29/12: Comics Rundown
Category: New Comics
Posted by: kidchris
Hey, I made some extra dough freelancing (*whoring myself*) at my old comic shop job while visiting the folks in Ventura. Surely this week was plentiful in comics. This was one of those weeks that, even though I'm a full grown adult who makes his own money, I had to hide just how many comics I bought from my parents so they didn't say "Now Christopher Ray Cyrus Velasquez, don't spend all your money on those kids things." Lets take a look a what I got in no particular order, shall we?
Marvel Zombies 2 #3- Now I know I've been one aggressive commenter on how much I hate this whole zombie lover phase American nerds seem to be going through, but I've actually found myself enjoying this series greatly. Some of the hero zombies are coming to term with their hunger, while others are actually thinking farther than "let's devour all humans." It's fun watching the two battling sides of zombies and zombies/survivors thought processes as they try to devise ways to one up each other. It's not all about smashing and flesh eating in this one... but there is plenty of it.
Brave and the Bold #9- One of the best all around DC titles on the market right now hands down. Warlocks, Manbots, Mummies*, and the Boy Commandos. Just go get it and you'll see.
Giant Size Avengers #1- Another surprisingly fun to read book. It's an anthology issue with several stories being told by bikini clad Ms Marvel, Black Widow and the Wasp (what's not to like). Set in the time period between House of M and Civil War, all the New Avengers still seem to be buddy buddy with one another. Two stories stood out in particular, one called "Good Housekeeping" about Jarvis and his daily duties and "Emperor None and the Sky Full of Moons" which emphasized the importance of watch duty. The only story I didn't really like was called "Memorial Day" where Captain America and Iron Man guilt trip Spidey into being a better team member. It kinda left a bad nine-eleveny taste in my mouth if that makes sense; but it did have a good sight gag in the beginning when it shows Wolverine sleeping with his eyes open and claws out. Bonus: Some old school reprints in the back including the aptly titled "Even an Android Can Cry".
Hellblazer #239- This is a series that is quickly becoming my favorite again. I have always been an avid Hellblazer fan, even as a child, but the last few years have had such boring story lines, including the famous Emo-Constantine Arc. This issue barely has the chain smoking magician, as he makes a one panel cameo appearance in his own book, but it appears to be setting up a helluva storyline as demonic voodoo mercenaries are out for Constantine's head and their willing to destroy whole villages just to find him.
JLA CLASSIFIED #49- A solid issue. The JLA fights crab people from the darkest reaches of space as their friends and loved ones worry about the heros safety, their own safety, and the safety of the whole world. Most of the action takes place off panel, with several humorous snippets of things like Martian Manhunter battling what appears to be a King Crab. Also after reading this issue I whole heartedly believe John Waters should have played Alfred Pennyworth in the new Batman movies:
I'll put up the panel I'm talking about as soon as I buy a scanner.
Conan #47- Conan bashes some things, smashes others. Pretty standard Conan formula... the Cimmerian bests someone who initially thinks they are a better warrior than Conan, Conan joins their ranks, battles ensue. It's pretty tho.
Batman #672- Grant Morrison + Batman = Fun for adults and children alike. I really don't want to spoil the twist in this book, so let's just say if your a golden age BATman fan, you MIGHT like like the ending in the book. Too subtle?
The Picture of Dorian Grey #1- Sometimes classic literature and comics don't mix. Sometimes they do. This definitely doesn't. I enjoyed reading the actual novel. I enjoy comic books. Somehow this just doesn't come together.
I also bought this Month's Wizard and Previews which is chock full of goodies.
Oh yeah, I did happen to pick up ACME Novelty Library #18 by Chris Ware, which never fails to excite, impress and then depress. This story pulls on your heart strings in particular. When I told my girlfriend that I bought the ACME Novelty Library she responded "That sounds fun." No, no it's not. It's a great read with amazing artwork, but it's definitely not fun.
*While I am no Zombie addict, I am always down for a good mummy story.
