Endings and Beginnings – The Week in Review and Why DCNu Deserves Your Attention

Totally going off script this week and throwing away all the rules. Two reasons, two series came to very different type of endings and I had the chance to attend the DC Retailer Road Show. Also the overall books this week were not the strongest, so no book really grabbed me.

The endings I wanted to discuss were Captain America #619 and Fables #106, but books are continuing in a fashion, but both books hit some strong endpoints. I’m slowly coming to the conclusion that more comics need to be written with an ending in mind and let the natural course of the story come to that conclusion. The never ending story feature is probably the most corruptive influence in good story telling that has ever occurred. Echo, 100 Bullets, Locke & Key, New Frontier, Watchmen and many other stories are better for having an ending. The character does not have to die, but the story needs to end. It promotes growth, change and a willingness to tell a story from beginning, middle to end.

Captain America was an odd duck as Bucky escapes from the Gulag, but the story directs you to Fear Itself and we know he gets killed. Yet inside the comic that has been focused of his story he never dies, in fact he died a couple of weeks ago in Fear Itself. This issue was so anti-climatic that I felt cheated by it. Plus there was a lot of story about Bucky that was left open and I guess we will never see that story. In some ways dying in the type of fashion it makes sense that Bucky did will leave some open issues, as no one has everything tied up perfectly before they die, especially when they die unexpectedly. The problem I have is with how this was handled. It disrespects the fans who want to avoid major events. Issue #620 could show a different view of Fear Itself #3 and let the fans of this book see him die, but this way is just odd. I’m also unclear why Marvel thinks, starting next issue, a WWII series for Cap and Bucky will be a hit. I understand having that type of series out with the movie, just feel like WWII books are too old fashioned. All in all I thought Brubaker did a nice job building a flawed hero with a rich and complex history. I want to see more of this character and actually look forward to his second resurrection in the future. Still as an ending it was abrupt and I thought handled poorly for the fans of the series. Finally, since it is a continuing series, it feels like it didn’t even set up the next chapter, which is supposed to be Captain America and Bucky #620, which could legitimately be a new number one.

Fables #106 was also an odd ending. The North Wind battles Mr. Dark and takes him out in about nine pages. The rest is an epilogue. Fables ended the war against the adversary and then floundered until setting up Mr. Dark, now Fables could just end, but it needs a new reason to exist and not a third round with an evil overlord. This is the problem with the never ending story. It is fine to end a story and start a new one, but Fables has now cycled the same story twice. I enjoyed this ending better then the ending with Geppetto, but I sure as heck don’t want the next story to be them fighting Geppetto again or Mr. Dark in a few issues. Conflict makes for good stories, but if the writer is out of ideas, let the story end and come back once a solid new story is in place. I think endings scare too many people, but making something finite only enhances its value. Look at all the great mini-series or runs on certain comics, they were better because they ended. To get way too philosophical look at life, it has more value because it is finite.

Anyway my premise that we need more comics to have endings can segue into my feelings towards the DCNu, because I think it would be great if they would green light a book like Captain Atom, but once the main story is told let the book conclude. He doesn’t have to die, but that point of the characters life has hit an endpoint and the next chapter does not have to be chronicled. How about the next chapter is he takes a few months off and we see him in a year when a new conflict arises.

The presentation by Dan Didio, Jim Lee and others regarding the re-launch of the DCU was impressive. I have been a critic of Dan Didio and often wondered if he did not over mandate stuff and in fact did not screw up the DCU more than anything else. His promotion to co-publisher from an outsider viewpoint was absurd, now I understand. Didio gets what is wrong with comics and DC is making one heck of a bold stab to fix it. They are trying to mold the line into something that is dynamic, pushing the way they tell stories and pushing artists to make the books a little bolder. Dan should have filmed his words and should go out and tell the fans what he told the retailers about the content of the books. It makes sense, more action; every issue should count, more about private lives and supporting cast, putting some of the heroes in the earlier stages of their careers and trying to make the art jump off the page. In addition push to make sure deadlines are met so that a comic ships every month on the week it is set to ship. They went into many other things about marketing, retailer materials, etc., but what I walked away with was a firm commitment to make this work or they may be looking for a job. I’m willing to give all of their books a shot, maybe only one issue, but I could feel the sense of commitment from these guys and the seriousness of this venture. Finally they talked about the some of the planning they have done and that made me feel like this time DC has a plan and before it was too much about trying to fix book A and book B and not aggressively attack the entire line.

Of course the next two weeks we have an 11 part DC preview review where we will sing praises and throw stones at titles we haven’t read, but the proof is always in the actual books delivered. So I feel fair in casting stones at this stuff if I have no faith in what is being advertised, but I do believe DC is making the right type of efforts and understand what is wrong and are trying to fix it.

A couple other notes, first its official I’m no longer the target market for main stream super hero comics. I have known this for awhile but it really hit home when I saw the news for the new mini-series from Marvel called Avengers 1959. This is about the retro-con piece that Bendis did with making Nick Fury pulling together the first unofficial Avengers. The group is Sabretooth, Dominic Fortune, Namora, Kraven and Bloodstone I believe. Chaykin will be the creative force behind the series. Stuff like Agents of Atlas, Mystery Men, X-Force and this are my favorite books coming out of Marvel. The main stuff bores me, which means I’m not their target market and I should no longer worry what they want to do in the main books because the market doesn’t care if I’m buying that stuff or not. Secondly, I want to wish a fond farewell to Gene Colan who died recently. He was a great talent, in many ways I felt his style never fit super hero work because it was so dark and moody and it is a shame he was not around once the genre got more diverse as he would have been great in noir type stories. Of course that is why his Tomb of Dracula stuff was so great; his style fit it to a “T”.

