Title: HATTER M: FAR FROM WONDER
Issue Number: Volume 1
Publisher: Automatic Pictures Inc.
Creator: Frank Beddor
Writers: Frank Beddor & Liz Cavalier
Guest Writers: Stephen Jarret & Shaun Manning
Artist: Ben Templesmith & Sami Makkonen
Letters: Jason Hanley & Tom B. Long
Cover Artist: Vincent Proce
Price (USD): $29.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Fantasy


I recently reviewed Volume three of this series. Automatic Pictures has now
released a second edition of the first volume with two added chapters included.
I admit I have been reading this story out of sequence and this is my first look
at the beginning of the saga that chronicles Hatter Madigan's quest to find
Princess Alyss of Wonderland. The supplementary text provides the reader with
background information. Hatter M was the bodyguard for Queen Genevieve who was
overthrown by her sister Redd in the preceding trilogy THE LOOKING GLASS WARS.
It was her dying wish that Madigan leave Wonderland and take Alyss somewhere
safe. They escaped by jumping into the Pool of Tears, a portal to other worlds
from which no one returns. During the transition they are separated. Alyss ends
up in England and eventually tells her story to Lewis Carroll. She told her
tales of Wonderland, the land where all imagination begins, hoping that if it
were published eventually it would come to the attention of Madigan making it
easy for him to locate her. Carroll however turned it all around making her
Alice Liddell of Earth who traveled to Wonderland. Meanwhile, Hatter M ended up
in 1859 France. He began a journey from 1859 to 1872 searching for his lost
charge. This series of books, which the publishers term a Geographic Novel, is
ostensibly taken from his journal. There is extensive additional material
credited to the Hatter M Institute for Paranormal Travel highlighting artifacts,
letters, news stories and even photos that give credence to the story actually
taking place in the late 19th century.

It is interesting to see Hatter's immediate reaction to this strange new world
where the sights and sounds are so different from the land of imagination. One
thing that drives him is the visible glow of White Imagination, which all
Wonderlanders are able to optically register. But he also can see the Dark
Imagination, which is also flowing into our world from Wonderland as a force for
evil in his adversaries. His first experiences in France show us how disoriented
he must be, to the point of attacking kites being flown in a park. Now Hatter M
is a master of the blade. Not only is he an excellent swordsman but also he is
equipped with a supply of blades that emanate from a special vest all of his
profession wear. His signature top hat itself is a weapon, bonded to his will
that turns into a disk of spinning blades when he throws it. Throughout the tale
we see him use the weapons against the dark forces. His attack on the kites has
him labeled as a monster. After he momentarily loses his hat he is overpowered
by gendarmes and taken before a magistrate based mostly on over-hyped gossip. He
makes his escape. It is after this that he takes in a performance by a young
female violinist in a dark theater. Due to he glow of imagination he suspects
she is Alyss and begins a quest to follow the troop and rescue her. What he
encounters is a master plot by some people who abduct young children and use a
magical machine to siphon off their imagination. He makes friends with a female
journalist and together they seek to expose the people behind this nefarious
plot while Madigan still believes the young girl could be his Alyss. It is a
very detailed plot with lots of twists and turns leading up to a resolution of
sorts, but not what Hatter M was hoping. Templesmith is the perfect artist for
this type of story. His use of limited color and shading sets the tone in every
scene just right. The additional two chapters are short stories about his
journey. "Dublin" by Stephen Jarret has him teaming up with a young Bram Stoker
to stop the legendary Spring Heeled Jack who is a vampire preying on young
children. In "Siberia" by Shaun Manning he is in a prison and gets a visit from
Magda Pushkin, the journalist he met in the main story. These stories along with
the supplementary material give additional depth to the overall picture of our
hero and his journey that is just beginning. It is worth the reader's time to
read the entire volume cover to cover. It is a fascinating complex story with
traditional themes that will delight your own imagination.

Title: AFTER DARK
Issue Number: 2 (of 3)
Publisher: Radical Comics
Creators: Antoine Fuqua & Wesley Snipes
Writer: Peter Milligan
Artist: Leonardo Manco
Paints: Kinsun Loh, Jerry Choo & Sansan Saw
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Cover Artist: Francesco "Matt" Mattina
Price (USD): $4.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction


This is a tale of a dystopian future where sunlight is safety and darkness is
certain death. The fate of so many is so desperate that riots have broken out
across the world. The military has gathered a group of specialists and known
criminals to search for a person they feel will bring hope back to the people -
a female known only as Angel. They navigate through the air by the talent of a
Bedouin named Omar. In the first chapter Trooper Jones caught a viral strain and
the ship's doctor decided to abandon her on the surface and carry on the
mission. Omar, a femme fatale Ana and the gang brawler Monclare disagree and
journey outside into the coming darkness to get aid for Jones. However, when the
darkness descended Jones committed suicide and the three are left alone in the
dark. Surprisingly as this chapter begins the ship reappears as Colonel Brood
has decided he needs as many of the crew he can keep to complete the mission.
And so the story continues as the ship makes its way to Archipelago City where a
search party hopes to find clues to locate Angel. They find aggressive locals
and an old statue of Angel giving them hope they are on the right path. After a
near deadly attack they locate a child in form that is really very old,
generations in age. It reveals a unique ability and gives them a lead to follow.
There are mysteries and clues to the past of the main players as the journey
moves forward to Birdland City. When they arrive they find they are expected and
the climax may change some minds as to the nature of Angel. But will it alter
Brood's mind one he has read the sealed orders he can now read? This is one of
those stories that go at its own pace. There is more to these characters than we
first imagined and the writer fleshes them out even more as we go along. With
the final chapter we may get to see how it all comes together by the actions
each may take. This is more of a character study at this point that is very well
crafted. The art, as you might guess from the title, is purposely dark but only
for effect when the crew is Earthside. The pencils are very detailed and the
paints highlight the talent involved. It is not a shoot 'em up adventure though
there is some of that when needed. I am anxious to see how the arc wraps up next
time.

