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: NEW WARRIORSIssue Number: 1
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Christopher Yost
Artist: Marcus To
Colors: David Curiel
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero
I have not been a follower of the previous New Warriors series. I know a little
about some of the characters and their part in the events that led to the Civil
War event in the Marvel Universe. So, I am not sure what the lineup was but this
version has a number of familiar faces. Prime among them are Speedball, Nova and
Justice. Other future members from the looks of it are Scarlet Spider,
Hummingbird, Sun Girl, Namora and a player to be named later. For newcomers this
may be a bit too much to unscramble based on this first issue. The scenes
depicted have different heroes in different places. Speedball and Justice are in
New Salem Colorado having a mix up with the New Salem Seven over a
misunderstanding - the typical heroes fight each other when they first meet
scenario. This town is a haven for people born of magic so the occasional kid
with wings or a red guy with horns is not unusual. Scarlet Spider and
Hummingbird are in Mazatlán, Mexico presumably just hanging out until there day
on the beach is interrupted by Namora walking out of an ocean filled with blood.
Sun Girl is patrolling in New York when a disturbance in the subway leads to
something happing even further underground. Finally in Albuquerque, Nova is in a
fight with a rather ugly demon of some sort but is "rescued" by rather large
beings that work for the person apparently behind the dangerous situations all
these heroes find themselves in. It is the threat to all of them that will
apparently bring them all together at some point. Some of these episodes are
more detailed than the others. Yost spends more time on scenes with Justice and
his new friends in Colorado as well as with the Scarlet Spider and Hummingbird
than the others. With this many characters to handle it is difficult to give
them all equal time in four different places. The baddie is big enough to get
your attention but the motivation for his acts are just beginning to be
revealed. The art is pretty good - very dynamic in the action sequences. As an
introduction to these characters it is not the best but I bet if you give it a
chance it will all come together nicely.
Title: THE TERMINATOR: ENEMY OF MY ENEMYIssue Number: 1
Publisher: Dark Horse
Creator: Based on the movie series
Writer: Dan Jolley
Artist: Jamal Igle
Inker: Ray Snyder
Colors: Moose Baumann
Letters: Nate Piekos
Price (USD): $3.99
Release
Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction
There are probably not too many people who have not seen the original TERMINATOR
movie. Personally I have seen T2 more times than the first and they are two very
different style movies centered on the same theme. The machines have taken over
the future but to ensure total dominance they have to eliminate their most
dangerous foe by sending an agent into the past, 1984, to kill Sarah Connor
before she can give birth to him. The original movie was more of a terror film
than the high action science fiction T2. Through the course of it a human ally
appeared from the future, Kyle Reece, to protect Sarah. It is through the
presence of Reece that we learned why this cyborg was here and what his mission
was. This new comic sets up a plot very similar to that first movie. Skynet has
found another person in the past, this time 1985, that needs to be eliminated,
Dr. Elise Fong. Once again a T-800 cyborg has been sent back to eliminate the
target. The difference in this story is that there is no Kyle Reece from the
future to intervene. Elise and others do not know why this machine is here or
trying to kill the doctor. What we do have is a decommissioned CIA operative
named Farrow Greene. She has a price on her head so her life is already
complicated as we see from the opening scene. For some reason she is doing some
work for hire. The voice on the other side of the phone conversation says that a
pharmaceutical company is offering $1.5 Million for her to find and deliver Dr.
Elise Fong. So part of the mystery right up front is why is Fong already in
hiding and does it have any connection to the reason why Skynet is after her as
well? The introduction of the T-800 in this story is similar to the original
movie with the naked cyborg first seeking clothing, transportation and weapons
before tracking down its prey. The high point of this first episode occurs when
"Arnold" finds Elise shortly after Ms. Farrow does and the action begins. This
story has some of the feel of the original - the terror of the initial encounter
and the unbelievable realization that the bad guy is not human. It turns out
that Farrow has an old friend to confide in and that may lead to other plot
twists. The art is pretty good but the facial work of Agent Greene is
inconsistent making it a bit confusing at first. As a whole it is an
entertaining comic that does a good job in breathing new life into an old
franchise.