That puts this week to bed. Next week’s list is American Vampire, Aquaman Death of A Prince TP, Batman Inc., Detective, Flashpoint Green Arrow Industries, Flashpoint Hal Jordan, Flashpoint Superman Project, Flashpoint Canterbury Cricket, First Wave HC (hopefully asit was shorted last week), Gotham City Sirens, Green Lantern Emerald Warriors, JSA Giant, JSA, Scalped, Thunder Agents, Thunder Agents Archives, Wonder Woman, Amazing Spider-Man, FF, Venom, X-Men Prelude to Schism, Walking Dead, Witchdoctor, Creepy Archives, Goon and Vamperilla Scarlet Legion.

Till next week Happy Trails!

Chickweed

Today is the dance recital for the studio where my kids dance so I wanted to do a review of something that has to do with dance. Trouble is, none of the comics I have pertain to dance, unless you count the travesty known as Dazzler: The Movie, but I've already discussed that soft core porn mess and the less said about it the better.

Fortunately, I've recently discovered a comic strip that seems to be all about dance. And, to keep this more fun, I'm not going to do any internet background searches. Instead, I'll just write from what I know by my reading of 9 Chickweed Ln. This a comic strip I stumbled across a few months ago that appears to revolve around the lives of 3 dancers in a dance company. There's a blonde female, a blonde male and a brunette female. The only name I remember is Fernanda, the brunette, who's from Argentina, I think.

When I started reading the blonde male and Fernanda were having dinner, than walking down a street. This strip works on a very langourous pace. Many of them have no dialog and all of them come across as very artsy and stylized. I will go so far as to say it's written and drawn by Brooke McEldowney, which I did have to look up.

Despite it's pacing, this strip suddenly had my attention because blonde male and Fernanda were having sex. This was quite curious because 1) I had already figured out blonde male is supposed to be gay, and 2) the sex was shown in a more direct way than is usually found in newspaper strips. More direct being a relative term. Unfortunately I can't find the actual strip, which was back in March some time. It showed a view of a bed side from the floor, looking upward and two hands intertwined toward the edge of the bed. As comic strips go, that's pretty direct.

Of course, since that time blonde male has been an object of scorn from Fernanda because he tried to backpedal from the relationship, what with being gay and all. It's all very soap opera, but I've really enjoyed the dance sequences with their flowing elegance. I'm not sure I'm getting the smoldering heat that's supposed to be passing between blonde male and Fernanda during a Bolero pas de deux, but I like the lines. The faces aren't quite conveying what is being intended, if the commentary by the other characters attending the performance is an indication of what's supposed to be passing between blonde male and Fernanda.

More than what's intended, I've enjoyed the inadvertant humor that comes up at times. I thought the sex scene was quite funny, but maybe that's just me. More often, it's been the facial expressiosn that seem to range from disinterest to disgust but not much else. I'm sure this thing will drag on forever, but for the moment it's a bit of fun. And, it's free, so what the hell.

A Retraction of Sorts

Okay, so the kids are away today, which means I got to sleep in on a Saturday. Being well rested, I felt like seeing a movie with my wife. We had two choices: Kung Fu Panda 2 or Green Lantern in 2D. Without any cajoling from me, my beloved choose GL to see on the big screen. We're on the same wavelength this weekend, because that's what I really wanted to see too (we also independently picked the same toppings for our Stromboli last night). So, how was it the second time around, especially after all my comments from this morning's post?

I REALLY REALLY ENJOYED IT!

I wasn't tired. I got to see the extra scene. And the CGI looked MUCH better in 2D! (I could make out more details.) Ryan Reynolds is so watchable and I actually did see Hal rise to hero status by the end this time. Sure there are still plot holes and it moves real fast, but most of the script is quite good overall. I wasn't distracted by all that was "wrong" with the movie, so I could focus on all that worked.

For some movies you'll only experience the full rush the first time. It's not that it doesn't "hold up", but some scenes can't replicate your reaction on repeated viewings. That's what it was like seeing THOR a second time. Other movies may not give you that initial rush, but watching it again makes you appreciate it more. GL has scenes that I'll enjoy and laugh at every time (like seeing him drive down the road wrapping his nephew's birthday present).

So, sorry for being so wishy-washy, but I did have three strikes against me the first go-around.

Super 8 and Green Lantern Aren’t All They Could Be

When’s the last time you tried to do it twice in one day? The older you get, the less stamina you have for such an ambitious endeavor -- No matter how excited you are about the prospect. Case in point, last Friday Jun 17, when I saw Super 8 in IMAX at 1000 and Green Lantern in Real3D at 1420. After thoroughly enjoying both THOR and X-Men: First Class, I was really looking forward to both these films, hence the scheduled day off from work. Although, the pre-release negative buzz on Green Lantern, which I tried my best to ignore, influenced my decision to see Super 8 first -- when I was wide awake. Yes, by the time I saw GL, I was struggling (strike one) – it was during my normal “day off” nap time, so keep that in mind when I get to it.

