Comic Reviews 11/25/11

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: KIRBY: GENESIS - SILVER STAR
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Creator: Jack Kirby
Writer: Jai Nitz w/Alex Ross
Artist: Johnny Desjardins
Colors: Vinicius Andrade
Letters: Simon Bowland
Cover Artist: Alex Ross/Jae Lee/Mark Buckingham
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



Spinning out of KIRBY GENESIS is this series starring one of Kirby's creations
that also appears in that series. Silver Star is a super powered man whose exact
origins are not revealed in this issue. He is part of a secret government
project under the Department of Defense call Project: New Breed. The opening
scenes show him at work in Libya helping liberate that country during the recent
uprisings. Throughout various scenes we see excerpts of presidential memos and
orders from presidents starting with Nixon through George W. Bush, apparently to
clue us in on their willingness to fund the project and monitor its progress.
The current plot has his contact, Agent Walker, fetch him from Libya to meet
with the president in DC via teleportation. It seems a closer review is required
and the president has assigned a military psychologist, John Dunn, to assess the
situation before any action will be taken. As Dunn, Walker and Silver Star, aka
Morgan Miller teleport to New Breed headquarters in Oblivion, Montana we meet
Morgan's female partner and companion, Norma. Unfortunately Norma is leaving and
that sets up a dilemma for the project. She is the most powerful woman on the
planet and has always backed up Silver Star. After she teleports they do not
know where she is and Morgan decides to converse with Tracy, a little girl who
never ages kept in a big metal box, by astral projection of some sort. When he
does this he is off the grid. Clearly Agent Walker is not pleased and Agent Dunn
has his hands full when a crisis arises, as he is unable to wake Silver Star.
The story appears to be geared to show us that even powered beings have problems
with the sub plot adding Dunn as a civilian sidekick of sorts who is also
fearless in action. The ending of the chapter adds another problem for Dunn and
Silver Star. It is not a bad story though I found it a bit forced on the
problems among the characters as new ones are added on the last page. The art is
passable but not all that appealing to me. It remains to be seen if the plot
will carry the series before I decide if it is worth my time.

Title: KIRBY: GENESIS - CAPTAIN VICTORY
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Victory is Sacrifice
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Creator: Jack Kirby
Writer: Sterling Gates w/Alex Ross
Artist: Wagner Reis
Colors: Inlight Studio
Letters: Simon Bowland
Cover Artist: Alex Ross
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero


The next spin off form Kirby Genesis is CAPTAIN VICTORY and his Galactic
Rangers. As you might guess they are space-traveling police force that face off
against special dangers no one else can handle. Captain Victory's thing is that
he can survive death by having his consciousness transferred into a new body on
his ship. His archenemy is Batteron who seeks to expand his Shadow Empire across
the galaxy. After his latest reincarnation is complete Captain Victory beams to
the surface of the latest battle zone, the planet Kloon. His trusted lieutenant
Tarin, a man with the head of a lion, fills him in. Batteron uses his shadow
technology to take over the population turning them into his shadow puppets. The
entire population has been turned and now they have no choice but to rescue
their own and abandon the planet. Victory has to make a deadly choice in the
process. Through flashback sequences we learn he is really the grandson of
Blackmass, the ruler of the Shadow Empire. We see what he was subjected to as a
young man and how he came to turn his back on his legacy to fight for the good
guys. As an introduction to the character it is a better one than SILVER STAR.
We see the highlights of who he is, how he came to his present status and how
resolved in that quest. The story is pretty much self-contained and reads
easily. It will be interesting to see if Sterling Gates can take the concept of
a warrior that does not die and make more of it than an endless cycle. The art
is appealing as is the Alex Ross cover. It seems to be a good start but time
will tell if it goes anywhere.

Title: SPY VS SPY: THE TOP SECRET FILES
Publisher: MAD Books/E.C. Publications
Creator: Antonio Prohias
Writer & Illustrator: Peter Kuper
Additional Material: Sergio Aragones
Price (USD): $9.99 Digest size
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Humor
All Ages




One of my favorite features in MAD MAGAZINE was always the Spy vs. Spy segments.
Nearly everyone has seen these sight gags about the black spy trying to get the
better of the white spy (the colors refer to their clothes not skin) and visa
versa. I always marveled at how many variations on the theme the creator,
Antonio Prohias, could come up with. And when we thought we had seen it all he
occasionally threw in a female gray spy that always got the better of the two
men. This digest-sized book is a compilation of past episodes in Mad as well as
some new material. Most of it is in color but some are black and white. Peter
Kuper has carried on the tradition and captured the essence of the perpetual
antagonists in both plot and visually. Most often on of the spies is hatching a
plot to somehow kill the other or steal his secrets. For example White puts a
fake mailbox over a trashcan where Black will mail his top-secret information to
spy headquarters. When he has finished White comes back and leans into the
trashcan to retrieve the package. Just then Black appears and pushes him in
closing the cover. But when he lifts the can he sees the bottom in missing and
it was over a manhole. White has made an escape and circled around to trap Black
in a carton, which is picked up and crushed by the garbage man. It is the
double, triple and sometimes quadruple double cross that makes the reader unsure
who will prevail until the very end. Sometimes it is a missile shot by one that
bounces off a fake window back at the shooter who in turn will have his own
method of turning it back again. The introduction of the Gray lady is a nice
touch that adds diversity even though we know she will always win in the end -
the fun is in the journey. It is all done with pictures and sound effects, there
is no dialogue. As an added bonus the pages taken from MAD will often have those
little cartoons along the borders - Marginal Madness - by the great Sergio
Aragones. But since they are reduced in size to fit the format they are a bit
hard to read for these aged eyes. But Sergio is so clever it is worth using a
magnifier to get your money's worth. This is one in a series of books collecting
the Spy vs. Spy adventures. It is well worth the price.

