It is the end of April... do you know what that means? My monthly comicbook order is coming. Just counting the days...

Washington is gorgeous. This is suppose to be a comic book blog, but I just came back from vacation. We went to Seattle, Washington... missed Emerald-con by a few weeks. Let me say that Washington absolutely beautiful. My girlfriend and I went to the tulip festival and we took some great pictures. Hope you enjoy them!

Teen Titans Go!: This blogging thing is harder than I thought. With life going full stream and little spare time, I don't know how people keep their blogs running. Well, I have been catching up with TV with the help of the evil Tivo. (Currently with Tivo, I have watch more TV efficiently than any other part of my life.) The show I am currently in love with is the Teen Titans Go! series. I must admit that this show is awesome and very well written. The roster includes: Robin, Starfire, Beast Boy, Cyborg, and Raven. Plus they have many guest stars that really create a fun superhero universe for the Titians to play in. The character designs of the gueststars of the supporting cast are great and even better than the orginal.As I was mentioning before that the series is well written. I love how they have used by past storylines, but with a creative new twist. My current favorite is the Terra storyline. Currently Cartoon Network is playing mostly highlights from past seasons in the morning and newer episodes on Saturday night. Edited- After further reading on the internet, apparently this series is getting canned. That sucks 'cuz I was getting to enjoy this series.

Batman Annual #25, Blue Beetle #2, Green Arrow #60, Green Lantern #10, Robin #148: Well, I am finally going to get around posting some new reviews. This time around I am going to focus on the ultra hot One Year Later event that has been running through the DC world. The premise is that one year has past in the world after the Infinite Crisis and the world has changed.

Batman Annual #25: Okay, so the first review is not on a OYL book, but it is one that has gotten a lot of press and hype (enough to get a second pressing). Red Hood, er Hush, er Jason Todd has been running amuck in Gotham and torturing poor old Batman. Well, this is the issue that tells how Jason Todd survived the blast and the thousands of votes to kill Jason. (Perhaps the postal man lost hundreds of vote to save Jason.)
Storywise Judd Winick does admirable job showing Jason's pain and motives. You actually feel sorry for Jason and understand why he hates both the Joker and Batman so much. The art by Shane Davis is good and would work as the regular penciler. My only complaint is the price of $4.99. Wow can DC really jack the price. The story was good, but not 5 dollar good? RATINGS: STORY- 7/10 ART- 7/10

Blue Beetle #1: So the first Blue Beetle was kill in the OMAC series and of course to bring in a new one in his own series. To be honest, I did not really care for the character the first time. So I was tempted to pass on this one. Meet Jamie. He is your ordinary teenager in El Paso, Texas who happen to find this strange blue beetle. Of course, he runs into Guy Gardner and they fight, which ends with the realization that he is the Blue Beetle.
This issues is your standard first issue comic. It introduces the main character and his supporting cast while focusing on teenage superheroes problems. Average story with average art. Plan to check out the next issue before making final decision. RATINGS: STORY- 5/10 ART- 6/10

Green Arrow #60: It is a year later in Star City. Things have changed. Green Arrow is missing. The city is suffering from the fallout of Amsterdam Disaster. Oh by the way Ollie Queen is mayor of the city.
This premise reminds me of happened in Daredevil when he took over Hell's Kitchen. Hopefully Ollie will have better luck than Daredevil. (Since Daredevil is in jail now). I am really interested in where Judd Winick is planning for this Ollie. Call me a fanboy, but I love Scott McDaniel artwork. I love his style and storytelling. RATINGS: STORY- 8/10 ART-8/10

Green Lantern #10: I have been talk about the great job Geoff Johns as been doing for comics. He has resurrected the Flash franchise and keep me hooked on the Teen Titians. Seems like everything he has touch has turn into gold. Green Lantern has been no exception. Up to now, this series has been on an excellent direction. Unfortunately, the OYL may have slow things down... There is a bounty on Hal's head. The United Nation hates Hal. And of course Green Lanterns has a beef with Hal. Nothing is going right.
Unfortunately, OYL came at the wrong time for GL. This issue lays some groundwork for the future, but this issue itself is weakest from Geoff. But there is potential in future storylines... Sinestro. I like Ivan Reis's art. It has a strong traditional sense. RATINGS: STORY-5/10 ART-7/10

