Free Comic Book Day Reviews by Heretic

So I thoroughly enjoyed most of the comics I got on the most popular holiday for any comic book geek. I picked up one of each comic that was available and took them home and read every single one. I particularly enjoy reading the reprint of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, brought back a lot of memories for me.


Now of course the most anticipated comic was Blackest Night #0. With everything happening with all the different lantern corps, and Geoff Johns building up Blackest Night ever so well, I would say that Blackest night #0 is one of the most anticipated and most wanted free comics on free comic book day to ever come around. And it does not disappoint. It's a great and epic comic giving readers an amazing segue into the Blackest Night series.

However, as much as I enjoyed Black Night #0, it wasn't my favorite read. Our of all the super hero comics, there was only one that made me smile through all of its art based literature,(thanks Nick!) And that would be issue number 10 of Love and Capes. now its not a title I'll pick up regularly, but it was a nice change of pace from what I typically read. It was funny, not necessarily laugh out loud funny, but it made me smile and laugh on the inside. As far as typical comics go, it's actually longer with a lot of dialog...and I loved that! I wish more of my comics I read regularly would be longer like love and capes was. i give Love and capes #10 a solid 5 stars!

Of course, there were other great fun reads like the Transformer/G.I. Joe comic, which was done in preparation for the Transformers and G.I. Joe films coming this summer. And Top Cow Comics is really doing well with story development and innovative material.This years free comic book day was a complete success in my humble opinion. Last years free comic book day was somewhat of a let down. I have no complaints about this year.

Heretic

Reviewer

Read more...

Read More

Marvel Comics On-Sale 05/06/09

Hey there True Believers, here’s your official list of comic books, collections and posters arriving in comic stores on May 6th, 2009.

For more information on any of these titles, and on upcoming mighty Marvel releases, please visit http://www.marvel.com/catalog/?date=2009-05-06 or contact your local comic book retailer at 1-888-comicbook. Stay tuned each week for a brand new list of Marvel releases so that you’ll never miss your favorite heroes in action!

Comics On-Sale:
AGENTS OF ATLAS #4 (DR)
AGENTS OF ATLAS #4 MCGUINNESS VARIANT (DR)
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #593
ASTONISHING TALES #4 (MDCU)
AVENGERS/INVADERS #10 BREITWEISER VARIANT
CABLE #13 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (MW)
CABLE #14 (MW)
CABLE #14 OLIVETTI VARIANT (MW)
DAREDEVIL NOIR #2
DAREDEVIL NOIR #2 CALERO VARIANT
DEADPOOL #10 (DR)
DEADPOOL #9 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (DR)
DESTROYER #2
EXILES #2
FIN FANG FOUR RETURN! ONE-SHOT
HULK: BROKEN WORLDS BOOK TWO
HUMAN TORCH COMICS 70TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL
HUMAN TORCH COMICS 70TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL MARTIN VARIANT
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #13 (DR)
MARVEL 70TH ANNIVERSARY POSTER BOOK
MARVEL SPOTLIGHT: NEW MUTANTS
MARVEL ZOMBIES 4 #2
MARVEL: YOUR UNIVERSE #4
NEW AVENGERS: THE REUNION #3 (DR)
NEW MUTANTS #1 WRAPAROUND COVER
NEW MUTANTS #1 ROSS COVER
NEW MUTANTS #1 BENJAMIN VARIANT
NEW MUTANTS #1 MCLEOD VARIANT
OFFICIAL INDEX TO THE MARVEL UNIVERSE #5
SOLEIL: UNIVERSAL WAR ONE - REVELATIONS #2
TERROR, INC. - APOCALYPSE SOON #1
TROJAN WAR #1
WAR OF KINGS #2 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (WOK)
WAR OF KINGS #3 (WOK)
WAR OF KINGS #3 PELLETIER VARIANT (WOK)
X-MEN: FIRST CLASS FINALS #4

Collections On-Sale:
ALIAS ULTIMATE COLLECTION BOOK 1 TPB
ESSENTIAL SPIDER-MAN VOL. 9 TPB
FANTASTIC FOUR: TRUE STORY TPB (DM ONLY)
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE INCREDIBLE HULK VOL. 5 HC
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE INCREDIBLE HULK VOL. 5 HC (VARIANT)
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE UNCANNY X-MEN VOL. 4 HC (2ND PRINT)
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE UNCANNY X-MEN VOL. 4 HC (VARIANT, 2ND PRINT)
SPIDER-MAN: DEATH AND DATING PREMIERE HC
ULTIMATES 3: WHO KILLED THE SCARLET WITCH? TPB
ULTIMATES 3: WHO KILLED THE SCARLET WITCH? TPB (DM ONLY)
ULTIMATUM: X-MEN/FANTASTIC FOUR PREMIERE HC

*DR= Dark Reign tie-in
*MW= Messiah War tie-in
*WOK= War of Kings tie-in



Read more...