Title: FEAR ITSELF 7.3: IRON MAN
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Salvador Larroca
Colors: Frank D'Armata
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

Marvel has come out with a few epilogues to the FEAR ITSELF event. I call them
that, as they are different than the SHATTERED HEROES themes in some of the
regular titles. Even the numbering tries to tie them into happening right after
the last issue of FEAR ITSELF. During the event the Grey Gargoyle possessed one
of the hammers summoned by the Serpent. With it he turned the entire population
of Paris to stone. This seemed to be a major event in itself on the magnitude of
Genosha and the like. This book covers two confrontations by Tony Stark. One is
with the Gargoyle who is now a prisoner in a specially built chamber Stark
designed. The other is between Tony and Odin just before Thor's memorial is
held. The two are intertwined though the scenes with Gargoyle take place much
later. In flashback we see the people of Paris, as cold as statues, carefully
being gathered after the disaster as in the present Tony lectures about how
rather than an inescapable prison the Gargoyle deserves death. But it is the
meeting with Odin that is the crux of the plot. His basic premise is if Odin is
a god how could he have let this happen? The resolution may take some by
surprise - unlike me who had already read what it was that happens. Some may
call it a cop out while others may just figure it is what comics always do so it
is no big deal. I won't spoil it so you can decide for yourselves. In the
context of the characters and the dialogue it is well told, the only question is
whether it should have happened. Larroca does his usual terrific job and Tony
will continue in IRON MAN #510.

Title: AVENGERS ORIGINS: LUKE CAGE
Issue Number: 1-SHOT
Publisher: Marvel
Writers: Adam Glass & Mike Benson
Artist: Dalibor Talajac
Colors: Jean-Francois Beaulieu
Letters: Dave Lanphear
Cover Artist: Marko Djurdjevic
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

Those of you who only became familiar with Luke Cage from the series ALIAS and
now the Avengers books may get a kick out of seeing his origin story retold. You
may even be shocked to see he once had hair and sported an Afro a metal headband
in his time as Hero for Hire. The story goes back to his roots as a gangbanger
who tried to move on from that life. His old partner Stryker took up with a
female acquaintance of Luke's and when he treated her badly she turned to Luke.
That set off Stryker. He had Luke framed for drug trafficking and Luke was sent
to prison. It is there that he eventually was asked to participate in
experiments in cell regeneration. During the process a vindictive guard messed
with the controls but instead of killing Luke it made him super strong and nigh
invulnerable. Luke made his escape and eventually began a new life. He
eventually has a turning point deciding to use his powers for good and
eventually get back at the man who framed him. The story may run fairly close to
the actual origin in his old title. It details how he became popular after
confronting the Rhino and his eventual showdown with Stryker. There is even an
interesting epilogue in the present as he returns to the old neighborhood and he
meets someone he once injured. It is a fitting wrap up to the story. I enjoyed
the story as a look back on what was one of Marvel's first attempts at a black
lead character. This retelling is fleshed out nicely for the new reader. I think
old fans will like it just as much.

Title: END OF NATIONS
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Resist
Publisher: DC
Creator: Based on upcoming Massive Online Strategy Game from Trion Worlds
Writer: Ricardo Sanchez
Artist: Yvel Guichet
Colors: Carrie Strachan
Letters: Saida Temofonte
Cover Artist: Chris Sprouse, Karl Story & Zac Atkinson
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science fiction/Game adaptation



There seems to be more than a few comics out these days based on online and game
console video games. This latest one is based on an online game not yet out.
This is basically a war story that takes place in the not too distant future
when an organization called the Order of Nations has taken over the world. There
are people that resist though and the basis for the plot is one such group
called the Constitution Riders. One field commander in particular, Barret, is
the focus of the plot. He had to leave his pregnant wife behind in Idaho rather
than swear allegiance to the Order. Now he works under General Reid fighting the
good fight. Reid has promised him that soon they will turn their sites on Idaho
so he can liberate his family. But for now there are other fights to fight. The
opening scene is a rather prolonged battle as the Riders attack a convoy
carrying a large missile. It takes several pages of action showing us the level
of technology being used in this future war. Once this mission is a success
Barret hopes the incoming transmission from the general will be the green light
to turn to Idaho but it is instead is a desperate mission to try and keep the
resistance headquarters from being overrun until the place can be evacuated.
Through this new mission we learn that this future war is more complicated than
it seemed - that the Order is no the only problem Barret will have to fight.
This is an ok comic as far as war comics go. There is lots of fighting for those
who think that is the main purpose and the rival forces get some definition with
an added backup piece. I am not sure how well it will tie in with the game
coming out or if there will be any cross buying by gamers. There is really not
too much to hold my interest right now.

                                    *****
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:
Where did Defiant's "Warriors of Plasm" make their comic debut?
The Warriors of Plasm made their 1st appearance in an insert to Diamond
Previews #6 in June 1993, called PLASM #0. The winner by the dice is Keith
Martin.

Here was your no prize question:
Who is credited with inventing the first true gasoline powered automobile?
On January 29, Karl Benz received the first patent (DRP No. 37435) for a gas-
fueled car. It was a three-wheeler; Benz built his first four-wheeled car in
1891. Benz & Cie., the company started by the inventor, became the world's
largest manufacturer of automobiles by 1900. Benz was the first inventor to
integrate an internal combustion engine with a chassis - designing both
together. Stan Hosmer beat everyone else with the right answer.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
Which publisher forced Defiant to change the title to WARRIORS OF PLASM?

