Comic Reviews 4/29/30

Title: DARK HORSE PRESENTS

Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Dark Horse
Cover Artist: Paul Chadwick - Frank Miller & Dave Stewart - Paul Pope with
Lovern Kindzierski
Back Cover: Geof Darrow
Price (USD): $7.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Mixed Anthology
Mature - Comics on the Edge









Probably the most influential comic book anthology series in modern times has
been DARK HORSE PRESENTS. In its initial run it introduced us to Concrete, Sin
City, The Mask, adaptations of Aliens and Predator as well as showcasing the
works of many well-known creators. For their 25th Anniversary Dark Horse has
started up the title again and as in the old days there is something for
everyone. Before I get into the stories I must mention there is an interview
with Frank Miller about his new series Xerxes that is fun reading. It is
accompanied by a four-page preview but the meat of the piece is the interview
itself. You'll have to wait for the comic to get more of the actual story but
this interview is a good start.

Story: Concrete: Intersection
Creator: Paul Chadwick

Concrete began in the original DARK HORSE PRESENTS #1 so it is fitting he leads
of the second launch. For those unfamiliar with the character he is a writer who
was tuned into a towering man of stone by aliens. He is not a super hero but
sometimes does fantastic feats and occasionally saves lives. This self-contained
story has him walking his dog one night when he notices a man climbing into a
neighborhood window. He hails a car and asks the driver to dial 911 - his
fingers are too large for any normal telephone. What turns out to be a bit of a
domestic dispute turns into a chase and then an unexpected side issue due to our
hero's keen observation. It is a delightful read and a good introduction to new
readers. I highly recommend any of the CONCRETE collected trades as examples of
good storytelling in both word and art.

Story: Marked Man - part 1
Creator: Howard Chaykin
Colors: Jesus Aburto
Letters: Ken Bruzenak

Fans of Chaykin will enjoy this story of a man named Mark LaFarge. It begins
with a clever heist of an armored car by Mark and his two accomplices. The job
is a success and he relaxes later in a gentleman's club giving us insight into
his life. But then Chaykin does a 360 and we find out he is a family man with
his wife totally clueless and a bit of a bitch. It is interesting stuff that
could get pretty tricky later on. The downside for me was the coloring, which is
good enough in craft but just off enough to annoy me. You may differ on that
opinion.

Story: Blood - chapter 1
Creator: Neal Adams
Colors: Moose

Another master of the medium, Neal Adams, contributes to this title with a story
with alien implications. At first it does not seem that way as a man named
Lionel is being brutally interrogated by gangsters. They want to know about
Jorge Maslow whom they call Blood. The dimwitted victim rambles on about Jorge
being his friend but as Blood he is no one's friend. Jorge is a cop that has
jailed hundreds of bad guys and torn up more. The gang is setting him up to
rescue Lionel so they can finally get him. But the tale Lionel tells may bode
ill for their plans. It is a good first chapter and of course Adams does a good
job as always graphically.

Story: Finder: Third World - chapter 1
Creator: Carla Speed McNeil
Colors: Jenn Manley Lee and Bill Mudron

FINDER is a series by Carla Speed McNeil that has been around for a long time
and has gotten some critical acclaim. There is no need to worry about that
though as this story is structured to read well without any knowledge of the
lead character. Mr. Ayers is looking for employment and the setting is an
interview at a job placement firm. Oddly he is wearing a rather bloodstained
jacket and shirt though it is never commented on. As he is questioned about his
background and previous jobs we get snippet panels of his past experiences as a
bouncer, which he relates in cleverly worded terms so as to not reveal a seedy
past. He finally secures a job as a courier and the chapter ends with him
finding a very innovative way of delivering a package no one else will touch. As
I said the entire thing is very readable and may get you interested enough to
want more. The art is terrific.

Story: Mr. Monster vs. OOOAK!
Creator: Michael T. Gilbert

From the intense stuff we next get into some silliness in the form of homage to
Jack Kirby and Stan Lee as Mr. Monster fights one of those giant hulking beasts
like those from the days of Marvel's monster mags. Oooak is the tree that walks
like a man and it seems that nothing that our hero and his pal Izzy come up with
can stop him - even an atomic bomb. The last effort is something deadly to all
wood, but will it be enough? As I said this is just a mirthful tale to break up
the action and it is a welcome addition to this volume.

Story: How Interesting: A Tiny Man
Writer: Harlan Ellison
Illustration by: Leo and Diane Dillon

This is entirely a text piece with one illustration at the beginning. It is a
short story told in the first person by a man who created a tiny man about five
inches tall. He does not remember why or how the idea even came to him nor does
he explain how he did it. So we are left to suspend disbelief that such a thing
is possible. Where does the story go from there? At first the tiny man is a
curiosity to be marveled at by those who meet him. But he is not exploited by
his creator but rather cared for, educated and taken places around town. But as
word gets around there are some who view the tiny man as an abomination. And
eventually a groundswell of anger arises and the two are hounded and eventually
hunted. Ellison offers two alternate endings so before you turn the third page
to see them decide how you might end the story. It is cleverly crafted by one of
the masters of the genre and a pleasant surprise in this comic.

Story: Murky World
Creator: Richard Corben

In one of the strange worlds from the mind of Corben we find a man named Tugat
attacked by deadlings - this world's version of zombies. Tugat is rescued by a
large woman, Guno, who offers to help him find his horse. She leads him to
Sorgof's house that is guarded by deadlings and eager to eat the horse. The
adventure leads to a surprising confrontation. It is classic Corben with his
very unique black & white style and fantastical imagination.

Story: Star Wars: Crimson Empire III - The Third Time Pays for All
Writer: Randy Stradley
Artist: Paul Gulacy
Colors: Mike Bartolo
Letters: Michael Heisler

CRIMSON EMPIRE caries on into yet a third chapter ably drawn by a favorite of
mine, Paul Gulacy. This Star Wars tale takes place ten years after the death of
Emperor Palpatine. In a time of relative peace for the New Republic and it
begins with a bounty hunter, Kir Kanos, tracking down his latest prey. Kir was
one of Palpatine's personal guards. As this episode shows us his methods and
relative ethics another ponders the day when she will meet Kir again. Mirith is
the new head of security for Leia and has vowed to kill Kir when they next meet.
This is all a set up for the new series soon to come in October.

Story: Snow Angel
Creator: David Chelsea

The volume finishes with this delightful story that starts with kids having fun
in the snow. The art is basic and colored very well. The turn of the plot occurs
as one kid somehow detects a bicycle being stolen and she flops on the ground to
make a snow angel. To our surprise an angel-like being rises into the air and
takes after the thief. Yes this is a new kind of super hero and frankly
something I think is unique. There is more to come, as it appears her parents
are on to her alter ego. I hope to see more of this character as I enjoyed such
a change from the usual hero fare.

