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Friday, October 26, 2012

Comic Reviews 10/27/12




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: MARVEL NOW! POINT ONE
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Marvel
Price (USD): $5.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super hero - new title previews

Marvel's program of new first issues has begun with much more coming soon. This title is a preview of coming attractions. Some are new titles; some are existing titles with new number one issues. This volume highlights 6 such Marvel Now titles starting up in the next three to four months.

NICK FURY, AGENT OF S.H.I.E.L.D. in " NYSE by Nick Spencer, Luke Ross, Lee Loughridge & Clayton Cowles
This is the framing story that weaves through the entire issue. It is also a preview of SECRET AVENGERS when it restarts. Nick Fury has been called in to interrogate someone being held by S.H.I.E.L.D. this man had showed up at the stock exchange and within two hours has everyone's interest - within three he is moving five billion dollars in trades every fifteen minutes. This caused too much attention and his incarceration but he specifically asked to talk only to Fury. He is a self-proclaimed prophet of things to come and warns that it cannot be stopped. When his real strategy is revealed it is too late to stop him. It looks like an interesting plot and yes there is an element to the story that will require the Avengers go into action. Based on the plot and the superb art I would say it is worth picking up SECRET AVENGERS when it reboots in February.

Star Lord in "Guardians of the Galaxy" by Brian Bendis, Steve McNiven, John Dell, Justin Ponsor & Cory Petit
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY will reboot with a "0" issue in February. This brief preview reveals that will be, at least in part, the origin story of Peter Quill - how he is orphaned as a young boy when aliens arrive at his home in Wisconsin. His mother is the target of their attack and Peter will acquire a weapon clearly not of this Earth in the process.  Brief as it is it does read well, gets to where it need to go very quickly and sets the stage for the future of the character. The art here is also very good so I give it thumbs up as well.

Nova in "Diamondhead" by Jeph Loeb, Ed McGuinness, Dexter Vines, Marte Gracia & Albert Deschesne
I am not too much of a fan of Nova. This eight-page preview of his new title coming in February begins as he is pondering the fact that Thor asked him to become an Avenger. As he travels home to Utah he is unaware he is being followed by Diamondhead who has a major grudge to repay against Nova, at least anyone in the Nova costume. It is a brief confrontation and certainly is not the main point of the first issue, or not. It is not enough to tell. The art is fine on this one so I would say it is a maybe for me.

Miss America in "The New World" by Kieron Gillen, Jamie McKelvie, Mike Norton, Matthew Wilson & Clayton Cowles
This one is a preview of YOUNG AVENGERS #1 coming in January. I am not all that familiar with the two characters in this preview - Miss America and what appears to be a younger Loki. (?) Loki has invited her to lunch to make a proposition. Through the dialogue we learn that this is not our Earth. I knew she was from another reality and when Loki talks about going back to EARTH-Earth I assume they are in her original dimension. It seems he is recruiting for a new group of Young Avengers. What he proposes results in a fight and a warning from Miss America as she rejects him. This is a bit confusing to me but may not be for others. Again I have no complaints on the art so I give it a maybe.

Ant Man in "It's Art!" by Matt Fraction, Michael Allred, Laura Allred, & Clayton Cowles
I was disappointed to learn that both FANTASTIC FOUR and FF titles would end soon. This is a first look at FF #1 coming in late November. While the main title will follow Marvel's first family into space FF will be about the team in charge while they are gone. They will be led by Ant-Man and consist of She Hulk, Medusa and some girl in a Thing suit, no kidding! This preview follows Scott Lang still remembering the death of Cassie at the hands of Dr. Doom. Many weeks later he is sneaking into a Latverian art show at the embassy to do a little damage in the way of revenge. He has hitched a ride on one of the guest in microscopic size. This preview shows the dangers inherent in being so small - both natural and man-made when you are dealing with Doom. It ends in a rather comical note but there is no clue about the rest of the book or the team. If you are a fan of the Allreds I do not have to tell you that the art is up to their usual high standard. However, there is not enough information to determine how the rest of the team will interact. I guess we will have to sample it when it hits the racks.

Forge in "Crazy Enough" by Dennis Hopeless, Gabriel Hernandez Walta, David Curiel & Joe Sabino
This is my least favorite entry in the issue. It is a preview of CABLE & X-FORCE #1 coming in December. I gave up on most X-Men spin off titles with the exception of X-FACTOR, which remains the best mutant book on the racks. This new team book includes Cable (back once again), Colossus, Domino, Forge and some other guy I don't recognize because I don't read multiple X-Men titles every month. But the preview is about Forge, Marvel's mutant that can fix or build anything. This is rather strange as Forge is digging through ruins of some kind of fortress he claims to have built in a desolate area. He happens on a machine that should not be there because he did not build it - but he can fix it. The whole while he works on the problem he is carrying on a dialogue with the voice in his head acknowledging he could paranoid even delusional but not insane. It is a rather strange sequence ending with a confrontation with a giant brain that spills out everywhere forcing Forge to run and then form an attack. Whether this part is real or in his mind is not clear to me. What is clear is why they begin with Forge when you see the final panel. The art in this one is bit muddled for my taste. The characterization of Forge is a bit cartoony for a character that in earlier incarnations was depicted a lot stronger. I don't think I will be picking this title up but you can't judge it from this brief sequence so try it your self if you are so inclined.

Title: ULTIMATE COMICS IRON MAN
Issue Number: 1 (OF 4)
Title Story: Demon in the Armor
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Nathan Edmonson
Artist: Matteo Buffagni
Colors: Andy Troy
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: Frank Stockton/Gabriele Dell'otto
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

This mini-series is evidently set in a time after the nationwide chaos occurring in the other Ultimate Comics titles. There is no explanatory introduction but at one point Tony Stark mentions how the nation has risen from the wreckage of tribulation. So lets assume it is all over. The idea of course is that this is a stand-alone story away from those events. Tony is busy with his girlfriend, Josey Gardner, building a new company separate from Stark Enterprises. They have purposely sought outside investors so as not to be entangled in his father's web of control. On that front Howard Stark is demanding Tony take his rightful role as the next CEO of Stark Enterprises. Of course it is the resources of Stark Enterprises that allows Tony to operate as Iron Man. So this is a plot running through the book - the conflict of Tony managing the three situations. Ultimately (no pun intended) something will have to give. The other plot is about Iron Man and the latest threat to him and ultimately (there's that word again) Stark Industries. The book opens with an action sequence showing the attempted hijacking of weapons from a moving train in Canada via helicopter. But the main conflict is later. Behind the scenes we meet this new threat as an agent of this new opponent successfully bribes a low level official in a subsidiary division of Stark Enterprises to plug a flash drive into one of the computers. Later Tony is warned of a breach at that facility and Iron Man flies off to investigate. This leads him to chase a drone flying near the facility and then back track the control signal to an armored vehicle. These are simple problems for our hero but what happens next reveals at least the name of his opponent as well as the seriousness of the threat he poses. The story is straightforward and has a good mix of action and character confrontations. This gives us a feel for Tony's attitude at this point in his life and as events unfold how they effect that disposition. The art team does a decent job as well. It is probably not critical to grab this title to keep up with the big picture of the Ultimate Universe. But if you are a fan of all the Ultimate titles, as I am, you won't be disappointed.

