In Remembrance: The Incredible Hercules...

...should not have had that 10th shot of whiskey last night.

-egs

And that's it for my week long salute to the Incredible Hercules. To Greg Pak, Fred Van Lente and all the artists, editors, letterers, and everyone who worked on the book: thanks.

Comic Book Postgame: week of 02/24/10

My musings on this week in comics, there will be spoilers.

Scalped #35

No bullshit, Scalped is quite possibly the best comic being published today. Coming off an epic five part story that saw the culmination of several plot threads and ended in a truly bloody and compelling way, Aaron leaves the ongoing plot and tells a done in one story about two characters we've never seen before, and it is amazing. Aaron is joined by guest artist Danijel Zezelj who does a great job of capturing the harsh reality and beauty of this story. The comic tells the tale of two elderly Native Americans, Mance and Hazel, living on the reservation as far from town as they can get. They survive in large part due to farming but this year the crops run short, the wife is sick, they're broke, and they're running out of food. The harsh tale is one many can relate to these days but it's not that simple. The story truly excels at showing the love between the couple, Mance feels responsible for not being able to provide, and, without him saying a word Hazel understands and offers comfort. The story is fairly strait forward although it has a few unexpected turns. The real joy is in the execution. The art and writing work seamlessly and every line of dialog and every expression seems real and genuine. Only 22 pages but this comic kicks like a mule and delivers a complete and rewarding experience.



New Avengers #62

This issue was fine and I really don't have much to say about it. If you've been reading New Avengers well, here's another issue, and if you haven't you're not missing all that much. I did want to nerd bitch a bit about the end though. This shows what appears to be the same moment from the last page of Siege #1 but under different circumstances (for example Steve's not in his Captain America uniform). I normally wouldn't really care about such a small detail but it's the same writer, granted different artist but still since Bendis penned both of them you'd think he could keep it a bit more consistent. Now that I think about Bendis also wrote another big Cap reveal in one of the annuals that was nothing like this or Siege #1. Also, since when was Stonewall a giant? In Secret Warrior they always draw him as just a regular, all be it large, dude, not some 30 foot tall guy. On the positive, it was nice watching Steve reuniting with a bunch of his old comrades (is it just me or does their always seem like some romantic tension going on between Steve and Carol?).

Speaking of mistakes...



X-Factor #202

...this issue had some big art fuck ups. Notice in the picture above how in the wide shot you don't see Monet and then suddenly she's talking to Doom and has an M tattoo which she shouldn't have. That's cause it's suppose to be Layla, I'm betting they added the tattoo to try and make some sort of fix on it but it kind of wrecks the conclusion of the issue because, as a reader, you're pretty confused. It happens again on the next page where at first it looks like Monet is talking to Shatterstar and they teleport away while the other member wonder where Layla went. Uhg, I'm sorry I appreciate that the book is on time but you got to fix that shit. This isn't like a typo or something small that might be overlooked this is a major plot point made bewildering through obvious mistakes. It seems like someone must have recognized the mistake since the tattoo was added but if that's the case why not redo those pages? At the very least you'd think they'd recolor them so 'Layla' would at least have the right skin and hair color. That aside this was another pretty good issue but come on, that's amateur hour Marvel.



X-Force #24

Can anyone tell me what's going on in that panel? Anyone? That's what I thought. Kyle and Yost continue to tell solid if unremarkable X-tales but seriously Crain, take it easy on the dark colors.

Thus concludes the bitching.



X-Men Legacy #232

Magneto finishes the fight with Proteus and it's damn entertaining. Magneto is pretty tore up but the old man can still lay it down and kick some ass. This was a really engaging fight scene, something that's often hard to do with character with energy based powers so big ups to Carey and Mann for selling it. Since this current direction of the book is Rouge focused she spends most the issue saving/fighting the other X-Men in another good fight sequence. X-Fans will remember the brief romance between Rouge and Magneto in the late 80s (some may also recall the romance between Rouge and not quite Magneto, Joseph) so this sequence brought a smile to my face:



Just when it seemed like Remy and Rouge might finally be a real couple, LOVE TRIANGLE! Oh X-Men, how I love your complicated inter-team relationships. Also, I loved that when question about Proteus Magneto flat out says that he'll be back. No 'maybe he's gone forever' bull just temporary victory, that's how superhero stories roll.



