On Vacation

Jim was on vacation last week.

The picture is where Jim stayed.

As you noticed, Lee, Thomm or Gwen did all the posts in his absence.

The big sluggo got home yesterday but was too lazy to post anything again.

He told me he read books without pictures... traitor.

I probably won't even get any thanks for covering his dead beat heinie today.

More from Jim tomorrow.

A Subdued Death

A short story. A short visit.

Death: The High Cost of Living came out in 1993. Written by Neil Gaiman, pencilled by Chris Bachalo and inked by Mark Buckingham, this three issue series featured the ever popular Death, sister of Dream of the Endless in Gaiman's main claim to fame of the time, Sandman. Gaiman also employed another Sandman regular, Mad Hettie, a 250 year old woman who, to all appearances is homeless and crazy. And she is, but she's also pretty knowledgeable about things magical and out of the ordinary.

Anyway, the gist of the story is that for one day in every century Death has to take on a living form so that she doesn't lose empathy with those living creatures she takes at the end of their lives. In this instance she looks pretty much like she always did in Sandman, except not so pale.

The story is told largely through the point of view of a teenage New Yorker named Sexton Furnival. He's one of those kids who thinks he's world wise and life weary. He calls his parents, divorced, of course, by their first names. He thinks there's nothing worth living for and proclaims that he's suicidal.

He isn't. Every time his life is threatened in the course of the story, he works rather hard at not winding up dead. His mother boots him out of the apartment when she goes on a cleaning binge. He, for no apparent reason, is hanging around in a garbage dump when the refrigerator he's standing on topples and pins his legs. Death, who's in human visage and called Didi, frees him and takes him back to her place. She has an entire life history, including all immediate family members being dead in a tragic accident, and is a teen herself.

Mad Hettie, who's a Londoner, knows of Death's one day alive and manages to be in New York on that day to ask Didi to find Mad Hettie's heart, which she'd hidden a hundred or so years ago and now can't find. Didi agrees, despite Mad Hettie threatening Sexton, and Didi and Sexton go off to some late night club. In a city the size of New York, it's some pretty boy with no moral compass that Sexton knows who's the agent of a blind guy who wants to capture Death/Didi to stop her evil. He thinks it's evil that she takes people, which is ironic given his quick readiness to kill in the story.

It's a nice little story. In the end the kid with no moral compass ends up dead, the blind guy loses Death (but faces no consequences for his killing), and Didi dies. Oh, and Mad Hettie gets her heart, only to start looking for a new hiding place.

Can't say there's much character development. Didi's death just means she's back to being Death. Not that one should expect a lot of character growth in Death. She's already just about the only psychologically stable of the Endless. Mad Hettie's a character, in the flamboyant sense, and shouldn't change. The blind guy's kind of a cypher, so there's not much about him that could change. The only person who changes in the story is Sexton, who grows up some. Which is good, because he's more irritating than Timothy Hunter, and that takes some doing.

It's good writing. Good art. The always excellent lettering of Todd Klein. It doesn't jump out at you but makes for a good short story. It can be read as a stand alone tale with no knowledge of the Sandman mythos, though there are little bits of reference to that mythos for those in the know. It fits well in the larger body of work Gaiman created with the ground breaking Sandman. Definitely a keeper. And, if you want to buy the individual issues, you can find them at Lone Star Comics, evidently. There's also a trade, but unless you're getting a deal off the $12.99 cover price, you're probably better off with the individual issues.

A Fistful of Reviews: Belated

Well Jim's back soon so you will all be freed from mine, Lee's and Thomm's clutches soon enough. In the meantime I've actually managed to squeeze a few comic book reviews in this week :)

Echo #11 (Abstract Studio)


While this was another enjoyable issue of Echo I feel as if we're getting to the point in the story where something has to give. Hopefully Dillon will finally figure out that Annie is still around (kind of) and tied to the suit. I hope that Julie will finally kick the evil hobo's butt. Don't get me wrong, a lot happened this issue - I'm just hoping that next issue will make a major leap in plot after this one's buildup (not to mention the cliffhanger ending).

