Comic Reviews 6/27/13

Title: THE EXTINCTION PARADE
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Avatar
Creator: Max Brooks
Artist: Raulo Caceres
Colors: Digikore Studios
Letters: Kurt Hathaway
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Horror
MATURE - Comics on the Edge

If the name Max Brooks is not familiar to you he is the best-selling author of
WORLD WAR Z. This excursion into the comic book world has him pitting two
popular genres against each other - vampires and zombies. The story is narrated
by a nameless female vampire whom is currently residing with here friend Laila
somewhere in Malaysia. They are entertaining Anson, another vampire visiting
from Australia. The narration is very effecting in setting the stage for the
reader about vampires in general in this version of the myth. One sequence in
particular talks about the difference they feel about attraction to the opposite
sex. In contrast to some previous vampire tales like Twilight for example, they
do not feel love nor can they have sex but there is another unexplainable
attraction to another sometimes. The humans are referred to as solbreeders. The
narrator's attitude, and by extension other vampires' as well, toward
solbreeders is one of almost contempt. They are constantly referred to as being
below the vampire breed. Another scene gets into detail about the thrill of the
hunt for blood and what type of prey is most preferred. The view of zombies is
even lower. They are referred to as subdead and are considered little more than
a joke. They are slow, clumsy and stupid - hardly considered a threat to them or
the solbreeders. We learn that zombies, like vampires have always existed since
the dawn of man - or at least have flared up periodically. As the three muse
about the latest outbreaks of zombies in Australia Anson reveals he did not have
a chance to see any and would like to. Laila suggests they take the few hour
drive to a local outbreak and they all agree they are anxious to see one in the
flesh, so to speak. Part of the story is how they get there and the interesting
encounter they have with the police and military that has blocked access to the
area. Of course vampires have other ways to get places than driving on roads.
This issue is more about the unnamed vampire's observations and recollections
than any big event. She does get too close to wandering zombies at one point and
makes a rather startling discovery. The promise of this series is that the
zombie problem will escalate to the point of being a real threat to the vampire
food supply. Think about how few humans are around in all those zombie
apocalypse stories and what a problem that would be for vampires. Interesting
premise and that is left for future issues. I like the narrative style and the
intermingling of ideas in an almost stream of consciousness style. The art is
high quality and in typical Avatar fashion spares no blood or gore where
appropriate. This is not gore for gore sake but supports the story being told.
In all it is a strong first issue that is interesting enough to get me back
again.


Title: LIBERATOR
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Rage Ignition - part 1
Publisher: Black Mask
Creator: Matt Miner
Writer: Matt Miner
Artist: Javier Sanchez Aranda
Colors: Joaquin Pereyra
Letters: Vito Delsante
Price (USD): $3.50
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Vigilante Activism
MATURE - Comics on the Edge

I don't think I have read any comics from Black Mask before but judging from the
two offerings this week they are carving out a niche with product addressing
social awareness and activism. The title in this case refers to animal
liberation from cruel masters. The opening sequence sets the tone as a man
covered head to toe in black, including a facemask, approaches a farm he has
surveiling for months. This is a place where pit bulls are bred and then set
against each other in dogfights for the amusement of the spectators and
gamblers. Now that there is no one around and the remaining animals have safely
been removed our vigilante will meet out his own justice with cans of gasoline
and a remote detonating devise. He leaves a message written on the side of a
trailer, "No more abuse, we're free! - The Dogs" There are actually two main
characters who have very activist attitudes but express them in different ways.
Our vigilante is Damon Guerrero who by day has a menial job as a barrista in
small coffee shop. His main problem there is putting up with the verbal abuse of
a co-worker that is a jerk. The bright spot in his life is his friend Jeanette
who is of like mind when it comes to saving animals. She however is more vocal
publicly. She protests a lot, gets arrested often and tries to keep the abuses
of animals in the public's eye whenever she can. She is well known and an idol
to the activist community. So for now we see two approaches to the problem - one
is civil disobedience and protest, the other is covert illegal activity. It is
not evident but we are left to infer that Jeanette is not aware of Damon's
secret activities. From the illustration on the cover we are lead to believe
that will change. There are a couple of scenes added in that do more to
illustrate Damon's character. While he may not be willing to stand in the front
lines of a protest he does not shrink from confronting actual abuse, even if it
is only a perception. This first chapter does not advance any major plot.
Instead it sets the scene and fleshes out the major characters. So far it has no
counterpoint as to the morality or legality of the characters actions. While I
have no sympathy for the truly immoral people and institutions that are the
targets for retribution based on their actions, the law enforcement people are
portrayed as stereotypical thugs. The art is decent enough though the coloring
could have been done a bit better. I am curious to see where this all goes from
here. Will Miner have the protagonists score a major victory for the cause or
will Damon's actions get him in too deep resulting in an inevitable day of
reckoning?  We'll have to see. If you are a strong advocate of animals rights or
want to learn more about the point of view of those who are there are two
editorials in the back from animal rights activists worth reading. They clearly
want to get information to the public so that abuses stop and that is a good
thing.

Title: FANTASTIC FOUR
Issue Number: 9
Title Story: Nativity
Publisher: Marvel
Creators: Stan Lee & Jack Kirby
Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Mark Bagley
Inker: Mark Farmer
Colors: Paul Mounts w/Guru eFX
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero


At the beginning of this run the Fantastic Four along with the Richard's
children took of for adventures in space and time although Reed has a secret
reason for proposing the trip altogether. As we look in on this latest issue we
find that Ben Grimm ha recently revealed that he may have been responsible for
the accident that scarred Victor Von Doom for life and led him down the path to
becoming Dr. Doom. As the issue begins we are back at State University in the
time when Ben, Reed and Victor all attended. Rather Ben is relating the events
that led up to the time when he snuck into Victor's lab and did some things to
mess up his work in retaliation for a run in they had earlier. Reed is not
convinced that Ben should shoulder that guilt entirely based on what he hears
and so he and Ben will space-time travel to the eventful night of the accident
wearing devices that will allow them to watch unobserved by anyone there. I
would explain how this is possible but Reed does a much better job. When they
arrive they are surprised to see they are not the only observers of this key
point in history. They can see over a dozen different versions of Dr. Doom also
invisibly observing Victor's crucial moment though they cannot detect Reed and
Ben. Reed checks everything thoroughly and assures Ben that his actions have
done nothing to affect the equipment but Ben is not convinced and reveals
himself so he can physically stop Victor from engaging the equipment. This of
course prompts a response from the Doom brigade who in turn all reveal
themselves to stop this sacrilegious interruption of the nativity of Doom. That
is about half the story being told. The remainder explores whether our two
heroes could or should attempt to stop the events as they actually happened in
the past. The introduction of the alternate Doom's is an interesting twist that
not only provides some action but also helps explore the real nature of Victor
Von Doom and whether it was an accident or destiny that made him Dr. Doom. This
is an excellent story told in one issue and highlights the capabilities of
Bagley and Farmer as well. If you haven't tried this comic since the renumbering
this issue is a good place to start.

