characters that are currently ravaging the Marvel universe. Some of the writing is quite good, some of the art is quite blah. It’s a decent comic to give some depth to the characters, but I wonder why it took five months for it to be released. It should of been out with the second issue of Fear Itself.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.75

FF #7 – And in one issue, all that was built up in the cosmic end of the Marvel universe is undone. I’m a bit torn about it, as I feel Abnett and Lanning should have the honor of returning Black Bolt to the Marvel universe.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Flashpoint: Hal Jordan #2 – Definitely one of the weaker entries in Flashpoint. Something is just off with it, I don’t really like the characters, the art is not consistent and overall, I kind of want them to lose. Hal Jordan just comes off as a dick.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Flashpoint: Kid Flash Lost #2 – To me, this seems like it’s leading up to the end of the Kid Flash in DCnU. There’s a lot I like here. The art is cool, the story flows nicely and keeps me on my toes. It’s good and seems to add a bit to the overall Flashpoint story.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Flashpoint: Lois Lane and the Resistance #2 – Interesting story, but a bit choppy. It adds something to the overall story, but isn’t a necessity to read. It’s still fun to see this motley team working together.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Flashpoint: Project Superman #2 – A lot I liked here. The idea of attachment and how Superman might have turned out without it is explored, but as a whole the story is a bit choppy and not sure it’s the way I would have gone. It feels as though it was done to explain what happened to this world’s Superman instead of adding something to the overall Flashpoint story.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Green Lantern Corps. #62 – As a whole the series seems to be on autopilot until the major DCnU shake up. The story is ok, but the art is so-so. We’ll see how much what happens matters in the future DC universe.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #12 – A single story about yet another evil being the Guardians put away and hoped to never see again. The story is ok, but nothing special. Overall, it’s just treadng water until DCnU begins.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Around the Tubes – It’s Friday, Friday…

Posted on July 29, 2011 by Brett

So, I care that it’s Friday just because that means I can sleep in tomorrow and attempt to catch up on the lack of sleep from San Diego Comic-Con and also gear up for next week’s Gen Con. While you were slaving away, working for the man, here’s the news you might have missed.

Around the Blogs:

The Mary Sue – The Hard Numbers Say There are Less Female Characters in the DCnU As Well – Some good number crunching.

Comics Alliance – Answering Dan DiDio: The Problem With Having Only 1% Female Creators at DC Comics – While I generally agree with DiDio that you want quality writers and artists no matter their race, age, gender, etc., some of the choices are questionable and DC is in the difficult task to explain themselves and at the same time not diminish the creative teams chosen.

Con Coverage:

The Beat – Comic-Con 2011: Perception vs. Reality

The Beat – SDCC, A Look Back: The Beat

The Beat – The Comic-Con Virgin Diaries: Ali C. — Final Report

Around the Tubes Reviews:

IGN – Action Comics #903

IGN – The Amazing Spider-Man #666

IGN – American Vampire #17

IGN – Avengers Academy #16

IGN – Brightest Day Aftermath: The Search for Swamp Thing #2

IGN – Captain America and Bucky #620

IGN – Criminal: The Last of the Innocent #2

IGN – DC Retroactive: Justice League of America – The 70’s #1

IGN – DC Retroactive: Superman – The 70’s #1

IGN – Detective Comics #880

IGN – Fear Itself: The Worthy #1

IGN – FF #7

IGN – Flashpoint: Hal Jordan #2

IGN – Flashpoint: Kid Flash – Lost #2

IGN – Flashpoint: Lois Lane and the Resistance #2

IGN – Flashpoint: Project Superman #2

IGN – Green Arrow #14

IGN – Green Lantern Corps #62

IGN – Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #12

IGN – The Incredible Hulks #633

IGN – Intrepids #5

IGN – Invincible #81

IGN – Justice Society of America #53

IGN – Last Mortal #3

IGN – The Mighty Thor #4

IGN – Nordguard Book One: Across Thin Ice

IGN – Secret Avengers #15

IGN – Ultimate Comics: Fallout #3

IGN – Uncanny X-Force #12

IGN – Venom #5

IGN – Wolverine/Deadpool: The Decoy #1

IGN – Wonder Woman #613

IGN – X-Men Legacy #252

IGN – X-Men: Schism #2

IGN – Comic Book Reviews for 7/27/11

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 7/13/11

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Brett

It’s a thick stack of books dominated Flashpoint tie-ins and the debut of some high profile series. What’s worth the money and what can you skip? Find out below!

