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Check it out ever Friday for some of the most mind-blowing banter of comics and action figures!
-TCBC
Friday, October 30, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
The Pick - October 27th
Holy hell, this is a HUGE week! Not only do we have three Blackest Night titles hitting shelves, but the long awaited Necrosha one-shot as well as at least two tie-ins to that! Besides that there is a swarm of new graphic novels and manga. It was a rough decision I had to make tonight, but one I'm happy with. Even with the new titles out, it's a reminder that going back to basics is always a good decision.
I'm making a new addition to the pick. If you scroll down, after each summary, I list the other titles out this week that you can read if you liked one of my picks. If you didn't, well...I really could give a damn. But I don't.
Enjoy, little minions!
Written & Drawn by Tony Daniel
Inks by Sandu Florea
After two Batman Reborn arcs under its belt, the Caped Crusader goes back to he who does it best. Tony Daniel, writer and artist of Battle for the Cowl returns to the signature title with an all new story. After last month's confusing cliff-hanger, Daniel leads us to just outside of Gotham where Batman is picking up the pieces of the False Faces. As it turns out, after a brief conversation between Two-Face and Black Mask in last months issue, we find out via a cameo of a scantily clad Selina Kyle that he's back at Devil's Square and up to no good.
Batman discovers that the Falcone family's youngest son has joined the criminal ranks of his father and siblings and is running a mysterious operation on land re-purchased from the government. There's a few comments that both Batman, Black Mask, and Mario Falcone make that leave you scratching your head. But just like he did before, Daniel leaves enough to make you want more. In addition to the great story-telling, his art is just as fantastic as ever... And I can't complain about the cheesecake of Catwoman since there's a nice amount of beefcake Dick Grayson to grin about.
Like Batman? Try:
Gotham City Sirens #5
Detective Comics Batwoman #858
Written by Sterling Gates
Art by Julian Lopez
Inks by Bit
Aside from a bit of confusing place-setting in the beginning, this turned out to be a lot better than I had first assumed! The title would suggest we are dealing with Superman/Batman, but since that's already taken, DC took a different route, bringing several characters from both franchises together. In this issue, we meet Christ Kent, Superman's adopted son and the new incarnation of Nightwing, who seeks out help from Red Robin Tim Drake.
The inclusion of The Penguin and Kryptonite Man only serve to pull you more into the issue, as it becomes apparent Penguin is attempting to auction off Nightwing's partner Flamebird. With their combined might, our superheroes managed to take the villain by surprise, thus ensuing Flamebird's safety. What's interesting is the end, when we find that Kryptonite Man has gone missing, only to end up in the surgery subject of a mysterious man.
The art is great, but nothing really baffling. I would say, however, that Lopez's pencils are incredibly accurate and gave way to even more daring inks. With two covers to choose from, it's really anyone's decision. But for a mini, this looks like it's going to be rather good!
Like World's Finest? Try:
Arkham Reborn #1
Written by Craig Kyle & Christopher Yost
Art, Cover, & Variant by Clayton Crain
Aside from the fact that this is Marvel's Blackest Night, this was a damn good read. With Selene getting her nasty little fingers on the T-O virus and using it to control her team of minions, she makes her way to the rumble that was once Genosha, renaming it Necrosha. As she takes a seat on her throne, the rest of the dead raise to do her bidding. Some begin a take-over of Utopia, others find that they need to finish what has already been started, and one hopes to change the future, but may have actually made things worse.
As a whole, this was pretty awesome. It takes a completely different road than BN, one that seems a little bit more foreboding and creepy. The art itself is pretty damn fantastic. My only argument against that is I think Crain draws his women with too-small heads. Aside from that, i love how they're using a single issue only to continue with other on-going titles. It can get a little confusing, but that's easily remedied so long as you get your hands on the little cardboard lists at your local comic book store.
Like Necrosha? Try
New Mutants #6
X-Force #21
That is is for this week... Like I said, it was hard picking what I liked best. After process of elimination from what I already reviewed and what was really just crap, I came down to these three guys. Check them out, kiddies!
-TCBC
I'm making a new addition to the pick. If you scroll down, after each summary, I list the other titles out this week that you can read if you liked one of my picks. If you didn't, well...I really could give a damn. But I don't.
Enjoy, little minions!
1. Batman #692
Written & Drawn by Tony DanielInks by Sandu Florea
After two Batman Reborn arcs under its belt, the Caped Crusader goes back to he who does it best. Tony Daniel, writer and artist of Battle for the Cowl returns to the signature title with an all new story. After last month's confusing cliff-hanger, Daniel leads us to just outside of Gotham where Batman is picking up the pieces of the False Faces. As it turns out, after a brief conversation between Two-Face and Black Mask in last months issue, we find out via a cameo of a scantily clad Selina Kyle that he's back at Devil's Square and up to no good.