Here is your no prize question:
Who performed on the first CD for commercial release in the United 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 11/18/11

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: POINT ONE
Issue Number: 1
Framing Sequence: Behold the Watcher
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Javier Pulido
Colors: Javier Rodriguez
Letters: Chris Eliopoulos
Cover Artist: Adam Kubert & Morry Hollowell/Nick Bradshaw & Marte Gracia
Price (USD): $5.99 List Price (reduced price at That's Entertainment $2.99!)
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

This title is a preview of things to come in the Marvel Universe. The framing
sequence is a clever one. Two beings of unknown origins other than the fact they
call themselves the Unseen sneak into the Watchers abode on the moon while he is
in his fugue state. Once every three years he goes into a kind of trance for
forty-two minutes. It is during that time that he uploads his observations to
the collective and is oblivious to what is happening around him - a period of
time when he is not watching. The Unseen know this and have sent two operatives
to search his archives for something that will enable them to carry out their
nefarious plan. This theme will no doubt be continued somewhere in the future as
the plot is left open as the issue ends. During their presence there one of the
men taps into Watcher's wall of memories and alternate universes to witness
events that have been observed recently by the Watcher. It is those events that
we get to see in this issue. Here is a recap.

NOVA - "Harbinger" by Jeph Loeb, Ed McGuinness, Dexter Vines and Morry
Holllowell

Nova has come to the planet Birj to warn Terrax, former herald of Galactus of an
approaching threat to the planet. Terrax attacks fearing it is a ploy to
distract him from an invasion of the Nova Corps. His stubborn belligerence will
have its consequences and we get to see just what Nova is talking about before
it is over. It is a big reveal!

AGE OF APOCALYPSE - "The Myth of Man" by David Lapham, Roberto de la Torre & Lee
Loughridge

Yes Marvel is revisiting the Age of Apocalypse. This tidbit looks in on Krakken
as he tells his young son how he defeated the Red Prophet during the war and was
the designer and manufacturer of machines that helped rid the world of the human
menace. In this segment we learn that not all the humans have been eliminated.
There are five that still fight for the human race. Their last names are mostly
familiar and this plotline promises to be very entertaining. The art is very
stylish in keeping with the dark future it explores. The prelude to the
storyline begins in UNCANNY X-FORCE #19.1 in January.


SCARLET SPIDER - "The Scarlet Thread" by Chris Yost, Ryan Stegman, Michael
Babinski & Marte Gracia

The SCARLET SPIDER goes on sale January 11. This is our first look (at least
mine) at the title character. He is Kaine. He is the imperfect clone of Peter
Parker. He was dying of cell degradation but something happened in New York that
changed all that. He was a monster, he did terrible things, but since his change
and new lease on life he just wants to run away and hide somewhere outside of
the country. From this sequence we see he has changed and his ultimate goal may
not be permanent after all. I am not sure why they decided to go with another
clone story but from this segment it looks interesting.

COLDMOON & DRAGONFIRE - "Yin & Yang" by Fred Van Lente, Salvadore Larroca &
Guru-eFX

As far as I know these are new characters being introduced and perhaps they are
going to have their own title next year. It starts with a set of twins, a boy
and a girl. Each was born with powers and isolated from each other and the world
since birth, each thinking the other died at birth. Dragonfire has the power of
molecular manipulation though it is strong it is erratic. Coldmoon has the power
as well and hers are weak but very precise. Their female guardian visits them in
her HAZMAT suit daily perpetuating the myth of the other sibling being dead. But
like some twins there is a special bond and when they both reach puberty the
attraction is so strong that it will not be denied. This chapter shows how they
discover each other and the truth about their existence. There journey to fight
the powers that did this to them will lead them to their first encounter with
the Avengers. It is a strong plot with good art. I'll be looking for this one.

DOCTOR STRANGE - "The Shaman of Greenwich Village" by Matt Fraction, Terry
Dodson, Rachel Dodson & Sonia Oback

This sequence leads into or maybe is a part of the new DEFENDERS title on sale
next month. The beginning slowly introduces a character that has been around
Greenwich Village for years. Many in the village know a man called Notebook Joe.
He supposedly is writing "The Complete History of Greenwich Village" in his
notebook everywhere he goes. When Stephen Strange visits his current benefactor,
a female that lets him crash at her place, he learns that Joe apparently never
sleeps. Loving a mystery Dr. Strange explores Joe's mind on the astral plane and
finds that instead Joe is in a constant state of sleep. It proves to be a
strange journey for the mystic and he even gets a glimpse of his own future. He
leaves us with a strange phrase, "the impossible is everywhere now" to ponder
until the DEFENDERS has its debut. It is very intriguing for reasons I have not
revealed.

THE AVENGERS - "Age of Ultron" by Brian Michael Bendis, Bryan Hitch, Paul Neary
& Paul Mounts

The final entry is a look into the future, something that surprises our
interlopers from the Unseen when they realize that fact. The beginning of the
story will be in AVENGERS #19 on sale in November and it is titled "The March
Toward Ultron." This segment is apparently from a later chapter as Ultrons are
flying over a partly demolished and partly rebuilt New York. Clint Barton,
Spider-man and Wolverine are under attack and this short bit serves to show how
desperate the situation has become. If you are an Avengers fan it is a good
tease of what is to come. And it may be enough for others to start following
that title right now.

Overall I give the book two thumbs up for giving us a lot of information on what
is to come and a special thanks to That's Entertainment for making it accessible
to readers at a reasonable price.


