Comic Reviews 3/30/12

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: SUPER CROOKS
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Marvel/Icon
Creators: Mark Millar & Leinil Yu
Writer: Mark Millar w/Nacho Vigalondo
Artist: Leinil Yu
Inker: Gerry Alanguilan
Colors: Sunny Gho
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Variant Cover Artist: Dave Gibbons
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Villains


The premise of this comic is pretty straightforward. In fact it is spelled out
right on the cover - "There are too many Superheroes in America. Let's go
somewhere else." That is the plan for a bunch of villains who finally realized
why they keep getting caught. You may have seen the preview as a backup piece in
another comic. Johnny Bolt is one such villain with electric powers. The opening
scene shows his last failed getaway five years ago, which ends in a somewhat
humorous way. That is just a throw away scene to reinforce the idea that it is
almost impossible to pull a major crime in a large US city. Moving forward the
focus shifts to an old friend of Johnny's in Vegas. He is an older gent who is
having an unusual lucky streak at the roulette table - nine straight numbers in
a row. He is not a super - his thing was wearing a mask and using a ray gun. So
how is he able to continue winning?  That is the question the underworld owners
of the casino want to know. When they discover his secret they give Carmine an
ultimatum. That will lead him to find Johnny who just got released from jail and
is looking up his former fianc‚e Kasey. This will be the core of the group of
super crooks Johnny will assemble to pull the heist of the century. I like the
premise and the characterization so far. What seems a little comical on the
surface is not too outlandish so far. Having Carmine's fate as the impetus to
take action is clever and adds urgency to the master plan. Next time we will get
to meet the rest of the crew. There is another character introduced briefly this
issue that will no doubt play a major role later on. The art is very effective
as I expected it would be. This looks like a fun comic so far.

Title: STAN LEE'S MIGHTY 7
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: How It All Began!
Publisher: Archie Comics
Creator: Stan Lee
Writers: Tony Blake, Paul Jackson & Stan Lee
Artist: Alex Saviuk
Inker: Bob Smith
Colors: Tom Smith
Letters: John Workman
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

How could I resist a first issue super hero comic from Stan Lee? You might be
surprised that it also is being published by Archie Comics. Stan likes to be
innovative when he can and this time he is calling this comic "the world's first
reality comic book." What does that mean? He gives a hint on the first page,
which shows him at the keyboard telling the reader that he does not claim the
following story is true but he can "claim" it is fiction and get paid for
writing it. Then, halfway through the comic, we see him in the offices of Archie
Comics being told by the publisher that they would like him to write super hero
comics for them. Stan later is wondering if he has any more super hero stories
in him when his life intersects with the title characters of the comic. So, his
idea of a reality comic is a real person, himself, gets thrust into the plot
involving super hero type characters and writes a story as if this actually
happened to him. Seems to me I remember plenty of old comics that involved real
people, most of them comic book creators from either Marvel or DC. But Stan has
always been given to hyperbole. The fictional plot involves an intergalactic
police force known as the Star Marshals. Asoara, a female with wings and a
blaster is teamed with Vallor a male with super strength as they arrest the
formal Marshal turned vigilante Blastok, who can shoot laser blasts from his
fists. There are far too many pages of fighting but in the end Blastok is
captured and finds himself in a force field cell with four criminals. It is
clear from the cover that the 5 in the cell and the two Marshals are who will
become the Mighty Seven. Each has a power and an appropriate name. The prisoners
begin plotting a way out as the spaceship heads for the Star Marshal base on
Kring. There is also a subplot involving the upcoming nuptials between Asoara
and Vallor - he being more excited about the arranged pairing than she is. In
another subplot a group of high-powered scientists on Earth are working on a
device that will pre-empt earthquakes from happening but jealousy with lead to
sabotage and something more devastating next issue. It all begins to come
together as the issue ends, again with Stan getting his close encounter.  It has
some of the standard elements of a standard origin story. The character names
are chosen to indicate their powers mostly. How they will eventually become
comrades in arms is the plot challenge. It is fare enough for what it is and
should be fun for all ages, though those used to the more gritty comics of these
days may find it bland. The art is decent as well. It is a lighter fare than a
lot of the mainstream comics these days but still enjoyable. I like it better
than most of the recent titles Stan has been involved in lately.

Title: MURKY WORLD
Issue Number: One-Shot
Publisher: Dark Horse
Creator: Richard Corben
Letters: Clem Robins
Price (USD): $3.50
Release Date: NOW ON SALE - Previously serialized in DARK HORSE PRESENTS
Genre: Science Fiction
MATURE - Comics on the Edge

Dark Horse has started to present comics featured in their monthly anthology
series as stand alone comics. This one-shot is one such feature. Though I read
it already in DHP I decided to pick it up and see how a second reading of the
entire story holds up. I have always been attracted to Corben's art. In its pure
form done in black & white with grayscales it is instantly recognizable. It is
hard to describe in other terms but I like it a lot. So the story is on a
strange world and follows the travels of a man called Tugat. This is a world
that has zombie-like creatures called Deadlings, necromancers, and apparently
more than a few oversized humanoids with large appetites. Through the course of
the story the wandering Tugat loses his horse, gets attacked by Deadlings, is
saved by a large muscular female, gets tricked into helping her save her sister
only to once again lose his horse. His greed overtakes him at one point putting
him in a precarious position and the story comes somewhat full circle by the
end. Read in small chapters when it was serialized in DHP each part read fine on
its own. As a whole story it is a little better. Corben has been at this kind of
comic story for a long time and he is a master in the visual aspect of his
story. The plotting is up and down and has some really interesting moments. I
would read just about anything he puts out.

Title: GRIMM FAIRY TALES PRESENTS THE JUNGLE BOOK
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Zenescope Entertainment
Creators: Mark L. Miller, Raven Gregory, Joe Brusha & Ralph Tedesco
Writer: Mark L. Miller
Artist: Carlos Granda
Colors: Liezl Buenaventura
Letters: Jim Campbell
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Jungle Adventure
MATURE - Comics on the Edge

One look at the cover and you will realize this is not your father's Jungle
Book. In the usual fashion Zenescope creators take familiar classic stories and
retell them with a number of twists - usually involving beautiful women in
revealing outfits. That much you can gain from the cover. But as you start
reading the story within a very different kind of tale unfolds. The narration is
evidently Mowgli asking Mother Wolf to tell the story of how they got together.
Mother Wolf explains how things were different in two very different worlds. It
was a time of the Great Animal Battle of Kipling Island that had gone on for
ages. Several species fought each other for dominance. Mowgli was far away in an
elegant home, an innocent babe. But then the babe was snatched from its crib in
the night and brought to a ship with three other toddlers all being sold into
slavery. The two worlds collided when the rough seas forced the ship to crash on
the island - interrupting the conflict among the animals. The visual story shows
the two plots in intertwined panels up to the point of the crash when the two
become one. And it is at that point that the narrative departs from the truth.
For Mother Wolf never revealed that Mowgli had three companions preferring to
let Mowgli to believe she was a miracle child sent by providence to end a war.
Yes, in this version Mowgli is a girl. The fate of the other three is shown but
not related to Mowgli. We jump forward several years to see Mowgli has grown to
her teens under the care of Mother Wolf and the pack. I was pleasantly surprised
at the plot, scripting and composition. It is a delightful story that has great
promise and the usual high quality art makes it all the more enjoyable as most
of the cast are animals. If you normally pass by the Grimm line from Zenescope
you might want to take a closer look at THE JUNGLE BOOK. It is worth your time.