So, I had just finished an early morning round of PT (translation: I didn’t get to sleep in very much), before heading off to the local theater. With her mother up for the day to watch the little ones, my wife was to meet up with me no later than 0930 to purchase the tickets. I arrived earlier, so while I was waiting, I moseyed over to the Green Lantern poster on the outside wall. I was studying his mask, specifically how it looked like it was painted on his face, when this guy walks up and starts telling me that I look like Hal Jordan [Note: NOT Ryan Reynolds]. I have short brown hair, but that’s about where the similarity ends – although I’m sure a green mask would help with the lines on my face. It would’ve been a classic Candid Camera encounter, because…The Guy. Wouldn’t. Stop: “Are you Green Lantern?” he persisted, repeatedly. Then it got worse. He started asking people walking by, if they agreed with him! It was embarrassing. I was concerned that people might have mistakenly thought that I actually believed him and was enjoying the attention, rather than see me as the polite, innocent “victim” that I was. I finally couldn’t take it anymore and hid inside the lobby, so that he would go away. I told my wife when she arrived, knowing that if there were any hint of truth in his outrageous claims, she’d let me know. “You look good, but…” Chalk that up as another contributing factor to my Green Lantern experience (strike two). But we’re not there yet, folks – that’s over four hours away – it’s time for Super 8.

On early Saturdays
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Comics And...publishes
The posts I write.

We get "hits" a plenty
But comments are slight
Unless we're controversial
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There will be SPOILERS throughout…

SUPER 8 -- Review

J.J. Abrams must secretly want to film part of my life story, because he has a way of really hooking me in during the very first sequence. In Star Trek (2009), Kirk’s father dies without ever holding his son (I don’t think he even gets to see him on the view screen). Super 8 opens in a local factory, focused on an accident board where a guy is changing the dates from several hundred to one. We find out later, that the mother of main character, Joe Lamb, was killed on the job, because she was filling in for someone else’s shift when the tragedy occurred. So, if the drunken slob, father of Alice – the romantic interest of Joe, had gone to work that day, he would have died. Nothing could be more realistic to me. Of course, one of the earliest missteps of this film is that they prolong the “mystery” of Alice’s father’s connection with Joe’s mom and dad, the town-deputy sheriff, for too long. You first wonder if he might have had an affair with her. I suppose it was all designed for a big reveal later on, but it didn’t work completely. Also, when the two dads (in bitter conflict at the beginning of the film) finally “kiss and make up”, the forgiveness is great, but the resolution still seemed a little too quick.

One of the big draws for me seeing this picture was that it was a period piece set in the summer of 1979. Although the kids were slightly older than I was at the time (they’re getting out of middle school, maybe between 7th and 8th grade, while I was only between 3rd and 4th in real life). Regardless, the film captures the era PERFECTLY! When they’re showing the inside of someone’s bedroom, with the board games, shag carpet, models, posters, paneling, etc. – I’m there all over again. The entire ensemble cast of Joe and his group of filmmaking friends is awesome, funny, and wonderful. It’s so good in fact that it kept me from disliking the film when the plot was derailed…literally.

The kids while conducting a midnight filming of a zombie-flick along the tracks witness a train wreck. With boxcars dropping like hailstones, the kids miraculously survive, but that’s somewhat believable (for a movie). I was even okay when they discover their old science teacher deliberately drove his truck onto the tracks. Maybe he was committing suicide or just drunk. No, he wanted to stop the train to free the massively destructive, people crushing, Cloverfield-looking monster that was brutalized by the EVIL US military. The military was portrayed so unsympathetically; it was ridiculous. Even if I had read the free DC comic preview (which was quite good and a clever way to have a comic book connection in a summer of "comic" films) beforehand, it still wouldn’t have provided enough motivation for the Air Force officer and ALL his soldiers to be acting so poorly towards the townspeople.


I had major problems with the monster too. I didn’t like the way he looked, he seemed really destructive and evil, but then at the end you’re supposed to have an ET moment and wish him a fond farewell. [Oh, there should be a warning on every trailer if the music they play ISN’T the music from the actual film. They play something you’re emotionally attached too to get you to want to see it. I think they used a few notes from ET on this one.] What was he doing with those people in the cave, preparing to eat them or just hanging them upside down to chat with them? It was BAD, but the nice thing was that (like a frog in a pan of hot water) you didn’t really realize how bad and convoluted it was until you got to the very end. All these red herrings to enhance the mysteries, such as the monster is terrifying to the monster is just a misunderstood victim, just made it difficult to switch gears when you finally got the real scoop. This should have been an exceptional, moving film, but all the missteps (and a full bladder for the final hour) left me detached. During the credits we actually get to see the finished film that they were making all along – it’s GREAT (better written from start to finish then the actual movie). Don’t see it for the monster story, see if for the kids and a chance to experience 1979 (if you missed it the first time-around).

GREEN LANTERN -- Review

The best part of Green Lantern for me was taking my 13 year-old son out of school (like I did for Iron Man). He asked me what was going on and I said he had “an appointment”. He asked what for and I slyly redirected his inquiry with a question of misdirection. “Did Mommy tell you about the Dentist?” Of course, she hadn’t, because he wasn’t going to the dentist. He was pretty stoked when we pulled into the theater and even happier when he realized we were seeing it in 3D. After the movie was over we had one of those all important father-son urinal chats. “What did you think?” he asked. “It was okay.” I said unenthusiastically. “I thought it was okay too.” he responded. I questioned him later to make sure he wasn’t just echoing my sentiments and he said that’s how he really felt about it.