Read More

5 Quick Questions with Erik Larsen

Erik J. Larsen is an American comic book writer, artist, and publisher. He is best known for his work on Savage Dragon, as one of the founders of Image Comics, and for his work on Spider-Man for Marvel Comics.

Larsen was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As a child growing up he created several comic books featuring versions of a character named "The Dragon", whom he has since described as a Batman like character who drove a car copied from Speed Racer's Mach Five. The Dragon turned into a superhero using a magic word to trigger his powers like Captain Marvel. He and two friends produced a fanzine called Graphic Fantasy, which featured this character.

Larsen's first paid work was for the anthology Megaton, co-creating and illustrating a feature called "Vanguard" with publisher Gary Carlson. A revised version of the Dragon debuted in issue #2 and appeared in the following two issues. Larsen went on to work for AC Comics on Sentinels of Justice and The DNAgents for Eclipse Comics.

Larsen did work at DC on The Outsiders, Teen Titans, Adventures of Superman, and Doom Patrol. For Marvel he did an Amazing Spider-Man fill-in story and five issues of Punisher. In 1991 Erik Larsen replaced Todd McFarlane on Amazing Spider-Man with issue #329, having previously penciled issues 287, 324, and 327.

Seeking greater control and profit over the work they created, he and six other illustrators abandoned Marvel to form Image Comics, where Larsen launched a series featuring the Savage Dragon.

In 2004, Larsen became publisher of Image Comics, taking responsibility for all comics produced by creators other than the Image partners and their studios. Larsen stepped down as publisher in July 2008 and executive director Eric Stephenson was promoted to the position.



He agreed to answer 5 Quick Questions.

1) What would you say is your greatest achievement in comics?

Thus far, writing and drawing 149 consecutive issues of Savage Dragon.

2) Who was your favorite writer or artist that you worked with & why?

Dave Johnson (on SuperPatriot) because he kicked my ass and showed me just how cool that character could be. After Dave was through with SuperPatriot he was forever changed.

3) What character you have never worked .., would you like to do & why?

Captain Marvel (Shazam) because he clearly had something going on, which nobody has been able to capture for fifty years--just for the challenge, if nothing else. After that, I could be the latest guy to "get it wrong" and screw everything up. But really-- I'd rather not be that guy. Having worked on my own it's really difficult to go back to working for somebody else. I'd rather do my own thing.

4) Who are your influences?

Jack Kirby, Gil Kane, Frank Miller, Herb Trimpe, Bill Sienkiewicz, Walter Simonson, Steve Ditko, Alex Toth, Mort Meskin, Jerry Robinson, John Byrne, Klaus Janson, Terry Austin, Stan Lee and a whole host of others. This list changes all the time and there are a mess of new guys whose work inspires me--even if I don't necessarily take anything from it.

5) What hero or villain would you like to change if you could and why?

There are a few that come to mind--but honestly--we'd be better off not going there. At this point in my life--I really don't care what's going on outside of Image Comics. I have no hidden desire to work on anything outside of Savage Dragon. This is my dream book--anything else doesn't interest me a whole heckuva lot.

Check out Erik Larsen on Savage Dragon every month from Image Comics.

Brian Isaacs
Story Editor Read more...

Read More

Movie Review: X-men Origins - Wolverine by Heretic

All I can say is, in comparison to X-Men 3: The Last Stand, X-men Origins: Wolverine is a fantastic film. However, in comparison to all of the other films Marvel has put out in the last few years, (with the exception of Punisher: Warzone) I wouldn't say it's their best.

X-men United (x-men 2) left us in a state of wonder. Who is Wolverine? How are he and Stryker connected? What exactly was done to Wolverine to cause him to loose every memory he ever had? And so many other questions. Now these questions are answered in X-Men Origins: Wolverine.


