Comic Reviews 7/20/12

REVIEWS

The comics reviewed are chosen by David not by That's Entertainment management or staff. The opinions expressed are his alone. If you have an opposing view you are welcome to respond to David directly by Email at the address above.


This week's selections are all for the older readers - late teens and up.

Title: BLOODSHOT
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Dunk Tank
Publisher: Valiant
Writer: Duane Sweirczynski
Artist: Manuel Garcia with Arturo Lozzi
Inker: Stefano Gaudiano
Colors: Ian Hannin
Letters: Rob Steen
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero
Rated Teen+

The latest title in the revival of the Valiant line of comics is BLOODSHOT. This comic starts out with a lie and by the end you are wondering who are the good guys and who are the bad guys. The title character is known as Ray and has a wife and a young son. Ray works for the government as part of the Rising Star Project. His code name is Bloodshot. Ray has billions of microscopic machines called nanites - little robots about 1/25000th the width of a human hair in his blood. They can create, manipulate and destroy matter on a subatomic level. They expand the range of Ray's senses - hearing into the ultrasonic, sight into infrared and ultraviolet. Bloodshot can morph for limited periods of time and receive, manipulate and transmit electromagnetic waves. With these nanites he can recover from nearly any injury becoming virtually indestructible. He recently decided he wanted out of the project but a mission has come up. He is told he must rescue from terrorists an old friend who once saved his life. It is just enough motivation to take the job. As the mission begins we see just how useful his abilities are. He can be shot down and seemingly burnt to crisp and then sometime later in the enemy stronghold his body regenerates to as good as new. The kicker to the story is that may not be exactly why he is sent to where he was. So we get the feeling his handlers are using him for another purpose and that feeling may be confirmed when surprisingly he is captured in a unique way by someone who used to be heavily involved in the project and now wants to take it down. I couched these statements in maybes because we are still not positive what the truth is. The captor gives us and Ray a lot of exposition as to what is really going on. Has Ray been lied to over and over?  Can the project actually program his memories over and over to suit his needs?  It is an interesting premise and a great start to a unique character. The art is top notch from start to finish. Valiant has got my interest with this one. As an added feature there is a six-page sneak preview of ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #1 out in August. It is set in ancient Mesopotamia and involves Aram and his brothers Ivar and Gilad, the Eternal Warrior. It involves bringing Gilad back to life and perhaps giving others life eternal. It is an intriguing glimpse at an event that is categorized as the Great Cataclysm. Old fans and new ones will definitely want to check it out.

Title: PUNK ROCK JESUS
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Conception
Publisher: DC/Vertigo
Creator: Sean Murphy
Letters: Todd Klein
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction
Black & White
Mature Readers - Comics on the Edge

Though the story begins earlier to give us background on a key character the main plot takes place in the year 2019. At this point reality TV is about to take a most unusual twist. The company known as Ophis has announced that their next show will follow the life of the first human clone. The kicker is the clone is touted to be a clone of Jesus Christ. Through a confidential deal with the Catholic Church they have enlisted the world's foremost authority on genetics and environment, Dr. Sarah Epstein. The Church allowed her access to the Shroud of Turin from which she extracted what many believe to be the DNA of Christ. She has developed techniques to counter the deterioration of over 2000 years and plans to implant the DNA into an egg and fertilize a young woman. In return she gets funding for some environmental projects that will benefit all mankind. So the company will audition female virgins and the chosen one will give birth live on TV on Christmas day. The whole thing is called the J2 project. The cast of characters is diverse. Aside from the Dr. and her patient we have the Executive Producer, Slate, who has ultimate control over everything and then some. Because of the controversy of such a project a special person has been hired as head of security. It is this man, Thomas McKael that we saw as a young boy in the opening scene. His involvement in the project is a sore spot for Dr. Epstein due to his less than clean background. But as we see moving forward Slate is really the one we need to be concerned with. This first issue takes us through the birth and some disturbing things before and after. Sean Murphy has come up with a concept that could go a number of ways. You might guess from the title that it might not be what Ophis or Slate planned. This may be too much for some comic fans to even want to get involved with as it stretches the limits of religious tolerance for some. Murphy certainly has a unique art style that is very appealing. So far I can suspend my disbelief about the whole concept and see what happens here. I don't expect the child will grow up to do miracles or anything but who knows. I am willing to see what comes next.

