Brett, Author at Graphic Policy

Author Archives: Brett

Weekly Review

Posted on July 11, 2010 by Brett

It’s a thick stack of books this week, filled with a lot of number ones. It seems books either shined or completely bombed this week. Check out below for what stands out and what you can pass up.

Monthly Comics

Avengers: the Children’s Crusade #1 – Whatever happened to the Scarlett Witch? Also, are her two children members of the Young Avengers? Was she being manipulated when she committed genocide of the Mutant race or killed her fellow Avengers? This series seems like it’s going to look into all of that, and hopefully give us some answers. A really impressive start, with some great art.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Brightest Day #5 – The issue focuses on three distinct story lines. Aquaman and Mera must stop a BP like oil rig disaster, which is impressive to see. DC tends to be shy from tying comics into real world events and there’s been a lot on the internets joking how “BP killed Aquaman.” Seeing it addressed, even in a round about way, is a nice step forward. The second story sees Hawkworld enter the picture, which is meh. But the third focuses on Boston Brand and his wielding of the White Lantern power. A short part, but also very impressive in it’s conveying of emotion.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

Cassanova #1 – I’ve never read an issue of the series before this, but I can understand what the fuss is all about. The series is a fun, over the top action comic book with crazy characters and different dimensions. This is just a comic to sit back, turn your brain off and enjoy.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Demo #6 – The final issue of the six issue limited series, this one focuses on two individuals tied together. It hurts to be together and hurts to be apart. How do you live a life like that? It’s a touching a beautiful tale of love. Very impressive.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

Fantastic Four Annual #32 – While the main Fantastic Four series has taken a bit of a dip in quality lately it doesn’t come close to this train wreck of a comic book. The story sees a woman getting knocked up by Johnny Storm due to some manipulation by Psycho-Woman. A pretty poor villain and just bad storyline. How bad does it get? How about a time-travel abortion debate. This one is up there for worst comic of the year.

Story: 4 Art: 7.25 Overall: 4.25

Hawkeye & Mockingbird #2 – It’s the second issue of the ongoing series and the issue packs a massive emotional punch as Bobbi is reunited with the mother that was told she’d lost a daughter. A very impressive issue.

Story: 9 Art: 8 Overall: 8.75

Hit-Monkey #1 – It’s a monkey, that’s a hit man, how can that not be awesome!? We gushed over the one-shot that gave the origin of this character and enjoyed his recent appearance taking on Deadpool and Spider-Man. This first of a three issue limited series picks up on the origin one shot and gives us a bit more as to what’s driving the world’s most deadly monkey. It’s entertaining, though not quite as impressive as that first issue.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Iron Man: Legacy #4 – Tony continues his battle as Doom upgrades his Doombots with StarkTech. This is a decent series and a lite version of the main Iron Man series. If you’re an Iron Man fan, it’s worth picking up.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Irredeemable #15 – Can one bullet make up for the death of millions? The heroes battle the Plutonian as Bette gets her shot to take him down. All that chaos and dysfunction as another member is lost.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Marvelman: Family’s Finest #1 – The series definitely shows it’s age. But it’s a great piece of history. Hopefully we’ll see some more announcements when it comes to Marvel’s plans for Marvelman soon.

Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5

Scarlet #1 – Amazing first issue. Brian Michael Bendis is making a statement about society here with amazing art by Alex Maleev. This first issue reminds me of Jonathan Hickman’s The Nightly News. Subversive and a must read.

Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10

Secret Six #23 – It’s a filler issue as the team is lured to an island to be hunted by rich men. The issue is pretty quick in the plot and action and wraps up nicely. It’s definitely no where near the quality we can usually expect, and even if you’re a fan of the series, this might be one issue you decide to skip.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7

Shadowland #1 – It’s an event that’s been built up to for a while. Daredevil is the new head of the hand and his tactics are being noticed by the rest of the super hero community. But what happens when some old friends pay him a visit and Bullseye comes a knocking. The ending is not quite what I was expecting.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Steve Rogers: Super-Soldier #1 – It’s Jason Bourne and James Bond meeting Captain America and it works really well in this first issue. Someone has perfected the super soldier serum that gave Steve Rogers his power and Rogers is out to stop him. The issue is top notch in both story and art. My only problem is Steve is now the head of S.H.I.E.L.D., why is he doing this on his own? But it’s so good, I don’t care.