It starts out quite well. We see the moment where he firsts discovers his powers, We learn of the relationship with Sabertooth, (from the first X-Men) And we learned that he is much much older than we originally thought which is is due to his mutant healing power. Logan was also apart of a team of Mutant assassins lead by Stryker along with his brother victor. (Sabertooth) Logan, being the conflicted one on the team decides to quit the team, leaving his brother Victor behind. Well this develops into Victor resenting Logan for abandoning him, and Stryker of course has an even bigger plan for Logan.

We later learn than Stryker's team was meant to destroy mutants because of his hatred for mutants and starts experimentation on mutants to create the ultimate mutant killing machine. A combination of many different mutant powers from kidnapped mutants were jammed into one single mutant. And of course this leads into a final battle between Wolverine and the Mutant mayhem incarnation. We also have Loan and victor coming back together as brothers fighting together to beat the monster.

There are some special guests appearances by Prof. Charles Xavier and a much younger version of Scott Summers. (Cyclops.) Along with that we have new characters being introduced that X-Men readers will recognize.

I really enjoyed the film overall, it was very well casted, filmed, etc etc. There times when it dragged a little, but it wasn't anything incredibly huge. The special effects were a little less than impressive, and I'm referring mainly to the CGI effects. Wolverines claws defiantly awkwardly cartoonish. I thought the claws were done much better in the first 3 x-men films. The story was a predictable one and very hollywoodish. In comparison with the first 2 x-men films, I wouldn't say it was better or even as good, but it is definitely an entertaining film and worth the money to go see.

Heretic
Reviewer Read more...

Read More

EXTRA Review: Blackest Night #0 (DC Comics) By Eddie R.

I want to welcome everyone to the first EXTRA edition of my comic book reviews. From time to time, this Extra column will focus on the special Editions, one- shots, give-aways, and other various comic books which I would not normally cover in my weekly reviews. I would also like to take time out to thank all those who have been reading my reviews since I started writing it this April. Without anyone reading this, I would feel like I am just talking to myself. Nothing new there, but it’s nice to know that people do drop in time to time to hear what I have to say. Again thanks.



On that note, please feel free to leave any comments about what I have said and reviewed. As always, my reviews are based on my opinions, but I do enjoy hearing what others have to say. So don’t be shy .

O.K, by now all those who have managed to get hold of a copy of Blackest Night #0, thanks to DC Comics and your local comic book store for the Free Comic Book Day promotion, have had a chance to digest this primer into the upcoming Blackest Night Event. Everything is laid out pretty straight forward, bringing everyone up to speed without a lot of unnecessary filler, allowing people who have not had a chance to follow recent developments within this storyline to get a good foundation, and generate even more interest with those who are anticipating what is looking to be one heck of a good series.

For me, Blackest Night #0 was a real pleasure to read. I really enjoyed the conversation between Hal Jordan and Barry Allen. From the comparisons about good and evil, right and wrong, and how the world got darker after Barry’s sacrifice during the First Crisis, they managed to touch a lot of bases. The flashbacks about Batman, both with Hal and the Justice league are priceless. The update surrounding the current status of Aquaman is short but informative. I felt kind of bad for Barry when discussing the reasons why Batman’s grave is unmarked. It’s hard to see the fastest man alive not up to speed when it comes to the “who’s who” in the DCU these days.

One odd detail did catch my eye though. Hal Jordan mention’s something about people from “parallel worlds” coming to Barry’s funeral? Does this mean that everyone now remembers the Pre- Crisis DCU? I guess only time will tell.

Overall, even if this book wasn’t a free promotion, I would buy it. If you haven’t gotten a copy, try and get your hands on one. If you do have a copy already, hold on to it, or pass it around to those who you think would be interested in getting back into reading comics. Because to me, this book is one of the best examples of someone bringing their A-game to share with the fans, just because they love what they are doing so much.

9/10

Eddie R
Review Editor Read more...

Read More

Free Comic Book Day by Heretic

WOW! With my local comic book shop opening their doors at 10:00 am on Saturdays, I would think getting in and getting my copy of issue number zero of the Blackest night would be a sinch!


I drove to Mayhem comics and got there 5 until 10:00. Yeah, There was definatly a line that went out past the door and along the side walk. I parked got out of my car and literally waited for 15 minutes before actually getting in. gggrrrrr.

