comic reviews -10/29/10

Title: NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Avatar
Writers: Mike Wolfer & John Russo
Artist: Thomas Aira
Colors: Digikore Studios
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Horror
MATURE READERS - Comics on the Edge




With Halloween and the TV premiere of THE WALKING DEAD this weekend it was a
natural to pick up this new ongoing series from Avatar. My first impression was
the nice artwork. There are a couple scenes showing female pulchritude (look it
up) that reveal that Aira knows how to properly draw the human anatomy. There
are a lot of close up scenes of people talking illustrating the ability to vary
the characters and of course substantial blood and gore that are also handled
well. This genre is the type where you cannot predict which characters will
survive. The opening scene is a staple of American horror movies. Two teens are
naked in a car getting it on. A man walks by and at first the girl thinks it
might be one of those ghouls people are talking about. In this case it is a
young man heading to DC where a Vietnam War protest is going to happen. Then a
cop shows up to tell them to move along. The first victim of the comic is not
the young couple. The story also follows a young black man who is called into
riot control for the protest. His pregnant wife worries about him and his
chances of being sent to Vietnam. Some of his fellow guardsmen treat him as a
draft dodger, trying to avoid combat. The young drifter hitches a ride with
three teens heading to the protest. While a priest and nun ponder the fate of
the city if violence breaks out. Clearly the zombie threat is not well known at
this point but it soon will be. I found this to be a good start with minimal
violence at first to strengthen the characterization of the main players. This
makes it a more enjoyable story a bit above the rest.

Title: SOLDIER ZERO
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: One Small Step for Man
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Creator: Stan Lee
Writer: Paul Cornell
Artist: Javier Pina
Colors: Alfred Rockefeller
Letters: Ed "Duke" Dukeshire
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero





This is the first of a series of new comics from Boom! Created by the dean of
comic creators, Stan Lee. Different teams will be writing and drawing these new
comics, which I think is a good approach - using Stan as the inspiration of
ideas. In this case we have a young man, Stewart Trautmann, former marine
captain confined to a wheel chair from injuries sustained in the war in
Afghanistan. In one part we learn how it happened and how he feels about it.
Much of his story takes place on campus where he is a lecturer in astronomy. His
students treat him with respect but often he gets people running to help him
when he does not want or need it. He is well aware of his condition and what
most others think about it. But there is one girl who likes him and is not sure
how to approach him. The fact that Cornell takes time to flesh out the
characters makes the reader care about what happens to them. Of course this is
also a super hero story. In places within the main plot we see a warrior of some
sort in space. He wears an amazing suit of armor with some cool weapons built
into it. He is like Iron Man from another planet. He is out there in space
fighting enemy spacecraft when the battle turns against him and he begins a
meteoric plunge to Earth. Fate will have Stewart inherit the armor and a whole
new set of problems. The story can go many ways at this point. Will he become a
super hero? Will the aliens come looking for him? Will he even be able to shed
the armor and go back to the chair? It is a compelling story so far and should
stay interesting if the writing stays at this level. The art is decent as well.
Thumbs up on this one.

Title: RAGMAN: SUIT OF SOULS
Issue Number: One-Shot
Title Story: Tattered Remnants
Publisher: DC
Creator: Robert Kanigher & Joe Kubert
Writer: Christos N. Gage
Artist: Stephen Segovia
Colors: David Curiel
Letters: Rob Leigh
Cover Artist: Jesus Saiz
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero


Ragman has been around the DC Universe for some time now but unlike other heroes
he is not one that shows up very often. This one shot attracted me because I am
familiar with the character and I knew that Christos Gage would handle it in the
proper fashion. I was not disappointed. With a character such as this, with
limited exposure to today's readers, it is important that his story is explained
in detail. That is just what happens in this one-shot. Christos uses the
circumstance of Rory Reagan visiting a rabbi to discuss the lack of observance
of the Jewish faith in his family. He then reveals the family secret - like his
father before him his is now the being known as Ragman. He then goes into the
history of the Jews in ghettos of Prague in the 1500s. As in many times through
history they are persecuted, denied rights and even killed by those who fear
them unjustly. At one point a council of rabbis created a golem as protector but
when that failed they formed a suit of rags and a variation of the Golem spell
allowing it to be animated by a human. He became the defender of his people.
Through the ages the suit was passed from generation to generation. When he was
needed most he would appear. The last time Rory's father wore the suit was in
the Warsaw ghetto in 1943. He was a major factor in the length of the Warsaw
Ghetto Uprising when his people resisted the Nazis. But in the end the Germans
abandoned the fight and instead set fire to the ghetto. This was Ragman's built
in weakness and he was not seen again in Europe. The family migrated to America
after the war and changed their name to Regan. They settled in Gotham and eked
out a living in a pawnshop in the Polish section. After the death of his father
at the hand of gangsters Rory stumbled onto the family secret and donned the
suit. But he was still plagued by the fact his father left his people and fled
to America. Finally the plot returns to the present and with the help of the
rabbi and the magic of the suit of rags, which I have not revealed yet, he
learns the difference between fear and shame. As I said, I was not disappointed
with the story. It is well told and has a moral in the end and perhaps an entr‚e
for the character to show up more often. The art is terrific throughout making
it a first rate production worthy of your attention.

Title: PILOT SEASON: 7 DAYS FROM HELL
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Image/Top Cow
Creator: Bryan Edward Hill
Writer: Bryan Edward Hill & Rob Levin
Artist: Phil Noto
Letters: Troy Peteri
Cover Artist: Brian Stelfreeze
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Crime/Supernatural




By now if you have been reading my reviews you know all about Top Cow's PILOT
SEASON efforts. Each comic gets a one-shot and the best one by reader votes will
be back in a mini-series. This one is a bit of a thriller with an element of the
supernatural thrown in. John is a hit man. As we look in on his latest job he
explains, or rationalizes, that he does not think of his victims as people but
money. As he looks at the man and woman in their car he realizes they were not
alone. The young boy in the back seat has a rather large gun pointed at him.
John misjudges the moment and gets a bullet in the brain. That is when the fun
begins. His descent to the Lake of Judgment is interrupted as he is yanked back
to the world by a female demon, Mandy. She explains to him that he has one
chance to stop his trip to Hell. All he has to do is kill the people she tells
him to kill. If he kills one in seven days he will live another seven days and
have another target to kill. That is the basic premise. Part of the story is how
she convinces him to go along and the rest is his first case. Mandy even preps
him for the first target. She also explains that he is still a man and could be
killed again. If that happens it will be straight to Hell. It is a compelling
story as we try to see into the mind of a man first with nothing or no one to
care about and then with nothing to lose but eternal damnation dangling in front
of him. The crafting of the hit on his first target is the most interesting part
of the story. It is well thought out. The art sustains the mood of the story and
is exceptional in the coloring. I would vote for this one to get a longer run.