Story: 10 Art: 9 Overall: 9.5

Thor: The Mighty Avenger #1 – The first issue of this brand new series isn’t bad really, but in the end I don’t see too much reason for it’s existence. The story is actually decent, and the art so-so. It’s clear this isn’t modern continuity, but where exactly does it tie into Thor’s history? This is basically Thor for the kiddie set, but for die-hard fans, stick with the main series.

Story: 7.5 Art: 87 Overall: 7.25

Vengeance of the Moon Knight #10 – Moon Knight has teamed up with the Secret Avengers and this issue chronicles their first mission. It gives some decent insight into his thoughts of joining the team. Overall and ok read, but nothing special.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

The Walking Dead #74 – Everyone continues to get settled in their new lives but as they rediscover their faith through hope, an overbearing sense of dread continues to permeate the comic book. An amazing series that is not to be missed.

Story: 9.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9.25

X-Force #28 – And one will sacrifice. An X-Man sacrifices himself to return the team from the future as Hope’s power emerges. This is the epic ending to what’s been one of the best “X” events in a long time. A summer popcorn movie in comic book form.

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9

X-Men #1 – When I heard the next big baddie was going to be vampires I laughed, but this first issue proves that it may very well work, and work really well. A new series and pretty much a new direction, this is well worth the pick up if you’re an “X” or vampire fan.

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9

X-Women – I went into this issue expecting a train wreck and that’s pretty much exactly what the issue is. Written by Chris Claremont, the issue sees the women of the X-Men head out on vacation and hi-jinks ensue. The story is very blah, with some rather odd dialogue. The art by Milo Manara is also pretty unimpressive. There was a lot of talk of the talent he is, but I don’t see what the fuss is about.

Story: 5.5 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.25

Young Allies #2 – The team is split looking for the Bastards of Evil. The series has a lot of potential. The whole issue is just ok. Nothing really stands out as amazing or is there anything bad about it.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Marvel Unveils Joe Quesada’s New One Moment In Time Variant Cover

Posted on July 10, 2010 by Brett

Official Press Release

Marvel Unveils Joe Quesada’s New ONE MOMENT IN TIME Variant Cover

Marvel is proud to unveil the jaw-dropping variant cover to Amazing Spider-Man #639, the second chapter of the hotly-anticipated “One Moment In Time”! Written by Marvel’s EiC and CCO Joe Quesada and featuring art from the dynamic duo of Quesada and superstar Paolo Rivera, Amazing Spider-Man #639 brings readers the answers that they’ve been demanding. What really happened at the wedding of Spider-Man and Mary Jane? Will the answers come with a cost – and should readers be worried for the ones Peter Parker holds dear? Find out in Amazing Spider-Man #639!

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #639 (MAY100555)

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #639 QUESADA VARIANT (MAY100556)

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #639 QUESADA SKETCH VARIANT (MAY100557)

Written by JOE QUESADA

Penciled by PAOLO MANUEL RIVERA & JOE QUESADA

Spidey Sundays backup by STAN LEE & MARCOS MARTIN

Cover by PAOLO MANUEL RIVERA

Variant Cover by JOE QUESADA

Rated A …$3.99 (each)

FOC—7/15/10, On-Sale—8/4/10

Mark Waid Invites You To The Annual Boom Party At SDCC’10

Posted on July 9, 2010 by Brett

Official Press Release

MARK WAID HOSTS
BOOM! STUDIOS’
5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY DRINK UP!

The Only Party At Comic-Con Where Everybody Is Invited!

July 9th, 2010 – Los Angeles, CA – BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Mark Waid invites all Comic-Con attendees to the BOOM! Studios 5 Year Anniversary Drink Up* taking place at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Odysea Bar, Thursday July 22nd from 9pm to ??? during Comic-Con International 2010 in San Diego, California.

Come help celebrate another year of BOOM!’s explosive growth with Mark Waid, Ross Richie, Matt Gagnon, Chip “Cuddles” Mosher and the rest of the BOOM! Crew with various BOOM! creators in attendance for a night of relaxed fun.

This is an open invitation event. No RSVP needed. No tickets required.

NEW LOCATION!
Where: Hilton Bayfront Odysea Bar
1 Park Blvd.,
San Diego, CA 92101
When: Thursday July 22nd from 9 to ???

*For those not in the know, a “Drink Up” is just like a “Meet Up” but with people drinking. This will be a gathering of friends and fans, so make plans to stop by see what’s happening!