Marvel Zombies 2 #3- Now I know I've been one aggressive commenter on how much I hate this whole zombie lover phase American nerds seem to be going through, but I've actually found myself enjoying this series greatly. Some of the hero zombies are coming to term with their hunger, while others are actually thinking farther than "let's devour all humans." It's fun watching the two battling sides of zombies and zombies/survivors thought processes as they try to devise ways to one up each other. It's not all about smashing and flesh eating in this one... but there is plenty of it.
Brave and the Bold #9- One of the best all around DC titles on the market right now hands down. Warlocks, Manbots, Mummies*, and the Boy Commandos. Just go get it and you'll see.
Giant Size Avengers #1- Another surprisingly fun to read book. It's an anthology issue with several stories being told by bikini clad Ms Marvel, Black Widow and the Wasp (what's not to like). Set in the time period between House of M and Civil War, all the New Avengers still seem to be buddy buddy with one another. Two stories stood out in particular, one called "Good Housekeeping" about Jarvis and his daily duties and "Emperor None and the Sky Full of Moons" which emphasized the importance of watch duty. The only story I didn't really like was called "Memorial Day" where Captain America and Iron Man guilt trip Spidey into being a better team member. It kinda left a bad nine-eleveny taste in my mouth if that makes sense; but it did have a good sight gag in the beginning when it shows Wolverine sleeping with his eyes open and claws out. Bonus: Some old school reprints in the back including the aptly titled "Even an Android Can Cry".
Hellblazer #239- This is a series that is quickly becoming my favorite again. I have always been an avid Hellblazer fan, even as a child, but the last few years have had such boring story lines, including the famous Emo-Constantine Arc. This issue barely has the chain smoking magician, as he makes a one panel cameo appearance in his own book, but it appears to be setting up a helluva storyline as demonic voodoo mercenaries are out for Constantine's head and their willing to destroy whole villages just to find him.
I give it .81 ASB.
JLA CLASSIFIED #49- A solid issue. The JLA fights crab people from the darkest reaches of space as their friends and loved ones worry about the heros safety, their own safety, and the safety of the whole world. Most of the action takes place off panel, with several humorous snippets of things like Martian Manhunter battling what appears to be a King Crab. Also after reading this issue I whole heartedly believe John Waters should have played Alfred Pennyworth in the new Batman movies:
I'll put up the panel I'm talking about as soon as I buy a scanner.
Conan #47- Conan bashes some things, smashes others. Pretty standard Conan formula... the Cimmerian bests someone who initially thinks they are a better warrior than Conan, Conan joins their ranks, battles ensue. It's pretty tho.
Batman #672- Grant Morrison + Batman = Fun for adults and children alike. I really don't want to spoil the twist in this book, so let's just say if your a golden age BATman fan, you MIGHT like like the ending in the book. Too subtle?
The Picture of Dorian Grey #1- Sometimes classic literature and comics don't mix. Sometimes they do. This definitely doesn't. I enjoyed reading the actual novel. I enjoy comic books. Somehow this just doesn't come together.
I also bought this Month's Wizard and Previews which is chock full of goodies.
Oh yeah, I did happen to pick up ACME Novelty Library #18 by Chris Ware, which never fails to excite, impress and then depress. This story pulls on your heart strings in particular. When I told my girlfriend that I bought the ACME Novelty Library she responded "That sounds fun." No, no it's not. It's a great read with amazing artwork, but it's definitely not fun.
*While I am no Zombie addict, I am always down for a good mummy story.
Category: New Comics
Posted by: dafnap
I'm not going to write as much as crazy-ass Kid Chris down there, since wrestling with this damned code has wiped any sort of ability for critical thought completely out of my brain. So you guys will get rudimentary grunts of approval or disapproval instead.