I was still able to get my hands on the Blackest Night comic, and there was still plenty of comics to go around. But wow, I was shocked at the number of people at the comic store that early. The stores keep getting more and more packed on free comic book day as the years roll on.

Heretic
Comic Reviewer Read more...

Read More

Diamond Select 1st Look - Daredevil Variant

Read more...

Read More

Joe Quesada talks Wolverine, Hulk & More In The Final MyCup o’ Joe

Everyone’s talking about Wolverine and Marvel Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada is back with his review of the new X-Men flick in this week’s MyCup o’ Joe at MySpace Comic Books (www.myspace.com/comicbooks)!

Journalist Jim McLauchlin and Quesada sit down for the final edition of MyCup o’ Joe with news on Daredevil, Hulk, The Dark X-Men and more! Who is Joe’s favorite cover artist? What’s his favorite cover? And just how does he feel about the NFL Draft picks by the New York Jets? All this and more at www.myspace.com/comicbooks!

MyCup o’ Joe may be coming to a close, but stay tuned to MySpace Comic Books each week for an exclusive Marvel Preview in the all-new Marvel Fridays! Click over to www.myspace.com/comicbooks and learn more right now!

Read more...

Read More

Vote Now For Your Favorite Marvel’s Assistant Sized Spectacular Story!

It’s been 25 years since the Assistant Editors at the House of Ideas got their chance to create their own stories and now, only at Marvel.com, you get the chance to vote one for which story in the Marvel Assistant-Sized Spectacular specials deserves a sequel!

You have the power to bring back these unique visions of the Daughter of Galactus, Mini Marvels Hawkeye, Luke Cage, Elsa Bloodstone, American Eagle or D-Man for another chance to shine in the Marvel limelight! It’s all up to you!

You’ve read the stories now head on over to http://www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.7811.Unlimited_Highlights%7Ecolon%7E_Assistant_Editor%7Eapos%7Es_Month and make sure you get your vote in before May 6th, 2009 when the polls close! If you haven’t read the stories yet, what are you waiting for? Head out to your local comic shop and pick up Marvel Assistant Sized Spectacular #1-2!


MARVEL ASSISTANT-SIZED SPECTACULAR #1 (of 2) (FEB092553)
MARVEL ASSISTANT-SIZED SPECTACULAR #2 (of 2) (FEB092554)
Written by CHRIS ELIOPOULOS, JASON AARON, CHRIS YOST, CHRIS GIARRUSSO, ADAM WARREN, WYATT CENAC & BRIAN PATCHETT
Art by JACOB CHABOT, RICHARD ISANOVE, JOH JAMES, CHRIS GIARRUSSO, TODD NAUCK & XURXO PENALTA
Cover by DAVID WILLIAMS
Rated A …$3.99(each)
ON SALE NOW!

Read more...

Read More

Movie Review - Punisher: War Zone by Heretic

If there was ever a film I absolutly refused to see, it would be Punisher: War Zone. I would have rather brushed my teeth and then drink orange juice then go see this movie. The reason being is it looked more like a shoot 'em up action movie with very little substance and no real plot. But I decided that I would have some fun and get together with a friend and we would have a mystery Science Theater 3000 movie night and make fun of the film. my friend, Mike, and I both had no desire to see this film, and even going into watching it, we were both still dreading it. And what made matters even better, I dragged my wife along in the fun.




The first Punisher was fantastic, It met all expectations and went above and beyond at bring a quality story to the big screen. War Zone, based on the previews, seemed to lack everything that made the first punisher movie (starring Tom Jame) had. Mike, my wife and myself sat down on a couch, and hit play. And the film started.

Now Mike is a Marvel fan, I myself am I DC fan so I trusted Mike to let me know when there was something going on in the movie that I wouldn't quite get. I also knew that since he is a marvel fan, he would have a better chance at appriciating the film than I would. We both soon learned that this film couldn't be appriciated by either a marvel or DC fan.

We watched the film from beginning to end, and while we did we all were wondering why we were watching this very poorly made film. The special effects were quite bad. (how many color filters can one film have???) The script was the worst script I've ever experienced in a film, and the plot was non existant. We were bored through 20% of it, Perplexed at the films stupidity through 30% of it, and laugh through 50% of it! I honestly have nothing good to say about the film. Every step that was taken to make this film good was poorly taken, and there was no real way of saving this film from being a complete disater. I tried so desperatly hard to like the film (not really) but there really was no chance at this film being well done. There was a moment where Mike turned to my wife and myself and asked "you know, we don't have to finish this you the two of you dont want to." But I was determined to see how the film finished.