Title: SUNSET
Issue Number: First Look - to be released as a hardcover graphic novel
Publisher: Image/Top Cow
Creator: Christos Gage
Artist: Jorge Lucas (black & white)
Letters: Troy Peteri
Price (USD): $1.00
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Crime Drama
Mature Readers - Comics on the Edge

This comic is billed as a "first look" and only costs a dollar. That is because it is a preview of an original graphic novel. It is designed to let you have a taste of what the graphic novel is about before you decide to buy it. The lead character is Nick Bellamy, a war veteran who has a caretaker looking after his wife. She has to be fed and clothed, though we don't know the nature of her ailment. Nick has some secrets, including a stash of cash in the floorboards. The plot revolves around some bad guys, evidently part of the mob, who have located Nick after 30 years. He crossed someone in the past and now has to answer for it. Need I say he won't go easily? I don't give too much away since you can find out yourself for a very reasonable price. This will involve Nick's way of life changing forever and how he reacts to it moving forward. I like this black and white art a lot. There is a lot of detail where needed and good use of black when it is not. Gage has put together a thriller with a lot of unanswered questions. If this is the very first few pages I can see a lot more things coming down the road. It is the kind of story where the lead may be an anti-hero but you will root for him, at least for now. This definitely is worth the low price and from what I see the graphic novel should be terrific.

Title: CHEW: SECRET AGENT POYO
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Image
Creator: John Layman
Artist: Rob Guillory
Letters: John Layman
Price (USD): $3.50
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction/Comedy
Mature Readers - Comics on the Edge

Not being a reader of the popular Image comic CHEW I am not sure if this really is a spin-off of that series. After reading it I realized it does not matter because it stands on its own as a silly concept taken to the extreme. You might guess from the title that Poyo is a chicken. In this case as told in the introductory material Poyo was exposed to near-lethal amounts of radiation as an egg as part of a government project to create super soldiers. He was also given bio-enhancements by aliens. Nah, just kidding. Supposedly he is just a real badass chicken. Now in the opening scene he is being operated on after near fatal wounds and being given a thermo-nuclear microfusion transventricular cardiopulmonary bioengine - whatever that is. Lets just say he is the bionic chicken and works for the government. The main plot has the evil Dr. Albrecht Regenbogen recreating the very rare meteorological phenomenon in which frogs rain from the sky. He has managed to further the process and create a deluge of all kinds of farm animals as well in England. The English agent in charge, Agent Barnes of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will team up to stop Regenbogen once and for all. It is all very silly from start to finish. There are site gags, flash backs to Poyo's previous missions and even poultry love involved. Half the time Layman tells you things but when you read the editorial footnote he says he made it up. It is clearly done for fun and the art helps carry it off. I can't say I would buy another issue if one ever comes out (don't trust Layman on that claim) but this one was a pleasant diversion that put a smile on my face.

Title: REVIVAL
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Image
Writer: Time Seeley
Artist: Mike Norton
Colors: Mark Englert
Letters: Crank!
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Rural Noir/Horror
Mature Readers - Comics on the Edge

