wildstorm Archives - Page 5 of 6

Tag Archives: wildstorm

Review – Wildcats Version 3.0 Year One

Posted on October 4, 2010 by Brett

I remember when Wildcats first came out so many years ago. It feels like a decade since the last issue of the series I read (and wasn’t much of a fan of). It actually might be a decade come to think of it. But this latest version of Wildcats I can get behind. Wildcats Version 3.0 Year One takes the super hero comic and brings a hell of a new twist.

Spartan decides it’s time to hang up the tights and do some real good as members of corporate America. With gun-slinging Grifter by his side and a host of new recruits, he aims to tap a source of unlimited power and disperse it to the masses.

The Wildcats go from super-heroes to corporate gangsters in Year One of this beloved and critically celebrated series.

From what I remember of the series it was a lot of folks in spandex fighting aliens, most of it pretty typical and not really a whole lot of originality. But, this third version of the series is beyond original. Gone is the spandex, instead we have corporate raiders and Machiavellian machinations.

Do you want folks running around shooting big guns and women in skimpy outfits? That’s there two, but there’s a lot more going on. Along with guns blazing we have talks of mergers and stock holder meetings.

This is comics for adults and with the recent axing of Wildstorm by DC, I’m hoping a still get a chance to read the second volume in 2011. But, for what it’s worth volume one is still very much worth the read.

DC Shake Up

Posted on September 22, 2010 by Brett

Yesterday the hammer dropped about the restructuring of DC comics. Here’s the major news to hit.

Wildstorm and Zuda folding into DC

While there were a lot of rumors floating around, this one most folks didn’t see coming. Wildstorm and Zuda will end as brands and some of their comics will be published under the DC banner. From Jim Lee and Dan DiDio‘s blog post:

After taking the comics scene by storm nearly 20 years ago, the WildStorm Universe titles will end this December. In this soft marketplace, these characters need a break to regroup and redefine what made them once unique and cutting edge. While these will be the final issues published under the WildStorm imprint, it will not be the last we will see of many of these heroes. We, along with Geoff Johns, have a lot of exciting plans for these amazing characters, so stay tuned. Going forward, WildStorm’s licensed titles and kids comics will now be published under the DC banner.

After this week, we will cease to publish new material under the ZUDA banner. The material that was to have been published as part of ZUDA this year will now be published under the DC banner. The official closing of ZUDA ends one chapter of DC’s digital history, but we will continue to find new ways to innovate with digital, incorporating much of the experience and knowledge that ZUDA brought into DC.

Bleeding Cool has a run down of the rather rough relationship DC has had with Wildstorm. I’ve only recently gotten into Wildstorm with their fantastic outreach to me to try their series and there’s been a lot of quality comics I wouldn’t have ever read without that outreach. I fear that as this happens, 1) bye bye to me reading and advocating for comics I’d otherwise skip, 2) Wildstorm will go the way of Milestone, which also suffered a similar axing by DC.

DiDio and Lee promise a cooling off period before the Wildstorm character’s eventual reintroduction into the DC universe. Anyone want to take bets on this?

DC Entertainment Goes West

There’s been rumors about this for months, but it looks like most folks were close, but no cigar. DC Comics will remain in New York (good, too much history), parent company DC Entertainment, will relocate to a headquarters in Burbank, CA to administer the DC brand’s operations in film, television, video games and other media.

In yesterday’s press release DC Entertainment President Diane Nelson said:

These organizational changes reinforce the strengths of DC’s greatest legacies – most importantly its people and its creative talent – and offer greater opportunity for maximum growth, success and efficiency in the future,” said Nelson. “Our two offices will stretch and build their respective areas of focus, while prioritizing and aggressively striving to connect and cooperate more strongly than ever before between them and with their colleagues at [parent company] Warner Bros.

But while the press release was all rainbows and unicorns, an interview by Nelson with the LA Times showed there’s some dark clouds hovering in the horizon (though ComicsAlliance has a bubblegum and candy drops interview). Oh, there will be layoffs:

About 20% of DC’s roughly 250 staffers will lose their jobs as part of the shift, while some others will move to the West Coast from the East. In addition, certain new positions are being added in Burbank.