Title: BATMAN INCORPORATED
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Mr. Unknown Is Dead
Publisher: DC
Creator: Bob Kane
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Yanick Paquette
Inker: Michel LaCombe
Colors: Nathan Fairbairn
Letters: John J. Hill
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero


At the end of the last issue of BATMAN AND ROBIN Bruce Wayne announced to the
world that he had been secretly funding Batman's needs for years, in honor of
his dead parents. Now he will take the good fight even further by an enterprise
known as Batman Incorporated. The plan is to set up and international
organization of crime fighters. The first story will take that mission to Japan
where, as the title suggests, a Japanese hero has been killed by Lord Death Man
and his minions. Bruce is traveling to Japan with Selina/Catwoman where he hopes
to train a Japanese Batman. We see from the opening scene he is too late but the
trail to Mr. Unknown's killer may lead him to another candidate. I enjoyed the
recent Batman/Catwoman one-shot and this story seems almost an extension of
their new alliance. Morrison is starting a long-term theme with this being the
first of hopefully many allies Bruce will make around the world. He may well be
setting us up for a much more involved event months, even years down the road.
For now the premise and execution of the first chapter is a good start. Rather
than rush the establish a global organization and gloss over how it came to be
he is showing us step by step with characters we will get to know in detail. Mr.
Unknown's successor will be motivated just as Bruce was so long ago. Adding
Selena to the mix provides another element to the story and some lighter
moments. I give it thumbs up as a good beginning.

Title: DOORWAYS
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Creator: George R. R. Martin
Writer: George R. R. Martin
Artist: Stefano Martino
Letters: Shawn Lee
Cover Artist: Stefano Martino/Rebecca Wrigley
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction




The beginning of this story is like something out of Terminator. A bolt of
lightning strikes the middle of a busy road and leaves standing a female in
tattered clothes with a metallic gauntlet on one arm. It warns her of an
approaching truck and she pulls out a weapon that tears apart the truck but
leaves her unconscious. This brings her to a hospital under heavy guard. When
she awakens the doctor tending her convinces the guards that she must stay for
observation. As he slowly gains her trust she tries to explain she is from
another Earth but he does not catch on. Yes this is a tale of parallel worlds.
She has come to our Earth and is being chased by powerful forces, some of which
are not entirely human. They serve a master who remains in the shadows to us. He
wants the devise, the weapon and the girl returned. Meanwhile the human
authorities take her and her devices in custody to study, recognizing the
technology is nothing from this Earth. Doctor Thomas tracks her down and tries
to help communicate with her but things get desperate as she realizes the
Darklord and his manhounds are tracking her. It will become a chase and no doubt
lead to doorways and other worlds at some point. This is a really slick product
with terrific art and high production value. The theme reminds me somewhat of
the TV show SLIDERS with the catalyst for plots being the ability to travel to
alternate Earths. In fact, this idea was the basis for a TV pilot that very
nearly became a series on ABC in 1992-93. So far this one has a lot of promise
as a comic book.

Title: R.P.M.
Issue Number: 1 (of 4)
Publisher: 12 Gauge Comics
Writers: Mick Foley & Shane Riches
Artist: Jose Holder
Colors: Michael Wiggam
Cover Artist: Brian Stelfreeze
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Action/Adventure

Revere is a courier for hire. He is also an expert at hitting things with
projectiles. This talent comes in handy be it ricocheting a beer bottle into a
windshield of the car chasing him or winning bets with his mechanic. His driving
skills and his absolute discretion land him jobs with the government as well as
private clients because he always delivers. His newest job has him delivering a
synthetic diamond larger than the Hope diamond for Forever Inc. They need to get
it get authenticated in the belief it cannot be distinguished from a natural
diamond. He will be accompanied by the female Mackenzie and her head of security
but it must be on his terms. If they are able to fabricate diamonds this good it
will destabilize the world market and there are many who want to stop them or
just steal the gem. The story evolves around his preparation for the journey
from New England to Miami and the steps he takes to ensure they follow his
instructions. Naturally you know there will be trouble along the way and we are
not disappointed right up to the climax cliffhanger. The art on this one is kind
of rough on the pencils but the coloring and composition make it work. It is a
thriller that is just starting to ramp up. I would give it a try.

Title: OSBORN
Issue Number: 1 (of 5)
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Kelly Sue Deconnick
Artist: Emma Rios
Back up story: Warren Ellis & Jamie McKelvie
Colors: Jose Villarrubia & Matt Wilson
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Cover Artist: Ben Oliver - Variant by John Romita & Marcos Martin
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Villain



Norman Osborn tried to take over the world. He failed. Now he is in the maximum-
security prison known as The Raft where he can ponder his fate and plan his
future. Through the course of the issue we do not see him all that much, but
when we do he is very creepy. We also get to see a lot of Norah Jones of
Frontline. She has been assigned to do a follow up on Osborn for Ben Urich so
she huddles with Peter Parker on the reason she may not want to. We get to see
more of her as she begins only to learn some shocking news. This is a really
dense comic with lots of information to absorb. There is another prison
facility, privately run, in an undisclosed location. We first get to see it when
a priest visits a special circular room with five cells. An overhead view
introduces us to some really unsavory characters. We get the idea they are too
dangerous even for The Raft. It all plays into Norman Osborn's immediate future
and the people behind the scenes that will affect it. No characters seem to be
in minor roles here. The priest has a couple of interesting secrets. Norah will
no doubt get in way too deep. It is the kind of comic to read slowly and then
read again to get even more out of it. It is excellent scripting and the art is
superb. If you really liked the way Norm was used in the recent past you'll love
this book. The back up story explores the life of one of those unsavory inmates
in the secret prison, June Covington. Here expertise in biology and genetics and
the deadly way she used that knowledge has gained her the sobriquet of The Toxic
Doxie. Warren Ellis details her personality and motivation in an entertaining
fashion. This addition to the issue makes it worth price more so than most $4
comics.