Thor #607

Volstagg youtubes an apology to the nation. Sure, why not. This issue does actually tie into Siege so yea for truth in advertising. This issue starts shortly after the incident in Chicago as the Asgardians receive a prophecy of doom that is ignored until it's too late. We also find out why Heimdall didn't warn everyone in advance as he, and his near all seeing eyes, were held captive by Loki. Overall Gillen has done a real nice job in his short run setting up and balancing the Siege crossover while still keeping up with the plot threads of JMS's run. I especially like that he took a page to keep tough with Kelda as she tracks down Bill's parents. The art is pretty strong in this issue in no small part due to some pages by Rich Elson who's an artist I'm not familiar with but does some nice work:



His Kelda is quite good, capturing her otherworldly beauty. Anyways, the issue ends with a nice twist as Volstagg heads to Asgard to join in her defense...



...he is attacked by what I assume is the Clone Thor from Civil War. Since we haven't seen Clor since then and this event is suppose to be a kind of resolution to the last several years it seems only right for Clor and Thor to finally meet in battle. Not that that happens this issue but I'm guessing it's only a matter of time.



Fantastic Four #576

Ladies and gentlemen, Johnny Storm. That's a nice touch it would have been easy to just have the FF all show up but it helps build or at least reinforce Johnny's characterization to have him strut in like that. The issue follows the FF as they investigate a unexplored lake in Antarctica and discover an unknown intelligent species of water dwellers unlike the Atlanteans we've seen before.



I felt like I pretty much had to review this issue after my rant earlier this week on the FF and strangely enough this issue actually followed some of my advice. Unfortunately, it still wasn't all that good. I will say that Eaglesham's art is very nice; good designs, clear storytelling, distinct characters, and just all around pretty. Hickman's has done something interesting with the last two issues both of which embrace the explorer sci-fi aspect of the FF, regrettably the execution has been lacking. Clearly Hickman has some big ideas and has used the last two done-in-one issues to set up a larger plan. The problem is that the issues don't feel like a story. The fact that they've had to use the last page to explain how these new developments are affecting the world shows you that they're incomplete. Instead of feeling like an adventure the issue have felt like a bland summary of events. I do like a lot of what the new creative team is trying to do and I really do hope that the execution improves.



Batman and Robin #9

If not for Scalped this would be the best issue of the week. Morrison continues his fight against Frank Miller Batman pitting the near zombie like Evil Clone Batman against the new Bat-family. This also plays off the whole 'blackest (k)night' theme of the current DCU as the emotional tethers of the past effect the current day characters. The Evil Batman talks of pain and hurting people in broken sentences, not quite Miller style but it's showing the legacy of Miller's Batman; a worn out, lifeless husk. I don't entirely agree with this as Miller's Batman is the Batman of my generation and the one I think about when I think about Batman but this seems to be Morrison's opinion, or at least his opinion of post Miller Batman as people tried to duplicate or outdo Miller's version. On the other side you have Morrison's New Batman...



...the hero Batman, saving the day in the knick of time. Morrison's Batman has a sense of humor he's driven to be a hero but he also enjoys it. This isn't just limited to Dick who Morrison does write as more carefree but even his Bruce in earlier issues and in the JLA despite his darkness had a sense of humor and of the dramatic. Miller's Batman also understood theatrics and seemed to enjoy being Batman as well as possessing a (admittedly dark) sense of humor. It seems Morrison's real problem is the people that followed Miller who made Batman into the super serious, friendless, sort of dickish character that he became.

What's great about Morrison is that you can ignore all of that and you still have a great comic about Dick and Damion having to fight an evil clone of their father, the original Batman. You could also talk about the whole son replacing father element of this issue and of Morrison's entire run. Evil Batman straight out says that his son is there to replace him and then he tries to kill him to prevent it. Keep in mind that Ras al Ghul was perfectly willing to sacrifice his son to live again earlier in Morrison's run. Evil Batman as the bitter old man, unable, or unwilling to accept change.

Still, ultimately it's a great action book. Damion, in a wheelchair, straight out of surgery, fighting off Evil Batman until Dick and Batwoman show up for a massive martial arts meele. That's just fun comics.



This is a Batman book where people smile. I'm pretty sure no one smiled in Batman books in the entirety of the 90s. Also, kind of glad they've kept up the flirtation between Dick and Kate. Obviously it's not going to go anywhere but it's fun and cute, it makes perfect sense for Dick, and I think it's believable even for Kate.

I haven't even mentioned the art which is fantastic. Cameron Stewart absolutely killed it this arc, I only wish he was doing more then 3 issues. Stewart's layouts, his fight scenes, his expressions, just gorgeous work. Great issue all around.