The film was done. The three of us sat in awe. And for about a half hour we talked about how bad the film was and how we all probably became dumber due to the number of our brain cells the movie killed.

But here's the great part! I would recommend everyone, man woman and child to see this film. It is an experience you'll never forget. get your friends together and watch this film and make fun of it and laugh your heads off. But only rent it, don't buy it. It's not worth your money.

Heretic Read more...

Read More

Review of Justice Society of America #26 (DC Comics) By Eddie R.

Going out in style.

My review of Justice Society of America #26 is going to be short this week. Why you may ask? Well, not much can be said about the coming of the end of a great run like this book has had, except for two words.

Thank you.



As a reader of many comic titles each month, I personally think this run of Justice Society of America has set the standard for how character development can be, and should be, used within with the DC comics Universe. Where there are a few books which make me feel it’s a chore in order to read them from start to finish, I am glad to say the Geoff Johns and Dale Eaglesham run on Justice Society has been anything but that. And to them, I am extremely thankful.

I am also thankful that this characterization effect has trickled into many other of my favourite DC monthly titles. What will remain to be seen is if the next writers of the JSA series, and all those who will follow in the months and years to come, writing other various stories throughout the DCU, will continue this standard. Only time will tell. And I am willing to wait.

As for the current issue itself. Well, there’s no fighting, no shocking revelations, no internal clashes. It’s just a festive atmosphere of a birthday party, with a look into the family celebrating it.

Personally, if I was ending a very successful run on book, this is how I would want to go.

9/10

Eddie R
Review Editor
Read more...

Read More

Ultimatum #4: Is Peter Parker Next?

ULTIMATUM #4 (of 5) (JAN092453)
ULTIMATUM #4 (of 5) MCGUINNESS VARIANT (JAN092454)
ULTIMATUM #4 (of 5) MCGUINNESS SKETCH VARIANT (JAN092454)
ULTIMATUM #4 (of 5) PETER PARKER RIP VARIANT (MAR098107)
Written by JEPH LOEB
Pencils & Cover by DAVID FINCH
Variant Cover by ED MCGUINNESS
Sketch Variant Cover by ED MCGUINNESS
RIP Variant Cover by PHIL JIMENEZ
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC—5/7/09, On-Sale—5/27/09

Read more...

Read More

Marvel.com Premieres “Marvel Super Heroes: What The--?!” Episode 2

Marvel's brightest stars including Wolverine, Deadpool and the Blob arrive for the star-studded premiere of the Wolverine movie!

Somehow, M.O.D.O.K. found himself a press pass. Will the red carpet EVER be the same? This second episode of the original Marvel.com video production Marvel Super Heroes: What The--?! features special guest star, UFC welterweight, Matt "The Terror" Serra!

Watch “Red Carpet M.O.D.O.K.” now at http://www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.7824.



Read more...

Read More

Watchmen Movie review by Heretic

It's been a while since the film came out, but I feel I need to write a review about Watchmen.

My expectations were high, unbelievably high, astronomically high, indescribly high! My favorite Graphic novel, favorite book, favorite story is finally a film! Being someone who appriciates the craft and art it takes to turn a novel into a film, this was by far one of the more exciting moments in my life as a movie buff. Over a year before the release of Watchmen, I was already jumping up and down like a little boy who just got his first ten speed bicycle for Christmas from Santa Clause. I couldn't get the film off my mind due to my excitment. I'll admit it, I was obsessed with this movie coming out!

Now, excited I was, but reservations I had. The most common question you'd hear from Watcmen fans would be, "How can you make a movie from a book as complicated and jam packed as Watchmen?" it's a valid question really, Watcmen is completely jam packed with with storyline that it is literally impossible to make a movie from the graphic novel and keep every detail of it's fantasically written story by the briliant Alan moore. And further more, how does one make a film from this Graphic novel and keep the all of the themes that Alan Moore intended for his story to have? Zach Synder, Director of Watchmen and the famous film 300, really put on himself one of the most difficult film making tasks that any director has ever atempted with the exception of Peter Jackson and The Lord of the Rings series. However, even with all of the reservations I had about the film, I was still more excited about it then I was with The Dark Knight. So with all of the questions of how compatible the book is on the big screen I decided to not worry about it and wait until I saw the film at least once before I decide if the film is good or not. (Like most people were doing.)