Title: SMOKE AND MIRRORS
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Get Ready
Title Arc: Life and Death and Other Card Tricks
Publisher: IDW
Writer: Mike Costa
Artist: Ryan Browne
Finishes: Jon Armstrong
Color Assist: Aaron Daly
Letters: Robbie Robbins
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Fantasy
Mature - Comic on the Edge

If you like stories about magic you will like this one. It is set in a world
where magic is abundant. In fact it is the moving force for everything. The
introductory sequence is a school lecture hall and conveniently for the reader
the lecturer explains magic is used everywhere in daily life from incantations
to program a music box, to recharge the talisman for the family car, to the
charms and pocket conjurors common to everyone. He explains how magic is the
energy that exists naturally in the world and that the trade circle cast spells
that bind the energy to the machines and electronics to make them work. The
lecture also introduces us to one of the main characters, a teen named Ethan. He
is a bit of a rebel, though not criminal. He is curious about things and places
that are supposed to be off limits for kids. The other main player is a street
magician - the kind you and I are familiar with. He does card tricks and
convinces others he has telepathy. But why do this in a world of real magic? His
world and Ethan's intersect and that begins a new adventure of discovery for
Ethan. Though the first issue is mostly introductory it is full of useful
information and characterization. The artwork is colored nicely though I prefer
finer line-work. In all it is a decent effort and intriguing enough to stay with
it.

Title: REBEL BLOOD
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Image/Shadowline
Plot: Alex Link & Riley Rossmo w/Noah Rossmo
Writer: Alex Link
Artist: Riley Rossmo
Letters: Kelly Tindall
Price (USD): $3.50
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Horror
MATURE - Comics on the Edge




Of all the comics for review this week this one has the least pleasing art in my
opinion. I am not talking about the capability of the artist, just my personal
view of the finished product - "eye of the beholder" criticism. The story is a
gruesome one. The main character is a former firefighter. Now he is a warden in
the forest watching for fires from a tower. This has not helped the relationship
with his wife. He is a pretty miserable feeling guy most of the time. But
something strange happens, a disease perhaps, that mutates people and animals
and sends them into berserker rages. That is the gist of what happens. However
the execution of the story is such a jumble of scenes that move back and forth
making it really hard to discern what the proper sequence is. I may be
interpreting it incorrectly but it seems like the writers know exactly when and
where each panel is set but have failed to convey that knowledge to the reader.
We get that our hero has several confrontations with animals and mutants or
zombies. In some he saves people, in others he is too late but the whole thing
is not coherent in a linear fashion. Or maybe it is but I can't see it. This is
supposed to be about zombies, and there are parts that appear to show it but if
I have that much trouble discerning things then they have lost me with the first
issue.

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

If you think you know the answer to the trivia question send your guess via
Email to me at ComicBkNet@aol.com and you could win the prize. The first six
correct answers will be assigned a number and a roll of the dice will determine
the winner. You should put your real name in your message so we know who you
are. Prizes must be claimed at our store within 30 days of winning. The prize
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 "The Adventures of Superman" TV series, when a mobster encased himself in an
Impenetrable cube to wait out a statute of limitations, what new power did
Superman try for the first time?
The answer was a trick that FLASH often used in the old days.  With total
molecular control Superman managed to walk through walls. This week the dice
smiled on Keith Martin.

Here was your no prize question:
What did George Nissen invent?
George P. Nissen invented the modern trampoline and made trampolining a
worldwide sport. In 1930, when George Nissen was a 16-year-old high school
gymnast, he began tinkering with an idea for a bouncing apparatus to train on.
But it wasn't until 1934 that Nissen and his University of Iowa tumbling coach
built a device that actually worked. Then, in 1937, when Nissen was traveling
the carnival circuit, he came across the Spanish word trampolin, which means
"diving board." Adding an "e" to the end, he trademarked the name for what was
to become a backyard family favorite.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
Legion is the son of Charles Xavier.  In what title did he make his first
appearance?

Here is your no prize question:
What president delivered the first presidential address on radio?


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 3/23/12

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: CROSSED BADLANDS
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Of the World and Its Becoming
Publisher: Avatar
Creator: Garth Ennis
Writer: Garth Ennis
Artist: Jacen Burrows
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Horror
Mature Readers - Comics on the Edge




CROSSED began as a miniseries about an Apocalyptic future after the world was
ravaged by a mystery disease that changed those infected into degenerate
homicidal maniacs. If you weren't infected initially you faced death in a very
brutal manner by those who were. If you made contact with the fluids of those
infected then you very soon turned into one of the crossed yourself. Fortunately
for the survivors someone infected is easily identified by a rash across their
entire face in the shape of a cross. It is very much like a zombie plague except
that the crossed are not dead and can be killed by normal means. The other
difference is that the crossed are so warped they will often dismember, rape or
kill their own for the fun of it. The initial series was popular enough to spawn
a series of mini-series written and drawn by other well-known comic creators.
Garth Ennis has returned to his creation to launch the first arc of an ongoing
series. This story follows a band of nine survivors in England. There is one
pregnant female whose boyfriend died before she and her brother joined the
group. It is a mixed group of men with various backgrounds. Among them is one
soldier whose face is bandaged extensively. He claims to be Prince Harry, heir
to the British throne and there may be some credence to his claim. One of them
is a paramedic. The others come from different backgrounds and experience. Now
they have the common goal of survival. Like most stories set in this world it is
about survival. They often travel at night, away from main roads seeking
abandoned towns where they can scavenge for food and supplies. The narrator is
Ian. His story is told in flashback. It is a typical tragedy about he and his
girlfriend Penny trying to escape the madness only to have her perish at one
point. Now he is on autopilot - not really driven to survive but not willing to
give up. Though he is not a fighter the others respect his intelligence and
judgment. The opening chapter serves to introduce us to this group and their
interaction. We learn who is strong, and who is weak. There is one encounter
with three of the crossed that has to be dealt with carefully so as not to
attract a larger group close by. One of the group devises a very clever method
of handling the situation that works surprisingly well and is a small transition
of sorts for Ian. It is good not to get into the massive violence too early so
we get to know the players. Often these stories are more about the character or
lack thereof of the survivors than just bloody survival scenes or tragic
failure. It remains to be seen how this band of survivors will measure up. As
always the art is top notch. Casual readers who are sampling CROSSED for the
first time should be warned there is extreme violence coming, though there is
some in this issue and no doubt explicit sexually depravity will also appear at
some point. Those not bothered by such things may find the underlying story
worth their time.

Title: THE SECRET HISTORY OF D.B. COOPER
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Oni Press
Creator: Brian Churilla
Letters: Ed Brisson
Alternate Cover Artist: J.H. Williams III
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Mystery/Spy Thriller






I was drawn to this comic by the title without any knowledge of the structure of
the plot. Younger readers may have no knowledge of who DB Cooper was but others
will at least be aware of a bit of his claim to fame. In November of 1971 a man
using the name DB Cooper hijacked a Seattle-bound flight with a bomb. At Seattle
he demanded two parachutes and $200,000. After he got what he wanted he had the
plane take off and he jumped from the plane with the cash over the Washington
wilderness and has never been found. We have never been told definitively who he
really was either. The opening pages give a quick recap of these events to set
the stage. But when you turn the page you find the story has taken a twist into
a strange world with no real explanation. We see DB in what must be a fantasy
world, or alternate dimension or maybe a dream world. There is strange
vegetation with plants with eyeballs on the ends of appendages. Other places
have white-pupil eyes on faces embedded in the ground. DB is in a suit and has a
samurai sword strapped to his back and is accompanied by a talking teddy bear.
There are hints in the dialogue between the two that this is things here do not
follow normal physics - for example DB never runs out of cigarettes. They travel
along and eventually encounter a beast DB must fight. This scene is immediately
contrasted by a scene in the Kremlin where a man is being served a meal in his
office. Strangely things that DB does where he is begin to effect what happens
here. In fact that is the point of his being there. You will see by the end that
DB Cooper is supposedly a federal agent. The ending pages show his interaction
with another agent and a doctor and that begins to explain what that other
strange world is all about. How this ties in to him hijacking a plane will have
to wait for later. I must admit this is very confusing until the very end. The
explanations are just beginning. It is like the writer wanted to set up
something so improbable that it could not have a rational explanation so he
could later lead us to what is really going on.  The art is appealing and shows
a range of ability from strong character delineation to things beyond
imagination. Churilla is very skilled in his craft. It remains to be seen if his
writing will pay off down the road.

