Comic Reviews 12/29/12

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: WONDER WOMAN
Issue Number: 15
Title Story: The Burden of God
Publisher: DC
Creator: William Moulton Marston
Writer: Brian Azzarello
Artist: Cliff Chang
Colors: Matthew Wilson
Letters: Jared K. Fletcher
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

I have not been reading WONDER WOMAN since the restart so I figured I would jump
in on the latest issue seeing how the cover indicates the New Gods, or at least
Orion, are featured. Unfortunately this is not an easy comic to start in mid
story. In one group at an apartment in a city we have Wonder Woman, her brother
Lennox, the goddess Hera and another younger woman named Zola who apparently at
some point slept with Zeus and had a child that was taken away from her. If I
understand the references right that would make the baby Diana's sibling as
well. The plot in this episode is all about finding things. Diana and Lennox are
going out to find their brother Milan who wanders the city as a homeless person
and shelters in abandoned subway tunnels. Along the way she finds Hephaestus who
made her wristbands. He takes the opportunity to "tweak" them a little and that
will come in real handy later. Orion has already found Milan but is looking for
someone else, perhaps the lost baby. Hera and Zola call a temporary truce to
their squabbling and decide to look for something to do out on the town against
Diana's wishes. Finally, at the end of the issue, we look in on yet another god
in Antarctica who is looking for his garments that are keys to his power buried
deep in the ice. Most of the bits and pieces I get but as far as the continuing
story and how they all fit into it that remains fuzzy. A nice paragraph up front
would really help clarify what has happened before all this. Why is Orion
involved at all for example? A new reader would have a lot of questions about it
all. This is an editorial decision so I don't blame Azzarello. His scripting and
story are fine as we join them at this point. The art is very good too, starting
with the nifty cover shot that is Wonder Woman charging forward in a reflection
in Orion's helmet. So I give this a qualified recommendation. If you want to get
into it start much earlier in the story.

Title: ROTTEN APPLE
Issue Number: One Shot (previously serialized in DARK HORSE PRESENTS 2-5)
Publisher: Dark Horse
Creators: Sanford Greene & Chuck Brown
Writer: Chuck Brown
Artist: Sanford Greene
Colors: Tyson Hesse w/Sanford Greene
Letters: Steve Outro
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction
Mature - Comics on the Edge

This one shot collects the story told in previous issues of DARK HORSE PRESENTS.
It is a future world, a post apocalypse era that has zombies around though they
are not totally ruthless as in popular fiction these days. They talk and
interact a bit with humans as well. The central character is a human female
mercenary called San Gee. She is recruited by one religious faction called the
Enganites to find a certain artifact before their rivals, the Monks of Enga,
can. The two have been warring for thousands of years. Now the leader of the
Enganites, The Anointed Enigma, wants her to find the Bleeding Rock, a stone
that is supposed to bring ultimate truth and enlightenment. It seems the Zombie
who introduced San Gee to the Enganite has an innate ability to find the stone,
which is located somewhere in Africa. The Monks of Enga have their own band of
mercenaries who at first glance seem quite comical and are referred to as Suits.
The five all were dark suits and wear animal head and other masks of different
types. One wears a Frankenstein mask.  So san Gee and her zombie friend head off
to Africa without knowing the Suits are tracking them. The other key element of
the story is the fact that San Gee has an inborn power that manifests itself in
enhanced abilities when she focuses but can become a destructive force if she
loses control of her emotions. Most of the story involves the quest and some
fight scenes among the two groups and others along the way. The crux of the plot
revolves around what the stone really is and how it will be used if returned to
the Anointed Enigma. So the basic plot is logical and does have a good
conclusion. What drives the story are the characters and the subtle humor that
flows throughout the issue. The art is very stylish and relies on bright
coloring and good panel transitions. It is not great science fiction but it is
entertaining. If you do not read DHP then you might want to check it out.

Title: JOE PALOOKA
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: IDW
Creator: Ham Fisher
Story: Joe Antonacci, Matt Triano & Mike Bullock
Writers: Mike Bullock
Artist: Fernando Peniche
Colors: Bob Pedroza
Letters: Josh Aitken
Cover Artist: ?
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Adventure - Martial Arts

Joe Palooka is a comic strip character that has been around since 1921 rising to
the height of his popularity in the 30's and 40's until it was one of the top
five strips of its day. He has been the subject of films and comic books over
the years as well. Now IDW has introduced a modern day version in this new
series. Bringing things up to date means that Joe, whose real name is Nick
Davis, is not just a prizefighter but is a contender for the California light
heavyweight championship in mixed martial arts. He is a rising star who is
helping his sister financially. But in this opening issue his world is about to
be turned upside down. While at the bank after his latest victory two armed
masked men attempt a robbery. As things start to get tense one of the robbers
begins beating the elderly bank guard. Unable to stand by and watch Davis
struggles with the robber who fires wildly killing the old man. The other robber
tries to shoot Davis but hits his partner instead and Davis returns fire with
the first robber's gun ending the conflict. Instead of waiting for the police
Davis panics and flees. Later standing in the gathering crowd outside he
realizes he handled the gun that killed the old man and could be blamed for the
death. He knows, and as his girlfriend points out, innocent men are often
convicted on corrupted evidence. So he makes the agonizing decision to flee the
country. His travels will take him to Mexico and then Panama where he will find
work aboard a freighter headed for Europe. It is while in Mexico that he decides
to enter a local cage fight competition to earn some cash. It is there he will
pick up the alias, Joe Palooka. This is a good enough start as any to begin the
story. The writers have chosen to make our hero a man on the run rather than a
good-natured boxer who is helping others openly. Naturally there will be an
element of law enforcement trying to find him as the story moves forward. I
wonder how easy it will be to stay under the radar when the greatest of his
talents are used in a very public arena. The art is decent enough to carry the
story. This is not something I am excited about but it is a good change of pace
from normal comic book fare.