Title: EX SANGUINE
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: The Hollow Man
Publisher: Dark Horse
Script: Joshua Scott Emmons & Tim Seeley
Artist: Tim Seeley
Colors: Carlos Badilla
Letters: Joshua Scott Emmons
Cover Artist: Tim Seeley & Dave Stewart
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Horror
MATURE - Comics on the Edge

The thing that makes this comic work is the mix of several layers in the plot. There is an opening scene like something out of "Criminal Minds" with a victim strapped to a table and his tormentor using a feather to stab a vein and then write things in a book in his blood. We never see the bad guy, only the hands. Eventually we learn that this victim is the third in the neighborhood but that is after a lot of other things happen. The FBI is canvassing the neighborhood when they call on Saul Adams. Saul is the central character of the play. Our first impression of him is a dark one. He is deep in thought and in a depressed state.  Some of those thoughts he writes in a journal that he keeps with him wherever he goes. He has a dark secret we learn a bit later. Speaking of secrets, the female FBI agent has an incident in her past that she is repressing. The writings in the journal and her experience seem to be related but is it coincidence? The latest victim was a regular at the Commonwealth Diner, a place that Saul visits regularly. This night he decides to step in when an ex-boyfriend won't leave the waitress, Ashley, alone. These three characters will interact again later that night in an unexpected way. The revelations from that scene make you rethink who is doing what to whom. It is a very intricate plot that blends subtle horror with murder and twisted love. It will have you thinking who is the monster and who is the hero. The art is polished and clean without much change to emphasize the horror aspect in this chapter. You can guess from the cover illustration it will get more intense. This is not just horror to shock you. It is a well though out tale meant to make you think about it. It is worth your time.

Title: ZAUCER OF ZILK
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: IDW
Creator: Brendan McCarthy & Al Ewing
Writers: Brendan McCarthy & Al Ewing
Script: Al Ewing
Artist: Brendan McCarthy
Colors: Len O'Grady & Brendan McCarthy
Letters: Ellie De Ville
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Mature - Comics on the Edge

This is a somewhat bizarre comic that has at its core a fairly solid plot. The story is about a wizard, referred as the Zaucer in the other dimensional land of Zilk. He wields the mystical wand handed down for generations of Zaucers and his mighty magic is drawn from legions of adoring fans, the more vocal of which young girls referred to Texting Teenie-moths. His arch foe is Errol Paine, a rather dreary fellow who also has a wand with magical powers. Errol wants to capture the Zaucer's wand and merge it with his to gain even more power. The land of Zilk is a visually stunning place everything, including the clouds and the people is multi-colored. It is like a psychedelic trip. In fact some of the characters and art reminds me of the Beatle's "Yellow Submarine" movie. Other characters include the ruler of all Zilk, Zaucer's cousin the Zultan. He is not as bad as Raine but he also covets the Zaucer Wand and was outraged when at the passing of the last Zaucer the wand fled not to him but to a previously unknown bastard child, the current Zaucer. The Zaucer has two aides in his employ. They are Spantalex who hovers around by way of the copter blade on her headdress and Crissymouth a blue man with the head of a dog. It is all a little strange but fits the story. The main plot has Raine, who revels in dreariness, trapping Zaucer in one of his drab, rainy, decaying not-worlds. Struggling with amnesia it is only through the efforts of Spantalex and Crissymouth that he is transported back to Zilk. Once he has regained his composure, and gained the companionship of Tutu (2-2) an ambitious Texting Teen, the Zaucer decides to confront his cousin the Zultan as he suspects he is consorting with the enemy. From here the story takes off into a confrontation with Raine and a frantic search across dimensions for the kidnapped Tutu. Parts of the story get pretty surreal and comical visually. McCarthy has created a world with a wide array of characters where even the good guys are flawed. The book is published in conjunction with Rebellion, publishers of 2000AD. Another collaboration is coming up in November when IDW launches JUDGE DREDD. If you have ever read the variety of different comics in 2000AD Magazine you will not be surprised that this comic has its roots there. It is a diversion from most of what you will find from American publishers.

Title: CYBER FORCE
Issue Number: Vol. 4 Issue #1
Publisher: Image/Top Cow
Creator: Marc Silvestri
Writers: Marc Silvestri & Matt Hawkins
Artist: Khoi Pham
Inker: Sal Regla
Colors: Sunny Gho
Letters: Troy Peteri
Price (USD): $???
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

Never being a big fan of the first three versions of this Image team I am not sure how this measures up. I don't even know if it is a continuation of previous stories or a restart with a new premise. So I am viewing it as the first issue to see how it measures up. First thing to notice is there is no cover price. Evidently there is a special promotion for this to be free at participating comic stores. The story is about Carin Taylor, daughter of the Chairwoman of the CDI; evidently the people in power in a newly rebuilt Pittsburgh in some future time marked by devastation and bio-mechanically enhanced people. Carin is being hunted down by the CDI military after running away. She herself is enhanced, a Four - whatever that means. She also has a voice in her head carrying on conversations. Through this dialogue we learn that Carin knows of the coming end of the world through a series of circumstance and events leading to global war that does not end well. So she is running away to find Morgan Stryker. Instead she is beset by her mother's troops and she escapes into the sewers of Old Pittsburgh and is found by members of Cyberforce, though they don't actually use that name in the story. They are somewhat familiar by there names in past series. There is Dylan Cruse - Heatwave, Dominique Thiebaut - Cyblade, Boomer O'Shea - Impact, Mark Matthews - Ares Prime and Robert Bearclaw - Ripclaw. The fact that she is looking for Stryker does not endear her to most of the team who would rather kill her and move on because they believe Stryker is a myth and she is the daughter of their enemy. The problem with the story is we end up in a situation with conflicting sides, individuals with relationships and hidden motives and have to figure out what is going on and why. There a lot of people angry with a lot of other people for something we haven't been told about. The writer knows all the details but would rather drop us into the situation and fill us in as he goes along. This is not always a bad way to tell a story but you have to get the reader interested enough to stick around. So far I have not seen enough to get me there. On the plus side the art is executed very well with good composition, detail and coloring. So this is not a great comic in my opinion and is not interesting enough for me to stick with it. Your opinion may be different.