In other news Spider-Man was again very good this week and that's it for me. Comment below.

-egs

Yep, no Blackest Night #7, I haven't read it yet. I only read it and Flash Rebirth courtesy of my friend Q, maybe next week.

In Remembrance: The Incredible Hercules...

...planning, not really his strong suit.

In Remembrance: Is The Incredible Hercules...

...gonna have ta choke a bitch?

Anime Review: The Wallflower

Animation is not live action. It seems like a pretty simple concept but it's one that is often forgotten. Playing with design and style can vastly effect the impact that scene has on an audience. This can be an especially valuable tool when doing comedy. Shinichi Watanabe is a director that understands how to use the freedom of animation to really sell a joke. Watanabe constantly plays with character designs and animation styles in his adaptation of Tomoko Hayakawa's Shojo parody(?), The Wallflower, which is available LEGITIMATELY, FOR FREE, from Funimation. Can I just say, big ups to Funimation who clearly understand that Internet streaming is changing the way people watch anime and TV in general. Funimation offers The Wallflower as well as many other shows streaming for free on their website, which I highly encourage you to visit. And hey, if you dig it, show some support and buy some stuff.

The Wallflower tells the story of four bishounen (beautiful) high school boys as they attempt to turn one anti-social super goth into a real lady. The girl is Sunako Nakahara, and it seems that after her first crush called her ugly she gave up on fitting into normal society or caring what other people think. Sunako's hair is uncut and unkempt, covering the face that she's ashamed of, her manner is rude (well, for the Japanese anyways), and she only leaves her room when necessary. The room itself is dark, both literally as well as figuratively, as it's filled with skeletons, embalmed organs, and gory horror films. Also, she has a tendency to act super creepy and scare everyone around her. The four boys charged with turning Sunako into a real lady are the four best looking guys in school who take the case after Sunako's Aunt offers them free rent at her expansive mansion. The four boys; Kyouhei, Takenaga, Yuki, and Ranmaru, each represent a different bishounen archetype and seem to cause riots everywhere they go. Each guy also has his own subplot(s) and problem(s) to add depth to the story. So you have four beautiful boys and one, not so normal in this case, girl living in the same house and going to high school together. Pretty typical Shojo setup all be it with a slight twist the fun here is in the execution.

The director, Watanabe, is most (in)famous for the cult classic, and completely bizarre and frenzied, Excel Saga. The Wallflower never reaches Excel Saga levels of insanity but it still provides a steady steam of laughs with its over-the-top humor. Despite Sunako's insistence that she wants nothing to do with the four guys she's frequently faced with glowing, glistering man flesh, at which point a gust of blood explodes from her nose and she passes out. Watanabe often highlights the difference between the four guys, Sunako, and other members of the cast through animation styles with the guys typically being drawn in full on bishounen style while other characters are plain or even chibized.

The story progresses fairly typically but provides enough humor that you probably won't mind. I will say that I was a bit disappointed in the ending as I didn't realize going in that the Manga was still running in Japan. Like many shows before it (Berserk) The Wallflower is denied a true conclusion since the story is still ongoing. Not that by the end you don't already know where it's headed and who Sunako will end up with but you don't get that definitive conclusion wherein they embrace and all is right with the world so you can't help but fill a bit let down. I can't say that The Wallflower was a great show but it was amusing enough that a watched the whole thing and that's a rarity these days.

-egs

I can't believe I wrote a sentence that included the phrase "glowing, glistering man flesh."

In Remembrance: The Incredible Hercules...

...believes in personal hygiene.

Forging a more Fantastic Four

So I was going to write a review of The Wallflower anime series today until I came upon this post at Everyday is like Wednesday and its subsequent comments. The question was raised in the comments whether or not the Fantastic Four is still a relevant concept with relevant characters. Next year the FF will have its 50 year anniversary and some people have wondered if Marvel has continued publication simple because it was the first 'real' Marvel book. This idea can be quickly discounted since Fantastic Four, while no longer a best seller, still does pretty well, certainly well enough to justify it's existence. It is true however that despite brining in 'hot' creative teams, despite two (all be it terrible) movies, despite even two animated series's, The Fantastic Four hasn't been able to gain much buzz or excitement among comic readers or the general population. The fact that the FF have spawned so many adaptations shows that there certainly is something to the concept, though one could argue that that something is the issues that Stan and Jack did in the 60s.