Title: CASTLE: A CALM BEFORE STORM
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Palace
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Peter David
Artist: Robert Atkins
Inkers: Scott Elmer & Andy Owens
Colors: Chris Sotomayor
Letters: Cory Petit
Cover Artist: Mico Suayan & Antonio Fabela
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Mystery

I am a fan of the CASTLE TV series so I decided to try out this comic. Seeing
that it is written by Peter David also swayed me to see what it was all about.
First of all it is not about Richard Castle and the other characters in the
show. Rather it is about a fictional character created by Castle - a detective
called Derrick Storm. To further confuse things Storm sold his agency to a real
life detective Jake Palace who became so popular after thwarting a presidential
assassination that there are books and a TV series about his life and he is a
millionaire detective to the elite. The buyout of Storm's agency made Derrick a
very rich man. The main supporting character in this tale is his father who does
not approve of his son's new lifestyle or how he got it. Derrick now lives on a
rather large boat and as the story begins is recovering from a long night of
partying. He has been preparing to set sail for a while to enjoy his life. He is
considering asking his dad to join him - to reconnect. Those plans may have to
be put on hold when he discovers a bag floating next to his boat. He opens it to
find a severed head with a swastika branded on one cheek. As the story unfolds
we are introduced to a female CIA agent Derrick has worked with in the past. It
turns out the victim is a Russian attach‚ so she is taking over the case. The
surprise to the story comes when Derrick's father shows up and makes a startling
revelation about the case. So, on the one hand it was disappointing that this
was not an adaptation of the TV show. I imagine more than a few readers will
find that fact off-putting if they buy the comic thinking that. On the other
hand it is a detective story written by Peter David and that makes it worth the
money. The scripting is up to his usual fine form and the art is better than
most comics. The filler about Jake Palace at the beginning seems a waste of a
page but the fact that the story title is "Palace" suggests that the new owner
of Derrick's agency may have more to do with the plot later. Regardless, it is a
well-executed issue and an entertaining story worth your time.

Title: DJANGO UNCHAINED
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: DC/Vertigo
Creator: Adapted from the screenplay by Quentin Tarantino
Writer: Quentin Tarantino
Artist: R.M. Guera - Flashback Sequences by Jason Latour
Colors: Giulia Brusco
Letters: Sal Cipriano
Variant Cover Artists: Jim Lee w/Alex Sinclair
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Western

You will note this adapted from a screenplay not the finished movie currently
showing. As Tarantino explains in the Foreword the scripts to his movies are
always too large and he ends up dropping scenes and characters to make things
conform to a proper length movie. That is not the case with this comic. It is
based on the original screenplay before it was cut down to size. Basically you
will be getting the whole story here - more than in the movie. There is also
some controversy in the media about the frequent use of the "N" word in the
movie. It is also used a lot in the comic but I did not find it out of context
or gratuitous at all. This is the story about a slave named Django. As the story
begins he is one of a half dozen odd slaves being led on foot to their next home
having recently been sold at auction. As they are making their way with their
two masters one early evening they are approached by a man on horseback, Dr.
King Schultz. He is looking for a slave that came from a particular plantation
and one of the seven, Django, is that man. After he "purchases" Django in a
rather unorthodox manner the two set off for a nearby town. It is here that
Schultz explains his plan. The doctor is in fact a bounty hunter and he is
seeking the three brothers that used to work at the plantation where Django was
enslaved. Since he does not know what they look like he needs to have Django
accompany him to the places they may now be working and point them out. His
promise to Django is that once the three are killed or captured he will be paid
handsomely and given a horse, a new suit of clothes, a saddle and his freedom.
Django agrees for he has his own reasons for finding the Brittle brothers. This
first chapter has a lot in it beyond what I have mentioned. The script gives us
a lot of information and fleshes out the characters. In a short time Django
learns some of the pleasures of freedom, even when they go against accepted
behavior in Texas towns of the time. The doctor proves to be a resourceful man
with a few tricks up his sleeve at just the right time. In one main scene you
think he is being foolishly reckless but his actions prove to be part of the
plan. Artist R.M. Guera of SCALPED fame does an excellent job. The characters
are purposely not drawn to resemble Jamie Fox or Leonardo Dicaprio but have
their own unique look for the comic. This is a fun comic for fans of westerns,
Tarantino and comic book fans in general. I recommend it.

Title: JSA LIBERTY FILES: THE WHISTLING SKULL
Issue Number: 1 (of 6)
Title Story: The Big Dirt Nap
Publisher: DC
Writer: B. Clay Moore
Artist: Tony Harris
Colors: Dave McCaig
Letters: Wes Abbott
Cover Artist: Tony Harris
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

This is probably my least favorite comic of the bunch reviewed this week. On the
plus side I think Tony Harris does a great job on the art as he usually does.
McCaig's colors are somewhat muted for my taste. Perhaps because the story is
set in the 40's he is going for something that looks older but it doesn't really
work except in some flashback sequences. Overall it is not bad. Harris, it seems
to me, is mimicking Richard Geary in both layouts and characterization. It is a
really interesting thing to see. On the other hand I am not a big fan of super
hero comics set in WWII conflicts. The main character, The Whistling Skull, and
others are creator-owned characters mixed in here and there with the JSA of the
day. But it is mostly the title character and his sidekick Knuckles that are the
focus of the main story. They are in Switzerland in 1940 traveling in what can
be called a battlewagon but looks like the engine of a diesel locomotive -
certainly not the most clandestine mode of transportation. They are going to a
small town to meet another man of mystery who is their local contact. Johannes
has asked them to come to investigate a number of disappearances among the
town's folk. There is also a traveling circus in town that has been there since
about the time people began going missing, which raises our suspicions. So that
is the set up of the plot. There are some flashback scenes to earlier wartime
escapades and to our two main heroes in their youth. It all fits well for the
story being told. But for me this is not moving fast enough for my tastes. I do
not find the Skull and his companion all that interesting as main characters
though the thick of the plot is only getting started in the last few pages. It
could turn into something more compelling moving forward but I am not sure it is
worth waiting. Your opinion may vary.

                                    *****
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:
Agent 99 is to Maxwell Smart, as Agent 13 is to. ?
Captain America!  You may have said Sharon Carter, thinking 99 WAS Smart (his
number was 86) or Nick Fury getting the idea, but the wrong relation, (The Chief
equates better to Fury not Max). The winner by the dice roll is Stan Hosmer.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
Eclipse published a prestige series, which adapted a novel that has been made
into at least 3 movies - one starring Vincent Price and another Charlton Heston. 
Name the Eclipse series.