Title: SAUCER COUNTRY
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Run
Publisher: DC/Vertigo
Creator: Paul Cornell & Ryan Kelly
Writer: Paul Cornell
Artist: Ryan Kelly
Colors: Giulia Brusco
Letters: Sal Cipriano
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction
Mature - Comics on the Edge


This is another comic I have not read about ahead of time. The cover and title
indicate it has something to do with UFOs so I decided to see what is up. The
main character is Arcadia Alvarado, the divorced female Hispanic governor of a
New Mexico. She is at a turning point in her career - about to announce her
candidacy for President. She has different types surrounding her campaign. There
is the loyal confidant and chief of staff Harry, the aggressive security chief
and long-time family employee Fausto, and the campaign strategist, Chloe, who
wants Arcadia her to use her alcoholic ex-husband for political gain at the
expense of his reputation. There is a subplot involving a young Harvard
professor who is being suspended because of his recent book claiming that UFOs
are real. We see in this part of the story that he has beyond normal reasons for
sticking with this belief. The UFO theme does have a lot to do with Arcadia and
her ex as well as we can surmise from the opening scene and an interlude later.
She will make a shocking revelation to Harry and Chloe after her declaration
speech. The main plot is handled nicely as we get to see the various aspects of
Arcadia's life - personal, political and supernormal. The subplot has a very
different twist to it that can be interpreted different ways so I won't reveal
what it is. It is pretty clear aliens are involved in this story and the
implication is that the major players are going to get to the truth eventually.
It is easy reading and the art is very good in support. I would recommend this
comic to anyone looking for good writing with a science fiction theme.

Title: BUCKAROO BANZAI: TEARS OF A CLONE
Issue Number: 1 (of 2)
Publisher: Moonstone
Writer: Earl Mac Rauch
Artist: David Daza
Colors: Patrick J Williams
Letters: Bernie Lee
Cover Artists: Paul Gulacy/Bill Wiist
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction

The best thing I can say about this comic is that it has decent coloring. The
pencil and ink work is good and plays more to the close ups than to detail in
long shots - but it is still fine. The plot and script on the other hand left me
flat. This comic is of course based on an old cult classic movie for those of
you unaware. Buckaroo Banzai is sort of a Doc Savage type hero, though he is not
overly muscular or tan. He is a brilliant scientist and has his own troupe known
as the Hong Kong Cavaliers. You can catch up to their exploits in a previous
Moonstone publication BUCKAROO BANZAI: THE PREQUEL, which covers events prior to
the movie. Maybe it will help before reading this one. There is no introductory
text or even editorial help along the way to explain who all these people are
and what they do. You get the gist after a while but it is really not well
scripted. The Cavaliers are playing in a telethon in Vegas to raise money to
fight against juvenile herpes. As the story starts they have raised over
$150million. While I don't doubt this is a worthy cause it just comes across as
comical because the characters play it up as being as bad as AIDS or something.
Out of the blue a man runs up to the stage and tosses a flier for a local strip
joint sending Buckaroo and the gang off to The Foxxx Hole where they find robot
bouncers, dancers that they somehow know are illegal female clones and a fat
scummy club manager with ties to their arch enemies the World Crime League. By
the end of the book they are off to a secret location in the dessert to shut
down the headquarters. This comic tries to be too much. It has science fiction
elements but is not heavy on the science. The language is peppered with sexual
innuendo and salty language that is toned down by substituting words in phrases
like "holy spit" but then later someone uses the actual words. The f-bomb is
even used a few times as well. So why try to be cute about it elsewhere? The
action is sometimes forced just to have the heroes mix it up with the bad guys.
I just did not find it compelling at all and won't bother to read the conclusion
next issue.

Title: SAGA
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Image
Writer: Brian K. Vaughn
Artist: Fiona Staples
Letters: Fonografiks
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction
Mature - nudity & sexual situations




This space opera involves different cultures on faraway worlds. The background
of the galactic culture is a war that has been going on a long time. It was a
war between the inhabitants of Landfall and its moon Wreath. No one remembers
when the two cultures ever got along. As the war grew both sides realized they
were heading for mutual destruction and so the combat was outsourced to other
planets. This is recapped further into the book. As it opens we meet the two
main characters on the cover. Alana is from Landfall and was drafted into
service and became a less than perfect soldier. She was eventually posted to the
planet Cleave where the opposing forces are fighting over the gunpowder fields.
She was a guard at the detention center there where she met Marko, a soldier
from Wreath, who surrendered after a battle as a conscientious objector. Less
than a day later the two went missing. You should also know, as shown on the
cover, the people from Landfall have small wings, like a bat's, and the people
from Wreath have ram-like horns.  As the story opens Alana is giving birth, as
indeed these two have become lovers and even married in the Wreath tradition.
But they are on the run and there is barely time to cut the chord before the
Wreath soldiers come knocking. As they barely escape we switch scenes to
Landfall where we learn Of different forces on both there and Wreath have found
out about the two and their offspring and have vested interests in finding them
before their story gets out. There are issues about what such a pairing
implicates, though in the past offspring from forced mating did not survive
long. There is even a prophecy concerning Marko that is disturbing. The basic
plot elements are now put forth very clearly making the story compelling as it
moves forward. Vaughan has also added other elements to the alien nature of the
races involved. There variation of the nature of the wings and the horns, large
beasts used for battle, even apparent humans with televisions for heads (or are
the robots with human bodies?) Fiona Staples does her job very nicely with a
unique style and varied coloring as fits the situations. This is more than a
tale of two fugitives from war trying to preserve their new family. The added
intrigue will take the story to interesting places. This first issue lives up to
the hype.

Title: AVENGERS ASSEMBLE
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Mark Bagley
Inker: Danny Miki
Colors: Paul Mounts
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero




It seems like there is an unwritten rule out there. If there is a new movie
based on a comic book than that comic book has to come out with a new #1 issue.
And so, as if there are not enough AVENGERS titles already, Marvel is starting
another one. If you take a close look at the cover you will notice that the
lineup is exactly the same as the characters slated for the movie THE AVENGERS,
which premiers the first weekend in May, just in time for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY.
This team will hopefully will be user friendly to new readers drawn in by the
movie and will not be heavily tied plot-wise to the other titles. With a strong
team of Bendis and Bagley with the rest being strong finishers the regular fans
will also enjoy having another title of their favorite hero team. But it starts
not with the heroes but the villains they will face - a new band of criminals
calling themselves Zodiac. The movie core team members are not the only ones to
appear in this first issue. As we shift to the opening of a brand new Avengers
Tower in New York most of the Avengers and New Avengers are present for the
festivities. No doubt that same tower with the name STARK at the top will also
be in the movie. The action takes place elsewhere. The first to meet with a
member of Zodiac is the Hulk - the real one, you know Bruce Banner - the
southwestern dessert. Then Hawkeye and the Widow are on a mission in Latveria
when another shows up because he wants what they just took. The plot centers
around the members of Zodiac seeking a special source of power and it seems the
Avengers have inadvertently gotten in the way. The first half is introductory
the second is almost all action and it ends too quickly. My criticism for Marvel
is that if the intention is to draw new readers make this a regular size comic
for $2.99 or instead of the AVX preview in the back give them more story pages
for their money.


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

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

Last week's trivia question:
In what title did Barbara Gordon first appear as Oracle?
Oracle first appeared in Suicide Squad (written by Ostrander/Yale). The winner
by the dice is Gary Katzoff.