Okay is better than horrible, but it’s not very good either. It’s only marginally better than a “C” or “Average”. So, what went wrong? Well, I thought it went too fast. Sure, it was a linear story and was faithful to the comics, but compared with Super 8, which spent a great deal of time developing its characters, GL was just BOOM here they are. I never felt that Hal ever really stepped into the hero role either. I liked Sinestro and I liked Hector Hammond. I thought it was dumb that they killed Hector off. I hated Parallax and it was a total joke that the entire GL Corps wouldn’t even go to Earth to help him. It was even more ridiculous that he and he alone defeated the entity. Although unintentional, the funniest line was when Kilowog was taking credit for training Hal…for LESS THAN TEN MINUTES!!! I really enjoyed the scene where Carol tells Hal she knows who he is behind the mask. The energy construct sequences were good, but overall there weren’t that many and they ended too quickly.

I would have preferred that they had really followed the comic (from the 60’s) and NOT had the Guardians or the Corps in this movie AT ALL. Let him do some Green Lantern-ing around Earth for awhile first. Having him just fight Hammond would have been sufficient. It really felt like a TV movie, rather than a big-budget Hollywood flick. It reminded me of the series-finale of Smallville a little. “Was that it?” The distant flying sequences certainly were of the same quality. Oh, and I missed the extra scene (strike three)! I wasn’t expecting it in a non-Marvel film and I certainly wasn’t anticipating that Sinestro would take the yellow-ring so soon, especially after Parallax was already defeated. What was his motivation, jealousy? I was really looking forward to this film a month ago and it just didn’t meet my expectations. I mean THOR made me rush out and write a review the very same day and I’m still taking about how great X-Men: First Class was. I’m sure I’ll enjoying watching some scenes over again on Netflix someday, but as a whole it was only “okay”.

Now, I’m starting to worry about Captain America a little…

Extra, Extra, Extra -- A Late Edition

I read the Green Lunkhead spoof in MAD magazine last night before going to bed. I know it's supposed to be a parody, but in this case it's pretty faithful to the film. So, if you don't have the cash to see GL in 3D, buy this instead -- CHEAP -- (better yet check it out at the library like I did or flip thru it in the store). In the backgrounds they have just about every green pop culture character in the Green Lunkhead Corps such as Kazoo, Broomhilda, the green M&M girl, little sprout from Green Giant commercials, Kermit, Baby Bop, Shrek, etc. -- It's hilarious!

Marvel Preview Review August Part 2 of 2

Today, who will win? Greg's incessent happiness or Thomm terrible grouchiness?  Sunshine or clouds?  Light or Darkness?  Skinny dude with oddly perfect hair or Skinny dude with no hair? Gumby or Mole-man?  Read on and find out!

MYSTIC #1 (of 4)

Written by G. WILLOW WILSON

Penciled by DAVID LÓPEZ

Cover by AMANDA CONNER

A Crossgen title reimagined as only Marvel could! Eisner Award-nominated G. WILLOW WILSON (Air, Superman, Cairo) and superstar DAVID LOPEZ (HAWKEYE/MOCKINGBIRD, Catwoman) join forces to bring you the story of two seemingly ordinary orphan girls who find their lives turned upside down by magic…one of them will find herself responsible for saving the world and the other as her mortal enemy! The magic begins this August! 32 PGS./ $2.99

Thomm: G. Willow Wilson is one of the few Vertigo writers I just couldn’t get into. Not knowing what Crossgen is doesn’t help matters.

Greg: I wasn't wild about Air, but this concept sounds great and the preview art has been some of the best comic art I've seen in years. I know the sales on this crossgen stuff haven't been spectacular, but the results on the page have been very impressive. I hope Marvel and/or Disney can find some sort of audience for this stuff.

X-MEN #16

Written by VICTOR GISCHLER

Pencils & Cover by JORGE MOLINA

“THE LAND OF THE SKULL” The X-Men and the FF team up when strange happenings in the Bermuda Triangle threaten the Marvel Universe. Yes, you’ve seen the X-Men and the FF interact before, but never with Magneto and Dr. Doom on the side of the angels. Don’t miss this landmark team-up with an adventure that you have to see to believe. 32 PGS./ $3.99

Thomm: Considering I’ve seen a lot in comics, unless Magneto lays a big wet one on Doom, I don’t think there’d be anything I wouldn’t believe here.

Greg: In theory this is interesting, but this book has been so thoroughly uninspiring, I doubt that this story will change things.

X-MEN LEGACY #253

Written by MIKE CAREY

Penciled by KHOI PHAM

Cover by MICO SUAYAN

“LOST LEGIONS” Conclusion! Not only have the X-Men escaped the AGE OF X, but so have some of the most dangerous monsters lurking in Legion’s psyche! And one of them in particular is determined to retain his freedom. His power? Sucking the life out of his victims. The X-Men have never before encountered a foe like this…and at this issue’s close, Rogue will find her team a member or two short… 32 PGS./$2.99

Thomm: I know I’m old (but not as old as Jim), (Hey wait a minute no need for that - Jim) but how would the X-Men not have encountered a foe who sucks the life out of people? Mutant X, Dracula, Sauron, and the Brood come readily to mind from stories about 30 years ago. Much as I like Mike Carey’s work on Unwritten and Lucifer, I’m so burnt out on the X-Men, once my favourite title, I can barely muster a whiff of interest.

Greg: Carey's X stuff has been good, but he's very interested in the minutiae of the X universe and it can be very hit or miss. And can we please stop talking about X-Men and vampires, Thomm. The less I think about those stories the better.