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

Comic Reviews 12/20/12

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: AVENGERS ARENA
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Worse Things
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Dennis Hopeless
Artist: Kev Walker
Colors: Frank Martin
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: Dave Johnson
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

This maxi-series is under the Marvel Now! banner but it obviously won't be
around indefinitely. The premise revolves around the mad villain named Arcade.
He has abducted sixteen young heroes from around the world and brought them to
Murder World. They are Kid Briton, Darkhawk, Nico, Reptil, Nara, Cammi, Apex,
Anachronism, Bloodstone, Chase, Ryker, Juston, X-23, Red Raven, Hazmat and
Mettle. As you can see they range from members of the X-Men, Runaways, Avengers
Academy and others. As he holds them all helplessly suspended in mid air he
announces the reason they are there. In his usual flamboyant style he tells them
that they are cut off with no hope of rescue. Since he likes to watch people die
he has devised a game for them to play. They must fight each other to the death.
In thirty days only the last person standing will be allowed to leave. You can
imagine the immediate reaction among most of these kids - attack the captor.
They soon find out that at least here he is more than a villain, he is a god.
Try as they might they can't best him. Early in the book we are shown a scene
several days in the future as two of the teens are fighting each other for their
life. This gives away who will last at least to day 29 so I am not going to
spoil who they are. But are they the last two?  In a subplot we follow Hazmat
and Mettle, two members of Avengers academy who found love partly because Mettle
is one of probably a very few people that can even be in the same room with
Hazmat without her protective suit and not die. There is a reason we are focused
on these two initially and it is not a good one. This seems like a cruel premise
for a comic book. If the aptly named writer, Mr. Hopeless, follows through with
the stated plot through the end, a lot of young heroes will no longer be alive
in the Marvel Universe. Some will say it is a sick idea. Others can't help but
watch to see if it will actually play out to the end or if there is a magical
failsafe in the end. Either way the first issue is well plotted, sets up the
premise and then delivers the first casualty in Arcade's war. This issue has a
lot of action sequences and the art team does a great job with detail, layout
and coloring. It is too early to tell if this will excite enough people to buy
into it but I will for now.

Title: SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE LIVERPOOL DEMON
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Creator: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Writers: Leah Moore & John Reppion
Artist: Matt Triano
Colors: Brennan Wagner
Letters: Simon Bowland
Cover Artist: Francesco Francavilla
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Detective Mystery

This Sherlock Holmes tale takes place in Liverpool England in 1888. It opens
with Holmes and Watson solving one mystery and ends with another unfolding. The
purpose of this first chapter is to present the main characters to us in a way
that illustrates the master detective's abilities. Holmes and Watson help thwart
the escape of a man and woman at the docks seeking to get on a ship and get away
with their crimes. Not only do they have a direct hand in stopping them but also
Holmes correctly deduces details of their plans and makes some not so evident
revelations that of course turn out to be true.  This trend continues as the two
are delayed from departing on schedule and are invited to dine with an old
friend of Watson's at his club. As the dinner conversation turns to the veracity
of mediums and clairvoyants Holmes demonstrates through his powers of
observation that what seems to be impossible is merely a diversion from real
facts. This scene also puts our heroes in the proper place to get entwined in
the next mystery - a classic locked room murder. Who or what might be
responsible is hinted at in the title and by the exclamation outside by a member
of a startled crowd. It is a good start that gives us confidence in Holmes's
ability regardless of what seems to be an unexplainable or supernatural
occurrence. The art has the proper tone with exceptional coloring setting the
mood. If you are a fan of this famous detective I think you will enjoy the
series.

Title: THE HOLLOWS
Issue Number: 1
Tile Story: Nara Imperfect
Publisher: IDW
Creator: Chris Ryall & Sam Kieth
Writer: Chris Ryall
Artist: Sam Kieth
Letters: Robbie Robbins
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction
Mature - Comics on the Edge

I am always drawn to any comic drawn by Sam Kieth. His unique style has always
appealed to me though some may not like it. This science fiction drama set in a
dystopian future Japan gives him the opportunity to create things we could not
imagine. The lead character in this story, scientist/engineer Craig Mayerik,
lives at the Mt. Miywa Aerie atop the tallest genetically altered super tree in
the prefecture. These trees soar miles above the dying world below with cities
set on platforms set out at many levels on its massive trunk. The citizens in
those cities are the lucky ones but are not entirely self-sufficient. At times
The Fliers leave using jet packs created by Mayerik to scout for provisions that
are safe to bring back. When his wife pleads with him to pick up some provisions
and come home he decides that rather that go to the normal place to procure them
he will put on glider wings of his own design and like the Fliers scavenge for
provisions on the surface. Here he will see first hand what life is like for
those unfortunates doomed to eke out a living below. He is struck by the
progress of the devolution going on. He witnesses the horror of the Hollows,
radioactive burnt-out husks of beings who consume the life energy of the living.
The remains of once-proud Tokyo are overrun with them. The people that survive
do so by barricading themselves in tall building, fending off the occasional
attack with what seems like an unlikely weapon. When Craig has an accident he is
saved by some of the survivors. He interacts mostly with a young girl who claims
she has been waiting for him, or someone like him. She gives a cryptic note to
him seeming to form an alliance of sorts but the others are not so friendly.
Where all this will lead is not clear right now. We are introduced to this
strange place where much is yet to be explained. It seems to be a classic theme
of a dangerous world where two classes of people exist. One is constantly at
risk while the other lives above it all - literally and figuratively. This
unexpected out of the norm interaction will be the catalyst of the plot moving
forward. It is a fascinating premise that is all the more intriguing from the
visual depiction at the hands of Sam Kieth. It is worth a shot to see what
develops.

Title: AME-COMI GIRLS FEATURING DUELA DENT
Issue Number: 3
Publisher: DC
Writers: Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray
Artist: Ted Naifeh
Colors: Randy Mayor
Letters: Wes Abbott
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