Batman discovers that the Falcone family's youngest son has joined the criminal ranks of his father and siblings and is running a mysterious operation on land re-purchased from the government. There's a few comments that both Batman, Black Mask, and Mario Falcone make that leave you scratching your head. But just like he did before, Daniel leaves enough to make you want more. In addition to the great story-telling, his art is just as fantastic as ever... And I can't complain about the cheesecake of Catwoman since there's a nice amount of beefcake Dick Grayson to grin about.
Like Batman? Try:
Gotham City Sirens #5
Detective Comics Batwoman #858
2. World's Finest #1 (of 4)
Written by Sterling GatesArt by Julian Lopez
Inks by Bit
Aside from a bit of confusing place-setting in the beginning, this turned out to be a lot better than I had first assumed! The title would suggest we are dealing with Superman/Batman, but since that's already taken, DC took a different route, bringing several characters from both franchises together. In this issue, we meet Christ Kent, Superman's adopted son and the new incarnation of Nightwing, who seeks out help from Red Robin Tim Drake.
The inclusion of The Penguin and Kryptonite Man only serve to pull you more into the issue, as it becomes apparent Penguin is attempting to auction off Nightwing's partner Flamebird. With their combined might, our superheroes managed to take the villain by surprise, thus ensuing Flamebird's safety. What's interesting is the end, when we find that Kryptonite Man has gone missing, only to end up in the surgery subject of a mysterious man.
The art is great, but nothing really baffling. I would say, however, that Lopez's pencils are incredibly accurate and gave way to even more daring inks. With two covers to choose from, it's really anyone's decision. But for a mini, this looks like it's going to be rather good!
Like World's Finest? Try:
Arkham Reborn #1
3. Necrosha One-Shot
Written by Craig Kyle & Christopher YostArt, Cover, & Variant by Clayton Crain
Aside from the fact that this is Marvel's Blackest Night, this was a damn good read. With Selene getting her nasty little fingers on the T-O virus and using it to control her team of minions, she makes her way to the rumble that was once Genosha, renaming it Necrosha. As she takes a seat on her throne, the rest of the dead raise to do her bidding. Some begin a take-over of Utopia, others find that they need to finish what has already been started, and one hopes to change the future, but may have actually made things worse.
As a whole, this was pretty awesome. It takes a completely different road than BN, one that seems a little bit more foreboding and creepy. The art itself is pretty damn fantastic. My only argument against that is I think Crain draws his women with too-small heads. Aside from that, i love how they're using a single issue only to continue with other on-going titles. It can get a little confusing, but that's easily remedied so long as you get your hands on the little cardboard lists at your local comic book store.
Like Necrosha? Try
New Mutants #6
X-Force #21
That is is for this week... Like I said, it was hard picking what I liked best. After process of elimination from what I already reviewed and what was really just crap, I came down to these three guys. Check them out, kiddies!
-TCBC
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Ninja of Ninja Movies
First things first: is anyone else as stoked about Ninja Assassin as I am? Probably not... I'm counting down the days until this movie comes out. The reality of this situation is that I'm willing to skip work, skip school, and even skip the best dinner of the year (Thanksgiving--complete with my grandmother's homemade mashed potatoes and stuffing) to be the first one in line to see this movie.
The movie stars Rain, a South Korean born actor and model, as Raizo, an orphan taken off the street and raised to be one of the deadliest assassin's in the world by the mythological Ozunu clan. Things turn ugly when the clan betrays Raizo, forcing him to flee and therefore giving us a reason to watch the movie. Anyways, can anyone think of a movie involving ninjas that has been more unbelievable? I'm talking 'go-down-in-history' epic. If this movie doesn't make you shit your pants from just the thought of mindbogglingly amazing this is going to be, then your a lost cause and I suggest you throw yourself off a cliff.
Just the stunt alone take your breath away. If anyone knows what Parkour is, then you know what kind of stunts such a sport entails. I'm sure you've all see this video:
Ooh...Fancy!
It's probably one of the more amusing, and more well-known. But aside from the fact that jumping and being able to climb up buildings with your fingers really has nothing to do with being a ninja, it's pretty impressive. There are plenty of 'How To' books if you know where to look in the book store. Some spoof and some, with a very twisted sense of humor, try to take the matter seriously. But that's nothing compared so some of the things I've lined up for.
