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Comic Book (sort of) Weekly Reviews – 3/28/12

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Another week down… now, only about a month and a half behind. Sigh.

All Star Western #7 – Hex heads to New Orleans and deals with anti-immigrant terrorists.  Along the way he meets up with Nighthawk and Cinnamon who also have a back-up feature.  The issue is pretty good, though there’s a bunch that’s not explained like his recovery.  Still, it’s a transition to a new story arc.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Aquaman #7 – Some characters from Arthur’s past are coming into play as we get to see Black Manta and further explore the mystery of Atlantis.  The series continues to be solid with great art and some solid storytelling.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25

Astonishing X-Men #48 – And there’s the story I’ve been looking for in this series.  Some of Wolverine’s side is still getting settled in NYC when all hell breaks loose (shocker).  And is that who I think it is at the end?  I don’t want to spoil it, but it’s awesome.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

the Avengers #24.1 – The Vision returns and learns about everything he’s missed in a simple story that hints to new readers as to what they’ve missed and some of the major players out there.  It’s a solid stand alone story that does what it needs to, hits you at an emotional level.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.25

Avengers Vs. X-Men #0 – A story about Wanda and a story about Hope.  As far as getting me interested in this event it fails in every way.  To explain to new readers what’s up, it does an ok job.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Avenging Spider-Man #5 – Cap and Spidey have a moment in this solid issue dedicated to Joe Simon.  The story is simple, but touching at the same time and Spider-Man is his usual entertaining chatty self.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Batman: The Dark Knight #7 – The White Rabbit was an  interesting twist, but it’s the usual Batman fights Bane, but a very much less interesting Bane from what we saw in Secret Six.  Talk about taking a character a few steps back.

Story: 6 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

Captain America & Bucky #628 – The battle with Adam III comes to an end.  The story is ok, but really it made me think how a real world campaign to help Veterans featuring Captain America would be great.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Daken: Dark Wolverine #23 – Is that the end of Daken?  This final issue is really great at times, the story only has minor issues and the same with the art, but Daken is the best when he reflects on himself in an almost poetic way.  Such a shame such an interesting character never found the audience he deserved.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.75

Daredevil #10 – A solid ending as Daredevil fights Mole Man and deals with the damage done.  Mark Waid continues to impress in the series that deserves all the buzz and kudos it receives.  Just fantastic in so many ways.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75

FF #16 – The prologue to Hickman’s epic story is ok, but it’s those last few pages that made me giggle.  I got chills seeing it and can’t wait to see what happens next.

Story: 7 Art: 6.75 Overall: 7

the Flash #7 – The Flash has to deal with his actions and make things right.  That includes a pseudo time travel story (already?) and some there’s some movement in his personal life.  The story is ok, not quite the quality we’ve seen.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.25

Green Lantern: New Guardians #7 – We get the origin of the Angel and the team starts to come together.  The story is pretty blah.  Why this series exists?  No idea really….

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

I, Vampire #7 – The second part of the Rise of Vampires crossover is so much better than the first.  The art, the writing, Joshua Hale Fialkov knocks it out of the park as expected.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Justice League Dark #7 – So, why isn’t Batman more involved in this crossover?  The first issue of the Rise of the Vampires crossover with I, Vampire makes a point a few times how messed up the team is and how not in sync they are.  It fits the tone of the series, which just doesn’t click at all for me.  Once this crossover is done, I’m done with the series.

Story: 6 Art: 7 Overall: 6

The Mighty Thor #12 – Thor is back!  It took WAY too long, but he’s finally back.  I might not have enjoyed the entire story arc, but that last page of this issue got me choked up quite a bit.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7 Overall: 7.5

Moon Knight #11 – The series heads to it’s conclusion as Moon Knight takes on Madam Masque to get back the Ultron head.  There’s tons of action and all kinds of crazy, but I have to say it’s a bit dissapointing to finally see under Masque’s mask.  That was a great mystery I liked seeing continue…. oh well.