Title: AVENGING SPIDER-MAN
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Avenging Spider-Man/Hulk
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Zeb Wells
Artist: Joe Madureira
Colors: Ferran Daniel
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero




Well, now we have another Spider-Man title on the racks. This one is the Spider-
Man team-up book with a different title. It will feature the web slinger with
various characters outside of his regular books. First up is Hulk. That would be
the red one, Thunderbolt Ross, who is a member of the Avengers and not the
incredible one who is off on his own after splitting from the Bruce Banner
persona. At the end of an Avengers battle with a group of A.I.M. agents Hulk is
tasked with (stuck actually) giving Spider-man a ride back to New York while the
others mop things up. In transit they learn of a major problem at the GW Bridge.
The NYC Marathon has begun but has been interrupted by an army of mole men who
apparently want to take the mayor, J Jonah Jameson, captive. The story has the
two Avengers grappling with a much bigger threat as Jameson is whisked away. The
story continues next time, if there is a next time for our two heroes.  The plot
is laid out well for a first issue. We begin with the team scenes and some
typical humor you would expect to get Spidey together with his partner for this
story. The New York is intertwined to reveal the threat from underground and the
eventual merging of the two plots in an all action sequence. There is a
revelation at the end as well as a cliffhanger that teases more action for the
next issue. The art is decent and the characters are handled appropriately in
character. If more Spidey and/or team-ups are your thing you can't go wrong with
this one. As an added bonus the issue includes a digital code that you can use
online to download the entire issue for free. How can you beat that?

Title: BATTLE SCARS
Issue Number: 1 (of 6)
Publisher: Marvel
Story: Chris Yost, Cullen Bunn & Matt Fraction
Script: Chris Yost
Artist: Scot Eaton
Inker: Andrew Hennessy
Colors: Paul Mounts
Letters: Joe Sabino
Cover Artist: Carlo Pagulayan, Jason Paz & Guru eFX
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Action/Super Hero


This is the story of Marcus Johnson. It has the SHATTERED HEROES theme dress on
the cover - a post FEAR ITSELF tie-in. But is this about a hero somehow affected
by that major event? Well it is, but not a hero that was a major player in those
events. Marcus Johnson is a soldier and during that time he was in the middle of
fighting his own battles in Afghanistan. The story provides some scenes of what
life is like on those front lines until Johnson gets the word that his mother is
dead. Four days later he is at his mother's funeral with two very familiar
people watching from the shadows. It is our first indication that his story is
much more than that of a typical soldier on leave. For the first time he sees
some of the damage done by a world gone mad with fear. But at his mother's house
he realizes her death is not what it seems and soon some goons and the villain
on the cover, Taskmaster, confront him. Why are they after him and are they
responsible for his mother's death? There are hints that Johnson is someone
special but we will have to stay with the title to find out why. The build up to
the climax is a good mix of action and intrigue. The final scene, and the cover,
gives a hint of what is to come. With very good art the whole thing comes
together nicely and is well worth the bargain price to give it a try.

Title: THE ALL-NEW BATMAN THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD
Issue Number: 13
Title Story: .Batman Dies At Dawn
Publisher: DC
Writer: Sholly Fisch
Artist: Rick Burchett
Inker: Dan Davis
Colors: Guy Major
Letters: Carlos M. Mangual
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero
ALL AGES


I have sampled this title in the past. Although the cover logo does not say so
the actual title indeed has the "ALL-NEW" label legally. I believe that was done
to tie it into the cartoon series, which had a bit of a revamp for its current
run on Cartoon Network. I picked up this issue because the cover showing various
versions of Robin and a blurb - "Calling All Robins", intrigued me! They are all
here - the original Dick Grayson as Nightwing leads Damian, Tim, Jason,
Stephanie and Carrie all plucked from their time when they were the current
Robin. It seems the actual time is when Stephanie or Tim is the current Robin as
Damian alludes to being in the past at one point. This all occurred through the
power of the Phantom Stranger. It seems Batman was fatally wounded and his only
hope is for all of his prot‚g‚s to work together as the Stranger's spell holding
him in stasis will only last a day. Nightwing proposes they take him to a
Lazarus pit in the caverns of a certain mountain. It will take all of them
working together to get past the League of Assassins and ultimately Ra's Al Ghul
if they hope to save their mentor. This is a fun story for the long time fans of
Batman and Robin. Newer or younger readers may not know them all but will still
delight in seeing the diversity of kids that have been or will be sidekicks to
the Caped Crusader. The art is in keeping with the TV series but is not overly
cartoonish. There is even a lighthearted scene at the very end as Phantom
Stranger and Madame Xanadu discuss an alternative they could have chosen. This
is great fun for all ages, as usual.

Title: PILOT SEASON: ANONYMOUS
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Image/Top Cow
Creators: Matt Hawkins & Alan McElroy
Writer: Alan McElroy
Artist: Michael Montenat
Colors: Phil Smith
Letters: Troy Peteri
Cover Artist: Eric Jones
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Crime Drama

The PILOT SEASON titles keep on coming in the quest for one of them to get its
own mini-series. This one is the story of a soldier, Marcus Walsh. We know this
from a brief opening scene in Afghanistan. The story picks up a year later in
Los Angeles. Marcus was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously and wants the
world, and even his father to believe he is dead. The things he did during the
war have affected him that way. He lost himself out there as a highly trained
black ops soldier and now he chooses to lose himself or at least his true
identity. The only acknowledgement of his past is his visit to his own empty
grave. It is at the cemetery that he meets a young boy and his battered mother.
He decides that fate has given him another mission, one more honorable than
killing others in war. But the plot goes a lot deeper than putting the fear of
god into a bully. His surveillance of the batterer leads him into a much deeper
plot that will call for his particular skills in vigilante justice. I liked this
story for a few reasons. It starts with a more philosophical monologue about
soldiers and their lot in life and then gets into sub plots that lead into more
involved ones. The art is dynamic and colored well. It is a worthy entry into
the contest. It is getting harder to pick the best from all of the PILOT SEASON
entries.