Title: 68
Issue Number: 1 (of 4)
Title Story: "And If You Go Chasing Rabbits."
Publisher: Image
Writer: Mark Kidwell
Artist: Nat Jones - back up story Tim Vigil
Colors: Jay Fotos
Letters: Jason Arthur
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Horror/Zombie
Mature - Comics on the Edge


Evidently this comic had an original one-shot published by Image in 2006. You
can find it in back issues or in a collected trade called HORROR BOOK. The
setting is Viet Nam in 1968. It opens at Firebase Aries as we look in on typical
soldiers of that time given a new mission to hunt down a lost patrol after just
getting back from a recon themselves. Making it worse they find one of the
wounded they brought back didn't make it. Before they get a chance to leave they
come under sniper fire. Their crack shot supposedly already killed that enemy
but when he looks through his scope to exactly the same spot he is stunned at
what he sees. This is the crux of the series. There are zombies in the jungle.
The patrol goes out and encounters the Viet Cong and as they mop up they
discover a tunnel opening - something used extensively by the Cong during that
war. As they send their own tunnel rat in to clear the tunnel we look back at
the base as the doctor and the captain learn that the dead in their field morgue
are not quite dead. The guys in the field are soon under siege by zombies and
the tunnel rat is not in much better shape. I like the way the story builds to
the revelations and then the confrontations. Not everyone survives in any zombie
tale I have read. In fact in most of them the question is will anybody? This
series is promising to keep us engaged and guessing. The art is excellent in
both the main story and the back up. The four-page backup, "Mouths of Babes",
takes place in a bar in a village. A boy zombie wanders in with a string tied to
one tooth. The inevitable fight ensues and while the humans prevail it is that
string that makes an excellent twist in the end. The book is good reading for
any fan of the genre.

Title: SUPER DINOSAUR
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Image
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Jason Howard
Letters: Rus Wooton
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction/Adventure
All Ages






This is certainly a wide break from WALKING DEAD for Mr. Kirkman. It is the
story of a brilliant young boy, Derek Dynamo, who is a super hero of sorts
thanks to the discovery of Dynore in the world inside our own dubbed Inner
Earth. His father, Dexter Dynamo, discovered this hollow Earth place where
dinosaurs still exist. Dexter's former partner turned evil and now uses his own
scientific genius to create Dinomen, dinosaurs that walk like men and do
nefarious deeds. Derek fights them with his pal Super Dinosaur, an intelligent
T-Rex that uses a special suit built by Dexter and powered by Dynore. The suit
has arms proportionate to his body (because his forearms are so small) and all
kinds of gadgets built into it. Rounding out the group is Derek's robot, Wheels.
But their home life has been bothering Derek lately. His father's memory seems
to be slipping and often Derek solves problems Dexter is too tired to finish and
the next day thinks he did it himself. When new helpers are hired by the
military liaison they work with Derek worries his father's secret will be
discovered. So we have a fantastical world with interesting characters and some
subplots to make things more interesting. Even the Dinomen are not all they
seem. The plot is well structured and the artwork fits perfectly. It is sure to
appeal to kids of all ages who can get into the fun of comics that are not all
grim and gritty. Hard core superhero fans may not care for this type as much.

Title: SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN 1000
Issue Number: 1-Shot
Title Story: Spider-Man & Punisher One Shot
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: John Ostrander
Artist: Todd Nauck & Michael Ryan
Inker: Mark Pennington & Victor Olazaba
Colors: Ian Hannin
Letters: Joe Sabino
Cover Artist: Paolo Rivera
Price (USD): $4.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero


This is a double-sized comic for $5 so you get your money's worth with an
original team-up story set several years ago and a reprint of another Spider-
Man/Punisher adventure. Why they decided to give it a fake number, 1000, is
probably because it would sell better than just calling it a one shot. Anyway,
the main story has an uneasy alliance between Punisher and Spider-Man working
together to take down a Russian gang that is in the drug trade. Spidey insists
that Frank uses only rubber bullets and of course Frank's dialogue is all tough
guy doing whatever it takes and morals be dammed. The side issue is a high
school student who is a little too aggressive on the football field and gets
benched. His whole future is planned around getting a football scholarship and
his dad has no use for him after he screws up in this way. In fact his dad is
such a bully it is no wonder the kid himself is that way and is also involved in
selling drugs to other kids. Naturally the main players intersect at points. The
kid stands up to his father and takes another bad turn after believing Spider-
man is something he is not. The story has a moral in the end but it is less
about Spider-Man and Punisher than it is billed.

Back up story: The Punisher Strikes Twice!
Reprinted from THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #129
By Gerry Conway, Ross Andru, F. Giacoia, D. Hunt, J. Costanza & Dave Hunt

If you are not familiar with this story from the title you will be from the
reprint of the cover. This issue of ASM marked the first appearance of both the
Punisher and the Jackal. The story has the Jackal hiring the Punisher to kill
Spider-Man. When the first attempt fails and Spidey goes back to look for clues
about his would be assassin he finds a bigger mystery. This story not only gave
some early depth to the motivations of Frank Castle but also revealed the
devious nature of the Jackal. It is a classic story from 1974 and is worth
reading again.

Title: HATE ANNUAL
Issue Number: 9
Title Story: Heaven & Hell
Publisher: Fantagraphics Books
Creator: Peter Bagge
Colors: Joanne Bagge
Price (USD): $4.95
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Underground Comedy
Mature - Comics on the Edge



Every week I am on the lookout for something unusual - that is something I
wouldn't normally read - something out of my comfort zone. Seeing Peter Bagge's
latest offering on the shelf made my choice for me. I enjoy all different kinds
of comics with lots of super hero titles on the list. But I also go for well-
crafted horror, mystery, science fiction and intelligent humor. Some of the
titles I review are not those I would continue to buy though I hope I recognize
their appeal to others and the level of talent required to be successful. Bagge
has a style that reminds me of the underground comics back in the early
seventies. It is hard to describe but you know it when you see it. The
characters have somewhat exaggerated features - bowed legs, large nose,
snakelike limbs - something different on each one. His composition is good and
there is detail and good coloring in each panel. It may not be appealing to
every eye but it is solid craftsmanship. The story is about a family and their
friends. The main characters are Buddy and Lisa Bradley. They have a son Harold
and a dog named Woof. Buddy and his friend Jay are in the scrap metal business
together. A lot of things these people do are strange. Buddy and Harold like
their waffles with a slice of provolone melted for exactly 9 seconds on top for
its tastiness and aesthetic quality. Harold cooks burgers in shapes of stars,
Christmas trees and Hello Kitties. Their life, as seen through the eyes of Jay's
girlfriend is perfect. This is the Heaven part of the story. The Hell part comes
when Lisa gets a call and the family is off across the country to see her
parents. The whole thing becomes crazy, as Lisa has to deal with her mother's
bossy behavior, her father's dementia and the druggie cousin laying low in a
trailer in the yard. While Buddy goes out with the cousin to keep him away from
Harold Lisa has to deal with her mother and confront her foster brother and his
sanctimonious wife. All the ugly secrets on Lisa's side of the family come out
and somehow she and Harold stay sane even when the choice at the end of the
story is a hard one. The story rambles on some in an almost stream of
consciousness way as if Bagge wants to add yet another bizarre twist on the spur
of the moment. It certainly was a diversion from my normal reading and for that
it was okay. I enjoyed his wacky art style and even the craziness of the very
dysfunctional family. It is not for everyone but it deserves a look.

***** 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 original choice for a name for the ULTRAVERSE before it was changed for copyright reasons?

The answer is the MEGAVERSE. The winner this time is Mike Dooley. Here was your no prize question: What was the first lunchbox featuring a popular image on it?
We have followed a theme for three weeks. Hopalong Cassidy was featured on the
first lunch box to bear an image, causing sales for Aladdin Industries to jump
from 50,000 units to 600,000 units in just one year.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION: Who battled THE LUMP in "The Battle of the Id!"? Here is your no prize question: What U.S. city is the largest in land area in the contiguous 48 states?

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 4/22/11

The comics reviewed are chosen by David not by That's Entertainment management
or staff. The opinions expressed are his alone. If you have an opposing view you
are welcome to respond to David directly by Email at the address above.