Story: 7 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.25

The New Avengers #23 – It’s Skaar vs. Osborn’s Avengers in the final chapter in that story.  There’s some fantastic art here and story telling like the Iron Fist vs. Gorgon fight.  Overall, a quick but solid issue.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.75

The New Deadwardians #1 – One of Vertigo’s buzzed about new series comes off like PBS Masterpiece theater mashed together with Law & Order and a zombie/vampire story.  It’s an interesting blend that has me interested enough to come back for the second issue.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Teen Titans #7 – The team saves Superboy and we meet a new bad guy named Harvest who looks like a rip-off from Hellboy 2.  The story has it’s moments but overall, the series isn’t quite doing it for me.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #8 – Mousers!!!! So very very very excited.  The series is awesome for new and old fans of any iteration of the Turtles.  So fantastic and highly recommended.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

The Twelve #11 – The team takes on Dynamic Man.  There’s something retro about it.  The story is ok, but nothing to blow me away and the fact it’s taken this long to read, just makes it more frustrating.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Ultimate Comics The Ultimates #8 – The President makes a dramatic decision to take on the escalating threats as the Hulk smashes his way around.  All hell is breaking loose and I have no idea where things are going from here.  Things usually end from this.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Uncanny X-Force #23 – The story… bad.  The art… bad.  What the hell happened to this once excellent series?

Story: 6 Art: 6 Overall: 6

The Walking Dead #95 – Rick and his team finally get to see the other town and that ending was one hell of a punch.  Where will things go from here?  I can’t wait and see!

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

X-Men: Legacy #264 – Now that’s an interesting story.  Weapon Omega shows up with Mimic and things get a bit interesting.  The art is up a notch and so is the story.  Hopefully it stays this way for a bit.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

THE RENOWNED ANIMATED MOVIE CLASSIC

ARRIVES ON DVD FOR THE FIRST TIME!

 

The Smurfs™ and the Magic Flute

HITS U.S HOME ENTERTAINMENT SHELVES NATIONWIDE

 

OWN IT ON DVD AUGUST 14, 2012 FROM FABULOUS FILMS

               Distributed by Shout! Factory

 

Smurf fans rejoice! On August 14, 2012, the original full-length animated feature The Smurfs and the Magic Flute will finally debut on DVD for the first time in the U.S. from Fabulous Films. Based on the original comic book story by the same name, this beloved animated movie classic debuted in U.S theaters in 1983 and has remained a fan favorite for more than twenty-five years. Delivering wholesome family entertainment, The Smurfs and the Magic Flute DVD also features bonus content including an image gallery, animated menus, a glossary of Smurf terms, The Smurf Story, a character guide, and an About the Smurfs and the Magic Flute featurette. A must-have for Smurfs fans, collectors, animation enthusiasts and a new generation of kids, this collectible DVD is priced to own at $14.93 SRP and available for pre-order now. 

 

In The Smurfs and the Magic Flute, a magical flute is just what Court Jester Peewit needs to play delightful tunes that make everyone in the kingdom dance — until the dancing turns dangerous. Sir Johan tries in vain to recover the musical instrument, but a thief named McCreep beats him to it, intending to use the flute to steal gold from the King’s subjects. It’s the Smurfs to the rescue when Papa Smurf devises a plan to create a second magical flute, and Peewit and Sir Johan go on a great adventure to find McCreep, win the musical duel and save the kingdom!

 

DVD Bonus Content

Image Gallery

Glossary of Smurf terms

The Smurf Story

Character Guide

About The Smurfs and the Magic Flute

Animated Menus

 

Technical Information

The Smurfs and the Magic Flute DVD

Street Date: August 14, 2012

Running Time: 71 min.

Aspect Ratio: 4 x 3

Audio: stereo

Rating: Rated G

 

About the Smurfs

The story of the Smurfs – a property created by Peyo – started in 1958 with the creation of comic books which were later brought to the big screen and on television. Over the years, the little blue characters haven’t just limited themselves to the page and the screen. The Smurfs have inspired records and CDs that have sold millions of copies, entire collections of figurines and toys, and many more products. In all, more than 3,000 derived products have been produced and leading brands and companies have spread their messages worldwide with the help of the Smurfs. A multitude of new projects appear regularly, thus making the success of the Smurfs planetary!

Comic Book (sort of) Weekly Reviews – 2/22/12

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Getting closer to catching up with reviews….

All-Star Western #6 – The mystery of the abducted children is solved as Hex and Arkham’s adventure comes to a close.  Hex is now heading to New Orleans which should be fun and interesting.  The series so far has been decent and I’ve enjoyed it being tied together with the modern DC universe, a nice touch.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

American Vampire #24 – We get more of a background of how events got to where they are.  I’m loving the setting, action and how this arc is plotted out.  Solid stuff and I’d expect no less from Scott Snyder.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Aquaman #6 – Mera goes food shopping, and things progress as you’d expect.  The story is predictable, but that doesn’t make it any less entertaining.

Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

Avengers Academy #26 – We find out who and sort of why Reptil was sent back from the future, and it’s not what I expected.  The series hasn’t always been great, but it’s moving in the right direction to get there.  Getting better with each issue.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7 Overall: 7.25

Batman: The Dark Knight #6 – Bane is back and I can’t say I like this pumped up version compared to what we last saw in Secret Six.  This is just a hulking behemoth with no thought or depth compared to a rather complex character that grew from the 1 dimensional character he sprung from.

Story: 6.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7

Captain America & Bucky #627 -The story is cool in a retro sort of way, but that’s how he takes down Captain America?!  With a hug?!

Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7

Chew #20 – Olive Chu goes on a mission and learns more about her abilities.  As usual, the story is over the top and so much fun.  This series is a must buy for every.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Fantastic Four #603 – The Fantastic Four and Galactus take on the Mad Celestials as the story continues to come together.  What’s been years in the making is finally coming to a close and the big picture is clearer.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall:8

The Flash #6 – The new Captain Cold?  Really don’t like.  The story though is ok and always great art.

Story: 7 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7

Green Lantern: New Guardians #6 – Interesting concepts, but not the best execution.  Lots of potential here that’s not being met yet.

Story: 6.75 Art:7.5 Overall: 6.75

I, Vampire #6 – The story is amazing and just full of holy shit moments.  This is one of the best series to come out of DC’s reboot.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75verall: 8.75

Justice League Dark #6 – Six issues to just get to this point… sigh.  I’m really only reading this for the I, Vampire crossover.  So much potential..

Story: 6.5 Art: 7 Overall: 6.5

The Mighty Thor #11 – The trolls attack as Loki figures out what’s going on and their plan is revealed.  Just in time for the new Asgard to launch too.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

New Mutants #38 – Doug visits the island where he died.  If you’re not a long time fan of the New Mutants, you probably won’t care, just like me.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7 Overall: 6.5

Secret Avengers #23 – Venom joins the team which doesn’t go over so well.  Is it just me or is Hawkeye way more dickish in this series?  Still, the series is finally finding a voice of it’s own, took long enough.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Teen Titans #6 – Licking their wounds after the fight with Superboy, there’s a fight that seems to be pointless as others work to help Kid Flash.  Oh yeah, a mystery is thrown out there too.  Not a bad series, but like the rest of the DC reboots, it’s losing my interest.

Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7 – General Krang needs Splinter and Stockman sends Mousers to go fetch him.  The series continues to be awesome in every way.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #7 – The fact he’s Spider-Man hits Miles as he heads out to see the extent of his power.  At the same time his uncle is up to something…. The series still has a lot of fun to it, even though the art isn’t quite as solid as it once was.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7 Overall: 7.5

Uncanny X-Force #22 – I thought the Otherworld setting was bad enough, now Weapon III is thrown into the mix.  This great series has dropped in quality quickly.  I can’t wait for this story arc to be over with.

Story: 6 Art: 6 Overall: 6

Venom #13.3 – Wow, is this story bad.  The fact that it’s weekly is just hurting the wallet too.  There was some hope this would be a good event, but can’t say it’s anything knew that hasn’t been seen before.  This great series has gone off the rails.

Story: 6 Art: 6.5 Overall: 6

Wolverine & The X-Men #6 – Wolverine is trying to get money for the school, folks are trying to help Kitty out and Kitty is trying to save herself.  So many different stories and all of it pretty damn fun.  It’s not quite as solid as it’s been, but still an entertaining and original story arc.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7

X-Men #25 – The X-Men and vampires holding Jubliee meet up and of course fight due to a misunderstanding… how original.  Then something sort of original happens.  Still, not a great plot.  I wish someone would just stake Jubliee and get rid of the character.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

X-Men: Legacy #262 – The battle with Exodus continues and they stop to talk during the middle of it, cause that’s smart.  The story is the typical battle, nothing original really and the art isn’t up to snuff for me.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

Your First Look At Uncanny X-Force #25 – The Final Execution!

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Your First Look At UNCANNY X-FORCE #25 – The Final Execution!