This is a third in a series of comics DC is putting out under the AMI-COMI
banner. They are all based on the women of the DC Universe reimagined. Think of
it as an alternate reality or Elseworld where familiar characters are started
over with a different history.  Although this one features Duela Dent, the
daughter of Harvey Dent who posed as Joker's daughter in the past reality, it
also has a number of DC females featured and promises more. In this version
Duela grew up with her criminal father, who does not have the Two-Face identity,
in an abandoned building. She was living a normal teenage life, comparatively
speaking, until one day she was attacked by bats in a remote section of the
condemned building. This changed everything for her. Her face was disfigured
around the mouth and healed with scars going off the corners like the Joker's
smile. Her father cut her hair and dyed it green. When her father met his death
after a botched robbery she vowed to follow his wishes by creating chaos dressed
in flamboyant steam punk style. Since her mission was to spread chaos she
attacked not only government and financial institutions but also criminal
enterprises. At first she was clandestine about it, which cause cops and
criminals to blame each other. But then a caped crusader appeared changing
things a bit. In this reality the major crime fighter is Batgirl who has a
female Robin as her partner. Other good gals to appear are all female as well -
Steel and Jessie Quick are called in to help when Batgirl is captured and the
story is continued in the next issue, which features Power Girl. Duela has
decided that with powered opposition she needs forces on her side as well. As
the main plot begins her crew consists of Cat Woman, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy
and Cheetah. They are all working for Duela though Cat Woman shows a streak of
independence early on. Much of the issue deals with the dynamics of Duela's gang
and the first signs of it fracturing are met harshly.  Later as she gets the
upper hand we are introduced to another ally that has a floating invisible ship
from which they will plan their attack - a female Brainiac. The master plan will
have Brainiac draining the planet of all its collective knowledge reducing
mankind to savagery. The only thing that will be spared is Gotham City so that
Duela can rule it as she wishes. These are interesting characters with a plan,
and the book has some deception and a few good fight scenes. The art is well
suited for the concept and really adds to the alternate reality feel of things.
It is a fun comic that is well plotted and leads into another chapter at the
right point. On its own it is a good story but if you read it you will want to
get the next chapter when it hits the stands.

Title: CABLE AND X-FORCE
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Dennis Hopeless
Artist: Salvador Larroca
Colors: Frank D'Armata
Letters: Joe Sabino
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



This spin off series has an interesting lineup considering all that has gone by
in the X-Universe in the past year. The cover shows them all lined up - Cable,
Forge, Domino, Colossus and Dr. Nemesis. This first issue begins fine enough
with the X-Force team less Forge apparently some unnamed facility leaving a
trail of bodies. They are confronted by the Uncanny X-Men; you know the new
lineup with Cap and Thor teamed with Havoc, Wolverine and others. Havoc's
reluctance to act first and ask questions later allows Cable and crew to escape.
There are other sub plots going on here as well. Cable is monitoring Hope's
progress as she tries to assimilate into a normal school. Cable with the help of
Forge has recovered from the techno-virus problem that was killing him but has
recurring headaches and dream visions. This issue features the father and
daughter reunion Hope was looking for but also brings out an omen of bad things
to come. The main plot driver seems to be Cable's physical problems, which both
Forge and Dr. Nemesis are working on. What that opening scene was all about is
never explained.  Are they really all mass killers now? This is all just too
jumbled up switching scenes often. Maybe this leads in from another comic before
it but that is never mentioned. Maybe a super x-fan gets all the nuances I am
missing but as a first issue it left me wanting better information to judge
things with. Though the art is good enough it doesn't change my opinion. Maybe
yours will be different.

Title: MONSTERS, INC.
Issue Number: 1 (of 2)
Publisher: Marvel/Disney
Adaptation of the Disney-Pixar movie
Writer: Charles Bazaldua
Layouts: Claudio Sciarrone
Pencils: Elisabetta Melaranci & Anna Merli
Inkers: Davide Zannetti & Sonia Matrone
Colors: Mara Damiani & Elena M. Naggi
Cover Artists: Lori Tyminski & Adrienne Brown
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Animated Movie Adaptation
ALL AGES

This comic is a two-part adaptation of the hit Disney/Pixar movie of the same
name. Why it is only coming out now is puzzling to me. I do not watch too many
animated features so I can truly judge this comic as a first time introduction
to the whole concept. In this imaginary world everything is run by clean
dependable energy generated by screaming kids. Monster Inc. exists to harness
that energy and keep the wheels of progress rolling. There is a whole system of
carefully matching scary but otherwise harmless monsters with kids that are
still innocent enough to be scared and their screams are collected carefully for
processing. On each shift the monsters line up at their transporter door that
will open into the appropriate child's room so they can scare the bejeezus out
of them. Each monster has a coach or personal trainer. There even is a
competition among the monsters to see who can set the record for collecting the
most screams. Heading the pack is the hero of the story, so to speak, Sullivan
who is ably aided by the one-eyed little green ball named Mike. His chief rival
is Randall, a multi-legged purple lizard monster. The monsters and the people
live in their separate realities. In fact the major rule at Monster inc.
headquarters is to never let a human cross over through a door. In fact the
monsters are so afraid of being contaminated even bringing back something
touched by humans will set off major alarms. The main plot reveals that Sullivan
is closing in on the scare record. Doing a favor for Mike he stays behind after
one shift and notices an active door. What he does next could spell disaster for
everyone. This is a fun story for all ages. Once you get used to the idea that
the main premise is that it is a good thing to scare kids you can suspend your
disbelief and enjoy the rest of the story. The characters are interesting and
the script brings a lot of humor to the whole situation. Although you have a
villain, Randall, he is motivated by jealously and is not hard-core evil. The
art is a fine animation style that is really polished. This is a delightful
comic that everyone can enjoy.

                                    *****
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 is Judge Dredd's first name?
He is Judge Joseph Dredd. The winner by the dice roll is Stu Cathell.

Here was your no prize question:
Who wrote Patsy Cline's big hit "Crazy."
Our fearless leader, Ken Carson, gets his spot in the no prize hall of fame for
knowing that "Crazy" was written by Willie Nelson.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
Agent 99 is to Maxwell Smart, as Agent 13 is to.?

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 12/15/12

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: AVENGERS
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Avengers world
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Jerome Opena
Colors: Dean White
Letters: Cory Petit
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

We have a couple more MARVEL NOW! First issues to review this week. The first is
the AVENGERS. Taking the writing reins over from the long run by Brian Michael
Bendis A-lister Jonathan Hickman is tasked with making these characters his own.
He starts with a familiar line up, showcasing the characters from the
blockbuster movie. Going into action, this time in space, are The Hulk, Captain
America, Iron Man, Thor, Hawkeye and the Black Widow. But the issue begins with
scenes of what is to come much later, a tease if you will. If you have bothered
to watch the online trailer for this comic the first few pages will be familiar.
And before we actually get to the action scenes there is a dialogue between
Steve Rogers and Tony Stark that in ways foreshadows what is coming and what the
two realize they will have to do sooner or later - they will have to get bigger.
Yes, before the issue is over you will see who the next group of heroes among
the Avengers will be. Some are on the cover, some are only in the last panel,
some are very familiar, and others are not. There is even a graphic near the end
that shows the new lineup in symbols with empty spaces for more to come. The
hype for this restart of the series promised bigger threats, a bigger cast and
bigger stories. It begins on Mars where Ex Nihilo with the aid of Aleph and
Abyss is setting the next part of his plan to remake the Earth, to create a new
dominant species. Aleph insists it is actually world razing while Abyss seems it
illogical to replace one race of dangerous animals with another. Regardless they
have already bombed Perth and Regina with biosphere changing effects on two
million people. That has got the Avenger's attention. The power at play is
evident as they approach Mars and find it filled with vegetation. If the world's
greatest heroes can't stop this at the source they will have to get a "lot"
bigger. This is a good beginning for a fresh start. It lays the groundwork for
expanding the lineup, presents a major threat to all life on Earth and hints at
things to come that will be even more devastating. The scripting and dialogue
accomplishes the task in entertaining fashion. Opena's art is fascinating in its
composition and detail. It really grows on you as you read on. I have been a fan
of the previous version of the AVENGERS and NEW AVENGERS from the start. This
MARVEL NOW restart is a worthy successor.