X-23 #13

Written by MARJORIE LIU

Penciled by PHIL NOTO

Cover by KALMAN ANDRASOFSZKY

GUEST-STARRING THE FF! As X-23 searches for the sole survivor of her kill list, a seemingly-unstoppable force descends on New York and X-23 is its target…until an unlikely cavalry shows up. But maybe for a girl who struggles with her past, maybe the Future Foundation are the only ones that can help! 32 PGS./ $2.99

Thomm: The FF sure are getting around this month. The fact that that’s the only Marvel title I’m reading isn’t going to get me to read this. Don’t know the character, don’t know the creators, don’t care.

Greg: Well that's the kind of enterprising attitude we need on this blog. I haven't loved this creators' work, but it has been very popular with a certain segment of fandom. If you have a livejournal account, give this a look.

FANTASTIC FOUR BY JOHN BYRNE OMNIBUS VOL. 1 HC

Written by JOHN BYRNE, CHRIS CLAREMONT, MARV WOLFMAN, BILL MANTLO, STAN LEE & ROGER STERN

Penciled by JOHN BYRNE, MIKE ZECK, JACK KIRBY & RON WILSON
Covers by JOHN BYRNE
Collecting MARVEL TEAM-UP (1972) #61-62; MARVEL TWO-IN-ONE #50; FANTASTIC FOUR (1961) #215-218, #220-221, #232-262 and ANNUAL #17; PETER PARKER, THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN (1976) #42; AVENGERS (1963) #233; THING (1983) #2; and ALPHA FLIGHT (1983) #4. 1084 PGS./ $125.00
Thomm: If it’s by John Byrne why are there 5 other writers? Yeah, yeah, Byrne was the artist and co-wrote, I get it. You know, the years after the titles is a bit confusing. At first I was thinking that’s when these stories were published, then I remembered how everything old is new again and these things have been re-launched a few times since. If they go back to the Fantastic Four name and numbering again does that mean a new series will still be part of 1961?
Greg: Well I'm glad that we're focusing on what's important here.

OZ: OZMA OF OZ HC

Written by ERIC SHANOWER

Penciled, Cover by SKOTTIE YOUNG

Dorothy Gale plunges into adventure again, this time with a talking chicken named Billina. Dorothy and Billina are washed off their sailing ship to face drowning, starvation — and screaming Wheelers, strange men with wheels instead of hands and feet. The multiple Eisner Award-winning and New York Times-bestselling team of Shanower and Young returns to Oz with this comics adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s third Oz book! Collecting OZMA OF OZ #1-8. 192 PGS./ $29.99 Trim size: oversized

Lee: This series is utterly fantastic. I read it last week and loved it. This week the kids and I are reading it together. Considering it was originally published in 1907 it holds up incredibly well. Tons of verbal word play jokes make this an outstanding book.

Thomm: I really need to read the originals. I’d already been leaning that way with the goings on in Vertigo’s Cinderella.

Lee: This is as close to the originals as you can get without reading them. Shanower has been writing Oz stories for years, and he has stated that the only changes he made in dialogue were to incorporate dialogue from the original stage productions done at the turn of the century.
Greg: Marvel deserve a medal for giving us Skottie Young art like this. Amazing book and I wish Marvel published more stuff like it.

THE MARVEL ART OF JOHN ROMITA JR. HC

Written by JOHN RHETT THOMAS

Penciled, Cover by JOHN ROMITA JR.

He grew up in the shadow of a comics legend, but he didn’t stay there for long. John Romita Jr. may share a few things with his dad — an abiding loyalty for Marvel, an acumen for drawing some of the best Spidey panels to ever see print and a reputation as a master storyteller — but he’s done it all his own way. THE MARVEL ART OF JOHN ROMITA JR. celebrates JRJR’s three decades-plus in the industry he’s helped redefine with his explosive artwork. Compiling images that run the gamut of his career — including his work on Iron Man, Daredevil, the X-Men, the Avengers and, yes, Spider-Man — this deluxe art book will tell one of the great stories in comics: the career of John Romita Jr. 240 PGS./ $49.99 Trim size: landscape

Lee: Two points: (1) Why does Marvel do this for Romita Jr but not Kirby, or Ditko, or Kane, or Romita Sr. (2) why is this landscape when most of the art wasn’t drawn landscape?

Thomm: I got no answer for either of those. Marketing is something of a mystery to me with both DC and Marvel.

Greg: I'm sure that they have done or will do stuff for those other artists, so untwist your panties, Lee. Now, I know that when you first started reading comics in the 50's, Romita Jr. wasn't born, but just cause he wasn't a comics industry pioneer, doesn't mean he's not influential. He's probably one of the definitive superhero/comic artists of the modern era and I'd argue that his take on Spider-Man is almost as iconic as his father's. I'm not sure how many comic artists deserve their own art book, but he's one of them.

SHADOWLAND TPB

Collecting SHADOWLAND #1-5 and material from X-MEN: CURSE OF THE MUTANTS SPOTLIGHT.

SHADOWLAND: THUNDERBOLTS TPB

Collecting THUNDERBOLTS #148-151.
SHADOWLAND: STREET HEROES TPB

Collecting SHADOWLAND: DAUGHTERS OF THE SHADOW #1-3, SHADOWLAND: BULLSEYE, SHADOWLAND: ELEKTRA, SHADOWLAND: GHOST RIDER and SHADOWLAND: SPIDER-MAN.