Title: THE X-FILES: CONSPIRACYIssue Number: 1 (of 6)
Publisher: IDW
Writer: Paul Crilley
Artist: John Stanisci
Colors: Steven Downer
Letters: Chris Mowry
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction
I must say I did not examine the cover of this first issue too closely when I
picked it up. I viewed it as a new mini-series to check out and review. Had I
looked closer I would have noticed some familiar characters from other IDW
titles mixed in with the rest of the montage that included pictures of the key
characters, the members of the Lone Gunman group. Those other pictures are of a
Ninja Turtle, The Ghostbusters symbol, Optimus Prime of the Transformers and a
crow. The Lone Gunman seem to have a number of adventures that highlight both
their genius and ineptitude. Currently one of them has received a bunch of
encrypted files apparently from someone at the CERN project, the European
Organization for Nuclear Research. When they are decrypted they are digital
rendition of various tabloids with one of each "exposing" the Ninja Turtles,
Transformers and the Ghostbusters. The other it a normal Times article about a
lethal virus spreading and there is a redacted document from something called
Skylogic Systems. What stands out is they all are dated two weeks to two months
into the future. The guys decide they need to show this stuff to Scully and
Mulder who are retired but happen to be consulting on an odd case with the local
police in Winchester, Virginia. It turns out they are working on the mystery
virus noted in one of those decrypted files. When Mulder sees it he recognizes
the picture - because a crime scene photographer just took that picture a few
minutes ago. While the Lone Gunman head off to decrypt more files they soon
learn it is not healthy to inquire about Skylogic Systems. It is apparent the
two cases are intertwined but how? And what do the other characters from those
other comic titles have to do with a deadly virus? You'll have to look for clues
as the mini-series continues with the Ghostbusters taking the stage next time.
This is a decent story so far. The more I thought about it the more I realized
that the X-Files is a good basis to have a crossover with these diverse titles.
It has a solid plot with some mystery to it and bits of humor here and there.
The art is decent though there are a lot of four-panel pages as if to stretch
things out for the page count. I would recommend it on the basis of this first
chapter. I can't imagine what will happen when these guys meet the Ninja Turtles!
Title: SUPERGIRLIssue Number: 28
Title Story: Rage Quit
Story Arc: Red Daughter of Krypton
Publisher: DC
Writer: Tony Bedard
Artist: Yildiray Cinar
Inker: Ray McCarthy
Colors: Dan Brown
Letters: Rob Leigh
Cover Artists: Giuseppe Camuncoli & Cam Smith
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero
This is a hard comic to come into cold. On the cover it appears to be the
beginning of a new story arc, and it is, but it also starts in the middle of a
knock-down, drag-out fight between Supergirl and Lobo. This is taking place at
someplace called The Block where Lobo, this is the cooler younger NEW 52
version, was hoping to find out information on that other Lobo. Evidently
Supergirl attacked to make him surrender so if you missed what led up to this
you are clueless as I am. So basically the whole issue is a big fight that
switches from here to Antarctica and then New York. All the while Supergirl is
getting more and more angry. In fact if you haven't read any of her appearances
in the NEW 52 you would think this is someone with serious anger management
issues. The whole build up this issue is to get Supergirl to a point of rage
strong enough so that the Red Lantern ring that is seeking a new host will find
her. There are a few supporting characters that have a few panels worth of time
as well, but they are just filler and offer nothing that clarifies the large
plot. I was disappointed with this comic for a couple of reasons. Mostly I
dislike the portrayal of this version of Supergirl. This comic is over two years
old and she still has not found her way or gotten over what she has lost. She
does not want to be on Earth or it seems have anything to do with anybody. Has
this all been a build up to turn her into a raging Red Lantern? I doubt that
but it seems out of character at this point. Secondly DC, unlike many Marvel
comics, does not recap their continuing story lines which makes it all the more
difficult to sample something to see if you like it. The cover is intriguing
enough to make you want to check it out but by the time I was finished I did not
care that Supergirl is now a Red Lantern or what she does next. I like the art,
especially the coloring but it is not enough to make me come back for more.
Title: DAREDEVILIssue Number: 36
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Chris Samnee
Colors: Javier Rodriguez
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero
This is also a transition issue of a long running comic. In this case it is the
last issue of the current run. But this is Marvel folks so a new number one
issue will be out soon, as is the case with just about every other Marvel comic
these days. I picked this one up to see how they wrapped up things for now,
knowing that big changes are in store for Matt Murdock. What I did not expect
was that he would reveal his Daredevil identity for real this time in open
court! Matt is defending an accused arsonist charge with setting a fire that
killed twelve people. His revelation came at the end of the last issue,
apparently, as the scene resumes with him repeating his claim as he testifies on
behalf of his client's case. As it turns out he is being blackmailed by the
client's father who threatened to out him as Daredevil if he didn't help his son
get off. With the consent of his partner Foggy, who is currently in the
hospital, he has just put their law practice on the line rather than compromise
his integrity. I like the way this story is scripted. There are cut-aways to
other heroes reacting to the news as the trial is broadcast live. Matt is taking
away the one thing the boss of the Serpents held over him. With blackmailers you
either pay them off or take away the thing that gives them leverage. The
testimony is thorough on the subject. Matt relays the scope of his powers and
how he got them and even gets into the time in the recent past when he was
exposed in the newspapers and denied it and even sued. His reasoning was he had
to in order to protect those he loved from his enemies as any hero with a secret
identity would. This particular revelation has serious implications for his
future ability to practice law in New York, a set up for the new series and the
changes it will bring. But his immediate concern is the counter attack by the
Serpents once he exposes the major player behind it all and then has to prove he
is Daredevil when the shock troops arrive to silence him on live TV. This is a
fun comic with some great plot developments and enough action to satisfy fans of
both. Mark Waid has set up things for an interesting change for the gang at
Nelson & Murdock. I have not been reading this comic monthly but I can see why
it is a fan favorite. I am not that keen on the art in a few spots but overall
it is very well done. I'll be sure to check out the new series which also is a
part of the celebration of old hornhead's 50th anniversary.