Title: HOUSE OF NIGHT
Issue Number: 1 (of 5)
Publisher: Dark Horse
Creators: P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
Story: P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
Script: Kent Dalian
Artists: Joelle Jones & Karl Kerschl
Colors: Ryan Hill & Tyson Hesse
Letters: Nate Piekos
Cover Artist: Jenny Frison
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Horror



This comic is based on a best-selling series of novels of the same name. This
mini-series takes place between chapters of the second novel, BETRAYED. The
authors have created their own vampire (they use the term vampyre) mythos. The
House of Night is a finishing school for young vampyres known as fledglings. The
goddess Nyx marks the young with a hollow crescent moon tattoo on their
forehead. They are then sent to the House of Night for training before they
become full vampyres. The lead character is Zoey Redbird who is special among
fledglings. She has a magical affinity to the five elements: air, fire, water,
earth and spirit. It seems earlier in her story she was recognized by the
goddess as being special by having her moon filled in and added to with tattoos
normally only adults get to wear. She was also appointed as leader of a sub
group, the Dark Daughters, something that really riles the deposed leader and
fellow fledgling Aphrodite. So part of the plot is Zoey's reluctance at being
cast not only as a fledgling but also as a very special one and then having to
cope with the resident bad girl's constant taunts. She does find solace in her
own group of friends. The mini series delves into the Fledgling Handbook and its
ritual stories about the five elements. So for newcomers to the works it is an
introduction to the world of the novels and all the mythos without relying
heavily on the plots in the novels to carry the weight. This issue concentrates
on the earth element as it ties into the Viking Priestess Freya. Her story is a
valuable lesson for the fledglings and Zoey in particular as Freya must find a
way to establish a House of Night in Norway so that the fledglings in that
country will no longer have to hide. This interlude is fascinating and stands on
its own. It also ties in well with Zoey's plight as she learns a valuable
lesson. Presumably future issues will also help her as she learns of the other
figures in vampyre history that tie into the other elements. At first I was not
so much interested in a bunch of teenagers with typical angst and conflicts just
in a different setting. But this title is more than that and the art is
spectacular as well. Fans of the novels will no doubt love it and others would
be well served to check it out.

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

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

Last week's trivia question:
In SUPERBOY #50, three characters from the original KAMANDI series appeared.
Which ones?
They were Dr. Canus, Prince Tuftan, and Great Caesar. Of all the correct entries
the dice favored David Mc Barron.

Here was your no prize question:
Which famous Middle East Leader received the key to the city of Detroit in 1980?
Saddam Hussein! Saddam Hussein donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to a
Detroit church and received a key to the city more than three decades ago, soon
after he became president of Iraq. Saddam's bond with Detroit started in 1979,
when the Rev. Jacob Yasso of Chaldean Sacred Heart congratulated Saddam on his
presidency. In return, Yasso said, his church received $250,000. A year later,
Yasso traveled with about two dozen people to Baghdad as a guest of the Iraqi
government, and they were invited to Saddam's palace. Yasso said he presented
Saddam with the key to the city, courtesy of then-Mayor Coleman Young. First on
the draw with the right answer was Gregory Goding.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
Where did Defiant's "Warriors of Plasm" make their comic debut?
Here is your no prize question:
Who is credited with inventing the first true gasoline powered automobile?

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 11/11/11

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: OUR LOVE IS REAL
Issue Number: 1-SHOT
Publisher: Image
Writer: Sam Humphries
Artist: Steven Sanders
Letters: Troy Peteri
Price (USD): $3.50
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction/OMG/WTF
MATURE - Comics on the Edge

That genre designation is the creator's designation on the back of the book. And
I must agree. It is one of the strangest comics I have read in a long time.
Strange because it goes places others haven't. It is the story of a cop who
glories in breaking up vegisexual riots. Yes, you probably guessed what a
vegisexual is - someone who has sex with plants. It makes him feel proud that he
is a zoosexual - er, someone who practices bestiality. Then at one riot he meets
a bystander just watching. She is a mineralsexual. As she explains to officer
Jok she does not screw rocks. She uses a form of meditation to merge auras with
crystals. The encounter bothers him so much he goes to see her at her apartment
and learns a lot about her and himself. But there is a final encounter later, in
a jewelry store that brings everything to a head and an unexpected resolution.
Although it is a quirky premise it makes sense in a science fiction way. The art
is really good black and white with dynamic layouts and good use of grays. It
sure is not for everyone but it is well executed and worth it for those with an
open mind.

Title: UNCANNY X-MEN
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Everything Is Sinister
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Carlos Pacheco
Inker: Cam Smith
Colors: Frank D'Armata
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



Last time I looked at one half of the split X-Men in WOLVERINE AND THE X-MEN.
This week I look at the other half UNCANNY X-MEN. As an aside I believe this is
the first time this title started with #1. The first thing I noticed is this is
a more serious book with a normal amount of humor based on the circumstances -
natural ribbing and sarcasm. Like the other book there is a guide in the back
detailing the major players and their positions. The X-Men, or Extinction Team
as Cyclops calls them, are Storm, Emma Frost, Magneto, Namor, Colossus, Hope
Danger and Magik. It further details sub teams, some with members of the
Extinction Team on them such as the X-Club/Science Team (look for their own
title soon), Security Recon, Street Team, Clean up (New Mutants), Gen Hope and
several recruits. The story begins with Scott talking to his core Extinction
Team explaining to them that they are not exterminators but rather their purpose
is to sway the opinion of the humans about mutants by saving THEM from
extinction by serious enough threats. It is mostly a five-page monologue that
spells out the focus of the team. But the story title is the giveaway what the
first main threat will be. Sinister is the villain and his plan involves the
Dreaming Celestial. His brutality is demonstrated very clearly. The X-Men are
brought in by S.W.O.R.D. when their monitoring detects energy spikes from the
Celestial. The rest of the book is all action as the more they attack the worse
things get. A couple of highlights include the current status of Colossus, an
interesting conversation between Namor and Emma and Magneto pushing his power to
the limit. If you prefer the X-Men in action this is a good new start. The
sinister ending, pun intended, promises more to come. It starts slow and builds
and the end drew me in to what it is all about. The art is superb as well. It is
an easy jump on point for the curious.