Title: SERGIO ARAGONES FUNNIES
Issue Number: 8
Publisher: Bongo Comics
Creator: Sergio Aragones
Colors: Tom Luth
Letters: Karen Bates
Price (USD): $3.50
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Humor




Sergio explains why this issue was very late due to an operation he had. Of
course he can't resist throwing a humorous panel of the hospital into a serious
subject. But now he is back on track, at least on a revised bimonthly schedule.
In this title Sergio generally flexes his cartooning muscles. His true strength
is in his art. The characters are just silly looking enough to make you smile
without any words or action. Sometimes the strip comics have no words so the
impact of the punch line depends on the visual. A good example is the opening
bit with a man frustrated at waiting in a long line. He suddenly has a heart
attack and finds himself at the pearly gates - waiting in line. In a longer 8-
page piece titled "The Bank Robbers", this time in color provided by Tom Luth,
Sergio relates the story of two cowboys who pursue a life of crime. They try
robbing a stagecoach with poor results. So they form a larger gang and take on
train robbing but that too has its down side and the gang thing falls apart. 
That is when they realize banks have lots of money but they don't know why.
After their first real success they know they can make it big but they more they
learn about banks the more they think about an even more lucrative way to make
money. It starts off strong, has some funny bits on the way, but fails to
deliver a strong ending. Which goes back to what I started saying. His strength
is the art. There are a few more one-page strips with no dialog and the visuals
deliver in the end every time. The other major section of the book is
autobiographical and covers the annual trips that the "usual gang of idiots"
from Mad Magazine would make to various places in the world. In this segment the
trip will be to Mexico and Sergio was placed in charge of planning the whole
thing. While it is interesting to a degree it is too long for too little laughs.
It is nice he wants to share what he considers one of the best times of his life
but I think it misses the point of the title of the comic, "FUNNIES." Along with
everything else Sergio includes a couple of puzzle pages - one challenges you to
find the differences, the other is to find things that are out of place with
everything else in the panel. His art style, which can crowd a lot of stuff into
one panel, is well suited for this type of game. So about half of the book I
enjoyed and the rest I just soaked in the talent in the artwork without caring
for the story. I think Sergio does best in the short strip comics. In longer
formats he is best paired with a decent writer, as is the case in the Groo
comics. This wasn't a home run but it had some good moments.

Title: THE X-FILES: SEASON 10
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Believers
Publisher: IDW
Creator: Chris Carter
Story: Joe Harris & Chris Carter
Writer: Joe Harris
Artist: Michael Walsh
Colors: Jordie Bellaire
Letters: Robbie Robbins
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction/Horror


It has been a while since the X-FILES was a cult favorite of science fiction
fans on TV and then the movies. Like other TV properties these days there is now
a continuation of the series in a new comic dubbed "season 10." Time has passed
and Skully and Mulder have married and relocated to Virginia as Mr. And Mrs.
Anthony Blake, an alias Mulder chose in homage to the Bill Bixby character in a
short-lived TV show called "The Magician." Dana is now a doctor at a local
medical center. Their new life is disturbed one day when now "Deputy Director"
Skinner pays them a visit to warn them about a breach in FBI security. The
network was hacked and there is a good chance whomever did it they may have
accessed data on any and all personnel who've been assigned to the X-Files over
the years. He offers them additional security or even another relocation but
cannot confirm if the culprit accessed anything about Dana's baby. Dana is of
course concerned even though when she gave it up the adoption process was
completely anonymous for everyone's safety. It seems Skinner's fears are well
founded as through the course of this issue both he and Dana are approached by
people in hooded robes that apparently have some powers of mind control. There
is a close call for Skinner but Dana may be in a lot more trouble. This is a
good start with a lot of mystery and a bit of subtle humor. There are parts that
get us used to the new status quo but the main plot moves along with a good pace
to leave us wondering what happens next. In a preview shot of issue #2 we see
that might mean the reappearance of three fan favorite characters from the TV
series. The art in this one is professionally done in all aspects and the
character representations are true to the likenesses of the actors.  With Chris
Carter involved this series promises to deliver what true fans would expect. But
it is still a good drama and mystery that any comic book fan can pick up on
right away.

Title: OCCUPY COMICS
Issue Number: 2
Publisher: Black Mask
Cover Artist: Riley Rossmo
Price (USD): $3.50 - All Profits past hard costs will be donated to Occupy
Protesters
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Social Commentary






It is no secret that many involved in the comic book industry have a leaning to
more liberal politics of the left. Those more inclined to express those beliefs
band together to raise funds for things they believe in. This multi-talent
effort is organized by Matt Pizzolo, Aaron Colter and Steve Niles. The creators
contribute work to help raise funds for the Occupy movement. The volume consists
of short traditional comic works, one or two-page illustrations and a couple of
essays. The contributed illustration pages, which are sprinkled about the issue,
are by Molly Crabapple, Anna Wieszcyk, Zoetica, David Mack, Salgood Sam and Matt
Bors. Here is a summary of the rest.

"The one Percent Solution" by Mark Sable, Megan Hutchinson and Thomas Mauer
This short story is about a young man who seemed to be drifting in life. He
never really tried to seek the career he was capable of attaining. He got a
perspective on what life in the business world was like when he met an old
neighbor who had the drive to excel in trading in the markets. This is more an
essay on the moral compromises such a life might entail than anything else.

"New Thumbs" by Si Spurrier, Smudge and Frank Barbiere
This segment done in a terrific black and white style by Smudge compares the
plight of two women in different times. In mostly side-by-side panels we see one
story of a cavewoman who observes the alpha male of the tribe pushing others
around, sometimes rather cruelly. She is really helpless to stop it but one day
she discovers something that will change things forever.  The other girl is a
homeless dweller in the city and she too sees the heartless bullying of
authorities in her daily life. Her attitude of submission changes when she is
able to join many others in a peaceful protest at the Occupy movement. I am not
sure I catch the strong parallels here but I really liked the art.

"Single Family Home" by Matthew Rosenberg
Matthew does a fine solo effort with good lines and colors. It follows a young
couple as they meet, fall in love, get married, buy their first home and
eventually start raising a family. What seems like a typical argument over
whether the father should have bought the daughter a stuffed animal turns out to
be rooted in a deeper concern over their entire future.

"Light" by Matt Viner and Sean Von Gorman
Matt Miner gives a very compelling account of the impact of Hurricane Sandy in
his life and that of his neighbors. He and his wife decided to stay at their
home to weather the storm with their pets but in searching for supplies he
realized to late that he had given his flashlights and extra batteries to the
Occupy movement when they were in need. The point of this story is Matt
expressing his gratitude to members of Occupy Sandy who responded in his hours
of need when the local and federal government was too slow to react.

"Casino Nation, part 2" by Joshua Dysart, Kelly Bruce and Allen Gladfelter
This is an informational illustrated essay that depicts certain movers and
shakers in the business world who moved up the ladder of success "on the backs
of the American people." This time around Joshua fills us in on how Ben
Bernanke, Henry Paulson, Timothy Geitner and Alan Greenspan made their fortunes
and success and how their actions impacted so many negatively.

"Buster Brown At the Barricades, parts 3 & 4" by Alan Moore
This is a text piece that is illustrated with covers and internal art of old
magazines and comics for the most part. In it Alan Moore discusses the evolution
of comics in the United States and the forces affecting that development. This
episode begins in the 1930's and covers the rise of super hero comics and other
genres as well as how their popularity changed up and down through the decades.
Two major themes touched on throughout the piece are the rise of the Comics Code
Authority and the treatment of creators such as Siegel and Shuster by the major
companies. But there is much more and it is all good reading. To my mind this
one contribution is worth the price of the comic.

"How To Be Happy" by Shannon Wheeler
Shannon recalls some observations from visiting Occupy Wall Street in October of
2011. He does this in two separate one-page strips. In the first he compares it
to a carnival atmosphere with interesting characters among the group and
basically a very positive reaction to everything and everybody. In the second he
mentions how he wanted to buy a tee shirt as a memento of the event but a
discussion group he wandered into changes his mind. Wheeler has a nifty cartoon
style. His observations are honest and insightful.