In honor of it its upcoming history-making debut, why don't we all take a look back on the history of some of the more prominent Hollywood ninjas to make the grade (pass and fail)
This is probably one of the first movies that brought ninjas to the American public. In fact, this pretty much gave way to the ninja obsession of the 80's that has revived in out modern era. Chuck Norris, as we all know, has become a paragon of satire and martial arts since his days as Walker Texas Ranger. This movie, his biggest box-office money maker, is a prime example of the kind of skill and strength someone can obtain. Most noticeable are the lack of camera edits, making the action more believable. It gets cheesy at some parts, and kind of slow, but if you haven't seen this, then I pity you. Seriously.
This is another movie that brought the art of the Ninja to the American audiences and proceeded to rocket it to heights of awesomeness. With the typical plot of an American soldier heading to the orient to learn the ways of the warrior, only to find himself at odds with is training rival and villain of the land. This has some pretty amazing stunts and great choreography, especially for its time.
Don't let the cheesy cover fool you; for being as old as it is, this movie holds its own. Joe Armstrong finds himself caught in the middle of a crooked trade between the army and a group of ninjas. Typical hijinks ensue and in wonderful 80's fashion, Armstrong catches the eye of one very lusty Colonel's daughter. This movie had a great amount action that can satisfy any martial arts fan. This might just turn into your next guilty pleasure movie :P
Considering the concept for this hit comic and t.v. show was based of a parody of some of Marvel's biggest seller's at the time, you gotta give the creator credit for doing something right. The comic and show alone register in young men's memories as some of the best Saturday morning's spent in front of the television, not to mention the greatness of the Turtle Pop with gummy eyes from the neighborhood Candy Man. Even with the amount of ridiculousness this movie portrays, it's the memories that make it great.
Ah, yes. Who can forget the story of three unlikely young boys visiting their Japanese grandfather and taking out a crime the size of China that even the FBI can't handle. This was a real blockbuster for its time, wasn't it? Maybe it was just under-appreciated, like so many of its fellow 90's movies... Of course, considering it had sequels equally as bank-breaking, its not wonder this isn't the first thing that comes to mind when one things of a "Ninja."
This is pretty much self-explanatory. With Robin Shou the prodigal martial arts student and anti-hero, this movie was, at the time, side-splitting and to many, still is. This is a classic case of parody, and done right. Modern movies could take a few notes. May you rest in peace, Christ Farley, but damn, this shit was funny.
Even though technically this isn't much of a ninja movie, there is plenty of sword fighting and ass-kicking to bring it into this list. Look at GoGo Yubari; she was pretty ninja. Aside from a brief animated short in the beginning showing the gruesome history of
With the decline of Ninja-awesomeness and the impending Vampire & Zombie epidemic, the character of Miho struggles in a world soon-to-be thirsting for glittering bloodsuckers and Zombie-free theme parks. Still, she had a pretty cool part when it came to. Devon Aoki wouldn't be my best choice for a ninja, but she's half Japanese, so she kind of snagged a lucky break considering there really aren't many Japanese-American actresses on the scene that speak as good of Engrish as Aoki does :P It's the special effects that count.... 9_9
That's pretty much it for Hollywood. Anything else I didn't mention was usually so terrible I just wanted to shove my head into a meat-grinder or pray to God I had a stroke at that very moment. Of course, if you really want to Ninja-fy your brain, visit the Ninja Movie Database. It's a simple website, with simple lists, but they tell you everything you need to know about the best [foreign] ninja movies to get you geared up for Ninja Assassin.
And if you have no clue what I'm talking about:? Well, then, blow your mind:
All this...AND Turkey dinner?? Best. Thanksgiving. Ever!
Sweet Mother of God...O_O
The movie stars Rain, a South Korean born actor and model, as Raizo, an orphan taken off the street and raised to be one of the deadliest assassin's in the world by the mythological Ozunu clan. Things turn ugly when the clan betrays Raizo, forcing him to flee and therefore giving us a reason to watch the movie. Anyways, can anyone think of a movie involving ninjas that has been more unbelievable? I'm talking 'go-down-in-history' epic. If this movie doesn't make you shit your pants from just the thought of mindbogglingly amazing this is going to be, then your a lost cause and I suggest you throw yourself off a cliff.
Just the stunt alone take your breath away. If anyone knows what Parkour is, then you know what kind of stunts such a sport entails. I'm sure you've all see this video:
Ooh...Fancy!
It's probably one of the more amusing, and more well-known. But aside from the fact that jumping and being able to climb up buildings with your fingers really has nothing to do with being a ninja, it's pretty impressive. There are plenty of 'How To' books if you know where to look in the book store. Some spoof and some, with a very twisted sense of humor, try to take the matter seriously. But that's nothing compared so some of the things I've lined up for.