Title: DARK SHADOWS
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Writer: Stuart Manning
Artist: Aaron Campbell
Colors: Carlos Lopez
Letters: Troy Peteri
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Horror





Back in 1971 a new kind of soap opera hit the daytime TV airwaves. It had a
vampire, a witch and a werewolf as three of the leading characters and it became
a hit. Maybe because it was a major departure from the normal soaps. No doubt
the appeal to a younger audience and the late afternoon airtime was part of its
success. It was a cult favorite of college and high school students. The
question is can a comic book based on baby boomer cult TV show translate into a
hit forty years later. The Collins family is an old dynasty living in the
shadows of a troubled past in a remote fishing village on the coast of Maine.
Their darkest secret is Barnabas, a man over two hundred years old, cursed by
the witch Angelique to live forever as a vampire. The rest of the family has
problems barely hinted at. Elizabeth is concerned with protecting the family
name, her son is a pyromaniac, her daughter Carolyn drinks to drown her sorrow,
and cousin Quentin has his own secret that I won't spoil. Barnabas is plagued by
dreams and it seems he is closest to the family doctor, Julia Hoffman. She is
trying to cure him of his vampirism while supplying him stolen blood so he won't
have to feed. The problem with this first issue is that it is just a little
information about a lot of people. The main focus is on Barnabas and Carolyn
both of whom are in perilous situations and Julia has a secret of her own that
spells trouble for Barnabas. It seems they are jamming an awful lot into the
first issue to set up plot points immediately. In a soap opera it works well
because the next episode is a day away or at most three. I am not sure how well
this will work on a monthly schedule. The real problem for me is the art. It is
rather crude in definition. Campbell seems to have moments with strong lines and
good coloring mixed with blurry scenes. It is just not appealing. I am not sure
there is enough here to interest new readers and I doubt there are enough 55+
year olds that read comics and are Dark Shadows fans. I could be wrong.

Title: PILOT SEASON: MISDIRECTION
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Image/Top Cow
Writer/Creator: Filip Sablik
Artist: Chris Dibari
Colors: Ivan Plascencia
Letters: Troy Peteri
Cover Artist: Michael Gaydos
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Crime Drama




Another PILOT SEASON submission in the contest to win a longer run. This one is
about a racecar driver, Vince Martinez, at the height of his game. With six
straight wins he was on his way to win the Sprint Cup. But after the latest race
he made a bad choice to blow off some steam with his team at a strip joint. One
thing led to another and after a police chase and a crash he lost it all - his
job, his freedom and his family. After his time in prison he has a menial job
and no hope for the future. Then one day an old friend from his racing days
shows up to offer him a job as a driver for a limo service in Houston. Imagine
his surprise when he goes to pick up the clients and they come rushing out of a
bank with ski masks on and guns a blazing! This is not what he signed up for but
things get worse when he learns more about what is going on and further
complications to his situation. As far as plot goes this is a decent story. Some
of the script is uninspired but the action moves along and there are bits of
mystery as we reach the climax. The art is unimpressive though. The layouts are
fine but the pencil and ink is just passable. It is not a bad comic but after
reading some of the other entries in the contest I am betting this one won't
make the cut.

Title: SEVEN WARRIORS
Issue Number: 1 (of 3)
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Translation: Edward Gauvin
Writer: Michael Le Galli
Artist: Francis Manapul
Colors: Christelle Moulart
Letters: Deron Bennett
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Adventure
MATURE - Nudity, Sexual situations



There is no text piece in this issue explaining how or where this comic came to
be. There is a translator in the credits though. Anyway, the comic is set in the
kingdom of N'Nas Amon a long time ago. The kingdom has been invaded by troops
from Persia and Byzantium and worse the homeland army has been defeated in
battle with no survivors. The queen has pulled all remaining citizens into their
fortified city and hired mercenaries to defend it. But she has a different plan
for the prince, Aksamon. She contracts with the female warriors from Sarmatia to
take the prince through hidden tunnels under the city past enemy lines to the
hidden city where he will be safe with the elders and his cousin whom he is
destined to marry to carry on the royal line. The queen has seen the prophecy
that six warriors will accompany the prince she therefore rejects the request of
a loyal servant girl to also go along. Somehow I am thinking this female will
figure into the plot later. So the seven set out on their journey. Like
something out of an Indiana Jones movie the encounter all kinds of booby-traps
one of which serves to end the first issue with a cliff hanger. There is a lot
of embellishment of certain characters along the way. Two of the female warriors
are looked at in depth at one point. The queen also has her moments with a
trusted servant. Those dialogues serve to explain a lot about their culture and
what is expected from the young prince. There is an awful lot of dialogue in
parts of the book. It becomes more evident because the unusual layouts have
eight or nine panels on most pages. I liked the art, especially the coloring.
Moulart captures the mood as scenes shift from the palace, to underground and in
flashbacks to better times. There is enough here to make for a decent story.
With only three issues to tell it all I anticipate less exposition and a lot
more action next time. Thumbs up on this one.