*****
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 hard cover graphic novel HATTER M: FAR FROM WONDER
reviewed above. 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:
Chet Archer, Kit Draper and Bob Block belong to what team?
They are of course the original "Channel Seven News Team" appearing in
Astronauts in Trouble from AIT: SPACE 1959.

Among those in the know was the winner by the dice, Gregory Goding.

Here was your no prize question:
What is the most popular drink throughout the entire world?

Water is essential for life and is not a drink of choice; nearly everybody
drinks water. The most popular drink of choice is coffee. Over four hundred
billion cups of coffee are consumed every year.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
In what Ultraverse title did the character that became Nightman first appear?
Here is your no prize question: Whose famous last words were, "I'm tired. I'm going back to bed"?

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 11/19/10

Title: T.H.U.N.D.E.R. AGENTS
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: The High Road
Publisher: DC
Writer: Nick Spencer
Artist: Cafu
Inker: Bit
Colors: Santiago Arcas
Letters: Swands
Cover Artist: Frank Quitely & Val Staples after Wally Wood/Darwyn Cooke-Variant
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

T.H.U.N.D.E.R. AGENTS first appeared in 1965 and fortunately that DC has
recently collected first run and related titles in hardcover. Attempts at
revival have occurred over the years but now we have a major publisher giving it
a shot. T.H.U.N.D.E.R. is The Higher United Nations Defense Enforcement
Reserves. They are charged with tackling threats most super heroes don't know
exist. The agency does this by giving certain of their agents' special abilities
but the catch is that the powers themselves will eventually kill them. At one
point in the story a new hire is given the explanation as to how these special
agents come to be. A super computer with human elements involved selects the
candidates from pretty much all the information stored in the world. This
opening issue serves to introduce some of those agents, or at least the current
versions of them. The story is told in somewhat disjointed fashion
chronologically. The basic plot is that one of the heroes, Raven, has been
captured by the bad guys known as Spider. Two super agents, Dynamo the super
strength guy and Lightning the speedster were sent with a team of field agents
to rescue him. As it turns out while our heroes are fighting the armored foot
soldiers of Spider outside the stronghold another undercover agent has managed
to work his way into the cell where he is being held. He manages to subdue the
guard and rouse Raven so that Raven can fly them both to their extraction point.
Unknown to all there will be more surprises awaiting them there. Much of the
issue is taken up with conversations behind the scenes at the agency. We get to
know key players for later chapters and some of the dangers facing not only the
heroes but also the rest of the group. For that reason it is not so much a
satisfying super hero story though there is plenty of action. The production
quality is high with superb art in every aspect. I am hoping going forward we
will get to know each major character in depth. The whole point to me seems to
be the question - why would anyone accept the powers knowing it will kill them?
For now I give this one a yes and will stick with it to see how it develops.

Title: HALCYON
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Image
Creator: Marc Guggenheim, Tara Butters & Ryan Bodenheim
Writers: Marc Guggenheim & Tara Butters
Artist: Ryan Bodenheim
Colors: Mark Englert
Letters: Dave Sharpe
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero




As luck would have it another new team book debuted this week. This one has
characters like Jarhead the super soldier, Sabre the urban vigilante, Agni the
Indian god of fire and light, Zenith the world's greatest hero, Enos the
cybernetically enhanced space-chimp, Transom the super speedster, Nul and
Triumph a super heroine. The team has a virtual meeting in their underwater
headquarters with only Zenith actually present. The concern, if you can call it
that, is that for some reason crime is down all over the world. It has been
steadily declining for nine months as Enos explains but on became evident
recently as war, crime and every other form of human aggression have been
declining exponentially. Even Sabre's clash with some criminals after a crazy
chase and car crash did not result in a dead perp, as it often the case. The
other plot looks in on Oculus, a would be ruler of the world about three weeks
ago. He is in a super-villain safe haven in an alternate reality watching
Jarhead on a quest for Bin Laden. Oculus is then visited by his counterpart from
reality 2439-Gamma. That Oculus has a major revelation he learned from yet a
third Oculus who is never wrong. Not only did he correctly predict that Oculus
would return to his own world but that he would then do something that would
shock the world. As we see at the end of the issue that is exactly what happens.
Once again we have a lot of introductory material with a large cast of
characters. We learn a little about their relationship and the writers set the
mystery that needs to be solved going forward. The art is detailed and colored
well. This one is worth following as it has a lot of promise.

Title: THE ALL NEW BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Bottle of the Planets
Publisher: DC
Writer: Sholly Fisch
Artist: Rick Burchett
Inker: Dan Davis
Colors: Wildstorm FX
Letters: Travis Lanham
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



Every time a cartoon gets a new series we comic fans seem to get another
adaptation to enjoy. There is an all-new Batman: The Brave and the Bold series
and this issue kicks off the comic book version. Starting off Batman has a brief
team up with Black Canary as they tackle the Joker and his robots but the main
event will feature Batman and Superman as they travel to the bottled city of
Kandor. The Kandorans have asked Superman help them solve a string of thefts and
Clark wants Bruce to use his detective skills to lend a hand. Since there is not
much crime in the bottled city the locals are baffled as to how to handle it. It
is a simple premise involving members of the various guilds in Kryptonian
society that make up the ruling council. It turns out that the things that have
gone missing are all components of a missile designed by the infamous Jax-Ur. He
was banished to the Phantom Zone for blowing up one of Krypton's moons. They
realize the seriousness of the thefts and need to figure out who is doing it and
how. It is a fun mystery and of course Batman plays a key role in solving it.
The art has a cartoon quality to it but is more polished than most of this
genre. I recommend this comic for kids of all ages.