Title: SUPERMAN/BATMAN
Issue Number: 77
Title Story: Fright Night
Publisher: DC
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Ale Garza
Inker: Oliver Nome
Colors: Pete Pantazis
Letters: Swands
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero


This title can be fun at times as the writers find new approaches to team up the
"World's Finest" heroes. But in some cases it turns out to be alternate versions
or, as in this case, other members of their hero families. I knew from the cover
this would be a fun issue to read. The team up this time is between Supergirl
and the new Robin, Damian Wayne. A mass murder in Metropolis shakes Supergirl,
especially when the beat cop declares since Superman went on tour she can't be
bothered with street stuff. So she decides to solve this mystery by enlisting
the world's greatest detective. Except Dick is off on Justice league business
and Red Robin - different team, same story. But Damian in his egotistical way
convinces he can do anything they can and so they team up and head for
Metropolis. The next scene is a hoot. They go to a costume party in costumes
that are pretty funny looking. The idea is to mingle with the college kids to
see if they can find any connection with the dead kids found earlier. They are
really not ready for the villain behind it all nor the effect he will have on
them. Of course it all ends well but the fun is in getting there. Williamson has
scripted great dialogue getting Damian's attitude just right. The somewhat
cartoon-like style of Garza fits in well with the lighter part of the story and
shifts gears when the action starts. It is a good package and fits in well under
this title.

Title: CARNAGE
Issue Number: 1 (of 5)
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Zeb Wells
Artist: Clayton Crain
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero






This is another one of those comics that impresses you with the art right from
the beginning. Since Clayton Crain does it all it is a credit to his talent that
it can be so photo-realistic and still blend in some surreal characters. It is
probably due to this attention to detail in every aspect that his title is bi-
monthly. Well the title is CARNAGE but the character does not appear until the
last panel. So this first chapter is the introduction and lead in to the main
plot. While Tony Stark is attending a medical supply expo he listens to the
latest genius in the science of using the brain to manipulate machines. Tony
suspects there is something sinister behind the man but he is distracted by what
appears to be a six-armed Spider-Man swinging through the streets. He calls in
the real Spider-Man who gets to use his usual snappy banter on the way over
while balancing a bowl of Froot Loots. Meanwhile, as we saw in the opening scene
a sedan is chasing an armored vehicle through the streets and the faux Spider-
Man is after them both. When Spider-Man gets filled in on the other web slinger
he knows who it is and how dangerous things could get. It doesn't take long for
those fears to be realized. The doppelganger is trying to rescue a teammate in
the armored vehicle. There are others trying to stop him and our two Avengers
have their hands full with the local crowd that have suddenly gone mad and are
attacking everyone. Things will get more mysterious when we find out who was in
that van and where she is being taken. This is a good story that takes off
quickly and never lets go. The script builds the tension among the players and
we know there won't be a resolution for some time to come. It is a tight story
with many elements that will eventually all come together. This is not just
another spin-off team up but a great stand alone story. I think it is worth your
time and money.

***** TRIVIA CONTEST!!!! WIN REAL PRIZES!!!!!

If you think you know the answer to the trivia question send your guess via
Email to me at ComicBkNet@aol.com and you could win the prize. The first six
correct answers will be assigned a number and a roll of the dice will determine
the winner. You should put your real name in your message so we know who you
are. Prizes must be claimed at our store within 30 days of winning. The prize
will be a $10 credit slip, which will be redeemable for merchandise at regular
retail or in-store ongoing specials only. Only one prize per person will be
allowed per every 4 weeks. I will be the sole judge of the correct answer even
if more than one answer could be correct. Submit only one answer per Email
please but guess as often as you like.

Last week's trivia question: In one version of The Legion of Super Heroes, R. J. Brande was not human but also he was a time traveler from the past. In what comic series did that character originate?
He was the Durlan from L.E.G.I.O.N. who was first seen in INVASION.
We had a special prize this time - the hardcover graphic novel HATTER M: THE
NATURE OF WONDER. The winner by the dice is Gary Katzoff.

Here was your no prize question: Who invented the words: hurry, boredom, disgraceful, hostile, money's worth, obscene, puke, perplex, on purpose, shooting star, and sneak?
These words came from the Bard, William Shakespeare.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION: Iota, Donner, Blitzen, Starlight, Payback and one other were also known as.?

Here is your no prize question: There are four words in the English language, which show all of the vowels in alphabetical order. Can you name any of them?

Folks, you never know who among the readers is knowledgeable about the question
so don't hesitate to send in an answer - even days after it appears.

Comic Review 10/22/10

Title: HATTER M: THE NATURE OF WONDER
Issue Number: Volume 3 hardcover graphic novel
Publisher: Automatic Pictures Publishing
Creator: Frank Beddor
Writers: Frank Beddor & Liz Cavalier
Artist: Sami Makkonen
Letters: Tom B. Long
Cover Artist: Vance Kovacs
Price (USD): $24.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Fantasy



Hatter Madigan is the royal bodyguard for the future queen of Wonderland,
Princess Alyss. Both he and Alyss were shot through an exit portal separately
and ended up on Earth in the year 1859. He has been searching the globe,
starting in Paris, ever since looking for his lost charge. In the last volume he
made his way to America, experience adventures during the Civil War and ended up
in a mad house in Washington, DC. In this newest chapter Madigan has escaped the
asylum and the war is winding down. But something new has clouded his quest. The
presence of the evil force, Black Imagination, is being used to infect some
Confederate soldiers. Their last ditch effort has them attacking the White
House. Hatter teams up with a couple of paranormal investigators to turn back
the attack and then go searching for the antidote to the Black Imagination. The
trail will lead them to a native American Shaman of the White Flower, a cross
country trip to the wonders of the continent, and finally to a hat shop in a
ghost town with an unexpected proprietor. The main plot is straightforward,
though it begins in the bedlam of the asylum where the remaining patients are
obsessed with play-acting stories of Wonderland. Once it gets rolling it moves
right along. There is a very interesting interlude as Madigan recovers from
injuries. He goes back in time to when he was a cadet bodyguard in awe of his
older brother Dalton. In defiance of his orders Madigan follows Dalton on a
mission through the looking glass to rescue the two princesses from the Diamond
Queen. It is a detailed adventure that adds to the overall picture of Madigan,
the Hatters and Wonderland. In the last chapter Madigan recalls how his brother
preceded him into the pool that transports people to Earth. The man he meets at
the hat store will provide his with a fresh start as his journey continues. This
is the third chapter of the story of Hatter M, which is the companion story to
the main title THE LOOKING GLASS WARS. You might think it would be difficult to
come into the story at this juncture but I did not find it that way. The
characters are obviously taken from the classic stories of Alice in Wonderland,
but they are not the cute Disney cartoons. The characters are fleshed out and
unique. There are some magical elements and Hatter wields some very high tech
weapons. This is a challenge for the artist to use just the right layouts and
coloring to convey the right emotion. Makkonen handles it well. His style
reminds me of Ben Templesmith. There is supplementary information in the back
that helps the reader better understand the life in Wonderland and the strangers
from there, now in a strange land. I think anyone will enjoy this adventure.

Title: SUPERIOR
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: One Magic Wish
Publisher: Marvel/Icon
Creator: Mark Millar and Leinil Yu
Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Leinil Yu
Inker: Gerry Alanguilan
Colors: Dave McCaig
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero


This is the latest creator-owned new comic from the fertile mind of Mark Millar.
It is another take on the "superman" type all-powerful hero with a different
twist. As it begins we fell like we have come into it at the end as a woman is
informing a doctor on the other end of the phone line that Superior has been
destroyed. Actually what we are seeing is a movie in this world where Superior,
like our Superman, is merely a character from the comics. In the audience are
the main characters of this title - Simon Pooni who is stricken by MS and stuck
in a wheelchair and his best friend, Chris. The beginning serves to show a
little bit about the fictional Superior and a lot about the kid whose life has
changed so drastically that all but one true friend have drifted away and the
local bullies pick on him constantly. His life is about to change drastically
once again as he wakens one night to find a space monkey in his bedroom. After
transporting Simon into space Ormon, the monkey declares that Simon has been
chosen out of all the people on Earth to be the benefactor of the "Magic Wish".
Well Simon, almost subconsciously wish to be Superior and in the blink of an eye
that is who he becomes - his mind is now in the body of the indestructible hero
of the comic books. All will be explained in a week says Ormon and
Simon/Superior finds himself back in his bedroom a day later. What does he do
now? Who would believe him? Is there some need for such a hero to exist at this
time on Earth? And what about that monkey? Interesting questions for future
issues. I like the setup and Yu has done a fine job with the art. It is a
departure from KICK ASS and NEMESIS for Millar at this point but well worth
sticking around to see what develops next.

