Poor Captain America....

1st they kill you in the comics... now you get arrested in the real world. Apparently Captain enters a bar with burrito in his pants. And the bartender say to the Capt, "I don't want to know wear you keep your salsa... maybe not. Read the story and just realize the poor Capt can't get a break.

Wii verus the world.

Part of the reason for lack of new posts this year would be to 2 things. 1st it was the new Zelda. I was not able to score a Wii at first, so I was force to play with Zelda-lite on Gamecube. After 30 hours of gameplay, I finished it. Then after many trips to my local Target, Best Buy, and Circuit City I was finally about to score a Wii. As many of you already now, Wii-ing is too much fun... better than that boring PS3. Check this video from G4's Attack of the Show for proof.

Waiting for my comics....

Last week Civil War #7 came out. Unfortunately, I have to wait to another 2 weeks before I can see the climatic conclusion for myself... or you can visit Chris's Invincible Super-Blog for his recap of the whole Civil War in 30 seconds. It is quick and funny. And best of all it save you twenty-five buck. It may be too late for me, but not you.

The Funny Is Back In The Funny Pages.

Fantastic Four #541:
I am not a Straczynski fan. I really don’t like what he has done with the Fantastic Four. I hate the way he characterizes both Richard and Susan Reed. The only reason I still get this title is for McKone’s excellent art… But I did enjoy issue the issues.

The Thing goes to France. Fed up with Civil War, Ben has left the stateside and traded this Yankee’s cap for a French beret. On the way in the airport, the US government freezes his assets. Once in France, Ben get kidnapped… what more can go wrong?

Again I really enjoy this issue, probably because it is a departure from Civil War. Plus it is pretty damn funny. I am tired of the forced drama that has been plaguing this series since Straczynski came on as writer. This issue brings back the fun that Waid and Wieringo had on their run. It is a total departure from Stracyznski’s style. RATINGS: STORY- 7/10 ART-8/10

She-Hulk #14:
More funny comics. Lately I have really been enjoying the humor superhero comics. She-Hulk has been part of my monthly comic book diet.

"Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Awesome Andy But Were Afraid to Ask." Ever wonder how the Mad Thinker's Awesome Android BECAME Awesome Andy? It's the origin you never expected-complete with a bombastic battle against the MIGHTY THOR! And an ending that'll knock your block off!“


Again this is another great issue by Team Dan Slott and Rick Burchett. I love the mini-plot lines and how everything connects and make sense. This isn’t your Chris Claremont’s comic. In addition, The comic is funny, whic makes this comic that much better. She-Hulk #14 was a fill-in issue to bridge the Agent of Shield arc that is coming, but it doesn’t feel like one. Issue 15 should be a great jumping on point for new readers. RATINGS: STORY- 9/10 Art 7/10

Happy Thanksgivings...
Hope all of you have a great Thanksgivings Day. Please be nice to each other tomorrow on Black Friday. More posts and reviews to come.

BREAKING NEWS...
In the realm of who gives a care... Brtiney and K-fed filed for divorced. They report "irreconcilable differences." Like she was rich and sucessfil and he was just white trash.

It is a Wild, Wild, Wildstorm.

Reading in comics in the 90’s, WIldstorms was one of the production groups that I really enjoy. I loved reading Wildcats, Stormwatch, Wetworks and Gen13. To hear they were re-launching the Wildstorm universe I was pretty psyched.

Wildcats #1:
The original title from Wildstorm is back. with Jim Lee and Grant Morrison at the helm. After some a delay or too… (Like All-Stars Batman & Robin), it has finally come out this month.

“Jim Lee makes his triumphant return to Wildcats, and he's bringing along an impressive new collaborator: superstar writer Grant Morrison! The man who redefined the JLA and Superman - and created groundbreaking works The Invisibles and WE3 - now brings his considerable talents to the Wildcats. In the aftermath of the events in Captain Atom: ARMAGEDDON, the WildStorm Universe has undergone a shift that will affect characters big and small. This first issue will reintroduce the Wildcats you know and love - but how will they differ?”