Title: DEAN KOONTZ'S NEVERMORE
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Creator: Dean Koontz
Writer: Keith Champagne
Artist: Leno Carvalho
Colors: Steve Downer
Letters: Bill Tortolini
Cover Artist: Darick Robertson/Tyler Walpole/Leno Carvalho
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction
Mature Readers - Comics on the Edge

This is a story of a group of scientists who successfully invent a way to travel
through dimensions - specifically to a parallel Earth. Bobby Godric is the
leader of the team and he has a personal reason for seeing the success of the
project. The book has two main plots. It starts out with the team of five as
they begin their first jump sideways to another dimension. The second plot
follows Bobby through his life in flashback. It goes from an embarrassing moment
in high school where he met Nora, the love of his life. It serves as background
to see how they fell in love, planned their lives together and became amazingly
rich only to have tragedy strike on the verge of their greatest adventure -
project Nevermore. Which leads us back to the main plot. Their reception in the
parallel dimension is less than friendly. They arrive in a workplace with
several people at a row of tables with touch screens in the tops. While their
sudden presence is a shock it does not become a problem until a hovering
security robot sounds the alarm because three of the team are not where their
dimensional counterparts were last reported. It seems this is a very restricted
society and they are out of place. But the plan was not just to make the journey
here but also to make contact with someone who died in their own world. Their
attempt to make contact meets with obstruction along the way and with time
running out they are almost stopped by a very out of place creature. I found the
story interesting and well structured. The transitions back and forth between
the plots are very appropriate at each juncture. The end of the first issue
leaves some questions to be answered next time. The art is very good down to
slight differences in coloring to emphasize the flashbacks. It is a fine product
worth checking out.

Title: BUCK
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: 215 Ink
Creator: Stephen Lindsay
Artist: Danny Kelly
Letters: Stephen Lindsay
Cover Artist:
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Horror
Black & White with third color
Mature Readers - Comics on the Edge


Two men are hunting in the woods when one shoots at a doe. They are sure they
hit it and go looking for it. Imagine their surprise when instead they find a
black bear torn completely in half. This is in Pititchu, Washington. The men are
Sheriff Layne and his deputy Mike. They know they have to figure out what could
have done this. Back in town Layne learns from his daughter that her boyfriend
and his buddies are out in the woods so he knows he has to go back. A secondary
plot has Layne and the waitress at the diner dancing around their feelings for
each other - it is mostly filler to define the characters. Not much else happens
so we are lead to believe this is just a foreboding of things to come - along
with the last panel that ties into the title of the book. While black and white
comics do not turn me off, this one is not visually appealing. Kelly has his own
unique style and while it moves the story along it is pretty basic and could use
more definition. The fact that the story moves slowly does not help. I think
this one will be a pass for most readers.


Title: DAWN: NOT TO TOUCH THE EARTH
Issue Number: 1-SHOT
Publisher: Image
Creator: Joseph Michael Linser
Colors: JML & Eva Hopkins
Letters: Jeff Eckleberry
Gallery Artists: Adam Hughes, Michael Golden, Jay Geldhof, Brian Stelfreeze,
Greg Williams, Michael Turner & JML
Price (USD): $5.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Mythology



Joseph Michael Linser has a visual appeal to most fan boys. His character Dawn
has been around a long time and though you may have never bought any of his
comics you would recognize her by the trademark tears tattooed on her left cheek
and mostly painted on barely there clothes. Understanding this I decided to see
if there was any substance in the comic beyond the visual appeal. What I found
was a decent story based on a classic Celtic myth in this one-shot. In this
story Dawn is a Faerie Queen and her lover is the master of the underworld, the
Horned God Cernunnos. She has had many earthly lovers being drawn to those who
connect with Cernunnos. The tale of this story is how she connected with her
latest lover, Darrian Ashoka. He has just had a devastating confrontation with a
coworker whom he thought was going to be his girl until she spurns him after a
one-night stand. So he takes off to the hills for a weekend and in the woods
sees a girl being held against her will by a man wearing an animal skull on his
head. After a struggle Darrian kills the adversary who is definitely not a man.
Dawn explains he had to be killed to make way for her next lover and soon she
has him under her spell. She leads him into the land of waking dreams where they
lead an idyllic life as the seasons change on the Earth. After several months he
is content but in the end he learns more about what happened to what he has left
behind and what the cost is to try and hold on to the present and the past. I
enjoyed this tale. I found it to be well plotted and scripted and of course the
art is very captivating. The filler in the back has some pinup pages worth
looking at as well. If you too are curious about Dawn, give this one a try.

Title: X-MEN: LEGACY
Issue Number: 247
Title Story: Chapter 5
Title Arc: Age of X
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Mike Carey
Artist: Clay Mann
Inker: Jay Leisten
Colors: Brian Reber
Letters: Cory Petit
Cover Artist: Mico Suayan & Marte Gracia
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero


We are nearing the end of this story and in this chapter we learn how this world
came to be and who is really behind it all. The unseen "X" that has been guiding
the actions of the mutant forces is revealed to be one of their own and not
someone I would have guessed. In the last episode Xavier was freed from his
prison and much of this chapter is taken up with him gathering the mutant horde
and explaining to them that this world is not real but has been constructed as a
new reality. Rogue and Gambit had discovered a secret hidden deep in the
fortress that convinced them that all is not as it seems. As everyone gets
together there are two factions - one group willing to her the truth while David
and his force warriors steadfastly refuse and want to imprison or kill anyone
who does not want to continue the battle of the siege. The conflict shifts this
time from the mutants against the humans to mutant versus mutants. This is a
wonderful story that has been plotted just right to keep the tension and
suspense high from the beginning through the big revelation and now leads to the
final conflict in the concluding chapter. Mike Carey is a capable writer who
knows how to weave the story so as to keep our attention the whole way. The art
team does a super job as well. In all it is a worthwhile story contained in the
two main titles with the additional material illuminating though not required
reading to get the big picture. This is a good example of how to construct a
multi-part story.

Title: THE FLASH
Issue Number: 10
Title Story: Part Two - Who is Hot Pursuit?
Title Arc: The Road To Flashpoint
Publisher: DC
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Francis Manapul
Colors: Brian Buccellato
Letters: Sal Cipriano
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero




With the big DC event of the summer, FLASHPOINT, rapidly approaching I thought
it would be good to check in on THE FLASH to catch the introductory storyline
leading up to it. Barry Allen is of course back as the title character and
recently a speedster on a super-fast motorcycle has appeared in the city and
this issue opens with him revealing to the Flash that he is Barry Allen. His
code name is Hot Pursuit. He is the Barry Allen from one of those 52 parallel
Earths. Unlike our Barry he does not have speed powers himself but can travel
just as fast on his cosmic cycle. He knows Barry is the generator of the speed
force and that this Earth is the keystone to the survival of all the others. He
is here to prevent the single greatest time anomaly to threaten reality. So this
confirms all those titles DC has been hyping with alternate versions of well-
known DC characters are based on a time disaster, which I guess Hot Pursuit
won't be able to prevent. Bart shows up and is very skeptical of the whole
story. Hot Pursuit says the disaster will come directly from the speed force or
someone manipulating it. The best way Barry and Bart can help prevent it is to
stay out of his way. Well our heroes being as they are cannot accept that but
they also can't catch him as he speeds off and then sucks some of the speed
force right out of Barry. The second part of the book involves the conflict
between Barry and Bart on a personal level, the return of an old colleague on a
visit to the police lab, and the dead body of a young man prematurely aged to
over 100 years. The evidence on the scene implicates Hot Pursuit but there may
be a witness that can shed some light on the deed. So the impending disaster has
to do with time and the speed force - brings to mind one particular villain.
Only two issues to go before it all begins. This is a good build up to that
story and might be worth your time to explore if you plan to follow the big
event later. The art is decent though not spectacular. At least there are not
multiple titles involving lots of characters so you can jump on easily.