Marvel is proud to present your first look at the landmark 25th issue of Uncanny X-Force, from the superstar creative team of Rick Remender, Mike McKone and Dean White! The epic saga “Final Execution” begins here and X-Force faces their greatest threat yet! Someone is arming the villains of the Marvel Universe with the most dangerous weapons known to man, and when Wolverine’s team traces it back to the Omega Clan, the black ops squad finds themselves in some hot water. And when the origins of the deadly clan are revealed, it will send shockwaves throughout the entire team and Logan in particular!

With two rare stories by Rick Remender and Jerome Opeña included in this oversized issue, no fan can miss the explosive opener of Final Execution in Uncanny X-Force #25, hitting comic shops everywhere and the Marvel Comics app, this May!

UNCANNY X-FORCE #25 (MAR120615)
Written by RICK REMENDER
Pencils by MIKE MCKONE & JEROME OPEÑA
Cover by JEROME OPEÑA
Parental Advisory…$4.99
FOC –4/16/2012, ON SALE – 5/09/2012

Comic Book (sort of) Weekly Reviews – 2/1/12

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The goal is to get two more weeks reviewed by Sunday….

Animal Man #6 – A very impressive issue that slows the weirdness down a bit and instead focuses on a movie staring a super hero and his family.  The story is so good and really reflects well on Animal Man and his superheroing with this family.  Words just can’t reflect how good this is, but it’s up there as one of the best issues of the year.

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9

Avengers Academy #25 – The kids battle Hybrid and there’s enough here to make me interested.  But the series still feels like it’s a bit “B” level compared to the regulars Avengers “A” game.  Still, entertaining in it’s own ways.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.25

Avengers X-Sanction #3 – Bits I’ve liked, others not so much.  It’s a prelude, but a prelude that could have been done in a one shot oversized comic instead of being dragged out over four issues.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.25

Batman: Detective Comics #6 – So there’s a lot of Batman comics it seems, and that’s getting me a bit confused as to what’s going on in which.  That’s also hurting my enjoyment a bit, particularly of this series which I think is the weakest of the bunch.  Overall, a mess due to too much monthly Batman.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 6.75

Batwing #6 – We get a hint as to Massacre might be, though that’s too simple really.  It also looks like the story is shifting back to Gotham.  It’s six issues in and it kind of feels like this story should of wrapped up already.  I do like the filling in of history, but the main story has dragged on for quite a bit and not a lot of resolution.

Story: 7 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.25

the Defenders #3 – Um, entertaining, but rather abrupt ending.  With such build up a bad guy really shouldn’t be defeated so easily.  Overall, I don’t expect this series to last very long.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

the Punisher #8 – Not the strongest issue in a while, it’s a bit jumbled and choppy for me.  The series generally has been great and the art is fantastic.  I’m not letting one issue get me down, and maybe as a slice of the bigger story it’s better than it stands as a solo issue.

Story: 7 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7

Rachel Rising #5 – The series is creepy, beyond creepy.  A dead girl and another with a demon friend.  Some great horror right here and two female leads.  This is a definite recommend for the horror fans as I imagine not too many of you are picking it up and missing out on a great series.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Red Lanterns #6 – So many issues with this series.  The issue focuses on the new human Red Lantern and like that Corps., it’s all rage and little depth.  The issue suffers from the concept, but the series is shifting to give us more, it’s just taking a while.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.25

Stormwatch #6 – The series has a lot going for it and it’s been six issues and it’s just getting going it feels like.  I really feel like a lot of this could have been settled in the first arc, instead the series has tried to be too smart and instead continues to be a jumbled mess.  It’s getting better though.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7

Swamp Thing #6 – Scott Snyder is one of the best writers out there right now and combined  with art from Marco Rudy, this series continues to show why it’s one of the best in DC’s relaunch and best on the market.  It’s creepy, gross, haunting and just fantastic.  The build up has been coming, and the story is about to explode.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75

The Twelve #9 – The limited series WAS fantastic, but too much time has passed and I can’t say I remember enough to care.  I still want to see how it all ends, but that’s more because the delay makes me fascinated to see what might have been.

