Red 5 Reviews: December

December Titles for Red 5 Comics:

Neozoic #2
Story: Paul Ens
Art: J. Korim
Color: Jessie Lam

Gwen: I've been having so much fun with this book. I've loaned out the first issue to several people and I was so excited to read this issue.

Let me say right off that this kind of story is right up my alley. I'm a big fan of epic fantasy/sci-fi type stories, I love swords, and I'm fond of dinosaurs - especially big ones. Even so, as much as I'm a good audience for this type of tale, I think I would have enjoyed this book anyway. As much as the plot moves quickly it's easy to understand. There's already quite a bit of background information being laid out and you're left wanting not only to read more, but to know more about the world of Neozoic. Paul Ens has done a masterful job of laying out the story so far.

J. Korim's art is wonderful. His action sequences are both dynamic and elegant. His art truly allows the reader to be lost in this new and exotic environment. I want to kidnap him and make him draw all the stories I write! Jessie Lam's color work is also gorgeous. I find that it not only compliments J's art but also helps to set the tone of the environment. The creators working on this book seem to all enhance each others work - which is how a good comic should be.


I think my favorite thing about this book so far is the characters. There's quite a few characters who we feel we should recognize and yet even after only two issues I feel that I have a good idea of who Lilli and her team are. Lilli herself is a fascinating character. I was excited to learn more about both her and her family. I can honestly say that I can barely wait for next issue. If you're not reading this book you're missing out on a beautifully illustrated and written tale.


Jim: This book just got even better and I thought the first issue was fantastic. This issue we start out with one of the best action sequences I have seen done in a comic book in a long time. Lilli sees a person in the midst of a group of dinosaurs and takes off on her horse, and her team member and the reader are wondering what the heck she is planning on doing. As she jumps from dinosaur to dinosaur after sending her horse away the depiction of the action is just fantastic. Close up when needed, wide shots when needed and there is one picture with the feet of the dinosaurs that is just out and out unreal. This was an action sequence worthy of an old Steve Ditko sequence in Spider-Man. At the end she saves a little girl who appears to be from at a different tribe.

Then the book really takes a surprising turn and we move back into the city and find out that the humans are not as primitive as the first issue led me to believe. In all fairness they never did say that weren’t advanced, it just never happened in issue one. It all makes sense as inside the city is technology on par with perhaps the mid to late 20^th century, and outside it’s back to nature as dinosaurs aren’t going to necessarily be taken out any better with a taser then a sword.

Inside the city we are given glimpses into the politics of this world; meet some of the characters’ families, and see small character bits to start filling in who these people are. It really is a rich and vibrant world that is being created, and it is a lot of fun to be in on the ground floor. What seemed to be a relatively straight forward premise is actually a richly developed and intriguing concept. Paul Ens had obviously done his homework and laid out a game plan before starting this book. It appears that he has probably laid out a good portion of the world and determined structure and written back stories for his characters. We are only two issues in and we have learned more about Neozoic and some of the main characters then most series give us in six. I hope this series lasts a long time because with this type of writing and the dynamic art of J. Korim I don’t want to miss an issue.

Atomic Robo #3
Story: Brian Clevinger
Art: Scott Wegener
Color: Ronda Pattison


Gwen: "Judging by how these things usually go, I think it's safer to assume mummies until proven otherwise." ~AR#3

Atomic Robo brings me great happiness. Amidst the piles of dreary Spiderman stories and monotonous 'everything that happens in the comic book will change the world as you know it' tales, Atomic Robo makes me laugh. It is so rare that comic books make me laugh anymore, and usually it's an occasional joke amongst a bleaker background. This comic keeps me smiling the entire time I read it. Sharp artwork, smooth colors and a fun story - what more can anyone ask for in a comic book? Honestly, I can think of no higher praise for this story and thus I have nothing left to say.

Jim: This book is such a revelation. The first issue gave us a little background, and then gave us Robo on a solo adventure; the second issue was an adventure with his team, but at its heart a story showing sadness, because Robo is outliving all of his friends; this issue is a crazy adventure. Robo and his crew take off to stop a runaway pyramid (yes a runaway pyramid) and the Egyptian government wants him to stop it without destroying it.

The pace of the story is such that you read it so fast that you can’t believe it is over. The dialogue is snappy and loaded with the light sarcasm that you would expect between this group. At the end Robo saves the day, but not without some collateral damage.

Brian Clevinger has crafted a fun and clever adventure. I’m not sure if he plans to link all of these stories together or if it was a six issue mini-series to just try out the character and see if it is successful or not, but I’m on this book for all six issues. Many bloggers like to take old comic and scan panels and rip them apart with sarcasm because many of those stories were written for an eight to twelve year old and seem silly based on the way we live today. What people miss (or are too young to understand) is they were usually fun. So many comics are no longer fun. They are exciting and interesting, but the pure joy is missing. Not here. Brian is writing FUN comics with Atomic Robo.

Scott Wenger as the artist is doing a great job showing us Brian’s story. Scott has captured the essence of the joy of Brain’s work and given us the same level of joy and fun with his pencils. What is so unreal is that Scott manages, by posing Robo, to get across his different emotions. This is difficult as Robo has no movement in his face plate. It is all about using body language to convey emotion. The cover for this issue was a beautiful piece of art. I’m not positive but Scott may have had the cover at Balti-con and now I wish I had bought it.

Abyss #2

Story: Kevin Rubio

Pencils: Lucas Marangon

Gwen: I'm still not sold on this book but this issue has improved enough to keep me interested. The plot is still a bit confusing but the more I read the more I begin to understand what's going on. Eric (the main character) has been put in an interesting situation by both having to deal with his father being a super villain and (this issue) having to try and convince the super heroes that he isn't insane. The humor worked a lot better this time around, and while I'm still not a big fan of the art it tells the story well enough.

Hopefully this comic will continue to improve. Sometimes comics work better once the whole tale is told - Abyss may be on track for a graphic novel.

Jim: Okay I was a little iffy on issue #1, but I’m sold now. This book has some great plot twists and the relationship between the father and son is a great one. The comedic touches are sprinkled liberally throughout the book and yet it also has a dramatic plot to it. A lot like real life, only I don’t wear rubber suits on have a kid sidekick.

What I enjoyed most about this issue was the dual storyline that was going down. One story was about Eric trying to stop his Dad from blowing up a building. After convincing the good guys he was trying to save them, there was no bomb. The other story is about his Dad and that he is setting up his son and everyone else and is basically doing his villain thing, but has yet to reveal his hand.

The art is solid and my favorite panel was the last one where we see Quiver’s hand being reached forward as she is about to go out on a date with (unbeknownst to her) a bad guy. I wish every comic could draw me in this well, tell this much story and then leave me looking for more.

Overall Red 5 Comics has another good month coming up. I'm excited to see how well these comics are being put together so far. Hopefully we'll have plenty of their stories to look forward to in the coming months!