Title: ARROW
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: DC
Colors: David Lopez & Santi Casas
Letters: Wes Abbott
Cover Artist: Mike Grell & Randy Mayor
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero - TV Adaptation

This first issue is broken into three chapters. It is based on the characters
from the CW TV series ARROW. He is not called Green Arrow but he is Oliver Queen
who practices vigilante justice in Starling City.

1 - "Time's Arrow" by Mark Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg & Mike Grell
This opening sequence serves to introduce some elements of the TV show for those
who haven't seen it. Oliver was trapped on an island for five years. He lost his
father in the process. It touches on the difficulty in renewing relationships
with his mother, sister and ex-girlfriend. But as we know about heroes with
secret identities - they often can't do the job without pretending to be
something they are not. That is the main theme of the TV show and this chapter
of the story. Mike Grell is a good choice to kick things off though I am not
thrilled with the coloring work.

2 - "Prey" by Ben Sokolowski, Sergio Sandoval & Pol Gas
This second chapter deals with another recurring aspect of the show. Oliver
promised his father he would survive and return to the city. Once back he would
make right a lot of bad things. His father provided him a journal of all the
people he had nefarious dealings with in the past. They are politicians,
businessmen, gangsters and others he helped do things outside of the law -
things that did not help the city or its citizens. Now Oliver dons a hooded
disguise and with bow and arrow will force those people to do the right thing or
pay the consequences. This chapter is a typical plot in condensed form. The man
that runs the power plant has been scamming the city for a long time. Oliver
appears in his bedroom and gives him an ultimatum to turn over his records and
face the law. As is usually the case the bad guy tries to escape justice in one
way or another but in the end they fail. This chapter also reveals something
shocking about someone very close to Oliver, as fans of the TV show already
know. I liked this episode because it parallels plots on the TV show. The art is
food, even better overall than the first chapter.

3 - "Fear" by Beth Schwartz and Jorge Jimenez
This last chapter may seem only peripherally related to Green Arrow as it mostly
deals with another character only recently appearing on the TV show. This is
about a female operative of oriental drug cartel, Na Wei. It opens with a fight
between her and Arrow followed by a sit down with her mentor to talk about
facing her fears. The story provides a flashback to her youth, victim of an
abusive father. We learn how she met her current mentor and how he rescued her
not once but twice and eventually turned her into a warrior. This is good filler
material that will probably lead to a future storyline. Fans of the TV show will
like it because it provides more info on an as of yet minor character. Fans of
the New Earth Green Arrow will know this character as China White. It rounds out
this comic nicely. I am hoping for longer stories as the series goes on but for
now it is a good first issue.

Title: SMALLVILLE: SEASON 11
Issue Number: 8
Title Story: The Final Showdown
Tile Arc: Detective
Publisher: DC
Writer: Bryan Q. Miller
Artists: Kevin West & Axel Gimenez
Inkers: Mark Deering & Diana Egea
Colors: Carrie Strachan & Wendy Broome
Letters: Saida Temofonte
Cover Artists: Mico Suayan & Tony Avina
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero - TV Adaptation

The second comic this week based on a TV show is SMALLVILLE. I was a fan of the
TV show but have not been reading this comic, in which the series much like the
BUFFY comic continues past the end of that show. As it turns out this issue is
the end of an arc that introduced Batman and Nightwing into SMALLVILLE
continuity. This is one of the few $3.99 DC comics but it does have more pages
than the less expensive comics. Some of this story needs catching up on what has
gone on before. Some of that info is provided in a strange dialogue between Lex
Luthor and his dead sister, Tess. It seems her mind is somehow trapped in his
body. Lex is in control but has some of her memories. He also talks to her as if
she was in the room and it is graphically depicted that she is there for our
benefit. The main story picks up with Superman recovering from gunshots on Bruce
Wayne's yacht. The two now know each other's identities and have been working
together. The general public knows Superman was shot but not his current
condition. The authorities are looking for Batman not knowing if he is an ally
or an enemy of Superman. In this continuity Barbara Gordon is Batman's sidekick
in her Nightwing identity. As conversations ensue we learn that Clark has some
kind of radiation in his body that Luthor is tracking by satellite. The two
heroes are trying to find the whereabouts of Loomis and Fries, aka Mr. Freeze
and the Prankster. Naturally Bruce has devised special armored suits for the
mission. Superman's is lead lined to protect him from meteor rocks used by
Loomis while Batman's will protect him from the extreme cold Freeze can project.
While these two head off Barbara and Lois are still on the yacht, which is about
to be stormed by a bunch of Intergang thugs working for Loomis. In fact, the
Prankster is in control of Fries as well and has sent him on a mission in the
city where Loomis will force his containment suit to explode freezing everyone
within a mile. Loomis has also stolen a couple of drones and sent them to the
yacht as insurance if the thugs fail. There is a lot going on and this being
SMALLVILLE means that Green Arrow is also in the mix, trying to stop Fries,
rather comically with a boxing glove arrow. The arc eventually wraps up in good
fashion. There is a small homage to the comic books when Lois' editor proposes a
caption for the Superman/Batman team up. And a future plot point for Oliver and
Chloe is revealed as well. As a fan of the TV show I found this to be very
entertaining. It has unique perspectives on Bruce and Barbara and carries
forward elements from the old series. The art is mostly good though the line
work in the faces needs more definition in many places. Fans of the old show
should like this and others can read it as another Elseworld version of the
World's Finest heroes.