Story: 6.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7

Uncanny X-Force #21 – The art is off, story a bit jumbled and big reveal at the end had no impact on me.  Wow did this issue slip in quality.  Oh well, hopefully it’ll bounce back.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

Uncanny X-Men #6 – Great to see some issues from Uncanny X-Force dealt with, but boy is this bad.  Something isn’t clicking for me.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

Venom #13 – The Circle of Four kicks off here with the heroes gathering to fight demons.  The art isn’t as solid as it usually is and the story is meh.  Not a good story to a pretty high profile story arc.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

Villains for Hire #3 – It’s Misty Knight in control, so the villains turn on her, but is there more to this all.  The end I paused and said, wtf!?  The limited series has been great four three issues, lets hope the fourth doesn’t disappoint.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Winter Soldier #1 – The first issue of the series is interesting and to a point it tries to be smarter than it really needs to be.  The series follows the Winter Soldier/Bucky and Black Widow as they deal with other sleeper agents.  A great premise that could lead to some great spy/noir storytelling, but too much is crammed in and the series instead feels like a cheap action comic.

Story: 7 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.25

X-Factor #231 – We find out more about the world Madrox wound up in and it’s pretty interesting.  I imagine we’ll see it again the future.  Madrox hops to another world.  It’s all supposedly concluded next issue.  Thankfully.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Comic Book (sort of) Weekly Reviews – 1/18/12

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Getting closer to being caught up with reviews….

Avenging Spider-Man #3 – So much fun and entertaining.  The art is fantastic and the story got me laughing.  If this is what all Spider-Man comics are like I definitely am missing something.  Everything clicks here.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

the Avengers #21 – Norman Osborn takes on this team as well and kicks the crap out of them.  Not a stand alone issue, it’s just a small sliver of the bigger story.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

Batman #5 –  The story has Batman captured by the Court of Owls and he’s being broken down mentally.  The story is interesting, but mix it with the presentation and you have the best single issue so far this year.  Absolutely amazing in it’s presentation and package.

Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10

Captain Atom #5 – Captain Atom is struggling with who he is and what he can do.  He flies around and fights a thing.  The art is still solid, but the story is not quite as good as previous issues.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.5

Chew #23 – As usual, the comic had me roaring with laughter.  So twisted and so entertaining at the same time.  There’s so much win in this one issue.  One of the most unique comics on the market and a must read for everyone every month.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75

Daredevil #8 –

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5

DC Universe Presents: Deadman #5 – Deadman stands up for himself and holds all the cards.  Will he be able to get out of the quests he must live through?  The story is a decent ending, but overall, not sure what I think of the series as a whole.  I think I’d rather have an anthology with shorter stories.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.75

Fables #113 – Speaking of short stories…. this one has a bunch of lessons to be learned with various short stories acting as the entertainment.  It’s a break from the usual plot line, but that takes away from a rather complicated story.  It’s a not needed distraction from the usual story.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Generation Hope #15 – Hope is standing up for Sebastian Shaw as others on the island don’t really like that there’s some mutants who are treated better than others.  Overall, an ok issue.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7 Overall: 7.25

Fear Itself: The Fearless #7 – A lot of fighting and a big twist I didn’t see coming.  Now I’m interested in seeing where this goes.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.25

Green Lantern Corps. #5 – We get the story behind the Keepers as Guy puts together a team to take them on.  Lots going on in the Green Lantern world and a lot of history being revealed.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

The Invincible Iron Man #512 – Tony is dealing with his issues as so many people are out to get him.  On top of that a war is breaking out he needs to help stop.  The series isn’t quite as good as it was pre-Fear Itself, but it’s still damn good.

Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Moon Knight #9 – Moon Knight takes on a big baddie as his mind continues to shatter.  It’s awesome cutting back and forth between the fight and his preparation and that ending is awesome.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

New Mutants #36 – The team fights a being from another world and I yawn.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

Nightwing #5 – Um, what the hell did I read.  There’s some ok stuff, but the story with a demon falls flat.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 6.75

Supergirl #5 – Supergirl heads to Krypton to get answers.  The story is ok, and doesn’t have quite the emotional impact it should, but there’s some great art at points.  There’s definite quality here, it’s a series that’s trying to find it’s role right now.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5

Superior #7 – And that’s the end.  With one hell of a fight scene and a rather touching post fight wrap up, Mark Millar shows he doesn’t have to dip to the lowest level to tell a good story.  The series is great and I can’t wait to see this on the big screen, should be one hell of a movie because it’s one hell of a comic.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75

Thunderbolts #169 – The team is now in Camelot times.  The story is ok, but there’s something about the time travel arc that just doesn’t click with me.  The story is good, I’d imagine many will like it, but I’d rather have them in the present and move on with the story of the team dealing with their being on the run.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #6 – I still dig this series as Miles Morales deals with being the new Spider-Man.  His uncle heads to Mexico and there’s a lot of foreshadowing.  The art takes a dip, but the story and the enthusiasm that oozes from it is so much fun.