In honor of it its upcoming history-making debut, why don't we all take a look back on the history of some of the more prominent Hollywood ninjas to make the grade (pass and fail)
The Octagon (1980)
Enter The Ninja (1981)
American Ninja (1985)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
3 Ninjas (1992)
Beverly Hills Ninja (1997)
Kill Bill (2003-4)
Sin City (2005)
That's pretty much it for Hollywood. Anything else I didn't mention was usually so terrible I just wanted to shove my head into a meat-grinder or pray to God I had a stroke at that very moment. Of course, if you really want to Ninja-fy your brain, visit the Ninja Movie Database. It's a simple website, with simple lists, but they tell you everything you need to know about the best [foreign] ninja movies to get you geared up for Ninja Assassin.
And if you have no clue what I'm talking about:? Well, then, blow your mind:
All this...AND Turkey dinner?? Best. Thanksgiving. Ever!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The Pick - October 20th
After a nice little hiatus, I'm back with the weekly pick. There was a pretty good selection to choose from, which is a nice change from the past two weeks. Some popular titles continued on as well a few premier issues, so all in all, I think it was a pretty good week.
Another upside for this week? I've now officially beat Swine Flu 2009... You know what that means, right? Time to make t-shirts! :D
Written by Chris Yost
Co-feature written by Marc Andreyko
Art by Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs
Co-feature art by Jeremy Haun
Cover by Dustin Nguyen
With the start of a two part series entitled "Leviathan," guest writer Chris Yost takes the attention away from Batman and focuses it on The Huntress, who finds herself knee-deep in a losing battle against Kirk Langstrom, a.k.a. Man-Bat. As they tumble through the city, Man-Bat focusing on his next mean, Huntress takes the time to analyze her reasons for protecting Gotham. With an overlapping story focusing on one priests' decent into madness, the story comes together when both Man-Bat and Huntress find themselves at the priests' mercy...
The second-feature of Manhunter continues where the last issue left off, taking a brief detour to tell the story of Jimmy, and how he got into his business. After Kate made her interest in taking down Two-Face known, this issue reveals that he won't take it lying down.
Written by James Robinson
Art and cover by Eddy Barrows & Ruy Jos
Variant cover by Shane Davis & Sandra Hope
Now I know I picked the second issue of this last month, but there's nothing that could change my mind from making this decision either. As Superman and Superboy continue to battle, Black Lantern Psycho Pirate continues to share his emotions with the rest of Smallville, watching amused as Superboy attacks Superman, even as the Man of Steel struggles to get through to Connor.
Meanwhile, Ma Kent manages to get the better of Black Lantern Lois with Krypto's help. New Krypton is saved as an order to seal the planet with a counter energy to the black rings. Everything comes together as the mysterious Medusa Mask holds the secret to overcoming the power of the black rings.
Written by Marjorie Liu & Daniel Way
Penciled by Stephen Segovia
Cover by Greg Land
Young Guns Variant by Daniel Acuna
The minute I happened upon Daken Akihiro, I was smitten. Who was this smart-mouth, smooth-talking son-on-a-bitch with daddy issues? The amount of mental issues this kid has carried against his upbringing and parental figures is unimaginabley delightful--almost as much as Damian Wayne, but that little darling sits atop my favorites list. And as the little shit becomes a man, he is reminded more and more that things aren't as easy as they come.
He's very painfully reminded of that in this issue, when both Norman and his plan to redeem his reputation backfires with bloody results. Not only is his cover put to the test, but these second rate criminals aren't as stupid as they pretended to be. With Emmy Doolis practically calling the shots, Osborn is going to have to figure a way out of this fast. But, as always, Daken has his own score to settle with Ms. Doolis.
Another upside for this week? I've now officially beat Swine Flu 2009... You know what that means, right? Time to make t-shirts! :D
I'm way too proud of this than is humanly healthy.
Onto the comics.
1. Streets of Gotham #5
Written by Chris YostCo-feature written by Marc Andreyko
Art by Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs
Co-feature art by Jeremy Haun
Cover by Dustin Nguyen
With the start of a two part series entitled "Leviathan," guest writer Chris Yost takes the attention away from Batman and focuses it on The Huntress, who finds herself knee-deep in a losing battle against Kirk Langstrom, a.k.a. Man-Bat. As they tumble through the city, Man-Bat focusing on his next mean, Huntress takes the time to analyze her reasons for protecting Gotham. With an overlapping story focusing on one priests' decent into madness, the story comes together when both Man-Bat and Huntress find themselves at the priests' mercy...