*****
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:
Which 21st Century hero's alter ego is Ramon Raymond?
The hero in question is Stan Lee's "Just Imagine" version of Aquaman. The winner
by the dice is Gregory Goding.

Here was your no prize question:
What actor holds the record for playing the same character in the most feature
films?
Several guessed Desmond Llewelyn the man who played Q in 17 James Bond movies
and Sidney Toler, who played Charlie Chan in 22 films but the honor goes to
William Boyd who played Hopalong Cassidy in a record 66 feature films.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
What was the original choice for a name for the ULTRAVERSE before it was changed for copyright reasons?

Here is your no prize question:
What was the first lunchbox featuring a popular image on it?

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 4/15/11

Title: JAKE THE DREAMING
Issue Number: Preview Issue
Publisher: Radical Comics
Creators & Writers: Adam Freeman & Marc Bernardin
Artist: Andrew Jones
Price (USD): FREE
Release Date: MAY 7 – FREE COMIC BOOK DAY
Genre: Fantasy


There aren’t that many FREE COMIC BOOK DAY issues I get to see before the event
but Radical was nice enough to send me this one for my opinion on it. It is a
preview of an upcoming illustrated novel to be published in December. This will
be Radical’s first title in this format – pages of prose alongside full-color
illustrations. For the purpose of the free comic they have taken excerpts from
various chapters along with the corresponding illustrated pages to give us an
idea of what to expect from the finished product. The basic plot follows Jake, a
ten-year-old boy with a chronic habit of daydreaming. In class, at home, in the
car and elsewhere his mind is always picturing other things and characters as
opposed to the mundane reality around him. Unfortunately it does not go
unnoticed and he has been the object of ridicule by his classmates. Then one
night he dreams he saved his neighbor’s kid from a monster and the next day the
kid thanks him. As time goes on Jake learns that he is his generation’s
“Dreaming” (hence the title). He is the chosen one who can enter other people’s
dreams and save their souls from the evil creature known as Nocturnus. Jake must
learn to master his talent in the Dreaming World and keep Nocturnus from putting
the Waking World to sleep forever. The comic relies on the very strong visuals
to convey things we have already pictured in our minds from the text. On that
score this is a spectacular product. Andrew Jones is a fabulous artist who
clearly puts a lot of effort in to lots of detail. Given that most of the
imagery is from the Dream World there are some very surrealistic panels that
really impressed me by the fine line work and painstaking coloring. The script
has a flowing quality that captures you right away and pulls you into Jake’s
fantasy even before you see the illustration of it. There are a couple of scenes
where he has a dialogue. First with Robot who explains the concept of the Waking
and the Dreaming separated by Etherland, the pathway Jake can follow to pass
between the two. Later Jake has an interesting conversation with his much
smarter sister after he has entered one of her dreams. It is delightful banter
and also gives some insight into their family history. As Jake explained what he
can do and what Robot, the toy here who is alive in the Dream World, related to
him his sister analyzes it all and adds an easier explanation to Jake, and we
the readers. Naturally we are only given a taste of what the whole thing is
like. The parts that depict dangerous situations in the Dream World are chilling
in both word and picture. This looks like a fantastic book I can’t wait to see
in its finished form. It will appeal to teens and older alike. The art alone
will be worth it. But for now how can you pass up a FREE preview? Look for it on
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY and see if you like it as much as I do.


Title: NONPLAYER
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Image
Creator: Nate Simpson
Pinup pages by: Brandon Graham, Ben Templesmith & Justin “Moritat” Norman
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction






This is one spectacular comic book. First of all it is nothing but comic from
front to back except for one ad on the inside back cover. All of it is story
pages except for the three full-page pinups of the main character. It is all
done by one person who is incredibly talented. Nate is a fine artist in every aspect from imaginative creations to the fine line work to the right-on
coloring. This guy does it all really well. His passion for his work is evident
in every panel. Then we get to the story itself. It is very cleverly laid out to
steer you down one path only to shock you into reality later. The first visuals
are of a land of fantasy with strange creature of enormous size being ridden by
warriors in strange yet familiar armor. Atop an even larger beast, the size of
those pachyderms in The Return of the King, is a small hut with two people of
privilege, perhaps royalty. This has a somewhat Asian look in style. They are in
the middle of a large military escort going back to their home by nightfall.
Watching them are two others, a female and a male who has elven ears. They plan
to attack the scores of soldiers and get to that lager beast and its riders.
Amazingly they do very well downing one opponent after another until their luck
runs out. So we go for half the book in this fantasy world with a huge battle
scene featuring two lightly armed rebels making mincemeat out of an army like it
is some sort of video game until we find out – it is. The female is Dana and she
and her friend have been submerged in a virtual reality. Once this is revealed a
little bit of the dialogue right before the fight becomes clearer. But like in
the movie INCEPTION there is another layer still where the real Dana lives with
her mother and younger sister. Dana delivers Mexican food for cash while trying
to break into the creative field of her talent. It is amazing how much
information is conveyed in so few pages. The real world seems to be a crowded
metropolis in the not too distant future. There are subtle difference in Dana’s
appearance between reality, the shared common world of the gamers and the
virtual reality of the game itself. Even in the game the detail down to dialogue
and subplot among the royals and the soldiers is impressive. Nate Simpson hit
this one out of the park. You won’t go wrong spending three bucks on this comic
– if you can find a copy. You will probably have to ask for one to be ordered or
wait for the second printing. It sold out almost instantly. It is worth waiting
for more to show up.

Title: FEAR ITSELF
Issue Number: 1 (of 7)
Title Story: The Serpent
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Stuart Immonen
Colors: Laura Martin
Letters: Chris Eliopoulos
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero


This is Marvel’s next big event and of course there will be all kinds of side
tie-in comics. For now the main book starts with a rather depressing scenario
near Ground Zero in New York as an angry mob starts a riot in protest at the
mosque proposed to be built there. As the cops try to keep the protest under
control it does not take much to start a fight which boils into a full riot.
Steve Rogers and Sharon are in the midst of it and feeling helpless to stop so
many from such foolish behavior. Then we see the other side of the story as Sin,
daughter of the Red Skull, approaches the fortress in Antarctica held by the
last remains of Hitler’s Thule Society. They have been guarding the prize inside
waiting for the Fuhrer to claim it ever since WWII. He is not coming but Sin is.
The Hammer of Skadi will transform her. Only the worthy one can wield this
weapon and she is the one. It is just the beginning as she goes on the wake her
“father”. The reference is not about the Red Skull. For when she touches the
hammer she is transformed. It is like Don Blake turning into Thor but Blake is
not the son of Odin. The father in this case has a score to settle but first
will bring a handful more of those “worthy” to Earth to strike fear into the
population of the world. Meanwhile the Avengers are assembled in Manhattan after
the riot is over and deign discussing going to Braxton, OK where the Dark Reign
of Norman Osborn ended after Asgard was destroyed. Tony Stark has proposed to
rebuild it thereby employing 5000 people and giving a boost to the local
economy. But nobody asked Odin if this was okay and he has some different ideas.
While we are waiting around for the “worthy” to make their presence known this
plot carries the book by bringing about yet another confrontation between Thor
and Odin with the Watcher thrown in for good measure. It is all just groundwork
and setup for what is to come. While the art is top notch as you would expect it
to be for a major event I was underwhelmed by the story so far. Fraction seemed
to lay it on too thick about the conflict between people and the world in
general being a less than friendly place. I enjoyed the scenes with Sin more
than I did those featuring the heroes. I guess I will have to wait and see if it
lives up to the hype.