A Christmas Carol

Well, another week, another adventure. The Christmas season is upon us, and it is excellent. Christmas is always exciting, but it's even better with kids. AND, my kids are at the perfect age!

One of the best parts is teaching Christmas traditions. Everything is new again! From Church being decorated and talking about the birth of Jesus to Charlie Brown's Christmas. It's all good.

I don't remember how it even started, but we were discussing the Grinch and Scrooge the other night and, as per usual, it spiraled wildly out of control.

Luckily, Mom led the discussion.

Mom: Have you ever heard the saying 'Bah Humbug'? A man named Scrooge said it. You see there was a man named Scrooge…

Girl: Scrooge?
Boy: Like Scrooge McDuck?
M: No. Not like Scrooge McDuck. This Scrooge was a normal man. Anyway, Scrooge sees…

B: Is he rich?
G: Yeah, is he rich like Scrooge McDuck?
M: Yes, he is, but that isn't important. Anyway, Scrooge is visited by three ghosts…

G: Ghosts? Like Casper?
M: Not quite like Casper. Anyway, Scrooge is visited by three ghosts.

B: Was it Halloween? Ghosts come at Halloween.
M: No, it wasn't Halloween. It was Christmas.
B: Oh. Ok.

M: Anyway, Scrooge is visited by three ghosts.
G: Ghosts are scary. I don't like ghosts.
M: Remember, ghosts aren't real. Anyway, Scrooge is visited by three ghosts.

B: But aren't ghosts…
M: ENOUGH ABOUT THE GHOSTS! LET ME FINISH! Anyway, Scrooge is visited by three ghosts.

B: What is this story called again?
M: (Sigh) It's called a Christmas Carol.

G: It doesn't sound like much of a carol to me.

Mom never was able to finish the story of "A Christmas Carol"

Best to Worst of Last Week

This week was a very hard week to find an absolute best of the week. There were a slew of really good books, but nothing truly jumped up and screamed I’m better then anyone else.

On a side note Lee’s controversial post has drawn more comments then any post that we have ever put out there, which is interesting as I would hope that our regular posts would generate more commentary from time to time. It seems like you have to stir things up sometimes to get attention. Bottom line Lee did say it was a rant and he tried to ameliorate some of what he said when he answered some of the posts. All in all except for the visceral responses I thought it was a good dialogue and I hope we can find another subject one day to generate as much debate as this one did.