Title: PILOT SEASON: FOREVER
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Image/Top Cow
Creator: Matt Hawkins
Writer: Brad Inglesby
Artist: Thomas Nachlik
Colors: Nathan Fairbairn
Letters: Troy Peteri
Cover Artist: Bagus Hutomo
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction/Mystery



Here is another PILOT SEASON project from Top Cow wherein several new comics are
given one issue to catch the imagination of the readers. The one that is most
popular will return in a mini-series. Ryan Chambers is a research assistant at
the high tech company known as Longevity. He is dating fellow researcher Kate.
The company has developed a super drug that prolongs life - even repairs damaged
organs. People who were hopelessly ill are given a new lease on life. The comic
goes into detail on one such patient, Jack Bailey. He had terminal cancer and
was given six months to live. Then he heard about Longevity. He took the
treatments and began a new life feeling younger and healthier than ever. But you
know this is fiction and so there must be a catch. Our protagonist Ryan is from
an orphanage and lately has been hearing that others from the same orphanage
have died from accidents or even suicide. But that link will play into the plot
as soon the evidence of a group very much against the work at Longevity makes
itself known. Ryan happens on a man dead in the street who appears to be in his
sixties but his license says he was only 21. Finally a mystery man by the name
of Kane shows up and he will lead Ryan to some answers and even more questions
about what his own history is and what is really going on with Longevity. The
set up is pretty good with a standard type of science fiction/mystery theme of
all good things come with a price. If this one continues on I would follow it as
it is well written and the art is complimentary. The decision to continue the
story is up to the readers.

Title: TUROK, SON OF STONE
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Out of Time
Title Arc: Aztlan
Publisher: Dark Horse
Writer: Jim Shooter
Artist: Eduardo Francisco
Colors: Jose Villarruba
Letters: Blambot!
Cover Artist: Raymond Swanland (variant by Francisco)
Price (USD): $3.50
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Adventure/Science Fiction


My thoughts on Shooter's handling of the Dell characters lately have been a bit
mixed. SOLAR was slow beginning and Magnus was pretty decent. The latest entry,
TUROK, SON OF STONE, is the best one so far. You may know the basic plot of the
classic Turok story. He is a Native American somewhere out west who travels with
a younger companion, Andar. In the original they go into a cave searching for
water and emerge in a prehistoric land of dinosaurs. For this retelling Shooter
has scripted their first meeting as Turok rescuing the young Andar from a
vicious tribe about to sacrifice the boy and his father to their gods. Turok
manages to save the boy but not the father and now the two are on the run from
Maxtla and his warriors. Maxtla warns his people they must capture the boy to
appease the gods. As an unnatural storm approaches Turok and Andar make their
stand in a giant cave knowing their pursuers will follow. But the storm hits and
a vortex opens sucking the two and many of the other tribe through a portal into
the land of dinosaurs. As the chase continues anew strange creatures attack and
a new ally is found in another escaped slave who tells the story of the tribe
from Azcahpotzalco that chases them. The story moves along with more battles and
ends with an unexpected meeting in the forest of this strange land. I like the
straightforward script that handles all the exposition while moving things
forward. Turok is portrayed as a wise and practical person and true mentor to
his new friends. The art is pretty good making the whole effort top notch as a
first chapter. Maybe it is because this comic does not have to deal with super-
heroics or robots and high tech gadgets but instead basic human interaction
based on survival. I liked it more than the rest so far.

Back up story: Turok, Son of Stone
Originally appeared in TUROK, SON OF STONE #1, Dell Comics, December 1954
By Gaylord Dubois and Rex Mason

Like the other two titles Dark Horse reprints the first story the character
appeared in from the 50's. In the original version the pursuing tribe is not
here and Turok and Andar are already companions. Their adventure is more about
the two finding their way into the land from long ago and surviving among giant
beasts. Once again it is interesting to contrast the art from back then to the
styles today. The story holds up well for what it is and I am glad it was
included.


Title: BATMAN: THE RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE
Issue Number: 5 (of 6)
Title Story: Masquerade
Publisher: DC
Creator: Bob Kane
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Ryan Sook (Pere Perez pages 22-31)
Inker: Mick Gray
Colors: Jose Villarrubia
Letters: Jared K. Fletcher & Travis Lanham
Cover Artists: Andy Kubert & Ryan Sook
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero


This is the penultimate issue of the mini-series that will begin the re-
introduction of Bruce Wayne into the present. For now he is wandering through
different time periods courtesy of Darkseid's Omega beams. As a reminder, the
first page has members of the JLA discussing the danger he poses should he
return to the present and what they plan to do about it. For now Bruce is stuck
in the time after his own parents were murdered and a younger Bruce Wayne is off
traveling somewhere. He awakens in a hospital recovering from a concussion and
still no knowledge of who he is. His fortune will change as an actress claiming
to be the best friend of Martha Wayne arrives with a proposition and a costume.
After he is released they meet and she tells him she plans to confront people
who really killed the Wayne's as their ghosts - she as Martha and he as Thomas
Wayne in a bat costume he once wore at a masquerade. Supporting characters in
this drama are Martha's parents. Her mother is convinced her daughter was killed
by Dr. Wayne and he faked his own death. But there is more here than meets the
eye. Bruce will find himself a tool for a large plot with a connection to the
Black Glove cult. If he escapes and time travels again it might spell doom for
the whole Earth. Yeah, like that would really happen. We know this will end okay
by the time the series is over and the new books featuring Bruce Wayne are
already being solicited. The adventure is in the journey and this chapter is a
thrilling tale, even if the world's greatest detective isn't at the top of his
game. It is an enjoyable story in both story and art. It all comes to a head the
next issue.


*****
TRIVIA CONTEST!!!! WIN REAL PRIZES!!!!!

If you think you know the answer to the trivia question send your guess via
Email to me at ComicBkNet@aol.com and you could win the prize. The first six
correct answers will be assigned a number and a roll of the dice will determine
the winner. You should put your real name in your message so we know who you
are. Prizes must be claimed at our store within 30 days of winning. The prize
THIS WEEK will be the HATTER M: THE NATURE OF WONDER hard cover graphic novel!
Only one prize per person will be allowed per every 4 weeks. I will be the sole
judge of the correct answer even if more than one answer could be correct.
Submit only one answer per Email please but guess as often as you like.

Last week's trivia question:
What was unusual about the cover of SUPERBOY #1, the debut issue of this major
character in 1949?
For it's time it was unusual not to have the title character prominently
featured on the cover, especially the first issue. The winner by the dice is
Scott Devarney.

Here was your no prize question:
What act did Decca Recording Co. reject with this quote in 1962, "We don't like
their sound and guitar music is on the way out"?
Decca actually rejected the Beatles!