Jim and Grant delivered a solid book this month. I enjoy how they has not choose to ignore prior continuity in these characters. This issue is the standard first issue with for more or less introduction to the world and updating the reading. Like most of the world, the last issue I read of Wildcats was probably when Jim Lee was drawing it originally. I have a sense that they are going to bring Wildcats back as a Covert Action Team and no longer a corporate organization. RATINGS: STORY- 7/10 ART 8/10

Wetworks #1-2:
Vampires, werewolves, naked humans with golden symbiotes, and of course the evil government agency… welcome to the world of Wetworks. Believe it or not, I really enjoy this title during the first run. With Whilce Portacio back, this is going to be a fanboy’s wet dream or nightmare…

“Fan-favorite artist Whilce Portacio's legendary special forces team returns in classic fashion, aided and abetted by acclaimed writer Mike Carey (HELLBLAZER, LUCIFER)! Dane, team leader of Wetworks, is on a mission. He's forming a new team with the best of the worst. It's a bad world, filled with vampires, werewolves and all manner of nasty creatures. Someone's got to keep them in line. That's Wetworks' job - and it's not going to be easy.”

Oh the nightmare! I rarely say a comic is awful. But this is bad, enough to ask for my money back. This issue has lots of problems and I’m so stunned and confused after reading this title… I just know I did not like it. RATINGS: STORY- 2/10 ART- 6/10

The Authority #1:
I really was never into the Authority the first time. At the time, the deconstruction of superheroes was not my cup of tea. Now that I am older, I do enjoy some forms of it. So I decide to this title a spin.

“The WorldStorm rollout continues with the return of the most dangerous super-group on the planet! Grant Morrison, the universally acclaimed writer of All Star Superman, Seven Soldiers and Wildcats brings his talents to the new bimonthly series THE AUTHORITY, featuring art by Eisner Award-winner Gene Ha (TOP 10)! Morrison & Ha deliver an unparalleled sense of drama and dynamic storytelling to The Authority that will leave readers gasping for breath. The first issue starts with a bang and goes up from there, reintroducing the team with intriguing new twists and revelations!”

Unfortunately, I really don’t think I can fully discuss this issue. I was very disappointed with this issue. This issue showed lots of random scenes that will probably be setup for something really clever. With price of comics so high these days, I was hoping for something more. It is like paying $10 to see a movie and getting to see a teaser instead of the movie. If I continue to read this one, it is going to be in trade form and I would probably enjoys Grant’s storytelling more. RATINGS: STORY 3/10 ART 5/10.

GEN 13 #1:
Were you into the Gen13 hype back in the day? Did you try to get one of the 13 variant covers of issue one? Did you have a pin-up of Fairchild on your wall? I know you did….

“A new generation of adventure begins as superstar writer Gail Simone (Birds of Prey, Villains United) and artists Talent Caldwell & Matt "Batt" Banning (Wildcats: Nemesis) join forces to reimagine the classic WildStorm teen team! The life of a teenager can be a strange enough experience, but when super-powers are added to the mix things get a whole lot more confusing in a hurry! Meet Caitlin, Sarah, Roxy, Bobby, and Eddie - outcast teenagers from different parts of the country who quickly learn they all have something in common: abilities far beyond those of their classmates! But what's the secret to these wonderful and scary powers, and what role do the nefarious Tabula Rasa and International Operations play?”

This is probably the best of the lot. I love the work Gail Simone does and I think having a female writer will make this comic more that T&A for the preadolescent male. Already in this issue, I sense more attachment for these characters than in the past. Talent Caldwell and Matt Banning’s art really does shine in this issue- very Humberto Ramos-sque. RATINGS: STORY- 8/10 ART-8/10

Overall, this version of Wildstorm is alright. I plan to continue getting Wildcats and Gen 13. I’m dropping Wetworks and going to do a wait and see in the Authority. As for the other titles, I heard Deathblow was very good and might give it a try. Stormwatch PHD and the the Midnighter will come out latter this month.

Halloween has come and gone…
Sorry with the big delay between post. I have been finishing up a big project that has been devouring all my time. Hopefully now I can spend a few more moments with my precious blog. My October shipment also came this week more specially on Halloween. Now that is what I call a special treat….