Crime Bible the Five Lessons of Blood #2 (of 5) - This is turning out to be a great little mini-series. The monk of the Stone order is trying to corrupt the Question and each lesson is being taught to her without her even knowing what is happening. I was expecting Tom Mandrake to be the artist all the way through the series and was surprise to see Jesus Saiz as the artist, but it was another well drawn book. Also each issue stands on its own as it adds to an overall story, so we do not have the middle chapter syndrome that is part of some many series.
Archibald Saves Christmas #1 - I loved this book more the second time around as we had the chance to review it early. Dwight L. MacPherson (writer) and Grant Bond (creator and artist) deliver a tale of twisted madness and hilarity. It just gets better every time I read it.
All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder #8 - Another good issue, I’m now really enjoying this series and look forward to each issue. I know these guys cannot produce a lot of issues a year, but 4 a year would be a good pace. Frank Miller has a nice voice to Batman in this series and I enjoy how many DCU characters are added into the mix. In 8 issues Frank has had more fun with these characters then five other series combined. Jim Lee’s art has never looked better and some of his layouts are fantastic.
Bad Planet #4 (of 6) - Thomas Jane and Steve Niles as writers are creating such an incredible adventure of warrior aliens, monstrous aliens, a voluptuous scientist and just an out and out great read. All brought to life with lush art by James Daly III and Tim Bradstreet. Terrific series and you get more then your $3 worth every time.
Batman #671 - Really well done and read so fast that I could not believe it. We get the shock that the Sensei is Ras’ father, Ras apparently takes over a Monk’s body and Batman gets the crap beat out of him by the Sensei and survives it. Grant Morrison and Tony Daniel are a great looking team on this book.
Green Lantern Corps #18 – This was a very good issue. Sodam Yat the Daxamite GL , now given the Ion powers versus Superman-Prime. A good super slug fest that also gave us Sodam Yat’s back story. I like that DC has made Superman-Prime such a huge threat level and will be curious to see how he ends up wandering the multi-verse after GL #25.
Sub-Mariner #6 (of 6) - Excellent end to this mini-series. This mini-series was actually important to Sub-Mariner and to the MU. The people of Atlantis have integrated with the surface world and the Sub-Mariner and his army is hiding in Dr. Doom’s country.
Criminal Macabre My Demon Baby #3 (of 4) - Cal breaks into the Satan Worshipers party to steal the devil’s baby and hilarity ensures. Dogs eating people’s faces, decapitations by a Zombie Templar Knight, vampires, brandishing of weapons, bodies hacked in half. But it is not all fun, games and jokes the story line moves along nicely also. Steve Niles just out and out rocks on this book. The dialogue is so funny in the context of the story that it will make you laugh out loud. Nick Stakal provides the art work that works very well for this book.
Crossing Midnight #13 - Another great issue as Toshui is sent to assassinate her brother Kai. She is willing to kill to gain her memories of her past life, which would of course mean realizing she has killed her brother. So both brother and sister search for each other, but for entirely different reasons. A great series.
Uncle Sam and The Freedom Fighters # 3 (of 8) – This is a very good mini-series. This issue we get some good background material on Doll Man. It was a very text heavy book, but I still believe it read well for the most part. The Red Bee is becoming a fantastic character and I hope to see a lot more of her. I have to give kudos to the writing team for taking a really lame character and making her very cool.
Fear Agent Hatchet Job #1 (of 4) - Nice story and a typical situation for Heath, in that he thinks A is going to happen and instead B, C and D happen and then it gets worse. What was amazing was Jerome Opena’ art and Michelle Madsen’s color. The art jumped off the pages and was breathtaking and at times perfect. Jerome art has a fluid feel to it, details, expressions and a strong sense of realism with a cartoonist’s touch. The colors were a rainbow of palates, each page being enhanced by Michele’s wonderful work.
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Death of the New Gods #3 (of 8) – I am enjoying this out and out fantastic adventure of the New Gods. I’m only marginally annoyed by Superman being too big of a part of the whole deal. Still, Starlin is doing a nice job with building the mystery and keeping the story flowing right along.
AmericanVirgin #21 (of 23) – It wasn’t suppose to end it has been cancelled with #23, so I added the (of 23). I hope they can move some of the story lines to some conclusion in two more issues. Another great issue as Adam meets his real father and gets some amusement in the plane ride to meet his Dad from his wife. Also his step sister seems to be pregnant via Immaculate Conception. Seagle (words) and Cloonan (pictures) always do great work on this book.
Frank Frazetta’s Death Dealer #5 (of 6) - Beautiful art and the story had a strong penultimate issue as Death Dealer takes out one bad guy. Then its master awakens. The big boss proceeds to rip the Dealer’s horse in half, a gruesome, but really awesome scene. Nat Jones art looks beautiful.
Ultimate Spider-Man #116 - Stuart Immonen continues to blow me away on this book. His layouts are so dynamic as to be unreal and the action sequences are as well done as the quiet scenes. Bendis has created a great super hero team with Kitty and Spider-Man to the point that I want the book to be about both of them. Osborne is great as the menacing villain. This has been a very good arc.
Trials of Shazam #10 (of 12) – This has been a great way to have Freddy take over as Captain Marvel and I would love to see an ongoing series be the result of this exercise. Judd Winick has really done a great job of not only introducing Freddy as the new Captain Marvel, but creating is nemesis at the same time. Two gods left. Nice to see the new and improved Tawky Tawny in this issue.
Teen Titans #53 - So much happened it was almost too much. The future Titans Army, Starro and the Titans of today trying to hold their own. Good issue, but very much a middle chapter.
Proof #2 - Another independent series that just sings out that the creators are having fun and enjoying themselves. Alexander Grecian (writer) and Riley Rossmo (artists) are the co-creators of this book and it is a great concept. This issue Proof is complaining about being assigned to a rookie and Ginger is learning that Bigfoot (Proof) is not the only mythical creature under the protection of the government.
Doc Frankenstein #6 - This book is fun, exciting and different, but in comes out once or twice a year. Any flow to the story is dead and gone by the time you read the next issue.
Supergirl and The Legion of Super-Heroes #36 – A solid wrap up issue by Tony Berdard with the twist being Supergirl goes back in time and we do not find Cosmic Boy. Bedard deserves a regular title at DC as he has worked his a** off writing so many different books to fill the gap until the new “permanent” writer takes over.
Gotham Underground #2 (of 9) – A really well structured Batman story with great use of Dick, Tim and Oracle and Spoiler shows up – who is Spoiler now? Good story by Frank Tiera and art by Jim Califore.
Dan Dare #1 (of 7) - Strong opening chapter that had the feel of an old time space opera, with a little more of a stronger sci-fi bent to it. Garth Ennis wrote a well presented and thought out story. While was basically all set-up, he managed to add enough action to keep it from being a total talking book. Gary Erskine is a strong artist and I always enjoy his work, but it is very static and many panels look like still photographs.
Superman/Batman #43 - A very nice one and done story. Dr. Light attacking an alternative energy project of Waynetech and a classic World’s Finest trick where Batman and Superman exchange places as to who is where and who is who. Strong story by Abnett & Lanning with great pencils by Mike McKone and a sweet little tie-in to JLA.
Jack of Fables #17 - The cover says I all with Jack gluing Humpty Dumpty back together, but in a haphazard manner. Humpty is to show Jack a great treasure which is why Jack expended any effort to save the egg. Fun book and a great spin-off.
Superman Annual #13 - Decent ending, but the story about Superman versus Arion lost its buzz with the long delays between issues. I would like to read the whole Camelot Falls arc in one sitting in the future.
X-Men #205 – The Messiah Complex is growing on me. The new colorist for this issue certainly improved the overall look of the series. A friend believes the colorist on the first four issues of this story has really hurt it and this issue seems to prove him out. I found that I liked this chapter the best and enjoyed that Cable has the baby.
Blue Beetle #21 - Another good issue and it is by a fill in writer and artist. Never heard of the writer Justin Pensiton but he did a good job. The characters were right on target. The story continued showing Jamie learning to be a hero with the help of his parents. It did not read like a fill in and continued this book just being a top series.
JSA Classified #32 - This book has two things going for it, Alan Scott being the main character and a wonderful opening sequence about Alan Scott’s sense of loss over losing a child. From there the story played out well and I never actual saw that Vandal Savage would be the main bad guy. A good job by Junior Thomas (writer). Staz Johnson did a nice job on the book and his ability to show the grief in Alan Scott’s face as he visited his daughter’s grave was excellent.
Faker #5 (of 6) - Carey and Jock have a terrific series about liquid tech, memories, and what it means to be alive. This book has a wild sci-fi, punk rock vibe ride to it. If you have missed out on this book so far, go pick up the trade later.
Countdown to Final Crisis #22 - Decent issue. Now quite up to last issue’s pace, but still a nice issue. Appears Trickster has bitten the dust, Mary Marvel is preserving against Eclipso and Mr. Mister “saves” Jimmy Olsen.
Zombie Simon Garth #1 (of 4) - Nice issue. They should have almost started with this mini-series as the first one was a prelude to Simon Garth being infected with the virus. It is a fun monster book as we are learning that Simon is not affected like the other people are with the Zombie virus.
Daredevil #102 - I see where Brubaker is taking this and it is a good idea. The slow development of the story does make the pay off better usually, but he is telling extremely long stories in DD and the pace is a killer in a monthly comic. Lark and Gaudiano’s artwork make it worth it. I hate the actual comics as many Marvel books have the overload of ads, makes me wonder why I buy the monthlies. Also I hate that whole overlap with the Hood. Making the Hood a major bad guy is so forced as to be ridiculous.
Authority Prime #2 (of 6) - Essentially this is the pointless battle between two super groups that we have seem countless times before, but we are being given such a great rationale for it, that it is working. Christos Gage (writer) has also made sure he knew how to have Stormwatch take out the most powerful Authority members or else no battle could actually happen. Darrick Robertson has turned in another stellar job and I hope DC signs him up to another exclusive.
JLA Classified #47 - Like going back in time. This really read like a silver age adventure of the JLA only better. Mike W. Barr’s writing was well done and Randy Green and Andy Owens delivered a nice art job.
Countdown Lord Havok and the Extremists #2 (of 6) - This series is interesting but it is still all back story of how the Extremists and Monarch end up getting together. We also get the origin of Gorgon which was a really interesting story.
52 Aftermath The Four Horsemen #4 (of 6) - Decent issue. I missed the heavy interaction between Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, but we had to start the fight eventually
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Countdown to Adventure #4 (of 8) - Entertaining stories. The Adam Strange, Starfire, Animal Man story is moving slowly. The Forerunner story was actually more interesting as Monarch dumps her in space as he no longer needs her and finds her questioning of his tactics to be annoying. Still these were very much middle chapters of a story and stories that do not seem compelling enough to warrant a mini-series.
X-Men First Class #6 - I think my issue was put together wrong as the pages did not flow at all and it was a garbled mess. Ultimately I could understand the story, but it really was in the wrong order. If in the right order it appears to be a good sentinel adventure with the added twist that the X-Men’s powers are gone.
Batman and the Outsiders #2 – This was rather standard fare. It is apparent this book is being battered by various editorial mandates that has caused it lose track before it stared. The first two issues had J’onn J’onzz and Catwoman quit for no reason. This books needs to get on its feet quickly. This is yet another re-launch of a book the DC has screwed up.
Gen 13 Armageddon - A well written story and a nice one shot for Gen 13 but the whole Armageddon theme seems to have no purpose. Therefore I have placed it low as I was pulled into the idea of the books having some link and each one would add to an overall story and they haven’t.
Sensational Spider-Man #41 - Blechh! The deus ex machine to save Aunt May is the devil and he will take their marriage so he can hear a small part of Peter and MJ’s soul be in agony. This is such drivel and really disrespectful to Aunt May who would herself be in agony if they ruined their lives for her to live another few years. Who besides Quesada thought this was a good idea. See my whole diatribe about this book here.