Title: STEAMPUNK HALLOWEEN 2012
Issue Number: 1
Story & Art: Fred Perry, Rod Espinosa, Will Terrell & Mary Bellamy
Publisher: Antarctic Press
Cover Artist: Fred Perry
Price (USD): $3.50
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Steam Punk (black & white)

Well, my first comment about this comic is that is not about Halloween at all. The only thing remotely related to Halloween is a pin up in the back of a Steampunk witch on a broom holding a jack-o-lantern. That is it. So either AP is just pushing out another one-shot for its loyal following of the genre or they are hoping others will give it a try because they like to read comics about Halloween at this time of the year. If you are in the latter group don't waste your time. Having said that this is not a comic without value. Aside from the aforementioned pinup there are three more horror Steampunk pin ups that are stunning visually done by David Hutchinson. Then we have the main story, which is neither about Halloween or horror. It is called "Viva La Venice" and is done by Rod Espinosa. It is the story of a female agent called Francheska who is on a mission to steal back the maps to the lost continent of Atlantis that rightfully belong to the people of Alexandria. She slips into a masquerade ball in Venice (the closest we get to Halloween) to find her way to the commodore's quarters. She has an array of Steampunk tools to open locks and crack the safe, though it is a mystery how she concealed them in her clothes. As she proceeds in her task she sheds more clothing, all the time keeping radio contact with her handler. By the end she is in bra, panties and leggings, which of course is meant to titillate the fanboys. It is a fun story and the art is decent. The second shorter story is by Fred Perry called, "Look Out It's Frankensteam's Boxer!!!" Which has the steam punk female version of Dr. Frankenstein building a female robot to pass as a human and box the champion Piston McSlapchop. It is drawn in a Manga style and is silly from start to finish. Finally Will Terell offers "Hold Up!" In it the brave female Steampunk gunslinger happens into a robbery at the general store and must confront the thieves. As I said, if you are already a fan of AP's genre offerings you will probably pick this one up. Personally there is not enough solid content to justify $3.50 for this comic.

                                    *****
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:

Famous first words of which character:


"Before I leave for the evening, sir, I thought you might like some freshly brewed coffee."

First reactions are often wrong in trivia and such was the case this time.  Most would guess Alfred, Bruce Wayne's butler but it was Jarvis, of the Avenger's mansion, that uttered those words in his debut. Another week with no winner.

Here was a no prize question:

Who was the youngest Vice President of the USA to ever get elected to the office?


John Breckinridge, VP under President Buchanan from 1857-61 was 36 when elected. David McBarron gets the no prize.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:

This one is for small press fans of the last two decades. In what comic feature do the cats Stan and Ollie hang out?


Here is your no prize question:

What is the fastest growing plant on earth?


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.

Friday, October 19, 2012

Comic Reviews 10/19/12

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: BATMAN
Issue Number: 13
Title Story: Knock Knock
Title Arc: Death of the Family
Publisher: DC
Creator: Bob Kane
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artists: Greg Capullo, Jonathan Clapion
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

Well, this it - the beginning of the Batman crossover event. I must say the scripting of this first chapter is deftly handled. Each panel and every scene has a purpose. From the opening where the dialogue is coming from the commissioner but the visual is a delivery van entering the city and eventually pulling up to GPD. It is a little thing; you pay more attention to what is being said rather than a mundane vision of a panel truck driving through the rain. And yet the dialogue, mentioning omens of terrible things to come should be a clue that this is no ordinary van. There are several major scenes. The first is at Gotham PD where Joker makes his appearance in a rather dramatic and deadly fashion. Then we have Batman back at the cave beginning his investigation now that he knows Joker is back. The conversation begins with Alfred but soon includes Robin and then via telecom connections Nightwing, Red Robin and Batgirl. Of course the big questions are where has he been and what does he have planned next? A transmission over the local TV feed reveals it all. But like most of Joker's plans there are plans within plans. Even the best efforts of Batman and the police cannot plan for every contingency. But only Batman would pick up on something very obscure as a result of his next attack and that will lead him right into what Joker was planning all along. As I said I like the scripting. At every turn the good guys seem to have it all covered only to find Joker is two steps ahead. The overall effect is a major story that begins with lots of violence and tragedy - the biggest of which may come right after the closing panel. It also has Batman at one point in a traditional death trap fully orchestrated by Joker but that scene also carries with it a big surprise as well as our first look at his new appearance - his face newly attached to his head. It is a tense ending that is built up masterfully. The art team does a terrific job as well. I can see how anyone can get hooked into wanting more after reading this issue so be warned. But wait, there's more!

Back up story - "Tease" by Scott Snyder & James Tynion IV with art by Jock and letters by Sal Cipriano

This story goes back before the ending of the first tale. It is Joker meeting with Harley for the first time since he came back. She is still a devote follower and he has special plans for her, which is played out in the beginning story. But this scene is more about him teasing her about what he is going to do to her to make her perfect. He is such a twisted character you start to believe, as does Harley, that he will really do it. This is more of a glimpse of the relation between the two and a reaffirmation of the wickedness that is the Joker. The art is very stylistic giving it an added sense of horror beyond the dialogue. It is kind of creepy, which makes it very appropriate for this issue.