Here was your no prize question:
What candy bar was named after its inventor's family horse?
Originally introduced to the public in 1930 by Franklin and Ethel Mars, the
Snickers bar was named after their family horse. When that horse died they named
a candy bar after it. The original Snickers bars were sold for a nickel. Based
on studies, it is the best selling candy of all time with yearly worldwide sales
at $2 billion. Gregory Goding gets the no prize.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
In "The Adventures of Superman" TV series, when a mobster encased himself in an
impenetrable cube to wait out a statute of limitations, what new power did
Superman try for the first time?
Here is your no prize question:
What did George Nissen invent?

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 3/16/12

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: BEYOND THE FRINGE
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Peter and the Machine
Publisher: DC
Writer: Joshua Jackson
Artist: Jorge Jimenez
Colors: Randy Mayor
Letters: Wes Abbott
Cover Artist: Drew Johnson
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction/TV adaptation

Fans of the TV show FRINGE will want to pick up this comic written by the star
Joshua Jackson who plays Peter Bishop.  This first issue ties in with the
current season of the show as it explores Peter's attempt to save both universes
and thereby the Olivia he loves. Strangely enough it starts in Central Park in
the year 2026, fourteen years in the future. Peter and Walter are preparing to
begin their attempt at the ultimate solution. Here they have reconstructed the
machine that only Peter can activate, the machine Walter has dubbed Daisy. The
machine will be sent into the past through a wormhole overhead. It has been
calibrated to the wormhole's radiation and Peter's DNA. Walter expects Daisy to
break apart in the wormhole, scattering its parts across time. There are markers
broadcasting in each of these eras and when Peter follows he will be drawn to
the pieces, as they will be to him. He needs to place each piece on its marker
to complete the cycle. This will supposedly change the effects when Peter enters
the machine in 2011 creating a different future. Somehow Peter will make choices
in the past that will save everything, unlike the first time he used the machine
and the consequences were disastrous. Peter first lands in prehistoric times and
as predicted a piece of the machine is near where he landed. As he activates the
device that sends the first piece off to the future he himself transits time and
ends up in Greece in the year 356 BC. And so it goes time after time as he moves
forward to different places and times. He makes stops in Japan, Spain, China,
Tibet and others. Along the way he meets some locals and in a place called Hy-
Brasil he is saved by a man who knows more than we expected.  Through it all he
wonders if all he is doing will help or make things worse. That is the constant
theme throughout the story that features not only the familiar Observer who has
much to reveal to him, but the most disturbing may be when he meets himself.
This is a classic time-travel theme and does not give all the answers to what is
happening on the show but it does give us more insight into Peter and his
dilemma. The art is superb capturing the essence of the characters very nicely.
It is a must read for fans of the show.

Title: THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Infinite Oppenheimers
Publisher: Image
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Nick Pitarra
Colors: Cris Peter
Letters: Rus Wooton
Price (USD): $3.50
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction




Though not all of us lived through it most of us are aware of the original
effort to build an atomic bomb code named the Manhattan Project. The chief
scientist on the project was Doctor Robert Oppenheimer. But what if there was
more about it than the public was told? What if that was not the only purpose?
Hence the title is plural. And speaking of plural, the subtitle "Infinite
Oppenheimers" is aptly chosen, as you will find out by the end of the first
issue. As Dr. Oppenheimer finds out when he joins the projects there is already
ongoing research - recovering mythological artifacts, the first attempt at
artificial intelligence using 150,000 computers and so on. He is told once they
have built the bomb he will have the resources to build anything he can
conceive. But the US is not alone in having unrevealed technology advanced for
its time. Part of this episode involves an attack on the facility by Japanese
robots controlled from far away. That incident shows us something more about the
good doctor that may not register at first. But along side the main plot and
inserted through the book is the history of Doctor Oppenheimer and his twin
brother Joseph starting from their conception. On those pages their stories are
told with Robert's story in blue tones horizontally across the top and Josephs
in red tint across the bottom. Like the coloring their lives went down
contrasting paths with Joseph leading a disturbed life and eventually ending up
in an institution for the mentally unfit. This is a very effective technique
that highlights not only the characters but also the unique art style of
Pitarra. If just the main plot was there you might consider this an imaginative
story of a certain genre. But adding in the biographical line feeds right into
the main plot and verifies that curious subtitle. Hickman has put a lot into
this first chapter that is worth reading more than once. This title should be
well received and I found it well worth the time and money.

Title: NIGHT FORCE
Issue Number: 1 (of 7)
Title Story: The Gatherers
Title Arc: 250 Minutes
Publisher: DC
Creator: Marv Wolfman & Gene Colan
Writer: Marv Wolfman
Artist: Tom Mandrake
Colors: Wes Hartman
Letters: Wes Abbott
Cover Artist: Leonardo Manco & Wes Hartmen
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Horror/Supernatural



I never have read any of the original NIGHT FORCE comics by Wolfman and Colan so
this will be about first impressions. I do not even know if all or any of the
characters are from that series. It begins with an attempted drowning of a
college coed on the coast of Hilton Head Island. The first hint of supernatural
elements show up in visions she has while gasping for air, as she is held
underwater. Luckily Sgt. Duffy of the Hilton Head Police received a call and
arrived in time to save her, though the offender escaped. The officer and the
victim, Zoe, will soon be drawn literally into the web of Baron Winters in his
mansion in DC. This is a story with sinister forces working behind the scene.
Each side has pawns being used without knowledge of the big picture. Before it
is over we will see more visions of strange beings, disembodied spirits, a
serial killer in the wrong place at the wrong time, and the death of one of
those pawns. There is a master plan at work and even Duffy's role in it all is
suspect by the end of this chapter. I won't say I understand it all, but then it
is plotted that way so as to slowly reveal the bigger picture and the role each
has to play in it. It involves sinister forces, magic and even a very
intelligent leopard named Merlin. Mandrake frames the story with excellent
layouts that enhance the story and Hartman's colors do it justice. For a first
issue I found it engaging. Fans of this genre will surely enjoy it.

Title: SUPURBIA
Issue Number: 1 (of 4)
Publisher: Boom!
Creator: Grace Randolph
Writer: Grace Randolph
Artist: Russell Dauterman
Colors: Gabriel Cassata
Letters: Steve Wands
Cover Artist: Ale Garza & Nei Ruffino
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



As you might guess from the title this is a story about super heroes in the
suburbs. Actually it is their own private suburban neighborhood set up so they
all can have a secure place for their families while off on missions as the Meta
Legion. The Superman analogue, isn't there always one, is called Sovereign. His
live-in girlfriend, Helen, is a semi-reformed super-villain and drug addict who
is not behind bars because, well, Sovereign likes her. There are a lot of
characters involved in this story, each with their own unique quirks or flaws.
There is an Amazonian type warrior Batu who has a normal husband and two kids.
The daughter is expected to manifest powers soon and is constantly being trained
by the mother. The older leader of the group, Marine Omega has been very ill and
being tended to by his wife of thirty years. Just joining the group and moving
into the neighborhood is Bulldog, Marine's Omega's trusty sidekick, and his
wife. She is a nurse and could be critical to the plot as one scene suggests.
Night Fox and his wife Alexis are having problems after she caught him with
another hero, a man. She is confiding in Helen about the problem. And of course
there are no secrets from Sovereign with his enhanced senses. Then there is Dion
with at least the power of microscopic vision as Cosmic Champion a member of the
Cosmic Corps. This first issue serves to introduce all of these characters and
give us a little look at their relations as they relate to their mates and team
members. The occasion is the arrival of Bulldog and his wife and a party is held
in his honor. The action will begin next issue as the team is given a mission.
However, one subplot is revealed in the end that will surely be the major focus
of the mini-series. I am not sure if yet another comic deconstructing the super
hero genre is needed. Most of these characters are flawed to one degree or
another and you just know tragedy will occur sooner or later. With so many
characters it is hard to focus on who will be the key individual in the big
picture. With only four issues this series is no doubt going to shift into high
gear next time. With very appealing art and more than one subplot it will be
interesting to see where this will lead.