"Pay Attention! Be Astonished! Act!" written by Bill Ayers, art by Ryan
Alexander-Tanner
This piece has two elements. The art is not much more than group scenes at
Occupy events - people marching, gathering, camping and otherwise spreading the
word. The text is a call to arms but not the violent type.

                                    *****
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 David Lapham's first (unaccredited) super hero work?

Lapham's first super hero work was RAI #1, the flipbook of Valiant's MAGNUS #5.

Here was your no prize question:
According to Publishers Weekly which state had the most book stores per capita
as of 2012?

The state with the most bookstores per capita was Montana.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
Can you name the reporter with the blue beret in BLOOD SYNDICATE?

Here is your no prize question:
Which are the only two states whose names begin with double consonants?

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 6/21/13

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 UNCHAINED
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: The Leap
Publisher: DC
Creator: Siegel & Shuster
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Jim Lee
Inker: Scott Williams
Colors: Alex Sinclair
Letters: Sal Cipriano
Price (USD): $4.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero


DC deemed it necessary to put out another Superman title and they put two fan
favorites on the task. Scott Snyder, who has a ton of new stuff on the racks
right now (see THE WAKE under the Vertigo line for one, and the next review
below for another) does the writing chores and DC co-publisher (as if he didn't
have enough to do already) Jim Lee handles the art. I am still trying to figure
out the significance of the "Unchained" part of the title. I can say it is a
compelling script that takes you on several paths each with a bit of mystery,
ends with a big splash and even has an epilogue that ties in with the beginning
in an unexpected way and ends with yet another mystery. There are lots of
elements pulled together in a very tight fashion so you do feel everything is
the way it should be rather than a bunch of disjointed scenes. It starts in 1945
in the skies over Nagasaki. Now, right off I noticed the date is too early
(Roosevelt was still alive at this date) to be "that" day but this is a DC New
52 book so maybe this is a different version of WWII. It certainly seems like it
when you see what a little boy sees with his binoculars. This event ties
directly into the end of this chapter, as well as peripherally to part of the
epilog. When we move to the present Superman has his hands full with the latest
crisis. Currently he is demolishing a secret space station built by the US,
Russians and Japanese. It was supposed to be revealed later as a stepping-stone
to space exploration but it has suddenly started a fast plunge to Earth. The
thing is it is the eighth object to fall from orbit this day making it seems
very suspicious. In this part of the story DC treats us to a special insert page
that unfolds to four times the size of a normal page with a single illustration
on either side. So the basic plot is his attempt to save the astronauts on board
while not letting the debris do major damage when it hits. He also has to figure
out who or what is behind it all. There are some interesting scenes with Jimmy
and Lois involved that explores the whole dynamic between them all. And before
the end we get to see one of the best-kept secrets of the US military and how it
ties in to it all.

"Epilogue" by Scott Snyder with art by Dustin Nguyen, Scott Williams & John
Kalisz is a bit of a tie in to the beginning with the prop of those binoculars
figuring prominently. The rest of it is the beginning of a new mystery as
fishermen off the coast of British Columbia catch more than they bargained for.

I really enjoy Snyder's plot structure and character development. He has started
and interesting story with a really strong possibility of major implications for
our hero. Lee turns in some fine work with the able inking of Scott Williams and
superb coloring of Alex Sinclair finishing it very nicely. This team has the
potential of being the stand out Superman title based on the first issue.


Title: BATMAN
Issue Number: 21
Title Story: Secret City
Title Arc: Zero Year
Publisher: DC
Creator: Bob Kane
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Greg Capullo
Inker: Danny Miki
Colors: FCO Plascencia
Letters: Nick Napolitano
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

I mentioned above that Scott Snyder has a number of books out right now. Not
only is he writing DC's major new Superman series but he is also beginning the
next big Batman story of the NEW 52, Zero Year. One thing DC did when it began
the NEW 52 reboot was to start the books of some of the major characters five
years after their debut to the world. This affords the writers the opportunity
to at some future time explore the origins of the characters as they wish them
to be in this new continuity. In this case we go back six years. Though Bruce
has been back from his worldly travels only six weeks the world believes he is
dead. He has begun his work as Gotham's protector but in a very clandestine
manner. We only see him once in a rudimentary costume with no cape astride a
motorcycle. The only person to see him like this is a young boy he rescues from
a street gang. But the major protagonist is the Red Hood and his gang. That is
the set up for this story. At this time the Hood is the major crime boss and has
a large organization mostly of ordinary citizens he has black mailed or strong-
armed to do his bidding. His inner circle is the true muscle but no one has ever
seen him without the red hood. Bruce has kept his cover living in the Crime
Alley area and going out mostly undercover in disguises. This is illustrated
quite nicely in the opening action sequence against the Red Hood and his gang.
The other element to this beginning story is Bruce's Uncle Philip Kane. His
appearance at the front door as Bruce is leaving means that he too knows Bruce
is not dead. His initial purpose is to show Bruce what he has done as caretaker
for Wayne Industries, since Bruce was declared legally dead. Philip wants Bruce
to come out in the open and take over but Bruce is adamant that he has other
plans. This really puts a damper on Philip's plans and his chief advisor,
someone everyone will recognize easily, has a unique solution. As part of this
look back at the beginnings of Batman Snyder takes us back even further to Bruce
as a child as he interacts with his father and then heads down a path to a
fateful meeting with his destiny. Snyder has started this arc in a good way. He
has emphasized Bruce's early passion for fighting the good fight but has taken a
new approach as to how he starts. The various elements make it a whole new story
that will only broaden as it unfolds. The art is stunning and the coloring is
spectacular as well. If you really want to know all about the NEW 52 Batman you
have to follow this story.

Back up story - "Where the Hell Did He Learn to Drive?!" by Scott Snyder & James
Tynion IV with art by Rafael Albuquerque, Dave McCaig and Taylor Esposito. This
addition helps fill in some of the past while Bruce was traveling the world.
This one is set in Rio de Janeiro where Bruce has been spending the last six
weeks with a wanted thief Don Miguel as part of his learning experience. It is a
brief story but shows Bruce's thoroughness in learning all he can, any technique
or trick of the trade that may become useful some day. As a bonus it also
presents him a challenge to his ethics and ends with a lesson learned by all. It
is good but the art is a sharp contrast to that on the main story making it less
visually appealing.

