Tag Archives: die hard

Mondo Delivers 8 New 1000-piece Puzzles to Pass the Time

Mondo, producers of some of the most sought after collectible posters in the world, is thrilled to now offer fans a second chance at owning some of their favorites in the form of premium 1000-piece puzzles.

Mondo’s new “Puzzle Party” collection — 8 brand new puzzles featuring artist-created posters — are available for pre-order now at MondoShop.com along with Mondo’s previous selection of games and puzzles which are available for immediate shipping. Each of the 8 puzzles retail for $20.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER / art by Rory Kurtz

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER / art by Rory Kurtz

DIE HARD / art by 100% Soft

DIE HARD / art by 100% Soft

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS / featuring iconic art from the D&D archives

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS / featuring iconic art from the D&D archives

G.I. JOE: COBRA WANTS YOU! / art by Jason Edmiston

G.I. JOE: COBRA WANTS YOU! / art by Jason Edmiston

GREMLINS / art by Matt Ryan Tobin

GREMLINS / art by Matt Ryan Tobin

HOME ALONE / art by DKNG

HOME ALONE / art by DKNG

JURASSIC PARK / art by Francesco Francavilla

JURASSIC PARK / art by Francesco Francavilla

THE IRON GIANT / art by DKNG

THE IRON GIANT / art by DKNG

Review: Die Hard: The Ultimate Visual History

Die Hard: The Ultimate Visual History

When it comes to the modern action movie there are very few really good ones that standout in people’s mind.  In the 1980s movie fans were spoiled with a large cache of films to choose from.

There are some well-known iconoclasts of that generation, with more familiar names like Stallone, Rothrock, Van Damme and Schwarzenegger. Their movies defined cinema for that time and set a new standard of what is an action movie.

Which brings me to Die Hard and how a movie that takes place in Christmas became one of the best movies of its time and one of the best action movies ever. In the thorough and what turns out to be a love letter to the franchise, authors James Mottram and David Cohen give fans and cinephiles what they wish for and more in Die Hard: The Ultimate Visual History.

In “The Foreword,” fans get a real treat, as the director of the first movie, John McTiernan, gives up the details on how the first movie got made in the first place. “Part 1: Die Hard” finds the inspiration behind the movie, Roderick Thorp’s original novel Nothing Lasts Forever and the evolution from novel to script, McTiernan’s unorthodox inspiration from Midsummer Night’s Dream, and how much influence the franchise’s producer Joel Silver was in getting the film made. The most interesting sections of this chapter revolves around the casting of Bruce Willis as John McClane and Alan Rickman as Hans Gruber and the different synergies both actors brought to the film and to each other as they both proved to be more interesting than the characters they portrayed. In “Part 2 Die Hard 2: Die Harder,” we find out that this movie was also based on a book but by a different author Walter Wager and his book 58 Minutes. It gave a great premise but needed to be fleshed out to fit the Die Hard world. We get a peek into all the behind the scenes drama that took place before they started filming. In “Part 3: Die Hard With A Vengeance,” we find McTiernan teaming back up with Willis and finding then upcoming actors Samuel L. Jackson and Jeremy Irons ultimately making both actors worldwide stars.  “Part 4: Live Free Or Die Hard” gets into how this movie tried to get John McClane to fit into the new digital future landscape and what the world considers an action hero now. “Part 5: A Good Day To Die Hard” sees the challenges of dealing with a new director, mostly foreign actors, and shooting overseas which gave fans a movie with mixed results. In “Part 6: Beyond The Screen,” the authors take us through the many iterations of the franchise including  video games, a  storybook which treats the original movie as it has always been seen in action movie fans eyes, a Christmas action movie, and comics which delve into both the character’s early years as a rookie cop and twilight years as a retired detective. In “Conclusion,” the authors give fans a short interview with Willis himself as he discusses the impact of the character and the franchise and how its ultimate charm lies in how it dials into the hardworking everyman tick.

Overall, it’s an excellent book which is more than a treasure for fans of the franchise but also is the ultimate behind the scenes tour of one of the world’s greatest film franchises. The narrative as written by Mottram and Cohen is fluid, epic and quite a page turner. The book also contains replications of scene sketches, publicity shoots and notes by the various directors, making this world as visceral as a fan can be. Altogether, one of the best books written and illustrated about this movie franchise.