SHADOWLAND: DAREDEVIL TPB

Collecting DAREDEVIL (1964) #508-512 and SHADOWLAND: AFTER THE FALL.

Thomm: Skipped all the first time. I’ll continue that trend.
Greg: Do yourself a favor and read the Shadowland Power Man series. Very fun stuff.

Thomm: Just what did I do to deserve this? Other than the Rucka Punisher, there’s nothing of interest for me here. I’m sure the Ozma book is good, but what I really want is the original L Frank Baum book.
Greg: Someone who didn't know creators or characters so they didn't care didn't find good stuff? I'm shocked. Shocked.
Lee: Many thanks to Thomm, who really doesn't read Marvel for filling in for me this month.  Even more thanks to Greg for putting up with him.  Next month, I'll be back and try to be positive.  Then again I said I wouldn't pick horror books for IDW and we all know how that went.

Marvel Preview Review August Part 1 of 2

Lee: Something different this month. I ran out of time to comment so I am picking and letting Thomm and Greg comment. I shall comment on a few books but mostly it’s gonna be the happy twins today. This should be good… really, really need that sarcasm font.

Thomm: This should be good. I only read one Marvel book right now.

Greg: I'm sure this will be all sunshine and roses. I think I'll need a drink for this.

FEAR ITSELF #5 (of 7)

Written by MATT FRACTION

Penciled by STUART IMMONEN

Cover by STEVE McNIVEN

The blockbuster Marvel event of the year continues!

Thor. Hulk. Thing.

The fight to end all fights. And while it rages, the Serpent's forces deal Captain America a blow not even he can withstand. 32 PGS./ $3.99

Lee: Hummm, that’s interesting. It appears that the name on the lead armorine is B. George. I wonder if it’s Boy George?

Thomm: Didn’t Cap just come back from being dead? What blow can’t he withstand?

Greg: The snark of the internet. Can he cope with a review from pitchfork? FIND OUT HERE TRUE BELIEVERS!

AVENGERS ACADEMY #17 & #18

Written by CHRISTOS GAGE

Pencils by SEAN CHEN (#17) & TOM RANEY (#18)

Covers by BILLY TAN

FEAR ITSELF TIE-IN. Trapped in the Infinite Mansion with murderous demigods, the heroes-in-training of Avengers Academy must do the unthinkable...or die! Is this the issue where the students choose evil? Find out as August delivers two issues of the series that IGN calls “the under-appreciated gem of the Avengers franchise.” 32 PGS. (each)/ $2.99 (each)

Thomm: Is “the under-appreciated gem of the Avengers franchise” a compliment? If the Avengers books suck, that’s faint praise. As heroes, shouldn’t they choose death over evil? Do they fail their training either way? I’m just so full of questions.

Greg: Well, open minds and all that I suppose. This is probably the best teen superhero book on the market. If you liked New Mutants or Generation X, its worth a look. Oh wait, I didn't go back far enough, did I? If you liked the Newsboy Legion its worth a look.

ULTIMATE COMICS ULTIMATES #1

Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN

Art by ESAD RIBIC Cover by KAARE ANDREWS

The Republic Is Burning. The next era has begun. As our heroes struggle to find their place in the world, the The Ultimates face game-changing threats even they can’t handle. And with the heart of the team missing in action, the country’s last stand of defense may be on its last legs. Critically acclaimed writer Jonathan Hickman (Fantastic Four, FF, Secret Warriors) and superstar artist Esad Ribic (Uncanny X-Force) drive the Ultimates into new and deadly territory! The series we’ve all been waiting for! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

Thomm: I’m so not the market for this. I don’t think I’ve ever read any Ultimate universe books. My level of disinterest is not being overcome by the teaser’s callithump.

Greg: For an imprint that was supposed to be designed as easy to jump into and relatively continuity free, the Ultimate books sure forgot their lesson, huh? That said, this looks like a strong relaunch for the line. Guys like Hickman and Spencer do stuff you don't really see elsewhere in mainstream comics and are exactly what these books need.

SPIDER-ISLAND: EMERGENCE OF EVIL - Jackal & Hobgoblin #1

Collecting AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #129 and #238-239.

76 PGS./ $4.99

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: INFESTED #1

Collecting material from AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #659-660 and #662-665.

32 PGS./ $3.99

Lee: Let me see if I understand this, the new Spidey mega event Spider island is being collected as single issues even as the event goes on? And then will be collected again later? Is it me or does this seem like gouging?

Thomm: All events are all about gouging. This is just amping it. I have no longanimity for this sort of thing.

Greg: Oddly enough, I think these are designed as an affordable/easy way for fans to catch up if they haven't been reading the Spider-books. Hard as it is to believe reading this column, there are people who don't think this stuff is complete garbage but also don't read everything. Strangely enough, none of those people write for this blog.

CAPTAIN AMERICA AND BUCKY #621

Written by ED BRUBAKER & MARC ANDREYKO

Penciled by CHRIS SAMNEE

Cover by ED McGUINNESS

The acclaimed team of Ed Brubaker, Marc Andreyko, and Chris Samnee bring you the next chapter in the definitive history of Cap and Bucky's early days. What was Cap and Bucky's first mission together? And what was the tragedy that happened on it that changed everything about who Bucky was? 32 PGS./ $2.99

Thomm: Oh, look. More revisions to character history. I liked it when Bucky was just the stand up sidekick who died at the end of WWII. Should have let him rest in peace. And what’s with the numbering? No way there’s been a title of this exact name for 621 issues.