Title: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Bad Day
Title Arc: Shadowplague
Publisher: IDW
Writer: John Rogers
Artist: Andrea Di Vito
Colors: Aburtov and Graphikslava
Letters: Chris Mowry
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Sword & Sorcery



This series had one of those pesky "zero" issues so you might want to seek it
out the get the complete story. However, this comic starts a decent story and is
not difficult to follow for lack of background. As explained in the opening text
Adric Fell is an adventurer who leads a team on adventures, presumably. They are
Kahl the Dwarf, Varis the Elf and Bree the female halfling. They just slew a
black dragon and a group of slavers to rescue the slaves. They received the help
of the tiefling warlock, Tish, who has decided to join their troop. As they are
resting in a tavern a large number of zombies attack through the floor and in
the ensuing battle some are killed. But in death they revert to mere men. The
group is hauled before the Lord Khal to answer to murder charges but luckily
their old friend the wizard Copernicus Jinx appears to shed light on the matter.
It seems Shadow is bleeding in from Shadowfell, a mirror image of our world.
This infected the assailants and before long the Lord's men are infected as
well. Our heroes will have their hands full escaping another attack and stopping
the infection by plugging the leak. It is not a bad set up and does not waste
time getting into the meat of the plot. The characters are dynamic and interact
well, often with lots of sarcastic humor. They are likable and the danger keeps
them on their toes. The art is above average making it a good package overall.
You don't have to be an avid gamer to enjoy a comic of this caliber.

Title: ANT-MAN & WASP
Issue Number: 1 (of 3)
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Tim Seeley
Artist: Tim Seeley
Inker: Victor Olazaba
Colors: Val Staples
Letters: Simon Bowland
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero




Seeing how we now have a new Ant-Man and a new Wasp it was natural to have them
to have them team up for an adventure. The new Wasp is of course Hank Pym who
took that identity in homage to his departed wife Janet Van Dyne. The new Ant-
Man is Eric O'Grady who is a bit of a womanizer. Eric is visited by the Black
Fox, world-renowned master thief but a friend nonetheless. He claims to have
information about an A.I.M. plot to steal something of value from Pym. Eric
plans to use the info to help endear him with Hank. While visiting him at the
Infinite Avengers Mansion he is put off by Hank and then tries to hit on female
members of Avengers Academy but ends up asleep on the couch from too much booze.
This is all a distraction as it turns out a female in a negligee who can walk
through people's dreams emerges from his head and manages to steal something
very important. It seems Pym has created a virtual Utopia where the remains of
Bill Foster's consciousness resides. Foster was the Goliath killed in the Civil
War. If A.I.M. can hack the technology they can corrupt Utopia and use it for
their own purposes. The reluctant Pym agrees to let Eric come along to correct
this error in trusting the Black Fox. This is a typical team up story with the
personality clash of the main characters a main feature. The scripting is clever
and entertaining and the art is very good. The pencils, inks and colors all
blend well making it a high quality product visually. I follow the Avengers
Academy team so it was an added bonus to see them used effectively in this
story. This is a worthwhile comic to pick up.

Title: BATMAN: THE RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE
Issue Number: 6 (of 6)
Title Story: The All-over
Publisher: DC
Creator: Bob Kane
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Lee Garbett & Pere Perez
Inker: Alejandro Sicat & Walden Wong
Colors: Guy Major
Letters: Jared K. Fletcher
Covers: Andy Kubert & Lee Garbett with Bill Sienkiewicz
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

As I mentioned last week Bruce Wayne has already appeared in Gotham in last
week's issue of BATMAN AND ROBIN. This issue wraps up his time traveling
adventure and brings him back to the present without destroying it. After
visiting various time periods Bruce has found himself at the vanishing point
where all time will end. In one hour the local time will end and vanishing point
will vanish. A hyperfauna infestation from Apokolips has been following him at
each jump through time. He cannot escape it except by dying. The Bush Robots
here hold it at bay while they prepare Bruce for his last journey through time.
Arriving at Vanishing Point a bit too late are Superman and the rest who have
been looking for Bruce through time. But Bruce is already back in the present,
giving the Justice League there the problem of dealing with the effect the
hyperfauna will have on the world. It will take something daring to save both
Bruce and the rest of the world. Now that it is over I must admit I was not all
that engrossed by the story. The individual chapters had interesting subplots
that made each one decent but Morrison kind of muddles the plight of Bruce with
too many elements in a major plot stretched too long to get to the point. This
does not take away from the art team that put in a great effort visually. I look
forward more to what will develop in the future with the Batman titles because
this story did not give me the big bang one would expect from an "event" series.

*****
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:
Who is Carolyn Kelley?

There could be thousands of Carolyn Kelleys, most notably the daughter of Walt
Kelly - an answer that pops up first in a Google search. The one we wanted was
also known as Carrie - the female Robin from THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS.

The winner this time is Sean Fowler.

Here was your no prize question:
What is the longest word in the English language with no one letter to appear
twice?

Dermatoglyphics, misconjugatedly, and uncopyrightable, each fifteen letters
long, are the longest English words in which no letter appears more than once.
Sean Fowler is our expert on the language.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
Chet Archer, Kit Draper and Bob Block belong to what team?

Here is your no prize question:
What is the most popular drink throughout the entire 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.

Comic Reviews 11/14/10

Title: BULLSEYE: PERFECT GAME
Issue Number: 1 (of 2)
Title Story: Perfect Game
Publisher: Marvel - Marvel Knights
Writer: Charlie Huston
Artist: Shawn Martinborough
Colors: Lee Loughride
Letters: Jeff Eckleberry
Cover Artist: Tim Bradstreet
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Crime Drama
Parental Advisory