Bart Simpson Treehouse of Terror #12 :
What is Halloween without a Halloween book? When this comics was first solicited, they were come great comic book creators attach to the comic: Terry Moore from Strangers in Paradise, Kyle Baker from Plastic Man and Eric Powell from the Goon. They are creators that I love and enjoy their regular work..

"This year's annual THOH Comic was released yesterday. Three Eisner Award-winning masters of humor comics team-up to tell some wildly wicked and devilishly delightful Halloween howlers. Join Kyle Baker (Why I Hate Saturn, Plastic Man) as he takes a gentle fairy tale and turns it into a bloody rampage in the hands of Bart Simpson. Then Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise) revisits the biblical story of Noah's Ark, but in this tricked-out version Homer is encouraged to build an ark so that God can exterminate all the cockroaches. And finally, Eric Powell (The Goon) provides a harrowing tale of crazed Groundskeeper Willie, hellishly bent on avenging his prized emu."

With all this hype and talent, I was not impressed. It was a good issue, but it was lacking something. Perhaps it was the art and how each artists , except for Eric Powell took their best approach to drawing the characters. (Eric Powell’s art was perfect for this issue: Scary and gritty for a horror book.) But I don’t think it was just that. It was more the stories themselves. They were lacking the cohesiveness that Simpson’s show routinely puts out. I wish that had a regular Simpson’s story writer was there to help guide them. RATINGS: STORY- 4/10 ART-5/10 (except for Eric Powell’s section was a 10.)

Project Runway + Comic Superheroes = Project Rooftop.

Take one part superheroes from your favorite comics and another part of your favorite remake show... you get Project Rooftop. Talented artist from all over the web take ordinary superheroes and make them new again.

Annihilation #2, Civil War #4, and Ultimate Spiderman #100

Just got my monthly comics in and it was big month. Some of the most anticipated came out this month. I decide to hit 3 of Marvel’s titles first this month.

Annihilation #2:
The first issue was fun and chaotic at the same time, sort like jumping in one of those air bouncy things filled with colorful balls at the carnival. You are jumping around with those things flying around without a much of sense of going on. You only truly start enjoying your time when you let go and over past the organize play. With Annihilation, there is a lot going on. For many of the older readers like me, we get bog down in continuity and having to know exactly what happened in each character’s life. Once you get past that and realize that the writer Keith Giffen is going to show everything you need to know, you can fully immerse in the fun.

"The United Front led by NOVA, RONAN and DRAX have held, but only just. ANNIHILUS' forces have been fought to a standstill. But can any defense withstand the devastating attack of RAVENOUS and the CENTURIONS?"

The second issue continues the fast and furious action. And again it presents as an enjoyable read. It seems like everything Giffen has touched recently has turn to gold and this is no exception. This series is awesome and worth picking up (especially it comes out on time). Andrea Divito does yeomen work as a penciler which reminds me of Ron Lim’s stuff. A special mention to the colorist, Laura Villari has to be made. Her work really makes Devito’s art comes off the page. RATINGS: STORY- 9/10 ART- 8/10

Civil War #4:
Well, was it worth the wait? It was so are to avoid my favorite blogs this month, because I just did not want to spoil the big surprise. By the time this is published, it should be about 3 weeks after Civil War #4 was released. So I’m going to spoil everything…

"A death! A funeral! A betrayal! And a team reborn as the war takes a deadly turn!"

So in this issue, we find out that they have cloned Thor and using him as the ultimate anti-hero weapon. (With the new series coming out soon, I hope they don’t make him the … hero who is trying to find his soul crap… like Vision, Red Tornado or Star Trek’s Data.) Thor goes Dirty Harry and kills Goliath (the death) and almost kills Captain America’s team if it wasn’t for Sue Storm (the betrayal). Capt’s team escapes and the fallout begins again. They have a funeral for Goliath. Heroes on both sides quit including Sue and Johnny Storm. Because Tony Stark’s rank has thinned, he plan to use criminals with mind control chips ala Thunderbolts style as anti-registration hunters….