About BOOM! Studios
BOOM! Studios (www.boom-studios.com) is a unique publishing house specializing in high-profile projects across a wide variety of different genres from some of the industry’s biggest talents, including Philip K. Dick’s DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP?, The Henson Company’s FARSCAPE, and the original Mark Waid series IRREDEEMABLE. BOOM! recently launched its youth imprint, BOOM Kids!, with Pixar’s THE INCREDIBLES, CARS, and TOY STORY, as well as Disney’s THE MUPPETS, DONALD DUCK, UNCLE SCROOGE and WALT DISNEY’S COMICS AND STORIES. This year, BOOM! Studios celebrates its fifth anniversary.

“Comic Book Literacy” to Screen at the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con

Posted on July 9, 2010 by Brett

Official Press Release

“COMIC BOOK LITERACY” TO SCREEN AT THE 2010 SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL
Documentary about comics and reading to be a part of one of the world’s largest comic book conventions

SAN DIEGO, CA – The independent documentary film “Comic Book Literacy” will screen Friday July 23rd at 4:30 PM as a part of the Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival. The festival happens during the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con International and takes place in Marriott Hall in the Marriott Hotel and Marina next to the San Diego Convention Center.

The film explores concepts relating to the comic book medium and the relationship it has with education and literacy. Comic book legends like Art Spiegelman, Jim Salicrup, Joe Quesada, Paul Dini, Scott McCloud and many others appear in the film and discuss the misunderstood medium and the many positive ways it has affected its readership.

“I’m very excited that the film is a part of Comic-Con,” said Todd Kent, the film’s director, “We’ve been trying to get the message out about comics and education and this event delivers a huge audience.”

After the screening, Kent will be present for a brief Q & A session. “We’ve met with many educators who are becoming excited about comics in he classroom,” Kent said, “And we’re hoping to spread that enthusiasm to the mainstream Comic-Con audience.”

The film has screened this year at C2E2 – The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, The Karibukai Animation Festival, The Kids Read Comics! Event and won “Best Documentary” at the Phoenix Comicon Film Festival.

For more information about the film, upcoming screenings, and updates go to: www.ComicBookLiteracy.com

Review – Titanium Rain

Posted on July 9, 2010 by Brett

You might remember Titanium Rain from a story we ran in April concerning censorship from it’s printer. We received a review copy of Titanium Rain by Josh Finney and Kat Rocha and sat on reading it. It was one of those comic books I’ve wanted to read for a very long time, but knew my crappy laptop wouldn’t do it justice. So, as soon as my shiny iPad was in hand, it was a perfect opportunity to dive in and give it a shot. The comic is amazing, I didn’t want to put it down. The story is fantastic and art is beautiful.

To be alive is to be at odds with the world. Man against nature. Man against man.The instinct to survive is what has made us who we are.

In year 2031 mankind’s survival instinct is put to the test when a civil war in China spirals into global conflict. Nations are destroyed. Millions are killed. And for many, like US Air Force pilot Alec Killian, survival will mean shedding some of his humanity in exchange for biotech and machine.

Is this the ultimate corruption of nature? Or the birth pains of a new chapter in mankind’s evolution?

From Josh Finney and Kat Rocha, the team who brought you the acclaimed cyberpunk series,Utopiates, Titanium Rain is a sci-fi war epic for the post-millennial age. In the spirit of films such as Ghost in the Shell, Innocence, and Blackhawk Down,Titanium Rain follows one pilot’s journey through mankind’s worst, only to discover its best.

The story is a futuristic Top Gun, following bio-enhanced fly-boys who are thrown into a Chinese civil war. But the brilliance of the series is that it’s not a straight up action/military tail. Most of the story focuses on man versus nature and the right of people to meddle with God’s work. On top of that there’s the look at the root cause of the Chinese civil war which is the farm class versus power elite. This is a socio-political comic book at it’s best.

The story is told from the perspective of primarily one pilot. Mixed in with his experiences are news reports and a dossier with various tidbits on the war, news, military weapons. It fills in a lot of the background not told from one person’s perspective.

This is well worth the buy, I can’t recommend it enough. The quality is top notch and I can’t wait for volume two in August.

Review – Critical Millennium: The Dark Frontier #1

Posted on July 9, 2010 by Brett

It’s nice when you can go into a comic book with no expectations as to what to expect when you dive in. Critical Millennium: The Dark Frontier #1 is one of those comics I’m glad I became a blogger for. I honestly would of overlooked it in the shop (if my shop even carried it), and I would of done myself a disservice. The first issue is such a fantastic story and the art is beautiful.