One of the nice things about long established characters in a shared comic book
universe is that they inspire creators to come up with unique stories dealing
with aspects of the character that may have not been touched on. These stories
do not necessarily have to be within a given continuity to be enjoyable on their
own. Sometimes they fall flat and are just another one-shot or mini-series that
attracts fans of the character or are must haves for completist collectors. And
sometimes they are really good stories that can be enjoyed by anyone who takes a
chance on it. This book is one of the latter, in my opinion. Bullseye is of
course the consummate assassin who is a master of perfection with any kind of
projectile weapon though he will also get his hands dirty close up as with the
infamous murder of Elektra. This series is in two parts with the first part
being all set up for the next issue. A man sitting in a room full of baseball
memorabilia, clearly an avid collector narrates it. The ultimate story will be
about Bullseye's assignment to go after a professional pitcher. But this issue
is all about the build up. Our narrator explains a lot about Bullseye. His
ability is highlighted - a single deadly shot form two miles away, a poison dart
in the ear of an otherwise invulnerable mutant, and a playing card flipped
though a narrowly opened bathroom window into the jugular of a drug lord. We
learn that Bullseye has many fans who keep track of his statistics - how he does
it, where, when, time of year and even the weather conditions. With all that
going on there are others who will make book on his activity - picking a likely
target, whether he will get the job and if he does how will he do it. It is all
fascinating, including the fact that he goes through an agent. People contact
him with a target and an amount and the agent presents them to Bullseye to pick
the one he will accept. It is not always about the money or whom the target may
be that makes him choose a job. Sometimes it is a new challenge. Thus we get
around to the baseball player. I found this story to be exceptionally well
executed. The scripting is really on the mark. The art is decent with mostly
muted coloring for effect. This is not just out there to get fans of the
character. This is a good comic to read.

Title: THE TICK NEW SERIES
Issue Number: 5
Title Story: Tick Times Two
Publisher: New England Comics Press
Creator: Ben Edlund
Writer: Benito Cereno
Artist: Les McClaine
Price (USD): $4.95
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero Parody





The Tick is a character that has been around for a long time. I remember his
first incarnation and actually seeking out those rare Special Edition issues at
stores run by the publishers, New England Comics. He has had his ups and downs
in popularity like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have. Though he did not have
a feature movie he did get a TV series. Recently NEC revived publications so I
decided to pick up an issue and see what the Tick was up to these days. I lucked
out, as this is a two-part crossover between the modern day Tick and his Golden
Age counterpart. Wait, what? There was a Golden Age Tick? One of things I had
missed was a three-issue series called THE TICK'S GOLDEN AGE COMIC that spoofed
many genres of the Golden Age including superhero, war comics, horror comics
jungle and adventure. If that peaks your interest it is now available from the
publisher in a collected edition. For those not in the know the Tick was a man
who was bitten by a chemically doused, magically incanted, radioactive wood
tick. This gave him powers of almost total uncrushability, in the Golden Age. If
you are more familiar with the modern Tick you know he calls it nigh
invulnerability. The story opens in the Golden age as Tick and his fellow heroes
are fighting his archenemy the Terror and his allies The Evileers, The Furor
(Hitler analog) and The Ill Duke (Mussolini analog). At the climax of the battle
The Terror zaps Tick with his new ray cannon sending Tick into the far future.
Next we flash forward to the present where the current Tick and the same group
of heroes in modern form are also battling The Terror, now an old man. His
allies are Mr. Tragedy the sad clown, Multiple Santa, The Fuzzy Person and Tuun-
La. By now Terror has realized that sending his enemies into the future was a
mistake as he might have to fight them again so he modified the ray to send them
into the past. Sure enough, he zaps the Tick and he vanishes. We can see what is
coming as the Golden Age Tick appears in his place while our Tick shows up in
the past where the Golden Age Tick recently left. The whole thing is a real
hoot. The strength of the comic is in the clumsiness and awkward dialogue of
these likable characters and the over the top parody of the villains. Benito
writes some great dialogue for each one of them and the situation becomes rather
comical as it explores the culture clash experienced by the displaced Ticks and
his comrades. But this is a two-part story and the ending jumbles things up even
more. Les McClaine does a great job on the art and uses very vibrant coloring.
The glossy paper stock is just right for this type of comic making it worth the
money for the product delivered. I recommend it to fans of comics of all ages.

Title: STRANGE TALES II
Issue Number: 2 (of 3)
Publisher: Marvel - Marvel Knights
Creators: Nick Bertozzi, Jeffrey Brown, Farel Dalrymple, David Heatley, Gilbert
Hernandez, Jamie Hernandez, Paul Hornschemeier, Paul Maybury, Tony Millionaire,
Sheldon Vella, Jon Vermilyea
Cover Artist: Jamie Hernandez with Laura Allred
Price (USD): $4.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero Parody Anthology
Parental Advisory


If you like spoofs of Marvel characters then this one is for you. I did not
sample the first issue but I found this one to be a comical, though not in a
laugh out loud way. The inside cover has a short piece called "Let Loose the
Watcherdogs of War" featuring two young Watchers, Phillip and Tony. Rather than
go to the Baxter building to spy on the Thing they spend the day walking a
relative's dogs. It is rather silly. Gilbert Hernandez and Jim Campbell offer an
Iron Man story called "Old-School Rules". In it Tony teams up with Toro to help
locate his old partner, the Original Human Torch. Tony is a fan boy of the
Golden Age Team and is written very comically. Their foe is the Leader. In "Love
and the Space Phantom" the alien Shapeshifter is so enamored of Earth's female
heroines that he tries to crash a beach party in disguise. But he chooses the
wrong females to imitate so it does not work out. "Indecision" by Jeffrey Brown
Cyclops tries to get relationship advise from fellow X-Men. Later as they battle
a Sentinel there is a rather comical discussion as to which attack plan to use.
There is a very surreal episode called "Ghost Badge" which appears to take Ghost
Rider to a further level riding a police cruiser but it is not very clear. The
Spider-Man story has Peter constantly explaining to family, friends and co-
workers why he constantly has bruises, cuts and scratches with white lies to
cover his identity. Maybury does a pretty good job with that concept. Paul
Hornschemeier offers a bit more serious Colossus story as we find him in battle
with a doppelganger that wants to kill him and take his place. The catch is if
Piotr actually destroys the robot it will explode into an acid bath that will
dissolve even Piotr's armor. There is Thor as a weakling since he lost his
hammer and the comical villain that has it. Wolverine teams up with Power Pack
in a story by Heatly that is more a moral play than funny though Wolverine is
way out of character in it. Most of the offerings have technically good art in a
variety of styles. The Iron Man story is perfect in execution down to the
coloring reflecting the early Marvel style. The last story about Modok versus
Ant Man is boldly colored and over the top in detail. Some might consider it
gross at the end. In most anthologies with this many stories there are some
good, some bad and some ugly. This one is no different. Overall it is worth
reading.