So why isn't The Fantastic Four still the 'World's Greatest Comics Magazine', why aren't people excited about the FF, and how can they be better? As a public service your friendly neighborhood Renaissance Nerd is going to provide the answers in a segment I'm calling: If I Ran Shit.


1. Superheroes no more.

Marvel and DC are filled with spandex wearing heroes that live to fight evil and that's all well and good but the FF always had a bit of a sci-fi (syfy*) explorer angle that's made them unique. At this point though they're just another superhero team so, ditch the superhero thing entirely. Oh sure they can still help out in whatever mega crossover is going on and they'll still save the universe on a regular basis but as SCIENCE! explorers. They can still have blue and white outfits but ditch the spandex. Have them wear regular pants and jackets and such but with a clear team design element. Make them stand out out by really embracing the pulp adventure roots of comic books. Most of their conflict should be driven by themselves, not as reactions to a super villain but as a problems that they confront while exploring new places/things/ideas.

2. Make the characters likable.

This is especially important for Reed since if you are going with a science explorer angle he's going to be a big part of that. The fact is that under a lot of writer the members of the FF aren't very likable. Reed often comes of as an callous, insensitive jerk rather then as a somewhat forgetful genius. Sue doesn't always seem to have much of a personality at all unless she's being evil or flirting with Namor (which should pretty much stop at this point). Johnny can be a lot of fun but some writer make him so self-centered that you want to punch him. Ben...well Ben's pretty awesome actually. None of these characters have to be unlikable. I understand that people write them this way to create drama but in doing so you sacrifice having a character that your audience actually loves and wants to read about. In such a close knit family environment you can have tension from small things rather then someone acting like a dick.

3. Be more than four.

While Marvel has rotated in new members for a small time by the very title The Fantastic Four is rather limited in the number of members they can have. While overly large teams can suffer from lack of focus team books accrue a lot of their engrossment through character interactions. Books like The Avengers or X-Men that can play with a lot of different members can always fashion excitement through hook ups, break ups, feuds etc. The FF has done a lot of this as well but it's much harder to do with a smaller cast. This one is a bit harder to solve. They can continue to rotate in replacement members from time to time (and use that time to have the members who are replaced join other teams or individuals), or, they can build a cast of supporting characters around the FF as they've done in the past. I would add that these people need not be civilians, they don't need to have powers either but some additional scientists, archaeologists, astronauts, or just explorers would be a welcome addition. This actually leads to my next point...

3.5. Let the kids play too.

If it was anything I loved more then superheroes growing up it was kid adventurers and the FF has two already built in. I know they already get involved in small ways as is but I don't think they fully take advantage of the fact that you have two kids, one normal (provided he's not all-powerful), one super smart, with access to some of the coolest toys imaginable. This is Jonny Quest times 10. The kids should be main characters and should be involved in the adventures. Of course it doesn't help that Marvel has stunted Franklin's age (going by X-Men time he should be like 11 or 12) so let them both grow up a bit. Really play up the gadget angle with the kids as well as the adults, these people have jet backs, and shrink rays, and time travel devices, and portals to other worlds, let them have some fun.

4. Have Fun.

I think that's the answer really: fun. Sure life is hard, responsibilities, drama etc. but these people go place and do things we can only dream about. When they take a trip into a distant galaxy it should be cool and exciting for the audience and the FF. They have superpowers, they have future tech, they don't have to get real jobs, these people should be enjoying life. If Harrison Ford has taught us anything it's that you can have fun even when you're being shot at by Nazis or chased by Imperial Fighters. So just because the world might be invaded by aliens or conquered by Moloids, that is no reason not to enjoy yourself.

That's my thinking anyways.

Am I on to something? Am I fool? Comment below.

-egs

Why has Grant Morrison never written the Fantastic Four?

*correct spelling if you're a douche bag

In Remembrance: The Incredible Hercules...

...has a dignity matched only by his bravery.

-egs

Comic book Preganme: week of 02/24/10

Join me once again, as I peruse this week's shipping list and comment on things of interest.

Captain Swing #1 (of 4), $3.99

It's Warren Ellis doing steampunk, that tends to work out rather well. I think I'll have to buy it.

Gravel #17, $3.99

More Ellis, I shouldn't be surprised he writes like 10 books a month. I hear good things about Gravel but I still haven't checked it out. Sounds like a cool concept (special forces type hard-ass who's a combat magician right?) I'll have to grab the first trade sometime.

Female Force #3 Michelle Obama (Limited Edition Foil Cover), $19.99

Please tell me people aren't buying this.