Like many comics the opening scene to this one makes more sense as you get to the end of the book. It has narrative unrelated to the images, which also makes more sense and takes on a different meaning on a second read. The place is Wasau Wisconsin. As we learn much further in the story the town is under quarantine by the Centers for Disease Control. They have sent a new liaison to town but the sheriff brushes him off quickly at their first meeting. It is the Sheriff's family that will be the main characters. His daughter Dana is a deputy who is divorced and lives with her young son. She is about to put on a special task force to monitor crimes or conflicts involving revitalized citizens. You see for some reason there are people in this area that have come back to life. They are not like zombies or anything like that. One minute they are dead and the next they are alive again. That is why the town has been closed off. The government wants to know why this is happening and what is causing it. Is this something that will happen to anyone in the area if they die? If you can't stay dead how will that affect your actions?  This is explored in a very gruesome scene near the close of the issue. Much time is pent on the relationship Dana has with her father and later we meet her sister. These two have not been close lately but they are about to change all that. There is the mysterious death of a Zorse, half zebra and half horse that Dana needs to investigate. What she finds will be her first case for her new duties. Just to mix things up a bit Dana's son gets a glimpse of what appears to be an alien though he hasn't told anyone. There is a lot here to absorb but things get interesting really quick in the last few pages. The art is terrific right from the start. This book will apparently be full of surprises if the first issue is any gauge. It is well done and kept my interest right to the end. I recommend you check it out.

Title: AFTER THE FIRE
Issue Number: 100-Page Spectacular
Publisher: IDW
Writer: Tom Waltz
Artist: Guiu Vilanova
Colors: Jon Alderink
Letters: Amauri Osorio and Tom Waltz
Cover Artist: Pintu
Price (USD): $7.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Supernatural Crime Drama
Mature Readers - Comics on the Edge

Ok, here is the gist of this story. Shane was a good cop but the bad cops decided to take care of him. As the story opens someone has set his house on fire. He is barely able to toss his daughter from the building before it collapses on him and he perishes. The arsonists knows he is under instructions to leave no loose ends but helps arrives too soon for him to get to the little girl. As you might guess from the cover Shane is not done with this world. In an appropriate scene in the afterlife he has to make a choice to join he previously deceased wife or go back to protect his daughter and bring his killers to justice. There is a good cast of supporting characters in this story. Shane's partner Frank gets the first hint that the daughter may have seen something and he is slowly pulled into the drama that will become very emotional for him due to his guilt over losing his partner in this way. One by one the ghost of Shane is after those responsible. Those at the top of the plot will pull out all the stops to keep their power. It is an intricate plot that has plenty of time to play out in this oversized one-shot. The art is pretty amazing with lots of variety in the layouts and excellent line work and finishes. The supernatural aspect is not overwhelming but integral to the execution of the plot. The whole thing ends satisfactorily with all the loose ends tied nicely. You might think eight bucks is a lot for one comic but this one pays off.


                                    *****
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:
Though this title sounds like it would be from Marvel, it actually bounced around from Eternity to Amazing to Pied Piper to Eternity to Malibu.  What is it?
The title seems like a reversal of the mainstay of Marvel popularity, as the heroes were EX-MUTANTS. The winner by the dice roll is Keith Martin.

Here was your no prize question:
What is the only book of the Bible that specifies a blessing for those who study it?
The last book in the New Testament, The Revelation of St. John specified a blessing.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
What spin-off mini-series did BONE spawn in December 1999

Here is your no prize question:
What was the first ever feature film to be made entirely with Computer Generated Imagery?

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 7/13/12

REVIEWS

The comics reviewed are chosen by David not by That's Entertainment management or staff. The opinions expressed are his alone. If you have an opposing view you are welcome to respond to David directly by Email at the address above.