Title: BATMAN/CATWOMAN: FOLLOW THE MONEY
Issue Number: 1-SHOT
Publisher: DC
Creator: Bob Kane
Writer/Art: Howard Chaykin
Colors: Jesus Aburto
Letters: John J. Hill
Cover Artist: Howard Chaykin
Price (USD): $4.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero




Once in a while a one-shot is a fun diversion from the normal long-arc
continuity stories. This one features the Bruce Wayne Batman and the now
reformed Catwoman. There are two plots that are seemingly unrelated but come
together in the end. In one the nemesis for our two lead characters is the
Cavalier who dresses as a Musketeer era swashbuckler complete with sword. Each
has a run in initially with Mortimer Blake in his Cavalier guise but fail to nab
him. Batman obviously pursues him because he is a criminal and recently in the
past Batman exposed Cavalier's identity. Catwoman knew who he was long before
Bruce exposed him and clashed with him for cutting into her former business as a
burglar. Now she is on the right side of the law and just would have him
apprehended. The other plot involves embezzlement at Wayne Industries. A group
of three employees pulled off a major theft of the pension funds and are
separately fleeing the country. The news has been made public and a private
forensic audit of the firm's finances is being conducted. The Bat and The Cat
team up to catch the offenders in the various places they have gone. Meanwhile
Cavalier is getting bolder. Having lost his wealth when he was exposed he is
desperate to make a score. He eludes both our heroes when they team up to foil
his next move. They still have to find the third embezzler who betrayed the
other two and the mastermind behind it all. But the immediate concern is the
examination of the books. Bruce is concerned they may find out too much leading
them to his secret identity. I found this part of the plot to be very
implausible. Bruce would never leave a trail like that. But it is convenient for
the story as Catwoman proposes they actually sneak into the accounting office to
steal the evidence. When they do they find the information needed to round up
the last man as well as the kingpin of the plot. Aside from the flaw in the plot
it is an enjoyable story. The scripting makes for good reading with light-
hearted moments as well as the examination of whether a hero should cross the
line to protect his identity. Chaykin's art is always decent and Aburto's
coloring accents the strength of his detailed work. It is a pleasant diversion
but not a must read for the hard-core fans.

Title: BATMAN AND ROBIN
Issue Number: 16
Title Story: Black Mass
Publisher: DC
Creator: Bob Kane
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Cameron Stewart, Chris Burnham & Frazer Irving
Colors: Alex Sinclair & Frazer Irving
Letters: Patrick Brosseau
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



If you have been reading this series you already know that at the end of the
last issue with Dick and Damian fighting impossible odds Bruce Wayne reappeared
as Batman. The cover to this issue is not a gimmick. Bruce is back. How he
managed to return to the present without creating destruction via Darkseid's
Omega Effect is not explained here but in the final chapter of the Return of
Bruce Wayne, released this week. His presence in this title serves to help wrap
up the current arc involving Doctor Hurt, 99 Friends and Professor Pyg. There
are multiple threats first in the mansion as they battle Hurt's minions, with
Dick getting a deadly head blow. This leaves father and son to deal with
rescuing Alfred somewhere in the Batcave, capturing Hurt and stopping an atomic
bomb on a train in Gotham. Oh yeah, Pyg is also running amok in the streets with
his own plans. With Dick down for the count it is up to Damian to find and
defuse the bomb while Bruce heads below to confront Hurt and find Alfred. Three
of Pyg's people are the first barrier but an unforeseen accomplice who will also
play into the fate of Hurt later takes them out. The big bang of the issue
though is in the final pages as Bruce makes a major revelation to the world,
which I will not spoil here. It is the setup for what is to come in the Batman
books going forward. I really enjoyed this issue. It is action packed with good
dialogue and resolution. The art and coloring is exceptional throughout. This is
a significant chapter in the saga of Batman that should not be missed.

Title: SUPERBOY
Issue Number: 1
Title Arc: Smallville Attacks!
Publisher: DC
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Pier Gallo
Colors: Jamie Grant
Letters: John J. Hill
Cover Artist: Rafael Albuquerque
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



Conner Kent gets a new #1 issue in this relaunch of a title that has had several
runs over the years. The first time was the subject of our trivia contest
recently. Now we have Conner settled in to life in Smallville and a bit more at
ease with his origins of being a clone of not only Superman but also Lex Luthor.
But not entirely. This first issue introduces a supporting cast some may not be
familiar with. Obviously he is living with Ma Kent and Krypto is there as well.
At school he is uncomfortable talking to Lori Luthor, Lex's niece. Is it that
they are genetically related and that bothers him? She seems like a nice gal who
wants to be friends but he is not really receptive. Then there is the resident
brainy kid, Simon Valentine, who strikes me as a young Lex analog with a bit of
Pete Ross thrown in by what he knows about Conner. There is also an old guy
hanging out in town whittling a strange figurine that strikes up a conversation
with Conner. He is a mystery with some subtle clues to a future plot perhaps.
Also showing up in this issue is the Phantom Stranger with words of warning for
our young hero. But the action part of the story involves Parasite who shows up
and Conner has to defeat so he won't next go after Superman. The plot involves
an ingenious use of his tactile kinesis that I did not see coming. And to leave
us hanging for next time some strange things start happening with the plant life
as a well-known DC character appears at the end claiming to be too late to save
Smallville. There is a lot packed into this issue making it a satisfying first
issue. A one-page preview of things to come peaked my interest as well. The art
is done well with good layout and composition and detailed pencils and coloring.
I give this one thumbs up.

*****
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 Steve Niles' first published comic work?
The answer is "Fly in My Eye" from Arcane/Eclipse Comics, 1988. The winner by
the dice is Kevin Browne.

Here was your no prize question:
There are only two words in the English language, which show the five vowels in
reverse alphabetical order. Can you name one?
These are: duoliteral, and subcontinental. If you don't include "y" in with the
vowels, the word "uncomplimentary" also falls into this category.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
Who is Carolyn Kelly?