Title: HERC
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Gods of Brooklyn
Publisher: Marvel
Writers: Greg Pak & Fred Van Lente
Artist: Neil Edwards
Inker: Scott Hanna
Colors: Jesus Aburtov
Letters: Simon Bowland
Cover Artist: Carlo Pagulayan
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero


If you have not been following the various INCREDIBLE HERCULES books that have
been out or his involvement in the recent CHAOS WAR I am with you because
neither have I. But don’t worry the story is very easy to follow and a good
jumping on point in his story. If you really want to know what came before
Marvel has provided one of those nifty recaps of his career from early
appearances in the Marvel Universe through the CHAOS WAR. At the end of that
“event”, also something I did not read, Hercules lost his immortality and his
superhuman abilities. Now all he has is his massive physical strength and an
arsenal of mystical weapons as he starts a new life alone in Brooklyn. It begins
with a stereotypical subway ride in which a group of thugs with skulls painted
on their faces are about to attack a female rider. The only other passenger in
this car is a man cover all over in a hooded poncho. Sure enough it is Herc. As
the gang known as Warhawks make their move against him our hero makes short work
of it armed with the Sword of Peleus that can cut through anything, the Shield
of Persius that is unbreakable and is adorned with the face of Medusa that can
turn men to stone, and the Arrows of Heracles that can cleave all armor. With
the maiden now safe he slips away unnoticed wearing the Helm of Hades that makes
the wearer invisible. While healing from a wound he has a vision of impending
chaos as fear envelopes the land – no doubt playing into the future plot.
Finally he finds a place to stay when he runs off some thugs trying to pressure
the owner of a Greek restaurant into selling to Fisk. He welcomes him to stay
and he befriends the daughter only to discover a Warhawk tattoo on her arm. This
will lead him to their latest worship site where he meets an unexpected foe and
perhaps a mortal death. Despite references to things involving Ares and his
plots I found the story easy to follow. The first part introduces us to his
limitations and his arsenal of weapons. The art is very good and the villain at
the end keeps the story grounded in the world of Marvel characters that inhabit
New York. I think it is a good starting point for new readers that show some
promise.

Title: SUPERMAN/BATMAN ANNUAL
Issue Number: 5
Title Story: No Exit
Title Arc: Reign of Doomsday
Publisher: DC
Writer: James Robinson
Artist: Miguel Sepulveda
Colors: Jose Villarrubia
Letters: John J. Hill
Price (USD): $4.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero




This is part five of the Reign of Doomsday and follows right after JLA #55. In
that issue Doomsday attack Supergirl, now in her dark persona, and the Alpha-
Lantern Boodikka in space where New Krypton used to be. Dick Batman Grayson is
there in a ship and calls the JLA Watchtower bringing Starman into the fight as
Saint Walker of the Blue Lanterns shows up. After Batman, Supergirl and the
wounded Boodikka are teleported to the Watchtower hoping for a respite to aid
their friend Doomsday crashes in and his real prey was revealed – the Cyborg
Superman whose essence was hidden within the shell of the Alpha Lantern. The
annual opens with Cyborg Superman and Doomsday going at it with lots of
collateral damage as Starman and Saint Walker are stranded on the outside unable
to get in. Kara has been getting weak but once Dick gets her to sick bay she
starts to improve. Of course he deduced what was causing this and later why she
is in the black and silver outfit. The secondary plot is the battle raging
around the tower. The main plot is Batman’s efforts to get to a certain part of
the station while avoiding the two combatants so as to cure Supergirl
permanently and stop the fight. Meanwhile Kara is going through a series of
tests through holographic versions of Dr. Midnite and Dr. Fate. It all get
pretty intense as Doomsday makes a transformation and Dick reaches his goal. If
you have read other parts of the Reign of Doomsday you might be able to guess
how it ends – and the story is continued next in SUPERBOY #6 and ends in the
landmark ACTION COMICS #900. Even though it is part of a larger story I found it
good reading on its own. The characterization of Dick and Kara made their parts
interesting and the addition of the virtual doctors was neat. I did find
Henshaw’s (Cyborg Superman) narrative a bit whacky, but then he is not all there
upstairs anyway. In all it was an enjoyable issue.

Title: CHARISMAGIC
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: High Stakes
Publisher: Aspen
Creator/Writer: Vince Hernandez
Artist: Khary Randolph
Colors: Emilio Lopez
Letters: Josh Reed
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Supernatural Mystery



I took a look at the zero issue last month and decided it was worth getting a
look at the first issue (which is really second but don’t get me started.) The
story centers on a Vegas magician, Hank, whose stage show is Charismagic. His
big finale is to talk to the audience with a few showgirls in the background and
then in a flash he disappears only to reappear in the back row. This night an
old colleague named Hector is in the audience. Later Hank tracks him down and he
warns Hank of the coming of Samsun, an ancient evil druid that will shatter the
fabric of our reality when he does. The zero issue gave us more detail about
Samsun and others in the drama. There is a female who knows of Samsun’s coming
and we see her in snips this issue as she races to Vegas. But Samsun is not
emerging there but a half a world away. The big event occurs right at the climax
of the next Charismagic finale. What occurs is a shocker to Hank. The female may
have a hard time finding Hank but I have a feeling his pet cat will be helping
him fill in the blanks in the meantime. Though there was an issue before the
main plot that follows Hank is pretty clear to understand. The background of
Samsun from the zero issue is not needed to follow the plot though the female on
the move is more interesting if you did read that earlier issue. The book is
very decent visually as well. There is just enough here to get you interested
and what may seem as a major event at the release of Samsun it is only a
foreshadow of much bigger things to come. How Hank plays into that action will
be fun to learn.


***** 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:
Grant Gardner was the true identity of what Golden Age super-hero?
Grant Gardner was a new alter ego for Captain America in the 1944 Republic
serials. Lots of correct responses but only one winner – Paul Clark.

Here was your no prize question:
What was the first network television Western series?
On June 24, 1949, Hopalong Cassidy became the first network Western television
series.

THIS WEEK’S TRIVIA QUESTION:
Which 21st Century hero's alter ego is Ramon Raymond?

Here is your no prize question:
What actor holds the record for playing the same character in the most feature films?

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 4/8/11

Title: GODZILLA: KINGDOM OF MONSTERS
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: IDW
Writer: Eric Powell & Tracy Marsh
Artist: Phil Hester
Inker: Bruce McCorkindale
Colors: Ronda Pattison
Letters: Chris Mowry
Cover Artist: Gordon Purcell (That's Entertainment variant)
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Monster



This comic has already been heralded as having one of the best marketing
campaigns ever. Most of the copies available at That's Entertainment show
Godzilla's giant foot crashing down on the roof of our store. In fact 75
different comic book outlets each ordered enough copies to have the same cover
featuring their store being crushed. Add the 4 normal variants and you have a
completist's nightmare. The retailer exclusive covers made sure that this comic
would sell well over 37,000 copies and give local comic book fans a keepsake for
their collection. If you have ever seen a typical Godzilla movie (and who
hasn't?) then the story will be somewhat predictable. It starts with two
innocent kids playing on the beach on an island off Japan. The ground shaking
disrupts their fun and they hear "Skreee-onk" as Godzilla rises from the ocean.
As he wrecks havoc on the population the military sends in the jets and forces
him out to sea even though their missiles seem to have no effect. As he turns
and heads for Tokyo Bay the decision is made to take him out with a nuke. When
the smoke clears he is still standing and can now breathe fire. It doesn't look
good for Tokyo and the world, including the US president, take notice. The story
is a basic plot with many of the human characters reciting the same catch
phrase, " You have to be %$@#ing kidding me!" There is a lot of action with
little dialogue so the art carries the main story forward. It is nice visually
in that aspect and a fun comic even if we never really see a comic book store
getting crushed. It is fun for all ages.