Locke&Key #4 (IDW)


I really love this series. I've actually been passing these books off to my boss's little brother who is a voracious reader. He's been enjoying them as well and it's always nice to share good stories with others. I'm interested to see what the consequences of removing things from your head are.

Superman: WoNK #2 (DC)


Okay, I know Zod is evil and stuff, but really, if you're trying to pretend to be a good guys you don't take a large group of counter hostages and threaten to slaughter them all. Also, the idea of Supes as a military man is just sad - we all know he won't kill anyone so somehow I think following orders is going to become a bit of a problem.

B.P.R.D. The Black Goddess #4 (Dark Horse)


This mini series is moving along well. I'm glad we were finally given the back story on why Liz was kidnapped in the first place. Either way it seems as if the world is only going to continue to be ripped to pieces.

House of Mystery #12 (Vertigo)


Hopefully Harry's little side trip with Fig's father will begin to explain what going on with him. It's being hinted that he's not a real person - whatever that means. There was also the beginnings of a plot to get to Fig within the house. This series keeps getting weirder but somehow that just makes it more enjoyable.

Hexed #4 (BOOM!)


This was a wonderful mini-series. Lucifer is an intriguing character. For a magic using hexed thief she's written realistically - I feel that I actually know her as I read through the story. I rarely see girls written this well. I hope there's a follow up to this series. I'd really like to know what happens to Lucifer next.

The Stuff of Legend - Review

The Stuff of Legend
Publisher Th3rd World Studios

Writers Mike Raicht & Brian Smith

Pencils Charles Paul Wilson III

Colors Mike DeVito & Jon Conkling


My first impression on reading this book was that I should have made time to read it sooner. Jim and Thomm did their reviews a week ago but I just got around to reading this fantastic story.



There is little narration at the opening of the book which was a good choice. The bedtime setting does several things for the reader. First of all it draws attention to the simple yet nostalgic pencil work. It's almost a shame that the art will be colored because I'm afraid it will lose some of the more intricate pencil work in the process. Of course the color work on the cover is gorgeous so I probably have nothing to worry about :) As someone who has been through many art classes I am impressed by the shading as it has a soft quality that serves to lull you into the storybook environment. I especially enjoyed the smooth way the artist conveys movement, specifically in the battle scenes. The second effect the bedroom setting creates is a setting which many of us are familiar with (if not from personal experience than from movies and such). By starting everything out at nighttime in the children's bedroom one is reminded of bedtime stories. In evoking that involuntary memory the writer places us in the mindset to experience a bedtime story. He brings us back to childhood which in turn allows us to accept talking stuffed animals going off to fight the boogeyman.



Now that we've been recalled into the realm of childhood stories the characters begin to develop. I've enjoyed reading about the characters that have been introduced so far. I'm especially intrigued by the Princess and the forgotten Native American warriors that seemingly refuse to fight when they see her in the fray. I also like the Jack in a box - even if he's a bit creepy.



I think the thing that really sold me on this story was the idea of the Dark, the place the toys must venture in order to save the Boy from the boogeyman. The idea of a realm of bitter and forgotten toys was a great one. I especially liked how the toys were transformed to become more "real" once they entered the Dark. The teddy bear becomes and actual bear for one and the circumstances give the artist the chance to draw some interesting scenes.



A+ Overall I'd recommend this book to most anyone. I'll have to read the final version to see if I'll recommend it as an all ages book as Mike stated in an earlier comment that some of the violent scenes had been toned down. I'm really looking forward to seeing more of this book and would urge our readers to go try this story out on FCBD!

STARSTRUCK: A Benefit for "Gentleman Gene" Colan

We receive lots of mail at Comics And... and we try to pass along the best news & events on to our readers. This is one such event.

On August 15, 2009, the off-Broadway science-fiction comedy StarStruck by Elaine Lee, Susan Norfleet Lee, and Dale Place, basis for the 1980’s comic book series by Elaine Lee and Michael Wm. Kaluta (who provided set and costume designs for the original production), will be presented for the first time in 25 years as an audio theatre-style live reading at the famed Henry Miller Library in Big Sur, CA.

Proceeds will help pay the medical bills of comics legend Gene Colan, the bills stemming from his bout with liver failure in 2007 and 2008. Colan is best known for his distinctive artwork on such titles as "Iron Man," "Daredevil," "Batman," and "Tomb of Dracula" (from which the character Blade was introduced).