To get Steve McNiven art, it was worth the wait. The art is gorgeous. The story is good, but kinda formulaic… RATINGS: STORY- 7/10 ART 9/10

Ulitmate Spiderman #100
Last time, all I did was rave on the greatness of this book. This book was the most anticipated of the month….

"A true milestone for Peter Parker, Ultimate Spiderman and the Ultimate line-our double-sized 100th issue celebration! Chock full of secrets that date back to the book's beginning-finally, chillingly revealed! And there are three-count 'em three-mind-staggering shock endings. It's the Spider-Man event of the year with an exclusive look back at the series with Brian Micheal Bendis and Mark Bagley."

Unbelievable, Brian Micheal Bendis is a mastermind. This issue blew me away. Because BMB was on this title for so long he was able to carefully weave and direct this title to this point. Like a pimple coming to a head and ready to be popped. Past story arcs were clues to where he ultimately had plan for Spiderman, very reminiscent of Chris Claremont did on his great run on Uncanny X-men in the 70-80’s. I won’t be spoiling anything here, but I can’t wait to read what happens next. RATINGS: STORY- 10/10 ART- 8/10

Rebooted... and looking good in some cosmic pants.

One of my favortie website, The Fourthrail announced that they were closing shop. But the creator had some good news too. They were moving their creative and insightful reviews to Cosmic Pants. Today they released their monthly "Down the Line" article that highlights some of the what Previews has to offer.

Damn you podcasting!

Well, last month I posted that I was not planning to buy the Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman #14. But after listening to Peter David on About Heroes' podcast, he convince me to go ahead to purchase that issue. So I'm going to throw my hard earned $3.00 your way.

I recently got an Ipod and have discovered podcasting which has increased my monthly spending on comics. Podcast is another medium for comics artist and writers to the word out on their products. A lot of time they provide tid bits of information that can't be found in the solicitation blurb in Previews.

For example on Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman #14- "It's the return of Peter Parker's old flame, Deb Whitman! Unfortunately for Peter, she's written a tell-all memoir about her relationship with him, entitled "How Spider-Man Ruined My Life." Ouch! As if that weren't bad enough, the Vulture has been set loose from prison to scavenge for Spider-Man, but who's behind his release and what nefarious scheme do they have up their sleeve?"

Initially, the blurb did nothing for me. I had no idea who was Deb Whitman was and had little interest in the Vulture. So based on the lines from Preview, I was not going to order these issue and was planning to drop the issue. Then comes the About Heroes' podcast with Peter David. In the podcast, he briefly mentions the F-N Spidey and that was enough for me to order it. Deb Whitman was apparently an old girlfriend of Peter Parker that uses to date in high school. Peter drove Deb crazy between his secret identity and Spiderman. Peter David plan to run crazy with this story, plus throwing some unexpected twist like Betty Brant (another old girlfriend) in to the mix.

Again damn you podcasting...

First you tear my heart out....

Then you build me an new one. It has been a roller coaster week. Brian K Vaughan and Adrian Alphona announced they were leaving the book. I was sad. But Brian had an ace in his sleeve. He had hand picked his replacement, which was interesting... it was interesting that he had chosen Josh Whedon (Sweetiness!). Micheal Ryan was also coming on the book, which make it a double awesome! I love his art on Excalibur. My only concern is if this comic will maintain its monthly status.

Say it ain't so...

Well after the big news from Ultimate Spiderman and Mark Bagely, comes more bad news for Marvel fans. Creators Brian K Vaughan and Adrian Alphona are leaving the Runaways after issue 24. Brian announced on his message board before the official message from Marvel. (Kinda odd that they wouldn't stay for the 25th issue.) They will be surely missed and whoever attempt to fill their shoes got some big shoes to fill.

Ultimate Spiderman #98, 99 and Annual 2:

My month’s comics came in yesterday and boy did I get a lot of Ultimate title. I received: Ultimate Fantastic Four #32, 33 and Annual #2; Ultimates Annual #2; Ultimate X-men #76 and Annual #2; Ultimate Spiderman #98, 99 and Annual 2. That is nine issue of Ultimate title to read this month…

Ulitmate Spiderman #98 & 99
The clone wars storyline continues...