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
In one version of The Legion of Super Heroes, R. J. Brande was not human but
also he was a time traveler from the past. In what comic series did that
character originate?

Here is your no prize question:
Who invented the words: hurry, boredom, disgraceful, hostile, money's worth,
obscene, puke, perplex, on purpose, shooting star, and sneak?

Folks, you never know who among the readers is knowledgeable about the question
so don't hesitate to send in an answer - even days after it appears.

Title: RYDER ON THE STORM
Issue Number: 1 (of 3)
Publisher: Radical Comics
Writer: David Hine
Artist: Wayne Nichols
Colors: Feigian Chong& Sansan Saw
Letters: Richard Starkings & Jimmy Betancourt
Cover Artist: Francesco Mattina
Price (USD): $4.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Supernatural
MATURE READERS



I read the promotional preview of this story, which is about 16 pages. After
reading the full first issue it seems there is a lot more to it than I first
thought. The first several pages set the scene in a slightly different world
than ours. Ryder is a detective in this major city with some technology that is
a throwback to the previous century. Ryder is a private detective but it seems
that term here also has the connotation of a personal advocate or lawyer. His
latest client is a dancer who claims her rich boyfriend, Michael Hudson, killed
himself by drilling several holes in his head while she was out of the room.
Ryder finds evidence that he was on a psychotic drug that not only produces
hallucinations but also dulls pain sensors making it entirely possible. As she
is off with the police he returns to his office only to get a delivery of
Hudson's journals. After reading them his client, Katrina Petruska, shows up and
we learn some fascinating aspects of the case. According to Hudson this world
was once run by an ancient race of Daemons. They fell from power and for decades
have been trying to regain control. Furthermore the oldest and most respected
family dynasties in the city, the Dantons, are descendants of the Daemons.
Hudson's parents who were journalists were investigating the Dantons met
untimely deaths. The book goes a lot further in the remaining pages. Ryder
visits Katrina's work, which is a whole other trip into voyeurism, masochism and
even a group orgy as entertainment. What happens as he follows her from work is
the big surprise. By the end we learn the reality of the daemons and meet a new
ally that saves Ryder in a very unorthodox way. But something even more
astounding is saved for the last panel. While the first half stimulates your
curiosity the second half moves right along with lots of exposition and action.
The art is very strong in support of a script that moves through a variety of
scenes and characters. It is a gripping story executed well.

Title: ULTIMATE THOR
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Carlos Pacheco
Inker: Dexter Vines
Colors: Edgar Delgado
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero




This latest entry into the Ultimate line of titles has three major plots to
follow. In the present the Thor we know from the Ultimates is under the care of
J. Braddock in Brussels. He spends his days creating a huge diagram of ancient
runes on the floor of a large room in the facility. Braddock has called in Dr.
Bruce Banner to help salvage their "super soldier" subject who believes he is
actually Thor of Norse myth. Another plot takes place during WWII as Baron Zemo
requests one hundred thousand me from Reichsfuhrer Himmler for a plan that
involves a box of stones each with a unique rune on it. With them he plans to go
to a certain location and access a portal that he believes will bring victory
for the Fatherland. The third plot goes way back eons, to Asgard at a time when
Thor, Balder and Loki have good relationships and fight together against the
frost giants who continually try to invade Asgard. The script is structured to
lay the groundwork for what is to come. We get the beginning of the merging of
the last two plots near the end. Where this will intersect, if indeed it does,
with the modern Thor remains to be seen. So while it is not totally satisfying
plot-wise, very few first issues are. Hickman has a grand scheme and so far it
is going at the pace he wants. The art is pretty decent and very detailed. One
scene of Odin watching he forging of Mjolnir particularly shines. Since this
story does not heavily rely on other Ultimate books it would be good for non-
Ultimate fans to see what is up with this alternate Thor.

Title: THE CBLDF PRESENTS LIBERTY ANNUAL 2010
Publisher: Image
Creators: Darick Robertson, Richard P. Clark, Jimmy Betancourt, Fabio Moon,
Gabriel Ba, Garth Ennis, Rob Steen, Anina Bennett, Paul Guinan, Rob Liefeld, Tom
Mason, Evan Dorkin, Sarah Dyer, Paul Pope, Don Simpson, Paul Fricke, Gail
Simone, Amanda Gould, Scott Morse, Geoff Johns, Scott Kolins, Larry Marder, Jill
Thompson, Brian Azzarello, Frank Miller, Terry Moore, Jeff Smith, Roshell
Bautista, Szymanowicz, Skottie Young, Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner, Ben
McCool, Billy Tucci and Colleen Doran.
Cover Artists: Dave Gibbons/Darick Robertson/Charlie Adlard & Cliff Rathburn
Price (USD): $4.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Fund-raiser collaboration anthology
MATURE READERS

The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is a non-profit organization that helps defend
the first amendment rights of creators, retailers, publishers, librarians and
readers. To do this it must raise funds. One of the ways has been the
publication of annuals with stories and art contributed for no compensation by
some top creators in the business. The proceeds after paying for costs of
printing and distribution go directly to the CBLDF to help fund their efforts.
You can help that effort by buying this comic. But as I like to point out, if
you really believe in the cause a contribution directly to the CBLDF would get
more money to them. You can participate by going to www.cbldf.org or calling 1-
800-99-CBLDF. That's 1-800-99-22533. This year's annual has the usual mix of
stories and art that span genres. Top billing on the cover goes to Frank Miller
who provided a two-page spread of SIN CITY dancer Nancy in the buff dancing with
an admonition from another character about letting her be. One of my favorites
is more to the point still and the President of the CBLDF himself, Larry Marder,
does it. His unique art featuring characters from BEANWORLD explaining the first
amendment and what it means followed by an appeal for funds. One of the funnier
bits is an episode of Evan Dorkin and Sarah Dyer's MILK & CHEESE, dairy products
gone bad. The two learn about the CBLDF and decide to conduct their own form of
fund raising. There is a terrifically rendered episode of Conan by Derik
Robertson, Richard Clark and Jimmy Betancourt that turns the tables on a shaman
who has controlled a tribe and its sources of food for his own benefit. Fabio
Moon and Gabriel Ba do a more serious story. It involves a family trapped as
workers on a planet somewhere. They are told they can finally leave and with
great anticipation board a space ship to leave. Their cruel fate is a metaphor
for the restrictions placed on some folks. In a very satirical send up of bad
girl art Garth Ennis and Bob Steen discuss the fate of a certain creator called
the Legend. He was tasked at the time to come up with a comic for adults. So he
took two well-endowed well-known female characters, Nosferina and Barbarian
Queen, and had them manipulated into smashing their naked breasts into each
other by the drumbeat of the evil Baron Saffik Perv. The issue outsold anything
else on the market but the Legend was fired for his effort. There is much more
in the volume. Readers who have sought out the diversity in the offerings will
welcome seeing the variety of stories and pin ups in this issue. It is worth the
price knowing where the money is going. So what are you waiting for?