Play it by Ear Productions, an audio theatre company in Pacific Grove, CA, will produce the event under the direction of Producing Director Lance Roger Axt. “I’m absolutely ecstatic that this is finally going to happen; speaking as both a longtime comics fan and a theatre artist, I’ve wanted to do something with this play for over a decade.

"And helping Gene and Adrienne Colan is an added bonus; they are two great people, and I’m more than happy to lend a hand.”

Tickets are only $12.00. The reading will employ pre-recorded sound effects and live effects performed by a team of foley artists, coupled with composer Dwight Dixon’s music from the original production.

There will also be a silent auction of wines, out-of-print hardcover comic collections, and rare rock concert posters from the Fillmore Auditorium (donated from Mr. Axt's personal collection). Your MC for the evening will be Steve "Citizen" Kane, the rock and roll doctor of the original KAZU in Pacific Grove.

The reading also serves a second purpose: to test the timing of the piece before a live audience, which will ultimately serve a subsequent studio recording:

A StarStruck radio series is in development, the first piece being an audio adaptation of the off-Broadway comedy, to be recorded in Maine.

The series will be produced by the new AudioComics production company (co-founders Lance Roger Axt, Dan Bernard, and the voice of "Bob the Builder," William Dufris), who will be working directly with Lee and Kaluta on both the adaptation and on several new StarStruck pieces written specifically for the medium of audio.

On the cusp of the benefit reading, an equally exciting announcement is to come regarding the StarStruck comic series’ return to print. Truly, 2009 is the year of the Female Freedom Fighters! UP THE BRIGADES!

Visit The Henry Miller Library is here

Visit Play it by Ear Productions is here

Visit AudioComics (forthcoming) here

The event is still a couple of months away but this gives you plenty of time to book airplane tickers if you need them. Gene Colan is one of the masters and has influenced many of todays artists. Any help you can provide is always appreciated.

Sights, Sounds, and other Hand Motions

It goes without say that my house is an endless array of sights and sounds. There is always something exciting being said or being discovered. But that’s ok when the sights and sounds take place at home. When they take place in public, it’s an entirely different story.

Today’s story starts at church on Easter Sunday. The kids are actually doing a great job sitting still and being well behaved. Specifically, Boy was entertaining himself by reading the songbook. Since the print is so small, he’s following the words along with his middle finger. If you don’t have children, all young people like to point with their longest finger which, as luck would have it, just happens to be the middle finger. And we all know what an extended middle finger means. Just in case you don’t, it isn’t nice. My wife and I worked long and hard to switch his pointing finger to his index finger.

I'm not sure why he chose this particular day to revert to old habits, but Boy decided to use his middle finger to read. It was fine until he turned to me, middle finger extended towards the heavens, and said, “Where are we Dad?”

Let me remind you, it’s Easter Sunday. The pews are absolutely packed with people, and my son is saying ‘hi’ with his middle finger. That finger was fully extended and rigid as a popsicle. There wasn’t any way the little old lady behind us missed it.

So, I quietly said, “We’re on the next page. Please, put your hand down.”

Because he never misses an opportunity to question something, Boy says, “Why?” And, because he’s waiting for an answer, he freezes in position. That includes freezing his hand with the fully extended finger.

Sensing disaster, I hoped to end the situation with my Dad voice, “Just put your hand down.”

But, Boy’s curiosity was stronger than my Dad voice. It’s like he knew that I couldn’t do anything to him in the middle of church. Boy raised his extended middle finger up as high as he could so he could show me he wasn’t doing anything wrong and asked, “What’s wrong? I’m just pointing.”

Oddly enough, having a tiny little finger in your face doesn’t help your patience any. “PUT YOUR HAND DOWN.” I hissed.

“I don’t understand, is there something wrong with what I’m doing?” The little hand, with the still extended middle, is now waving in the air like a flower in a strong breeze.

When I hear the Grandmother in the pew behind us snicker, I realize that once again, I have lost the battle to small child.

Marvel Preview Review For June Part 2 of 2

Continued from yesterday...