Story: 8.5 Art: 7.25 Overall: 8.25

Uncanny X-Force #20 – Hmmm, so much I want to praise and so much wrong.  The series is very much deep in “X” continuity with a concept only hardcore fans will enjoy.  The story has Fantomex put on trial and the team needing to go save him in Otherworld.  There’s a lot that’s good, the team interaction and ideas, and lots that’s wrong, the story is a bit muddled.  Not a good start for the next story arc.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

Uncanny X-Men #5 – The fallout from Archangel’s decent into madness is being investigated and there’s a lot that’s interesting here.  The art doesn’t fit at times, nor does some of the characters’ statements.  It’s good though, better than what’s come before.  That ending was interesting, not sure what to expect.

Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8

Venom #12 – We find out what Venom is supposed to steal and he loses his shit when it becomes clear.  Lots of fighting all to get him to a different spot and in Vegas.  We’ll see where the next arc takes him, this one started out solid, but ended a bit flat.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.25

Wonder Woman #5 – What the hell did I just read?  The story is off, the art is off.  Something just didn’t sit right with me this issue.  Not the best it’s been in the past.  I know this creative team can do better, we’ve seen it in the four previous issues.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Comic Book (not so) Weekly Reviews – 1/4/12

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Catching up slowly with reviews….

Animal Man #5 – The rot is spreading and Animal Man and his family must fight it.  The series art has dipped a little, but story is Vertigo meets mainstream DC.  Solid work and I can’t wait to see where it goes….

Story: 8 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.75

The Avengers Annual #1 – Remember when Wonder Man and a team attacked the Avengers mansion?  Yeah… so if you wondered whatever happened to that story, it gets wrapped up in this issue.  It’s interesting and sets up a lot of potential, but it’s been so long since that first part you have to wonder why it’s taken so damn long.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Avengers Academy #24 – Hmm, kind of torn on this issue.  The art is just ok, and the time travel/traitor story has been done, but there’s something interesting about it all.  It’s not “A” level, but getting better than it’s been.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Avengers: X-Sanction #2 – Cable continues to fight the Avengers as more hints towards the why are given.  Cable slips between the present and future in decent story telling, the art I’m iffy on over it.  The story is intriguing, just not totally sold.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7 Overall: 7.5

Batman: Detective Comics #5 – The main story is ok, Batman chases some guy as people protest Batman.  The back-up story is a jumble of a mess.  I’d rather have a longer main story or something else, cause the quality is just not good.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Batwing #5 – Anyone else think it’s odd that Batwing has to call in the white Batman to help?  No message there?  The issue is decent and has some character depth added for Batwing and the art is fantastic.  The series is one of the bright spots for the DC relaunch.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

The Defenders #2 – The series second issue is a bit better than the first.  There’s a tone and pacing that’s different and entertaining to it.  The blurbs at the bottom are interesting too.  I can’t say this is a huge hit and must read series, but it’s getting better in my opinion.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Fatale #1 – So much hype surrounding the series and while it’s interesting, it’s not as good as Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips’ previous work.  The noir meets Lovecraft series is not as good as what they’ve done, but that makes it better than most everything else.  My gut says the series will be a better read in one sitting instead of individual issues.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.5

Fear Itself: The Fearless #6 – What happened to Crossbone’s new ability?  That seemed to go away… The event spin-off hasn’t gotten much better and I’m not seeing the point.  I’m reading it in hopes it leads to something.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7 Overall: 6.5

The Punisher #7 – I really liked this issue.  On the way to the massacre from the last issue, two detectives talk about the Punisher and what he does and how that differs from what the police and law do.  I solid issue that really gets you to think about justice and who decides and dispenses it.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Rachel Rising #4 – The state of Rachel is starting to be noticed as more bodies are dumped.  The series is weird and a very slow creepy burn to it.  It’s so good though showing why horror was my pick of genre of the year last year.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Red Lanterns #5 – A bunch of the Lanterns get smarter as they look for Krona.  Earth gets it’s own Red Lantern.  Overall an ok story that’s getting somewhere, just not sure where.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Stormwatch #5 – Um, what the hell did I read?  I am so confused by this series.  There’s a bunch I like and then again, this is just not a friendly series for new readers. What. The. Hell?