Story: James Mottram, David S. Cohen, and John McTiernan
Story: 10 Art: 9.6 Overall: 9.8 Recommendation: Buy

Explosive New Releases From Boom! Studios Available Today 4/13/11!

Official Press Release


4/13/11 Releases!

STAN LEE’S STARBORN #5 (A)
STAN LEE’S STARBORN #5 (B)
BRAND NEW ARC! Stan Lee continues his epic sci-fi superhero series with New York Times bestselling author Chris Roberson and Khary Randolph. This jumping on point is perfect for new readers to experience what everyone is talking about, as the space action-adventure thrill ride continues. Benjamin boldly journeys into the universe with his great protector, Tara, and his newest cohort, General Talon —all determined to return to Benjamin’s homeworld. This issue is not to be missed as Stan Lee’s red-hot series continues to be NOT OF THIS WORLD!
DONALD DUCK AND FRIENDS #365
The celebration of 70 years of Walt Disney’s Comics continues in the pages of DONALD DUCK! First up, in the pulse-pounding climax of the rare 1938 classic, “Foreign Correspondent,” Donald is captured in war-torn Sargassia — can he save Peter Pig and himself by posing as an enemy general? Next, we have “Donald Duck and the Pirates,” Jack Hannah’s never-before-reprinted 1947 sequel to Carl Barks’ “Donald Duck Finds Pirate Gold!” Don’t miss Old Yellow Beak’s second treasure hunt in this issue, because you’ll have the THIRD story in the “Pirate Gold” trilogy next month!
FARSCAPE #18
The War for the Uncharted Territories! Aeryn Sun was once the most dangerous traitor to the Peacekeepers. Now she rules them. But even in this time of crisis, when the Kkore has all of the Uncharted Territories on the run, there are those who would challenge Aeryn…and not all of them are Sebaceans! From FARSCAPE creator Rockne S. O’Bannon and fan-favorite writer Keith R.A. DeCandido!
DIE HARD: YEAR ONE VOL.2 TPB
COLLECTED FOR THE FIRST TIME! A new detective has hit the New York City streets…John McClane! He’s got a new rank, a new partner and a new pain in the ass to deal with! A major crime is about to reveal itself and it all starts in a massage parlor…then things just get seedier from there. Join legendary industry creator Howard Chaykin on a thrill ride that’s rung up over $1 billion in box office worldwide and become the gold standard for classic action! Yippee Ki Yay!
MICKEY MOUSE AND THE ORBITING NIGHTMARE TPB
Even the sky isn’t the limit in these two hilarious new adventures by modern Mickey master Casty! In “The Orbiting Nightmare,” Mickey Mouse’s trip to a space hotel turns dangerous when a mysterious villain arrives with world-threatening plans! Then, in “Menace from the Future,” Mickey must outwit a time-traveler sent to stop the future ruler of the world…Goofy?! Also features short stories from comic book legends Marv Wolfman, Gene Colan, and Jack Bradbury!

Boom! Studios: April 2011 Solicitations

Official Press Release

PLANET OF THE APES #1 (A)
PLANET OF THE APES #1 (B)
Written by Daryl Gregory
Drawn by Carlos Magno
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: FEB110852

Get your hands on these damn dirty Apes! Beginning an all-new series that takes place before the original 1968 Planet of the Apes movie in the continuity of the first five films! Ape society has reached a new golden age. But there are ripples of dissent in both the ape and human ranks. Tensions will rise and soon all will be caught in chaos! And amidst all this uncertainty, what is the fate of…The Lawgiver? Written by award-winning novelist Daryl Gregory!


MALIGNANT MAN #1 (A)
MALIGNANT MAN #1 (B)
Written by James Wan, Michael Alan Nelson
Drawn by Piotr Kowalski
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: FEB110851

Alan Gates, a cancer patient with a terminal diagnosis, is resigned to his fate…until he discovers that his tumor is actually a mysterious parasite! Granted a second lease on life and incredible, otherworldly powers, Alan must fight against an evil army buried beneath society’s skin, all the while unlocking the secrets of his forgotten past. Dark, twisted, and unlike anything else on the stands, MALIGNANT MAN is a sci-fi thriller that can’t be missed!


28 DAYS LATER #22
Written by Michael Alan Nelson
Drawn by Alejandro Aragon
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: FEB110832

Why would Selena enter the hell she escaped more than a year ago? We finally learn the reason Selena agreed to go back to London. But as she searches for closure and Clint is about to finish his story, they both realize their survival depends on one another! If you loved the 28 DAYS LATER movies, this is the comic book you should be reading!