I sat with alot of my friends in the theatre opening night. We were wowed right from the start. The opening credits were amazing, in a nut shell it gives us a little history of the story that is to follow. The film moved on and opened up with an exceptionally faithful opener, Rorshach walking down the street at night reciting his very poetic entries from his journal. The as the film rolled on, I became more and more thrilled about how faithful the film was staying to the Graphic novel. It was as if they used the Graphic novel as their story boards while filming! Absolute perfection in accuracy! However, one thing did worry me...There was nothing in the film about the missing artist and the pirate comic! It stay pretty incredibly faitful, but without the story of the missing artist and the pirate comic, how in the world will the ending in the graphic novel make sense on film? Only one thing came to mind...The ending had to be changed. And as it got closer and closer to the finale, I still couldn't figure out how it was going to happen! But I knew an ending change was in the midst.

And finally, it came. And I was right, the ending was changed. And at first I was disapointed. The ending in the Graphic novel is so good. But after thinking about it (and seeing the film 3 more times) I came to the conclusion that the ending works quite well. Knowing how Dr. Manhatten thinks, and how everyone else in the story would think, it makes sense. The ending worked. For the Watchmen fan, it probably is a disapointing ending. I know it was for me at first. But for the audience member who hasn't read the graphic novel, it helps to bring the story to a good conclusion.

I think Synder did an excellent job at making Watchmen into a great theatrical success. My only true gripe with the film is that it pumped through the storyline at 100 miles per hour. So it just continually jumps from one scene to the next without giving the audience any real time to soke in the story. There truly is no room to breathe in this film. You'll feel like the movie ended, and you'll come out not sure what happen. It is quite an entertaining film. I would recommend it to any who enjoy sci/fi, and to those who have a strong stomach...it does get fairly violent and bloody.

Heretic
Reviewer Read more...

Read More

Review of Green Lantern # 40 (DC Comics) By Eddie R.

Identity Stolen.

After reading Green Lantern # 40, I see the continuation of the “soul searching” theme currently going on in all the books tied into the upcoming Blackest Night. It seems this time of reflection is allowing the readers to gain a better understanding of who the players are, even if the characters themselves seem to feel as if their identities and roles have been stolen from them, so to speak.



On one front, we have Yrra Cynril, the former bounty hunter known as Fatality, reflecting on her recent conversion to a Star Sapphire. Yrra feels this new found power of love seems to have filled a void caused by years of pain and suffering, and with this power she can save all those who she deems “misguided”. I think the person she’s chooses as her next “conversion” will make a very interesting case study.

From another front, we have Hal Jordan still dealing with the issue of the Blue Power Ring, and how get free of it. Hal feels hope is a burden. He is unable to free himself from the Blue ring, due to his lack of faith in its power. I liked the bit of comic relief concerning what Hal “Hopes” for, and how the blue ring reacts to his request. It goes to show that the only way to achieve Hope is with true intentions and real determination.

But, as each of these characters seeks to understand what they have been given, another continues to take advantage of the situation. And take, and take, and take...

As the Guardians finally reveal the new fourth law, the battle is taken to the Vegan Star system. It’s here, during an all out assault lead by the Guardians themselves, where we learn how Agent Orange could thrive for such a long time and why the Guardians chose to turn a blind eye. The end result of this neglect is the fire which fuels Agent Oranges power.

We also learn how the orange power rings work, as the rings steal a candidates identity for service in the Orange Lanterns, regardless of the chosen parties willingness or not. I found the back-up tale of the Orange Lanterns to illustrate this point quite clearly. It seemed to be more of a moral than a tale, but still a warning nevertheless.

Overall I like where this is heading. Like a complex game of cosmic chess, most if not all the pieces have been set into motion.

Now we just have to see how this all plays out.

8.5/ 10

Eddie R.
Review Editor Read more...

Read More

Review of Final Crisis: Legion of Three Worlds #4. By Eddie R.

Return to the Future.

For months now, Legions of Fans have been asking why DC Comics made the decision to postpone releasing the fourth installment of Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds? What could make the publisher put such a fast paced storyline as this on hold for 2 whole months?

The answer to that question is just that: Answers............... Glorious Answers!