Robin #148: Robin has turned Gotchaman. Well at least the style of his costume. The issue starts with Robin finding himself in an alley with what appears to be a dead Batgirl. Of course, the dead Batgirl is really Lynx. The real Batgirl is no where to be found. Now a chase to find Robin the killer begins.
This is probably the most intriguing comic of this batch. Roam Beechan is new to me, but I think I am going to enjoy future issues by. My favorite line is when Batman replies to Robin explaining that he did not kill Batgirl, "I figure it wasn't the real Batgirl. You couldn't have beaten Cassie." Going to love Roam's humor. The art is uneven for me. RATINGS: STORY- 8/10 ART-3/10

Work has been a killer this past month and my poor blog has been neglected. My new shipment of comics will be coming soon and so much as happened this month. I am going to finally find out what happened in Infinite Crisis #5. And One Year Later comics that is getting some much press. I can't wait.

Fantastic Four 534 & 535: Who's comics is this anyways?
J. Michael Straczynski (JMS), you kill me. Ever since he has taken over this comic, it has been a battle to read his issues. Some comics I breeze through and enjoy them effortlessly. With JMS's comic it has been a major struggle, in particular the Fantastic Four and Supreme Power. But I still continue to buy both comics because of the story art by FF's Mike McKone and SP's Gark Frank.
So the Thing and Human Torch has chased to the Hulk to Las Vegas. All this happened because Child Protective Services deemed the Richards as endangerment to their children and has taken custody. The FF needs to locate the Hulk since he is godfather to the kids and could legally take the kids while the FF battled CPS. Of course, the Hulk is in rage mode and starts battling the Thing and Human Torch. Can they calm him down enough to save the kids from the CPS?
The first question I asked, "Is who's comic is this anyways?" JMS wrote a Hulk story, and mislabel this issue with a Fantastic Four label. It is full of flashbacks of Hulk's saddest moments in life. (I wish some one would tag the flash back to the appropriate comic, because I'm sure the younger reader won't remember them.) At the end, you realize the Hulk is one badd muther... and can't be beat, thus leading to the "Planet Hulk" stuff going on the Hulk's own title.
The Thing comments about a conversation to Mr. Fantastic, "Then I made a little joke and said maybe the only way to really protect the world from the Hulk if he ever goes really nuts is ta stick him in a rocket and shoot him out into space-- Let him be somebody else's problem." Of course, they actually do that anyways. Oh by the way, FF ended up not needed the Hulk as a godfather, because somebody blows up the safehouse where the kids were suppose to be, proving that the safest place for the kids is with their parent. So does this event mattered, probably not.
These issues were entertaining, but could be better. JMS continues to hurt me, but I keep taking because of Mike McKone. I loved his work on Teen Titians and wished he had stayed on. RATINGS: STORY- 5/10 ART- 8/10

Runaways 13, X-Static- Deadgirl 2, & Young Avengers 10:
When I get my latest shipment of comics, I get the aura of anticipation and glee. For me, it is my personal Christmas every month. Each comic has the potential to entertain and wow me and along with disappointment. Currently Runaways & Young Avengers are the first comics I read because they have been consistently excellent and well done. And don't forget to buy my comics, so check my auctions out.

Runaway 13: So by now, everyone should be reading this comic. The comic is awesome. I think everyone on this planet is harping how great this comic is. If you haven't read this comic, stop reading this blog and go buy it.
Princess Power AKA Molly is far away from her teammates and wakes up an unfamiliar sewer surrounded by other kids. These kids are under the control of the evil Provost. Provost uses a special collar to force children to become thieves and steal money for him. Little does he know that he has Princess Power to answer to now...
Listen, go buy this comic. You will not regret it. This comic is a single issue storyline which is rare these days, but give you a good feel how general the comic is which is fun. Adrian Alphona, the artist is excellent is capturing the energy and emotion of these characters. Brian K. Vaughan has yet to produce an issue that fails to entertain me and crave for more. RATINGS: STORY- 10/10 ART: 10/10