Spidey is reeling from the exposure of the Scorpion's unbelievable identity. But even that pales besides the string of revelations awaiting him such as: Who kidnapped Mary Jane and what does he/she want? Who does Spider-Man struggle against in the old warehouse where he fought his first battle? Who is waiting for him in the house in Queens he and his Aunt May abandoned recently? Your jaw will drop and your mind will go numb when you learn the solution to these mysteries. And the world of Peter Parker will never be the same.

Boy, does the solicitation description hits that these issue on the nail! Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley are really turning the Ultimate Spiderman universe around. At the end of issue 99 left me in awe and screaming "oh my jim-who-icky-monkey- slappy- butthole…" And let me say that I have only said that phrase once in my life. You will be absolutely shocked with this roller coaster ride. I can’t wait to see how they finish this series with issue #100. This is a must read. RATINGS: STORY- 10/10 ART 9/10

Ultimate Spiderman Annual #2
While Foggy Nelson offers Spidey some legal advice, Police Captain Jean DeWolfe gives him some other advice...on how to take down the Ultimate Kangaroo! Will Peter Parker be able to navigate his way through this all-action moral maze? And more to the point...will Punisher just shoot him instead?

Last years annuals were not very good in my opinion, so going into this issue I was ready to be disappointed... and of course, I was wrong. Instead I was wowed, the writing of Bendis again. This issue really feels like a well made action movie. It was follow up of the "Warriors" storyline and interjected throughout the story was a little back story on what has happened between the "Warriors" storyline and now. The flashbacks really added the movie feel to the story. And of course Mark Brooks’s art really shined and executed the feel to perfection. RATINGS: STORY-9/10 ART-9/10

The "Crocodile Hunter" killed.
Steve Irwin was one of my heroes when I was growing up. He was killed by a stingray. It's tail pierced his chest and through his heart. Rest in piece.... CRIKEY

Star Wars Legacy #2:

I just finished reading Star Wars Legacy and it is fun. Out of the new re-launch of Star Wars comics this one is the most intriguing of the bunch. While Knights of the Old Republic deals with the Jedi past and Rebellion is set between episode 4 and 5, Dark Times immediately after episode #3, this series happens 125 years after episode 6.

More than a hundred years have passed since the events in Return of the Jedi and the days of the New Jedi Order. There is a new evil gripping the galaxy, shattering a resurgent Empire and seeking to destroy the last of the Jedi. Even as their power is failing, the Jedi hold to one final hope: the last remaining heir to the Skywalker legacy who doesn’t want any part of the Jedi legacy.

The Star Wars geek in me loves the concept. The Imperials and the Sith are at war with each other. The New Jedi Order is on the run. The last Skywalker is a dirty bounty hunter. What is there not to love? Easily, this series is going to feel like an excellent episode of Joss Wheldon’s Firefly, which is a good thing. John Ostrander and Jan Duursema are the creators and I can give any more respect to them. I like the direction and I love the concept. Now go and read this comic. RATINGS: STORY- 9/10 ART- 8/10

Spoiler Glore!
If you read Spiderman titles, there is a nasty rumor floating around comics. Click on the link below to the possible major spoiler link. Then check out Mike Wieringo's thoughts on this issue.

Well, I hate change…

Earlier this week, Marvel released their November solicitations and there has been some unexpected changes in the artist department. For many of comic titles, I am tied to the artist and only buying them because my favorite artist is on that title. Two of my regular monthly pulls are having artist changes. Scott Eaton is taking over the art chores for Mike Wieringo’s on Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman and while Mike Deodato Jr is replacing for Gary Frank on Squadron Supreme. No disrespecting for the incoming artist, but I will miss the outgoing artist. I’m not sure if these new guys will be able to keep me buying their respective titles. I got a month to make a decision and maybe I’ll see some previews to change mind… Maybe I'll shift some of my money to the cool What If? titles coming out.

Bunny porn in 30 seconds....
Just kidding. Angry Alien Production has created a 30 seconds of pure genius by combining movies (no porn) and rabbits. They have taken classic and made them new again. You can watch movies like Jaws, Star Wars, Casablanca, and Titanic. The latest feature is Raiders of the Lost Ark. Hop over there and check it out.