Title: IRON MAN ANNUALIssue Number: 1
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: Paul Rivoche with Nolan Woodard
Price (USD): $4.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero
This annual is broken down into three stories with a somewhat common element of
the moon. They are all written by Gillen and lettered by Caramagna with art by
various artists. Unlike some other recent annuals that have been a single self-
contained story these episodes do rely heavily on continuity in the ongoing
series, at least two of them do.
"Two Cities" is drawn by Alvaro Martinez, inked by Raul Fernandez and colored by
Chris Sotomayor. This is a rather confusing story visually because some of the
things we see are what Iron Man is hallucinating. His blood is contaminated with
an element known as Phlogistone found only on the moon. There is an extensive
recap of what has come before. This new metal was found on the moon. It is a
miracle fuel that would immediately justify colonization. And so the soviets
sent a robotic probe to prepare the way and build a city with Phlogistone as the
fuel source. The corporations and government sent people in a space age gold
rush and Iron Man also came to keep the peace among the various factions. Then
everyone learned the hidden truth about the miracle metal. It poisons humans,
driving them mad and eventually killing them. That signaled the death knell for
the colony as Tony had no choice but to find a way to neutralize all the metal.
As this story begins everyone has gone leaving only the robot Udarnik behind.
This story is about Tony, suffering the ravages of the madness running through
his system pleading with Udarnik to help him - he who was responsible for
destroying the planned outcome of Udarnik's purpose. It is an interesting
premise and the hallucinations are pretty strange but pertinent. I just felt I
missed the heart of the story by picking it up in the last chapter so it did not
have the punch it otherwise would for regular readers.
"Orbital" is penciled by Agustin Padilla, inked by Scott Hanna and colored by
Val Staples. This story is another one that follows past continuity and it
definitely could use a recap on the major characters. It takes place in space as
Tony and his brother Arno dock with a larger ship run by Eli Watson and the New
Modernist Army. They are evidently enhanced humans designed to live in space
indefinitely and where part of the project to colonize the moon. Tony is laying
low on the ship because Eli is not a fan of Iron Man based on the outcome of the
moon fiasco. Arno has a proposal for Eli. There is a city in orbit that is under
construction and he wants Eli and his band to inhabit and run it. Once it is
finished Arno will sign it over to them, no strings attached. Eli has a counter
proposal and Arno is clever enough to have anticipated it. While the story ends
on a satisfactory note I am not sure what the point of it was. Why do they want
or need Eli to take over their city? It is not clear to me anyway.
"By Moonlight" has art by Marcos Mars with colors by Esther Sanz. This one is a
more straight forward story that works on its own and does not rely on past
knowledge. Like the first story it has exceptional art and coloring while the
pencils on the second story are less appealing to me. This story involves Pepper
Potts and what has been going on with her life while Tony has been off in space.
It begins with a chance meeting in Las Vegas at a party with a man named Marc
Kumar. He is a PR rep whose unruly client necessitates Marc needing to rescue
her from his bad behavior. A month later Marc and Pepper meet for dinner in New
York as they get to know each other. The dialogue is interesting and serves
mostly to get us to know Marc better - why he chose public relations and what
drives him. You can see a spark of friendship developing and maybe romance as
well as the climax leads to both of them wanting to make a serious proposition
to the other. It is a clever story and supplements the rest of the annual with a
more down to earth tale of a fine supporting character. Sadly for Iron Man it is
my favorite story of the book.
*****
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:
Which character from the original ULTRAVERSE Made it to a live action TV show
adaptation?
The answer is NIGHT MAN.
Here was your no prize question:
What was the only city to turn down hosting of the Winter Olympics?
Beaver Creek, CO was awarded the Olympics but a statewide referendum was passed
that rejected the honor. That year the Olympics were held in Innsbruck, Austria.
THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
What animated TV show are some of the characters in DR. CYBORG patterned after?
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.
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