Title: UNCANNY AVENGERS
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: New Union
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: John Cassaday
Colors: Laura Martin
Letters: Chris Eliopoulos
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

Marvel has begun its restart of issues dubbed Marvel Now with this new title. The title and the cover suggest that the Avengers will become more diverse as a result of the outcome of AVENGERS VS X-MEN by adding more mutants to its ranks. The issue is organized into several sub plots. One is the funeral of Charles Xavier with Wolverine in civilian dress giving the eulogy. He spends time recalling Xavier's dream of peaceful cohabitation among humans and mutants and how it would be done. Through it he touches on his animosity for Scott Summers and the deed he has done and how the followers of Charles Xavier have failed. Woven into that plot is another showing Scott's brother Alex visiting him at the maximum-security prison to more or less lecture Scott about what has happened. As he leaves he is met by Captain America and Thor who invite him to the Avengers Mansion to ask him to join the Avengers and lead its premiere team as an example of new cooperation between the X-Men and Avengers. Before they can reach a resolution the city outside is attacked by Avalanche and the three spring to action. Another plot later shows the Scarlett Witch at Charles's tomb paying her respects when she is confronted by Rogue upset by her mere presence. They have a heated exchange with a most unusual revelation and they too are interrupted by an unexpected attack. The final plot actually frames the issue at the beginning and the end. The narrator is unseen until the very last panel. He may very well be behind the other attacks in the story. He talks of the aftermath of AvX and how mutants will be hated now more than ever because of the actions of the Phoenix Five and their followers. All the while he is performing an operation - what appears to be a lobotomy or brain removal. What he believes he is acquiring by doing this, the identity of the victim and the revelation of the mystery narrator are all exposed in a shocking final panel. I'll admit I did not see the ending coming though some may from slight hints in prior panels. I felt the characterizations throughout were pretty good given the stories that have followed before. Remender has begun the run with a bang by adding new threats and new alliances as well as a major threat form an old foe. Fan favorite John Cassaday puts on a stellar performance with the fine coloring of award winning Laura Martin touching things off beautifully. Marvel has the A-team on this book and it sure to be a big hit.

Title: COMBAT JACKS
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Banana Tale Press
Creator: Mark McKenna
Writer/Inker: Mark McKenna
Artist: Jason Baroody
Colors: Kate Finnegan
Letters: John Hunt
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction/Horror

The pumpkins and pumpkin-like creatures on the cover might make you think this is a Halloween story but it is not. This story by the award winning Mark Mckenna takes place on another planet. The back-story tells us that a planet entered our solar system and became trapped in the same orbit as Earth, on the other side of the sun. The planet was dubbed Maia and in 2214 probes revealed it had a breathable atmosphere. Terraformers who were mostly volunteers that where lifers or death row inmates were sent to prep the planet for colonization. In a few months after they arrive the planet began to show vegetation growing - vegetation very similar to one known on Earth. When communications with the colony was lost for weeks the space marines (ala the ALIENS movie) are sent to investigate. All this is in the first three pages before the splash. I now realize that the rest of the story is less interesting. You can almost see what is going to happen. The marines land amid acres of what appear to be pumpkin patches. Like any good horror story the pumpkins naturally come to life, walking on their roots and vines and they attack. From here on it is a battle for survival. The high point, if you can call it that, is the appearance of a lone survivor of the colony with an interesting story of how he managed to stay alive. To his credit McKenna tries to give the story a Twilight Zone type twist designed to have us ponder if this is really the end. The best part of the comic is the art. It is stunning at points and the coloring is brilliant. While it is well produced the weak story does not measure up to the rest of it.

Title: HALLOWEEN EVE
Issue Number: 1-Shot
Publisher: Image
Writer: Brandon Montclare
Artist: Amy Reeder
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Fantasy

The title of this comic has a double meaning. The majority of the action takes place on the night before Halloween and the main character is named Eve. Eve works in a costume store and of course their busiest time is around Halloween. Eve is uncharacteristically averse to Halloween, especially since the boss has dictated that all the employees will be in costume Halloween day. She is good in her job always getting the right look for each customer; she just doesn't want to dress up herself. In the course of the opening the other employees are all arguing with her about her stubbornness. Each has their own personality that is brought out well by both the writer and the artist. Raymond is the closet thing to a friend to Eve. He appears at first to be a fool but turns out to be a prince. Carlos is the ill-tempered manager. Bernardo, his nephew, is a chubby likable guy who takes criticism in stride. Ingrid is a strong female and a no-nonsense individual. These character traits are all brought out later when Eve is chosen to stay late that evening to prepare the store for the big day, Halloween. During the course of her work she begins talking to the manikins, even dressing them up and pretending one is Raymond. When she takes it one step further and puts on a witch's costume something strange starts to happen. Whether it is a dream or a supernatural experience she starts to see and hear things. The jester Raymond manikin begins to talk, a devil appears and as she runs away she ends up going through a mirror and into a very surreal land of people and animals all in various costumes - a land of Halloween. Each of the major characters in this fantasy is representative of her co-workers. Through it all she will look a things and people very differently the next day. The art as I said is very effective in carrying the theme into the visuals it deserves. It is a polished effort on all fronts. While it is not a very deep story it is interesting and entertaining. Not the typical story you might expect from a comic with such a title.


Title: POINT OF IMPACT
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Image
Creators: Jay Faerber & Koray Kuranel
Writer: Jay Faerber
Artist: Koray Kuranel
Letters: Charles Pritchett
Price (USD): $2.99 (Black & White)
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Crime Drama
Mature - Comics on the Edge

One thing that grabbed me about this comic is the cover. In fact the art throughout is a masterful use of black & white, which is often best suited for a darker tale such as this. Koray Kuranel tends to use black more than white and that sets the tone very nicely. The cover illustration is the critical scene that drives the plot. It shows a city of high-rise buildings at night. But on the roof of one building we see two figures, perhaps men, throwing a female off the roof. This plays right into the opening panels of the book as the body lands on the roof of a parked car. The scenes shift as we move forward. The cops investigating reach the conclusion this was a murder. The woman's husband returns home to find she is not there but someone is ransacking their bedroom. As the intruder escapes with a laptop we know there is more to learn about the victim. Indeed we see another man also reaching out to her by phone, not knowing she is dead. He apparently is her lover but there is a clue that ties him into that intruder - so what is really going on?  The mystery is only beginning. There are unseen people involved in the murder also. What is her secret that brought about these circumstances? The writer has given us a lot to think about and the illustrator has moved the story forward with the visuals that the dialogue does not cover. This is a decent comic that has a lot of promise.

Title: TRANSFUSION
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: IDW
Writer: Steve Niles
Artist: Menton J. Matthews III
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Horror
Mature - Comics on the Edge

Whenever I see Steve Niles name on a comic I know I can expect something terrifying and unusual. When you combine his talents with the art of Menton Matthews unusual is not strong enough. TRANSFUSION is set in a future where the world is overrun by machines and monsters that both need human blood to survive. After war ravaged the planet the climate has changed drastically to crippling cold nights and unbearable heat in the days. The war machines, robots, hunt all humans now using their body and blood as lubricant for their systems. The opening scenes show this dire situation humans are in dramatically and graphically. A small group of humans is seen scavenging for whatever they can find to survive. Thinking it is safe they run into a small cornfield to gather what they can carry. They soon learn it is not safe at all. The story is told in part from the perspective of one of the group. It turns out he is the only one that survives to live another day. But there is another part of this story. Machines aren't the only ones hunting humans. I mentioned monsters. Specifically they are vampires. There is no explanation why vampires abound in this future world but they do. They are more devious in their plans to get as many humans as possible. Rather than just kill them on sight they may use some to find more, preferring to wait for a large prize. So this story is more about vampires versus robots than it is about humans struggling to survive. Menton's surrealistic style borders on as style that is something from Heronymous Bosch. It is really eerie and adds to the horror of it all. Fans of superb horror should give this one a look.