The second-feature of Manhunter continues where the last issue left off, taking a brief detour to tell the story of Jimmy, and how he got into his business. After Kate made her interest in taking down Two-Face known, this issue reveals that he won't take it lying down.
There's a brief preview of Batman/Doc Savage coming in November that, truthfully, baffles me. In one panel Batman is grinning and smoking a cigarette. Now, this isn't our current Batman-reborn; no, no...this is the immortalized Bruce Wayne-Batman. Things get even stranger when, the next page over, Batman is shown having a shoot off with two thugs as he quickly dives for the window--a la Hollywood-style. WTF, Brian Azzarello?? Bruce Wayne-Batman does not grin! Nor does he have a shoot off with thugs! Ever.
I so do not have good expectations for this....
2. Blackest Night Superman #3
Written by James Robinson Art and cover by Eddy Barrows & Ruy Jos
Variant cover by Shane Davis & Sandra Hope
Now I know I picked the second issue of this last month, but there's nothing that could change my mind from making this decision either. As Superman and Superboy continue to battle, Black Lantern Psycho Pirate continues to share his emotions with the rest of Smallville, watching amused as Superboy attacks Superman, even as the Man of Steel struggles to get through to Connor.
Meanwhile, Ma Kent manages to get the better of Black Lantern Lois with Krypto's help. New Krypton is saved as an order to seal the planet with a counter energy to the black rings. Everything comes together as the mysterious Medusa Mask holds the secret to overcoming the power of the black rings.
Robinson does a fantastic job of telling a story. He manages to keep the action going even while the characters carry on a dialogue between each other. Through out all of this, he also manages to slip hints and reveal secrets without ever seeming too gaudy or too blatant. Barrows' pencils lay out a wonderful foundation for the inkers to finish. Nothing seems overdone, crowded, or distracting; everything points to the focus of the panel and flows effortlessly. That is something that really pulls me into the comic: an example of excellent layout.
As another Blackest Night spin-off draws to a close, we're slipped just a little bit more information about what the Black Lanterns are made of and how to defeat them. While it's still an incredibly slow story line, the summer's event still manages to stay afloat through stories and issues like these. Kudos.
3. Dark Wolverine #79
Written by Marjorie Liu & Daniel WayPenciled by Stephen Segovia
Cover by Greg Land
Young Guns Variant by Daniel Acuna
The minute I happened upon Daken Akihiro, I was smitten. Who was this smart-mouth, smooth-talking son-on-a-bitch with daddy issues? The amount of mental issues this kid has carried against his upbringing and parental figures is unimaginabley delightful--almost as much as Damian Wayne, but that little darling sits atop my favorites list. And as the little shit becomes a man, he is reminded more and more that things aren't as easy as they come.
He's very painfully reminded of that in this issue, when both Norman and his plan to redeem his reputation backfires with bloody results. Not only is his cover put to the test, but these second rate criminals aren't as stupid as they pretended to be. With Emmy Doolis practically calling the shots, Osborn is going to have to figure a way out of this fast. But, as always, Daken has his own score to settle with Ms. Doolis.
When I realized that the "Liu" in the title stood for "Marjorie Liu," I was flabbergasted. The woman is New York Times best selling romance author. You know, the trashy, smutty, pseudo-pornographic books that only seventy-year-old women in Bridge Clubs read? That kind; and while I freely admit to being a fan of her books, I admit, I didn't really know what to think. But I see her touch in the story and the storyline. With Daniel Way, the pair have managed to make a very compelling story. Even better, they seem to flesh out the characters, giving them the personalities that seems both believable and exciting.
All-in-all, one of the titles I always look forward to now :)
* * * * *
So that's it for this week. Compounded with school, work, and attempting to prepare for Halloween, life has been one big treadmill. Anywho, I wouldn't dream of leaving this website and you guys to the pigeons.
Look for news of a new SPONSOR later this week~! Yay!
-TCBC
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The Pick - Postponed
Due to my unyielding commitment to the education I'm putting thousands of dollars into, I did not have time to do a pick this week. That's not to say there wasn't some good stuff (Batman, Green Lantern Corps, Unwritten), but it was a pretty lame week if you ask me. Lots of titles, but all stuff that has a pretty small fanbase, if one at all.
So, instead, here is a nice little update of what my hair looks like now...in preparation for Poison Ivy :)
So, instead, here is a nice little update of what my hair looks like now...in preparation for Poison Ivy :)
This my Barbara Gordon look.
So far, so good. Once I get more with the costume done, I'll post that too.