Title: BATMAN: EARTH ONE
Issue Number: Hard Cover Graphic novel
Publisher: DC
Creator: Bob Kane
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Gary Frank
Inker: Jonathan Sibal
Colors: Brad Anderson
Letters: Rob Leigh
Price (USD): $22.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

This is the second graphic novel set in an alternate DC Universe called Earth One. I am not sure what Earth the regular New 52 comics are in is called, except EARTH 2, which has its own name. Anyway, SUPERMAN EARTH ONE was very well received and this one should be too. We have the top-notch team of Geoff Johns and Gary Frank to begin with. I have always enjoyed Frank's pencils and the finishes by Sibal and Anderson bring out the best in his work. Since this is another version of Batman things are a bit different. The circumstances of the murder of Bruce's parents have been tweaked just slightly but that event is still the motivation driving Bruce to create his alter ego. Bruce is convinced that corrupt police and politicians are behind his parent's death. Thus begins his mad crusade. Even Alfred, who is portrayed as a stronger character cannot hold him back. There are other familiar characters that caught up in the web of intrigue in this very different Gotham. Detective Gordon who originally investigated the murder has acquiesced to the power structure that is too corrupt to fight. Though he maintains his personal integrity he has compromised some of his professional ethics for the sake of his family. His new partner is Harvey Bullock, a new transfer to Gotham whose last claim to fame was hosting a TV show, Hollywood Detectives. Harvey is very much all about advancing his own career and sets his sights on solving the Wayne murders cold case. While the story does not get too deep into the actual creation of Batman it does touch on the bat inspiration in a different way. There are many small things that add to the big picture. Arkham is here but it is an abandoned mansion once owned by Martha Wayne's parents. That building plays a key role in Bruce's family history and later in the main plot. The character of Alfred is really outstanding in this version. He is a voice of reason but stands ready when needed. The interaction between the two is very well scripted in each scene. There is even a young Mr. Fox who is underutilized by his superiors in the Wayne Medical Group but is just the engineer Bruce needs to get those wonderful toys working right. The other major character is Oswald Cobblepot, the mayor of Gotham. He is the head of the fish that smells the most. The tangle of corruption spreads from him through a lot of the police department. It is the actions of Batman, Jim Gordon, and Harvey Bullock separately that will set things in motion in a rapid pace to a stunning climax well worth the ride. It is also these three characters that will be profoundly changed by the end. Even Barbara Gordon plays a role in the plot. We even get a couple of hints in the last few pages as to what might be coming in the future. This is an excellent graphic novel with high production value and a reasonable price. It is well worth getting.

Title: BEFORE WATCHMEN: OZYMANDIAS
Issue Number: 1 (of 6)
Title Story: I Met a Traveler...!
Publisher: DC
Creator: Moore and Gibbons
Writer: Len Wein
Artist: Jae Lee
Colors: June Chung
Letters: John Workman
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

This entry into the chronicles of the heroes of WATCHMEN prior to that epic series is about the smartest man in the world - Adrian Alexander Veidt. Adrian narrates this issue from 1985, just before he set his great mission in motion to save mankind from itself. From that perspective he ponders his life from his parents coming to America in 1939, the year he was born, until the time he created his super hero persona - Ozymandias. It is an interesting story of a child prodigy who early on revealed his superior intelligence. In fact he was believed to be a cheater at first because his test scores were so unbelievably high. This lead to his father forcing him to stifle his superiority less he is thought a freak. And while he sadly followed that advise it did not stop him from being picked on by bullies. How he handles that situation is a preview to the approach he takes to things the rest of his life. He sees a problem, determines the corrective course of action and then undertakes whatever actions required to bring about the desired result. But the heart of the story begins at the untimely death of his parents. Adrian has always been in Awe of Alexander the Great - his accomplishments, failures, strengths and weaknesses. He takes off to retrace the steps of Alexander's campaigns at the age of seventeen and that will bring him new resolve and a purpose in life. However intelligence is not always the answer to everything. The story also touches on another personal tragedy that will compel him to seek a logical way to right that wrong. This is a back-story that fits fine with the little we knew about Adrian until now. Wein scripts this to really flesh out who the man is and what his motivations are. The art has interesting layout and composition and the finishes compliment Lee's pencils well. It is very compelling reading

Backup story: The Curse of the Crimson Corsair: The Devil in the Deep...!
By Len Wein, John Higgins & Sal Cipriano
As the story moves forward two pages at a time we are constantly changing our perspective and opinion of what is happening. At the close of the last chapter it seemed that a supernatural element was being introduced but that notion is quickly changed in the first panel. This is very clever scripting that gives us a story element each chapter rather than two pages of a larger story.