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.25

Swamp Thing #5 – The rot continues to get stronger while the green attempts to fight back.  The series is colliding with Animal Man and damn it’s good.  There’s just this great horror feel to it all and it’s easy to get into, even with such material that’s come before.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Thunderbolts #168 – Luke Cage is going after escaped convicts from the Raft as Mockingbird and Mach V deal with the committe that oversees the program.  At the same time the other Thunderbolts are on the run still and did Ghost reach them?  Lots going on here in an interesting issue that’s pretty solid.  Not bade, but not great either.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

Uncanny X-Force #19.1 – We get a preview of what to expect when the Age of Apocalypse comes back as an ongoing series.  The preview is crazy and entertaining, but I wonder what the big game plan it is for the series.  There has to be something.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5

Uncanny X-Men #4 – A story of the Phalanx and it’s interesting.  There’s a slight tie-in with Sinister which seems a bit stretched.  A lot I like and some I don’t.  Pretty decent read though.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5

Villains for Hire #2 – Purple Man is on the move to find his rival and it’s a shocker as to who it is, but that ending just made my jaw drop.  I have no idea what is happening next, but this series is very entertaining.  I can’t wait to see what it leads to.

Story: 8 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.75

X-Men #23 – Yay, we get a semi-mission/point for this team, other than leaving weapons of mass destruction lying around.  What an anti-climatic ending to the story…

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Wolverine & the X-Men: Alpha & Omega #1 – Quentin Quire decides to get his revenge on Wolverine for sending him to Westchester.  Sadly, the story isn’t needed and really adds nothing so far.  The art is just ok and doesn’t live up to the cool cover.  Overall, no idea why this is being done.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

X-23 #20 – Laura and Jubilee have a night out and Laura gets an offer as to where she should go next.  The story is ok, but really could have had a much more emotional impact.  The sub-par art didn’t help at all as well.

Story: 6.5 Art: 6.5 Overall: 6.5

Marvel Unveils Avengers Art Appreciation Variants!

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 Marvel Unveils AVENGERS ART APPRECIATION VARIANTS!

Ever imagine what the Avengers would look like if they existed throughout the ages? Well here’s your chance as Marvel is proud to unveil Avengers Art Appreciation Variants available throughout all of April! With everyone on the edge of their seats for Marvel Studio’s The Avengers, fans will have the opportunity to see their favorite super hero team in the styles of the world’s greatest artists like Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Monet, Pollock, Schielle and more! No fan can miss their favorite Marvel artists like Alex Maleev, Michael Kaluta, Gabriele Dell’otto, Greg Horn, Gerald Parel and more put their spin on these surefire classic covers. So be on the look-out True Believers, because in April – these Avengers Art Appreciation Variants are sure to go fast!

AGE OF APOCALPSE #2

Variant Cover by CHRISTIAN NAUCK


AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #683

Variant Cover by MIKE DEL MUNDO

AVENGERS #25
Variant Cover by GABRIELE DELL’OTTO

AVENGERS ASSEMBLE #2

Variant Cover by STEPHANIE HANS

DAREDEVIL #11

Variant Cover by STEFFI SCHUTZEE

FANTASTIC FOUR #605

Variant Cover by MICHAEL KALUTA

INCREDIBLE HULK #7

Variant Cover by CHARLES PAUL WILSON III

INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #515

Variant Cover by GREG HORN

SECRET AVENGERS #26

Variant Cover by JOE QUINONES

UNCANNY X-FORCE #24
Variant Cover by JULIAN TOTINO

UNCANNY X-MEN #11

Variant Cover by GREG HORN

WINTER SOLDIER #4

Variant Cover by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER

WOLVERINE #304

Variant Cover by Gurihiru

WOLVERINE & THE X-MEN #9

Variant Cover by ALEX MALEEV

X-MEN #27

Variant Cover by KHOI PHAM

Pick of the Week – Dead Man’s Run #1

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I really liked the the zero issue of Dead Man’s Run and I’ve read the first issue.  It’s very cool and fascinating and so much going on.  Hell is the world’s greatest prison and some folks are going to break out.  If that doesn’t interest you, not sure what will.  The art is cool, pacing is great and so much going on that it kept my interest all the way through and made me want to check out more.  A great series from Aspen Comics.