Answers to what you may ask? Well, for that you’re going to have to read the book yourself, but what I will tell you is the following.... If this series was part of a story bible for the up and coming DC Universe, you could file it under Revelations, because there are tons of them in this 40 page installment.

Lots of loose ends get tied up here, from various other storylines published within the last 2 years of the DCU. Fans of certain characters, which some believe have been denied a proper homage in their eyes, will certainly have something to cheer for. As I was reading, it amazed me how all of this all seemed to play out so seamlessly in amidst a battle royal of good versus evil. Yes fellow readers, the story is THAT good.

For me, the biggest part of the series has been the time travel aspect. I love how past, present and future events are intertwined into a very believable scenario. Sometimes you get a story where time travel hampers the flow of the tale being told, bogging it down with a million different ways which the story could be resolved, and not showing one clear outcome in the end. This isn’t the case here.

Although the ending was one I did not see coming, I am glad it has gone this route. It does raise a ton of questions, but I am willing to wait 2 more months for the answers.

9.5/10

Eddie R.
Review Editor
Read more...

Read More

MIKE ALLRED TO PERMANENTLY COVER THE JERSEY GODS THIS MAY!

Highly acclaimed creator of MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS, Mike Allred, to become permanent cover artist for Image's ongoing superhero saga, JERSEY GODS!

Image Comics' newest superhero debut, JERSEY GODS, gains a new member of their creative pantheon as writer Glen Brunswick and illustrator Dan McDaid are joined by new permanent series cover artist, MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS' Mike Allred!

"I consider Mike Allred to be one of the greatest artists currently working in comics today," Brunswick said. "When Joe Keatinge told me that we had a shot at getting Mike to illustrate the cover to our first issue of JERSEY GODS I was really excited. The Jersey Turnpike racing cover that Mike turned in has become iconic - in one single image Mike was able to convey the entire essence of the series. Since then Mike has been gracious enough to do four more unbelievable covers for us. If you told me six months ago that Mike Allred was going to become our permanent JERSEY GODS cover artist, I'd have wondering which psych ward you just wandered out of. On the other hand, maybe I'm the one that's crazy after all...and damn happy about it. Welcome aboard, Mike!"

Mike Allred takes over the regular cover reins full-time with issue six just after SAVAGE DRAGON's Erik Larsen concludes the series of regular guest covers. However, the incentive covers will still continue with major talent such as KICK ASS' John Romita Jr., SPAWN's Whilce Portacio and an upcoming wraparound by BATTLING BOY's Paul Pope. Fans excited for the change are encouraged to stop by Brunswick's appearance on May 2nd during Free Comic Book Day at Concord, CA's Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff. In addition to the full lineup of FCBD offerings, free copies of JERSEY GODS #1 will be given away alongside a coupon good for either a dollar off each issue of JERSEY GODS #2-5 or five dollars off the upcoming collection.

Allred added, "I've been a big fan from day one and now to be part of the team, even getting team t-shirts, is super cool!"

JERSEY GODS #4 (MAR092450), a 32-page full color comic book for $3.50, will be in stores May 6th, 2009. For more information on the Flying Colors Free Comic Book Day event with Glen Brunswick on May 2nd in Concord, CA please visit http://www.flyingcolorscomics.com/.

Read more...

Read More

Ask Matty - May 1

It's time once again for Mattel to answer some questions.

1) There is talk of Wave 10 being a Wal-Mart exclusive wave. Seeing there were both quality issues & distribution issues on Wal-Mart's end with the last exclusive wave, is there anything Mattel can do to improve this at all, to make sure the consumers are able to get this wave? One of the main frustrations was various Wal-Marts not stocking this wave.

Wal-Mart is well aware of this and have greatly increased their order for their customized wave as well as increased the number of stores carrying it. But in the end, this is a choice Wal-Mart makes, not Mattel. Doing a Wal-Mart wave is part of the overall long term strategy to bring DCUC to Wal-Mart stores.

2) For the Wonder Twins, are they the same scale as Robin & Kid Flash?
Or are they more in scale with the Riddler?

They are based on Harley Quinn and the Red Tornado bodies.

3) Mattel had a DCIC Wonder Woman figure to go with the release of the Wonder Woman DVD. Any chance of that repeating with the Green Lantern DVD that's coming out in July?

Possibly…

4) On the Ghostbusters line, what about a Collect & Connect Stay-Puffed Marshmallow Man? I know personally, I'd love to see that.