DEADPOOL #11
Written by DANIEL WAY Penciled by PACO MEDINA
Cover by JASON PEARSON
DARK REIGN TIE-IN
Okay, that was...unexpected. Bullseye has learned some new tricks since the last time they met! But now it's Deadpool's turn to go on the offensive...and there's nobody more offensive than Deadpool! 32 PGS./$2.99
Lee: This is how you start a new day! Another Dark Reign tie in! This makes it 23 books… and counting because apparently the pain will never end. And, lots do the math, add the 2, carry the 47… adds up to aproximately $82.77 so far for Dark Reign books only.
Jim: And another Dark Reign book I can totally pass on after reading the last couple of Deadpool books this is a pass.

AGENTS OF ATLAS #6
Disturbing visions plucked from the malignant mind of Norman Osborn lead the intrepid Agents to the darkest depths of the Atlantic Ocean, where Namora must have words with her infamous cousin - The Sub-Mariner! What happens next shocks her team, who must prepare to say goodbye to their aquatic avenger! 32 PGS./$2.99
Lee: Now this is an odd duck. It talks about Norman Osborn so it must be Dark Reign. But it’s really stretching to include it. I leave the total to Jim. In/out? You’re call.
Jim: In. It is a Dark Reign book, but it has enough of its own stuff to survive long after Dark Reign is over.

AVENGERS/INVADERS #12 (of 12)
Lee: Look! It’s the only book NOT tied into Dark Reign. Then again, it’s so bad no one is reading it.
Jim: At least this book finished, what the hell happened to The Twelve. I have to assume it is JMS as I have seen very little work from him.

CAPTAIN AMERICA #600
Written by ED BRUBAKER with MARK WAID, ROGER STERN & OTHERS
Pencils by BUTCH GUICE, LUKE ROSS, DALE EAGLESHAM & OTHERS
Cover by STEVE EPTING
50/50 Cover by ALEX ROSS
Where were you when Captain America died? It's the anniversary of the day Steve Rogers was killed, a day of reflection and mourning in the Marvel U...a time to look back on the things Steve did and what he stood for... or is this issue actually the beginning of the most wicked plot twist since issue 25? Yeah, actually it's both. Plus, contributions from Cap creators past and present, including a very special essay by Joe Simon, a classic story from Cap's Golden Age, a full gallery of 600 Cap covers, and more anniversary shenanigans than you can shake a shield at!
104 PGS./New and Reprints/$4.99
Lee: Where was I? Seriously? Where was I when Cap died? Actually, I took the afternoon off from work, went to the comic store, bought all the copies of Cap’s death, loaded them on ebay and made a million dollars from foolish speculators. This is worse than the Superman “memorial” issue. Blah!
Jim: I also get tired of Marvel pulling numbering out of their a** so they can get a big number on the book. If the series was not continuously published I don’t think it really counts. It smells a lot like Steve Rogers I so coming back and he will be the person to take down Norman Osborne. Then Marvel will miss Dark Reign because it is easy to write bad people then good.

MARVEL SPOTLIGHT: CAPTAIN AMERICA
Written by JOHN RHETT THOMAS
Cover by LUKE ROSS
A milestone 600th issue is worthy of a special issue of SPOTLIGHT no matter what the title. But when it's CAPTAIN AMERICA? We're gonna rock and roll with a SPOTLIGHT that's full of as much red, white and blue shield-slingin' surprises as we can! First up is an exclusive interview with the creative team ushering in this august occasion: Ed Brubaker, Butch Guice and Luke Ross -- three luminaries who have been letting their Cap flags fly! On top of that, we'll have coverage of some of the great Cap artists of all time, including 600th-issue cover artists Steve Epting and Alex Ross. We promise you'll be just as thrilled to read this as we will be to put it together! Remember: Cap's history is America's history! So join the SPOTLIGHT team as we take a look back and to the future with America's most patriotic hero!
32 PGS./$2.99
Jim: These spotlight books are just Marvel trying to rape their fans.
Lee: Ya know… it’s hard to come up with a response to that. I’m.. ummm.. yeah. What you said. Mostly what you said at least.