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

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

Last week's trivia question:
What card game are Aunt May and Uncle Ben playing when the intruder shows up in
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN?


The coffee table has what is clearly a deck of cards in mid game and a cribbage board used for keeping score in that wonderful old card game. No winner again.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
Famous first words of which character:

"Before I leave for the evening, sir, I thought you might like some freshly brewed coffee."

Here is a no prize question:
Who was the youngest Vice President of the USA to ever get elected to the office?


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.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Comic Reviews 10/15/12

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: NON-HUMANS
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Image
Writer: Glen Brunswick
Artist: Whilce Portacio
Colors: Brian Valeza
Letters: Rus Wooten
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction

This comic has as its premise the possibility that toys could come to life in
the real world. That alone poses some interesting questions that the writer can
explore and situations you might not think of immediately. The year is 2041 and
the story is set in Los Angeles. The main character is Detective Oliver Aimes of
the LAPD. Some undetermined amount of years ago the "disease" struck bringing
toys, manikins and the like to a life of their own. They are referred to as Non-
Humans. Aimes' partner was recently murdered so that is what is driving the plot
as the story opens. Aimes interacts at times with the first Non-Human detective
on the force who goes by the name Medic. It seems some of the NH are more equal
than others. If the have an Existence Card they are more accepted in society.
Medic is working on a series of murders on NH's by a contract killer. There is
an underground NH mafia and that may lead Aime's to his partner's killer. The
plot also involves his ex-wife and son. It seems this "disease" is spread by
children. The government issues mandatory meds to those under 19 to take them to
help prevent the activation of more Non-Humans. It seems their son Todd has been
hanging out with a former Victoria Secret manikin and is keeping late hours. He
is only fourteen so if he goes off his meds… The other main plot point is the
fact that the NH population has grown to the point that they have organized and
even have their own president. Since there is a serial assassin of NH's at loose
he would be the likely target at the Non-Human rights rally held once a year.
There is a lot going on in this one issue – a lot of concepts to grasp about
this very different society. Portacio does a decent job on the art, though he
has never been my favorite. I felt Brunswick was trying to get too much going on
this first issue and at times found myself re-reading sections to better
understand things. I think it would have been better to have an informative text
page up front to explain things a little better rather than force the exposition
into the narrative. Still it has promise and may be worth seeing what happens
next.


Title: SPACEKNIGHTS
Issue Number: 1
Material reprinted from SPACEKNIGHTS Magazine #1-2, 2000
Title Story: Ebon Tidings
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Jim Starlin
Artist: Chris Batista
Inker: Chip Wallace
Colors: Tom Chu
Letters: Jon Babcock
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction

Marvel has dipped back into their archives to pull out this space opera from
twelve years ago. I sometimes wonder how an editorial decision like this gets
made and if there is any interest in the current market. Evidently someone at
Marvel thinks so – maybe a new line of toys is in the works. The above the log
blurb is "The Next Wave of Marvel Heroes!" so… This series seems to be set after
another series ran. The opening is three-page recap of what has happened before.
During the Dark Age the Dire Wraiths became a peril to life and soul throughout
the universe. From the planet Galador arose the Space Knights to counter the
Wraiths. The war waged for centuries and many planets allied with the Space
Knights including Earth. Here Brandy Clark took up the mantle of Starshine to
defend her planet and with the Space Knights victorious the Wraiths were
banished to Limbo. Brandy return to Galador to be with the leader of the
Knights, the Prime Director as they rebuilt their broken capital and began a
family.  Now it is years later. The older son Balin is first among the Knights
and his younger brother, Tristan, is forever in his shadow as he comes of age to
be among the knights. Word has just come back to Galador that the Prime Director
was apparently destroyed in an attack on his ship. The story has a couple of
main plots. On the far off planet of Trion internal conflict has lead the
government to appeal to the Space Knights to help stop the ethnic cleansing
among their people. Suddenly the planet is attacked by beings that look a lot
like Space Knights to the Trions. The Knights get word of these imposters and
head off to set things right. Meanwhile the queen, Mistress Brandy, is worried
that there is a traitor in their midst. Through a few scenes here and there we
know the Nazgoth are responsible for the attacks on the Director and Trion and
are in league with the traitor. But for now that is all hidden truth. The other
main plot is the strained relationship between the two brothers. Balin now seeks
to claim his birthright but fails to pass a ritual test. He is still the leader
and fears Tristan could pass that test and usurp his authority. Meanwhile
Tristan has problems of his own including recurring visions of a mystical
nature. At the climax of the issue the conflict between the two comes to a head
as Tristan makes a fatal mistake. Tristan is clearly the ultimate hero of the
story and must at some point redeem himself. This truly is a space opera in that
sense. There are multiple characters though only a few are really central to the
story. While the issue includes some action sequences most of it is introductory
and set up for what is to come. I found it to be an average tale with nothing
that made me really excited. The art is very good and the coloring is spot on.
Maybe I would have enjoyed it more twelve years ago but today it is just ok.


Title: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: DC
Creator: Bob Kane
Cover Artist: Ethan Van Sciver & Brian Miller
Letters by Saida Temofonte
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

I have mentioned before I do not follow all the regular Batman titles because
invariably they get entangled in large event crossovers. Case in point is the
"Death of the Family" event that is just beginning. It will play out over four
months and involve nine different titles. Don't get me wrong; I like Batman as a
character. That is why I was pleased to see this anthology series appear with
three stand-alone stories with various creators contributing. The first issue
has three stories to give you your Batman fix. Up front I will say that this is
an excellent first issue and is accessible to all who enjoy good Batman stories.

"The Butler Did It" by Damon Lindelof, Jeff Lemire and Jose Villarubia
This story explores the nature of super heroes in the mind of Batman. In the
opening narration and later in a flashback scene with Alfred, Bruce ponders all
of his colleagues with powers. They may be able to fly, or create big green
things from their mind but they also have weaknesses, vulnerabilities. When he
claims to Alfred that he himself has no weakness Alfred disagrees and Bruce bets
him a dollar he is wrong. It would be giving away too much to reveal how that
bet turns out but the title of the story gives you a clue. It is a well thought
out story that is enjoyable. On the other hand the art is not that appealing to
me.