Title: AGE OF APOCALYPSE
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: David Lapham
Artist: Roberto de la Torre
Colors: Lee Loughridge
Letters: Chris Eliopoulos
Cover Artist: Humberto Ramos & Dean White
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero




For those of you who did not read to the prelude to this story in the pages of
UNCANNY X-FORCE there is a brief recap of the situation as it now stands in this
future alternate world established by Apocalypse and now run by a changed
Wolverine now known as Weapon Omega. He is tainted by the Apocalypse seed and is
as ruthless a dictator as his predecessor. His former wife, Jean Grey, was
working with the human resistance in a ploy that failed, resulting in the loss
of her mutant powers. She and a powerless Sabertooth are now allied with the X-
terminated, and underground group of humans attempting to save humanity from
extinction at the hands of the ruling mutants. In that lead in story the main
base of the resistance was wiped out along with the city of St. Petersburg but
the small band of humans escaped and now Logan is bent on hunting them down. The
central figure and leader is William Stryker now known as Prophet. They will
fight on with their major objective being the death of Logan. But this is more
than just a team using hit and run guerrilla tactics. They also have moles
inside the mutant population working with them. As they search for any knowledge
or technology that will help the cause they rescue a human from the normal earth
who has valuable information that will lead them to another enclave. The person
in charge there will be key to the next chapter. I enjoy these stories of
alternate realities where familiar characters go down different paths. So far
the story is engaging and the alliance shows not everyone is on the same page
but still are united in the ultimate cause. The art is good enough though I
prefer cleaner pencil and coloring. Still it is a worthy project worth staying
with to see what develops.

Title: FAIREST
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Wide Awake
Title Arc: Prince of Thieves
Publisher: DC/Vertigo
Creator: Bill Willingham
Writer: Bill Willingham
Artist: Phil Jimenez
Inker: Andy Lanning
Colors: Andrew Dalhouse
Letters: Todd Klein
Cover Artist: Adam Hughes
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Fantasy
Mature Readers - Comics on the Edge

You may guess from the story title that this first chapter in the spin-off from
FABLES features not one of the "Fairest" but another character, Ali Baba. It
begins with him finding a magic bottle in the ashen ruins of a city devastated
by the war between the Fables and the forces of the Adversary. Instead of a
D'jinn that can grant him wishes once released he instead meets a lowly bottle
imp calling himself Jonah Panghammer. His specialty is gathering knowledge, it
flows to him naturally. While he must serve Ali Baba as a condition of his
freedom he won't be doing any magic. But his knowledge may prove useful as he
assures his master that he can lead him to the great treasure looted from the
city. At his point, unknown to the duo, another is following them. He is Captain
Oakheart, a wooden soldier formerly in service to the Emperor. With the war over
he has fashioned a new mission, to hunt down those who are after the spoils of
war. The trail leads to a goblin encampment where Jonah reveals the nature of
the great treasure they have capture and what Ali Baba must do to obtain it. I
won't reveal what it is or his role in it all but the final sequence finally
ties in with the main theme of the book as we meet one of the Fairest. I have
followed Willingham's work for decades and latched on to FABLES from the start.
He has created a whole universe where characters only in books in our world are
very real and cross genres of all type to co-exist here. Amazingly he keeps
finding new areas to explore and characters to populate them. This story has
captured me, as did the rest of the FABLES stories. The art is spectacular and
colored brilliantly, topped off by a nice cover by Adam Hughes. You do not have
to be a long-time fan of FABLES to get into it so I suggest you give this
affordable comic a try.

                                    *****
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 what title did Marvel's Celestials first appear?
The Celestials first appeared in THE ETERNALS #2. Nearly everyone said issue #1
but all we wanted was the title anyway. The winner by the dice is David
McBarron.

Here was your no prize question:
Which is the tallest waterfall in the world?
The tallest waterfall in the world is Salto Angel in Venezuela. It is 3,212 feet
high. The water drops more than twice the height of the Empire State Building
and 15 times that of Niagara Falls. The no prize is also awarded to David
McBarron.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
In what title did Barbara Gordon first appear as Oracle?

Here is your no prize question:
What candy bar was named after its inventor's family horse?

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 3/9/12

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: INVINCIBLE
Issue Number: 89
Publisher: Image
Creator: Robert Kirkman & Cory Walker
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Ryan Ottley
Inker: Cliff Rathburn
Colors: John Rauch
Letters: Rus Wooton
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



Although this series is up to #89 the cover declares this is the first issue in
a bold new direction so I figured it was worth looking at. As a newcomer there
is no helpful recap up front but as you read it you will find the plot is easy
enough to follow. This is a somewhat typical super hero universe with lots of
good guys and bad guys of varying types. Invincible is one of those heroes but
for now he is sidelined with something called the Scourge virus. He is currently
in a secret base on the dark side of the moon belonging to his sworn enemies. I
am not sure how deep that goes since they are so willing to cure him. They are
pledged to help Mark recover and coexist in peace lest they arouse the attention
of the Coalition, which would exterminate not only these enemies of Invincible
but likely the Earth as well. This is not an action issue. It deals with
people's reactions to Mark's plight and how each is dealing with it. One of the
more interesting beings is Dinosaurus who is a sentient reptile with high
intelligence, an ally of Mark's. He will go to the moon base and try to persuade
the people in charge he can help. We also see how some teammates react, mostly
with sadness and fear. There is one other named Zandale who is called
Bulletproof. He is the Black character featured on the cover. It is not giving
anything away because of that cover to tell you that he volunteers to stand in
for Mark as Invincible when an emergency arises. There is a plot element however
that reveals itself late in the story. During the testing done on our hero one
technician makes a startling discovery that is worth killing for by another
character. It is an interesting development that should prove critical in the
future. I found this issue to be mostly accessible and interesting. The artwork
is very accomplished with strong coloring adding a good finish. This should be a
good jump on point for new readers. You can decide for yourself if this "new
direction" (a new Black Invincible?) is bold or something that echoes
developments in a comic from one of the big two.

Title: G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO ANNUAL 2012
Publisher: IDW
Writer: Larry Hama
Artists: Ron Frenz, Ron Wagner & Herb Trimpe
Inker: Sal Buscema
Colors: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letters: Shawn Lee
Price (USD): $7.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Military Adventure





Long ago I had a special affection for annuals. In most cases you got more for
your money whether it included reprints of classics stories or self-contained
all-new material. Then they became events of their own often tying in with one
or more annuals of other titles, which diluted their appeal to me. Not being a
reader of the G.I. Joe comics I decided to sample this annual to see how IDW
handles the concept. First off it is a self-contained story for twice the price
of a normal comic with more than twice the pages. That I judge to be the right
thing to do. The story begins with a man called Ted Bergendorf, a drill press
operator in Ohio. That is he was until he got laid off. That whole day was one
of frustration and by the end of it he makes a decision to control his own
destiny. You see he is a sleeper agent for Cobra, the international bad guys
that the Joe's fight all the time. When Ted snapped he decided to activate
himself on a mission of his own making, beginning with building a fertilizer
bomb - a very big one. He then proceeds to gather member of his Crimson Guard
cell to plan the operation. But, he has drawn the attention of the Cobra
Commander with this illicit operation and he sends Zartan the mission to stop
Ted and his group, now considered rogue. But the G.I. Joes have been monitoring
Zartan and so they will be drawn into the whole conflict at some point. Oh,
Zartan is a master of disguise and can even make himself invisible to electronic
surveillance as well as masquerade as anybody else. This brings all the elements
to where most of the action will occur - an amusement park in St. Joseph,
Missouri. Poor Ted has both the good guys and the bad guys after him if they can
stop fighting each other long enough. While this is a believable plot for this
type of comic I found the execution of it somewhat lacking. By the end Ted is
more of a parody of a stereotype than a mastermind we are suppose to believe can
pull off a major terrorist incident. Some of the scene transitions are not
smooth either. At one point there is an opportunity to show the courage of one
of the Joes in saving a teammate but instead of highlighting that feat it is
handled in a matter of fact manner in a single panel after it happens. This is a
long running series, which means it has a solid fan base that will enjoy this
more than I did. Your own opinion may lie somewhere in between.