Title: THE TRUE LIVES OF THE FABULOUS KILLJOYS
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Whatever Gets You Through the Night
Publisher: Dark Horse
Writers: Gerard Way & Shaun Simon
Artist: Becky Cloonan
Colors: Dan Jackson
Letters: Nate Piekos
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction
MATURE - Comics on the Edge



This is one of the stories of a dystopian future. Civilization has devolved. In
this portion of it, in the desert somewhere, the center of the population is
around Battery City run by the Better Living Industries. They control the
population with a drug called Plus, a major source of income. It is particularly
effective on the android part of the population; the prominent ones in this part
of the story are prostitutes. The rebels who work against them consider BLI the
Evil Empire. The conflict between them ended in a bloody battle that ended in
the death of the group of heroes among the rebels known as the Killjoys. They
were the inspiration of the movement. At that time they had a little girl,
around six years old, under their protection. She was something special and with
the Killjoys gone her story became legendary. She is only identified as "the
girl" so far in the story, which takes place some twelve years later. The girl
has survived on her own with only a cat as her companion. As the story opens we
see her emerging from a body bag where she spent the night. The BLI issues these
bags to its operatives to fill with Killjoys and other civilians of the desert
deemed unworthy to be brought under BLI's control as Draculoids or Scarecrows.
Once such an undesirable is found and dispatched there bodies are put in the
bags and left in the desert for collection later. The girl used one for shelter
and now heads off to find food for her and the cat. She finds much more at the
abandoned motel that has been converted into a general store of sorts. It is
here she will be discovered by a group of rebels who recognize her and take her
with them. It is in the ensuing sequences that we witness the attack of the BLI
Draculoids emphasizing the seriousness of the situation they all now face. The
girl gets to see first hand how life among the rebels is these days. In other
scenes we see the androids of the slums eking out a living on the streets,
making just enough from the Scarecrows who patronize them to get their next fix
of Plus. At BLI headquarters a major plan is put into action. The rebels are
about to lose their latest home they call the Nest and maybe their lives as
well. This is not my favorite genre. It seems to me more often than not that the
writers tend to reveal very little up front though they hint at many things.
They know their created world intimately and things happen logically to what
they know but the reader is at a loss sometimes. The significance of "the girl"
may be nothing more than a point of reference for the reader or she may really
have some significance to the plot or the rebel movement. Right now she wants
nothing to do with any of it. I really enjoyed the art as Cloonan mixes up the
panels and progression of action filing it all with really nice details. The
coloring matches the mood perfectly and highlights the proper details. It is
clearly a labor of love so I give it a qualified recommendation, as it deserves
more chapters for a true judgment.

Title: BREATH OF BONES: A TALE OF THE GOLEM
Issue Number: 1 (of 3)
Publisher: Dark Horse
Creators: Steve Niles & Matt Santoro
Writer: Steve Niles
Artist: Dave Wachter
Letters: Nate Piekos
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Religious Mythology
Black & White

It is obvious from the title that the key feature of this comic is the Jewish
legend of the Golem, a giant of clay on the side of the righteous. This is not
the first time I have seen a story using the legend in conjunction with the
oppressed Jews during WWII. It begins with a young man among the fighting forces
in heavy combat with the Nazis. As he hangs back to cover his comrades retreat
he recalls a day years ago when as a child of fifteen the situation was
escalating in the area near his small village in Europe. Noah recalls the day
when all the able bodied men in the village left to defend their homesteads. His
father was among them. This left only the women, children and older men like his
grandfather to remain and wait. Soon news on the radio came of the Allied
invasion giving some measure of hope. As days turned to weeks he awaited his
father's return. But something happened that would have major impact on the
village. An Allied fighter plane crashed nearby and the pilot survived the crash
but needed help. The grandfather know that the smoke from the crash could draw
the enemy to the area ending their fragile security, particularly if they are
found harboring the pilot. This is a conflict between the wisdom of age and the
necessity of facing of reality. When the grandfather finally admits to himself
the eventual course of the war he decides it is time to impart the secrets of
the family handed down for generations to his grandson Noah. The Golem does not
appear in this first issue because the story has only begun. We know from the
ending that the next issue will have more for us in that regard. Niles has taken
his time to explore the characters, especially the hopes and fears of those left
behind in time of war. But it is not all about that. The opening sequence delves
into the reality on the front lines and gives a hint of what is ahead for Noah,
though you only realize it after you have read the whole issue. It is a well-
written script. Wachter's does a terrific job in black and white, which is
particularly suited for this story. This is a decent mini-series worth looking
into, as it will appeal to fans of various types of comics.

Title: THUMBPRINT
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: IDW
Creator: Joe Hill
Writer: Jason Ciaramelia
Artist: Vic Malhotra
Letters: Robbie Robbins
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Mystery
MATURE - Comics on the Edge




This comic based on the novella explores a couple of themes in the first issue.
The main character is Mallory Grennan a recently discharged veteran of the Iraq
War and it begins with her confession to herself about the things she had done
in the Abu Ghraib prison. She was involved in some of the now-famous atrocities
but was never identified by the authorities as participating in the worst of it.
In flashback we see her involvement in demeaning and later water boarding
prisoners for information. These type of activities have gotten much press
coverage over the years so there use here is believable. The fact Mallory was
involved will play in to the mystery that begins after she is back in civilian
life. She has to cope with leaving those sins behind and going back to a simpler
life in a mundane job - tending bar frequented by older veterans. She has to
constantly fend off her boss's advances, as she did before she went into the
service. She has no respect for him and as the story unfolds we see why. He is
married but is constantly trying to get her to warm up to him. When one of the
patrons passes out in the parking lot he shows his lack of morals extends to
even robbing from drunks. When he pushes Mallory too far that night she pushes
back hard and leaves him with a bloody nose.  This is part of the set up for
what is to come. The next day she finds a blank envelope with the rest of her
mail. It contains a single sheet of paper with a thumbprint in the middle of it.
This is not a copy or an image but a real thumbprint. So the mystery begins. Who
sent it and why?  Was it her angry boss?  Is it related to her time in the
military? She feels like she has seen it before but can't remember where. When
another envelope appears after she returns from a run the mystery deepens. As I
started this book I was turned off at first by the incidents in Iraq. It is not
something that needs to be forgotten or forgiven but it needs to have relevance
to the story being told. So far it seems that it will. Initially the relevance
is in Mallory's frame of mind and her attitude about herself. It may well play a
larger role in the plot but that remains to be seen. The comic explores more
than one dark subject and the art is appropriately shaded in darker tones. The
layouts and pencil work is compelling making this a polished work. I am a fan of
comics based on Joe Hill's work and this one looks interesting enough to follow.

Title: THE CROW: CURARE
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: The Rule of One-Thirds
Publisher: IDW
Creator: James O'Barr
Writer: James O'Barr
Artist: Antoine Dode
Letters: Shawn Lee
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Horror
MATURE - Comics on the Edge



James O'Barr recently return to the concepts he created long ago in the original
CROW series. I saw this first issue of the latest mini-series of the group and
decided to check it out. The protagonist is an overweight, balding retired
police detective. His life has fallen to pieces since his retirement in 1978.
But as we see from the flashbacks it began five years before that and was
heading to ruin already at that time. His wife was constantly complaining about
the amount of time he spent on the job away from her and their two daughters.
More than that when they are together they do not communicate and when she
forces him he relates a particularly gruesome case he worked on. As we go deeper
we see he is haunted by one particular case involving a little girl, maybe 9
years old at best, found brutalized, raped and left for dead in the woods. It
was likely his obsession with that case that led to the breakup of his marriage.
But why of all the times he has seen as bad or worse victims did this one affect
him so deeply?  Could it be the fact that after the coroner explains the
injuries of this victim Francis see the girl turn to him and call his name? That
was 1973, he retired in 1978 and this is now presumably the present. The case
still haunts him, and as we see in the opening and closing scenes, so does the
ghost of the murdered girl. O'Barr has a distinct style to his art that is
perfectly tailored to the black and white medium. The characters have good
detail no matter what their expression is. I like the flow of the story so far.
Why we realize this is eventually a story about seeking justice for the dead it
begins with a character study of a very human cop who has failed in many ways.
His story is not going to end as a lonely man estranged from his family
constantly promising himself he will become a better man. We get the feeling
that things are about to happen that will change all that. It is an excellent
comic. Don't let your experience with the movie determine that this comic will
be more of the same. It definitely is not.