X-Static Presents: Deadgirl 2: Dr. Strange feels something is wrong with the world of the dead. The Pitiful One is resurrecting dead super-powered heroes and villains to help bring mayhem and death to the living. Dr. Strange knows one on person who can help him... Deadgirl. To entice the dead to help, he knows a sercet that the dead wants: how to become part of the living again.
You would think Dr. Strange who enlist of some of Marvel's heavy hitters instead of Deadgirl, but he choose with Deadgirl and we would have some of the campy-ist dialogue and situations yet. We get the Dead Sisters' book club, Ant-man fighting carpet bugs, and Sensitive Man's phobia of doctors. What more do you really need. Peter Milligan & Mike Allred style really shines. This comic shows why the X-static worked and was so popular. (I think near the end of X-static's run they were getting bored and need time off. Hopefully this will rekindle something and bring that comic back.) Nick Dragotta which is the co-artist with Mike does a good job of continuing the style of the art. Of course Laura Allred's coloring is one of my favorites. This mini-series has become of one of my favorite and will be eagerly awaiting each following issue. RATINGS: STORY- 9/10 ART- 10/10

Young Avengers 10: The Super Skrull has kidnapped the Hulking. The Hulking apparently is a skrull and the only hope for the skull empire. The Young Avengers must now muster some fire power to get him back. They head to Starks tower only to find the New Avengers out on a mission, but the new Vision is there. He locates another super-powered youth to help them battle the Super Skrull... but he is in the federal prison. Can we say jail break! And is this new person going to be a model citzen or a killer.
I was really skeptical when I first heard this comic. I thought is was another one of the new Marvel comics that was going to suck and disappear (Livewires & Spellbinders to name 2.) But this comic has really worked and I keep buying it every month. Allan Heinberg and Jim Cheung did a great job creating these characters. Of course, their origins are so interesting and bring so many questions. One of the popular rumors is that Wiccan is a child of the Scarlett Witch, which will be interested to see how that pans out. Allan has a knack for bring the teenage angst and struggles while not boring the old fans (like me). Jim penciling have be good and clean. RATINGS: STORY- 8/10 ART-8/10

COMICS FOR SALE (shamless plug):
Ebay is having another one of those 10 cent listing fee deal. Sorry it ends a midnight. So I have listed some of my comics for sale. Some pretty goos deals. All comics are shipped and packaged carefully. So check my auctions out.
By the way, I got my new comics in today. Yeah for me!

It came from the movies:
I swear this story is true. A gang of art thieve steal 5 million dollars worth of painting from the Chacara do Ceu museum in Rio de Janeiro on Friday. The escaped into a sea thousands of Brazilians during Carnival. The paintings were Pablo Picasso's "The Dance" and a book by him titled "Toros" Claude Monet's "Marine", Henri Matisse's "Garden of Luxembourg" and Salvador Dali's "Two Balconies." This caper sounds like it came from the movies: able to take the painting from a high security museum and making their getaway in a crowd parade.
Reminds me of another theft in Norway. On 22 August 2004, another original of The Scream, together with Munch's Madonna, was stolen (note that Munch painted several versions of The Scream). This time the thieves targeted the version held by the Munch Museum, from where the two paintings were stolen at gunpoint and during opening hours. Of course, six people has been arrested. Remember, crime does not pay... and knowing is half the battle.