Title: CONAN THE BARBARIAN
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Queen of the Black Coast
Publisher: Dark Horse
Creator: Robert E. Howard
Writer: Brian Wood
Artist: Becky Cloonan
Colors: Dave Stewart
Letters: Richard Starkings
Cover Artist: Massimo Carnevale
Price (USD): $3.50
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Sword & Sorcery


Dark Horse has been running Conan books for a while, since 2003, so it may seem
strange to see this as issue #1. The indicia indicates it is actually the 88th
comic of the series. The text piece in the back explains the big picture behind
the CONAN THE BARBARIAN title is to present the original stories in
chronological order with some new stories mixed in to fill in the spaces where
there are gaps in his history. They have now reached the time when is a more
worldly man in his twenties. This arc is one of the most requested to be adapted
by the fans. It opens with Conan speeding through a seacoast town on a stolen
horse barely escaping capture by the local constabulary by leaping on to a
departing merchant vessel. After some tense moments he strikes up a friendship
with the captain by explaining how he came to this situation. That story is one
of the abuses of power of the authorities against our hero after he witnessed a
murder in a tavern and foolishly stayed to finish his drink. But thankful for
the provided asylum Conan pledges his sword in defense of the ship if need be.
It may be needed as the captain explains the biggest danger in some of the
waters they will be traveling - Belit, captain of the Tigress, and known as the
Queen of the Black Coast. She is a woman who knows no mercy or empathy. She
drives her crew with such authority none would dare disobey her. Her piracy has
destroyed many but Conan is mesmerized by the description, as if she was a
goddess he had dreamed of in his youth. This issue is the set up for what is to
come as indeed the ship comes upon the Tigress at the close of the issue. Those
last few pages are mostly without dialogue and are worth studying to figure how
much is real or dream or even maybe a spell. The next issue is sure to start out
with a lot of excitement. I really liked the way this story is handled. In some
places there is editorial narrative that sets the mood as we learn the lore and
gather an insight into Conan's thoughts and feelings. The art is splendid in its
simplicity with superb coloring. It does not matter if you have read any of the
prior volumes; this is indeed a good jump on point.

Title: THE DARKNESS
Issue Number: 100
Title Story: The Darkness
Title Arc: Total Darkness
Publisher: Image
Creators: Marc Silvestri, Garth Ennis & David Wohl
Writer: Phil Hester
Artists: Romano Molenaar, Leandro Oliveira & Jose Luis
Inkers: Joe Weems, Rick Basaldua, Ryan Winn & Alisson Rodrigues
Colors: Felix Serrano & Bill Farmer
Letters: Troy Peteri
Price (USD): $4.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Horror/Crime
Mature Readers - extreme violence

Here is another oversized issue just out marking the 100th issue. It appears to
be a big team effort with lots of contributors. The extra pages include a
preview of the next issue with a new team, text pieces from some of the
creators, and an art gallery from a contest for aspiring artists using the
Darkness as the subject. The main story is the end of an arc that has Mafia hit
man Jackie Estacado traveling to the home dimension of the Darkness to confront
the very source of his power. For those not in the know Jackie came to this
blessing, or curse, when he turned 21. He can access this dimension and bring
forth the demons who live in it to do his bidding - usually violent murder.
After struggling with the implications of this power for years Jackie received a
Sun dagger forged by the Angelus and he used it to make the transit to the
Darkness himself. At first he though he was fighting the Darkness itself but
then he experiencing a very unique transit to yet another place where he finally
meets the one he seeks. This is really a very interesting confrontation that
goes on for pages. It is as if he was having a conversation with the devil, and
he may well be. The Darkness weaves a tale to convince Jackie that long ago he
faced the same quest as wielder of the Darkness only to become what he came to
destroy. Is it true or a lie to save itself? It is a fascinating discourse that
ends in the ultimate battle with a satisfying ending. There is also a framing
sequence outside of the story related by a shepherd of sorts who is telling this
tale while guiding other servants of the darkness to a final judgment and even
he does not know what awaits them. It is all very well scripted and beautifully
rendered. Once it is over you may wonder what will be next and that is revealed
in the preview to the next issue. I won't spoil any of that. I have not always
found this title to my liking but this one was a notch above the rest and a
worthy tribute to this long-running series.


Title: BATMAN BEYOND UNLIMITED
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: DC
Cover Artist: Dustin Nguyen
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero/Cartoon adaptation
ALL AGES

This comic is adapted from the television cartoon and is restarting with new
numbering and an added feature.



Batman Beyond
Title Story: 10,000 Clowns
Writer: Adam Beechen
Artist: Norm Breyfogle
Colors: Andrew Elder
Letters: Saida Temofonte

Set in the distant future Bruce Wayne has retired from his role as Batman but
young Terry McGinnis stumbled on his secrets and now fights crime in Neo-Gotham
as the new Batman. In this first issue Bruce and Terry are facing an influx of
Joker gangs from other cities, even other states. Meanwhile their female friend
who is in on Terry as Batman has gotten close to a notorious criminal computer
hacking group and must decide whether to go undercover without telling Bruce and
Terry. We also get a glimpse of Terry's personal life as he tries to persuade
his ex-girlfriend to make up. And another familiar member of the Batman family,
Barbara Gordon is now the police commissioner. This is a good mix of super hero
action, personal relationships and behind it all is the mystery of just who is
organizing all the Joker gangs. We at least get to see the mystery leader in the
last panel. Thing are going to get interesting.

Justice League Beyond
Title Story: Snake in the Grass
Title Arc: Konstriction
Writers: Derek Fridolfs & Dustin Nguyen
Artist: Dustin Nguyen
Inker: Derek Fridolfs
Colors: Randy Mayor
Letters: Saida Temofonte
The second feature is the future Justice league, which Batman has recently
joined. We have Warhawk - a half-breed Thanagarian, Kai-Ro - the Green Lantern
of our sector, Barda - exiled from New Genesis, Aqua Girl and Superman. Their
first adventure with Batman takes place in Neo-Gotham where a dangerous drug has
been developed giving people animal likeness and power. It has become an
underground illegal racket and there is a power struggle between the Joker gang
and a militant group known as the Animal Kingdom to control the distribution. As
the two forces clash on the streets the Justice League arrives to break things
up. But they will have a much bigger mission as they are called away to their
satellite headquarters. This is a fun story with some interesting new characters
in the mix. The main plot will involve another member that appears to be a new
version of the Atom. And all the while Terry is struggling with his duties as
Batman being trumped by the call of the Justice League. It is not high drama but
it is a fun story sure to please all fans.