Chronicling 1,000 years of mankind’s rise and fall in space! To avert the path all thought unavoidable, a bold group of explorers takes the first steps toward leaving Earth’s solar system. Their quest: new worlds to colonize, so that humanity may yet have yet a chance at survival. Led by philanthropist Thomm Coney, and utilizing an untried star-drive, the team is scorned by the world’s government and canonized by its citizens. And even getting off the ground, they soon realize, may be the most difficult task ahead…

In this first, exciting issue: A ship on the verge of collapse, its captain maddened by the depths of space and the darkness in his heart. A glimpse into the final voyage of the Black Rabbit—humanity’s hope for survival—reveals the lonely fate of Captain Coney as he encounters a strange energy field on the edge of the universe, and the creature within—an ancient being that will stop at nothing short of his soul…

The story starts off as a doomed trip of a space vessel, with a feeling of the movie Event Horizon. The trip starts off well, but as each page passes it goes more and more awry, until it ends in utter madness. We’re then thrown back into the past with the build up to the maiden voyage and a dystopian world that’s actually pretty original. There’s a nice mix of political and social intrigue, straight up action and a very interesting backdrop.

It’s definitely worth a purchase and if you’re a sci-fi fan, you’ll definitely enjoy the first issue. Definitely worth your hard earned money.

Teaser – Your First Look At X-MEN #2

Posted on July 9, 2010 by Brett

Official Press Release

Your First Look At X-MEN #2

Just how bad is the X-Men’s vampire problem?

THAT BAD.

Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on X-Men, as the first issue sold immediately and will return with X-Men #1 Second Printing Variant. Check the Marvel Mailer for more information.

X-MEN #2 (JUN100623)

Written by VICTOR GISCHLER

Penciled by PACO MEDINA

Cover by ADI GRANOV

Rated T+ …$3.99

FOC—7/22/10, On-Sale—8/11//10

Preview – Your First Look At Namor: The First Mutant #1!

Posted on July 9, 2010 by Brett

Official Press Release

Your First Look At Namor: The First Mutant #1!

Marvel is proud to present your first look at Namor: The First Mutant #1, from fan favorite creators Stuart Moore and Ariel Olivetti! A stunning Curse Of The Mutants tie-in, this new ongoing series puts Namor on a path with his deadliest foes yet—Atlantean Vampires hell-bent on destroying his kingdom. With jaw-dropping variant covers from Marvel EIC and CCO Joe Quesada, this is one issue fans cannot miss! When vampires infest the depths of the dark ocean floor, the Sub-Mariner must make a life-altering decision…does he stand with Atlantis or the X-Men? Find out this August in Namor: The First Mutant #1!

NAMOR: THE FIRST MUTANT #1 (JUN100624)

NAMOR: THE FIRST MUTANT #1 QUESADA VARIANT (JUN100625)

NAMOR: THE FIRST MUTANT #1 QUESADA SKETCH VARIANT (MAR108138)

Written by STUART MOORE

Penciled by ARIEL OLIVETTI

Cover by JAE LEE

Variant Cover by JOE QUESADA

Sketch Variant Cover by JOE QUESADA

Rated T+ …$3.99

FOC – 08/05/10, On-Sale – 08/25/10

Preview – Your First Look At Avengers Prime #2!

Posted on July 9, 2010 by Brett

Official Press Release

Your First Look At Avengers Prime #2!

Marvel is proud to present your first look at Avengers Prime #2, from superstar writer Brian Michael Bendis and legendary artist Alan Davis! After being transported to a dimension of the broken Nine Realms, Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, and Thor must fight their way through wave upon wave of enemies to reach one another! Witness the mission that will reunite the three legendary Avengers and resonate in the pages of Thor for years to come! If you missed the epic opening chapter of Avengers Prime, be sure to catch Avengers Prime #1 Second Printing Variant on sale today!

AVENGERS PRIME #2 (JUN100564)

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

Pencils & Cover by ALAN DAVIS

Rated T+ …$3.99

FOC – 7/15/10, On-Sale – 8/04/10

AVENGERS PRIME #1 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (APR108262)

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

Pencils & Cover by ALAN DAVIS

Rated T+ …$3.99

On Sale TODAY!

Archaia and Fantasy Prone’s ‘Syndrome’ Has a Hardcover Cure

Posted on July 9, 2010 by Brett

Official Press Release

ARCHAIA AND FANTASY PRONE’S ‘SYNDROME’ HAS A HARDCOVER CURE

THOUGHT-PROVOKING STORY ASKS, ‘WHAT IF EVIL ITSELF WAS A DISEASE THAT COULD BE CURED?’