Title: CHAOS WAR
Issue Number: 1 (of 5)
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Greg Pak & Fred Van Lente
Artist: Khoi Pham
Inker: Tom Palmer
Colors: Sunny Gho
Letters: Simon Bowland
Cover Artist: Ed McGuinness & Morry Hollowell
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



We begin in a supernatural realm where Lord Nightmare is cherishing the thought
of Hercules' return to Earth. He should be more concerned with the visitor about
to appear - King Chaos. Chaos is beginning a campaign to end all existence.
We'll get back to that. Hercules is coming back and he makes a grand appearance
slamming to ground in New York City announcing that he has come to warn mortals
of their doom. He knows King Chaos is at hand. But Herc appears to be ranting
like a mad man creating such a stir that the Avengers show up and soon so does
Amadeus Cho. Cho explains that he brought Hercules back by gaining the powers of
an omnipotent god, pulling him out of the alternate reality he was banished to
by Hera, and then funneling the power into Hercules himself. So the god of
heroes is super amped right now. The beginning of this "event" sets up on these
two major points - King Chaos is out to destroy all creation and Hercules is
super powerful. This first issue is just to get us started and get some of the
other heroes involved before it even starts. So far there are some interesting
aspects I haven't even touched on. The art on this one is not very impressive to
me, just adequate. Of course what major event doesn't have tie-ins? So, the main
title is five issues and tie-in titles include INCREDIBLE HULKS and one-shot and
mini-series of Chaos King, God Squad, X-Men, Ares, Alpha Flight, Thor and Dead
Avengers. That will be 19 comics if you get them all or just 5 if you get this
title. Either way it is interesting enough so far. There is even a back up story
by Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente with art by Reilly Brown, Terry Pallot and Val
Staples. It is titled "I Was Legend" and is an untold tale of Hercules in exile.
In the alternate Earth called the Continuum. Here Hera had plans to replace
Earth with this alternate but was stopped by Hercules who then became trapped in
the Continuum. It at first appears to be a world with no people. But why is
Amadeus here and why are all these monsters constantly attacking? It is a quick
look at what came before Chaos War with much better art in my opinion.

Title: KOLCHAK: THE NIGHT STRANGLER
Issue Number: ONE-SHOT
Publisher: Moonstone
Creator: Jeff Rice
Writer: Richard Matheson
Artist: Amin Amat & Stefano Martino
Colors: Daniel Vozzo
Letters: Bernie Lee
Cover Artist: E.M. Geist/Timothy Lantz
Price (USD): $5.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Supernatural Crime Drama



Kolchak is a made for TV character played by Darren McGaven. In the original TV
movie, THE NIGHT STALKER, he was a newspaper reporter in Vegas following the
exploits of a killer who was killing women and draining their blood. He tries to
convince the police and his boss that they are dealing with an actual vampire
and in the end had to kill it himself. But then it all got swept under the rug
and he drove off into the sunset seeking a new job. This comic book is a sequel
to that story. Kolchak has moved on to Seattle and to his surprise so has his
old boss, Vincenzo. Kolchak lands a job on the paper and begins right in
investigating the murder of a belly dancer a few days earlier. The story here
follows a similar pattern to the NIGHT STALKER. He has trouble with the police
co-operating, uncovers key clues himself but still can't get help. This is a big
comic at 48 pages with no ads of any kind. You get lots of scenes and dialogue
in that many pages. I found it read almost like watching a television show. It
was like someone had taken a script and depicted word for word onto the page.
The art team does a tremendous job bring it to life and adding he perspective
needed. I am a fan of some of the crime shows on TV. This story would be a good
episode to watch.

Title: TRON: BETRAYAL
Issue Number: 1 (of 2)
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Jai Nitz
Plot: Starlight Runner Entertainment
Artist: Andie Tong
Colors: Pete Pantazis
Letters: John J. Hill
Cover Artist: Salvador Larroca
Price (USD): $4.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction/Movie Prequel



This is a two-issue prequel to the movie TRON: LEGACY, which will be out on
December 17. This story comes after the events in the original movie TRON. It is
1983 and Kevin Flynn is now in charge of the largest video game company in the
world, Encom. Kevin has also secretly built a digital world filled with living
programs called the Grid. It seems this world has taken on a life of its own. As
the story opens Kevin has entered the grid and is cycling along with his old
friend, the security "program" known as Tron. There is a problem parts of the
Grid are disintegrating, being eaten by "bugs" in the program. While Kevin is
working on the problem from the outside Tron is trying to protect the Grid from
the inside. Kevin gets so involved in his work that later he is late for a
doctor's appointment with the mother of his unborn son, Jordan Canas. His life
is so full that he finds it hard devoting enough time to running the company,
fixing the Grid and paying attention to his personal life. Something has to
give. The other players in this drama are the artificial life forms that run the
Grid. While Tron is in charge of security he is also the main attraction in the
games, motorcycle races that are even more complex than the original ones Tron
had to participate in. Clu and Shaddox are in charge of keeping things working
in the Grid. Clu and Flynn call Tron to show him something amazing that has
happen. A new, self-generated life form has appeared on the Grid, a female being
calling herself Ophelia. Ultimately this is a drama about two worlds about to
clash. Kevin needs to look after two families - the real world family with wife
and son and the artificial world with his created family. The artificials in the
Grid refer to Kevin as the creator. Clu was created to be the presence of the
creator on the Grid. Will there be a time when survival of the Grid comes before
loyalty to the creator? The title itself suggests something has got to give. It
is an interesting premise. The story and art are setting the background so that
the movie will be that much richer when it does come out. I found the art
exceptional in depicting the contrasts of the worlds and particularly the action
in the Grid. The narrative text supplements the dialogue giving us the first
person observations of Kevin in a more overview form than what is happening in
the panels. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone anticipating
seeing the upcoming movie.

*****
TRIVIA CONTEST!!!! WIN REAL PRIZES!!!!!

If you think you know the answer to the trivia question send your guess via
Email to me at ComicBkNet@aol.com and you could win the prize. The first six
correct answers will be assigned a number and a roll of the dice will determine
the winner. You should put your real name in your message so we know who you
are. Prizes must be claimed at our store within 30 days of winning. The prize
will be a $10 credit slip, which will be redeemable for merchandise at regular
retail or in-store ongoing specials only. Only one prize per person will be
allowed per every 4 weeks. I will be the sole judge of the correct answer even
if more than one answer could be correct. Submit only one answer per Email
please but guess as often as you like.

Last week's trivia question:
What was the title of the religious themed hero comic published by Marvel and
Nelson Publishing in 1993?
ILLUMINATOR was the answer we wanted and the winner by the dice roll is
Christopher Graves.

Here was your no prize question:
On what show did the Beatles make their TV debut?
Not the Ed Sullivan Show as some thought. The Beatles made their first
television appearance on the show "Teenager's Turn" in 1962. They had Pete Best
playing drums and they performed the Roy Orbison song, "Dream Baby."

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
What was unusual about the cover of SUPERBOY #1, the debut issue of this major
character in 1949?

Here is your no prize question:
What act did Decca Recording Co. reject with this quote in 1962, "We don't like
their sound and guitar music is on the way out"?

Folks, you never know who among the readers is knowledgeable about the question
so don't hesitate to send in an answer - even days after it appears.