Alpha Flight #2 – There’s definitely something appropriately “Canadian” about this series both in it’s topics and it’s voice. We get a better sense as to exactly is going on and somewhat the Unity Party is up to. The series hasn’t blown me out of the water yet, but it at least has a unique voice and feel.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest #2 – I said after reading the first issue whether we really needed a mini-series of the still very young and fresh American Vampire, but the answer is yes. Both series are showing off a quality that justifies and any chance to speed up the story telling is much appreciated and wanted.

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9

Black Panther: The Man Without Fear #521 – For all those that laughed and moaned when they say sketches for the American Panther, I guess they get to eat their words. Sadly the story is tied in a bit with Fear Itself, but if it didn’t have to be, the story would be very solid dealing with hate and fear in America. If anything, the story so far doesn’t go enough, but it’s still a great read.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5

Booster Gold #46 – Booster continues to fight Doomsday and the story is ok, but really is one extended fight scene that doesn’t move the story along or give us a greater glimpse into the world of Flashpoint. The art too seems to have slipped a little. Not as good as the first two entries.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Captain America #1 – And a new Captain America series is launched almost jettisoning Brubaker’s previous run. The first issue though is beyond solid with great action, interesting mystery and a great look. This is everything I hoped for and more. Very great read and a must buy.

Story: 9 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9

Daken: Dark Wolverine #11 – Daken has turned into a drug addict which is a bit of an interesting story line. I like the art style switching between him being normal and being high and as always the twisted sexual games he plays is something you don’t see in too many other series. This is one that’s flying under the radar and worth the read.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Deadpool #40 – This probably could also be called “When Deadpool Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest.” Deadpool gets sent to a psych ward, though it’s in England, which doesn’t really make sense, but oh well….

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Fear Itself: Spider-Man #3 – Probably the best of the Fear Itself tie-ins, the story sores because it focuses not on Spider-Man and his rather uphill battle, but instead of average people suffering from the madness of the world around them. A solid three issue limited series that’s much better than the event series it’s tied into.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.75

FF #6 – So much that’s very cool, but if feels wrong for Black Bolt to return under anyone’s guidance other than DnA. At the same time, I’m forced to say “huh?”

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Flashpoint: Citizen Cold #2 – The issues starts off strong enough with the Rogues out to take on Cold, but the end is a bit confusing as to what’s exactly going on at times with the action not being clear enough. Overall, still entertaining.

Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

Flashpoint: Deathstroke – And the Curse of the Ravager #2 – The fight between Aquaman and Deathstroke’s crew continues in another issue that’s mostly fight. Again, not much movement and showing the world that is Flashpoint. For a great setting sail, the story seems to have lost it’s momentum.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Flashpoint: Emperor Aquaman #2 – The origin of Emperor Aquaman and it’s a very good read. We get a good sense of who he is and why he is the way he is due to this issue and…. it moves the overall story forward.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5

Flashpoint: Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown #2 – Something was a bit uneven about this issue. It wasn’t bad, but wasn’t particularly good either. I guess overall, I feel like it just doesn’t fit into Flashpoint and doesn’t add anything to the overall universe.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Ghost Rider #1 – I wasn’t too impressed by the #0.1 issue and the first issue didn’t blow me away either.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.25 Overall: 6.75

Green Lantern #67 – Now that was an ending, but we’re left with tons of questions as to what to expect in the relaunch of this series. The War of the Green Lanterns was uneven at times, but the ending made up for it all.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Green Lantern Corps. #61 – A nice throwback issue that takes on a social issue and addresses it at a galactic level. At the same time we’re introduced to all of the new Lanterns recruited during the war. It’s a decent issue, but the series just seems to be killing time until DCnU kicks off.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.25

Journey Into Mystery #625 – While I will say the series is solid, it’s a bit too convoluted in it’s dealings and double dealings. The story isn’t straightforward and you need a chart to keep track of all of the wheeling and double dealing. The series is interesting though and this issue does give us a glimpse as to the origin of the Serpent.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

Mystery Men #3 – We’re a little over the half way point and the series introduces some more “heroes” to the fold. The story has a modern pulp feel to it that’s entertaining, but doesn’t quite meet the quality of The Twelve which it resembles. It’s a good series, but might be best to read in trade form.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

The New Avengers #14 – I’m a bit mixed on the issue. It focuses on Mockingbird and her new status as well as some issues Spider-Man is having and also what’s going on with Fear Itself. There’s one scene in particular that’s very reminiscent of 9-11 that really caused a mixed stir of emotions that I’m still processing while I write this. Is it over the top? Maybe? Is it one hell of a statement in one page? Yes. Is it beautifully drawn? Absolutely.

Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

New Mutants #27 – Really a convoluted way to get Nate Grey back in the fold the story is so-so and the art actually sub-par for an “X” book. Even with a reboot, the series isn’t what it should be. It comes off as second class in many ways.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

The Red Wing #1 – Jonathan Hickman is a brilliant writer and this series is an interesting start. I can’t say it’s quite up to snuff as his past indie series, but those are some of the best comics ever written. An interesting start though.

Story: 8.25 Art: 7.5 Overall: 8

the Unwritten #27 – The series gets a bit more meta as the shift comes into how comic books have shaped the modern myth. It’s definitely interesting to read and I wish I had someone to discuss it with.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Wolverine #12 – Folks still want revenge on Wolverine and this arc just doesn’t hold up either. I like the idea of focusing on the folks that Wolverine has hurt through his actions, I’m just not sure this is the best way to go about it.

Story: 7 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.25

X-Men: Schism #1 – And in one issue everything ramps up as the latest “X” event kicks off. We’ve seen the prelude and we’ve gotten hints as to what expect, but now it’s game on. Jason Aaron has had mixed results in my opinion of his handling of various “X” titles, but this limited series kicks off with a solid start.

Story: 9 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9

Around the Tubes

Posted on July 15, 2011 by Brett

The weekend is so near and that just means last minute planning for those of us heading to San Diego Comic-Con 2011. Have to say I’m very excited and hopefully we do you all proud as far as news. Well, while you contemplate what you hope to see and hear, here’s the news you might have missed.

Around the Blogs:

Business Wirew – G4TV.com Teams with Graphicly to Give Fans Free Digital Comics – Be interesting to see how this goes.

Con Coverage:

Bleeding Cool – San Diego Debut: Octobriana

Bleeding Cool – San Diego Debut: Neil Gaiman In Hero Comics 2011

Kotaku – The Big Games and the Can’t Miss Events of Comic-Con 2011

CBR – Hero Initiative Announces Auctions for Comic-Con International in San Diego

Bleeding Cool – Trade In Your Copies Of Twilight For 30 Days Of Night At San Diego Comic Con

Bleeding Cool – San Diego Debut: Epoch #1 by Kevin McCarthy & Paolo Pantalena

Bleeding Cool – Marvel To Announce The Defenders At San Diego Comic Con

Bleeding Cool – San Diego Debut: Ties: A Chronicle Of Letters by Emily McGuiness

Culture Mob – Comic Con 2011 – 6 Days And Counting

MTV Geek – SDCC 2011: Animation Round-Up

Comics Alliance – The San Diego Comic-Con Exclusives Worth Standing In Line For

Bleeding Cool – San Diego Debut: Echoes HC by Joshua Hale Fialkov and Rahsan Ekedal

The Mary Sue – Steven Spielberg to Descend on Comic Con to Promote Tintin

MTV Geek – Manga at San Diego Comic-Con

MTV Geek – See ‘Gantz’ and ‘Gantz II: Perfect Answer’ At SDCC

MTV Geek – Places You Don’t Want To Be At SDCC

Bleeding Cool – San Diego Debut: Stripperella #1 Actually Written By Stan Lee

Around the Tubes Reviews:

IGN – The Amazing Spider-Man #665

IGN – American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest #2

IGN – Batgirl #23

IGN – Batman: The Dark Knight #3

IGN – Detective Comics #879

Mouth London – The Dylan Dog Case Files

IGN – Fear Itself: Spider-Man #3

IGN – FF #6

IGN – Flashpoint: Citizen Cold #2

IGN – Flashpoint: Deathstroke – The Curse of the Ravager #2

IGN – Flashpoint: Emperor Aquaman #2

IGN – Flashpoint: Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown #2

IGN – Ghost Rider #1

IGN – Gladstone’s School for World Conquerors #3

CBR – Green Lantern #67

IGN – Green Lantern #67

IGN – Green Lantern Corps #61

IGN – The Incredible Hulks #632

IGN – Journey Into Mystery #625

IGN – Loose Ends #1

IGN – Mystery Men #3

IGN – The New Avengers #14

IGN – The Red Wing #1

IGN – Star Wars: The Old Republic – The Lost Suns #2

IGN – Superman #713

IGN – Ultimate Comics: Avengers vs. New Ultimates #6

IGN – Ultimate Comics: Fallout #1

CBR – Ultimate Comics: Fallout #1

ICv2 – Uncouth Sleuth

IGN – Wolverine #12

IGN – Comic Book Reviews for 7/13/11

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 5/25/11

Posted on June 4, 2011 by Brett

It was a long weekend and week and I took my time with last week’s reviews. It was a pretty thick stack of books though. Here’s what was worth the purchase and what should have been left on the shelf. Expect another edition this Sunday for this week’s releases.

American Vampire #15 – The battle against the new breed of vampires rages on in this excellent war meets vampire story arc. What’s the secret of the island and why are these vampires so different? We’re slowly learning the secrets in this excellently paced comic story.

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

Astonishing Spider-Man & Wolverine #6 – The story didn’t always make sense, but at the same time it was a hell of a lot of fun. Spider-Man and Wolverine’s adventure through time is over in a rather convoluted sort of way. It was definitely fun and an entertaining read. Here’s hoping we get a second volume of this.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

Booster Gold #44 – There was a lot of buzz about this comic book that came out last week. It was definitely entertaining and I can understand why folks enjoyed it, but generally the humor wasn’t for me. But I see this being the sleeper of the the entire Flashpoint storyline.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.75

Captain America #618 – The mystery of why Bucky has been sent to Russia deepens as it turns out to be a bigger conspiracy than expected. There’s rumors swirling as to what will happen to Bucky and it’s clear Steve Rogers is returning to the red, white and blue, and this leads up to it all. A new cap series launches soon with this one switching it’s focus. An interesting ride so far.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Daken: Dark Wolverine #9.1 – Daken has been a character who lives in the shadow of his father Wolverine. That’s true in the story and in the eyes of comic book fans. This point one comic gives him a fresh start wrapping up the previous arc and charting him on his unique path. The character has so much potential and hopefully we’re finally seeing it. No matter what though, this is a fantastic comic.

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9

Deadpool #37 – Deadpool is on a mission to get killed and the action is over the top and missing the usual that makes Deadpool so much fun. This series has dipped quite a bit, falling more into the slapstick end of things. Give me the depiction in X-Force any day, it’s far superior.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

FF #4 – While the council still decides what to do with the Reeds, Susan, Spider-Man and Alex head to the other Atlantis. Hickman has had a vision that’s still ongoing and I have no idea what the end game is going to be. The series is solid, and deserves the renewed attention it’s gotten.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

G.I. Joe: Cobra #1 – Another G.I. Joe comic debuts and like the previous two, it ties into the search for a new Cobra Commander, this time from Cobra’s perspective. Like the previous two, the first issue is beyond solid and makes me wish I had been following all the lead up.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Green Lantern #66 – It’s part seven of the War of the Green Lanterns and Jordan and Gardner are having some issues as the corrupted guardians run amok.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75

Green Lantern Corps. #60 – I’ve been waiting for that holy shit moment and it’s the eighth part of the War of the Green Lanterns that delivers it. Rayner and Stewart are on a mission to stop Mogo and what’s done to achieve that is shocking.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #10 – The battle and War of the Green Lanterns continues. With the impending shift at DC, it’ll be interesting to see how much of this remains vital, what’s used and what’s disregarded.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Hellraiser #2 – Unless you’re familiar with the Hellraiser series, it’s hard to care about or figure out what’s going on. I’m not familiar with the characters and the story is ok, but not enough to make me want to continue as a new reader. Please, please, please explain more in upcoming issues.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.25 Overall: 6.75

Incorruptible #18 – Max continues his road to redemption and attempts to recruit a politician to help, but as you’d expect things aren’t exactly as they seem. Meanwhile others conspire to gain control of the damaged city as it attempts to rebuild. The ending is a bit predictable, but it still doesn’t hurt the issue overall. Mark Waid has done amazing things with this series and it’s sister comic Incorruptible.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Iron Man 2.0 #5 – A Fear Itself tie-in that is all set up and little substance. Sadly, I have a feeling this side step and distraction of an event is going to kill the great momentum the series had. The story is blah and art so-so.