THE AMORY WARS: IN KEEPING SECRETS OF SILENT EARTH: 3 #10
Written by Claudio Sanchez, Peter David
Drawn by Aaron Kuder
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: FEB110833

Claudio cannot deny his prophecy any longer. His team has arrived at Si-Revody, ready to do battle with The Red Army. While Claudio looks for his friend Cecil in this warfare, it may be his companion Al the Killer who is the true menace… From Coheed and Cambria frontman Claudio Sanchez and comics legend Peter David!


DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP? #23
Written by Philip K. Dick
Drawn by Tony Parker
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: FEB110836

The penultimate issue of the Eisner Award-nominated sci-fi epic that inspired Blade Runner can’t be missed! Only in these pages will you find out the fate of Rick Deckard and the rogue Nexus-6 androids. Who will win: man or machine? Only one more issue of the critically acclaimed blockbuster maxi-series that brought Philip K. Dick to the world of comics!


DRACULA: THE COMPANY OF MONSTERS #9
Written by Kurt Busiek, Daryl Gregory
Drawn by Scott Godlewski
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: FEB110837

BRAND NEW ARC. GREAT FOR NEW READERS! Kurt Busiek continues to bring an incredibly modern spin to the Dracula mythos! As Dracula and Conrad’s fight reaches a fever pitch, Evan enters into an unlikely, and dangerous alliance with Marta and her men. It’s vampire vs. vampire vs. vampire hunters as the ongoing horror series from the mind of Kurt Busiek continues!


FARSCAPE #18
Written by Rockne S. O’Bannon, Keith R.A. DeCandido
Drawn by Will Sliney
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: FEB110840

The War for the Uncharted Territories! Aeryn Sun was once the most dangerous traitor to the Peacekeepers. Now she rules them. But even in this time of crisis, when the Kkore has all of the Uncharted Territories on the run, there are those who would challenge Aeryn…and not all of them are Sebaceans! From FARSCAPE creator Rockne S. O’Bannon and fan-favorite writer Keith R.A. DeCandido!


HELLRAISER #2 (A)
HELLRAISER #2 (B)
Written by Clive Barker, Christopher Monfette
Drawn by Leonardo Manco
SC, 40 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: FEB110845

One of the greatest horror franchises of all time returns, now under the control of its original creator! Clive Barker has touched HELLRAISER only twice: once to write THE HELLBOUND HEART, and once more to write and direct the original HELLRAISER film. Now witness Barker’s long-awaited return to tell a new chapter in the series’ official continuity—a trajectory that will forever change the Cenobites…and Pinhead! In this issue, Kirsty Quinn is back! To fight the forces of the Cenobites she has become a Harrower and has gathered a team that, like her, is damaged and insane enough to take on what Hell has got! As Pinhead’s plan becomes clearer, what will Kirsty’s role in it be?


INCORRUPTIBLE #17 (A)
INCORRUPTIBLE #17 (B)
Written by Mark Waid
Drawn by Marcio Takara
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: FEB110847

It’s a whole new game for supervillain-turned-superhero Max Damage as he desperately tries to turn the tide of public outcry in the wake of the most challenging fight of his superhero career. But with his original sidekick, Jailbait, back in his life, and the secrets of supposed ally Alana Patel bubbling to the surface, Max will have to call on all of his strength to remain INCORRUPTIBLE. Mark Waid’s hit companion series to the Eisner-nominated IRREDEEMABLE continues in this must-have issue!


INSURRECTION v3.6 #2
Written by Blake Masters, Michael Alan Nelson
Drawn by Michael Penick
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: FEB110844

The unforgettable new sci-fi epic that asks the question: what makes us human? As the battle for freedom rages on, one clone discovers that sometimes what makes you human is your willingness to fight for what is right. But sometimes that means the loss of the only world you have ever known. Discover a future where life is nearly perfect, but war continues to rage on, setting up the ultimate INSURRECTION!


IRREDEEMABLE #24 (A)
IRREDEEMABLE #24 (B)
Written by Mark Waid
Drawn by Peter Krause
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: FEB110849

With the Plutonian off world fighting for his life in an alien prison camp, the Paradigm is left with the worldwide clean-up. But what happens when, in the Plutonian’s absence, the planet’s most dangerous villains come out from underground? The remaining members of the Paradigm engage in a desperate battle for control of the planet, without the aid of the world’s greatest protector. Mark Waid’s Eisner and Harvey-nominated series continues!