Greg: Cyborg Russian Assassin Bucky is awwwwesome. I'm not sure if the world is crying out for this book, but that is a helluva creative team. Probably worth a look.

INCREDIBLE HULKS #635

Written by GREG PAK

Pencils & Cover by PAUL PELLETIER

"HEART OF THE MONSTER" CONCLUDES! THIS IS IT! The finale of Marvel scribe extraordinaire Greg Pak’s heralded Hulk run, and he’s not leaving without a fight! Or in this case, an uncompromising beatdown unlike anything the Hulk has ever endured. All the stops have been pulled out and nothing is off the table in this crushingly climactic issue brought to life by acclaimed artist Paul Pelletier, a must-read event for any and all fans of the Green Goliath in this awesome, extra-large final issue! 48 PGS./ $3.99

Thomm: You know, there’s a certain sameness to the teasers after awhile. The hero(es) engaged in some epic fight that’s the greatest of all time, written by someone who’s supposed to be the greatest since Kirby and the artists is some phenom or other. Why put out previews if you’re not actually going to say anything about what’s in the book?

Greg: I dunno, I think the end of the Pak run is the selling point here. I can't believe he's still on this book. World War Hulk feels like it took place ages ago.

THE PUNISHER #1

Written by GREG RUCKA

Penciled by MARCO CHECCHETTO

Cover by BRYAN HITCH

TIME TO GET BACK TO WORK. For Frank Castle death comes easy...life is where things gets complicated. Fully loaded with the Eisner winning writer Greg Rucka (Batwoman, Queen and Country, WOLVERINE) and neo-superstar artist Marco Checchetto (Amazing Spider-Man, Daredevil), the BIGGEST GUN of all returns with blood on his hands and vengeance in his eyes. As New York City's body counts continue to rise, the city's streets are teeming with more methodical criminals than ever and a police force doing it's best to keep its head above water. The Punisher has returned to serve his own brand of justice with everything's he's got... but can he survive the darkness stored in his own arsenal? Plus bonus pages exploring some of the new personalities in Frank's life...and how closely intertwined living is with dying. 40 PGS./ $3.99

THE PUNISHER #2

Written by GREG RUCKA

Penciled by MARCO CHECCHETTO

Cover by BRYAN HITCH

THE HOTTEST LAUNCH OF THE SUMMER CONTINUES. Hunting for the villains behind the Wedding Day massacre, The Punisher will leave no body unturned! With Detectives Bolt and Clemons on his tail, the massacre’s only survivor will seek the Punisher’s aid…which might be the worst of all possible choices 32 PGS./ $2.99

Thomm: Ok, finally something I might actually buy. That’s only because Rucka is the writer. He’s great with the non-super powered heroes, so this should be up his alley. None of that over the top stuff I didn’t pay any mind to.

Greg: I actually think that Rucka's stuff can be a little samey sometimes (maybe HE'S writing the solicits!) but he's got enough of a back catalog of good crime stuff that this is definitely worth a look.

GAMBIT: FROM THE MARVEL VAULT #1

Written by SCOTT LOBDELL

Penciled by GEORGE TUSKA

Cover by DAVID YARDIN

X-Man Gambit joins the Champions to take down the Mental Organism Designed Only For Killing! From those halcyon days gone by when the Champions were L.A.’s premier super-team comes this amazing assemblage featuring: Ghost Rider, the Black Widow, Angel, Remy LeBeau and the demi-god Hercules! The Champions are in a desperate race to stop the malevolent MODOK from coming into possession of the Scroll of Vishota. With such a parchment in your control, world domination is but moments away. Looks as if the ragin’ Cajun showed up just in time! 32 PGS./$2.99

Thomm: I don’t know if I’ve ever rooted for the villain so much, especially without having read the story. If MODOK had killed off all these guys, but especially Gambit, life would have been good. ‘Course, they’d all be back from the dead soon enough. I wonder if comic book companies (that would be DC and Marvel) have the least concept that the finality of death is an important element of being human and to remove it from characters makes them less sympathetic and engaging. I guess it doesn’t matter if your target audience is still in the stage of thinking it’s immortal.

Greg: I contributed far too much money to the Lobdell family during the 90's. I shan't be making that mistake again.

Will Thomm ever cheer up? Can Greg withstand any more of Thomm’s insanity? Will the pain never end? Find out tomorrow true believers!



IDW Preview Review August

Lee: Ok, something different this month. Because you have complained so much, I am going to try something different. No horror comics this month. I shall replace all the horror books with pricey hc’s that you can’t afford! Better?

Thomm: At least it’s variety. Now if we could vary your shameless whining about other people whining...

Creed Omnichronos SC

Trent Kaniuga (w & c)

Collecting EVERY issue of the hit 90s indy comic book, CreeD into one massive volume, CreeD: Omnichronos tells the story of an outcast teenage boy, but this is no ordinary boy. You see... Mark Farley can travel to another world-a dreamworld where he once had the power to create anything he could imagine. In reality, he is powerless, and not even really very well liked. But in this other dimension he must face off against all of his most sinister and dark nightmarish demons, as the powerful Creed. Morphing dreamfrog dragons as protectors, talking trees, and floating islands await him, but at the center of it all lies a massive void that threatens to destroy both the dreamworld and reality. Only the true creator of the dreamworld can save both, but not if he gets caught napping in class again. 540 pgs. $29.99

Lee: It seems like everyone is producing phone book collections of comics these days. I hear that Creed still has a strong following so this should sell pretty well. Personally, it has early Kaniuga art which appeals but I need to see how the monthly budget stacks up before commiting.
Thomm: At $30 this isn’t even a budget disaster. It sounds quite interesting. You really are improving here.