"All of the Above" by Jonathan Larsen, JG Jones and Paul Mounts

In contrast to the first story this story shows Batman at his best – both
visually by the art team and in the plot that involves Batman alone on duty in
the JLA satellite. It opens with a seemingly inescapable trap that Batman has to
escape in just seconds. We find out later how he manages it with the use of a
rather comical tip of the hat to the old Batman TV show. The real action begins
earlier when he detects an intruder that turns out to be Amazo, the android with
all the powers of the Justice League members. Larsen gives us a great script
showing how Batman escapes the trap, evades Amazo and eventually leads him into
a trap of his own. It is an example of how to write an interesting and action
packed short story.

"The Crime Never Committed" by Tom Taylor, Nicola Scott, Wayne Faucher and Allen
Passalagua

This is also a cleverly written story with the strong art and coloring it
deserves. The opening two pages may have you wonder what is going on. Batman is
in the cave using the computer to track the purchases of an average citizen. The
purchase of a shotgun leads him to cross-reference other purchases on the same
credit card. Taken all together they point to an intended crime by a man with no
record. Put aside the fact that it is kind of creepy Bruce is trolling for crime
through the records of private citizens and the rest of the story is rather
clever. He and Robin arrange a meeting, in their unique fashion, with this guy
and lay out the obvious outcomes of his plan. Damien actually does most of the
talking in this one. It is an enjoyable story that does not really solve the
reason why the man made the choice in the first place or how he will resolve his
problems.

Title: GRIMM FAIRY TALES PRESENTS ROBYN HOOD
Issue Number: 1 (of 5)
Publisher: Zenescope
Writer: Pat Shand
Story by: Joe Brusha, Raven Gregory, Ralph Tedesco & Pat Shand
Artist: Dan Glasl
Colors: Tom Mullin & Jason Embury
Letters: Jim Campbell
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Action/Adventure/Fantasy

Everything you need to know about the Zenescope Grimm universe is explained on
the inside cover, which is fortunate for new readers. It explains that fairy
tales and fables were considered fiction for centuries but the truth is they are
set in four realms linked to Earth – Myst, Neverland, Wonderland and Oz. Those
born in the four realms are called Highborns. Those of mixed human and Highborn
blood are called Falsebloods. All those with any Highborn blood have some form
of supernatural ability. As it is with humans, some are good and some are evil.
The Falsebloods may have to choose which side they are on as they discover their
abilities. While the cover leads you to believe this may be an adaptation of the
classic tale with a female good girl in the lead role. It is far from the
"Robin" Hood we are familiar with. It begins in the Realm of Myst as a baby is
about to be sacrificed in a dark magic ritual only to be saved by a warrior
fighting for the right cause. The mystical leaders of the Realm agree that the
child must be nurture outside of the realm and so the warrior brings her to
Earth though to an unlikely home. The girl grows up learning to fend for herself
against cruel classmates and care for her ailing foster mother. While she is
active in school she is also street tough, often stealing from drug dealers to
buy the medicine her parents can't afford. But her tie to Myst is not gone. Back
in that realm some poor people are being oppressed by evil king. One of the
serfs is bold enough to seek help from a Highborn with power. Though she feels
their pain she cannot act against the king but reveals there is another who can
help them, when the time is right. Clearly this is a set up for the time when
Robyn is old enough to be returned to Myst and become the bane of the king much
like the traditional Robin Hood was the foil of Prince John and the sheriff.
This being the beginning of the story it spends time on Robyn's life growing up
on Earth and some of the hardships, often cruelty and pain, she endures that
will build her character. The art, as always in these books, is appealing in
every aspect. I found the story interesting. Thankfully it is not muddled with
other aspects of the Grimm Universe from other titles. This would be a good
issue to sample, as was the JUNGLE BOOK when I sampled that one.

Title: Critter
Issue Number: 4
Publisher: Big Dog Ink
Creator: Tom Hutchison
Writer: Tom Hutchison
Artist: Fico Ossio
Letters: Kel Nuttall
Price (USD): $3.50
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

Looking for comics I had not sampled I found this issue of an ongoing series
from newcomers Big Dog Ink. To their credit the recap briefly the story so far
on the inside cover so starting with the fourth issue is not a hindrance.
Basically Cassie Crawford is a legacy super hero, or wants to be. Her mom was
one of the most powerful telekinetics on the planet. Cassie now wears the tail
and ears of the cat-like costume hoping to make it on her own as a hero. The
part that is missing is how she got hook up with the group known as
Purrrfection. Rather than being heroes and helping people they are basically
escorts and chaperones for movie stars. It is rather disappointing for our girl
until a ten foot bruiser with horns starts trashing a car on the street near
where the group is gathered. She quickly springs into action and holds the bad
guy at bay until the real heroes, The In Crowd, appear to finish him off. The
first half of the book is a bit of this action and then some exposition on the
members of the In Crowd. The second half is back at Cassie's apartment where her
roommate has been busy putting together a new costume for her gal pal. In that
vein there are subtle hints that Gina is more than platonic about her feelings
toward Cassie. The final scenes have Cassie finally going out on patrol and
doing the vigilante thing on a common criminal. The art on this book is somewhat
appealing however the coloring is heavy in red shades, which distracts from its
strengths. The plotting is jumbled with jarring changes in scenes. I felt
Hutchinson lost focus on the plot in places and is trying to hard to introduce
lots of characters and give them depth. What there is in plot is minimal. This
is more a collection of scenes without any of them inspiring. I won't be waiting
for the next issue.