STAN LEE’S SOLDIER ZERO #7 (A)
STAN LEE’S SOLDIER ZERO #7 (B)
Written by Paul Cornell, Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning
Drawn by Javier Pina
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: FEB110854

Stan Lee’s bestselling series marches on with Paul Cornell, Dan Abnett, and Andy Lanning leading the charge! Soldier Zero is wrongly labeled a menace to society and it’s up to Stewart to clear the name of his alter ego. But will it prove to be too much for him? Find out the answers, true believers, in this issue of Stan Lee’s SOLDIER ZERO!

STAN LEE’S STARBORN #5 (A)
STAN LEE’S STARBORN #5 (B)
Written by Chris Roberson
Drawn by Khary Randolph
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: FEB110856

BRAND NEW ARC! Stan Lee continues his epic sci-fi superhero series with New York Times bestselling author Chris Roberson and Khary Randolph. This jumping on point is perfect for new readers to experience what everyone is talking about, as the space action-adventure thrill ride continues. Benjamin boldly journeys into the universe with his great protector, Tara, and his newest cohort, General Talon —all determined to return to Benjamin’s homeworld. This issue is not to be missed as Stan Lee’s red-hot series continues to be NOT OF THIS WORLD!


STAN LEE’S THE TRAVELER #6 (A)
STAN LEE’S THE TRAVELER #6 (B)
Written by Mark Waid
Drawn by Chad Hardin
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: FEB110858

Stan Lee and Mark Waid continue their critically acclaimed time-traveling tour de force! Following the events of last issue, the Traveler becomes the prisoner of Anachronopolis, an otherworldly city where the past and future overlap. More twists and turns through time as revelations about the mysterious Traveler are revealed!


DIE HARD: YEAR ONE VOL. 2 TPB
Written by Howard Chaykin
Drawn by Gabriel Andrade
SC, 128 pgs, FC, SRP: $12.99
ISBN13: 9781608866328
Diamond Code: FEB110834

COLLECTED FOR THE FIRST TIME! A new detective has hit the New York City streets…John McClane! He’s got a new rank, a new partner and a new pain in the ass to deal with! A major crime is about to reveal itself and it all starts in a massage parlor…then things just get seedier from there. Join legendary industry creator Howard Chaykin on a thrill ride that’s rung up over $1 billion in box office worldwide and become the gold standard for classic action! Yippee Ki Yay!.


DRACULA: THE COMPANY OF MONSTERS VOL. 2 TPB
Written by Kurt Busiek, Daryl Gregory
Drawn by Scott Godlewski, Damian Couceiro
SC, 112 pgs, FC, SRP: $12.99
ISBN13: 9781608860494
Diamond Code: FEB110838

He’s back from the dead and starring in a new ongoing horror series from the mind of comics legend Kurt Busiek. A powerful, predatory corporation acquires a valuable asse —Dracula! They think they own him, but no one can own the Son of the Dragon.

As Dracula begins to amass a terrifying army, Evan soon discovers Dracula is not the only one out for blood! Imperiled by both his craven, monstrous uncle, and Dracula’s calculating cruelty, Evan must consider making a pact with an enigmatic, deadly force.

It’s bloodsuckers vs. bloodsucker, as Busiek brings an incredibly modern spin to the Dracula mythos. Joining Busiek is award-winning author Daryl Gregrory (PANDEMONIUM) and rising star artist Scott Godlewski (CODEBREAKERS).

The epic journey continues here, featuring cover art by Ron Salas!


FARSCAPE UNCHARTED TALES: D’ARGO’S QUEST TPB
Written by Keith R.A. DeCandido
Drawn by Caleb Cleveland
SC, 112 pgs, FC, SRP: $12.99
ISBN13: 9781608866366
Diamond Code: FEB110841

COLLECTED FOR THE FIRST TIME! Cycles ago, D’Argo was unjustly convicted of his wife’s murder, while the real killer went free. Now D’Argo is on the hunt for the actual murderer, his Peacekeeper brother-in-law! What he soon discovers is that the key to his wife’s killer is…Raxil. Frelling Raxil. Will D’Argo’s greatest irritation be his greatest help? Executive produced by FARSCAPE creator Rockne S. O’Bannon!