Title: HUMAN BOMB
Issue Number: 1 (of 4)
Title Story: Mad, Bad and Dangerous To Know
Publisher: DC
Writers: Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti
Artist: Jerry Ordway
Colors: Hi-Fi
Letters: Taylor Esposito
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

This mini-series marks the introduction of another familiar if somewhat minor
character into the New 52. Michael Taylor is now the third version of the
Quality Comics character at DC. Michael is a war hero and now works as a welder
at the new construction at Ground Zero in New York City. The story is self-
contained in that there is no indication that it is set in the world of the
other DC heroes at this point. Right from the start we know that Michael is a
troubled man. He has a recurring dream of being presented the Congressional
Medal of Honor at the White House only to begin glowing and eventually explode
with devastating force. Is this a premonition of what is to come? The real
action comes while he is at work. First his crew hears bombs going off around
the city. Fearing the worst they begin to evacuate the area when Michael runs
into an old friend from the war who is frantic to give him a message and then
blows up. Miraculously Michael is stunned but unharmed. And so it begins. A
flashback to the war gives a small clue about what may be in play here. In the
present there is an observer who expected Michael to explode as well, as if part
of a plan. But he and his organization are not the only ones following the
action. In the end we are introduced to S.H.A.D.E. headquarters in Washington
lead by a black Uncle Sam. This could be the beginning of yet another version of
the Freedom Fighters. That remains to be seen. For now there is mystery,
international terrorism and plenty of action Jerry Ordway does a great job
bringing it all to life with exceptional coloring by Hi-Fi. So far this is an
interesting comic that appears to be worth following.

Title: I LOVE TROUBLE
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Disappearing Act
Publisher: Image
Writer: Kel Symons
Artist: Mark A. Robinson
Colors: Paul Little
Letters: Pat Brosseau
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction
Mature - Comics on the Edge

This is a fascinating book for a couple of reasons. The first is the art. Mark
Robinson has a unique style though it reminds me a lot of Sam Kieth's work. He
uses a lot of different layout designs, mixing things up from page to page. He
even has a panel within a panel - that is characters in one scene set in the
overhead background of another scene. It is really fun to just study the way he
mixes it up. The characters themselves are interesting, almost caricatures but
not quite. As if he is rising to the challenge Brosseau uses some interesting
fonts and very stylish lettering that is a perfect match to the rest of the
visuals. Then we have the story itself. It begins with a girl on the run,
Felicia. She is escaping a life that had her mixed up with some not very nice
people. So she helped herself to some funds and split to the Midwest hoping to
get lost. But fate intervened when the plane she is on gets into trouble and
starts breaking apart. Like anyone might do in such a situation she wishes she
was not there and miraculously she is suddenly outside the plane. Whether this
is a suddenly activated ability or something else she now has the ability to
transport herself from place to place. It will take her a while to get the knack
of it and make bigger jumps. This will definitely change the plans for her
future. Now you would think that this is the perfect opportunity to disappear
since the plane crashed with no survivors. But Felicia has other plans. This
first issue explores how she refines the use of her power and then,
surprisingly, returns home. She will soon learn that some problems never go away
and there is always a new one waiting around the corner. The plot is pretty
direct as it moves along with a pleasant humorous style in the dialogue. This is
a perfect match of story and art as comics are meant to be. I think anyone can
enjoy this comic and should give it a chance.

Title: THUNDERBOLTS
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Enlisted
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Daniel Way
Artist: Steve Dillon
Colors: Guru eFX
Letters: Joe Sabino
Cover Artist: Julian Totino Tedesco
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero
Parental Advisory

I mentioned two MARVEL NOW number one issues would be reviewed this week. The
second is the newest version THUNDERBOLTS. Appropriately enough this new team
will be headed up by General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross. In fact this issue is
all about him putting together the team, which at first look seems to be a
rather odd combination. Ross is of course now the Red Hulk. In the framing
sequence he is talking with Frank Castle, the Punisher. Frank is chained to a
pillar in a building in Brooklyn. His recent captors are laying dead about the
room and Ross is taking the opportunity to discuss how he got in the situation
and what awaits him outdoors. More importantly it serves to enlighten us about
Ross - his life before and what it has become now.  He is building up to getting
Frank joining his venture. Throughout the book we flash to different scenes as
he recruits the other members. In Somalia he talks to Venom. In France it is
Deadpool and in Afghanistan Elektra. In each situation the others are in the
midst of fighting and killing bad guys of various sorts. It is sort of a black
comedy with Ross off to the side making his pitch or calmly waiting for the
right moment as intense fighting and killing is going on around him. This will
be one kick ass team not meant for the little kids to read. Steve Dillon does
his usual fine job supported by equally fine coloring. The thing with Dillon is
you will always find that one face he always does for one of his characters. In
this case it is Frank Castle. I have seen that face on at least a dozen
characters in different books and never get tired of it. If you like heroes (or
maybe anti-heroes in this case) that are not afraid of wet work then this book
is for you.

                                    *****
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 is the name of Supreme's dog?
The dog Supreme is named Radar.  The winner by the dice roll is Gary Katzoff.

Here was your no prize question:
Larry Hagman played the President's interpreter in what 1964 cold war movie?
The late Larry Hagman got his movie break in the cold war thriller FAILSAFE.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
What is Judge Dredd's first name?

Here is your no prize question:
Who wrote Patsy Cline's big hit "Crazy."


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 12/7/12

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: SUPERMAN: EARTH ONE
Issue Number: Volume 2 - Hard Cover
Publisher: DC
Creator: Siegel & Shuster
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Artist: Shane Davis
Inker: Sandra Hope
Colors: Barbara Ciardo
Letters: Rob Leigh
Price (USD): $22.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