Blood+ Novel Volume 5 Kowloon Nights, $9.99

I couldn't get through the show, it wasn't bad but I lost interest. Are the books any better?

Batman And Robin #9, $2.99

Another issue of Batman and Robin so soon? Awesome. I don't know what comic readers did to deserve this but thanks.

Blackest Night #7 (of 8), $3.99

I'm a bit behind on this, I trust zombie superheroes are still running amok? As events go I suppose this one has been alright.

Flash Rebirth #6 (Of 6), $2.99

This on the other hand has been terrible. all of Johns flaws without any of his redeeming qualities. I trust issue six will be the best of the bunch though, with a lot of big action moments and bad one liners.

Gotham City Sirens #9, $2.99

Will this one actually be written by Paul Dini? I know Dini's busy but DC really should be a bit clearer about such things.

Madame Xanadu #20, $2.99

Another thing I really want to try in trade, if only for the gorgeous art.

Northlanders #25, $2.99

This book is great and I highly recommend the first trade. This arc has been a bit slower paced but is building the tension and atmosphere beautifully. Also the art is very good.

Scalped #35, $2.99

One of, if not the best, comics being published today. If you have any interest in gritty crime comics you need to be reading this book. First trade is only 10 bucks people, you have no excuse.

Negima Volume 25 GN, $10.99

Another manga that I've never read but I thought the anime was both disturbing and just not very good. I'm use to over sexualized anime girls but when those girls are in middle school it's really not okay. Again, I know that's nothing new but usually at least it's only one really young girl in a crowd of more reasonably aged women rather then just fan service with 13 year olds. Also, the show, not that funny.

Neil Gaiman Neverwhere HC (Signed Limited Edition), $200.00

That's a good book but do people really have an extra $200 just to get it signed?

King City #5, $2.99

I have the original digest size of this and it's great. Can't wait until the release the second volume.

Viking #5, $2.99

Am I still reading this? I'm not sure if I bought issue 4 or not. Hmm...I'll have to check but that's not really a good sign. While the art has been stellar it seems to ship somewhat sporadicly and the the story telling is not always clear. I still more or less enjoy the book so I probably will finish out this arc at least.

Amazing Spider-Man #622, $3.99

Holy shit, Greg Weisman! For those of you who don't know Weisman, among many other things, was the creator of Gargoyles and the the head writer/show runner of Spectacular Spider-Man, the greatest Spider-Man adaptation of all time. I'm excited to see his take on 616 Spidey.

Captain America Theater Of War HC, $24.99

I'm a sucker for WW2 Captain America stories so I enjoyed these. They varied in quality but one issue in particular in which Cap and the Americans capture a German solder stood out as being particularly good in that "we're not so different" war story way.

Deadpool #20, $2.99

Didn't Deadpool 19 come out last week? What is going on?

Fantastic Four #576, $2.99

The Hickman run has been solid so far but still hasn't blown me out of the water like it has some people, still, worth reading.

Immortal Weapons TP, $16.99

Buy the ever loving hell out of this book! One, it's very good, and two, I desperately want more Iron Fist/Immortal Weapons stories.

Marvels Project #6 (Of 8), $3.99

Waiting for the trade on this one, but man, the art I've seen from this; fantastic.

Ms Marvel #50, $3.99

50 issues, I know this is the end but well done Ms. Marvel. I haven't read any of them but I hear they've been good and just the fact that the made it to 50 issues is pretty darn respectable in this day and age.

Nation X #3 (Of 4), $3.99

These are often better then Uncanny and they certainly look much better. (LAAANNDDD!!!)

New Avengers #62 (Siege Tie-In), $3.99

Chugging along, buying time until the relaunch. Still you do get both Captain Americas, so there is that.

Secret Warriors #13, $2.99

Like the FF, this has failed to live up to the hype, but, I have quite enjoyed it.

Thor #607, $2.99

Keiron Gillen writes a good god comic (Ares, Thor, Beta Ray Bill) and Tan's art is adequate if a big come down from Coipel and Djurdjevic. This seems like it actually will tie into Siege which, I believe, will make it the first to be properly branded as doing such.

X-Factor #202, $2.99

This series is the most constantly good X-book these days, big ups to Peter David for keeping it so. Still can't seem to find a good ongoing artist but the current guy is solid.

X-Force #24, $2.99

More Necrosha stuff and, I'm guessing, more impenetrable art by Crain. I was never a huge fan of his but his art on this story has just been ridiculous. I've read thousands of X-comics over the years and yet without the captions I can't tell who the characters are half the time. I'll be happy when this is over and Mike Choi is back on art.