(okay. so I lied.)
 | X-Factor #19 Peter David continues to chug along one of the best team comics on Marvel's roster. Despite wrestling with a large cast, everyone gets a panel or two to themselves for a little character development in between all the little elements moving the plot forward. For a story with a dude that can duplicate himself, this issue didn't have enough Madrox, but since I have a massive girlcrush on Jaime, that's not really a valid piece of criticism. |
 | Ultimate Spider-Man #109 Best Marvel book. I think each issue just digs me deeper and deeper into that conclusion because there is no other book I'm as excited to see in my pull as this one. Bendis is one talky bastard, but for Peter Parker, it works beautifully. Peter is all about the inappropriate quips at inappropriate times as a defense mechanism to cover up his abject fear of getting beat into an unrecognizable pulp. Where the Spider-Man movies translate Peter's insecurities into mopey emo-ness, Bendis knows that the primary weapon of skinny, unpopular teens is a healthy, healthy does of self-deprecating humour. That Peter spends most of this issue being very, very quiet is equally telling. In probably one of the most tense moments in the series, Kingpin makes clear just how hard he owns Spider-Man's ass, and it's GLORIOUS. What makes me love this moment even more is that part of what makes you know Kingpin is deadly serious is exactly Peter's silence -knowing how he reacts to fear in most of the series makes the fact that he's not saying a damn *word* equally as telling as Kingpin's threats. |
 | B.P.R.D. #3 I haven't gotten to this yet, even a week later. I sort of hate myself for that, but again. Website. Evil, evil website. The art looks pretty, as usual, so... |
 | Catwoman #67 I am so, incredibly, terribly bored with this. I almost feel sorry for Will Pfeifer, having to come onto a book after Rucka's fantastic establishing work. Straight up super-heroics get much less interesting after the dynamic work Rucka put into the book before, and I can't help but feel bad that I'm not enjoying this book for what it ostensibly is: a fun, super hero book with interesting villains and likable characters. What can I say? I want a little more sometimes. |
 | Ex Machina #28 Kid Chris didn't like this issue, and while I have the same exact problems he has regarding the story structure (another flashback? really?) I actually LIKED the extra-dimensional twist. I liked the peeks we got into the warped alternate earth we got, thanks to the loopy, chatty cathy nature of this arc's quasi villain. Tony Harris' pencils remain incredibly gorgeous and Mettler's colors complement them perfectly, so while the story leaves me a little cold (though it's a welcome change from the pseudo-West Wing PSA we used to get) this may be the first book I pick up based on the art alone. Weird. |
 | Checkmate #14 I couldn't tell you what actually happens in this issue because I don't really remember what happened the LAST issue. I need to reread the arc since a lot of it hinges on the details of Waller's and Sasha's political maneuvering and I've never had a good head for details. I'll probably search under my bed for the back issues or buckle down and just wait for the trade. I did enjoy the banter of The Outsiders and Rucka certainly softens a lot of what sometimes bothers me about Winick's writing. That, and I won't lie - I giggled over "CheckOUT". I'm easy. |
(okay. so I lied.)
Category: New Comics
Posted by: kidchris
Ultimates Vol 2 #13- Being over 6 months delayed I had kind of forgotten about the exploits of the bigger, badder, take-no-shit Avengers. I was surprised to see it when i got my weekly comics down at the local funny book store, and even more surprised by the 8 page spread showcasing a huge fight between Loki and his monster hoard vs the Ultimates and a bunch of vikings. The fanboy in me nearly squeeled when i saw Quicksilver on nearly every page of the spread. I can understand why this book is so often delayed; the story probably takes a few mere hours to write, but Bryan Hitches art is so detailed compared to other super-hero comics out there today, not to mention Laura Martin on the colors. I just can't wait for the simultaneous Ultamates vol 3 and 4, both by Jeph Loeb.