CHIP ‘N’ DALE RESCUE RANGERS #5 (A)
CHIP ‘N’ DALE RESCUE RANGERS #5 (B)
Written by Ian Brill
Drawn by Leonel Castellani
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: FEB110861

NEW READER FRIENDLY. A NEW STORY ARC BEGINS! Join DARKWING DUCK writer Ian Brill and MARVEL SUPER HERO SQUAD artist Leonel Castellani for the return of your favorite furry flatfoots in this all-new original ongoing series! Who or what are the Danger Rangers? We don’t even know, and we’re putting out the book! There’s only one way to find out, and that’s in Part One of a brand new arc of the critically acclaimed fan-favorite series, “Slipping Through The Cracks!”


DARKWING DUCK #11 (A)
DARKWING DUCK #11 (B)
Written by Ian Brill
Drawn by James Silvani
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: FEB110862

“Revenge” is a dish best served cold, but “Double-Cross” turns out to be a dish best served…with duck? In this epic installment of the Disney Afternoon juggernaut, nothing is as it seems…or is it? Tune in and find out as Part 3 of Darkwing Duck’s “F.O.W.L. Disposition” charges on!



DONALD DUCK #365
Written by Federico Pedrocchi, Chase Craig
Drawn by Federico Pedrocchi, Jack Hannah
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: FEB110865

The celebration of 70 years of Walt Disney’s Comics continues in the pages of DONALD DUCK! First up, in the pulse-pounding climax of the rare 1938 classic, “Foreign Correspondent,” Donald is captured in war-torn Sargassia — can he save Peter Pig and himself by posing as an enemy general? Next, we have “Donald Duck and the Pirates,” Jack Hannah’s never-before-reprinted 1947 sequel to Carl Barks’ “Donald Duck Finds Pirate Gold!” Don’t miss Old Yellow Beak’s second treasure hunt in this issue, because you’ll have the THIRD story in the “Pirate Gold” trilogy next month!


MICKEY MOUSE #307
Written by Floyd Gottfredson
Drawn by Bill Wright, Floyd Gottfredson
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: FEB110866

The celebration of 70 years of Walt Disney’s Comics continues here with some of the greatest classic Mickey Mouse stories ever told! This month, experience master Disney artist Bill Wright’s “Jungle Magic,” an epic globetrotting adventure not printed in the US since 1948! Also features the short “Trade Secret” from the inimitable Floyd Gottfredson that was last published in 1932!


MICKEY MOUSE: THE ATOMBRELLA AND THE RHYMING MAN
Written by Bill Walsh
Drawn by Floyd Gottfredson
SC, 48 pgs, FC, SRP: $6.99
Diamond Code: FEB110870

A beautiful squarebound prestige format one-shot featuring a lost Disney classic, back in print for the first time since 1948! Danger is afoot as our diminutive mouse hero confronts one of his most memorable foes in this treasured tale! Featuring the debut of one of Mickey’s archenemies, The Rhyming Man, it’s an unforgettable masterpiece from premiere Mickey writer Bill Walsh and uncontested artistic legend Floyd Gottfredson! Don’t miss this one-shot—it’s an event that will not be collected into a TPB later, Disney fans!


UNCLE SCROOGE #402
Written by Carl Barks
Drawn by Carl Barks
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: FEB110871

The 70th Anniversary Celebration of Walt Disney’s Comics rolls on as we present another timeless tale from the Disney comics vault with Scrooge McDuck starring in “The Fabulous Philosopher’s Stone!” For the first time in over 14 years, fans can experience Scrooge and the gang as they embark on a journey to find a fantastic, fabled stone capable of turning regular objects into gold—but not without a few side effects. Written and illustrated by the incomparable Carl Barks with a cover by fan favorite Marco Rota. The only side effect here is fun!



WALT DISNEY’S COMICS AND STORIES # 718
Written by William Van Horn, Branko Collin, Marc Middelhuis, Paul Hoogma, Wilfred Ottenheijm
Drawn by William Van Horn, Paul Murry, Bas Heymans
SC, 40 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: FEB110872

The celebration of 70 years of Walt Disney’s Comics continues with an entire issue of stories never before seen in the United States! Donald finds himself on a Jurassic jaunt in William Van Horn’s “Just in Time,” while Gyro’s inventions spin out of control in “The Invented Inventor!” And how could we forget “Proof Positive,” a rare 1964 Paul Murry story new to our shores? Features a brand-new cover by William Van Horn!