Title: THE ORDER OF DAGONET
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Action Lab Comics
Writer: Jeremy Whitley
Artist: Jason Strutz
Price (USD): $4.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Fantasy

Getting even deeper into rack I found another odd-looking comic from yet another
small publisher to review something different. Right up front let me say this
has some of the worst art I have seen in a long time. I used to review self-
published and small press comics sent to me when I did the online Emag and this
has the appearance of a lot of that stuff. It is a one-man effort and it shows.
The rough pencils are actually a unique style all its own but the finish and
coloring ruin any chance of it coming off as stylish. Instead it appears
amateurish. So there is strike one. The story involves an excavation in England
that unearths a bunch of ancient mythical beings with an agenda. As they spread
out into various areas they kidnap the queen and kill her husband. They also
take control of Parliament as well as shutting off all communication to the
island. At the center of it all is the Faerie Queen Titania, apparently
establishing her rule. That is the set up of the conflict. In other parts of the
plot we met the major players, almost all of which are parodies of famous
English celebrities. There is rock star Dizzy Clairborne whose speech is barely
decipherable but thankfully someone is always repeating what he says in plain
English for us. Then we have Gene Everyman, author of the famous Boy Wizard
series of books – he is the most normal of the bunch. We also have aging British
actor who is also a homosexual. His prime is past and he has resorted to acting
in low-grade science fiction movies. These three are in different parts of the
US when they all pass out suddenly. While those around them react to their
situations we see their minds have been transported to an astral plane to meet
Merlin of King Arthur's court. Our three are also members of the Order of
Dagonet, supposedly a special order used by the British Royalty to award
Knighthood to entertainers, athletes and the like. Merlin charges them with
saving England as all knights are sworn to defend the kingdom. When they regain
consciousness they will all arrange to make their way back to the homeland. In a
humorous twist the gay actor Tottington calls on a friend for transportation on
his private jet. He is a flamboyant rock star, Emerald, with audacious
sunglasses and all glitter clothes. Even his jet has glitter. These brief bits
of humor are the best part of the book. In fact the whole story is played with a
strong sense of humor while still trying to advance the plot. It is hard to
imagine that this group can go up against powerful magical beings but it looks
to be a fun ride. Too bad the visuals are not that appealing.

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


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

Last week's trivia question:
What was the first comic title in which Superboy (Kon-el), Robin (Tim Drake),
and Impulse (Bart Allen) all worked together?


Not YOUNG JUSTICE, or SECRET:GIRL FRENZY, or even JUSTICE LEAGUE: WORLD WITHOUT
GROWNUPS was the answer.  Superboy, Robin and Impulse first appeared together at
the end of UNLIMITED ACCESS #3. No winner this time.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
What card game are Aunt May and Uncle Ben playing when the intruder shows up in
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN?


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.

Friday, October 5, 2012

Comic Reviews 10/5/12






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: AQUAMAN
Issue Number: 0
Title Story: Underwater
Publisher: DC
Creator: Paul Norris
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artists: Ivan Reiss & Joe Prado
Colors: Rod Reis
Letters: Nick J. Napolitano
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

The last of the New 52 zero issues are out now. First up is AQUAMAN. This is a true origin story and begins not five but six years ago. It is a time when Arthur Curry's dad is on his deathbed and Doctor Stephen Shin has announced that Arthur is from Atlantis. Thomas Curry's last request to his son is that he find his mother and tell her that he loves her and never stopped waiting for her. This day is the turning point in Arthur's life. When he is hounded by the paparazzi to verify that he is Atlantean he declares he is not one of them and does not belong on land, diving into the sea on a quest to find his mother. Much of the first half goes along with the title of the story with Arthur scouring the seven seas in search of Atlantis and learning more about his abilities beyond breathing underwater. A chance encounter leads him to a fishing village in Norway where he finally meets another from Atlantis, Vulko, long-time advisor to the Atlantean Throne. It is Vulko who will enlighten Arthur on the history of his people after his mother returned leaving Arthur with his father. He will learn of her fate and the current situation under the Atlantean Guard ruled by his half brother Orm. The story only takes us to the point when Arthur gets his first glimpse of Atlantis. There is much of his story that is untold going forward, some of which was already revealed in previous issues. This issue fills in more of the beginning in fine style visually by the art team. If you are already a fan of this popular New 52 title you will enjoy it. For others it is a good jump on point to see why this title is selling so well.

Title: TALON
Issue Number: 0
Title Story: The Long Run
Publisher: DC
Plot: James Tynion & Scott Snyder
Writer: James Tynion
Artist: Guillem March
Colors: Tomey Morey
Letters: Sal Cipriano
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

I have felt for a long time that there are too many Batman family titles and yet here is another one. I only sample the main titles on occasion so I am not up on the whole Court of Owls theme lately. Having said that I found this story very accessible even without that knowledge. The protagonist is Calvin Rose, a construction worker when the story begins five years ago. Working on a bridge he sees someone apparently reading to jump off and rushing to stop him he finds the man already dead. This is a trap set by the Court of Owls to capture Calvin and end his life. Before we find out if they are successful we flash back to his childhood. At eight years old he escaped from an abusive father who kept him in a cage and never looked back. He ended up at the famous Haly Circus, home of the Flying Graysons, and the man who befriended him trained him to be a master escape artist. But this place is also a connection to the Court of Owls who is impressed with Calvin. They convince him that theirs is an organization that hunts down evil people to keep Gotham City safe and great. Thus he went into training with them to eventually become their Talon. Through the years as he trained to be their operative he became proficient in combat as well as the technical aspects of covert operations. In his final test he knows he must also be an assassin and that begins an internal conflict between escaping from his past and living as a man who can face himself in the mirror. On his first mission as Talon he faces that choice. This fills us in on why he is a hunted man today and what his future may be like. As I said, the story is new reader friendly. On its own it is a good beginning for a title. New readers should not shy from it because of multiple Batman titles already engrossed in the Court of Owls history. It is a compelling story with good art. Even a non-Batman fan can enjoy it.

Title: THE FLASH
Issue Number: 0
Title Story: The Flash
Publisher: DC
Writers: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato
Artist: Francis Manapul
Colors: Brian Buccellato & Ian Herring
Letters: Wes Abbott
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

This is another zero issue that goes back five years and looks at the origin of the title character. In the present Barry Allen is not married to Iris West but as we open the story the character is much the same as previous iterations. He works in the crime lab and has dedicated his career to finding the real killer of his mother. His father has been imprisoned for the murder ever since Barry was a child in elementary school. With both his parents gone he was raised by police officer and friend of his mother, Darryl Frye, who became his father figure and role model eventually leading him to a career in law enforcement. The two stories are tied together in a well-scripted plot that shows the lightning strike that transformed him into the fastest man alive. As a result of the accident Barry is hospitalized with severe burns. It is in that recovery mode that Barry dreams in flashback (no pun intended) of the day of the murder. We learn of his parents strained relationship and why his father was the chief suspect. We see him meet Frye who eventually becomes his mentor and advocate. But more than that we see how he learns of his new ability once he is strong enough to leave and how he develops his new persona as The Flash. In a not unintended twist one of his first accomplishments is stopping escaping bank robbers and later we learn the young getaway driver is named Danny West. Speculation on the web is that this is a nod to those who are demanding the return of Wally West in the New 52. Whether or not Danny ties into that remains to be seen. By the end of the issue we come full circle with Barry visiting his father on the anniversary of his mother's death.  We also see a slight change in Barry's resolve along with his new beginning. There is no hint of Zoom being involved in this key moment in the history of the New 52 Flash. That may or may not be revealed later. For now it is a solid origin worthy of reading even if you do not regularly read this title. I have mixed feelings on the art. The "Flash" effects are different now, which for a long time fan is a bit distracting. The penciling is decent and the coloring in the flash back sequences is done in brown tones to good effect. As a whole it is worth the price of admission.