Yesterday was a good day, of course today I have to work:
Last night I went to the Coldplay concert in Houston. Let me say it was awesome. Fionne Apple was the opening act and did a good job. Her set which was probable on 30-45 minutes long was 6-7 songs long. The set included all 4 songs that I was familar with (including "Criminal" and "Shadowboxer"), so it was entertaining for the most part. The songs that I did not know was made interesting with her spastic seizure like movements.
Then Coldplay went on stage... I must admit that I haven't been to a concert in like 4 years and I missed the energy and fun live music. (I think the last concert was another Brit-pop band, Travis.) I felt like a 13 year old school girl, screaming and cheering. Coldplay did not disappoint. Chris Martin is soulful and charmastic on stage. You can't help but sing along with them. The band has been a round for 3 albums and each one has its number of hits, which allows the causal fan sing too. The highlights of this concert: "Yellow", "Scientist", Johnny's Cash's "Ring of Fire", "Spiderwebs", and "Swallow in the Sea." At the end of the concert, you are hoping they would do every song and a few more cover songs too. If you have chance to catch them live, I would highly recommend it.
And this week, my comics are coming in... I'm so excited. I'm giddy like a 13 year old.

Bone: One Volume Edition:
The title of my blog is "A month behind..." Sometimes I am a little more behind, like years... Bone finished among 2 years ago and Jeff Smith was kind enough to create 1332 page monster to contained to whole Bone series in reference sized graphic novel. (Again thank you Jeff.)

The Bone cousins are lost in a desert from getting run out of Boneville. They stumble into a land not familiar to themselves: a land full of rat creatures, little and big bugs, dragons, and of course humans. When these three bones enter this new world, it set off a series of events leading to the past to be uncovered, evil reborn, and change for better or worst.

This literature masterpiece leaves me speechless. This is what all comics should aspire to be: fun, entertaining, emotional, suspense... This comic does this without vulgarity or gimmicks. Everyone should read this comic from ages 4-99. If you were buying this comic bi-monthly, you were probably frustrated from the pace this comic was coming out. The end of every issues only causes the reader to crave for more, but in this complete dictionary sized, the reader doesn't have to wait and the price is perfect. Only listed at $39.99, but you can usually find it cheaper online or ordering from your comic book retailer. The art is fantastic. Simple clean lines express emotion and action without the need of color. (But I'm still tempted to buy Bone in color from the Scholastic Books.) Again, you must read this comic, then share it with everyone. It is that good. RATINGS: STORY-10/10 ART- 10/10

BPRD: Black Flame & Revelations:
Well, it is back to work. Vacation is way too short. I was planning to post a couple more reviews before going back to work. I was going to cover 2 Dark Horse titles: BPRD: Black Flame and Revelations which both series just ended. Now that I have to work, the reviews will be shorter. With these non Marvel/ DC mini series I like to read them after I get all the issues in and read in one big lump. It seems to make more sense to me, until of waiting month after month. There are it advantage of doing that. One, you get the sense of the whole picture. Two, less waiting between issues. And three, it nice to take a lazy weekend to read comics. (Of course, you may ask why not wait for the trade... I'm not organized to plan ahead and figure which trades I want ahead of time.) The disadvantages are if a series bomb, you can't stop buying those issues. Two, there is no time to "marinate" between issues. You can't imagine and anticipate what is going to happen next. And lastly, you are not up to date with your comic book reading peers.

BPRD: Black Flame 1-6: BPRD is back again for another series. (I always wonder why don't just make this an ongoing series.) And boy this comics flies. The plot moves quickly. An new villain is introduced. An old enemy is back with vengeance. A friend dies and a warning of this to come.
This series has become one of my favorites. It comic is fun like Noble Causes, with supernatural twist. Mike Mignola and John Arcudi maintain and propel the excellent storyline, while adding new detail to the already rich history of the Hellboy world. Reading this series in one sitting is highly recommend, 'cuz you won't be able to wait for the next issue. Guy Davis's art has been an excellent fit to the mood and environment. RATINGS: STORY- 9/10 ART- 8/10

Revelations 1-6: Humberto Ramos and Paul Jenkins has been hot combo. There work on the Spiderman titles has been highly acclaimed and praised. Personally, I'm a huge fan-boy of Ramos. Always loved his work on Impulse, Flash, Crimson, DV8, and Out There... (again big fan.) So when I heard of this title, I was a giddy like a little school girl.
Detective Charlie Northern is sent to Italy for what appears to the murder of a high ranking religious official. Little does he realize what is in stored for him. Love, murder, and of course cult members...
To be frank, I was very disappointed with this series. I am not sure what the team was trying to accomplish with this series. A little noir, a little horror, and a little mystery, unfortunately not enough holding my attention. Ramos has not top of his game on this one. This is one series that should have stop after the 1st issue. (On a brighter note... I can't wait for Ramos work on Wolverine.) RATINGS: STORY- 4/10 ART-5/10