New positions? Would one of those be a head of new media? I know a certain political operative who’s done new media for various high profile politicians that might be interested, hint, hint…..

A lot of this shake up comes from Warner Bros., DC’s owner. With the Harry Potter franchise ending, they need some long term franchises to make them sleep easier. Green Lantern is set to hit the big screen next year, but other than that the Magic 8 Ball is a little unclear as to what the future brings.

New RED Clip

Posted on September 9, 2010 by Brett

A new clip has been released for the upcoming movie RED, loosely based on the graphic novel by Warren Ellis and Cully Hamner.

[vodpod id=Video.4406674&w=425&h=350&fv=vid%3D21789189%26amp%3B]

Philadelphia Inquirer Needs to Read What They Print

Posted on August 25, 2010 by Brett

Bleeding Cool brought us this piece of awesome. This past Sunday John Arcudi talked to the Philadelphia Inquirer on why he’s not the biggest fan of super heroes to promote his fantastic graphic novel A God Somewhere. Wildstorm then linked to the article proud of the promotion, though Arcudi bashes a genre they rely on.

But, that’s not the best part. The Philadelphia Inquirer published a piece of art below, forgetting to censor out some of the swear words. Oops.

Review – Ides of Blood #1

Posted on August 23, 2010 by Brett

Take Julius Caesar add vampires and mix both with a murder mystery and you get Ides of Blood #1. This new six issue limited series from Wildstorm, written by Stuart C. Paul and art by Christian Duce is fantastic.

The year is 44 B.C. Julius Caesar has conquered Transylvania, and vampyres are Rome’s new slave class. But when rich mortals start turning up dead with fang marks on their necks, Valens, a vampyre slave-turned-Roman soldier, plunges into the blood-soaked underworld of Rome to capture the Pluto’s Kiss Killer. If he can prove himself, he’ll earn rank and riches beyond what anyone this side of the Tiber has ever seen! But if he fails, he just might find himself on top of the pile of bodies!

Don’t miss this crimson-red, 6-issue thriller that mixes the undead intrigue of True Blood with the brutal Roman action and political drama of Spartacus from newcomers Stuart C. Paul and Christian Duce!

I really enjoyed the first issue as we’re shown a world where Caesar has conquered Transylvania and now is the proud owner of a vampire sub-class of citizens. Along with a murder mystery we also contend with a love story between the lead investigator and Caesar’s niece.

The story is pretty creative, I loved the writing and the art is fantastic. I’m sure this is a comic you’ll overlook on the shelf, I know I would, but that’d be a disservice to yourself. It’s really good and if you like Gladiator or True Blood there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy this new series. Pick it up, trust me.

Review – Welcome to Tranquility: One Foot in the Grave #1

Posted on August 23, 2010 by Brett

Hmmm, can’t say I know anything about this comic and I went into this series blind as to the characters, world, everything. And for once I felt I was at a disadvantage. Published by Wildstorm, written by Gail Simone with art by Horacio Domingues, Weclome to Tranquility: One Foot in the Grave follows a town filled with super heroes and the return to society of one who was accused of a crime.

The fan-favorite series from Gail Simone returns as Sheriff Thomasina Lindo and the town of Tranquility’s unique inhabitants face a new crisis: the return of Mayor Fury from prison! Following the cataclysmic events in the previous series, Mayor Fury faced a trial for murder and was acquitted when the star witness refused to testify. Now he’s free and wants to come home to the town he loves, but a powerful foe from his past has other plans for Fury – and the entire town!
Acclaimed writer Gail Simone (WONDER WOMAN, BIRDS OF PREY) and artist Horacio Domingues (WILDCATS: NEMESIS) spin a new tale from the wondrously small town populated by larger-than-life superhuman citizens!

The story is entertaining, the characters fun with some nice art, but there was something I was missing. There clearly was history here, and even though I technically didn’t need to know it, I felt like I was clearly missing jokes but no being aware of it.

You’ll be able to pick up this issue and read it no problem. And it’s definitely an entertaining read. But there’s just something I feel like was going over my head. I recommend the issue, but am definitely a bit hesitant about it.

Review – DV8: Gods and Monsters #4

Posted on July 21, 2010 by Brett

Another issue of DV8: Gods and Monsters and I feel like I’m running out of praise. Brian Wood is an amazing writer (I’ve struggled to find something of his I didn’t like) and the art Rebekah Isaacs seems to get stronger with each issue.