Here is your no prize question:
What is the longest word in the English language with no one letter to appear
twice?

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 11/5/10

Title: FANTASTIC FOUR
Issue Number: 584
Title Story: Congratulations, Mister Grimm. You're Handsome Again!
Title Arc: Three (part 2)
Publisher: Marvel
Creator: Lee & Kirby
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Steve Epting
Colors: Paul Mounts
Letters: Rus Wooton
Cover Artist: Alan Davis, Mark Farmer & Javier Rodriguez
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

This is the second part of the four-part story that will lead into the 50th
Anniversary of the FANTASTIC FOUR. The build up for the arc is that one of the
four will fall but which is not yet clear. The story intersects with previous
plots and mysteriously ignores some event from the last issue. There are three
plots in this episode. Sue Storm is off to meet Namor in the X-Men's refuge
known as Utopia. She is there to help hold a summit between the Atlanteans and
the newly discovered tribes of Old Atlantis. At the end of the issue the Silver
Surfer who is seeking answers as to why Galactus from the far future is lying
dead and decaying under the Earth pays Reed a visit. But the main plot, as
indicated by the title, concerns The Thing. Reed and his new Future Foundation
has developed a formula they believe will allow Ben to return to his human form
for a week at a time. This by far is the most interesting part of the story. Ben
has already taken the potion and in spectacular fashion it indeed works. So
Johnny proposes that he makes the most of it by going out on the town to do
things he hasn't been able to do in a long time. And so the two spend time
together as normal humans, not a thing people stare at no matter where they go.
Walking in the streets, taking in a ball game, knocking down a few at a bar,
participating in a card game with friends are all things Ben relishes more and
more as the night goes on. They even have a run in with the all-new, all
different Yancy Street Gang. But the highlight for Ben is a reluctant visit to
the one person he really needs to see. It is a touching moment seemingly out of
place in a story that bodes ill for one of the four. It got me thinking that
perhaps Ben will die in an act of courage while in human form. That remains to
be seen. I do not follow the FF on a regular basis but this issue was not
difficult to get into and it was a delight to read. The art is top notch as is
the scripting. With two more issue in the arc look for major developments next
time to lead into the finale. The arc has been selling well so grab it while you
can.

Title: JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA/THE 99
Issue Number: 1 (of 6)
Title Story: The City of Tomorrow
Publisher: DC
Writers: Stuart Moore & Fabian Nicieza
Artists: Tom Derenick & Drew Geraci
Colors: Allen Passalaqua
Letters: Rob Leigh
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero




While DC publishes this series it is a joint venture with Teshkeel Comics. It
features the big teams from both publishers though probably like most of you I
was unaware of The 99 until I picked up this comic. On the Arabian Peninsula a
coalition of governments and corporations have built the so-called City of the
Future in the middle of one of the largest desert areas in the world. It is
intended as a showplace of international peace and cooperation at a cost of
billions. A special domed roof keeps the environment comfortable while allowing
in the right amount of sunlight. Families from around the world have volunteered
to live in harmony here. At the ribbon cutting ceremony is one of the main
philanthropists involved, Dr. Ramzi Razem of the 99 Steps Foundation. He brought
with him three members of the recently revealed teenage superhero team he runs,
The 99. Each member has been given a unique power through the magic of Noor
Stones. Also on hand are Superman and Wonder Woman, in her new persona, which
may be her first appearance that way outside her own title. But naturally things
go awry when Albert Chou shows up. He is an employee of the enemy of Dr. Razem,
Rughal. Soon the crowd is fighting each other for no apparent reason. As
Superman, Wonder Woman, and their new allies try to cope with the disturbance
other strange things are happening around the world. In St. Louis people with
powers, the New Madmen, attack a young man in a wheel chair, John Weller. John
is/was a member of the 99 and these guys are after him. Luckily other members of
the JLA intervene. As John's power to inflict pain suddenly go wild they whisk
him off to the Hall of Justice. Elsewhere, in the Amazon basin, Carter Hall is
on an expedition with some students when they encounter what appears to be an
earthquake. Other members of the 99 who apparently know what is the cause of the
rumbling will join him. Well, it is off to a good start plot-wise but there are
a lot of characters introduced in a short time. With a six-issue story I imagine
each episode will introduce more, each with one unique power to be integrated
into the situation at hand. While it is interesting from that aspect the basic
story seems mostly like an average team up you would see with more established
characters. Still, it is worthwhile reading so far.

Title: TALES FROM THE CRYPT
Issue Number: 9
Publisher: Papercutz
Writers: Maia Kinney-Petruchia, Margo Kinney-Petruchia, Scott Lobdell, Stefan
Petruchia & Jim Salicrup
Artists: Diego Jourdan, Rick Parker, James Romberger & Marguerite Van Cook
Price (USD): $6.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Horror Parody




Yes that's right. Even though the title is the same as the classic EC series by
William M. Gaines this one is done to parody horror comics as well as certain
elements of modern pop culture. I happened on it on the rack, noting it was
already up to issue #9 and decided to see what it was all about. The framing
sequences featuring the Crypt-Keeper, the Old Witch and the Vault-Keeper are
light fare by Jim Salicrup and Rick Parker. They introduce three separate
stories in true anthology fashion. The first is "Dead Dog Dies" featuring a
recurring character, the Stinky Dead Kid by Margo & Stefan Petruchia with art by
Diego Jourdan. It is his birthday and all his zombie friends do their best to
get him presents. But just because you eat brains doesn't mean you have any, as
most of the presents are dirt or bones. His one live friend, Crowley comes
through though with a dog skeleton, figuring it would make a good zombie pet. It
is amusing; though not laugh out loud funny, seeing the kid dragging around his
pet to the horror of normal folk. Not a bad story but cute in a bizarre way. The
second story is a parody of Sarah Palin (sort of) starring in "Kill Baby Kill"
written by Scott Lobdell and drawn by Romberger and Van Cook. It is of course a
play on her phrase "Drill Baby Drill" and the story revolves around a female
senator championing deep sea drilling using a new drilling technique while being
protested by some agitated environmentalists. In typical twist of fate fashion
some people get what they deserve. The art has a Neal Adams quality to it though
it needs better definition. Finally, as promoted on the cover, there is a Wizard
of Oz sequel titled "Wickeder" by Maia and Stefan and once again drawn by
Jourdan. In this version Dorothy is escaping the wrath of the munchkins for
killing the witch Alfalfa who was protector of animal rights and practitioner of
the black arts. But a fatal accident lands her back in Oz and on trial for
murder. She is defended by Belinda, the Overprivileged in a court presided over
by three flying monkeys. It gets more ridiculous as testimony by the scarecrow,
the lion and the tin man all end in disaster. The surprise witness seals her
fate and there is a big reveal at the end. While the art in every story is
decent, Jourdan is the best of the bunch. The entire book is entertaining
escapism though not hilarious. I think I would prefer straight up horror with
ironic twists.