This sequel to the number one NEW YORK TIMES best seller pits Superman of this
alternate reality against his first real threat - the Parasite. You need not
have read the first volume to get into this story. It is pretty clear from the
beginning that this is another reality and twenty-something Clark Kent has
established himself in Metropolis. He has already made a splash at the Daily
Planet by bringing in the first exclusive interview with the new hero in town,
Superman. This got him a job as a reporter and has already has not endeared him
to star reporter Lois Lane. She is perturbed a rookie out scooped her and has
dedicated herself to finding out more about this nobody from Smallville. This
subplot runs through the issue and is delightful to us old-timers who recall the
old continuity in which Lois was constantly trying to prove Clark was Superman.
Whether or not she gets anywhere as she digs deeper will be left for you to
discover as you read the book. Although Clark's first story landed him a framed
page on Perry's wall of great stories he is quickly told it is not a pat on the
back but a reminder that great stories are old news. It is not hard to become a
reporter - it is hard to stay a reporter. So Clark is rightfully challenged to
keep bringing in stories that nobody else can. Another sub-plot follows Clark as
he moves into his new apartment and meets a neighbor who will have a major
impact on his life, the very attractive and friendly Lisa LaSalle. The name is
another tip of the hat to the old days when so many of Superman's female friends
and the LL initials. This is a different Clark Kent who stayed pretty much a
loner growing up without a love life to speak about. There is even a flashback
to him getting "the talk" from Pa Kent. In his case it is a warning that he is
very different and may not even be able to have a normal relationship due to the
relative frailty of humans - the whole Man of Steel/Woman of tissue argument.
Lisa is very bold in her approach to Clark and this will challenge him for the
first time. The main story involves the origin of this continuity's Parasite.
There is also a minor plot involving Superman intervening in natural and man-
made calamities around the world. There are some that fear him for this. While
he has always been altruistic in his motives there are those who fear what could
happen if this is not always the case. One sequence in particular has him
confronted by a dictator when he goes to the island nation of Borada to stop the
devastation from a tsunami. The area hit the worse is a stronghold of rebels who
oppose the government of General Samsa and Superman is ordered to leave
immediately. How he eventually handles this situation is cleverly plotted. All
the while Raymond the scientist has been conducting off the book experiments
involving murders of innocents rather than cadavers he claims to be using. His
stumbling accomplice has done some things that might expose this and so he heads
to the lab after hours to erase computer evidence. It is the set up for a
typical villain origin as he runs from the guards who discover his unauthorized
presence and stumble into the chamber that will bombard him with high-energy
neutrinos and transform him into the Parasite. Thus he finds he needs more and
more energy to survive and it is not long before he discovers the biggest power
source on the planet - Superman. What separates this from the typical story is
how Superman eventually defeats Parasite with the help of some Kryptonian
technology. Along the way of course he gets zapped and drained. This is the
first time in his life he has been injured, and actually bleeds. His weakened,
relatively, state plays right into the romance plot. It is the first time he
realizes how vulnerable humans are but it also the first time he may not pose a
threat to a perspective lover. It is an interesting development. Just to round
things out and leave something for the next chapter there are those in the
government pondering the need for have some way to stop Superman should he turn
to the dark side. The actions they take at the end of the volume, and the people
they align with, will give readers anticipation for what comes next. I think you
will enjoy seeing the characters that will be part of that future story.  This
is an excellent follow up to the first volume in every way. Straczynski weaves
several plots, some I have not touched on, into one cohesive story that draws
from old ideas but is totally fresh and entertaining. Shane Davis and Barbara
Ciardo present it all with superb artwork. If you haven't gotten into this
series you are missing a wonderful experience. This would make a great gift for
anyone who ever enjoyed Superman in the past. It is the perfect example of how
the characters can be used to the best advantage.

Title: FF
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Marvel
Creator: Lee & Kirby
Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Michael Allred
Colors: Laura Allred
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

This is the companion book to the other Marvel Now! Title involving Marvel's
first family, THE FANTASTIC FOUR. If you read the first issue of the FANTASTIC
FOUR you know that Reed has convinced the others to go on an extended adventure
with Val and Franklin in space and time. They plan a yearlong journey in their
own relative time and a return only minutes after they leave. Should something
happen in those few minutes, or worse if they are somehow prevented from
returning on schedule the team needs to have someone in place to watch over the
kids of the Future Foundation and confront any dangers they would normally
handle as the Fantastic Four. Reed first turns to Scott Lang, the current Ant
Man. He wants him to head up a replacement team, just in case. Susan approaches
Medusa, who has worked as a member in the past. Ben recruits another past
member, Jennifer Walters, the She-Hulk. Strange as it may seem Johnny is tasked
with finding someone to be The Thing. That's right, and it is girlfriend Darla
Deering who will wear a Thing suit to add muscle to the new team. This idea
strikes me as odd. Why didn't Fraction just use some other established hero for
the fourth member? I guess we will see how this plays out. Fans of the prior FF
series will be glad to see the dozen regulars of the Freedom Foundation will
remain in this book. Through this first chapter they add a bit of levity to the
proceedings as in interlude sequences the each give their point of view about
the Freedom Foundation to Scott. This is all set up to get the ball rolling. It
will be interesting to see what kind of adventures will ensue. Obviously, at
least for the foreseeable future, the new team will be needed when the others do
not come back as scheduled. The scripting is good enough though a bit
melodramatic at times. The Allreds do a capable job as always. I think the next
issue will tell whether or not the premise is good enough to keep the existing
fans interested.

Title: HERO WORSHIP
Issue Number: 5
Publisher: Avatar
Writers: Zak Penn & Scott Murphy
Artist: Michael Dipascale
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

I have been following this super hero story from Avatar since the beginning. If
you have not then this is a perfect point to jump on and see what is going on.
The premise is clear enough. The world had one super hero, Zenith, with all the
usual powers of strength, flight and invulnerability. His story is known by
everyone - how a light in the sky turned one humble war hero into something
more. A whole industry has grown around him and a foundation exists to aid him
in doing good for mankind where it is most needed. He deals with the major
problems both natural and man-made. This was the status quo when one out of a
group of fans touring the Foundation collapsed and later began to exhibit the
same powers as Zenith. He was convinced to join the cause if the Foundation
would ensure the well being and financial comfort of his Mother. They will never
have to worry about anything for life and in return he gets to work with his
idol - he becomes a super hero in training, Apex. But Apex is having a hard time
doing all that is required of him. Everything is not always black and white and
he is seeing his hero is not as entirely altruistic as he had imagined. A recent
disagreement they had has made him disillusioned about what they are doing. More
and more he realizes he does not want to be like Zenith. The observers from the
foundation have decided the time is right to read him in on what the real truth
is. His female handler chooses a good time to tell him the whole truth - how
Zenith was really created, how Apex got his powers, all the secrets of the
Zenith Foundation hidden from the public. The big shocker was why Adam was
chosen to become Apex. This series just took a big turn in the plot. Now we will
see how Adam reacts to it all. I can see it going forward in a number of
different ways so the story is not set in stone just yet. I do not want to spoil
the revelations but I will say it adds a new dimension to the plot. As I said
you can jump on with this issue comfortably and enjoy it going forward. I think
the quality of the story and the art will get you hooked and you will stick
around for more. I know I will.