That puts the end point on another week of comics. Once again no book was given the axe. There is a joke in there somewhere on the fact that I had lust winning this week.

On a happy/sad note – DID YOU WATCH THE RAVEN / PATRIOT GAME? It was great to see the Ravens step up and almost win the game, the sad portion is we lost, but still the Ravens needed to at least show up and play with pride and they did. Great game.

What I’m Getting Wednesday

This week’s list is almost a breather after the last two weeks clocking in at 50 and then 40 items on my list. So a 32 books week almost seems like an after thought, but I’ll take a lighter week. There are some decent titles coming out this week, but it always feels like the first week of the month is also the overall weakest week in the month. I have not tracked that observation to actually see if it has any validity, but it does seem to be that way. My financial background almost makes we want to came up with a weekly rating system for next year to see how it plays out, but that’s seems too damn obsessive even for a comic book fan.

Atom #18 – Gail Simone and Mike Norton are producing a very well done super hero book that month in and month out is an enjoyable read. Watching Ryan Choi grow into the role of a super hero has been fun. The quirkiness of this book is a great element and I especially enjoy Atom’s floating head sidekick. This week is part 2 of Wonder Woman guest starting as the Department of Meta Human Affairs is trying to see what is going on in Ivy Twon.

Batman / Superman - The Saga of the Super Sons Trade Paperback – It is rumored that Paul Levitz (now publisher of DC comics) when he was an editor killed off the super-sons as he hated the concept. This was a Bob Haney invention and Bob had a lot of really whacky and bizarre stories. Over the years nostalgia set in and now I have fonder memories of how much fun it was to have these imaginary stories and Bruce and Clark’s sons carrying on the family business. In other words I may regret getting this when I actually get around to re-reading it.

Countdown to Final Crisis #21 – Last issue was not as strong as the previous two issues, but it was still a solid read. The pacing seems to have really picked up and the sense of impending doom is picking up.

Countdown Arena #1 (of 4) – I have mega-reservations about this book. First off it is a 4 week series, so I hope retailers were able to order this book with some level of return capability. Second it sounds like bad fan fiction where different versions of the same character fight each other. Third DC ran an online voting for who should win the battles, meaning the writer didn’t plot it out until he could choose a winner (last time we had to pay 50 cents a call to kill Jason Todd and they brought his a** back to life). Fourth the whole Monarch recruiting from all of these multiple worlds still is not working for me. It feels like they recreated the multi-verse and are frelling up half of the worlds immediately. It still feels like they are going to destroy the multi-verse again. So I signed up for this book, but going in with low expectations.

Infinity Inc. #4 – I heard a rumor that Max Fiumara (artist) was considered stylistically wrong for a super hero book. I’m not sure I would agree with that assessment, but I do understand the sentiment, except that Peter Milligan is writing this book and it reads more like a Vertigo super hero book. I think the series has been fascinating, but I also believe that finding enough readers for this book will be hard as it was marketed as a straight super-hero group book.

Jonah Hex #26 – I really look forward to this book every time it comes out. Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray tell entertaining stories month in and month out. Usually one and done issues with a rotating artist crew. This month the artwork is by Giuseppe Camuncoli who has a very fluid and dynamic style that lend itself to super hero work very well and I wonder how he will pull off a more realistic book like Jonah Hex.

Justice League of America #15 – The solicitation says it all “It's the brawl of the century, delivered by writer Dwayne McDuffie (Justice League Unlimited) and artists Ed Benes and Sandra Hope, as the Justice League of America takes on the Injustice League in the final chapter of "Unlimited"!” McDuffie has really brought JLA back up to a top tier book.

Justice Society of America #11 – Continuing the “Thy Kingdom Come” storyline, that stars the Kingdom Come Superman. Last issue was a great read and wonderfully illustrated comic and I expect the same this issue. I know some people have an issue with playing off “Kingdom Come” but with Alex Ross listed as co-writer I have no problem with continuing that story in the “real” DCU.

Supergirl # 24 – Last issue had some up and down moments, but I’m seldom happy with this book and I confuse myself as to why I haven’t dropped it. The official hype “Supergirl's pursuit of a deadly new interstellar menace takes a sharp turn when she's confronted far from Earth with the ghost of Krypton! What new revelations from Kara's past will come to light as she pieces together her missing memories and seeks her true purpose?” Oh joy more revelations about her past. I have no clue anymore as to what her history is and she is only been around 3 years.

Robin #169 – Continuing the Ras As Ghul saga. It is really amazing when you realize that we have Countdown (which is weekly), this cross-over which is essentially a weekly comic and Countdown Arena (another weekly comic) and with Messiah Complex being a weekly book from Marvel. Add to that the plans to make Spider-Man a 36 time a year single story and you have the next wave in comics being the weekly serial that movies used to have. Anyway, this has been a good story and I look forward to each chapter.

Midnighter #14 – I’m not sure about this book either. I barely like it more then don’t care about it, but Keith Giffen is the writer and usually has some good stories to tell so I’m hanging on for a little longer. Also in issue #16 the art team from Highwaymen is coming on the book and they did a bang up job on that book.

Exterminators #24 – A one and done issue with the original series artist Tony Moore back on board. After the long arc that just concluded a nice one and done is a perfect pacing tool and the story sounds great as two of the Bug-Bee Gone boys get an assignment on a cruise ship with butterflies that apparently are creating havoc on a whacked out cruise ship. A really solid series.

Northlanders #1 – Now this book I have been really looking forward to. Brian Wood (writer) is doing a book on the era of the Vikings. The premise “NORTHLANDERS tells the epic tale of Sven, an exiled Viking prince who's been living the decadent, high life in Constantinople — the 11th century's answer to Las Vegas — but now must return to the desolate lands of his birth in the frigid islands of the North Sea to reclaim his vast inheritance. Intending only to take his money and run, he finds more than he bargained for as his former family and friends are enslaved at the hands of Gorm, his ruthless uncle. What follows is not only a bloody quest to free his people, but also a young man's struggle to discover where he belongs in a rapidly changing world…and what awful sacrifices it will take to make a Prince into a King.” Hope this book is a hit as it sounds terrific.