X-Men Legacy #233, $2.99

Despite loving a lot of Carey's work I wasn't too high on his X-Men stuff. However, re-reading in large chunks has made me much more of a fan. In trade this probably reads really well I just wish the issues moved a bit faster.

That's all that caught my eye this week, anything tickle your fancy? Comment below.

-egs

Now that Disney owns Marvel I expect Spider-Man to team up with Goliath to take on Xanatos. Make it happen Marvel.

Or really Gargoyles related stuff of any manner.

In Remembrance: The Incredible Hercules...

...understands the finer points of politics.

-egs

In Remembrance: The Incredible Hercules...

...always fights fair.

-egs

Spider-Man vs. Marriage

Spider-Man is a real American. Unlike these New Yorkers, what with their sex parties and drug filed orgies where they talk about Karl Marx in an attempt to destroy this country that they so clearly hate, Spider-man believes in the sanctity of marriage. Spider-Man understands that marriage is a precious thing between a man and a woman who are joined under GOD for ever and ever until the end of time. Or, until you make a deal with the devil that allows you to hook up with your hot new roommate, your best friend's girl, this cute nerdy chick, this other cute nerdy chick, and The Black Cat. Something the gays just wouldn't understand.

By now you've probably seen this picture that Marvel released to promote Spider-Man in 2010.



So a lot of people have been talking about what the different elements of the picture mean, in particular, what Mary Jane in a wedding dress means. Some people even wondered if they were going to reverse One More Day. To which I would respond, not a chance in hell. I will guarantee that as long as Joe Quesada is editor in chief Peter Parker will not be married (exceptions would of course include alternate reality stories, what ifs, stories set in the future, etc.). I told friends that, if anything, MJ would be getting engaged to someone else.

Then this weeks issue had a homeless Harry Osborn crashing at MJ's place.



Suggesting to me that Harry and MJ are going to rekindle their long dead romance. Does this mean that MJ and Harry are getting married? I'm going to say no but I wouldn't be surprised if the got engaged. It adds a bit of tension but can easily be broken off by MJ going back to Peter or, more likely, Harry going back to the Green Goblin. After all the current thrust of the Amazing Spider-Man has been the reemergence/re-imagining of classic Spider-Man foes coupled with lots of relationship drama. Honestly, it's been pretty great and I'm excited to continue reading it.

-egs

Of course if they did marry off Harry and MJ that would be a pretty definitive way (as much as anything in superhero comics is definitive) of ending the MJ portion of Peter's life. Or, if he decides he still loves her, of creating a lot of drama and angst for Peter. Would Peter Parker go after his best friend's wife? You think he feels guilty about everything now...

Comic Book Postgame: week of 02/17/10

My musings on this week in comics, there will be spoilers.

Daredevil 505

This book continues to produce consistently good issues month after month and this is no exception. The issue does see the arrival of new co-writer Anthony Johnson (writer of the very enjoyable Wastelands from Oni Press) and new (fill in?) artist Marco Checchetto and this dude can flat out get it done.





You don't hear a lot about colorist Matt Hollingsworth but he deserves mad props for keeping the look and tone consistent through multiple artists. Story wise Daredevil heads to Japan to meet with the various Daimyos of The Hand as he attempts to solidify his power as The Hand's new leader. While light on action this issue starts to unravel the politics behind The Hand and I love political intrigue so this arc is shaping up nicely in my opinion.



Black Widow and the Marvel Girls #4

This book wins the battle of the Black Widows this week as Natasha teams up with Storm and The Mole Man who find themselves in the middle of a gang war while trying to rescue a kidnapped Senator. The other book, Black Widow Deadly Origin #4, was perfectly adequate but was lacking the charm that Paul Tobin and Takeshi Miyazawa bring here. I especially like The Mole Man here as somewhat charming and manipulative, traits that I don't normally associate with MM. All in all a fun little mini.



Captain America #603

Last issue was the best this book has been in close to a year and this issue continues that trend. This is the kind of issue that made Brubaker's Cap such a hit to began with as it seamlessly blends current events, politics, espionage, and action into a fun, smart story. I will admit that I still miss Steve Epting's art but the issue looks fine, the story telling is clear and the characters are distinct. I still don't care about the backup but it's not bad and if they're going to charge 4 bucks anyways it's nice to get a bit of extra content.