Mnemovore HC (IDW) Ray Fawkes, Hans Rodionoff (w) Mike Huddleston (a & c)

Return to the crawling dark of Mnemovore in this first-ever collected edition of the groundbreaking 2005 horror series! Kaley Markowic is a world-class snowboarder, shattered by a calamitous accident. In the struggle to reassemble her mind, she encounters a monstrous, ancient predator hidden outside of normal human perception. Standing by and watching it devour everyone and everything she's ever cared about is not an option... but fighting it might prove to be even worse. By Ray Fawkes (Possessions, The Apocalipstix), Hans Rodionoff (Lovecraft, Man-Thing: Whatever Knows Fear), and Mike Huddleston (The Coffin, Deep Sleeper). $24.99

Lee: Sorry, but I had to pick this book even though it has a horror type theme. This is interesting because it was originally published by Vertigo back in 2005. From what I can remember (and find on the internet) it appears this was part story, part movie script. It also appears that it didn’t read very well in long form because there was a lot to remember between issues. But, I have found that books which read bad in comics can often read very well when collected. Without the breaks, the ideas the author is trying to achieve become cleaner. The Huddleston art keeps me interested but this is another game day decision.
Thomm: And so much for that new direction. Can’t say as a protagonist who’s a snowboarder is crying out to me as someone interesting to follow.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Ongoing #1

Kevin Eastman, Tom Waltz (w) Dan Duncan (a)

They're BACK! This summer, the original heroes in a half-shell make a triumphant return to comics! Leonardo, Donatello, Michaelangelo, and Raphael reunite to bring their ninja aptitude and teenage attitude to IDW Publishing in this all-new, action-packed series. Featuring a cast of familiar characters-Master Splinter, April O'Neill, Casey Jones, and more-and true to the spirit of the original comics created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are bigger and badder than ever, and ready to rock old and new fans alike! $3.99

Lee: Have the TMNT been out of print for that long? I know that Archie published them for a long, long time. Then Mirage Studio’s did it, and after that I don’t know. Some of the Mirage work was very, very good and worth searching for. As for the relaunch, I’m interested to see if they move the characters away from their kiddie roots and make them grim and gritty. Talk about a catch-22, if they don’t modernize the characters then it probably won’t survive for long but if they do there is a chance they will alienate the core audience.
Thomm: I was never a fan, but the core audience to me was my wife’s 4 year old cousin, so that has always skewed it a bit for me. Wasn’t it originally a parody of the X-Men and the Teen Titans?

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Ultimate Collection HC

Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird (w) Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird, and Michael Dooney (a) Eastman, Laird (c)

Rediscover the underground roots of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, starting with this special edition hardcover collection of Mirage Studios' issues #1-7 along with the Raphael one-shot by creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird! With over 300 pages of mutated-martial arts action, this volume is perfect for fans to relive the glorious days of the Turtles' origins as well as an excellent place for new readers to see where the TMNT phenomena began. $49.99

Lee: Now this is a keeper. Even though $50 for 300 b&w pages is really pricey, these stories are actually pretty good. And, these are the stories pre cartoon, watered down turtles. If you have a lot of extra money it’s a fun read.

Thomm: A lot of extra money certainly leaves me out. Not that it stops the investment houses from calling me about schemes that require a minimum of $10,000...

Anne Rice: Servant of the Bones #1 Anne Rice & Mariah Huehner (w) Renae DeLiz & Ray Dillon (a) DeLiz (c)

Anne Rice, among the most iconic creators in horror, brings one of her richest stories to IDW in this six-part tale of murder, demonic revenge, and the redemptive power of faith. When a beautiful young woman is brutally slain in the streets of New York City, the demon Azriel sets out to discover who killed her, only to find a far more sinister plot that could end the world. Once a human in ancient Babylon, Azriel is a spirit of rage and terror that gradually rediscovers his humanity through holy vengeance and spiritual love. Ornately illustrated by the New York Times Best-selling team of Renae DeLiz and Ray Dillon. $3.99 #1 of 6

Lee: Ok, so I failed at not picking horror stories but what do you want ? I just wanted to complain for minute that I think Anne Rice ruined Vampires for those of us that actually like teeth nashing, neck chomping vampires. Don’t get me wrong, Interview With the Vampire, & The Vampire Lestat were very good books. But then it went completely off the rails. Then again, I am not the target audience so I am sure Gwen will love this. Rah rah Anne Rice and Twilight.

Thomm: I’ve not read much Anne Rice nor any Twilight, but from what I have gathered about each, Anne Rice is a far superior writer. At least Joss Whedon hewed to the chomp, bite school of vampires, mostly. Stabby with wry humor. Now that’s the way to tell a vampire story (not so much the love that can’t be consummated part).

Lee: An interesting month from IDW. Lots to look at but I am not sure how much will actually make it home.

Thomm: You really sucked at sticking to the no horror rule. Two of 5 titles are horror, and two of the non-horror are TMNT.

Lee: I was easing into it. Less than 50% of the books were horror. I'm sure I can do better next month.