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

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

Last week's trivia question:
First words of which character.
"Put away your childish weapons! They are no more than toys to me! I will not
communicate with underlings! Send me the rulers of your primitive world!"
These are the first words spoken by Kang the Conqueror. The winner by the dice
is Mauricio Carvalho.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
What was David Lapham's first (unaccredited) super hero work?

Here is your no prize question:
According to Publishers Weekly which state had the most book stores per capita
as of 2012?


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 6/14/13

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 or
just want to suck up to the reviewer you are welcome to respond to David
directly by Email at the address above.


Title: ASTRO CITY
Issue Number: 1
Title Arc: Through Open Doors
Publisher: DC/Vertigo
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Artist: Brent Eric Anderson
Colors: Alex Sinclair
Letters: John G. Roshell & Jimmy Betancourt
Cover Artist: Alex Ross
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

If you are a fan of ASTRO CITY it has been a long wait since the last issue. If
you have never read any of the previous incarnations this will be a chance for
you to see what the rest of us have enjoyed so much over the years. Kurt Busiek
has created his own world of super heroes and villains with the action centering
on the metropolis of Astro City. Without the burden of previous continuity of
company brand heroes he has explored a number of aspects about powers and the
human condition. This new first issue begins in an unusual way. The narrator of
the story, The Broken Man, is a purple man sitting cross-legged and floating a
few feet above ground. The significance of his name is revealed as a surprise at
the very end. He is actually talking to the reader telling us that we can help
but we must be wary because "it" may be listening. It is the Oubor. It listens
to all kinds of communications - the whole electronic spectrum over the air, the
Internet, everything (hmm sounds like the NSA!) So Broken Man is reaching out to
something it may not be able to detect, the readers.  This is interesting by
itself but it is not the main plot. The big deal is a huge door that has
suddenly appeared floating over the Gaines River just outside Astro City. The
first one to approach it is a new character called American Chibi. She is a
unique looking character with the body of a teen with a head that is about three
times too large for the torso it is on. She is almost like a Manga character
that is out of place in this world.  Well, she can fly and has the prime super
powers that go with it - strength, speed, and invulnerability. When knocking and
rapping gets no response she takes the head on by force approach. She just
bounces off. Soon the main hero of the city, Samaritan, arrives and before long
every major hero joins in the task to no avail. In a major interlude we look in
on a family having a reunion of sorts. Ben Pullam is meeting his daughters for
lunch. They are all successful in their chosen fields. As Broken Man explains
their story it is clear they will play a major part in the story. In his
seemingly paranoid plan they might be good because the Oubor would pay them no
mind - they are under the radar unlike the super heroes. And indeed the trio
decides to go down to the river to see what all the commotion is about. After
all attempts to open the door fail it suddenly opens and an alien that is about
two stories tall steps out to introduce himself and his mission to those
gathered. What he wants and how it will be done is the gist of the introduction
to the story. Busiek does a fine job introducing the characters and setting up
the premise for what is to come. The whole Broken Man narration may be a bit
puzzling, especially when you see the last page. It leaves some questions
unanswered. The art as always is spectacular on this title, beginning with the
Alex Ross cover. Do not think of this book as just another super hero world. It
always gets more into characters and their interactions and motivations. Once
you read the first issue you will be hooked.

Title: KICK ASS 3
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Marvel/Icon
Creators: Mark Millar & John Romita Jr.
Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: John Romita Jr.
Inker: Tom Palmer
Colors: Dean White
Letters: Chris Eliopoulos
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super hero
Mature Content - violence & language


Speaking of returning series, KICK ASS is back for the final arc of its run. It
finishes up everything set up in KICK ASS 1 and 2 as well as the HIT GIRL
series. The story jumps right into it as we learn that due to her incarceration
Hit Girl has left all of her stuff to Kick Ass - two million dollars in cash,
weapons, vehicles and crime fighting stuff in her secret lair. She also left
something else - detailed plans on how to break her out of prison. She left the
schematics and other information needed to help her escape. Kick Ass and his
team have guard profiles, shift schedules and security footage. She is confident
that if Kick Ass and his team lay low, study and practice they can pull it off.
Well, she makes it all seem logical and simple but a bunch of ordinary people
with no super powers have to have a lot of courage and faith to even give it a
try. After six weeks they realize they are just not ready yet. After six months
it is still a problem. So most of this issue is involved with David and the rest
living a lower profile existence while keeping the hero thing alive. One
particular scene has David brooding at the graves of his parents as his best
friend Marty takes pictures and videos. While Marty remarks it makes him look
like a young Bruce Wayne, David feels it actually does inspire him to where the
costume and do something honorable. Indeed we do get to see the duo go into
action with the touch of humor this series always has had. In a not so humorous
scene some of the Justice Forever team have slacked off and even taken to enjoy
the spoils left behind by Hit Girl creating some tension among the group. This
whole issue is the set up for the status quo so we can get caught up on how
things are now.  The action will begin in earnest next time, as we see from the
final panel. I have always enjoyed this series and the creative team continues
to maintain the level of entertainment it has always had. I am really curious to
see how Millar, Romita and the rest will wrap it all up. Even if you have not
read any of the story before you can get into it really easy with this issue.

Title: STAR TREK
Issue Number: 21
Title Story: "After Darkness"
Publisher: IDW
Creator: Gene Roddenberry
Writer: Mike Johnson
Artist: Erfan Fajar
Colors: Stellar Labs
Letters: Chris Mowry
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction/TV-Movie Adaptation



This latest Star Trek series from IDW follows the voyages of the Enterprise with
the same characters and continuity that follows the recent movies. You will
figure that out yourself from the covers that are photos or likenesses of the
current actors playing the parts. Having recently seen the second movie of the
franchise, "Star Trek Into Darkness" I decided to check out where the comic book
series goes immediately after the events of that movie. This issue is
appropriately labeled "After Darkness" on the cover. I won't spoil the main plot
of the movie but some things that happened in it are necessary to know. If you
feel that you do not want to know anything about it yet then skip this review. 
You have been warned. First of all the whole team is back on the Enterprise with
Kirk in command. They have been given the famous five-year-mission and are about
to embark on the first leg of that journey. Some of this issue deals with events
seen only in this comic series prior to the time of the movie and in the mini-
series COUNTDOWN TO DARKNESS. It turns out there was a plot prior to the movie,
masterminded by the same person, who shall not be revealed by me, behind the
major events of the movie. It all involved attempts to start the inevitable war
to come with the Klingons. Some of the details of that earlier plot are reviewed
by Kirk and a certain prisoner serving to bring us new readers up to speed on
this series. The main part of the book takes place as the Enterprise embarks on
the five-year-mission. There has been an addition to the crew, a familiar
character from the movie. Strangely, rather than start out with a strange new
world to explore, the writer has decided to return to a concept long a part of
Star Trek lore - Pon Farr. If anyone truly does not know it is a condition
experienced by Vulcan males every seven years of their adult life during which
their emotions run amok and the become increasingly hostile. Because of his
half-human make up Spock has only now begun to experience it for the first time.
To relieve the hormonal imbalance he must return to Vulcan to participate in a
certain ritual. The only problem is Vulcan was destroyed earlier in this
continuity. But the survivors have come together in a colony on a planet call
New Vulcan. It is not so much the place but the people, or a certain person that
will help Spock. Much of this issue is about the crew and their reactions and
interactions after what has happened to them recently. Almost every one has
their moment including the new crewmember. Spock, McCoy and Uhura are
highlighted mostly. The scene on New Vulcan is played as if it is a big
surprise, which it is for most of the crew if not the informed reader. Still it
is a plot that shows some promise. The heavier part of the issue involves the
sub plots involving the Klingons and the Romulans. In the opening scene of the
book we get a small glimpse of the Klingon's reaction to the action in the movie
that took place on their home world, Qu'nos. Though Kirk may have been trying to
prevent a war his actions in the movie may have made it inevitable. The ending
scene is on Romulus where an unlikely meeting is being held, with a continuity
note to issues 7 & 8 of this series, that may have great bearing on the fate of
Earth and the Klingons. I found this issue interesting in as much it explores
the relations of the characters further and sets up the future based on what has
happened so far. After reading it I felt compelled to go back to the first 20
issues to get the big picture since it seems the groundwork was laid for the
upcoming action in those earlier issues. The art team does a splendid job
rendering the likenesses of the current actors in the series though the rest of
the art is very minimal and could use a lot more background art to dress it up. 
It is easy enough to get into the series with this issue and you may find
yourself seeking out the back issues when you are done.