Punisher #14

While I wasn't quite as giddy after reading this issue as I was with the issue 13 this comic is still great. Tony Moore shares art duties with Dan Brereton who illustrates the origins of our villain, Robert Hellsgaard. Hellsgaard's origin makes him a perfect foil for Frank as the parallels of both their pasts and their current circumstances become clear. Both have become monsters, figuratively and literally, to enact revenge on the monsters that killed their families. The great thing is that Frank doesn't care. He can see the connection but he just pushes past it with the single-minded determination that he always has, he is completely beyond sympathy or understanding. All this and it still finds time for Steampunk monster hunter robot suit versus Dracula.



Uncanny X-Men #521

Greg Land is still on this book, I don't even want to post any pictures. Anyways I just wanted to make a few quick comments:

1. It's nice that writers are finally incorporating some of the Morrison stuff that was abandoned after he left the book.

2. I was kind of hoping Kitty would have some cool space adventures before returning, Flash Gorden, Buck Rogers type stuff.

3. That is a pretty cool way of getting her back though it seems to be increasing the limit of what Magneto can do right after we were told that he'd grown weaker with age.



Doom War #1

Picked this up for the hell of it and you know what, it was actually pretty good. As someone who has not been reading the Black Panther this does a nice job of getting you up to speed on what's going on as well as moves the story forward. Basically there has been a coup in Wakanda and T'Challa, the new Black Panther (his sister), and a small group of loyal Wakandaians travel to Utopia to recruit the X-Men into a war to take back their country. The coup was lead by a group calling themselves Desturi, claiming to be a movement of Wakandaians with traditional values who are holding a murder trail for The Queen, and former X-Man, Storm. The real power behind this is Dr. Doom who wants Wakanda for its Vibranium, for once he has it, he will be unstoppable. It's a nice setup combining superhero tropes with a bit of politics that capture some of the common perceptions about Africa. It also realizes that at its heart it is a kick-ass action/revenge story about T'Challa taking back his country through what ever means necessary.





Power Girl #9



Yet another great issue of Power Girl. Amanda Conner's art is so much fun. It's still sexy but has a great sense of humor that you can see in the pages layouts and in the expressions and body language of the characters. To say nothing of Gray and Palmiotti's script which is clever and funny while still setting up a lot of good old fashion Superhero action.



Anyone who enjoys fun comics would be straight irresponsible to miss out on this comic.



Joe The Barbarian #2

I know this is reading way to much into this but I couldn't help but think this was almost Morrison himself giving a weapon he will eventually need to Joe at the beginning of this issue. Maybe that's just because they're both bald, older gentlemen from the British Isles. In actuality this almost seems like Morrison's answer to those who say his books are too confusing. For example, the TVs in Joe's hallucinations all show the graveyard where is father is buried, is that clear enough symbolism for everyone? The fact is that this is a pretty straight forward adventure story. The charm here is in the skill that Morrison and Murphy show in execution. I've mentioned Murphy's art before and it continues to impress here with the always great Dave Stewart on colors. For all the acclaims and damnations heaped upon The God of All Comics not enough people talk about how good a scripter Morrison is. It's not just that he has great ideas he also has a great sense of humor, he understands how to structure a comic, and he writes the best dialog of any comic writer ever.



What can follow that? How about the last issue of the always good Incredible Herc.



Incredible Hercules #141

It ends the only way it could with, SPOILER, the death of Hercules. But hey, if you gotta go might as well go down saving all of existence. It's been hinted for a while (the solicitations didn't do it any favors) that Herc would eventually die and it would be up to his sidekick Amadeus Cho to become the new Prince of Power and champion of Olympus and here it finally comes to pass. Pak and Van Lente have been playing with the mythological archetypes all along and Herc's death wouldn't be complete without a bit of treachery and tragedy as Hercules is betrayed by his most beloved relative Athena, the new Queen of Olympus and wielder of the power of Zeus, for what, she weepingly alleges, to be the greater good. While this may be the last issue the story will continue in the pages of Hercules: Fall of an Avenger and the forthcoming Prince of Power series starring Amadeus. Now being a comic, Hercules won't stay dead forever but this does open up some story possibilities for Amadeus Cho. Herc was a great mentor while alive and I'm sure his teachings will continue to help and shape Amadeus in his further adventures.

If you haven't been reading Hercules you should really pickup the trades, it's not mind blowing but every issue has been high quality, meshing mythology with the Marvel Universe and mixing comedy and drama with an expertise. Also, for a book that never had a true ongoing artist, it always looked good.