Story: 6.5 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.5

Kirby: Genesis #0 – I liked the beginning of the issue and overall this is a tribute to Jack Kirby’s genius. It’s familiar and riffs off of all the work he’s known for and some that didn’t see the light of day. It’s impressive his style can be copied and the issue feels like Kirby did it himself. Overall though, the issue is for those who appreciate the legend.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

The Mighty Thor #2 – A certain cosmic being is headed towards Asgard and Thor versus him should be pretty damn interesting. The issue is all lead up and setting up what’s to come, but it’s pretty decent.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25

Namor: The First Mutant #10 – The series still is struggling to find it’s foot hold. Instead of just focusing on Namor’s rule and separatists/terrorists, we get distractions of time travel and other crap. Keep it simple and the series would be excellent.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.25 Overall: 6.75

Onslaught Unleashed #4 – An interesting ending and I’m not quite sure what to think. Mostly because I’m not sure exactly what it means. The art continues it’s interesting style as the battle against Onslaught concludes. I can’t imagine this is the end, and hopefully someone picks up the story from here.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Planet of the Apes #2 – Much like Hellraiser the series is written for those familiar with the material, but broken down, the story is really a search for an assassin, not much more. Sadly, overall the issue isn’t as inviting to new readers not familiar with the material as you’d hope it’d be.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Power Man and Iron Fist #5 – Wait, what!? What started as a great C-list exploitation comic turned into a nonsensical story. Seriously, what the hell did I read?

Story: 5.5 Art: 7 Overall: 5.75

Secret Avengers #13 – A Fear Itself tie-in that tries to tell a decent story focused on a member of Congress, but overall the story makes no sense and falls so short. There’s some interesting moments, but as a whole, wtf?! It was kind of cool to see a comic artist’s take on where I live though.

Story: 6 Art: 7 Overall: 6

Secret Warriors #27 – Hickman brings in back to the politics and shows us again how much of a badass Nick Fury is. Such a good comic, it’s sad to see there’s only one issue left. Here’s hoping we’ll get more of this in the future.

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

Uncanny X-Men #537 – The Breakworld story continues and I roll my eyes. I’m just not into this story at all. It’s not bad, but as I haven’t read the lead up, I just don’t care.

Story: 7 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.25

Venom #3 – The fight continues as Venom’s adventure in the Savage Land continues. The series is a pleasant surprise, but there’s somethings in this issue I wish was kept for a later date. Still, it’s very entertaining.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

The Walking Dead #85 – So where can writer Robert Kirkman take this series that he hasn’t so far? We get a look at the long term and begin to ponder what a new civilization would be like. As usual, the comic is more about the emotional impact and human interactions than the zombies.

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9

Wolverine #9 – The silliness of this issue just gets out of hand. Guns that can shoot through the planet? A gun fight for what seems to be no reason whatsoever? Wow has this series just crapped out.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

X-Men: Legacy #249 – It’s impressive how much a series can bounce back with one issue. This is the prelude to the new team the series will focus on and it looks like it’s going to be really interesting.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5

Around the Tubes

Posted on May 27, 2011 by Brett

The weekend is almost here, and even better it’s a long weekend. As usual there’s a long list of reviews for this week’s comics as well as other news you might have missed while you saw The Hangover 2.

Around the Blogs:

MTV Geek – Space Invaders Chair Looks Like A Geek Throne – I want. I want. I want.

The Mary Sue – Disney Will Not Trademark “SEAL Team 6″ – Reason wins for once.

Comics Alliance – 8 of the Best Noir Comics: Crime Does Pay – I love me a good noir comic.