Co-writer of the "Curious George" was killed. So sad to hear and person who brought so much joy to some many children and the young at heart. R.I.P. Alan J. Shalleck

Soon my vacation will end. I will need to get on with my life. No more internet surfing. No more comic book reading. No more video game playing. No more fun... but until then here is another internetmovie I have found...

Since I have been on vacation for past couple of days. I have been doing alot more with this blog. And been surfing way too much. "Bad Boys" is a bad a$$ movie, a classic... Mike Lowwry!... must get out of the house. Anyways enjoy this blog by Mike Wieringo.

Added another link...Comic News International. Kinda messy site, but links to other types of sites like toys, movies and other stuff of interest.

ohh my gosh... the punchline of this video is funny and educational....

Well, January is a month of new beginings. Marvel has put out 14 #1 issues un Jaunary. I'm sure some poor suck bought all 14 of them. Here is my 2 cents of a few of them.

ULTIMATE EXTINCTION #1 (of 5) - Warren Ellis is finishing this ultimate trilogy. This time he is brings the excellent art of Brandon Peterson. Beware coming of Gah Lak Tus, which has been going on for the past 6 issues. The 1st part was a fun horror story leading to the discovery of Vision. The 2nd part introduced the Captain Marvell, but somewhat pointless. And now all leading to this series... The Ultimates and Fantastic Four are preparing for the coming Gah Lak Tus with the aid of their new ally Captain Marvell. Then the story introduces another, but unexpected one... Misty Knight. She is hired by a rich man to follow and observe his wife. His wife is under the influence of a new cult.
Overall Warren does a great job setting up this story. It will be insteading to see if he can excute well. I must admit he has caught my attention. Brandon is coming off his strong work from the Dr. Strange title and this issue is no exceptions. RATINGS: STORY- 8/10 ART: 9/10.

DAUGHTERS OF THE DRAGON #1 (of 6)- Talk about Misty Knight again. Who would have thought there would be 2 titles from different realities with her staring in them? Meet Misty Knight and Colleen Wing. They are bailwomen. They hunt villain that skip bail and bring them back to jail. Reminds me of She-Hulk and Damage Contol inc. in that they are heros doing occupation stuff in the super world. The two ladies are after the Rhino who apparently missed his court date. They take him down with lots of crashes and sass. Then leading to a new dangerous assignment.
Writers, Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti does a beautiful job re-acquainting us these characters. Misty and Collen are like sorority sister who get along, but love antagonizing each other. The art by Khari Evans, which I am not familar with, really give these character life and fun. I'm going looking forward to this series. RATINGS: STORY- 8/10 ART: 8/10.

X-MEN: THE 198 #1 (of 5)- Okay, I will admit it. I am an X-men nut. I will usually buy anything X-men related no matter how crappy it may be. This may be another crappy comic. M-day has come and go. Mutants and ex-mutants are experiencing the fallout. While Generation M deals with the ex powered mutants, I think this series is going to deal with powered mutants of Mutant Town. There is a new mutant hating group out there terrorizing mutants. They go after a mutant waitress and who is their to save her... Toad. The new couple head to X-mansion for haven, which is now guarded by sentinials. The new visitors join over mutant in the camp outside of the mansion in camp 198. (I don't understand, they live in a mansion, why won't they let the new mutants live in the mansion. Are they afraid some one is goning to steal Wolverine's art supplies?) Then enter Mr. M... (I have no clue who he is, except he is from District X.)
Story is very flat and very disinteresting. Art is fair. Hope the story gets better, cuz I'm already bored and afraid I wasted my $2.99. RATING: STORY 4/10 ART: 5/10

Ping pong matrix style- very funny, yet cool.

Funny trailer... and not porn