MARVEL ADVENTURES SUPER HEROES #12
Written by SCOTT GRAY & ROGER LANGRIDGE
Penciled by MATTEO LOLLI & CRAIG ROUSSEAU
Cover by CLAYTON HENRY
Featuring CAPTAIN AMERICA, the Sentinel of Liberty, in the then & now! In the Now, he faces the hyper-technological might of Hydra! In the then, he battles the disgusting (and frankly, ugly) menace of P.R.O.D.O.K.! 32 PGS./$2.99
Lee: Prodok? Seriously? Prodok? Marvel has scrapped the ideas barrel so dry that the best they can come up with is Prodok?
Jim: All I hear when Lee keeps saying Prodok is “playoffs”, “Playoffs” from the Coors Light commercial with Jim Mora that will leave in infamy forever now.

SKAAR: SON OF HULK #12
Written by GREG PAK
Penciled by RON LIM & DAN PANOSIAN
50/50 Covers by ED MCGUINNESS
We know what you've been waiting for. And it's finally come. Get ready for the Marvel Universe's most monumental clash this side of WORLD WAR HULK as the savage son meets his father's fists, Green Goliaths smash, and the puny humans of Planet Earth learn the meaning of HULK! VERSUS! SKAAR! 40 PGS./$3.99
Lee: Does Bendis know that Marvel is making plans for OTHER world shattering events behind his back? I’m sure Bendis’s ego was damaged by World War Hulk the first time. I wonder how he’ll like WWHulk II?
Jim: I still feel like Greg Pak got screwed because he had (I read somewhere) a triology in mind with the Hulk and after WW Hulk Marvel gave the character to Loeb and he has ruined the book unless you are a five year old child and like comics with huge panels of people smashing each other.

WAR OF KINGS #4 (of 6) - 32 PGS./$3.99
WAR OF KINGS: ASCENSION #3 (of 4) - 32 PGS./$3.99
WAR OF KINGS: SAVAGE WORLD OF SKAAR - 40 PGS./$3.99
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #15, A WAR OF KINGS TIE-IN! - 32 PGS./$2.99
NOVA #26
80s DECADE VARIANT BY TBA
A WAR OF KINGS TIE-IN!
32 PGS./$2.99
Lee: See, this is how you run a simple crossover. Only five titles, fairly self contained, and a ‘spine’ title to tie it all together. So now, we can expect crossovers in the Marvel Universe titles every year too! Why let me, the consumer, buy one title and enjoy that when you, Mr. Big Corporation, can force me to buy six titles to get the same story. Thank you. Thank you very much.
Jim: With the bulk of this “event” being written by Abnett and Lanning it is a very strong story so far. It has flaws here and there, but Abnett and Lanning always entertain and produce solid comics.

UNCANNY X-MEN #511
Written by MATT FRACTION Pencils & Cover by GREG LAND
"Sisterhood" We will let this image speak for itself! Part 4 (of 4).
32 PGS./$2.99
Lee: Thank goodness Marvel let the cover speak for itself. Otherwise they might have to say something like “HEY KIDS! Look, it’s another Greg Land cover full of nip shots, and chicks without underwear! First person to send us a letter that correctly identifies the stripper Greg used as a model wins a free social disease!” Yeah, I’m glad they let the cover speak for itself.
Jim: Maybe it is like the new greeting cards that have a sound chip in it and when Marvel said the cover speaks for itself it will really talk when you pick it up. It will say “Oh look Phoenix is back because we ran out of any new ideas 20 years ago, so buy this book you sad pathetic loser.”

UNCANNY X-MEN #512
80s DECADE VARIANT BY TBA
"The Origins of the Species" As the X-Men reel from the return of one of the greatest X-Ladies, Beast and Angel take the X-Club back to 1906 to investigate the origins of the mutant species as we know it. See the earliest stages of the Hellfire Club and the very first Sentinel ever! This story is not to be missed! 48 PGS./$3.99
X-MEN: LEGACY #225
90s DECADE VARIANT BY TBA 32 PGS./$2.99
Lee: WTH is a 80s variant cover? For that matter wth is a 90s variant cover? Is it any different from all the other variant covers?
Jim: It is just another way to do variant covers. I had my comic store that last time variants were in vogue and I’m sad to see how successful variants have become again, it is really a sad thing.