Title: WINTER SOLDIER
Issue Number: 19 (Final Issue)
Title Story: It Ends With a kiss
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Jason Latour
Artist: Nic Klein
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super hero





As much as possible I try to do reviews of new series, landmark issues within a
series and often last issues of a series.  Though I have not been following this
title I decided to review the final issue. Most Marvel fans know that James
"Bucky" Barnes was Captain America's youthful sidekick during WWII. He was
believed killed near the end of the war but in reality was revived by the Soviet
Union's Secret Science Division and brainwashed to be a cold war assassin - the
Winter Soldier. He has since been given his memories back, fought alongside the
good guys, gotten a bionic arm and for now is once again presumed dead so he can
work covertly on secret missions with the Black Widow. To get us up to speed
there is a text page at the start. As the Winter Soldier Bucky had killed a
defecting Soviet scientist and the S.H.I.E.L.D. agent assigned to him. The
scientist's daughter, Tesla, was taken by the Soviets to be trained as an
operative herself. In the present time Tesla has reappeared as the Electric
Ghost to take revenge on the people who ruined her childhood. Bucky caught up
with her on a stolen S.H.I.E.L.D. satellite but he was mortally wounded. Somehow
she had a change of heart, seeing Bucky as yet another victim of government
manipulation, and she not only healed him but also surprised him with a kiss.
The bulk of this issue takes place on that satellite but the visuals tell the
story of what happens in a different reality. She reveals to Bucky that she has
what she calls the Tarasova Tesseract, a bridge across time and space using the
power of cosmic rays. What follows are scenes from her past from her days as a
child being trained as an assassin to other scenes. But they seem to be mixed up
with herself and Bucky often switching identities with people in her life or
even each other. They are scenes of conflict, violence and in each case Tesla
affecting outcomes to her own liking, rather than what really happened. One
crucial scene has them standing outside the cabin hiding her father and the
agent the day Bucky killed them. It brings back memories for both of them -
memories they both have to live with but will she be able to change the course?
Is this an attempt to alter reality or just see it happen in a different way?
The resolution of the dilemma keeps things as they have always been, but at what
cost? In the denouement Bucky is left to ponder what comes next as is the reader
since his story is over for now. It is an interesting story but this part of it
was a bit difficult to follow at first, requiring some re-reading to grasp the
idea correctly. In fact it leaves things unchanged for the time being. Bucky
could still be running around doing his spy thing while everyone thinks he is
dead - it just won't be happening in a regular comic. I did not care for the art
in this comic. The layouts are fine but the characters are all roughly drawn and
it is not visually appealing. I guess it is an ok way to wrap things up but it
is not an outstanding issue.

Title: THE LONE RANGER
Issue Number: 15
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Writer: Ande Parks
Artist: Esteve Polls
Colors: Marcelo Pinto
Letters: Simon Bowland
Cover Artist: Francesco Francavilla
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Western Hero




I have sampled this series from time to time and decided to look in on it again.
Chronologically it starts with a scene I had never seen or even though about.
Where does the Lone Ranger get his silver bullets when he runs out? He goes to a
small Texas town and sees an old friend who watches over a safe for which only
the Ranger has the key. As he looks in we see what is inside over his shoulder.
It holds trays of bullets, some silver ingots, stacks of coins and three
personal items - two Texas Ranger badges, those of his father and brother, and a
family photo. Later he and Tonto spend the night at a small house nearby. Near
it we see the grave of Margaret Reid, no doubt his mother. Here he reflects on
his childhood. Indeed, a good portion of this story is about those days that we
see in flashback. The good times were spent at home at night when his mother
would read to him his favorite novel, Ivanhoe. It is a tale of heroes and shaped
his character. When she became too ill to read he would read it to her. After
she passed away his life went on but when he began school for the first time he
was offended that the teacher would read Ivanhoe to the class. He became a
problem student and it was something his father had to help him deal with. This
was an unexpected interlude in an action comic and it is very enjoyable in my
opinion. But this is an action comic and we get into that in the introduction
and the back end of the comic. The Ranger and Tonto are on the trail of a
government agent named Winston Marle. It is not explained why but it is clear
they have something to settle. This will take the two to Missouri to get the
information they seek to find him. It is interesting to see Tonto's reaction to
a bigger city than he is used to and how white people can live in such small
rooms such as they find in their hotel. There is plenty of action in the second
half and it brings the two one step closer to their goal.  This seems to be a
good jump on point for new readers as it begins a new story as well as dips back
into the history of the man who became the Lone Ranger. The art is really
spectaculr thanks to Marcelo Pinto's superb coloring over the strong art of
Esteve Polls. This book is a quality product in every aspect and deserves its
place on the racks.

Title: GREEN LANTERN
Issue Number: 21
Title Story: Dark Days Ahead
Publisher: DC
Writer: Robert Venditti
Artist: Billy Tan
Inker: Richard Friend
Colors: Alex Sinclair & Tony Avina
Letters: Dave Sharpe
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



Now that Geoff Johns has finish his run on GREEN LANTERN I thought it would be
good to see how the new creative team would follow up. The script structure is
like many I have seen lately. It starts at the end to let us know what is coming
and then goes back to the start and moves forward from there. It is almost as if
he is saying, "here is what is coming up so stay with me while I tell you stuff
less interesting." Anyway, this is a new chapter for Hal Jordan and the corp.
Hal has been summoned to Oa by the Guardians. He has been appointed as the new
leader of the corp while this new group of Guardians is off learning what they
need to know to take over from their predecessors. This will be the new status
quo for now. His first command decision is to release the rings of the fallen
lanterns to rebuild the corp. This plays right into the situation about to
unfold. No sooner are the rings shooting off to their various sectors to find
someone worthy than Oa is attacked by Larfleeze and the Orange Lanterns.
Symbolizing greed Larfleeze believes now is an ideal time while the corp is
weakened to steal all their stuff. The remaining corp is vastly outnumbered but
Hal has hopes that new recruits will arrive soon to bolster their numbers. He
just wasn't counting on the type of beings that arrive, or their attitude. Their
arrival is a bit of a lighthearted moment at a serious time. As we see from the
opening scene things are about to go from bad to really bad. This story is more
along the lines of the standard super hero story that focuses on the here and
now without setting down groundwork for long running epic arcs. Fans of John's
may find it a big change in style but I think it is an ideal way to begin anew
and perhaps draw in new readers who can start with a fresh story and a different
style. There is also an interlude with Hal and Carol discussing their current
status both hero wise and personal that breaks things up a little. I think this
is a good new start and visually the art team does a great job all around.  If
you have stayed away from GREEN LANTERN because of all the multi-book big events
this would be a good time to give it a try.