Title: JUSTICE LEAGUE
Issue Number: 6
Title Story: Part Six
Title Arc: The Beginning
Publisher: DC
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Jim Lee
Inkers: Scott Williams with Sandra Hope, Batt and Mark Irwin
Colors: Alex Sinclair with Tony Avina
Letters: Patrick Brosseau
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



The first arc of this New 52 title wraps up in this issue. Seven familiar heroes
have come together for the first time as one by one they are forced to face a
threat to all of Earth - the forces of Darkseid. This is the all out battle
issue as Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Aquaman, Flash and Cyborg are engaged in
heated battle with Darkseid himself Batman is on a mission to rescue Superman
from the torture he is being subjected to on Apokolips. These two conflicts take
up most of the issue and Cyborg appears to be the key to eventual victory. The
final scenes are more fun as the seven super heroes are introduced to the world
as heroes. There is some funny banter among the group as some claim this was a
one-time thing and others insist they must stay a team so as to be more accepted
as individuals among the citizens. Flash delivers the punch line as he declares
to the president what the name of their group should be called. While I did not
find this particular episode as engaging as those leading up to it, it is still
a tidy wrap up to the first story and the true beginning of the relationship as
a group. Of course there is always another major threat waiting in the wings. As
this story takes place in the past there is more to tell about the evolution of
the group dynamic in the coming months and it will be interesting to see how
more heroes join the group as hinted at in the epilogue. But wait, there is
more! You may have forgotten or maybe wondered what DC was going to do with that
mystery woman in purple that appeared in cameo shots in every one of the New 52
debut issues. Wonder no more as the back up feature begins to reveal the story
of Pandora. So far she has been an observer and her story here begins with here
looking on as a man is found dead in the street. To give us some insight as to
who she is the rest is mostly a dialogue between Pandora and another famous DC
character that appears to her - the Phantom Stranger. He reminds her that people
like they are told by the Circle of Eternity that they must observe what they
have sown but are forbidden from getting involved. In the conversation we learn
a little about the reforming of the Universe at the end of Flashpoint and
Pandora's role in that event. There are other mysteries and secrets discussed
that you will want to read about. It seems these two don't agree on their role.
Pandora states her mission at the end and it involves a third mystical being she
must find and imprison. She will do so without Phantom Stranger's help but she
has plans on who will help her. There is much more to her story that I have not
revealed and even more coming in the future. This will be a key element of the
new DC Universe so you won't want to miss this issue of JUSTICE LEAGUE to see
its beginning.

                                    *****
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:
SPIDER-MAN was hyping lots of products in 2002.  One of the TV ads he was in was
for Cingular Wireless, wherein he web-slings around the country to the tune of a
heavy rock beat. The question is what is the name of the song or the group that
performs the music?

Hint: It is an original song from the same decade Spidey began.

The theme to the commercial is by the madman from Detroit, Ted Nugent. "Journey
To The Center Of The Mind", by the Amboy Dukes, was a hit in 1968. The winner
this time is Kevin Browne.

Here was your no prize question:
Which NFL team had the first cheerleading squad?
The Baltimore Colts (now the Indianapolis Colts) was the first NFL team to have
an organized cheerleading squad. It was the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders who
gained the spotlight with their revealing outfits and sophisticated dance moves,
which debuted in the 1972-1973 season.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
In what title did Marvel's Celestials first appear?

Here is your no prize question:
Which is the tallest waterfall in the world?

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

Comic Reviews 3/2/12

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: DEMON KNIGHTS
Issue Number: 6
Title Story: The Balance
Publisher: DC
Writer: Paul Cornell
The Demon was created by Jack Kirby
Artists: Diogenes Neves & Robson Rocha
Inker: Oclair Albert with Rocha and Neves
Colors: Marcelo Maiolo
Letters: Jared K. Fletcher
Cover Artist: Michael Choi
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero/Supernatural


Time to look at a couple more of the DC New 52 for the first time. Rather than
look at the debut issues I am sampling the current offerings to see how well
they read jumping in at this point. First up is DEMON KNIGHTS, taking its name
from the Jack Kirby character the Demon, Etrigan. It appears the Demon Knights
are a group of warriors involved in the supernatural for the most part. There is
of course the Demon with the other main character being Madam Xanadu. Along with
them are the Amazon warrior Exoristos, the horsewoman unnamed in this chapter
and a female Valkyrie referred to as Shining Knight who rides a winged horse
called Vanguard. For some reason they are defending a walled cities the locals
refer to as Camelot. This is clearly set in medieval times and the leader of the
defenders is a Saracen. Each has a part to play. Exeristos jumps over the wall
to meet a huge rhino-like beast charging to breach the gate. The opposing army
are mostly armored raptors which she faces alone as her allies rain arrows down
on them. Meanwhile the horsewoman has left the encampment and gathered a herd of
wild horses to make her way to another city to seek help. Shining Knight is
preparing the army in Camelot to fight if the walls are breached and Demon is
protecting Xanadu who knows she needs more power to aid in the fight but to gain
it she would have to perform a human sacrifice. The enemy is led by none other
than Vandal Savage who not only has the lizard horde but also dragons at his
disposal. How all this got to this point is a mystery to the new reader, which
is my criticism of this title. Many comics have a brief standing blurb about the
main characters starring in the title so we at least know who they are. Aside
from Demon and Xanadu the new reader does not know if anyone else is a regular
or even their names. A brief recap to set the scene would also be a help in
understanding the story. On the plus side the art is detailed and colorful
providing good visuals. This chapter reads well and provides lots of action,
valor, and hints at plots within plots. So I would give this an average grade
but would suggest starting at the first issue to get the full picture.

Title: THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN
Issue Number: 6
Title Story: Open Graves
Publisher: DC
Creator: Gardner Fox
Plot: Tony Salvador Daniel & James Bonny
Script: James Bonny
Artist: Philip Tan
Colors: Sunny Gho
Letters: Travis Lanham
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero


The other New 52 I chose stars a character with a long convoluted history in the
DC Universe. I imagine he has a new back-story for the reboot and they have
added the sobriquet "Savage" to his title. I am not sure if that is to indicate
his fighting style or appearance. I will say it fits his new look as his armor
and weapons are a lot more angled and bladed than in the past. Again we are left
with no explanation about the story up to this point. Hawkman does narrate a
little bit in the opening that lets us know that he is in New York and the dead
have begun walking the streets and attacked him in his loft. He was given
ancient book to translate and it speaks of a relic known as the Mortis Orb,
something that could unleash Hell on Earth. As he investigates the shop where
the book came from he is set upon by Jim Craddock, the Gentleman Ghost. He wants
Hawkman to find the Orb for his own purposes for it possesses the key to eternal
life. There is something about Hawkman's nth metal that will lead him to the Orb
and so the story revolves around Hawkman's quest for his own reasons. Along the
way he will find where and why the Orb was hidden. He will also learn that the
power of the Orb will unleash many of the dead to rise and if used for Gentleman
Ghost's plan will sap the life force of many of the living. This is unlike most
Hawkman stories I have read in the past. I did not find myself compelled all
that much by the plot nor the harsher appearance of the winged warrior. While
the art is finely executed it is not enough for me. Maybe I am just more
enamored of past incarnations of the main character but this story is just
derivative stuff. I probably won't be staying with this one.

Title: AVENGERS SOLO
Issue Number: 1 (of 5)
Title Story: Pathfinder
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Jen Van Meter
Artist: Roger Robinson
Colors: Fabio D'Auria
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Cover Artist: John Tyler Christopher
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

I did go back to the first issue of this mini series, which is just wrapping up
now. While the title would suggest a series showcasing various Avengers it is
actually a short series featuring Clint Barton, Hawkeye. After helping a citizen
escape from an assailant in a high tech armored suit the seemingly ungrateful
victim shuns further contact. Later the man shows up at Avenger's mansion to
enlist Hawkeye's help in finding his sister who disappeared six months ago and
is somehow connected to the attack earlier. The man hands Hawkeye a disk he says
has some details and asks to meet at a hotel later. When Hawkeye arrives he
finds the man with an arrow in his back, perhaps used to try and frame Hawkeye
for the murder or a signal to stay out of it. The plot has him track down the
killer, meet a mysterious ally and get drawn into finding the missing girl to
avenge her brother. The trail leads to a modeling agency and the disk provides
details on a now defunct research institute working on prenatal nutrition. The
leader was killed in a fire, his assistant is missing and everyone else involved
is either dead or missing as well. Someone is trying to cover up whatever was
going on and anyone connected with the study, including the missing girl, is in
danger. This is a good beginning plot as it involves a deepening mystery, some
super heroics and showcases Clint as being more than a top archer. A new player
is introduced in the last panel to keep the action going next time. I did not
care for the art all that much in this story. The coloring is very dark close up
art is off a bit though the flow and layout is good.