Title: DRIVER FOR THE DEAD
Issue Number: 2(of 3)
Publisher: Radical Comics
Creator & Writer: John Heffernan
Artist: Leonardo Manco
Paints: Kinsun Lo & Jerry Choo
Letters: Todd Klein
Cover Artist: Manco
Price (USD): $4.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Supernatural




This mini-series started with an interesting premise. In New Orleans Alabaster
Graves is the most trusted transporter of dangerous bodies to their final
resting place. Sometimes that even requires he makes sure they are dead - as in
vampires and other supernatural beings. The legendary voodoo priest Mose Freeman
died during an exorcism. With Mose's great granddaughter, Marissa, riding
shotgun he has been charged with getting the body to the family crypt. Unknown
to Graves an evil necromancer named Fallow wants to get his hands on the body.
Fallow can siphon psychic energy from those with power by cutting off their body
parts and attaching them to himself. This issue spends a lot of time
illustrating that fact, in gruesome fashion, as he goes after a man with second
sight, a woman who can touch from a distance and a man with a tongue of power
that can bend people to his will. Mose's heart will be his ultimate prize as he
was a priest of great power. We also get a look at Grave's past and the reason
he got into this business. By the end Graves is injured but saved from capture
by an old woman who explains the dire consequences ahead. The only way to stop
Fallow is to go in search of the legendary Loup Garoux and obtain the only
weapon that will kill Fallow. The series has really ramped up the action this
issue with lots of exposition to go with it. We are now fully informed about the
main characters and their motivations. We are on the edge of our seat wondering
if Graves can possibly prevail if it isn't already too late. At first I was put
off by the darkness of painted art but I have come to appreciate the detail of
the pencils and the darkness where it is needed to set the mood. This is really
a well-executed project. It is a thriller that engages the reader and never lets
go. I can't wait for the finale!

Title: LADY DEATH PREMIERE
Publisher: Boundless Comics/Avatar Press
Creator: Brian Pulido
Writer: Brian Pulido & Mike Wolfer
Artist: Marcelo Mueller
Colors: Digikore Studios
Price (USD): FREE
Release Date: NOW AVAILABLE
Genre: Fantasy/Supernatural

You may have passed this one up on the rack if you did not want to spend money
on another series starring Lady Death. But it is FREE so check it out. The
series itself will start in December from the Boundless imprint of Avatar
Comics. In November they will issue collected edition reprints of past series.
This premiere issue serves as a teaser of what to expect in the new ongoing. At
only 12 pages it consists of battle scenes of an invasion of Lady Death's domain
by a witch of sorts wearing a mask of her likeness and calling herself Death
Queen. We see she has considerable power and an army of evil characters that are
beginning to storm the castle. As Lady Death rides to meet her foe a trusted
lieutenant falls and she faces the Death Queen herself. The end result may or
may not be the prequel or part of the new series - that is left for conjecture.
So far it seems to be typical sword and sorcery action. Mueller does some
terrific work on the interiors and of course there are various covers - most
only available at conventions. For the price it is worth picking up to see if
you would be interested.

Title: STAR SPANGLED WAR STORIES
Issue Number: WAR ONE-SHOT (Featuring Mademoiselle Marie)
Title Story: Vivre Libre Ou Mourir!
Publisher: DC
Writer: Billy Tucci
Artist: Justiano and Tom Derenick
Inker: Andrew Mangum
Colors: Tom Chu
Letters: Sal Cipriano
Cover Artist: Brian Bolland
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: War Comic



Continuing DC's weekly war story comic offerings is this entry set in occupied
France during WWII. Marie is a Special Operations Executive that has just
parachuted behind enemy lines to meet with the French resistance. She meets
Alain Morange and his group. At the safe house he explains that with the money
she has brought they plan to buy a thousand machine guns and rifles to rally a
force to liberate France. They will meet Galtier, a banker with access to a
hidden stock of government arms, in Vichy. There are difficulties with
deceptions, betrayals and Nazi's as their mission unfolds. But Mademoiselle
Marie is pretty resourceful herself. The treacherous Milice collaborators and
the Gestapo may not be a match for this operative. This is another fine one-shot
that upholds the tradition of the classic DC series STAR SPANGLED WAR STORIES.
The plot is tight with a few twists and turns and a decent resolution. The art
is superb from the cover, by my favorite Brian Bolland, to the very end. DC has
done it again.

Title: THE TERMINATOR 1984
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Dark Horse
Writer: Zack Whedon
Artist: Andy Macdonald
Colors: Dan Jackson
Letters: Nate Piekos
Cover Artist: Massimo Carnevale
Price (USD): $3.50
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction



I did not know what to expect when I first saw this one but with 1984 in the
title I knew it would be tied in to the early history of the TERMINATOR and it
is. The events take place during and immediately following the original
TERMINATOR movie. Some scenes will be familiar to those who are fans of that
classic. Others are different views and behind the scenes - things not shown in
the movie. We know that Kyle Reese was sent back in time to protect Sarah Connor
from the Terminator from the future. Its mission was to ensure her son John, the
leader of the Earth resistance, was never born. What Zack adds to the story is
another character, Ben. Ben was Kyle's friend in the future. When Ben lost his
lover to a terminator attack he decided to follow Kyle on his mission and help
protect him. Some of the scenes give us a different perspective of our world as
seen from a man who has known only war and famine at the hands of the machines.
As he proceeds to locate Reece the events of the movie unfold. We also meet some
people who are also aware of the time travelers and want Reese for their own
purposes. Ben arrives at the factory where the first terminator met his fate
just as Reese is taken away in a body bag in a black van. Following his instinct
he tails the van and makes an amazing discovery. All may not be lost but he is
going to need help. This story fits seamlessly into the first movie using what
has been established to set the scene for a new adventure. Having Ben seek out
Sarah Connor to give her some shocking news sets the stage for the next issue.
The script is engaging and does not belabor what we already know about the
history. Rather it takes a step sideways to show us what we don't know and takes
time to introduce new important characters. The art is decent as well, making
this a very enjoyable and thrilling first issue.

Title: QUEEN SONJA
Issue Number: 10
Title Story: The Red Queen (part 5)
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Creator: Robert E. Howard
Writer: Arvid Nelson
Artist: Jackson Herbert
Colors: Adrianio Lucas
Letters: Simon Bowland
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Sword & Sorcery



I haven't been reading this comic nor have I read many Sonja stories in the
past. I decided to pick up an issue of this series to see how it reads. It turns
out that this issue is the concluding episode of a five-part story. Despite
that, and little introductory material, I found it very readable. A lot of that
has to do with the art in the capable hands of Jackson Herbert and Adriano
Lucas. Sonja is a beautiful woman with considerable assets but also a warrior of
considerable skill. While she is always drawn to show off her female form it is
important not to just have her depicted as a bimbo - like many super heroine
characters often are. Herbert strikes that balance without forgetting the other
characters who are much more interesting as relates to the larger story. At this
part of the story a few characters loyal to Queen Sonja believe that Lord Ariok
and his sister, guests in her castle, are a danger to their queen and they sneak
into his room to assassinate him. Ariok is wounded but manages to kill his
attackers. He then convinces his sister they cannot trust Sonja and must flee.
Learning they have gone Sonja is outraged that her people would take such action
and rushes out to find Ariok and Alethia to make amends. As she goes we learn
the kingdom is in the midst of a famine, something that no doubt factored into
the story earlier. In the end we learn the true nature of Ariok and Alethia.
While reading the story from the beginning would have been more rewarding it
stills is easy to follow. The impact of the ending is just as strong just
reading this one chapter. This appears to be a worthy adaptation of the Howard
character as it relies on characterization and strong production values.