Yesh, it's a bad time to be a Greek god in the last month or so Zeus, Hera, Ares, and Hercules have all been killed and Aphrodite has passed her post to a siren.

I just saw that the Agents of Atlas is getting another try as an ongoing series. Wow, Marvel just won't let this one go. I wonder why they have such devotion to these characters when others seem so easily tossed aside. Basically what I'm saying is I want more Iron Fist damn it.

Random thought: Is it just me or does Michael Lark just keep getting better?

Yo dog, comment below.

-egs

His name is Hit-Monkey. He's a hitman. Who's a monkey.

Things you don't know about that I know about that you should know about that now you will know about: Colt Noble and The Megalords

When I was three years old I told everybody to call me He-Man, so it should come as no surprise that a comic pastiche of He-Man would be right up my alley. First off a big shout out to Aaron of the Awesomed By Comics Podcast for alerting me to this books existence because it was pretty great.

The story is told to the reader by Anon-Z: Adventure Videographer and after a a few one panel send ups of such shows as Transformers and Thundercats our epic tale begins with our hero, Prince Jaysen, being thrown out of a strip club. I should also mention that on page two they take a shot at Michael Bay's Transformers films which, if you read my post a couple weeks ago, you know is a good way of getting me on your side. Anyways after War-Man (Man-at-Arms) collects our rebellious young Jaysen we turn to Hoodoo Hex (Evil-Lyn) in a scene that I'll let speak for it's self.



And like all lonely witches rejected by douchebags she attempts to summon a demon boyfriend from hell. Unfortunately for her rather then getting the tall, dark, sexy demon lover with a beautiful tortured soul, forearms like a drummer and a great ass like she asked for, she gets Archfiend, Lord of Annihilations (Skeletor as if you hadn't figured that out by this point, in fact I'm going to stop doing this and you'll just have to decipher the rest of the connections on your own, it's not hard).

The next morning Prince Jaysen is sent on a grueling training run with War-Man's younger sister, Mareea, who Jaysen has a bit of a thing for. Thanks to a bit of mud and a bit of the old classic bathing at the river peeping, Jaysen gets a glimpse of his very first topless lady. When it appears that the jig is up Jaysen takes off in a blind panic until he eventually reaches the Winding Ruins where, after a few fortuitous mishaps, he gains the power to transform in to Colt Noble.

Meanwhile things get worse for Hoodoo Hex..



...as Archfiend start putting together his world conquering plans



Eventually Colt Noble and Mareea fight their way through the minions and upset Archfiend's nefarious plot. Along the way we get some nice art, some good jokes, and some clever dialog. Then after Colt Noble's adventure you get some pinups, some sketchbook pages, and a backup feature staring...



...who fight an Intergalactic Pimp and, spoiler, meet up with Colt Noble on the last page. Now that's a cliffhanger.

So yeah, I really enjoyed this book and it seems like there is a possibility of getting more if people buy it, so buy it damn it. I know it's 6 bucks but it's 64 pages of add free content making it much cheaper, page to dollars wise, then your average comic.

So now you know, and knowing is the part of the battle that happens before someone stabs you.

-egs

The next part of the battle is known as profuse bleeding.

Also being a Scientist/Karate Master/Rock Star, kind of my dream job. (see page one of this comic)

Dreams do come true

Thor fighting a laser breathing robotic t-rex on the cover of Avengers 295. Art by John Buscema and Tom Palmer, color by Paul Becton(?), written by Walt Simionson.

-egs

That is so freaking awesome.

Time travel and alternate realities present strange dilemmas

In the late 80s Walt Simionson wrote a run on the Avengers featuring the Council of Cross-Time Kangs. This story asked the age old question "if you meet a opposite sex version of yourself from an alternate time line, would you hit it?" Evidently if you are Kang the answer is an resounding yes.




A resounding yes.




So yeah, it seems like almost all the Kangs slept with Kang Nebula. Kang always was a bit of an egomaniac but this seems like going a bit far.

Full discloser it turns out Kang Nebula isn't a Kang at all but a former Avengers villain that claims to be Thanos' granddaughter. Still, the Kangs didn't know that at the time. You'd think being the only girl in the bunch might have been a clue but apparently the Kangs were too busy getting busy to question her identity.

Also, one of the Kangs calls him self Kang Kong which makes me laugh every time.

So we know what Kang would do but how about you dear readers? Would you have some sweet you on opposite sex you loving?

-egs

I imagine you'd know what you like so it'd probably be pretty good.