Title: BLOOD RED DRAGON
Issue Number: 1
Publisher:
Creator: Stan Lee & Yoshiki
Writer: Jon Goff
Artists: Carlos Soriano & Crimelab Syndicate
Colors: Fco Plascencia & Ivan Plascencia
Letters: Comicraft
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Mythology/Supernatural


I picked this one up because it was a new title and a #1 issue with Stan Lee as
creator. I did not have any hopes on the quality nor have I read any press on
it. The script is structured so that the first three pages are the end of the
first issue plot after that we rewind to earlier that day. It starts with views
of the TV news referring to a series of attacks on musical acts around the
world. The seventh occurred at the planned launch of the world tour of the
Japanese sensation Yoshiki at an abandoned amusement park in California. The TV
is in his mansion on the coast as he and his manager meet the day after. It
turns out three female organizers of the local fan club are there and the
manager explains they helped get Yoshiki out of harms way the night before.
Yoshiki has no memory of what happened until the three girls reveal their true
identities and costumes as the Shrine Maidens of the Dragon Temple. Tracy
explains they met last night as she stood to defend him when he unlocked the
dragon's power. Yeah it seems that he is connected to this mythical magic
through his music. There is a whole other supernatural realm called Oblivion.
The beastly inhabitants have devastated many worlds and the world of man is
next. Yoshiki alone may be the one person that can stop it through the power of
the dragon. Yada, yada, yada. That really sums up my feelings on the whole
thing. Mystical beings planning to invade Earth but a single person can become
an unwitting hero and channel magical powers to save the day all the while
having three scantily clad female warriors as background visuals. And speaking
of backgrounds, there aren't many. Most of the panels have solid colors behind
the characters in the foreground. It is a lazy style, IMHO, that concentrates on
characters mostly though they are not drawn badly. So the premise or the plot
does not excite me so far. I am less interested because we are entering this
title with the second issue, even though it is labeled #1. Yes they had
published one of those pesky, enigmatic zero issues last month, which covered
the attack on Yoshiki and the intervention by Tracy and probably more. You may
have read my rants in the past on why I do not agree with numbering any comic
with a "0". This issue points out another reason why. There is considerable
recap in this issue on what happened in that zero issue. It is as if it was
purposely structured this way for those of us who missed the zero issue. Anyway,
I do not recommend this comic based on what I have read and seen in this issue.
Your time and money is probably better-spent elsewhere.

***** 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 Harvey (Two-Face) Dent's original name when he first appeared?

So as not to confuse people with another famous character, Harvey Kent got
changed to Harvey Dent. The winner by the dice is Jeremy Mower.

Here was your no prize question:
What were the world's first cork-tipped cigarettes?
The answer is Viceroy and Greg Goding got it first.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
In Superboy #50, three characters from the original KAMANDI series appeared. Which ones?

Here is your no prize question:
Which famous Middle East Leader received the key to the city of Detroit in 1980?

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 11/4/11

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: LEGION: SECRET ORIGIN
Issue Number: 1 (of 6)
Title Story: From the Wreckage
Publisher: DC
Writer: Paul Levitz
Artist: Chris Batista & Marc Deering
Colors: Wes Hartman
Letters: Dezi Sienty
Cover Artist: Tom Feister
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



This mini-series is more than a standard retelling of the three original
Legionnaires saving RJ Brande's life and starting up the LSH. The story begins
before that event as the space fleet of the United Planets explores one of the
planets outside their borders. They find the inhabitants slaughter in a brutal
manner. More importantly there are remnants of technical devices all over unlike
anything they have seen before. When their own technician tries to examine it
back on the ship it explodes with deadly results. Clearly they need someone of
higher intelligence and more careful technique to decipher what these devices
are, why they explode and where they come from. SO they seek the help of the
planet Colu and they offer their mightiest thinker, Querl Dox aka Braniac 5. It
is also the story of three people, the Security Directorate of the UP - another
Coluan, a Naltorian with the gift of foresight and a human. They sift through
packets of knowledge from around the galaxy and use the alien foresight, high
intelligence and human instinct to advise the U.P. on their interpretations when
they find things of import. This massacre was one but another seems to be
imminent. Something will happen to R.J. Brande that will determine the fate of
many worlds. I like that the history of the beginning has not changed. Instead
we have different points of view of events surrounding and leading to it. We
also get to see two Legionnaires at the time – before they joined. Brainiac 5
figures strongly in the mystery and he meets Phantom Girl, Tinya Wazzo. It is
interesting to see a different story revolving around the public events – the
attempted assassination and later the forming of the Legion and induction of its
fourth member. Adding the second plot gives us a whole new story and some fill
in data on how some members met. The art is very good making it a delightful
journey for Legion fans of all ages.

Title: INCREDIBLE HULK
Issue Number: 1
Title Arc: Hulk Asunder
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Marc Silvestri with Michael Broussard
Inker: Joe Weems with Rick Basaldua and Sal Regla
Colors: Sunny Gho
Letters: Ed Dukeshire
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



I do not know how the last issue of the previous edition of this title ended so
I am looking at this comic as if the current status quo is something we have not
seen before - well the location anyway. If you read FEAR ITSELF you will know in
the last issue it was established that Bruce Banner and the Hulk are now
separate beings. Beyond that I don't know how the Hulk got to be where he is, or
Bruce either who also shows up in the end of this issue. The Hulk is somewhere
in an underground world with not only huge monsters that come out of molten lava
but also a community of much smaller people who have taken Hulk in and he in
turn has become their great hunter and provider. Here he is not a monster to
anyone. He has come here to find peace and yet he constantly broods for he knows
sooner or later someone will come to disturb the life he now has. Astute readers
will realize he knows what he is talking about. But who comes and why is a big
surprise. Meanwhile above on the planet, on an island somewhere is Bruce Banner.
I don't want to give away what he is up to though. Depending how you read the
dialogue he has with those around him you could say either he has gone off the
deep end or he has a mission he will not turn away from. There are a few hints
of what is to come that look pretty interesting. I find the story interesting
and certainly the type a new reader can pick up and understand without knowledge
of the recent past. Both Hulk and Banner are living among others unlike
themselves or anyone else in the world. Are they really two parts of the same
person? If so where will that lead? One thing is certain their fate is
intertwined. Silvestri has done a great job in both locations in bringing out
how different the flora and fauna is from the usual. His style is very dynamic
and fits the plot well. So far this is good enough to check out.