Los Angeles, CA (July 9, 2010) – Adding to its rich library of mind-altering and visually stunning titles, Archaia and Fantasy Prone announced final details on SYNDROME, a bold and intense new, original graphic novel hardcover that asks a surprisingly simple question: What would happen if science discovered a straightforward explanation for one of the universe’s greatest mysteries: What causes evil?

“Syndrome is a story about obsession, on a number of levels, as experienced by four characters who all come from different worlds and yet find themselves embroiled in this giant, impeccably simulated environment,” said creator Blake Leibel. “It’s the ultimate ‘backstage’ story, in that sense.”

To prove the harrowing hypothesis, a dangerous, enormously expensive series of experiments begin in a remote desert compound. Conceived by a rogue neuropathologist, financed by a big pharmaceutical billionaire, built by a perfectionist Hollywood production designer and populated by hard-working actors, the sprawling underground simulation at the story’s center is designed initially to measure the chemically assisted transformation of a single man: sadistic, condemned serial killer Thomas Kane, a lifelong predator turned unwitting guinea pig.

“Syndrome is a very dark, creepy and disturbing graphic novel, while at the same time being as polished crafted as a Hollywood soundstage,” said Archaia Editor-in-Chief Stephen Christy. “Blake Leibel is a twisted genius who is one of the most strange and unique creators I’ve ever met, and I’m glad that Archaia is the company that is helping to introduce both him and the other authors of Syndrome to a wider audience.”

Syndrome’s (hardcover, full color, 112 pages, $19.95, Diamond Order Code JUN10 0745, in stores in August wherever books are sold) character-based story approach and visual intensity are what set it apart, the result of a lengthy and exhaustive research, development and production period for the creative team behind the project. The OGN marks the arrival of a trio of talents: the Los Angeles-based writing team of Daniel Quantz (Marvel Age Spider-Man) and R.J. Ryan, and artist David Marquez (Days Missing: Kestus), who works out of Austin, Texas and that city’s thriving art scene. Along with creator Blake Leibel, the team worked together on the visual and story elements of the project for a year and a half prior to its impending release in August.

“Dan and I wanted to do something that reflected a lot of our personal tastes, which stretch from mask-and-cape monthlies to iconoclastic fare like Johnny Ryan’s Angry Youth Comix and Grant Morrison and Chris Weston’s The Filth,” said Ryan. “In terms of tone and subject matter, we both wanted Syndrome to pay homage to two of our favorite films, ‘Lost Highway’ and ‘Mulholland Drive.’ David Lynch’s imagery was a big influence on this book.”

The Syndrome original graphic novel hardcover debuts at Comic-Con International in San Diego, Calif. (July 22-25, 2010 at the San Diego Convention Center) and Blake Leibel, Daniel Quantz, R.J. Ryan and David Marquez will be on hand to sign advanced copies and talk about the book with readers.

About Archaia

Archaia has built an unparalleled reputation for producing meaningful content that perpetually transforms minds. Archaia is: An Elegy for Amelia Johnson, Artesia, Awakening, Beautiful Scars, Berona’s War, The Black Knight, Critical Millennium, Cyclops, The Dark Crystal, Dark Fall, Days Missing, The Devil’s Handshake, The Engineer, Everlast, Feeding Ground, Fraggle Rock, God Machine, The Grave Doug Freshley, Gunnerkrigg Court, Hybrid Bastards!, Inanna’s Tears, The Killer, Killing Pickman, Labyrinth, The Lone and Level Sands, Lucid, Miranda Mercury, Moon Lake, Mouse Guard, Mr. Murder Is Dead, Okko, One in a Million, Primordia, Return of the Dapper Men, Robotika, Saga, The Secret History, Some New Kind of Slaughter, Starkweather: Immortal, Syndrome, Titanium Rain, Trial By Fire, Tumor and 10 more new titles in 2010.

For more information on Archaia or any Archaia titles, visit www.Archaia.com or the Archaia Facebook page at facebook.com/archaiacomics. Follow Archaia on Twitter at twitter.com/archaiacomics.

About Fantasy Prone

Fantasy Prone is an intellectual property company based in Los Angeles that specializes in creating content for an audience with enhanced perceptual awareness. The company produced the “Spaceballs” animated series for G4, as well as the independently published United Free Worlds series of comic books. For more information on Fantasy Prone, visit www.fantasyprone.com.

« Older Entries Recent Entries »