Title: CALIGULA
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Avatar
Writer: David Lapham
Artist: German Nobile
Cover Artist: Jason Burrows
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Historical Fiction/Horror
MATURE READERS - Comics on the Edge





At the other end of the spectrum from the first review we have a comic that is
definitely not for all ages. While it is not as explicit as some of the
offerings from Avatar it still has lots of violence and depravity. It is what
you would expect in a story about one of the most infamous rulers of ancient
Rome, Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus - Caligula. At first he was
beloved by the people until they learned the things a dictator who believes he
is a god could do. The story is narrated by a young man named Junius who
returned from selling olive oil at the market to find Caligula had visited the
olive farm, raped his mother and sister-in-law and beheaded them along with his
uncle and nephew. He then feasted on a stew made from their heads with his men.
Junius learned the full extent of the horror from his dying slave that witnessed
it all. He knows what his father would have done had he still been alive. He was
a Centurion and he would have stormed the city gates in rage. But Junius passes
through the fear and grief and rage to formulate a plan - to kill Caligula. The
rest of the first issue has him burning the remains of the farm and making his
way to Rome where he watches and waits for a way to gain entry to the palace. He
finds a way, though he too must degrade himself to gain entry. The confrontation
takes a rather bizarre and unexpected twist, which truly classifies this comic
as horror. It surprised and intrigued me to wonder what Latham is up to with
this shocking climax. But then that was his purpose and I am more interested to
see what happens next. I found the art a bit unpolished though the fully painted
pages have a great deal of detail and decent coloring. I think it is just the
style used for the character faces that is not appealing. The rest is apt
visually for the subject matter. If you are not turned off by the edgy subject
matter you could find this to your liking.

Title: UNDYING LOVE
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Image
Creators: Tomm Coker & Daniel Freedman
Writer: Tomm Coker & Daniel Freedman
Artist: Tomm Coker
Colors: Daniel Freedman
Letters: Michael David Thomas
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Horror
MATURE READERS - Comics on the Edge


What if you were in love with someone who had been turned into a vampire? How
far would you go to keep them from acting on their instincts while searching for
a cure? This is the basic premise of the story set in China as John Sargent
hopes to find a way to cure his lover, Mei. We learn this later in the story as
John and Mei are a day away from Hong Kong when we first see them resting near a
cemetery. Others intent on destroying Mei for what she is attack them. In the
battle that ensues we first learn that Mei is a vampire. We also witness a
dialogue between a woman and a fox that foreshadows doom for them all. In Hong
Kong we see how John has managed to sake Mei's bloodlust. While she rests he
finds someone who knows what it will take to end her curse. He must find the
notorious Vampire Shang-Ji. The way the script gets to the point is done with
deliberate care to slowly reveal things at the proper time in the right
sequence. There is an element of mystery and the unknown antagonist will no
doubt be a major challenge for our hero. He may not succeed in the end but the
story can go many ways at this point. The art is a very striking style. Coker
and Freedman not only tell a good story but also present it visually in a
variety of nuances and a terrific two-page black and white splash that adds even
more questions to be answered. I found this thrilling and gripping and recommend
it heartily.

Title: DOLLHOUSE: Epitaphs
Issue Number: 1-Shot
Publisher: Dark Horse
Creator: Based on the TV series created by Joss Whedon
Writer: Jed Whedon & Maurissa Tancharden
Artist: Cliff Richards
Colors: Michelle Madsen
Letters: Nate Piekos
Cover Artist: Phil Noto/Steve Morris
Price (USD): $3.50
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction



Fans of the Joss Whedon TV series that ran for a couple of seasons and ended too
soon will be glad to see this comic and the ongoing series beginning in July.
For those not familiar a brief paragraph explains the premise. In major cities
DOLLHOUSE provided a companionship service for those who could afford it.
Beautiful young men and women opted to have their minds wiped clean and then
computer imprinted with other personalities and skills, sometimes-deadly skills.
These dolls often did more than keep people company as the series explored a
variety of options as well as an effort by some to find and shut down the
operation and a rebellion by some dolls that learned what was going on and
wanted out. As I said the series ended too soon but in a way that leads into
this comic. The secret of how the dolls are imprinted with other personalities
has been compromised and now as the story opens it is being used on a massive
scale to wreak havoc in the world. In the series the subjects have a benign
personality and live in the DOLLHOUSE until they are selected for a mission.
Then they are placed in a special machine that gives them their new persona and
off they go. Someone has managed to modify the process so that it can be used on
anyone through any telephone. The beginning scenes set up the major characters
for such an incident in their lives. A young man who has just learned from his
girlfriend that they are going to have a baby, a man who has an important
meeting in an office building, a young boy doing woodwork with his uncle and
three women having lunch at a sidewalk caf‚ all will have their lives changed
when the phone rings and people become homicidal. This is all happening in Los
Angeles and the players will soon be struggling to survive on their own and then
collectively as more and more people turn the city it a nightmare. There are two
scenes to indicate that someone is working to solve the problem. The young boy's
uncle is the first clue and later we meet a character from the TV series that
will have a major effect on the story when the series begins in July. I enjoyed
the show when it was on and wished it had not taken ended. Now a new twist using
the technology promises a different kind of adventure with some promise. The art
is very good making it a slick package. I think the comic will live up to the
roller coaster ride that the TV show provided. I will be staying tuned for sure.

Title: AGE OF X: UNIVERSE
Issue Number: 1 (of 2)
Publisher: Marvel
Letters: Joe Sabino
Cover Artist: Simone Bianchi & Simone Peruzzi
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero







Taking a break from the main story this two-part series looks at the heroes on
the outside of Fortress X and how their lives are different in this strange
version of reality. The first issue looks at the Avengers and Spider-Man.

Story: "Avengers"
Writer: Simon Spurrier
Artist: Khoi Pham
Inker: Tom Palmer
Colors: Sonia Oback

The action takes place three years prior to the siege of Fortress X. This is the
first foray for this team of heroes who have been hunting mutants for years on
their own. Now Captain America leads the Hulk, Iron Man, Sue Storm, Jessica Drew
as Redback and Ghost Rider into the Grand Canyon to round up a group of escaped
mutants. Each has his or her own reason for being in this fight. Hulk feels
persecuted by the mutants, Jessica just wants to kill them, Tony Stark has fused
to his armor and calls himself Steel Corpse making everyone wonder if he is more
machine than man. Sue is a calming force insisting they capture and not kill
their opponents. But one of the group will not survive and the mission fails
giving the others more meaning to their name - Avengers. It is not much of a
story with lots of action and a Cap narrated character study of each member. I
liked the art though it focuses mostly on the characters with little background
detail. Later after they return we learn what happened to the rest of the
Fantastic Four - arrested for harboring mutants. Sue agreed to work to help
control the problem but her family disagreed. Likewise Bruce was working on a
device to sterilize dangerous mutants. Before the experiment could begin one of
the subject mutants set it off prematurely changing Bruce momentarily into a
raging beast. While in that state he killed his colleagues and commanders. He
cannot forgive mutants for that. It may add some meaning later in the main book.
Now the action shifts to right after Fortress X has been established. With the
help of Weapon-S, whom they have on a leash, the Avengers finally locate the
fortress and are given their orders. What happens next may very well splinter
the team.