Vinyl Underground #3 - This book is still finding its rhythm and I’m still learning the characters who are occult detectives. So far this has been a decent series and has kept me wanting to come back for more, but I’m not ready to really sign up long term yet. Often Vertigo titles need a chance to establish what they are before really getting to be good books. Remember each series is creating their own universe and we have nothing to immediately latch onto as the shared super hero universes do.

Annihilation Conquest #2 (of 6) – The first issue was okay, but I’m not quite sold on this story yet, also I did not like Nova not being a major role player in this story. Still we have to see how Adam Warlock, the High Evolutionary and Quasar are all going to work out in this game and if a new race of Kree will become the inheritors of the Kree Empire once the Ultron lead Phalanax are stopped.

House of “M” Avengers #2 (of 5) – I “hear” that Marvel had good sales on House of “M” titles and that the bookstore side of the business wanted more and hence this series was born. If true, this proves that those of us that following monthly comics are an underwriting tool to produce the trade paperback. That being said the first issue was interesting but really an alternative origin story of Luke Cage.

Masterworks # 86 - Amazing Spider-Man – This contains issue #78-87 by Stan Lee and John Romita and I was very on the fence about buying this volume. I thought the book was not at its strongest during this era, but I believe the sales figures actually bear out evidence of the opposite being true. I guess the Lee/Ditko stuff was still really strongly in my mind and I never fully accepted Romita as a Spider-Man artist.

Uncanny X-Men #493 – Part 6 of 13 of the Messiah Complex. As I mentioned before this is a weekly comic book from Marvel for all intents and purposes and the story has been holding up fairly well. While not 100% sold on this series I’ll admit it has held my interest more then most of the X-books did before.

World War Hulk – Aftersmash – A book that appears to be resetting the status quo of some story points that the mini-series could not conclude. Not sure why I ordered this book, but hey you never know it could be good.

Resurrection #1 – A new series from Oni press by Marc Guggenheim (writer / creator) and Dave Dumeer. Another post apocalyptic themed book. I find it odd that I enjoy what happens to the human race after the end of the world. I believes what draws me to these stories is that it is a chance for one person to really make a difference or is maybe just that I like to see how a writer handles this classic theme. So I’m going in with high hopes. Marc Guggenheim is a proven and capable writer and Dave Dummer is unfamiliar to me but the preview art pages look good. The premise is an alien invasion occurs humanity goes and lives underground and ten years later the invaders leave. We now have a ruined and unknown world to reconquer.

Dynamo 5 #10 – This book is hands down one of the top super hero group books on the market. I like that the five team members are all related by the same super hero father who apparently had more kids with more different woman then a NBA player. The entire family that we didn’t know dynamic has worked really well and I believe Jay Faeber had these characters well profiled before he started to write out story arcs.

Infinite Horizons #1 (of 6) - The story is by Gerry Duggan and Phil Noto, with Noto also on the art. What sold me was the official hype “Image presents a re-imagining of The Odyssey: A soldier's long journey home after years of war in the Middle East. In the not-too-distant future a small group of abandoned soldiers are lead home by one man: The Captain. To get back he will have to cross half the globe and endure deadly encounters with many enemies including the Cyclops, and the Sirens...but first he will have to survive the final hours of the war!” I mean come on Scott Summers in an Image mini-series – oh not that Cyclops. Seriously the premise is so clean and simple, but has such potential that I can't wait to read this first issue.

Overman #1 (of 5) – Another new series with the story by Scott Reed and art by Shane White and neither of them rings a bell for me, but it is again a premise sale. This is a sci-fi tale set about 100 years in the future. A hired assassin discovers a cryptic plot to destroy the human race. Sounded too interesting to me to pass up.

Invincible #47 – Wow didn’t this book just come out like three weeks ago. Last time I complained about late shipping and now I swear it was less then a month apart. How does that happen? Anyway what else can I say, it’s Invincible we are leading up to issue #50 and Robert Kirkman seldom disappoints. Last issue was a lot of plot development and I believe this issue will be the same, but I love how well all the small parts pay off in this book,

Lazarus #2 (of 3) – Three issue mini-series are really hard to get too deep into as it is over as soon as it begins. I have a feeling that Shadowline (the studio producing this book) has taken the marketing approach of doing three issue mini-series but telling the full story in at least six issues to try and prevent sales from falling off. We shall see if it works, with After The Cape it worked as the first series sets up who is the character. Issue #1 of this series was good enough for me to be here for issue #2.

Suburban Glamour #2 (of 4) – Jamie McKelvie as writer and artist. This book is coming out slower then solicited but I’ll wait for Jamie’s art. It is really a joy to behold and has such life to it. This is an outstanding book just for the artwork alone, a very distinctive and cool style. The actual story was interesting but a little slow building, still I anticipate this should be a great little mini-series.

Two Guns #4 (of 5) – Gwen actually has had the chance to read the series up till this issue and provides a review here. A really good read and if you are skipping the end chapters, get the trade and treat yourself. Another well done story under the BOOM banner.

Dominion #3 (of 5) – Another book from BOOM studios. BOOM was very ambitious and had a lot of books that got started and then never got published after a couple of issues. Whatever internal problems they have they seemed to be fixed and now we are seeing books come out and start to roll out like they should have.

Lobster Johnson Iron Prometheus #4 (of 5) – Set in the Mike Mignolaverse, this pulp fiction type tale set during the WWII era has been a blast to read. All of these books have a feel to them that make it feel like a mixture of fighting supernatural evil that the world does not thinks exist and an old time pulp magazine story.

Atomic Robo #3 (0f 6) - Last issue was a great story, action packed with a truly poignant ending. Atomic Robo faced the emotional crisis of realising he was out living all of his friends. This is a well written and well drawn book, with high productions values from Red 5 Comics. Plus this book will be monthly as all six issues were completed before it was ever solicited.

30 Days of Night Beyond Barrow #2 (of 3) – Steve Nile and Bill Sienkiewicz bring you more of the 30 Days of Night world. This has been one of the most successful small press franchises ever. I think that after the flood of 30 Days product that hit with the movie, we will see a drop off of material.

Black Summer #4 (of 7) – This series by Warren Ellis examining what happens when the good guy takes out the bad guys, but the bad guy is an elected government is excellent. I’m already signed up for the trade and if gets any better I’ll get the hard cover if Avatar even has that option.

As you can see a smaller list then what had become almost normal for me. What really was surprising was the breakdown of where the books came from DC was 14 and the independents almost matched it with 13 and Marvel was down to only 5. Maybe I will pick up Ultimate 3 #1 (of 5) and ratchet up my Marvel Experience.

Also while I was initially almost raining on my own parade with a dour assessment of most first week of the month books, after really checking out this list I’m more excited about what is coming out then my first blush at the list.

Gina Biggs on Strawberry Comics and Red String

As our blog has been working more and more closely with independent publishers I thought it was about time we spent some time looking at creators who start out self-publishing. Webcomics are becoming more popular these days and are now a legitimate part of the comic book world. Last February Dark Horse picked up publishing the graphic novels for a webcomic called Red String. Gina Biggs, the creator of this story, was kind enough to consent to an interview.