We’ve given glowing recommendation for the first three issues, and this one is no exception. We’re introduced to another member of a team, this one embodying the god of war. But what happens when a person of infinite power meets a people who’s not scared of him? That’s the question proposed in this issue, and we see how Matthew Callahan earns the leadership of his tribe. Also, when all you’re trained for is destruction and war, what would you do on a new world?

Each issue has taken a look at a member of a team and how they’ve adapted to their new lives on an alien world. Some have taken to lording of the people while others only seek peace.

Overall an amazing series and we’re only at the half way point. Here’s to four more amazing issues. A definite buy!

Review – Sparta U.S.A. #5

Posted on July 8, 2010 by Brett

It’s the second to last issue of this mishmash of fantasy and football and it looks like Sparta U.S.A. is going to come down to the last seconds to bring in the winning touchdown.

Much like the fourth issue of the series the pacing has picked up, with a lot going on and the issue comes off as fast paced and a little rushed. But what David Lapham and Johnny Timmons pull off is still quite impressive. There’s quite a few tips of the hat throughout this series including a lot having to do with politics and history.

This issue is also packed with tons of twists and turns and shocking moments that were totally out of the blue. Here’s hoping this all leads up to a big payoff next issue. In the end the entire series will be best judged as a whole, but each chapter so far is pretty damn solid. Check out below before the full review.

Review – DV8: Gods and Monsters #3

Posted on June 18, 2010 by Brett

One of the best things about writing for a comics blog is getting to discover new comic books that you wouldn’t normally think of picking up at the store. Case in point is DV8: Gods and Monsters, whose third issue is released this week. If you’re a regular to this site, you’ll know we love this series and gave the first and second issues glowing reviews and the third is no exception.

Brian Wood is beyond a talent and deserves more mainstream recognition. I struggle to think of one series he’s written that fails to impress. The third issue is a long debate about the rights of people to interfere in the lives of others. Also, the idea of technology is debated and the acceptance of how things work and if that in itself is a form of magic. That’s all wrapped around our introduction to Hector Morales aka Powerhaus who can take emotions and use it to grow.

Rebekah Isaacs continues to provide solid art that enhances the story telling and adds to Woods’s story.

Even if you didn’t pick up the first two issues (and you should), you’re doing yourself a disservice in not picking up this third issue. Even as a single story the debate alone about one’s right to interfere in others lives is worth the read. It’s subject matter is one that’s pertinent today and will make you think, exactly as a comic should.

Check out below for the extended review and rating.

Review – The Authority: The Lost Year Book One

Posted on June 18, 2010 by Brett

I only know about The Authority through the praise it’s gotten over the years. I was surprised to find a copy of the latest trade paperback The Authority: The Lost Year Book One which covers The Authority #1-2 and The Authority: The Lost Year #3-7. Boy was I happy to have it land at my door step, because it’s a great read and intriguing concept.

The seven issues can be broken up into three chapters each having a distinct theme. Grant Morrison and Keith Giffen take over the story and writing duties and Brian Stelfreeze handles the storytelling for chapters six and seven. Artists include Gene Ha (chapter one and two), Darick Robertson and Trevor Scott (chapter three and four), Jonathan Wayshak (chapter five) and Joel Gomez (chapter six and seven).

The first chapter follows the Authority who have landed in a world without super powers and on the brink of World War III, but why aren’t their any special people? The story explores the familiar themes of people with god like powers lording over regular people. Debate over how to handle the situation focuses on the Authority’s responsibility to do right. But what is exactly right? And who determines that?

The second story sees the group back in the Bleed and challenges you to think about order in the animal kingdom and survival of the fittest. A team that seems to throw Darwin’s teachings out of the way by intervening on worlds must choose if they’ll do the same to save their sentient ship.

The third story lands them on a world torn apart by an Authority team who’s fallen apart and divided the nation between two factions. This arc plays heavily back into the second one.

All together the series was easy to understand and get into and it’s a fantastic mix of philosophy and action with some interesting and unique characters. This is definitely a series I can get into and think I might just have to. I highly recommend it.

« Older Entries Recent Entries »