The Mary Sue – There Are Fully Eight Directors in the Running for The Wolverine – I could pull this off…

Around the Tubes Reviews:

IGN – Action Comics #901

IGN – Amazing Spider-Man #662

IGN – American Vampire #15

IGN – Astonishing Spider-Man & Wolverine #6

IGN – Captain America #618

IGN – Detective Comics #877

IGN – Ducktales #1

Comic Book Resources – FF #4

IGN – FF #4

IGN – G.I. Joe: Cobra #1

IGN – Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters #3

IGN – Green Lantern #66

IGN – Green Lantern Corps. #60

IGN – Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #10

IGN – Hack/Slash #4

IGN – The Incredible Hulks #629

IGN – InFamous #6

IGN – Iron Man 2.0 #5

IGN – Kirby: Genesis #0

The Herts Advertiser 24 – Marvel Platinum: The Definite Thor

IGN – The Mighty Thor #2

IGN – Planet of the Apes #2

IGN – Secret Avengers #13

IGN – Secret Warriors #27

IGN – Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Lost Command #5

IGN – Strange Adventures #1

IGN – The Tattered Man

IGN – Uncanny X-Men #537

IGN – Venom #3

IGN – The Walking Dead #85

IGN – Wolverine #9

IGN – X-Men: Legacy #249

Comicvine – Comic Book Reviews For The Week of 5/25/11

IGN – Comic Book Reviews for 5/15/11

The Bigger Picture of Superman, Politics and DC Comics

Posted on May 2, 2011 by Brett

While many commented that Superman’s decision to give up his United States citizenship was anti-American and that he should be proud for where he’s from, a greater picture and a few questions were missed. I’m sure many of those commenters didn’t read the issue, so I don’t expect them to understand the nuance of what was actually laid out. As Andrew Belonsky points out over at Death & Taxes, by giving up his citizenship, Superman has become something better.

As I said in an earlier post, the story has Superman talking to the President’s National Security Adviser about his flying to Tehran to protest with the Iranian people. The story is impressive in that it throws out the usual fake countries and leaders DC comics sticks to, but instead names the country and leader. It also reflects the very real unrest occurring throughout the Middle East. This action causes an international incident as Iran sees Superman’s stance as an action by the United States. This causes Superman to think globally and decide to renounce his US citizenship. He’s decided there’s an entire world for him to protect. And only DC knows how far they’ll take this pretty comic universe shaking event.

As Belonsky points out:

Superman understands that his actual and symbolic power belongs to the world, to whom he must deliver a democratic life free from tyranny. It’s the same crusade the U.S. claims to fight, only on a larger, more powerful scale.

And that’s my thought too. Superman still fights for “Truth, Justice and the American Way,” he just now does it free from the implications and restraints of the United States. He can bring freedom quicker, easier and to a greater number without impacting American foreign policy. Isn’t that what we want? I think the average comic book reader understand the nuances of foreign policy. Cal Thomas of Fox might not think so, he feels comic book fans don’t understand the word “construed” and we’re only familiar with the onomatopoeia of “biff,” “pow,” “bam” and “zap.” I think it’s possible to fight for American principles without American citizenship, a concept Thomas thinks is too difficult for comic fans to comprehend. Mr. Thomas, Superman hasn’t “abandoned” anything, unlike what you think. In fact, he’s still very much an American and still very much fighting for American ideals.

There’s a deeper statement here. While Superman has given up his citizenship, Clark Kent, his alter ego, has not. Isn’t that an even more powerful statement. Superman must make such a powerful statement and act, but in reality he’s still grounded and very much American. His heart and life is still as an American citizen. He is in essence grounded to America, not just due to his alter-ego, but through that alter-ego’s connections. While he might be flying around the world spreading Democracy, his soul, his essence (Kent) is very much American.

There are bigger questions this creates and has major implications for other DC comic book characters.

Wonder Woman is a foreign national. Much like Superman, her actions in the United States or in any other country could be construed as an act by the country she is originally from. Should she renounce her citizenship as well?
Batman is currently traveling the world and setting up franchises. Can we look at this as corporate colonialism. Batman, even more so than Superman, is grounded as an American super hero, is this American colonialism? How is this different the military bases being peppered throughout the world? Batman has a world view, will he use these platforms to enforce it?
On a galactic scale, the Green Lantern Corps. is literally made up of hundreds if not thousands of aliens. How does the United States, or Earth for that matter, view these aliens enforcing galactic law and a universe view we might not subscribe to? And when they visit the United States, aren’t they illegal aliens here?

You can see where I’m going with this. This simple story in an anniversary issue presents bigger questions and problems. Who knows if DC will ever address them, but it definitely has me thinking.

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