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

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

Last week's trivia question:
In the Saturday Night Live spoof of "Funeral for a Friend", who portrayed Black
Lightning?
That would be Sinbad. David Spade was Aquaman. Chris Farley was Hulk. Tom Davis
was Mr. Fantastic. I believe Dana Carvey and Chris Rock were Batman and Robin.
The winner by the dice is David McBarron.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
First words of which character.
"Put away your childish weapons! They are no more than toys to me! I will not
communicate with underlings! Send me the rulers of your primitive world!"

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

Comic Reviews 6/7/13

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.

This week we have new series, and ending series and some annuals.

Title: X-MEN
Issue Number: 1
Title Arc: Primer
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Brian Wood
Artist: Olivier Coipel
Inkers: Mark Morales & Olivier Coipel
Colors: Laura Martin
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



Once again Marvel is re-launching X-MEN with a new number one. The catch this
time appears to be an all female team - Storm, Phoenix, Psylocke, Jubilee, Rogue
and Kitty Pride. We'll see if that holds up. Fortunately for new readers you
don't need to know too much about anything from previous volumes or other x-
titles to get into this story. It is explained right from the start that the
antagonist for this story is an ancient sentient bacteria, I am talking millions
of years. At the time there were two - a male and a female. The female, Arkea,
was forced out of Earth to find her place in the cosmos. The male, Sublime,
managed to evolve into human form on Earth. This is the only point where
knowledge of past continuity appearances would help. He evidently has clashed
with the X-Men in the past but will play a far different role in this story. The
plot revolves around Jubilee who is returning from Europe with a baby she
rescued from an Orphanage after a terrorist bombing of some sort in Bulgaria.
But as she travels to the airport and then on the plane she believes, as we
already know, that a man is following her. Once stateside she is sure of it,
enough to call the Jean Grey School to alert Ororo that she is coming home and
may need their help. Here is where the story diverges. Ororo, Kitty and Rogue
head out to meet her train in transit while the man makes his own way to the
school to voluntarily surrender. He is indeed Sublime and he is here to warn the
X-Men about his sister. Where he has evolved to possess men she followed an
alien evolution and has tremendous power over all kinds of technology. He fears
she may have no limit and is back on Earth for revenge against the entire
planet. The inherent distrust of a compliant former foe makes Psylocke and
Phoenix hard to convince, though Phoenix knows he is being truthful. Little does
anyone realize that Arkea's entry into their midst will be from a direction the
least suspect. The warning may be too late. It is a good plot and includes an
action sequence on the train to liven things up - though it is not Sublime that
is responsible for the conflict. Looking back all the clues are presented to the
reader from early on. Brian Wood does a good job getting to the final
cliffhanger in a direct fashion with only a minor diversion for a possible
future plot thread. The art is good, as you would expect on a flagship title,
including the always-dependable coloring of Laura Martin. In all it is a solid
first issue as it appeals to long time fans as well as readers who want to get
into the X-Men again. If they can keep this title separate from the eventual
crossover events that happen so often with the x-books it will be worth staying
for the ride.

Title: DARK AVENGERS
Issue Number: 190 (final issue)
Title Story: The Final Hour
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Jeff Parker
Artist: Neil Edwards
Inker: Terry Pallot
Colors: Sotocolor
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: Joe Quinones
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



You will note this is the final issue and in case you missed it this title used
to be THUNDERBOLTS. It has lasted longer than first anticipated - having the
word "Avengers" in the title didn't hurt. No doubt there will be another
"Avengers" title at some point to keep up the title count, but I digress. I
reviewed an issue of the series no too long ago and decided to see how it wraps
up. It turns out the entire time it has had the DARK AVENGERS name on it has
been one big story arc taking place in another dimension or more aptly another
slice of time. When it started the Dark Avengers were being transferred to the
Raft Prison with USAgent as their warden the group was thrust into an alternate
timeline where New York City is divided into factions controlled by versions of
the Earth's real timeline heroes. An evil Tony Stark, a militaristic despot, and
his weak-willed assistant, Hank Pym, had captured Trick Shot, Al Apaic, USAgent
and Toxie Doxie but she managed to free the group. Moonstone and Skaar ended up
in the clutches of Dr. Strange and forced to provoke war with Warlord Grimm. In
this mix it appears Moonstone was killed and this version of Reed Richards
discovered a plot by A.I.M. working secretly in all the chaos to destroy this
timeline's stability. Meanwhile Ragnarok, a cyber-clone of Thor, was captured by
Stark to be used in his war against Strange. As this final issue begins Ragnarok
has been freed and Namor is beginning to flood the city with the help of his
mate, Sue Storm. So it seems everyone is fighting everyone else and the Dark
Avengers are caught in the middle. While Namor and Sue battle Stark and his
minions the others are busy fighting the Warlord Grimm. After some success Reed
reveals the real threat to all. This sliver of time, as he calls it, has been
manipulated by A.I.M. repeatedly to gain technology for their own use in real
time. But now that sliver is about to dissolve completely. Reed is resigned to
the fact that this is an alternate timeline and should not exist. Now it is up
to the Dark Avengers to find a way back to their own time or they will vanish
with this false reality. So it becomes a race to not get killed by opposing
forces while finding the way home, if they can.  Though it is the final issue of
the arc it is not that hard to follow what is happening. It is an action-packed
story that finds you rooting for people who in their own timeline are not the
good guys. I found it entertaining and it also has a satisfying ending. All the
creators put out a good effort. I would recommend this issue even though there
won't be any more in the near future.

Title: THE WAKE
Issue Number: 1 (of 10)
Title Story: Part One
Publisher: DC/Vertigo
Creators: Scott Snyder & Sean Murphy
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Sean Murphy
Colors: Matt Hollingsworth
Letters: Jared K. Fletcher
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction
MATURE - Comics on the Edge

This comic has a very interesting structure. It has three parts set in three
different time periods. It begins with four pages set 200 years in the future.
You may have seen a promo of these pages in other Vertigo books. It shows a girl
on a form of hang glider over a city that is apparently under about ten feet of
water. She has a dolphin companion in the water and they are near the end of a
quest when something unexpected happens. The comic ends with one page set in a
cave 100,000 years ago. A cave man is drawing on the wall while several others
are busy closing up the opening with large boulders. The nature of the drawings
and something else that this storyteller digs up seem pertinent to the main
story but you will have to judge for yourself.  The main story is indeed set in
the present. The main character is Dr. Lee Archer who is a cetologist - an
expert in whale songs, dolphins and so on. As the story begins an agent
approaches her from the Department of Homeland Security who has a proposition
for her. He plays a recording made near Prudhoe, Alaska. DHS is conducting a
study near where it was recorded and he wants Lee to join it. At first she is
not interested and even the enticement of getting her re-instated with NOAA can
persuade her. But he finally has something to offer she can't resist. The base
is more than she expected and the others are a strange mix and apparently they
have been told different reasons for being there. There is something very
secretive about the mission they have not been told. But before the episode ends
part of that mystery will be revealed. How does it tie in with the past and the
future? That remains to be seen. This story has begun on a good pace. Most of
the time we are learning about Lee Archer, her history and concerns. As the
other characters are introduced we note some interaction with one in particular.
The DHS agent is devious but in a clever way. There is nothing really sinister
about him; he is just good at getting things done by manipulating the situation.
Snyder manages to start of with a peaceful situation, adds some mystery and
minor personal conflict and by the end drops a bomb. There is much more to tell
over nine more issues and this is a good start. The art is exceptional with a
good blend of panel layouts and nice coloring. I would recommend you give it a
try because I think it will become very interesting.