-TCBC
Monday, October 12, 2009
Poison Ivy Costume - Part One
As many of you know through word of mouth, my Halloween costume for 2009 is going to be Poison Ivy. I always make two, just for shits and giggles, so my other one is going to be a Nerd (nothing surprising but I figure I get it out of my system now :D). Well, so far, so good. I'm about 40% through the sewing of the ivy leaves. It's not hard, just incredibly time-consuming. I sew for about 4 hours a night when I can.
This is Adam Hughes sketch I'm modeling my costume after:
This is Adam Hughes sketch I'm modeling my costume after:
(I only wish I had those boobs O_O)
Tomorrow, my hair will be that shade of red. Right now, it's only my bangs, but when we did it, we had no idea it was going to come out a cool looking as it did. I'll update when it's done :) As I will with pictures of the actual bodysuit so you can see the progress.
Once the costume is done, I have a photoshoot planned with The Pixel Geek, my good friend and an amazingly talented photographer... we're already nerd booby buddies. In fact, this blog was his idea so thank him for my random commenting and useless blather ;3
One last little tidbit before I get back to what I'm supposed to be doing...:
Come to think if it...I kind of want to recreate this image now :P
-TCBC <3
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
The Pick - October 6th
Hooray! A new month! That means titles re-circulate :D
Strangely enough, I don't want to "re-pick" a title that I already recommended and seeing as how I didn't see much this week that I could recommend outside of something that I know most of you don't already read (or don't read...I see how it is), I decided that this was a fine time to start something fresh. There's about six new titles launching this week alone, so I'm making it my business to let you know which you should definitely spend on, and which that don't deserve the trees that were killed to print them.
1. Criminal: The Sinners - Part One
Written by Ed Brubaker
Art by Sean Phillips
The award-winning comic is back. The Sinners follows Tracy, a morose hitman for hire, who has a conscience--definitely not a quality that people in his line of work need. After gaining the angry attention of his employer, he's sent out on a mission to discover whose been killing some of the cities worst inhabitants, and whose trying to move in on his boss, Sebastian's, town.
Brubaker did it again. Really. I'm not sure what the man puts in his coffee every morning that gives him the "I-own-the-mutherfucking-comic-book-world" mojo, but he really needs to slip up that secret ingredient. Sharing with the community might help in production of less crap.
This, however, this is far from Crap. From the moment you turn to the first page, something snags you. Maybe it's the impeccably clean panels, or the slightly noir introduction that makes you feel like your watching an old Dick Tracy drama--but with a lot more cussing and gore. Either way, you can't stop reading. You hear the narrator in your head, and when Tracy talks, you feel the words. Brubaker has a way of creating characters that feel as real to you and me as our mother, brother, or best friend. The dialogue is smooth, and darkly funny. He had a sense of humor most people only find in a B-movie black comedy. But that's good thing.
Philips is flawless in his execution. He manages to show emotion on the characters faces with the slightest lines and the faintest shadow. Very few artists can do that and actually make it believable without overdosing the readers with spastic inking and a maze of the fine lines. Philips manages to pull it off as easy as he wipes his ass. Fucker.
This a fantastic continuation of the previous Criminal series'. Definitely have this on your pull list. Otherwise, you really don't deserve be considered a person.
2. Haunt #1
Written by Robert Kirkman
Pencils by Ryan Ottley
Inks by Todd McFarlane
Layouts by Greg Capullo
Haunt tells of the story of a young man, who after being murdered for something he didn't know, gains the ability to "haunt" his brother Daniel's body, thus transforming their merging into a powerful being.
I've always been at an odds with Kirkman. I love The Walking Dead series, but I despise Invincible (and for good reason, I just won't get into it here). I was never sure if I liked him, or hated him. This comic just made that decision for me. Haunt is, at it's barest, a unimaginably fantastic piece of writing. The idea Kirkman put together along with McFarlane is both original and engaging. Add to that Kirkman's ability to tell as story simply through the words his characters speak, and you have a title that is will worth the money, an attribute not many other comics can claim.
Ryan Ottley's pencils, as always, seem a bit too boxy and cartoonish for my liking, but he's changed up his style from the horrendously bubbly art for Invincible enough to go with what this story is: a gritty, hard-to-stomach, bloody walk-through of two men's life. McFarlane does a phenomenal job inking, so much so, his bold flavor is more than evident in the pages...it's in-your-face obvious. together, Ottley and McFarlane make an odd combination that nevertheless works.
For a brand-new title, this is an amazing start, one that has finally tipped my Kirkman scale in his favor.