Story: "Spider-Man"
Writer: Jim McCann
Artist: Paul Davidson
Colors: Antonio Fabela

Spider-Man is in a different situation. He has been classified as a post-mutie
because his blood and DNA was altered giving him super powers (how is that
different from the Hulk?) Anyway he is being hunted and the time has come to
make a hard decision. Mary Jane is pregnant and his main concern is to get her
to safety because they will surely come after the baby. It is a short and
bittersweet tale used to highlight the way this world has changed. It has very
nice art and except for the post-mutie continuity conflict it fits well in the
scheme of things.

Title: JIMMY OLSEN
Issue Number: 1-Shot
Title Story: Jimmy Olsen's Big Week
Publisher: DC
Writer: Nick Spencer
Artist: RB Silva with Amilcar Pinna
Inker: Dym, Rob Lean with Pinna
Colors: Dave McCaig
Letters: Rob Leigh
Cover Artist: Amanda Conner
Price (USD): $5.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero


This story is in seven parts and covers an entire week. The first several parts
ran as back up features in ACTION COMICS and the entire contents of this double-
sized issue reprints those with the finale. Make no mistake this is a fun story
but it is also jam packed with heroes and villains and tight situations for the
famous photographer. Nick has brought together a lot of elements to style a
story, though rather long, that harkens back to the days when Jimmy had his own
title. One new element is a character seen in comics for the first time -
SMALLVILLE'S Chloe Sullivan as Jimmy's ex-girlfriend. In fact the story begins
with the break-up. The spark has gone for her and he has been in the dumps since
Superman left for his walking tour and spends a lot of time living virtual
adventures with his best pal in a video game. To make matters worse who shows up
when he is at a nightclub with his friends but Chloe on the arm of Lex Luthor's
prot‚g‚ Sebastian Mallory. Chloe is assigned to cover him for her own reporting
job and Mallory is happy to oblige. That is just the first day. From there it
goes into an alien invasion disguised as friendly visitors who want to find a
great place to party and since they get drunk on oxygen the party is pretty much
everywhere. When Jimmy finds out their ultimate goal he finds a unique way to
get them to leave with a little help from Supergirl. Jimmy also has a taste of
what it would be like to be Co-Superman when he meets a female from the fifth
dimension. The sub plot is a fun trip and has an interesting twist. Unlike
Mxyzptlk, Maggie is pretty cool and not mischievous and she helps Jimmy see what
he is missing. By the end of the story it comes back around to Chloe finding out
what Sebastian is planning and Jimmy gallantly, if rather stupidly, coming to
the rescue and foiling the master plan. And just for a nice touch, Superman
shows up at the end as well. It is a fun story as I said and the art is very
good. I have one small nit to pick though. At one point Jimmy is in a space
craft that gets blown up and he is left floating there in space with just an
oxygen mask. I'm sorry, without a pressure suit he would not have lasted long
enough after pressing the remote control that launches another craft from Earth
to rescue him. It is a convenient escape but even for a comic book it is just
not possible. I still enjoyed it though and you will too.

*****
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 TWO things do Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith and the Three Stooges all have in
common?

Nearly everyone got the fact that they all were in a movie called MEN IN BLACK,
though the Stooge's movie was a long time ago and not based on a comic book.
While other facts may also be true the other connection they have in common, and
it is directly related to the older MEN IN BLACK movie, are Academy Award
nominations. No winner this time.

Here was your no prize question:

Which famous singer set a college record in the high jump and came close to
breaking the U.S. Olympic high jump record of the time?

Johnny Mathis gave up his chance to become a member of the USA Olympic Team.
Instead he went to New York to record his first album in March of 1956 at the
age of 19.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:

Grant Gardner was the true identity of what Golden Age super-hero?

Here is your no prize question:

What was the first network television Western series?

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 4/1/11

My View
David LeBlanc
ComicBkNet@aol.com

David LeBlanc was the Editor of the Comic Book Network Electronic Magazine for
over ten years. He is a life-long fan of comics and moderated online comic book
forums long before the Internet became the place to be. David works part-time at
That's Entertainment, the Eisner-winning comic store in Worcester, MA.


REVIEWS

The comics reviewed are chosen by David not by That's Entertainment management
or staff. The opinions expressed are his alone. If you have an opposing view you
are welcome to respond to David directly by Email at the address above.


Title: SIGIL
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Mike Carey
Artist: Leonard Kirk
Inker: Ed Tadeo
Colors: Guru eFX
Letters: Rob Steen
Cover Artist: Jelena Djurdjevic
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Fantasy



One of the things common to the original run of the Crossgen comics line was the
company logo - a sigil similar to the yin-yang symbol. Most of the characters in
the old run had this symbol on their body and as the stories developed we
learned they had powers of sorts and a deeper connection through the sigil. The
odd one was RUSE because the symbol did not play a major role in the stories.
Now Marvel has picked up and restarted the line with new interpretations. While
Ruse is close to the original SIGIL takes a brand new start. In this story
Samantha Rey is a young high school student with the sigil birthmark on her
chest. She is still dealing with the death of her mother a year ago and is
plagued by dreams of an older man in a mansion talking about trusting in the
sigil as he scans portraits on the walls of various warriors from different
times in history, all with the sigil somewhere on their uniforms. Her real
problem is a group of female bullies led by another student named Tamara. The
problem is a boy who likes Sam though she is not interested. It seems Tamara Has
her eye on Roberto and does not believe Sam is not encouraging his attentions.
This is heading to a confrontation, which will propel Sam into a different
world, a different time involving sailors she has seen in her daydreams. They
all seem to know her and claim the people responsible for her mother's death are
about to attack. It is the magic of the sigil, touched off by the physical and
emotional confrontation with Tamara that sent her to this place. There is a lot
of mystery involved. Carey has only scratched the surface in what is sure to be
an intriguing plot. The art is much cleaner in this one as opposed to RUSE
thanks to the ability of Leonard Kirk and the others. Like RUSE we have met some
interesting characters and the beginnings of a story that is sure to be worth
reading. So far Marvel has made a good start with the Crossgen evolution.


Title: FF
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: The Club
Publisher: Marvel
Creator: Lee & Kirby
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Steve Epting
Inker: Epting & Rick Maygar
Colors: Paul Mounts
Letters: Rus Wooton
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero


One of the most anticipated comics is this new version of the Fantastic Four
since the main title ended its run (for now) last month. The story is set a
month after the loss of Johnny Storm. The FF in the title stands for the Future
Foundation, which is the evolution of what has become of the team. The
Foundation includes what is left of the Fantastic Four, the Richards children,
their grandfather, the mutant Leech, Alex Power of Power Pack, Bentley 23 - son
of the Wizard, Dragon Man, Artie Maddicks, Tong - former herald of the Mole Man,
the two co-heirs of the Ul-Uhari throne and three survivors from the Forever
City of the High Evolutionary. There is one other surprise player introduced at
the end of the issue and a new member of the core team of four joins as the last
wish of Johnny Storm - Spider-Man. Hickman takes his time introducing us to the
new dynamic as Peter arrives at the Baxter Building to begin his tenure with the
new Fantastic Four. Little touches here and there give the story some emotion -
Reed watches Johnny's recorded last will, Ben Grimm sulking on his own as he
blames himself for Johnny's death, even a dinner with all concerned when Peter
mistakenly tries to sit in the wrong place. One of the most interesting
additions is Nathaniel Richards, Reed's father who is a time traveler returned
home. He adds some insight into what direction things should go, even daring to
contradict his son in front of everyone by giving a different opinion from one
of the smartest men on Earth. The script is delightful bringing together this
variety of characters that are all unique on their own. The first emergency the
new FF has to deal with is a break in at P.A.V.L.O.V. to rescue a certain
prisoner. This plays into the final scene where Valeria and Nathaniel introduce
Reed to their newest recruit - it is a doozy! The art is fantastic (sorry,
couldn't resist) and the new uniforms, especially Spider-Man's, are a refreshing
change. This is a good starting point for new readers or those who have not
followed the group for a long time. It is sure to be an exciting ride in the
first year of its run. Give it a try.