On a more personal note, I was really happy to have this opportunity. Gina had really good timing as far as her responses to my questions. You see, today is my boyfriend and my 6 year anniversary, and Gina was the artist on the artwork I commissioned for an anniversary gift. So hopefully this interview will encourage a few more people to go check out Red String and that will be one of the ways I thank Gina for the lovely art work.

Red String is a manga-style romantic story. I find it rare in American comic books that romance is valued as more than a quick buck (you know... like the Black Canary/Green Arrow wedding hype). Red String is different though. It's a story that shows that there is still love in the world while pulling the reader into the world of Miharu Ogawa and her friends.

On to the interview!


GWEN: Red String is certainly one of the more unique books in the American comic book industry today. With so many comic books getting darker, and so many writers believing that it's a better idea to break up long standing romances in monthly books (such as Spiderman), it's

refreshing to read a story that gains a lot of focus from fighting for love. What inspired Red String's creation?

GINA: I'm flattered. Thank you. Red String grew from my interest in general mythology and my growing interest in Japanese culture (as well as their anime and manga). One of the things I knew I wanted to do with the story is start the main couple off together since I had rarely seen that done in romance comics. It always takes forever for the main couple to get together and when they do get together it's tragedy and angst all the way. I wanted to do something a little more uplifting and relaxed at the start. Of course, as a romantic at heart, fighting for love seems a natural direction for me.


GWEN: I've spent a lot of time exploring your many websites. You obviously enjoy your work. How did you get started making comic books?

GINA: I definitely enjoy it. Art is all I've ever wanted to do. I suppose I got started in comics when I started reading X-men as a teen. I started creating my own mutant characters that have their own universe and adventures. However, I had been writing plays and the like earlier than that. I was always interested in creating stories to share with people.


GWEN: Did you go to school for art or are you self-taught?


GINA: Self-taught. I had the usual elective art classes in middle school and high school, but nothing special. I almost went to the school of the arts for high school, but things didn't work out there. Plus I was very turned off at their dismissal of "cartoon" art and comic book creation. They told me they would get me out of that... steer me in a different direction. I think by then I knew I wanted to be a comic book artist, so that didn't sit well.


GWEN: What is the hardest thing you've had to learn while creating Red String, and working towards gaining an audience for you story?

GINA: There of lots of things I've had to learn and I always seem to learn the hard way. However, more than pushing myself to do more background in my art or advertising the comic, I think it was finding a balance with the pace. As a webcomic, even with updates three times a week, readers can be impatient for more (I'm the same way), so I try to keep the story going at a fast enough pace. I can't have it dragging, but I have to be careful not to go too fast and skimp on things that need to be drawn out a bit.
As for gaining an audience, I think it's hard all around. Finding the most profitable places to advertise in terms of getting new potential readers to the site, making contacts with other comic creators, traveling about for conventions... it's all a lot of work. It's time-consuming, but it's worth it if it gets my story to more people.


GWEN: I was interested to read in a previous interview that you usually have stories that relate to any characters you draw. Does that apply to background characters as well? Is it difficult to draw a character as scenery? (I know that would be difficult for me, as any character I create when I write has their own story, whether I ever write it down or not.)

GINA: Nah, with the large crowd scenes I'm drawing now-a-days, that would be an absolute nightmare. I'd go insane. However, a lot of times, I try to slip in characters from my other stories or people I know into the backgrounds. The clever eye can usually find them.


GWEN: I had a lot of fun listening to the radio-play of Red String when I discovered it. I thought it was a great addition to your story and allows the book to become interactive. How did you get involved in this project and how far do you plan to go with it?

GINA: I was contacted by a reader of the comic, Crystal Miller, who wanted to produce the play. I thought it would be fun and I was able to help decide on the voices. Unfortunately, as happens with a lot of us, real life time consumption took away from time she was able to dedicate to the project. I ended up taking up the reins and producing. It allowed me a certain extra control over the work, what music would go into the scenes, delivery of lines, and the like. Luckily, I have a mixer now as well. I hope to continue on with the play as far as I can, to the end of Red String if at all possible.


GWEN: I'm beginning to see more and more web-based comics showing up as collections on the shelves of local comic book stores (such as Inverloch and Megatokyo). I believe that this has helped to get more people interested in comic books and I feel that it'd be beneficial to store owners and publishers to get behind this market. What would you like to see for Red String (and Strawberry Comics) in the future in regards to a wider market?

GINA: AND Red String. You can find it in books stores as well thanks to the wonderful folks at Dark Horse Comics. As for what I'd like to see, I suppose I'd like to see more marketing for such projects. Get the public more aware that it's not just superheroes anymore. The independent comic scene --webcomics included-- has a lot to offer. Manga has already helped get females into reading comics again, and now we need to let them know there's even more out there.


GWEN: I've read before that you already have the basic story of Red String planned out. Personally I feel that the best stories plan to have an ending (as many ongoing tales lose something after a point). When you reach the end of Red String do you think you'll work on another ongoing web comic, or do you have other projects in mind?

GINA: At this point, it's way more than the basic story planned out. My summaries are getting longer and longer, so a lot of them all I need to do is script them. Though I do change things from time to time, I know my end goal. I definitely plan to do another webcomic after Red String. I have a few stories I am developing and when it gets closer to that time I will hopefully have chosen which one I will pursue and flesh out completely for webcomic form. However, I hope to slip in a lot of other projects along the way, like more of my fairytale series, Erstwhile.


GWEN: Would you ever consider working only as a writer or only as an artist in collaboration with another creator, or do you prefer to work on all sides of the stories yourself?

GINA: I think there are very few people I would feel comfortable working with as only an artist. The communication level has to be very high. I'm not sure I would want to separate myself as a writer only because I tend to see the scenes play out in my head as I write. It would be very strange for me to not allow the images loose on paper myself.


GWEN: What comic books do you read these days? Outside of your own stories, did you ever have a favorite comic book romance?

GINA: I read a great deal of manga titles mainly. A few of the titles include Hana-Kimi, OL Shinkaron, Nodame Cantabile, Absolute Boyfriend, and Yotsuba&!. Anything by Yuu Watase would be on my list. I believe I am currently reading three of her series. I also like various American titles like Blanket and Demo, but I tend to stay away from the superhero genre these days. Admittedly, back in the day my favorite comic couple was Gambit & Rogue. The tension was a killer, but that was my earliest favorite couple. Now-a-days, that's a bit harder because my reading list has expanded greatly, but if I had to narrow it down, it would be Mizuki & Izumi from the series, Hana-Kimi. They provide great tension as a potential couple, but more than that, they really communicate with each other. They're best friends even though they're in love.



Thanks again to Gina for taking the time for this interview. I had a lot of fun with our email conversations, and I plan to stop by and say hello to her at Megacon. I've added a list of links to her various websites and I encourage everyone to take a look!