Title: KICK ASS 2
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Marvel/Icon
Creator: Mark Millar & John Romita Jr.
Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: John Romita Jr.
Inker: Tom Palmer
Colors: Dean White
Letters: Chris Eliopoulos
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



Dave Lizewski is back. No, not the customer of That's Entertainment who won the
right to have his name used in this comic - he comes around on a regular basis.
I am talking about Kick Ass, the kid who decided there should be super heroes in
our world so he became one in the now epic first series and movie of the same
name. This sequel begins with Dave in his costume sparring with Hit Girl to
become a better vigilante. This of course is wrong as she is supposed to be
living a normal life as a kid in school. She has been taken in by her dad's ex-
partner, Marcus and her mother has recovered from her breakdown. She needs to be
good for her sake. Millar changes focus to the main character and his desire to
build a super hero team, which he feels is the next logical step after taking on
a mobster gang with a little girl. We see some flashes of what it to come before
settling in to a more linear story. Dave is back to a personal life as it was
before the last series. He has no girlfriend and lusts secretly after an older
woman though he truly wants to reconnect with Katie. He has taken to meeting
like-minded hero wanabees for team-ups on patrol. While He can't figure out why
Mindy won't help him he is soon going to get his wish of a team, and wait until
you see these characters! And waiting in the wings is the Red Mist pursuing
similar dreams on the dark side. This is mostly setup with a peek at some things
to come. Those familiar with the characters and the pacing will enjoy the return
trip with the promise of a new adventure. I kinda wonder how much of a beating
Dave can take without giving up, but then where would that leave us? The
characters are growing and changing and I am in it for the long run.

Title: INCOGNITO: BAD INFLUENCES
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Marvel/Icon
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Sean Phillips
Colors: Val Staples
Price (USD): $3.50
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero/Crime Drama

The first series introduced Zack, who was a super-villain stripped of his powers
and living in the witness protection program in a dull job. He found a way
around the powers thing and got his powers to work so he became a vigilante for
the good. This drew attention from the enemies he was hiding from, co-workers
and his handlers. Since that story wrapped up, you have to read it to find out
how; he has decided to sign on with the secret ops organization SOS. To be free
he has to work for the good guys. Along the way they are still trying to figure
out what he is and how he got his powers. He was part of the Lazarus project but
clearly not just another clone of the science hero who survived by transferring
his mind to new bodies as needed. Zack is also seeing a therapist as a condition
of the deal. So we get to see some insight into his thinking and narratives of a
few exploits as the groundwork for this second series. Zoe is his handler and
recreational sex-mate though they are not emotionally involved. The other man on
the team is a not a nice guy and rides Zack all the time. The other main
character of the story is Ig, Ignatius Beckman, an old man with a grudge. His
attempt at murdering Zack brings us into the main plot going forward and another
mysterious character introduced at the end of the chapter. Like most of
Brubaker's work the plot is very involved and weaves through seemingly unrelated
things that come back later. The characters are interesting enough that you
won't miss anything by not reading the first series. With Phillips once again
providing his very capable artwork this series is a sure bet. Go for it.

Title: ABATTOIR
Issue Number: 1 (of 6)
Publisher: Radical Comics
Creator: Darren Lynn Bousman
Writer: Rob Levin & Troy Peteri
Artist: Bing Cansino
Colors: Andrei Pervukhin
Letters: Troy Peteri
Cover Artist: Tae Young Choi
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Horror Mystery
This is a fascinating story that starts with a multiple murder. In a suburban
home having a neighborhood birthday party for a young boy the father, a sufferer
of migraines, suddenly snaps and kills the clown, a neighborhood couple and then
his wife and child before the cops show up and kill him as he attacks them.
Weeks later we meet the protagonist of the story, a real estate agent named
Richard who is the lucky guy who gets to try and sell the house of the murder
scene. Actually he knew the victims, his wife was supposed to go to that party.
His co-worker convinces him to go check out the place at night, to see what
might have to be done to it before putting it on the market. Wandering through
the house using a flashlight they are startled when a man named Jebediah Crone
approaches them. He insists to see the house and then offers to buy it even
before it goes on the market, at a premium. There is more to the story
involving another murder and Richard may be accused of being involved. And the
mysterious Mr. Crone is going to show up again in an unexpected place. The title
is a French word meaning slaughterhouse. Is the reason Crone wants the house the
fact that it was an abattoir? It appears Richard's life will get a lot more
complicated quickly. The story got me from the start. The art is finely detailed
with coloring and shading setting the mood in nearly every panel. The
interspacing of some dream scenes and imagined images are well done and add to
the mystery. It is a good comic so far.


*****
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:
Iota, Donner, Blitzen, Starlight, Payback and one other were also known as...
The other was Static and they became the group HEROES in the mini-series from
Milestone. The winner by the dice this time is Mike Dooley.

Here was 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?
They are: facetious, abstemious, annelidous, and arsenious.


THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
What was Steve Niles' first published comic work?

Here is your no prize question:
There are only two words in the English language, which show the five vowels in
reverse alphabetical order. Can you name one?

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.