Written by Rick Remender
Art by Jefte Palo
So, starting with a summary might be a bit difficult, since, honestly, I had no-fucking-clue what the hell was even going on!
I'm not sure who Remender is, only that every time I type his name I want to spell "remainder." His writing is flat at best, and the story itself feels rushed, like he wasn't sure he was going to get enough pages. Well, he could have easily solved that by skipping the first five pages altogether. Sure, maybe they had some significant meaning, but if it really had no point in this first issue, then he really should have just held off for a later date.
Not only that but Dr. Doom makes his wide, shiny, well-oiled self known about half-way through. Then proceeds to explain every gosh-darned smart move he makes. Towards the end, he manages to wrap up their fight and make his exit in two measly panels.
Whoa. Wtf?
All in all, this book isn't even worth glancing at. It's a shame that Palo art goes to waste on something as trivial as this title. Marvel is really losing their touch here.There is a chance to make a very strange, normally obscure character stand out and all it does is flop around like a dead fish. A pity really.
That's it for this week's titles.
Remember that losing sleep for your comics is the only reason worth staying up in the first place. After all, you can sleep when your dead.
-TCBC
Strangely enough, I don't want to "re-pick" a title that I already recommended and seeing as how I didn't see much this week that I could recommend outside of something that I know most of you don't already read (or don't read...I see how it is), I decided that this was a fine time to start something fresh. There's about six new titles launching this week alone, so I'm making it my business to let you know which you should definitely spend on, and which that don't deserve the trees that were killed to print them.
The Winners:
1. Criminal: The Sinners - Part One
Art by Sean Phillips
The award-winning comic is back. The Sinners follows Tracy, a morose hitman for hire, who has a conscience--definitely not a quality that people in his line of work need. After gaining the angry attention of his employer, he's sent out on a mission to discover whose been killing some of the cities worst inhabitants, and whose trying to move in on his boss, Sebastian's, town.
Brubaker did it again. Really. I'm not sure what the man puts in his coffee every morning that gives him the "I-own-the-mutherfucking-comic-book-world" mojo, but he really needs to slip up that secret ingredient. Sharing with the community might help in production of less crap.
This, however, this is far from Crap. From the moment you turn to the first page, something snags you. Maybe it's the impeccably clean panels, or the slightly noir introduction that makes you feel like your watching an old Dick Tracy drama--but with a lot more cussing and gore. Either way, you can't stop reading. You hear the narrator in your head, and when Tracy talks, you feel the words. Brubaker has a way of creating characters that feel as real to you and me as our mother, brother, or best friend. The dialogue is smooth, and darkly funny. He had a sense of humor most people only find in a B-movie black comedy. But that's good thing.
Philips is flawless in his execution. He manages to show emotion on the characters faces with the slightest lines and the faintest shadow. Very few artists can do that and actually make it believable without overdosing the readers with spastic inking and a maze of the fine lines. Philips manages to pull it off as easy as he wipes his ass. Fucker.
This a fantastic continuation of the previous Criminal series'. Definitely have this on your pull list. Otherwise, you really don't deserve be considered a person.
2. Haunt #1
Pencils by Ryan Ottley
Inks by Todd McFarlane
Layouts by Greg Capullo
Haunt tells of the story of a young man, who after being murdered for something he didn't know, gains the ability to "haunt" his brother Daniel's body, thus transforming their merging into a powerful being.
I've always been at an odds with Kirkman. I love The Walking Dead series, but I despise Invincible (and for good reason, I just won't get into it here). I was never sure if I liked him, or hated him. This comic just made that decision for me. Haunt is, at it's barest, a unimaginably fantastic piece of writing. The idea Kirkman put together along with McFarlane is both original and engaging. Add to that Kirkman's ability to tell as story simply through the words his characters speak, and you have a title that is will worth the money, an attribute not many other comics can claim.
Ryan Ottley's pencils, as always, seem a bit too boxy and cartoonish for my liking, but he's changed up his style from the horrendously bubbly art for Invincible enough to go with what this story is: a gritty, hard-to-stomach, bloody walk-through of two men's life. McFarlane does a phenomenal job inking, so much so, his bold flavor is more than evident in the pages...it's in-your-face obvious. together, Ottley and McFarlane make an odd combination that nevertheless works.
For a brand-new title, this is an amazing start, one that has finally tipped my Kirkman scale in his favor.
The Loser:
3. Doctor Voodoo #1
Art by Jefte Palo
So, starting with a summary might be a bit difficult, since, honestly, I had no-fucking-clue what the hell was even going on!