Title: WOLVERINE AND THE X-MEN
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Welcome To the X-Men! Now Die!
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Chris Bachalo
Inkers: Tim Townsend, Jaime Mendoza & Al Vey
Colors: Chris Bachalo
Letters: Rob Steen
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



I felt obligated to pick up this first issue and as with the HULK I have not
been reading the whole Schism and Regenesis arcs in the various X-books. I do
read about those events and know there are two sets of X-Men and this book
focuses on the group that left the west coat with Wolverine to start the Jean
Grey School for Higher Learning in Westchester County New York. With him are
Kitty Pride as the Headmistress and Hank McCoy as the Vice Principal. On staff
are Gambit, Rachel Grey, Rogue, Iceman, Cannonball, Chamber, Husk, Karma, Frenzy
and Doop. In what I find a bit comical Toad is the Janitor. Even the Professor
shows up the wish Logan well. In fact the text piece in the back gives a listing
of the various courses and extracurricular activities and Charles is listed as a
guest lecturer. The story begins as Logan and Kitty meet two representatives
from the New York State Department of Education to inspect the place. It is
apparent from their first words that the inspectors do not expect to find the
place acceptable. So most of the issue shows Logan and Kitty giving them the
tour, which is a good plot device to show us readers some of the things going on
as well. The younger mutants are like teenagers who aren't mutants – some are
conscientious, some are mischievous and others plain don't want to be there.
Hank is all wrapped up in getting the place operating properly. He has
incorporated a lot of alien technology provided by the Shi'ar. The outside has a
very futuristic look but everything is not running smoothly, which does not help
the effort to inspect the inspectors. For example there are reports of lava
bubbling up in some of the rooms. As you might expect everything that can go
wrong does go wrong but the big one is left until the end when the new Black
King of the Hellfire Club shows up to let Wolverine know he plans to destroy it
all. Well there is certainly a lot going on in one short issue and I found it
delightful. There is a constant flow of subtle and sarcastic humor that is
refreshing and all the while there are hints of something happening that is not
quit right. The end is a big bang. As I said the supporting text is also well
worth taking away from the story as they add to the knowledge we need about who
the players are and what the school is all about. The art supports the story
keeping everything moving along while giving us impressions of each character
and their emotions. I did not expect to like it this much but I find it a breath
of fresh air from some of the heavy plots and involved events of the recent
past. See if you agree.

Title: STITCHED
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Avatar
Writer: Garth Ennis
Artist: Mike Wolfer
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Combat/Horror
MATURE – Comics on the Edge

You can always expect something different and gruesome from Garth Ennis. This
story starts routinely enough when a helicopter on a rescue mission crashes in
eastern Afghanistan. Not everyone survives and the pilot has an injured leg. Now
they have to be rescued but the chopper rolled over a cliff so the transponder
is not where they are. They know they have to keep moving and avoid the locals.
As they prepare to move we get to another scene. A Taliban encampment somewhere
nearby is set upon by some men or other humanoids dressed in tattered robes. All
the while there is a strange noise in the background, like pebbles rattling in a
tin can, as the Afghans fight for their lives but bullets seem to have no
effect. They are not just sliced but also disemboweled in a strange way. Shortly
thereafter one of the Taliban fleeing the scene runs into the downed Americans
and that begins the intersection of our good guys with the mysterious beings,
presumably the Stitched. Why they might be called this is evident when we
finally get to see one close up. They appear literally out of nowhere and the
strange noise is there when they are. We learn why near the end of the chapter
why they are called the Stitched. What we don't know is what they are and why
they are doing this. There are some violent and tense moments – as you would
expect from Ennis. The art is spectacular – a perfect match for this tale of
combat and horror. If you are into it, this is a thriller.

Title: PILOT SEASON: THE BEAUTY
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Image/Top Cow
Writers: Jeremy Haun & Jason A. Hurley
Artist: Jeremy Haun
Colors: John Rauch
Letters: Troy Peteri
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction


Here is another Top Cow Pilot Season title in contention to make it to a mini-
series. The theme of the story is about sexually transmitted disease. What is
different is that people actually want to catch this STD. You see the virus
physically changes the victims in a desirable way. Fat melts away, hair is
restored, skin conditions clear up and so on. The STD has been dubbed The
Beauty. The only apparent downside was a slight constant fever, considered a
minor trade off for a near perfect body. Now half the people have it or want it
and the other half hates it. Anti-Beauty cells have sprung up and some in the
movement have gotten violent. What might happen next? That is the setup for the
story. Being the lead in to a possible series not all the answers will be given.
The main character is a cop and his partner who head up the Beauty task force –
investigating Beauty related crimes. The latest one is a mystery. A Beauty on a
train suddenly combusted into fire – from the inside. Clues indicate this is not
a murder and our hero believes that the real side effects of Beauty are finally
manifesting. The story has some intrigue as government officials take over the
scene and body. There are also elements of the plot indicate some around the
main players have the disease. I am sure there is much more planned for this
crime thriller but unless it makes the grade we may never see it. I hope it
does.

***** 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:
First words of a character - could be a tough one.
Who said this in his comic book debut?

"Say, who WERE the Masters of the Universe, anyway? And what were the secrets of
Castle Greyskull?"

Looks like I stumped you all on this one. It was Denny Meechum, known also as
Ninjak, who said that in his first words in a comic.

Here was your no prize question:
Which is the oldest car manufacturer still making cars in the US?

Buick was founded in 1899 as a car manufacturer. Ford Motor Company was not
started until June 1903.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION: What was Harvey (Two-Face) Dent's original name when he first appeared?

Here is your no prize question: What were the world's first cork-tipped cigarettes?

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.