Strawberry Comics
Red String
Red String Radioplay
Deviant Art
Glass Flower Art

Dark Horse / Image February Preview Review

Jim: February has turned out to be a very dull month. While there is still plenty of new material it is apparent that retailing everywhere just tries to survive February. I’m guessing this will be a shorter review then normal.
Lee: The big two were dull so this is our only hope. Come on, no whammy no whammy, BIG EXCITEMENT!

Let’s Start With Dark Horse

CLASSIC COMIC BOOK CHARACTER #12: THE ROCKETEER On sale July 165" tall Each comes hand-numbered Includes a booklet and vintage-style pinLimited to 500 $49.95
Lee: This looks great. To bad it’s sooooo friggin’ expensive. $30 less and it would probably end up at my house. Who thought $50 was a good price point????
Jim: I have ordered one of these, but would be a sucker for more of them if it wasn’t for the price point. $50 is too damn pricey for this type of collectable.

THE COMPLETE GREEN LAMA FEATURING THE ART OF MAC RABOY
On sale Apr 30 FC, 208 pages $49.95HC, 6 1/4" x 10 1/4"
Chanting "Om Mani Padme Hum," the wealthy Jethro Dumont transformed into the Green Lama--a flying freedom fighter made famous in comics by the distinguished and imaginative artist Mac Raboy (Captain Marvel Jr., Flash Gordon). A unique 1940s Buddhist superhero, the Green Lama used special powers gained in a pilgrimage to Tibet to fight master criminals, monstrous dictators, and inequality across the globe. He made his debut in April 1940 in the pulp fiction anthology Double Detective, but he is most well known in his comic book incarnation--especially the stories drawn by Raboy in the eight-issue Green Lama series. Dark Horse Archives presents the entire Green Lama run in two high-quality hardcovers, starting with these first four issues. In addition to Raboy's classic covers and stories, these issues contain entertaining and adventurous bonus stories following the adventures of Lieutenant Hercules, Rick Masters, Angus McErc, and others!
Jim: I was really iffy on this one as I’m unfamiliar with the Green Lama. The selling point for me is the Mac Rayboy artwork. This guy is one of the few golden age artist that did comic book work that was an outstanding artist. He is on par with a John Cassady of today. Still I have to think some of the stories will be pretty lame.
Lee: The Green Lama is one of those Golden Age books that everyone always talks about. There weren’t very many issues but it is fondly remembered. $50 is pricey to see what all the hype is about but I just may have to.

GRENDEL: DEVIL CHILD DIANA SCHUTZ (W), TIM SALE (A/Cover), and MATT WAGNER (Cover) On sale Apr 9 FC, 56 pages $14.95 HC, 7" x 10" Joining the highly successful Grendel Archives and Grendel: Devil by the Deed as part of Dark Horse's new library of Grendel hardcovers, Grendel: Devil Child features superstar artist Tim Sale as he teams with colorist Teddy Kristiansen and Grendel editor-turned-writer Diana Schutz to tell the story of Stacy Palumbo, adopted daughter of Hunter Rose, and the tragic role she played in passing his legacy onto her daughter Christine Spar--the legacy of Grendel!

Lee: I’m glad they are giving Grendel the HC treatment but would it kill them to do it in any sort of order? Seriously, this is so out of whack it boggles the mind. Why are they doing the HC’s in story time order? Why not do them in the order in which they were published? Would that have been so hard?

Jim: They needed an order so they picked one and went with it. I have no problem with this order as I have not read the material in years, so it will be fun to experience it this way. My problem is stop making every damn arc a separate hard cover, do a few bigger volumes. I like 10-12 issues in a hard cover, the thin ones get lost in my bookshelf.

HELLBOY LIBRARY EDITION VOLUME 1: SEED OF DESTRUCTION AND WAKE THE DEVIL MIKE MIGNOLA (W/A) with JOHN BYRNE (W) On sale Apr 9 FC, 288 pages $49.95 HC, 9" x 12" Since Mike Mignola's Hellboy first hit the stands in 1993, it has become a cultural sensation, racking up a dozen Eisner Awards and inspiring numerous spinoffs, from a novel line,to feature films. Now, Dark Horse is pleased to present the comics that started it all, collected in deluxe hardcover editions. Sized at a generous 9" x 12", and handsomely bound to match The Art of Hellboy, each volume contains two complete story-arcs--the equivalent of two full trade-paperbacks. Each volume of the Hellboy Library Edition also includes extensive supplemental materials, including previously unreleased sketches and designs. Hellboy Volume 1 collects the first two story-arcs--Seed of Destruction and Wake the Devil--with the original introductions by Robert Bloch and Alan Moore.
Jim: I have just gotten back into Hellboy so the sucking sound you hear is me being drawn into another hard cover run. Also this is being done right, no thin Grendels collections here. Soon I think I can stop buying all new comics as I have 50 years worth of stuff to read in trades and hard covers.
Lee: Well, I’m a sucker too. I was cleaning out the collection the other night and found these issues. Now I can sell my copies on ebay and replace them with a wonderful HC.

UNCLE CREEPY STATUE On sale Apr 16 14.25" tall Limited edition Comes with certificate of authenticity and title logo plate on base $150.00 The graphic story medium's favorite moldering corpse is none other than Uncle Creepy. Exhumed from his crypt by Warren magazines in 1964, the titular host of Creepy magazine has cheerfully introduced many a scary story. As rumored in dark corridors, the stage is being set for his revival. Dark Horse has finally reanimated the grisly old coot with a statue by none other than top sculpting talent Tony Cipriano. Using himself as a model, Tony has captured every detail--warts and all! Painstakingly (and painfully!) talon-crafted by the claws of demon slaves of the netherworld, this knock-out statue is more fun than a coffin full of maggots. Get one before it gets you!
Lee: This is cool. Not $150 cool but very cool. BUT, if this is being solicited then it means they are getting closer to HC’s of Creepy and Eerie! I can’t wait.
Jim: I really can’t wait for that material. I wonder if they are going to publish everything or pick and choose. The completist in me says print it all, the more logical part says highlights only.

Onto the Image Side of the Equation

SCUD, THE DISPOSABLE ASSASSIN #21 -story & art ROB SCHRAB cover ASHLEY WOOD After ten years, Scud the Disposable Assassin RETURNS! The series ended on a cliffhanger with our robot hit man agreeing to destroy the world. Creator ROB SCHRAB vows to conclude this indie gem in a four-part miniseries. Everyone comes back, but does everyone survive? FEBRUARY 13 - 32 PAGES - BW - $3.50
Jim: I never got into this book, but always knew of it. It is both nice to see this revived and frightening to see so much older stuff come back to life. Too much living in the past is not a good thing.
Lee: It’s interesting to see Image mining it’s own back history. I understand Marvel/DC has to do it because creators don’t necessarily want to give up their creations but I’m not sure Image needs to do it.