  • Dead Man’s Run #1 – see above
  • Voltron #2 – The first issue was solid and I expect the second to be the same.  Voltron is back!
  • Wasteland #33 – For $1 how can you not pick this up!?  The post apocalyptic series from Oni is going monthly with a new artist and it looks pretty damn cool.
  • Uncanny X-Force #20 – The best “X” book on the market and one of the best Marvel puts out.
  • Chew #23 – Consistently has me laughing, this issue is twisted in all of the right ways.

Scarlet Spider #1 Leads The Charge On A Slew Of New Year Second Printings!

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Official Press Release

SCARLET SPIDER #1 Leads The Charge On A Slew Of New Year Second Printings!

Marvel is pleased to announce that several critically acclaimed books have sold out at Diamond and will be going back to press. Leading the charge as it hits stands, Scarlet Spider #1 Second Printing Variant brings fans a whole new brand of web-slinging action as Kaine takes up the mantle of the Scarlet Spider and heads to Houston! But the new Scarlet Spider isn’t the only one fans are clamoring for as The Avengers, the Incredible Hulk, Carnage, the Defenders and Uncanny X-Force also continue to fly off store shelves.

Here’s a full list of blockbuster titles with superstar creative teams going back to press:

  • Avengers Annual #1 Second Printing Variant by Brian Michael Bendis & Gabrielle Dell’otto
  • Avengers: X-Sanction #2 Second Printing Variant by Jeph Loeb & Ed McGuinness
  • Carnage USA #2 Second Printing Variant by Zeb Wells & Clayton Crain
  • Defenders #2 Second Printing Variant by Matt Fraction & Terry Dodson
  • Incredible Hulk #3 Second Printing Variant by Jason Aaron & Marc Silvestri
  • Uncanny X-Force #19 Second Printing Variant by Rick Remender & Robbi Rodriguez

Did you miss the previous issues of these amazing titles? Well Marvel has you covered with these additional printings!

  • New Avengers Annual #1 Second Printing Variant by Brian Michael Bendis & Gabrielle Dell’otto (JUL118236)
  • Avengers: X-Sanction #1 Second Printing Variant A by Jeph Loeb & Ed McGuinness (OCT118095)
  • Avengers: X-Sanction #1 Second Printing Variant B by Jeph Loeb & Ed McGuinness (OCT118096)
  • Carnage USA #1 Second Printing Variant by Zeb Wells & Clayton Crain (NOV118101)
  • Incredible Hulk #1 Second Printing Variant by Jason Aaron & Marc Silvestri (SEP118121)
  • Incredible Hulk #2 Second Printing Variant by Jason Aaron & Marc Silvestri (OCT118116)
  • Uncanny X-Force #18 Second Printing Variant by Rick Remender & Jerome Opena (NOV118069)

With so many red-hot new series quickly gaining steam, Marvel wants to ensure that comic shops have enough copies on hand to meet demand. No fan can miss out on these exciting new titles taking place in all corners of the Marvel Universe!

SCARLET SPIDER #1 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (NOV118186)
Written by CHRIS YOST
Pencils by RYAN STEGMAN
FOC – 1/23/12, ON SALE – 2/15/12

AVENGERS ANNUAL #1 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (NOV118185)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Pencils by GABRIELLE DELL’OTTO
FOC – 1/23/12, ON SALE – 2/15/12

AVENGERS: X-SANCTION #2 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (NOV118182)
Written by JEPH LOEB
Pencils by ED MCGUINNESS
FOC – 1/23/12, ON SALE – 2/15/12

CARNAGE USA #2 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (NOV118187)
Written by ZEB WELLS
Art by CLAYTON CRAIN
FOC – 1/23/12, ON SALE – 2/15/12

DEFENDERS #2 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (NOV118183)
Written by MATT FRACTION
Pencils by TERRY DODSON
FOC – 1/23/12, ON SALE – 2/15/12

INCREDIBLE HULK #3 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (NOV118142)
Written by JASON AARON
Pencils by MARC SILVESTRI
FOC – 1/23/12, ON SALE – 2/15/12

UNCANNY X-FORCE #19 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (NOV118184)
Written by RICK REMENDER
Pencils by ROBBI RODRIGUIEZ
FOC – 1/23/12, ON SALE – 2/15/12

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