DARKWING DUCK: CRISIS ON INFINITE DARKWINGS TPB
Written by Ian Brill
Drawn by James Silvani
SC, 112 pgs, FC, SRP: $14.99
ISBN13: 9781608866267
Diamond Code: FEB110863

Don’t miss the blockbuster, much-heralded return of Darkwing Duck in this new volume collecting the new arc of the hit ongoing series! Darkwing Duck is back, and back, and back and back some more as the city of St. Canard is under siege by an army of twisted Darkwings under the control of the original deranged Darkwing double, Negaduck, and his new partner in crime, the wicked witch Magica de Spell! How will our hero dispense justice when he’s public enemy number-one?! The Duck Knight has returned so hop aboard for danger and deadly doppelgangers in the epic “Crisis on Infinite Darkwings!”


MICKEY MOUSE AND THE ORBITING NIGHTMARE TPB
Written by Casty, Marv Wolfman
Drawn by Casty, Gene Colan, Jack Bradbury
SC, 128 pgs, FC, SRP: $9.99
ISBN13: 9781608866304
Diamond Code: FEB110867

Even the sky isn’t the limit in these two hilarious new adventures by modern Mickey master Casty! In “The Orbiting Nightmare,” Mickey Mouse’s trip to a space hotel turns dangerous when a mysterious villain arrives with world-threatening plans! Then, in “Menace from the Future,” Mickey must outwit a time-traveler sent to stop the future ruler of the world…Goofy?! Also features short stories from comic book legends Marv Wolfman, Gene Colan, and Jack Bradbury!


WALT DISNEY’S COMICS AND STORIES ARCHIVES VOL. 1 TPB
Written by Floyd Gottfredson, Ted Osborne
Drawn by Floyd Gottfredson, Al Taliaferro
SC, 160 pgs, FC, SRP: $14.99
ISBN13: 9781608866571
Diamond Code: FEB110873

Presenting an accessibly-priced prestige collection of archival Disney comics — the first issues of WALT DISNEY’S COMICS AND STORIES! Laugh at Donald’s misadventures in Al Taliaferro’s earliest Duck stories. Then thrill to Mickey’s epic battle with Peg-Leg Pete in Floyd Gottfredson’s “Island in the Sky”—Gottfredson’s personal favorite Mouse adventure! All the original comics and supporting features are here, too, wrapped up in a classic can’t-miss package!

Review – Die Hard: Year One #1-3


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With this weeks skip week, it opened up the opportunity to check out a comic we might not have otherwise picked up.  I’m a huge fan of the Die Hard movies.  John McClane in the first movies was the every man who was put into a bad situation.  The follow up’s, entertaining as they were, missed that fact (the third came close, showing McClane’s flaws).  Die Hard: Year one, produced by Boom! Studios is a prequel of sorts focusing on John McClane’s first year as a police officer.  But, is it as strong or entertaining as the movies?

Die Hard: Year OnePlot: The device for the first three issues is made up of a lot of cut scenes that all intertwine, involved McClane’s first day on the job, a ritzy party on a boat, a robbery and a murder.  It’s like a Tarantino movie where it all comes together in the third issue.  All of this is occurring with the US bicentennial serving as the backdrop.

Story: Howard Chaykin handles the writing duties for the series attempting to create the feel of a movie on the printed page.  When the series focuses just on McClane working the beat or the murder the series works.  The greater plot of the party on the boat and robbery seem a little to ridiculous for me.  Instead of giving a good character driven crime/noir story like DC’s amazing cop series Gotham Central, we’re lead to an over the top heist story that makes Die Hard 4 seem plausible.  When the series focuses just on the main character as a beat cop it works.  The rest, I could do without.  Rating: 6.5

Art: The art is handled by Stephen Thompson with colors by Matthew Wilson.  With the story taking place in 1776 a certain style has to come across in the cars and clothes the pedestrians are wearing.  Thompson pulls this off really well.  The characters are decent with just enough detail in the foreground as needed and not too much in the background to distract.  Wilson’s coloring is very nice with a great palette used for each issue.  Rating: 7

Overall: The series attempts to bring the over the top plots as seen in the movies to the comic books.  It doesn’t quite work, instead of a straight forward heist from the first movie, we’re given a goofy one like Die Hard 2.  Chaykin, needs to keep the focus on McClane the man with a little more mundane crime (like focus on just the murder with some American Gangster thrown in) and less on the over the top heist itself.  A little more character, a little less action.  Overall Rating: 6.75

Recommendation: Read