Title: SECRET WARRIORS
Issue Number: 20
Publisher: Marvel
Creators: Brian Michael Bendis & Alex Maleev
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Mirko Colak
Colors: Imaginary Friends Studio
Letters: Dave Lamphear
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero





This series began as the former SHIELD leader banded a new group of undiscovered
young superhumans to fight wars he felt needed to be fought without the
constraints of government hovering over them. As I read the recap in the front I
see this series has come a long way in just twenty issues. Fury has his original
Secret Warriors but also formed two other teams. The Grey team, led by his son
Mikel, set out to neutralize the Soviet espionage operation known as Leviathan.
Former SHIELD operative Alexander Pierce whose mission is to destroy Hydra leads
the Black team. In past issues things have escalated. Leviathan attacked and
destroyed the Hydra base known as the Crown. The two are in an all out war and
Fury wants to strike them both to end it once and for all. The opening scene
shows just how serious the war is as several blocks in downtown Seattle are
destroyed by Leviathan to obliterate a Hydra recruitment center. Fury relates to
his team similar incidents in China, Paris and London with thousands of civilian
casualties. Fury wants to deal a killing blow by destroying Gehenna; a Hydra
stronghold in New Zealand while the Grey and Black teams hit the two remaining
Leviathan strongholds. In order to take out Gehenna Fury will take his team into
orbit over New Zealand and Eden will transport them to the base to set a
devastating bomb and get out quickly. It is the only way to breach the defenses.
What could possibly go wrong? Heh, heh! I am not sure if there have been
indications in the past but one of the team's members has a deep secret
revealed, maybe for the first time in this issue. It will have major
ramifications. The story may seem a bit too much narrative and not enough action
in the first half. That serves the new reader well as the pace picks up to a
stunning ending. On balance it is a pretty decent way to get caught up with this
team post Dark Reign.

*****
TRIVIA CONTEST!!!! WIN REAL PRIZES!!!!!

If you think you know the answer to the trivia question send your guess via
Email to me at ComicBkNet@aol.com and you could win the prize. The first six
correct answers will be assigned a number and a roll of the dice will determine
the winner. You should put your real name in your message so we know who you
are. Prizes must be claimed at our store within 30 days of winning. The prize
will be a $10 credit slip, which will be redeemable for merchandise at regular
retail or in-store ongoing specials only. Only one prize per person will be
allowed per every 4 weeks. I will be the sole judge of the correct answer even
if more than one answer could be correct. Submit only one answer per Email
please but guess as often as you like.

Last week's trivia question: COMING HOME FROM A SHOW, HIS PARENTS WERE GUNNED DOWN BY A THIEF. HE VOWED REVENGE ON CRIMINALS, SO HE STUDIED TO BECOME A DETECTIVE, AND BUILT UP HIS BODY. HE WEARS A BLUE CAPE... But, he's a MARVEL hero. Who is he?

The character in question is The Shroud. The winner by the dice is Christian
Mock.

Here is your no prize question: What is the smallest sovereign entity in the world?

The actual smallest sovereign entity (not necessarily a country) in the world is
the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (S.M.O.M). It is located in the city
of Rome, Italy, has an area of two tennis courts and, as of 2001, had a
population of 80 -- 20 less people than the Vatican. It is a sovereign entity
under international law, just as the Vatican is.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION: What was the title of the religious themed hero comic published by Marvel and Nelson Publishing in 1993?

Here is your no prize question: On what show did the Beatles make their TV debut?

Folks, you never know who among the readers is knowledgeable about the question
so don't hesitate to send in an answer - even days after it appears.

Comic Reviews 10/01/10

Title: PILOT SEASON: 39 MINUTES

Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Top Cow/Image
Creator: William Harms
Writer: William Harms
Artist: Jerry Lando
Inker: Jay Leisten
Colors: Brian Buccellato
Letters: Troy Peteri
Cover Artist: Rafael Albuquerque
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Crime Drama
Mature - not recommended for children

This is the first of another series of Pilot Season one-shots. Over five weeks
Top Cow will issue comics by different creators and let the readers decide
whether any of them warrant continuing in a mini-series. First up is this action
comic about a group of ruthless ex-special forces soldiers pulling off a series
of amazing robberies with precision timing. They target small towns to minimize
the amount of police they may encounter. In this opening issue we see how it
works. They enter a bank, shoot most of the employees and bystanders then tell
the lone clerk to call the police getting them to send every available man to
the scene. As five cruisers converge on the scene snipers are ready to pick them
off and finish the job with a rocket launcher aimed at the cars. Once the cops
are dealt with they proceed to other targets in town on a 39-minute schedule
regardless of where they are. Meanwhile a federal agent is visiting inmate John
Clayton in Leavenworth Prison. Clayton was the former commander of the marines
turned robbers. They were all framed over an incident with a group of security
contractors in Iraq. The others broke out to begin their crime spree. Now the
agent wants Clayton to help bring them down. The set up is good and full of
action. This is a good "pilot" for a series as it introduces the key characters;
their background and the methods used tying it in to the title. The art is good
and supports the action well. It is everything a first issue should be and I
would follow it if it continues into a series.

Title: THE HAUNTED TANK
Issue Number: 1-SHOT
Title Story: Listening To Ghosts
Publisher: DC
Writer: Matthew Sturges
Artist: Phil Winslade
Colors: Lovern Kindzierski
Letters: Rob Leigh
Cover Artist: Geof Darrow
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: War Comic


Continuing their month-long series of war comic one-shots DC came out with an
issue of THE HAUNTED TANK. Not too long ago DC published a HAUNTED TANK mini-
series updating the premise to modern times. The original series was set in WWII
and this comic stays with that time frame. Jeb Stuart commands a small M3
armored vehicle called the Stuart, attached to a tank battalion. He is a direct
descendant of J.E.B. Stuart, a renowned Civil War confederate general. The ghost
of the rebel appears to Jeb and guides him in tough situations of combat. An
example is shown in the opening as the big tanks confront German Tiger tanks the
M3 goes on a lower road as the ghost directs Jeb to do. He sees his shot
undermining the ground under the Tiger leaving the underbelly ripe for the kill
shot for the American tank confronting it. The scene shifts a few months forward
as the M3 is looking into the disappearance of that same American tank while
patrolling Burbuy in Belgium. They find the disabled tank tilted in a pile of
rubble, its crew and commander, Billy Sherman, dead inside. But soon they have
other troubles. As snipers in a tower force them to retreat behind a building
they see two Tiger tanks advancing from the other side. They have no way out.
When Jeb notices the angle at whish the disabled tank is facing he embarks on a
bold strategy. Before it's over the intervention of another ghost of a famous
Civil War general will help save the day. If you like combat stories this one is
pretty good. It has all the feel of the original series and keeps a rapid pace
with believable characters. It even affords us some insight into the ghost world
inhabited by General Stuart and others fallen in battle. The art is very
detailed with appropriate coloring as the setting warrants. This is another
worthy addition to the war story one-shots.

Title: PATRICIA BRIGGS' MERCY THOMPSON: MOON CALLED
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: First Blood
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Creator: Patricia Briggs
Writer: Patricia Briggs w/David Lawrence
Artist: Amelia Woo
Letters: Zach Matheny
Cover Artist: Brett Booth
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Supernatural


I believe this is the second Mercy Thompson series from Dynamite. The first
dealt with Mercy Thompson settling in to work as a mechanic in a small garage in
Kennewick, Washington. She is a Walker, a werecoyote and has an alliance of
sorts with the local Alpha werewolf, Adam Hauptman. The story centers on a young
boy looking for work at the garage. He is clearly a runaway and through her
magical senses Mercy can also tell that he is a newly turned werewolf. Against
her instincts she takes him in hoping to perhaps guide him through the confusing
and uncontrolled initial stages of being newly turned to the werewolf life.
Later she will approach Adam about taking him in. So in this world there seems
to be good and bad werewolves. We meet a bad one as two men, apparently
connected with the Walla Walla Fae Reservation show up seeking the boy, Mac. The
reservation is more a concentration camp for captured magical beings. While one
of the men claims to want to help cure Mac the other reveals himself as a
werewolf as the moon begins to rise. It is up to Mercy to intervene in her
coyote form against a much stronger wolf. Though the story is not in
chronological format it does read coherently and makes sense to the new reader.
There is good exposition in editorial boxes to get us up to speed along the way.
And clearly there is a much larger plot that begins to reveal itself as the
series unfolds. The art is better than average making this a good package and an
entertaining comic.