There is also a back up story featuring AVENGERS ACADEMY shortly after they
moved into their new headquarters on the west coast. It is written by Jim McCann
with art by Clayton Henry and Chris Sotomayor. It is very brief but it features
Hank Pym taking two of the students, Finesse and Striker, on a mission to his
former lab in Death Valley. It seems Doctor Myron Maclain, presumed inventor of
Adamantium, apparently has surfaced at Hank's old lab and the three are going to
investigate, if they can make it there in one piece. The story is very short but
captures the essence of the characters as depicted in their own series. It
remains to be seen how the story develops as a backup to this title. It may draw
in fans of that series. Taken together they make an interesting comic book, if
only for five issues.

Title: BATTLE SCARS
Issue Number: 4 (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 and Guru eFX
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero


I read the first issue of this mini-series and have read some buzz on the
Internet that the lead character, Staff Sergeant Marcus Johnson, is expected to
be a key player in the Marvel Universe. I have also read speculation that he is
directly related to a major character and those rumors are confirmed on the last
panel of this issue. The basic plot is that some unknown agency had Johnson's
mother killed to draw him back from active duty. They want to abduct him and
have contracted a number of mercenaries including Taskmaster, Deadpool and the
Serpent Society to carry out the task. The word is out he is wanted dead or
alive, though the reward will be more if alive. Marcus was in S.H.I.E.L.D.
custody but is now out looking for his own answers aided by his squad mate and
Army Ranger "Cheese." S.H.I.E.L.D. is also trying to regain Johnson so he is on
the run from both the good guys and the bad guys. As the opening scene reveals
this all has to do with his blood, in more ways than one apparently, as doctors
revive a dying patient while a man in black confers with the head doctor
revealing the man is aging rapidly and needs the "blood" within a week. Most of
this issue is a slugfest with all the bad guys going after Marcus and fighting
off each other as well. Everyone wants the reward and Marcus wants Taskmaster
who may have some answers he seeks. As he manages to escape and actually
confront Taskmaster he only gets a single word before being interrupted by a
mask man who warns him to go away and hide, leave it all alone. It is this
mystery person who in the end will reveal a startling fact about Marcus' past.
This was an easy story to get back into thanks to the recap at the beginning.
The script takes it purposely through battle scenes and confrontations to get to
a dramatic climax. The art supports that purpose well and is very appealing. The
lead character has some mystery to him that is slowly being revealed. Why his
blood is so important is just now being explained, though not yet how it came to
be that way. It remains to be seen just how important Marcus Johnson will be in
the future. This could be a key character that will make this story sought after
long after it is over.

Title: HALO: FALL OF REACH - INVASION
Issue Number: 1 (of 4)
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Brian Reed
Artist: Felix Ruiz
Colors: Val Staples
Letters: Jeff Eckleberry
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction/Video Game adaptation
Parental Guidance - 17+





I decided to look in on this series once again as it begins a new 4-issue arc.
It is set in the 26th century. Prior to this story the humans have spread out
into the galaxy establishing 800 colonies after the development of hyperspace
travel. As time went on an insurrection developed among the colonies and Dr.
Catherine Halsey developed a new breed of super-soldier. Children were put
through grueling training and experimental enhancements to become the elite
fighting force known as Spartan-II. But this is not just about civil war. An
alien alliance known as Covenant started a war by obliterating millions on a
peaceful farming world. When the Covenant invaded Sigma Octanus IV in search of
an ancient artifact the Spartans retaliated, eradicated the invaders with a
super bomb and retrieved the artifact. They then retreated to their base on the
planet Reach, unknowingly being followed by an enemy probe.  The main plot as
the story opens is about one of the heroes of Sigma Octanus IV, Captain John
Keyes. He is back at Reach ad is informed about his next command. But before he
begins he must go through upgrades to his Spartan enhancements and pass a field
test. The changes involve the addition of improved shields developed from
captured Covenant technology and the addition of an AI interface to aid him in
becoming an even greater super soldier. The plot serves to get us familiar with
the AI dubbed Cortana and how much she adds to John's ability. The test is for
keeps, literally he must kill if he has to in order to reach the objective and
he may be killed along the way. It highlights the seriousness of the need for
this upgrade to succeed. What also emphasizes that fact is the subplot involving
the first encounter in space with the new Covenant force looking for Reach. This
is a decent space opera that relies on the action and technology to move things
forward. Along the way there are other bits that add to the characterization and
the ending shows the desperation and dedication of the human forces. I am not
sure how much this reflects action in the video game but on its own it is
worthwhile science fiction. I liked the art, which is brilliantly enhanced by
the solid coloring job of Val Staples. You might want to jump on at this point
to see if you agree.

Title: BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER SEASON 9
Issue Number: 6
Title Arc: On Your Own - part 1
Publisher: Dark Horse
Creator: Joss Whedon
Writer: Andrew Chambliss
Artist: Georges Jeanty
Inker: Karl Story
Colors: Michelle Madsen
Letters: Richard Starkings & Jimmy Betancourt
Cover Artist: Phil Noto
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Horror

I never really got into the BUFFY TV series though I know it was very popular.
It has continued its popularity in the comics with new "seasons" and continues
to be one of the top selling independent comics on the racks. I picked up this
issue to see if it is accessible to a new reader with little knowledge. The
answer is yes. I guess most people know Buffy kills vampires (duh) and those in
her profession are known as Slayers. There is a text piece up front that informs
us that Harmony established peace among vampires and humans with the end of
magic on Earth. However, there now exists a new breed called zompires, mindless
vampires who ignore the peace and seek blood. Buffy is helping the SFPD fight
the zompires along with her friend on the force Detective Dowling. That is basic
background along with information about other characters that have little impact
on the story this issue. This story is more about Buffy's personal life. She
recently learned she is pregnant but does not know who the father is. She
believes it may have happened when she was in a drunken state, girl can't hold
her liquor, so there are a few candidates. That is really not her concern
though. She does not know if she can or should raise a child considering her
profession. So she turns to her friend Robin the son of a Slayer named Nikki.
Meanwhile Detective Dowling is having a ride-along with Angel, the vampire, and
they have some interesting discussions about vampires and about Buffy. It is
Nikki's story in flashback that indicates to Buffy what her life might be like
if she keeps the baby. By the end she meets with Spike to ask a big favor in
support of her future. While there is a little bit of action in this issue it is
all in the flashbacks. This is a good thing as it reinforces Nikki's story and
how she handled her upcoming blessed event without taking away from the personal
relationships that highlight the main plot. The art is decent with the character
faces clearly defined and well finished. As an entree into this long running
comic I found this to be an exceptional issue I would recommend to anyone.

                                    *****
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 the history of the Justice League of America whom was the first non-founding
member to be recruited?

Green Arrow joined in Justice League of America #4. The winner by the dice is
Jason Pavao.

Here is your no prize question:
Which rock song holds the record for the most sheet music copies ever sold?

The answer is "Stairway To Heaven" by Led Zeppelin

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
SPIDER-MAN was hyping lots of products in 2002.  One of the TV ads he was in was
for Cingular Wireless, wherein he web-slings around the country to the tune of a
heavy rock beat. The question is what is the name of the song or the group that
performs the music?
Hint: It is an original song from the same decade Spidey began.

Here is your no prize question:
Which NFL team had the first cheerleading squad?

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.