Title: ULTIMATE DOOM
Issue Number: 4 (of 4)
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Rafa Sandoval
Inker: Roger Bonet with Jordi Tarragona
Colors: Matthew Wilson
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Cover Artist: Bryan Hitch, Paul Neary and Paul Mounts
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



The Ultimate version of the Fantastic Four is also down one man. It seems Reed
Richards is behind a series of attacks that have resulted in destruction and
death. After the series of events that finds Ben Grimm now a transformed
different kind of hero the three join forces with Spider-Man (still alive for
now) Bobby Drake the Iceman, Spider-Woman and Rick Jones to take the fight to
Reed somewhere in the Negative Zone. I have two observations on this title and
more about the Ultimate Universe. The big attraction for me with the Ultimate
titles has been the chance to see a whole array of stories with familiar
characters and some with the same names but very different attributes in stories
that take the lives and fates of many in different directions. Anything is
possible because it is not tied to the main Marvel continuity. So here we see
Reed gone over the edge, Sue and Ben becoming close and other characters have
died that are still around in the regular universe. The other thing is the title
- why Ultimate Doom? You would expect Dr. Doom to show up but he does not, and
it wasn't likely anyway. Who does show up are most of the Avengers, er,
Ultimates to join in the battle with Reed's minions in the Negative Zone. It is
a knock down, drag out finale with lots of action and more than one surprising
results. Will Reed survive to plague the world again? Will Peter get a swelled
head over compliments from an unlikely source? Will Ben and Sue get together?
Will Doctor Octopus go to work for S.H.I.E.L.D.? What did Nick Fury just do and
how? I guess you will have to read it to find out.

Title: FEAR ITSELF: BOOK OF THE SKULL
Issue Number: 1-Shot
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Scot Eaton
Inker: Mark Morales
Colors: Sunny Gho Of Ifs
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: Marko Djurdjevic
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



This is the lead-in to Marvel's big event of the year. The framing sequence has
Sin, the daughter of the Red Skull and Baron Zemo in an unlikely alliance
searching for a hidden lair in Egypt where the Red Skull kept a book bound in
the hide of dead Atlanteans. As they navigate through various booby traps we see
theirs is an alliance based on a debt Zemo owes to Sin. When they find it Sin
relates the tale of the Red Skull's greatest failure. The story goes back to
1942 as the Red Skull has been watching a ritual, including human sacrifice,
that should bring to Earth a weapon of great power. It brings something but it
does not land in Germany. The next day Captain America, Bucky and Namor arrive
at the scene of the carnage and soon they are tracking the Skull to Antarctica
where the thing of great power seems to have landed. This is the part of the
obligatory fight scene and even a giant snow creature shows up to make it more
interesting. In the end the Skull and a few men make their escape. But did they
get what they were seeking? Just what crashed here and why is Sin so interested?
While some of it is seen no secrets are revealed. For that you must read the
series itself, which kicks off in FEAR ITSELF #1. Some of the promo materials
online have shown some of what to expect. This promo is really the background so
we can understand what will be happening in the present. Trust Brubaker to give
an interesting plot that only gives little bits of information now and will
blossom into larger things later. As usual on these big events the artwork is
top shelf. You may not need to read this prelude to get into the main book but I
would suggest it anyway.

Title: LORNA: RELIC WRANGLER
Issue Number: 1-SHOT
Title Story: One Nation Under Chaos
Publisher: Image
Writer: Micah S. Harris
Artist: Loston Wallace
Colors: Steve Downer
Letters: Nate Pride
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Adventure/Comedy



This is kind of a take-off of Lara Croft or tries to be in a way. It just seems
that way from the title. Lorna is an agent of a secret organization only
identified as the Inner Circle. We see them as they discuss the latest mission -
three guys in red fez hats with lightning bolts on them another in a cowboy hat
and Verne her handler. There is a plot afoot to bring the country into utter
chaos through alignment of the stars over DC. A flaw in the design of the
capitol city will open a dimensional portal ushering in wanton destruction. She
must find the key in one of the monuments and bring it to a mating keyhole at
the Temple of Wisdom. But she also has to contend with her archrival Posh Meow
who has been her rival all through college and Lorna always came in second, in
debate, cheerleading and a beauty pageant. It turns out the flaw was put there
on purpose by enemies of the revolution. Elements of that movement exist today
so it is an ages old fight carried out by two females on opposite sides of the
issue. This is a pretty silly story with a somewhat involved plot and silly
attempts at humor. The art is adequate but the base material is not funny enough
to take seriously as intended humor.

There are also two back up stories:
"You Say Tomatoe, I Say Tomata, You Say Stigmatoe, I Say Stigmata" with art and
colors by Olli Hihnala is an even worse attempt at humor as Lorna tries to help
a girl with stigmatism become more socially outgoing. She arranges for a double
date because her boyfriend knows someone with a similar affliction. It is all a
misunderstanding that falls pretty flat, much like the art, which is a bit
rough.

"Doo-Buddy" is drawn by Michael Youngblood. He has a little but better handle on
the art. The story is one about Lorna and her friends having a run in with a
local legend Doo-buddy. They think they hit him on a lonely country road but
when they get out he is nowhere around. The legend says he died and was buried
but keeps coming back. Lorna has an idea how Doo-Buddy can help her escape her
waitress job. It is one of those stories with a twist ending, but it is not very
satisfying.

Overall, I would not recommend this comic for its entertainment value. It is
just not worth it.

Title: OSBORN
Issue Number: 4 (of 5)
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Kelly Sue DeConnick
Artist: Emma Rios
Colors: Jose Villarrubia
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Cover Artist: Ben Oliver
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Villain




This series has been following the fate of Norman Osborn after his fall from
power. He was secretly transferred to a secret maximum-security prison miles
underwater with other super villains too dangerous to ever be let out again. A
cult has been formed to help Norm escape. Meanwhile reporter Nora Winters
noticed Osborn's sudden disappearance from the prison system and an anonymous
source has actually brought her to the Special Containment Center to expose the
clandestine operation just when the prison break starts to occur. It doesn't
take long for the small group of prisoners that joined Norman as he was released
from his cell to create chaos throughout the facility and for Norman to gain
power over the inmate population. As they gain control he captures Nora and
learns of how she got there. He pieces together the fact that high government
officials are behind this place and the fact that Nora wants to expose it can be
used to wrangle what he wants. It is a plot against a plot with another plot
working against the other two. It is an intricate story with unexpected turns
and a shocking climax at the end. The art is not my favorite but it works to
move the story forward. SO far it has been an interesting series and promises a
bang up finish next time.

*****
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:
Why did SAVAGE DRAGON have two alternate versions of issue 13, released 8 months
apart?

Jim Lee drew the original #13 as part of an "Image Switch-Off" promotion. Erik
Larsen did his own #13 because he wanted to have an uninterrupted run. The
winner by the dice roll is David "Kick Ass" Lizewski.

Here was your no prize question:
Which U.S. domestic airline was the first to serve alcohol in flight?

In 1949 Northwest Airlines was the first to serve alcohol.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
What TWO things do Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith and the Three Stooges all have in common?

Here is your no prize question:
Which famous singer set a college record in the high jump and came close to
breaking the U.S. Olympic high jump record of the time?

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.