Title: BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT ANNUAL
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Once Upon a Midnight Dreary
Publisher: DC
Writer: Gregg Hurwitz
Artist: Szymon Kudranski
Colors: John Kalisz
Letters: Dezi Sienty
Cover Artist: Alex Maleev
Price (USD): $4.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



I have enjoyed the issues of BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT I have read and this annual
is no exception. Part of the reason is that the series consists of self-
contained stories that do not rely on large arcs or crossover events. So I knew
going in that the annual would at least be accessible story-wise. What I found
was one of those unique stories that barely has the title character in it.
Indeed this story features three of Batman's notorious adversaries - The
Penguin, The Mad Hatter and The Scarecrow. It happens on a Halloween evening at
the Arkham Detention Facility for Youth. The Mad Hatter has gotten a simple note
promising an intriguing business proposition with instructions to come alone and
it is signed Oswald. Well, as he wanders around dredging up bad memories he
begins to get mad at Penguin for not showing up but Oswald walks in and scolds
him for being mad when it was the Hatter who sent Oswald a note to meet him.
Just when they figure out someone has played them the flash of lighting reveals
the Scarecrow down the hall, but he too has a note from the other two asking for
a meet. What is interesting about the story is not so much who sent the notes or
why but it is about the individuals and how they react individually and
together. It is a character study of each one and the bad memories and fears
that made them what they are. Collectively their fears feed on each other and
provide some interesting, even humorous moments. They don't know why they are
here or what the end game is but they are sure Batman is behind it all. Is he? 
It really does not matter, that is the point of it all. It is very clever and
well executed. The art is spectacular in its simplicity and dynamic use of shade
and coloring. Even the epilogue, which lightens up the otherwise dark tone, is
perfect. I highly recommend this one.

Title: CATWOMAN ANNUAL
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Black Ice
Publisher: DC
Writer: Ann Nocenti
Artists: Christian Duce with Aaron Lopestri & John Livesay
Colors: Andrew Dalhouse with Matt Yackey
Letters: Taylor Esposito
Cover Artist: Emanuela Lupacchino
Price (USD): $4.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero





The second DC Annual this week is not so self-contained. I have not been
following Catwoman in her monthly series and from the ending of this issue it
appears that the story will continue there. This is the beginning of "The
Penguin Gang War." There are several characters involved. There have been three
killings in the area known as the Badlands of Gotham. Catwoman was tipped off
that the latest was going to happen but she arrived too late. There is a local
group that is headed up by a man named Rat-Tail who is also a bit late on the
scene. He wants her help in stopping whomever is moving in on the rackets in the
Badlands but she has problems of her own. The Penguin is behind it all and he is
out to get her. Not only is she not giving him kickbacks from her heists but she
also stole the Cobblepot Heirlooms. So he is having his tech guy perfect guided
drones that will home in on her silhouette no matter where she is in the city.
But Catwoman has a mole in his organization and is planning a way to thwart his
attack and turn it back on him.  Meanwhile the detectives investigating the vice
in the Badlands are now teamed with Harvey Bullock due to the murders involved.
One of the detectives is convinced Catwoman is the perpetrator and she won't
rest until Catwoman is brought to justice. The investigation brings in some
other facts, one of which is the ice cream truck making the rounds selling what
is called Black Ice. It is all part of the big picture, which by this point is
getting a little jumbled. By the end the evidence on the murders does not point
to Catwoman but the female detective does not care. Bullock uncovers some
interesting facts about Black Ice and takes it right to the mayor and Catwoman
and Penguin have a drawn out first battle in the war that is just beginning. I
think the best part of this comic is the art. It is clean and detailed with very
good coloring. If your are going to have a well built female lead who spends
most of her time in tight-fitting body suits she better be drawn sexy. This art
team gets all of it right in top-notch fashion. I am not as impressed with
Nocenti's script. I liked elements of the plot and how it is executed but had a
hard time with the dialogue. Parts of it seemed to be trying to hard to the
point of stereotyping people into caricatures. Rat-Tail, who is supposedly a bad
ass tough guy says stuff like, "a two-time loser with a rap sheet like route
66." I mean, who talks like that in the hood? Detective Keyes is the other
character that is over the top. Maybe I am just not interested in gang war type
stories like this one. So yes on the art and not so much on the script.  You can
judge for yourself.

Title: ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: DC
Creator: Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster
Cover Artist: Chris Samnee & Matthew Wilson
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero







This new anthology does for Superman what THE DARK KNIGHT does for Batman. It
provides a platform for a variety of creators to tell self-contained stories
about the hero. In this debut issue there are three such stories.

"Violent Minds" is written by Jeff Parker with art by Chris Samnee and Matthew
Wilson. Superman comes to the rescue as a man with telekinetic abilities is
going berserk in the streets of Metropolis tossing cars and people around
everywhere. When he can't talk the guy down he finds the direct approach is
equally difficult. This power is very strong and Superman has to find a way to
stop him. It is a real slugfest without anyone making contact. Superman is
hampered by the need to minimize collateral damage. Even though this is a one-
time story it still leaves room for speculation about who is behind it all and
what comes next. The script is good reading and the art team handles multiple
action sequences well. It is a good intro for the series.

"Fortress" is presented by Jeff Lemire with colors by Jose Villarubia.

This story does not feature Superman. Instead it deals with the perception of
the hero through the eyes of two boys. Like many of us in our youth they are
playing good guy versus bad guy. This time around one gets to be Superman and
their role-playing begins in play fort that is transformed into the fortress of
solitude. From there we get a stream of consciousness play with the villain
changing from Brainiac to Bizarro to Luthor and others when the two boys can't
agree on which villain is good to use this time. Eventually they come to
agreement and have a great time until it is time to eat. There are a touching
couple of panels at the end that wraps it up nicely. This is a pleasant
diversion and would probably only find a place in an oversized annual if it were
not for this series. On the other hand I am not a fan of Lemire's art. While it
is technically professional in execution it is not appealing to me visually. 
Good story though.

"Bizarro's Worst Day" is written by Justin Jordan with art by Riley Rossmo. The
final entry brings Bizarro to the city with his opposite approach to everything.
He says he will hurt when he actually helps and so on. Of course when he says he
will hurt in his mind this is a good thing - not evil just good. Superman goes
through the usual attempt to appeal to logic, which never works with Bizarro.
Fighting him is a bust as well since they are equally matched. Only by finally
realizing how to communicate to the clone's twisted logic will he be able to
trick him into doing something that will keep him far away from anyone else.
Sometimes these stories can give you a headache trying to understand that what
is being said is actually the opposite of what is meant. Jordan handles it very
well and gives us a decent story in a short space with strong support from the
art team. It is a good finish to a fine first issue.


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

Last week's trivia question:
What comic book ran the original serialized origin of THE INHUMANS?
Many people though it was AMAZING ADVENTURES which began in 1970 but much
earlier in the mid 60's the origins were serialized in the pages of THOR. The
winner by the dice is Gary Katzoff.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
In the Saturday Night Live spoof of "Funeral for a Friend", who portrayed Black
Lightning?

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.