GUTWRENCHER #1 (of 3) story SHANNON ERIC DENTON, STEVE NILES & KEITH GIFFENcover KEITH GIFFEN art ANTHONY HIGHTOWER In rural New England, a hiker is infected with an ancient curse days before his 10-year high school reunion. If his soul is pure he will be able to resist its bloodlust, if not... nothing will be able to stop him! FEBRUARY 13 - 32 PAGES - FC - $3.50
Jim: With Steve Niles and Keith Giffen as co-writers and an interesting premise I’m more then willing to sigh up for this series. Should be fun.
Lee: This should be good but I noticed the trend of most Image books being $3.50. Just as Jim predicted, the future is now and $4.00 books are coming.

HAZED OGN story MARK SABLE art & cover ROBBI RODRIGUEZCasual sex. Eating Disorders. Bizarre hazing rituals. All horrible, slanderous stereotypes associated with sorority sisters. And all sadly true. Modern sorority life deserves a serious, sensitive and mature depiction. Thankfully, that's not what HAZED is about. HAZED is a dark comedy about three young girls' perilous journey through the world of sororities and eating disorders. From the creator of the critically acclaimed GROUNDED, HAZED is to comics what "Heathers" and "Mean Girls” are to film, only smarter, meaner and funnier. FEBRUARY 20 - 160 PAGES - BW - $14.99
Jim: this sounds so damn interesting, that I almost ordered it. The thing that stopped me is not familiarity with the writer or artist and I’m not willing to throw out $17 for a good premise.
Lee: Ummmm, you do realize it’s only $14.99 (Not quite $15 and certainly not $17 right?) ANYWAY, Rodriguez is a solid artist who has worked quite a bit with Oni. I recently read the work he did on the series “Maintenance” for them. I agree that $17 would be expensive but $14.99 would be just right.
Check out his art at http://robbirodriguez.blogspot.com/

THE NEARLY COMPLETE ESSENTIAL HEMBECK ARCHIVES OMNIBUS TP story FRED HEMBECK art & cover FRED HEMBECK Finally: a single massive collection, covering cartoonist Fred Hembeck's past three decades of work! All seven of his early '80s collections - Bah, Hembeck!; The Hembeck Files, et al - are included, as well as rarely seen strips, personal commissions, online pieces, holiday cards, assorted oddities, and over a dozen stories ranging up to ten pages in length! A massive collection featuring the superhero industry's most revered humorist! Foreword by industry legend and creator of Spider-Man and The Fantastic Four, STAN LEE! FEBRUARY 13 - 900 PAGES - BW - $24.99
Jim: Fred Hembeck has so much love for this medium and it shows through in his work. Sometimes funny and sometimes just Fred redoing a book in his own inimitable cartoon style. 900 Pages for $25 is a bargain.
Lee: I have to agree. Not just for parents, but especially for kids of the 80’s this is primo material. Fred was the original when it comes to comic hype satire.

Jim: That’s a wrap for me. As I said not a lot of new stuff, but Conan, Umbrella Academy, Fear Agent, Walking Dead, Invincible, The Circle, Pax Romana, Dynamo 5 and many, many other regular series are still delivering their goodness.
Lee: Not a whole lot of new but some pretty good hc’s coming down the pike. Things are finally looking up for next year.

The Sensational Spider-Man #41 – One More Day Part 3 (of 4) – A Review

The Sensational Spider-Man #41

Writer J. Michael Straczynski, Pencil Art Joe Quesada, Ink Art Danny Miki, Colorist Richard Isanove

Alright the cat is officially out of the bag and the god that is being descended by wires from above is Mephisto. Yes the Devil has come to make a bargain with Mary Jane and Peter Parker to exchange their marriage in order to save Aunt May’s life.

Say what? Yes no longer are souls the currency in trade as JMS explains to us there is no fun in taking souls, instead the devil loves the sound of a soul in pain. The actual dialogue is too much unbelievable tripe to quote word for word, but the book ends with Mary Jane asking “What is the bargain?” Mephisto says you have one more day, at the end of the day you must say if you want Aunt May to live or continue your marriage. If I end your marriage you will not remember this bargain, this moment or the life that you lived, but there will be a small part of your soul that will remember and will know what you lost. My joy will be to listen to that part of your soul screaming. No seriously that highlighted part is almost a verbatim quote.

I really think the true joy for the devil is listening to the comic fans across the country screaming I paid $4 for 23 pages to get to this lame a** crap. At least they took out all the ads so the “story” read better.

I don’t really care because I haven’t followed Spider-Man religiously for years as I’m tired of no growth in a character after 40 plus years. Occasionally I pick up a few adventures here and there and read them, but essentially unless they are willing to let Peter grow up a little more and move on I have lost the affection I had for the character.

This is obviously Joe. Q.’s wet dream as he has hated Spider-Man being married for years. The image he wants is Spider-Man as the loveable loser, where I always felt that growth would have Peter as a confident and mature hero who knows how to do the right thing.

So now we get a magical fix and we have a thousand questions as to what is canon and what is not canon. The reset button has been pushed and I may still follow the character for a few issues, but what has been gained by doing this, except to muddle up things even more and to leave one of the super-star characters in your universe with their feet stuck firmly in cement.

This is a constant theme for me and one that I know I blather on about incessantly, but why can’t we move on. If Bruce isn’t Batman the fans want to cancel their comics and quit buying DC. If Captain America is dead, then Marvel is dead to me and I won’t read their comics.

These are all fictional characters and yet as the fan base has shrunk and gotten increasing older everyone wants to play nostalgia games. I rather read about the new kids on the block. Invincible, Blue Beetle, Dynamo 5, JSA (is full of next generation heroes). Give me Donna as Wonder Woman, Dick as Batman and Clark still as Superman – whatever let’s turn the page.

Spider-Man as the eternal teen-ager is being done in Ultimate Spider-Man, do something different with this book. Or at least end the marriage by divorce, have Mary Jane die in a car crash, don’t confuse the story for people who have invested in your character. Make it an honest ending not this made up tripe.

At least DC has a bunch of second and even third generation characters running around and if you count Wally’s kids you have Jay Garrick, Barry Allen, Wally West, Bart Allen and Jai and Iris West as a fifth generation. Almost every Marvel character is 40 years old and is still playing the same damn role. We have told every story we can about these characters, but still we just go on and on.

No wonder Gwen, Lee and I have more interest in the smaller press stuff. Left on Mission, Bad Planet, Wormwood Gentleman Corpse, Wasteland, Local, Fell, Fear Agent, Criminal Macabre, 30 Days, Atomic Robo, Neozoic, Black Summer, Killer, Gutsville, Proof and on and on have fresh faces.

Bottom Line this book is the poster child for why characters have to get older and grow up and move on, otherwise we get the magical reset button that makes us un-suspend the suspension of disbelief we have when we read a comic.

A travesty.