Title: R.I.P.D.: CITY OF THE DAMNED
Issue Number: 1 (of 4)
Publisher: Dark Horse
Creator: Peter Lenkov
Writer: Jeremy Barlow
Artist: Tony Parker
Colors: Michelle Madsen
Letters: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
Cover Artist: Dave Wilkins
Price (USD): $3.50
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Supernatural/Western
Mature - Comics on the Edge

Roy Pulsifer is dead but he doesn't know it yet. He is on his knees in some
western dessert, a saddle by his side and three bullet holes in his chest. This
is how we see him when two men on horseback, one in oriental warrior armor,
approach him and flat out tell him he is dead. They take him on third horse to
an unlikely building amid the desolation and lead him underground to a rather
large building, perhaps an entire city. The people there are dressed in attire
from various periods in history. While Roy thinks he may be in some gateway to
the afterlife it is soon explained to him that he is at the Rest In Peace
Department. The powers that be have noted his work as a US Marshall and want him
to join the cause. They are God's police force. All beings face His judgment
when they die but some seek to avoid damnation and so refuse to move on from the
mortal plane. The RIPD is there to root them out and move them along to their
fate. Failing that they purge them altogether from the world. They have a
proposition for Roy. They want him to join the cause. In particular they need
someone with unorthodox methods to investigate a mining town called Black Pool.
They have noticed a dark presence there and all of their agents they have sent
there have never returned. The hook for Roy is that it is also the last place he
and his former partner went to before they died. Help them and he might find out
why he was killed. That is the set up for the plot and it takes up most of the
issue. But luckily we get bits of two plots in the introductory scene, events
revolving around he and his new partner presumably in the present. This will no
doubt be leading to the main event at the climax of the story as Roy makes a
bold decision to face his fate. The ending of the issue has Roy going out on his
first mission. He and his partner confront an unimaginable evil presence that
could end his new career before it starts. The concept is an interesting one
though I doubt God would need such a police force. For me it is suspension of
disbelief required by those of strong religious beliefs. Other than that it is a
good action story with very nice art and a bit of humor along the way. The mix
of the two genres works well and the added touch of people from other eras among
the RIPD forces is cool. However it plays out it is good reading so far.

Title: NOWHERE MEN
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Image
Writer: Eric Stephenson
Artist: Nate Bellegarde
Colors: Jordie Bellaire
Letters: Fonografiks
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction
Teen + Comics on the Edge


This opening chapter of the story of World Corp is given in three segments. The
first segment is early in the history of the company and is only one page. With
the following two pages of text it serves to introduce us to the four men
responsible for creating the most successful company ever. They are the greatest
thinkers in the world. Dade Ellis has degrees in Neurobiology, Geophysics and
Architecture. Simon Grimshaw is a Geneticist with other degrees in Math and
Finance. Emerson Strange is a Mechanical Engineer and Computer Scientist. Thomas
Walker is a theoretical Physicist. The text gives us their vital statistics and
more. The second segment jumps forward several years. It is a jarring opening as
some form of humanoid beast is struggling to escape the restraints of two men
trying to stop its rampage. This is an experiment gone wrong. It is work like
this that has fractured the partnership. Walker has already left while Strange
and Ellis argue with Grimshaw about how they have compromised their morals and
ideals for the sake of research and profit. But perhaps the most important
segment is the last. We look in on a unit of World Corp in the present time.
Where they are is not evident until the very last panel. Up until then we know
that they are in some self-contained facility. Everyone is sick and getting
worse. They are able to function mostly though. Everyone is reacting differently
and showing different symptoms. But until they can figure out what they have and
how to fix it they are under quarantine indefinitely. These are the basic facts.
Most of the issue deals with personalities. We are learning the personalities,
not only of the four founders but also of the ill-fated crew. There are a lot of
characters and most of the time is spent giving us bits and pieces of who they
are and how the react to each other. We might infer that what is happening to
this crew is related to the earlier scene at the failed experiment with the
rampaging humanoid. We are only just getting into the main plot and must rely on
our impressions of the characters to judge if the comic is worth another look.
The art is good enough for a mostly talking issue though the few actions panels
work nicely. There is no definitive judgment to be made right now but you might
think differently.


Title: MASKS
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Writer: Chris Roberson
Artist: Alex Ross
Letters: Simon Bowland
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Crime - Masked Vigilantes

Dynamite is currently publishing a number of classic heroes of long ago. This
new series brings them together into one story. The series will involve the
likes of Zorro, The Spider, The Shadow, Green Hornet and others. Since Zorro was
from a different era it will be interesting to see how he can be worked into the
plot. For now we deal with the others, starting with the Green Hornet and Kato.
They have traveled to New York from Chicago following a lead to information on a
crime boss. As they corner a hood in an alley they meet another masked man, the
Shadow. At this point in time New York is in the hands of powerful criminals and
crooked politicians (when isn't it?) In this case they have their own army, the
Black Legion, and rule with an iron fist making up their own rules. Now the
masked vigilantes who normally work outside the law will actually be working
against the law to protect the citizens. The Shadow appears to be the organizing
force, getting Green Hornet to seek out a particular nightclub. It is there he
reveals his other identity, Lamont Cranston to the shocked Britt Reid. Their
conversation serves to clue in Britt on what is going on in NYC. The criminals,
under the guise of the Justice Party, have gained control of the city. While the
party presents a law and order persona to the public our heroes know the
difference between the law and justice. They see how bad it has become when a
platoon of the Black Legion appear on a street and announce to the people
gathered that the state has levied a new tax and all must pay immediately or go
to jail. Well it will take more than three masked heroes to stop an army.
Luckily the Spider is ready to jump in as well. Well, so far it seems that the
good guys are hopelessly outnumbered. Naturally they will need more than their
blazing guns and fighting skills to overcome this problem. I am curious to see
how it will be done. Fortunately the art is delightful. Alex Ross is as good as
ever at bringing to life these pulp heroes. I think his interpretation of the
characters is worth the price of the comic. Finding the comic with an intriguing
plot makes it even better. I'd say give it a try for now.

                                    *****
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Last week's trivia question:
In the original Valiant Universe, which character's story began in Topeka,
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What movie was the first to be distributed carrying the PG-13 rating?
The first film distributed with a PG-13 rating was Red Dawn (1984).

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
What is the name of Supreme's dog?

Here is your no prize question:
Larry Hagman played the President's interpreter in what 1964 cold war movie?

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