Title: JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK
Issue Number: 0
Title Story: Young Bastards
Publisher: DC
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Lee Garbett
Inkers: Cam Smith with Jack Purcell, Scott Hanna & Walden Wong
Colors: Pete Pantazis
Letters: Rob Leigh
Cover Artist: Ryan Sook
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Occult Super Hero

I have not been reading JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK so this is a test to see what the creators have cooked up for the zero issue. Rather than the normal five years ago the story is set in a nebulous "some time ago." This is the story of a young John Constantine who has become firmly placed in the DC New 52 continuity. He appears to be a young adult and has come to New York to further his knowledge of magic, something he has devoted his life to. He wants to learn from the best and the best is Nichols Nolan who goes by the name Nick Necro. He manages to get into the private club where the magic underground gathers. It is here that he meets Necro's girlfriend, Zatanna, as she performs on stage. Spurned at first when he asks to study under Necro a twist of fate has him save Necro and Zatanna from an attack by a member of the Cult of the Cold Flame. They are a group of Black Magic cultists. Zatanna's father thwarted their plans over the years and now they have targeted the couple. The save gives Constantine the entrance into Necro's world and the three become a team until John is fully accepted in their fight against all the nightmares that try to attack humanity. As the story develops we learn that Necro has his own agenda and more and more becomes obsessed with finding the legendary Books of Magic. It is the holy grail of serious magicians but as we see from the resolution of the story seeking it comes at a great cost. Jeff Lemire does a really good job of plotting this story giving his characters ample time to develop as it moves forward. On a side note he has Zatanna smoking in one panel, which to me seemed like a stark departure from the character before the New 52. The art is exceptional though I ponder why they needed four inkers to finish on time. Regardless it is another good story that stands on its own without prior knowledge of past issues. It also lays the groundwork for the coming "War for the Books of Magic" and perhaps a hint that Necro will be seen again, if he already hasn't been. I recommend this book for a taste of what is something different about the New 52.


Title: THE FURY OF FIRESTORM: THE NUCLEAR MEN
Issue Number: 0
Title Story: Covalence
Publisher: DC
Creators: Gerry Conway & Al Milgrom
Writer: Joe Harris
Artist: Yildiray Cinar
Inker: Marlo Alquiza
Colors: Hi-Fi
Letters: Travis Lanham
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

When this title first started in the New 52 it involved two high school students, Jason Rusch and Ron Raymond, who were touched by the Firestorm Protocols. Ron, the athlete, could hurtle fire like a nuclear powered rocket while Jason gained the power to transmute matter from one element to another. As separate nuclear powered beings they fought other bad Firestorm beings until those others and our two heroes no longer had their powers. This story is not a step back to an origin. Instead it moves forward with what happens next. Jason and Ron are back to normal high school concerns but it seems what they believed happened to their powers is not entirely true. This story bridges the gap from that new approach of having several people gaining Firestorm powers to the more traditional concept as introduced long ago by Conway and Milgrom. (It is nice to see their creator credits on this character.) The premise of the plot is that the powers have not completely gone away. Rusch is the first to realize that something is not right and Ronnie will get the picture when the prototype nuclear man, Helix - thought to be dead, reappears and attacks. This issue marks the debut of Firestorm in a new configuration. Where the character goes from here is left for another day. This low selling title has been on the cancellation bubble for a while. This may be a way to keep the title or at least the character around for a while. To their credit the art team does a great job, especially Hi-Fi on the coloring. Regardless of the future this issue is a landmark in the history going forward.

Title: A FINE AND PRIVATE PLACE
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: IDW
Original Story: Peter S. Beagle
Adapted by: Peter Gillis
Artist: Eduardo Francisco
Colors: Priscilla Tramontano
Letters: Shawn Lee
Cover Artist: Jenny Frison
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Supernatural

My final review this week is a break from the super hero fare. After reading A FINE AND PRIVATE PLACE I am still not sure where this story is heading. It begins in a butcher shop as a woman is buying a two-pound tube of bologna. Suddenly a raven swoops in and grabs the heavy load flying off to a rather large cemetery landing at a mausoleum set apart from the rest where a man named Jonathan Rebeck has taken up residence. From here on we know this is not the most unusual part of the story. Jonathan and the raven begin to have a conversation. Bits and pieces indicate theirs is a friendship of convenience, at least for Jonathan. The raven does what he does because it is logical for him to do so. Jonathan also mentions how he is lonely and is hoping for more people to come and how those that do come forget soon and easily. Is he referring to visitors or to the recently deceased?  We learn more from his interaction with both. Recently buried Michael Morgan rises from his tomb - that is his ghost does. As the spirit wanders through the cemetery he happens on Jonathan. As the two strike up a conversation Jonathan explains that while the body dies quickly the soul lingers and hangs on to life as long as it can. Later a widow visits her husband's too late for Jonathan to hide and so he engages her in conversation. It is apparent she cannot see Michael so why can Jonathan? What is special about him?  That may be the crux of the story. Theirs is a very different conversation and ends when she leaves. There is plenty in the dialogue I have not revealed. Some is the nature of the newly dead and things that happen during the transition part where Jonathan can converse with them until they finally leave. The mystery is all about him and his story. It is rather odd that he actually lives in the cemetery and can see and talk to the dead. And what about that crow that can talk to him as well?  The story has begun but the truth behind much is still hidden. The art is very good. The way the image of Michael is colored makes it clear that he is a ghost. The real characters have fine definition, as do the backgrounds. This is an intriguing title that will pique your curiosity and make you want more.

                                    *****
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:
We all know Steve Ditko was the first penciller in AMAZING SPIDER-MAN.
Who was the second?


The question was not who succeeded Ditko in the title, just who was the second to pencil "IN" ASM.  That was Jack Kirby in a back up story in #8, featuring his Fantastic Four! The winner is Stu Cathell.

Here was your no prize question:
When Al Capone would hand out his business cards, what did it say he did for a living?


Al Capone's cards said "Furniture Dealer".

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
What was the first comic title in which Superboy (Kon-el), Robin (Tim Drake), and Impulse (Bart Allen) all worked together?


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.