CABLE #15
"MESSIAH WAR, PART 6" 32 PGS./$2.99
X-FORCE #16
Written by CHRISTOPHER YOST & CRAIG KYLE
Pencils & 50/50 Variant Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN
50/50 Cover by KAARE ANDREWS
"MESSIAH WAR" Part 7 (of 7)
32 PGS./$2.99
Lee: I just casually mention this because there are no less then three crossover currently going on in the Marvel U. There’s Dark Reign, 23 books, for the Avengers U. There’s War of Kings, 5 books, for the Cosmic heroes. And Messiah War, 2 books, for the X-people. What? Only 2 books in the crossover? Someone f**ked that up. In fact, I bet that someone got laid off because of this snafu. Only 2 books in a crossover. That’s lost revenue!
Jim: Heads will roll – a cross-over event with only two titles! Lee is right someone has to go.

NEW MUTANTS #2
"RETURN OF LEGION" One of the most dangerous X-Villains of all time is back and he's targeted the New Mutants. Last time Legion reared his head, he created the Age of Apocalypse. Do Cannonball, Karma, Magma, Moonstar and Magik have much hope of stopping him now? Part 2 (of 4)
32 PGS./$2.99
Lee: Because the Age of Apocalypse was such a good story, let’s revisit it. Maybe, with a little luck, Rob Liefeld will come back to help the reboot.
Jim: Again with the whole theme of we are the House of Old Ideas, come inside and we will also give you re-treads instead of new tires at the Marvel Tire Shop.

UNCANNY X-MEN: FIRST CLASS GIANT-SIZE SPECIAL #1
Written by JEFF PARKER, SCOTT GRAY & ROGER LANGRIGDE
Art by CRAIG ROUSSEAU, CAMERON STEWART, DENNIS CALERO, SEAN GALLOWAY, DAVID WILLIAMS,
JEFF PARKER & JOE INFURNARI
Cover by SKOTTIE YOUNG
The original X-Men have left the building, and their replacements have arrived! How will Cyclops cope with the next generation of mutants, far more powerful and far less careful? Find out in this giant-sized special, featuring untold tales from the X-Men's pasts! The 8-year-old Storm enters the deadly Museum of Set! Banshee clashes with the hordes of Irish myth! Nightcrawler fights alongside his circus family! Colossus battles to save his friends in Siberia! And at long last, Wolverine reveals his slice-your-heart-and-hope-to-die true origin in 'The Man from S.N.I.K.T.'!
40 PGS./One-Shot/$3.99
Lee: WHEEE More pointless history for Wolverine. Wait, it’s pointless history for all the characters. Can’t anyone tell a story that’s *GASP* set in today??? Apparently not.
Jim: I was enjoying the X-Men First Class, but now they have taken what was a cute idea and sort of a stand alone book and trying to milk it until the teats on the cow run dry.

THE IRREDEEMABLE ANT-MAN TPB
Written by ROBERT KIRKMAN
Penciled by PHIL HESTER & CORY WALKER
Cover by PHIL HESTER
When a low-level S.H.I.E.L.D. agent gets a hold of Hank Pym's new Ant-Man suit, you know the Marvel Universe is in trouble. He's not concerned with saving the world or helping others. He's concerned with getting through the day and getting a leg up on life. He's not going to use his powers responsibly, he's going to use them for the betterment of himself. He's Ant-Man, a new "hero" for the modern world. But it also costs money to be on the run from the law. Luckily, Damage Control is on the lookout for someone who can safely sift through rubble for survivors. Don't worry, though - he'll still have plenty of time to spy on the ladies like the despicable human-being that he is. Collecting IRREDEEMABLE ANT-MAN #1-12.
272 PGS./$34.99
Lee: This is a trade that I wonder about. The series is 3-4 yrs old and only lasted 12 issues. How good can it be if it was cancelled after 12 issues? But, I seem to remember it getting better
Jim: Not worth $35, that is for damn sure.