I'm not sure who Remender is, only that every time I type his name I want to spell "remainder." His writing is flat at best, and the story itself feels rushed, like he wasn't sure he was going to get enough pages. Well, he could have easily solved that by skipping the first five pages altogether. Sure, maybe they had some significant meaning, but if it really had no point in this first issue, then he really should have just held off for a later date.
Not only that but Dr. Doom makes his wide, shiny, well-oiled self known about half-way through. Then proceeds to explain every gosh-darned smart move he makes. Towards the end, he manages to wrap up their fight and make his exit in two measly panels.
Whoa. Wtf?
All in all, this book isn't even worth glancing at. It's a shame that Palo art goes to waste on something as trivial as this title. Marvel is really losing their touch here.There is a chance to make a very strange, normally obscure character stand out and all it does is flop around like a dead fish. A pity really.
That's it for this week's titles.
Remember that losing sleep for your comics is the only reason worth staying up in the first place. After all, you can sleep when your dead.
-TCBC
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Men, this COULD be you.
Aside from the fact that this post has absolutely nothing to do with comics, I still feel the need to make it. The amount of ridiculousness compounded with the utter hilarity of the matter just makes my phlegm-filled, lung-hacking, fever-inducing-then-breaking weekend.
Taken from Cracked.com, Bernie Baker (not be confused with the Surf Photographer of the same name) went down in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest male stripper.
"Bernie Barker was technically the owner of two different records. Not only was he the oldest working professional male stripper, he was also entitled to 50% of the World's Oldest Onstage Teabagging. The partner in that record could not be reached for comment, as we're guessing she was coincidentally stricken with an unshakable catatonia immediately following the event.
Bernie was a regular performer at Club LeBare in Miami Beach, Florida from the year 2000 to 2007. He began his career at the age of 60. He described it as a way to get in shape after recovering from prostate cancer. We'd imagine his previous job was less supportive of the "therapeutic dryhumping" he had to perform throughout the day. Barker apparently decided that if old age was going to take away his dignity, by God it was going to go down with guns blazing.
Guiness says he won "over 30 contests" before he passed away in
March 2007. We're not sure what kind of contests these were, and we don't want to find out."
Thank you, Ian Cheesman, for forever branding my cornea's with this nightmare. I will forever be in your debt.
-TCBC
Ladies & Gentlemen, feast your eyes upon this delectable hunk of man-meat.
Bernie was a regular performer at Club LeBare in Miami Beach, Florida from the year 2000 to 2007. He began his career at the age of 60. He described it as a way to get in shape after recovering from prostate cancer. We'd imagine his previous job was less supportive of the "therapeutic dryhumping" he had to perform throughout the day. Barker apparently decided that if old age was going to take away his dignity, by God it was going to go down with guns blazing.
"I'm Superman, baby."
Guiness says he won "over 30 contests" before he passed away in
March 2007. We're not sure what kind of contests these were, and we don't want to find out."
Thank you, Ian Cheesman, for forever branding my cornea's with this nightmare. I will forever be in your debt.
-TCBC
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Batman doesn't get sick. So why am I?
Oh, that's right. I'm not Batman.
But if I were, I assure you, I would kick, kill, and squash whatever bacterial fungi was trying to take hold of my godlike body. The mental issues...now that's a whole 'nother story. I don't know if...no, scratch that. I'm positive I would never turn as truly mad as Batman/Bruce Wayne.
The article, The 10 Mental Illnesses Batman Indisputably Has will prove my point some. However, ignore he bigamist ignorance in the commentary. It's trite and boring.
Of course, naturally, being born with ovaries and a vagina has predisposed me to some about of schizophrenic psychosis which grants me inimitable amounts of arrogance, rage, and emotional instability. But still, I could take on the Catwoman's, Emma Frost's, Harley Quinn's, and Jean Grey's of the comic universe.
Batman, I could not.
Now for a bit of a illustration on how I'm holding up today:
This is how I FEEL.
But if I were, I assure you, I would kick, kill, and squash whatever bacterial fungi was trying to take hold of my godlike body. The mental issues...now that's a whole 'nother story. I don't know if...no, scratch that. I'm positive I would never turn as truly mad as Batman/Bruce Wayne.
The article, The 10 Mental Illnesses Batman Indisputably Has will prove my point some. However, ignore he bigamist ignorance in the commentary. It's trite and boring.
Of course, naturally, being born with ovaries and a vagina has predisposed me to some about of schizophrenic psychosis which grants me inimitable amounts of arrogance, rage, and emotional instability. But still, I could take on the Catwoman's, Emma Frost's, Harley Quinn's, and Jean Grey's of the comic universe.
Batman, I could not.
Now for a bit of a illustration on how I'm holding up today:
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