Title: FILLER BUNNY
Issue Number: 2
Title Story: Revenge! Of the Filler Bunny
Publisher: Slave Labor Graphics
Creator: Jhonen Vasquez
Price (USD): $2.25
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Humor
Mature - Comics on the Edge



Ever pick up a comic because it just looks so odd you can't resist? I saw the
cover of this comic and wondered what kind of weirdness Vasquez created inside.
Jhonen Vasquez is the creator of Johnny the Homicidal Maniac, Squee and Filler
Bunny as well as the man behind Invader Zim. It was not until after I read it
that I realized this was a ninth printing of a comic that was published several
years ago. Fillerbunny is a pink bunny genetically engineered to be unceasingly
entertaining. He is made to undergo all sorts of painful procedures and sadistic
experiments. If Fillerbunny dies, he is revived. This second issue starts with
just such a revival. As he wakens Filler Bunny has one thought - time for
revenge. This is a bizzare little comic to say the least. In the first sequence
some off screen, unheard person is telling Filler Bunny to let a monkey climb up
his butt. Then Jhonen shifts to a page of himself working on the comic - not
even half over and out of ideas. A few pages more of meaningless self
interspection lead back to the title charcter. Through the rest he gets his eyes
plucked out, goes through death and revival a couple of times and finally gets
rid of that butt monkey in a method you would expect. Frankly it is all
nonsense, which I guess is the point. It is so screwy that you will go nuts
trying to figure out a deeper meaning, which is not there. Vasquez is a clever,
evil person.


Title: PHOENIX WITHOUT ASHES
Issue Number: 2
Publisher: IDW
Creator: Harlan Ellison
Writer: Harlan Ellison
Artist: Alan Robinson
Colors: Kote Carvajal
Letters: Chris Mowry
Cover Artist: John K. Snyder III & Jason Wright
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction



I liked the first issue of this comic adapted from a larger story that Ellison
had proposed for a TV series. Devon lived in the puritanical community of
Cypress corners. His questioning nature got him into trouble when he defied the
elders. He would not disavow his love for Rachel who is promised to another.
When he discovered the Elder Micah actual programming the god machine, a
technical device that gives the community its guidance he realizes it is the
elders who are manipulating the community. There is no divine guidance. Now they
are hunting him for their own survival and at the end of the last issue he
discovered a large metal hole in the ground. We know that this community is more
than it seems and in this chapter Ellison reveals the true picture of the world
that Cypress Corners is just a small part of. Devon narrowly escapes capture and
in the process falls into the hole. Falling for a long time he is sure he will
die when he hits only to discover that he is not really falling. In fact he is
in the free fall of weightlessness. The tubes and corridors go on and on until
he emerges through another portal and we see he is in a spacecraft. By the end
of the chapter he will have found a place to look out of the craft and realize
for himself that his community is one of dozens of pods attached to the enormous
ship. What is the nature of the other pods and will he ever find his way back?
Will he want to? This is an excellent transition issue getting the lead
character and the reader to the point of realization. What follows next will be
exploration with hundreds of possibilities. If the series takes off it could go
on and on, as was the theory behind the TV series. The story this time is mostly
visual. The only dialogue is among the Elders searching for Devon. It appears to
me that they have no clue about being in a pod on a spaceship; satisfied with
the power they have in their own domain. The art is the storyteller this time
with strong layouts to convey the journey and wonder of the lost young man. This
is a great beginning and I look forward to what comes next.

Title: FRINGE: TALES FROM THE FRINGE
Issue Number: 4
Publisher: Wildstorm/DC
Cover Artist: Diego Latorre
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction

The first FRINGE mini-series involved characters from the TV show and served as prequels to that program. This comic however has nothing to do with it directly. Instead it is stories, some which involve fringe science, and others are more like strange tales in traditional comic book fashion. This month we have one of each type.

Story: PLAN B
Writers: Matthew Pitts & Alex Katsnelson
Artist: Julius Gopez
Colors: Carrie Strachan
Letters: Wes Abbott

This is a story about Nina, a woman of means who has had a robotic arm attached
to her body recently. As the story opens her doctor is paying her a visit to
share some startling news. She learned long ago that she was unable to get
pregnant but it seems a side effect of the arm is a change of her genetic makeup
and now she is pregnant. Her life changes in the next four months as she eagerly
plans to have the baby she always wanted. But when complications arise the
doctor discovers more. Her body is changing so much that the baby's DNA cannot
adapt. If she tries to carry it to term it will kill them both. The only chance
to save the baby may be to remove the robot arm. But there is someone who has a
vested interest in that not happening. The story is pretty good in the way it is
developed and how it ends. There is an element of the fantastic involved in how
the situation is resolved. The last page has a clever reveal to the observing
reader. The downside is the art. While it is detailed and colored well the
pencils in a lot of places are rough. It is more of a distraction then anything
else.

Story: KNOCK KNOCK
Writer: Danielle DiSpaltro
Artist: Fiona Staples
Letters: Wes Abbott

The second story is more like an episode out of TWILIGHT ZONE. Lily is preparing
for a surprise anniversary trip with her husband when a nock on the door reveals
an old man trying to sell insurance. She tries to get rid of him but he is
persistent warning her about the cost of not buying it. After she gets rid of
him that cost becomes readily apparent. By the time her husband returns she has
aged decades. She is so different now he does not realize it is his wife and
throws her out. Her only choice now is to find the old man if she can. This is a
well-paced story with a good twist in the end. The layouts and even the facial
expressions are designed and executed for maximum effect. The two stories
together make for a decent comic.

*****

TRIVIA CONTEST!!!! WIN REAL PRIZES!!!!!

If you think you know the answer to the trivia question send your guess via
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correct answers will be assigned a number and a roll of the dice will determine
the winner. You should put your real name in your message so we know who you
are. Prizes must be claimed at our store within 30 days of winning. The prize
will be a $10 credit slip, which will be redeemable for merchandise at regular
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allowed per every 4 weeks. I will be the sole judge of the correct answer even
if more than one answer could be correct. Submit only one answer per Email
please but guess as often as you like.

Last week's trivia question:

Whose alter ego was Dr. Tiffany Evans?
From the Milestone Universe, it was Technique.
The winner by the dice this time is Stu Cathell.

Here was your no prize question:

After Warsaw what city has the largest population of Polish people?
Fellow scribe Alan Gordon got this one. It's Chicago.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:

COMING HOME FROM A SHOW, HIS PARENTS WERE GUNNED DOWN BY A THIEF. HE VOWED REVENGE ON CRIMINALS, SO HE STUDIED TO BECOME A DETECTIVE, AND BUILT UP HIS BODY. HE WEARS A BLUE CAPE...
But, he's a MARVEL hero. Who is he?

Here is your no prize question:

What is the smallest sovereign entity in the world?

Folks, you never know who among the readers is knowledgeable about the question
so don't hesitate to send in an answer - even days after it appears.