Not likely a Collect and Connect, as we would like to find a way to make him even bigger and C&C only go up to 10 inches. We’ll find another way to do him even bigger in time.

5) Can we get an update on the street dates of DCU waves 8 & 9, DCIH, Justice League, Brave & the Bold, Dark Knight Movie Masters, etc?

For a variety of reasons there are not exact street dates for toys (with the exception of major movie events like Dark Knight). All of these toys will be out in the next few months. Read more...

Read More

Dark Reign Rocks The World of Amazing Spider-Man!

Who’s the American Son? What are his ties to the Dark Avengers? And just what does Dark Reign mean for Spider-Man? The answers begin in Amazing Spider-Man #595, the first chapter of “American Son” from fan-favorite writer Joe Kelly and acclaimed artist Phil Jimenez!

After recent events, Spider-Man’s life is worse than ever and he decides it’s time to save the world…by taking down Norman Osborn, AKA the Iron Patriot and leader of the Dark Avengers. This is the Spider-Man epic that no Marvel fan can afford to miss as the countdown to Amazing Spider-Man #600 begins! Plus, don’t miss a menacing variant cover from superstar artist Adi Granov!

For a look behind the scenes of “American Son”, including all-new art plus commentary by Kelly and Spider-Man Editor Steve Wacker, check out the Spider-Man: American Son Sketchbook. It’s free, courtesy of Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited, right here: http://marvel.com/digitalcomics/titles/AMAZING_SPIDER-MAN~colon~_AMERICAN_SON_SKETCHBOOK.2009.1

Retailers, please check the Marvel Mailer for special incentives on Amazing Spider-Man #595, the first chapter of “American Son”!

American Son Part 1
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #595 (MAR092529)
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #595 GRANOV VARIANT (MAR092530)
Written by JOE KELLY
Pencils & Cover by PHIL JIMENEZ
Variant Cover by ADI GRANOV
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—5/7/09, On-Sale—5/27/09

American Son Part 2
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #596 (APR090449)
Written by JOE KELLY
Pencils by PAULO SIQUEIRA
Cover by PHIL JIMENEZ
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—5/14/09, On-Sale—6/3/09

American Son Part 3
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #597 (APR090450)
Written by JOE KELLY
Pencils by MARCO CHECHETTO
Cover by PHIL JIMENEZ
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—5/21/09, On-Sale—6/10/09

American Son Part 4
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #598 (APR090451)
Written by JOE KELLY
Pencils by PAULO SIQUEIRA
Cover by PHIL JIMENEZ
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—5/28/09, On-Sale—6/17/09



Read more...

Read More

Review of Star Trek: Crew #2 (IDW Publishing) By Eddie R.

Fortunate.

Sometimes it’s hard to follow a story when it begins in the middle. It gets even more complicated when you start moving the story both forwards and backwards from that middle point, and sometimes the action is not fast paced enough to bring you up to speed on what’s going on. That’s why I was surprised when I read, then re-read, this issue of Star Trek: Crew #2.



Even though I thought I had managed to see everything the first time around, a few things caught my eye at a second glance. And it was after this second reading where I felt very privileged to have someone like John Byrne behind the helm of this book. I really do appreciate the attention to detail, both in the artwork and the dialogue, Mr. Byrne does. This feels like Star trek, looks like Star trek, and if anything is a tribute, not only to the entire History of Star Trek, but to all the fans out there who know what Star trek truly is about: A wagon train to the Stars.

We open this issue in the vacuum of space, where we find our fearless female Cadet from the first issue, now an Ensign and well on her way to becoming the Character “Number One”, doing a spacewalk and making repairs to the impulse engines of the starship she is currently serving on, the U.S.S Fortune. The plot of the story is typical Star Trek (Ship gets distress call, answers, finds Colony destroyed by unknown alien race, Aliens come back and go after said starship, battle ensues, clocks constantly ticking). What’s not typical about this story are both the dialogue, and the pace, at which the drama unfolds.

Choices have to be made, Lives are on the line, and issues have to be weighed. Overall, this will lead you to an excellent story, combined with some serious character development. You will feel drawn in, like you want to be on that ship with them, taking part in both the action and the decision making, no matter what the outcome.

And that’s where I feel fortunate.

9/10

Eddie R.
Review Editor Read more...

Read More