POWER PACK CLASSIC VOL. 1 TPB
Written by LOUISE SIMONSON
Penciled by JUNE BRIGMAN, MARY WILSHIRE, MARK BADGER & BRENT ANDERSON
Cover by JUNE BRIGMAN
Teen teams are nothing new, but only one super-group got started at age twelve and under! Alex, Julie, Jack and Katie Power prove you're never too young to save the universe when they use the powers they received from one alien race to foil the schemes of another, the dreaded Snarks! Back on Earth, they meet another new archenemy, General Carmody, a mutantphobe so confused he even targets heroes who AREN'T mutants! Guest-starring Spider-Man, Cloak and Dagger, and Henry Peter Gyrich of Initiative infamy! Collecting POWER PACK #1-10.
256 PGS./$29.99
Lee: This is another book that really piques my interest. Mostly because I have younger children and I think this would be appropriate. I remember the original series being pretty good, and the fact that it’s about a family of superheroes doesn’t hurt either. I just might get this if only for something to give to my kids.
Jim: The original series would be a great book for your kids and if memory serves it was a well done book and highly entertaining.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: FIGHTING CHANCE VOL. 1 TPB
Written by MARK GRUENWALD
Penciled/Cover by DAVE HOOVER
Old soldiers never die -- they just wear themselves out! To Super-Patriot, Cap's a rival. To Americop, he's a relic. But newcomer vigilantes are the least of the Sentinel of Liberty's concerns when Cap learns his enhanced physique is shutting down on him! His choice: retire from action or die in it. But while masterminds devise and dead villains rise, that's no choice at all for the Living Legend! Can Cap's friends dissuade him from setting the world's safety above his own? Featuring Giant-Man, the Falcon and the Black Widow! Collecting CAPTAIN AMERICA #425-430. 160 PGS./$19.99
Jim: Why is this being published? Was their some reason?
Lee: This .. THIS is being published as an example of how NOT to do comics. That’s the only explanation I have. Because there were truly awful comic books. I believe this was when Cap got his Iron Man armor. Bad bad bad comics.

HERCULES: PRINCE OF POWER PREMIERE HC
Written by BOB LAYTON
Penciled/Covers by BOB LAYTON
Collecting HERCULES: PRINCE OF POWER (1982) #1-4 and HERCULES: PRINCE OF POWER (1984) #1-4. 200 PGS./$ 29.99
Lee: Just a simple comment, I believe I can buy the original issues for $1 each and my local store would be glad to get rid of them. But, why do that when I can spend $30 on the hc? I have both series, and I remember liking them but I’m not sure I need a $30 hc.
Jim: Not for $30. I remember these are fun series, but not worthy of a hard cover and not worth $30, when I could get the actual books somewhere for a song.

DARK REIGN: ACCEPT CHANGE TPB
Collecting DARK REIGN: NEW NATION, SECRET INVASION: DARK REIGN, DARK AVENGERS #1, UNCANNY X-MEN ANNUAL #2, DARK REIGN FILES and MARVEL SPOTLIGHT: DARK REIGN.
256 PGS./$24.99
Lee: To wrap up the month, the FIRST Dark Reign tpb! This is 256 pages of Dark Reign goodness. In case you weren’t keep track, this is ABOVE and BEYOND the 23 books this month alone. So, add $25 to the approximate $80 spent and with tax… Dark Reign cost $100 this month. Not bad considering you haven’t read ANY OTHER BOOK! In conclusion.. wow. All I can say is wow.
Jim: Dark Reign actually is called Bendis rules the Marvel Universe as this guy has influenced more Marvel books then any other writer in a long time. If Joe Q. steps down, Bendis might us well take over the rest of the line and be in charge.

Lee: I can't believe how many books Marvel is releasing every month. And, even worse, I can't believe how interconnected they all are. It's almost impossible to buy a single issue and get a complete story. It's just as impossible to find a book that stands on it's own. Well, there was Iron Fist but that's now canceled.
Jim: Marvel is putting out so many products that it is all DC or any other company can do to just maintain their market share. As an ex-auditor (my first career) one of the things you would look for in a business to make sure it is a going concern is to make sure that they are not dependent on one provider for too much of their income. Marvel owns every comic store in America and they are aggressively trying to move their audience to digital delivery. I’m glad I’m out of the comic business.