Countdown #50 Meh. The story thus far has been less than entertaining, but that may be due more because of the cast than the pacing or the action. I really have no interest in a plot revolving around the Red Hood, Mary Marvel, or the Rogues, whereas in 52 i was excited to read about Animal Man, Booster Gold, the Question, and Black Adam. But I do have to say that the Monitors and Jimmy Olden stories do sound like fun, and it's very strange I can't even get excited about Darkseid. After the dissapointment of last week's issue I wondered if I was being too harsh on Countdown already because of all the excitment I had over 52. 52 had a whole year to tell a complete and vivid story, and I was already judging its followup by the same standards. I went back and reread the first few issues of 52 and remembered why i liked it so much, it started strong, stayed exciting, and ended perfectly. Countdown just hasn't given me anything worth staying with it, but I will for a few more weeks just to make sure I havn't jumped to any nearsighted conclusions.
Conan #40 Some hack and slash fun from Conan as always. Fights the wizards, kills the goons, can't ever go wrong with that. If it weren't for the excessively violent fight scenes (e.i. Conan cutting a guy's face off) i would say this is a fun book for the whole family, with some lighthearted jokes and sight gags.
Ex Machina #28 I still pick up this book, and I really don't know why. I think I liked it better when Mayor Hundred was resolving fueds about gay marriage than fighting power suit wearing madmen from other dimensions. The flashback technique that they use may be overdoing it now, and i think i may drop the book depending if this arc can capture my attention before it ends.
All Star Batman and Robin #5 FAN-tastic. I love it. What's not to love? Crazy Batman and a fledging Justice League. The wonder woman parts are a bit iffy, what being subdued with a kiss and all, but this has been a surprisingly entertaining book from an author I havn't had much interest with in the past. I may joke that it's so good it only needs to come out once a year, but really, what gives? Can't publishers like DC and Marvel ensure that their product arrives on a timely basis? As I stated earlier I had nearly forgotten about the Ultimates vol 2, and the same can be said about ASBaR. The scheduled release dates are so inconsistant that it makes me lose interest in titles that i very much enjoyed in the past.
Countdown #50 Meh. The story thus far has been less than entertaining, but that may be due more because of the cast than the pacing or the action. I really have no interest in a plot revolving around the Red Hood, Mary Marvel, or the Rogues, whereas in 52 i was excited to read about Animal Man, Booster Gold, the Question, and Black Adam. But I do have to say that the Monitors and Jimmy Olden stories do sound like fun, and it's very strange I can't even get excited about Darkseid. After the dissapointment of last week's issue I wondered if I was being too harsh on Countdown already because of all the excitment I had over 52. 52 had a whole year to tell a complete and vivid story, and I was already judging its followup by the same standards. I went back and reread the first few issues of 52 and remembered why i liked it so much, it started strong, stayed exciting, and ended perfectly. Countdown just hasn't given me anything worth staying with it, but I will for a few more weeks just to make sure I havn't jumped to any nearsighted conclusions.
Conan #40 Some hack and slash fun from Conan as always. Fights the wizards, kills the goons, can't ever go wrong with that. If it weren't for the excessively violent fight scenes (e.i. Conan cutting a guy's face off) i would say this is a fun book for the whole family, with some lighthearted jokes and sight gags.
Ex Machina #28 I still pick up this book, and I really don't know why. I think I liked it better when Mayor Hundred was resolving fueds about gay marriage than fighting power suit wearing madmen from other dimensions. The flashback technique that they use may be overdoing it now, and i think i may drop the book depending if this arc can capture my attention before it ends.
All Star Batman and Robin #5 FAN-tastic. I love it. What's not to love? Crazy Batman and a fledging Justice League. The wonder woman parts are a bit iffy, what being subdued with a kiss and all, but this has been a surprisingly entertaining book from an author I havn't had much interest with in the past. I may joke that it's so good it only needs to come out once a year, but really, what gives? Can't publishers like DC and Marvel ensure that their product arrives on a timely basis? As I stated earlier I had nearly forgotten about the Ultimates vol 2, and the same can be said about ASBaR. The scheduled release dates are so inconsistant that it makes me lose interest in titles that i very much enjoyed in the past.