Title: THE CAPE: 1969
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: IDW
Creator: Inspired by "The Cape" by Joe Hill
Writer: Jason Ciaramella
Artist: Nelson Daniel & Zach Howard (page 1, panel 1)
Letters: Shawn Lee
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: War Story/Science Fiction
Mature readers - Comics on the Edge




This book is a prequel to the story of a boy who had a cape as a child that he used to play super hero with. Later in life he rediscovered the cape and found it gave him the power of flight. In his case power corrupts and he used the power to destroy the people that loved him most. But we never knew the origins of the cape or why it had the power it did. This series promises to answer those questions. The setting is Vietnam in 1969. Eric's father, Cory Chase, is a Medivac helicopter pilot. This story is about a fateful mission that starts out routine but goes wrong when they take fire and are forced to crash. Only Cory and one medic survive the crash and now must somehow find their way to friendly troops while avoiding enemy patrols. The two are not entirely helpless but are not armed for a major firefight. There is some action but the telling part of the story is that a strange little man is watching them from above with tattoos all over his body. He no doubt has something to do with the cape but just what is untold right now. Those of you looking for quick answers will have to be patient. This first issue is almost all a typical war story with only the cryptic little man that no one sees on a couple of pages. The pacing seems deliberate so I will let it run its course to see if it pays off. The art is pretty good right up to the cliffhanger ending. So far it is interesting enough.

Title: HE-MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: The Seeker
Publisher: DC
Writer: James Robinson
Artist: Philip Tan
Inkers: Ruy Jose & LeBeau Underwood
Colors: Richard & Tanya Horie with Carrie Strachan
Letters: Carlos M. Mangual
Cover Artist: Philip Tan & Dave Wilkins
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Fantasy - Cartoon Adaptation



I am not sure what age groups will be familiar with He-man at this point in time. Twenty years ago he was the center of a popular cartoon series and toy franchise that even spawned a live-action movie. He was Prince Adam of the planet Eternia who with his allies would fight off the forces of evil led by Skeletor. The prince would transform into He-Man with his magic phrase, "By the power of Grey Skull!" Well, that was then and this is now. Rather than try to package a thirty-minute typical cartoon plot into a twenty two-page comic James Robinson is starting from scratch to tell a more interesting story by developing the characters and the circumstances over time. In this case Adam is a simple woodsman who cares for his ailing father in their modest home in the woods. He has dreams of being a powerful hero fighting with powerful comrades against the embodiment of evil and his minions. In his dreams the good always triumphs. As he reflects on those dreams he wonders if there is another path his life should be taking. If only someone or something would show him that path. As if in answer to that request a falcon appears to befriend him. Without knowing why he realizes he knows this animal, and its name. Trusting his father to a kind neighbor he decides to follow the bird to whatever fate may lead him to. But he finds very quickly there is one who stands in his way, Beastman. This is the beginning of Adam's journey of discovery. There are hints that there is more about Adam than he knows or remembers. And the resistance to him learning anything goes to the heart of the plot. This was a surprising level of story telling given the title but not the writer. Leave it to Robinson to take any character and breathe new life into it. The only criticism I would have is the length of the fight scene. It appears to be a bit too long as if to fill out the issue so that it ends at a specific point. The art is strong with terrific work on the colors. I think this comic is truly perfect for all ages. It is not written for just the younger readers. If there never were a cartoon and a line of toys you would find this an interesting story that shows promise anyway.

Title: HERO WORSHIP
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Avatar
Writers: Zak Penn & Scott Murphy
Script: Scott Murphy
Artist: Michael Dipascale
Colors: Digikore
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

Here is yet another take on a world with just one super hero. He is known as Zenith and he has the typical major powers of flight, speed and strength. He is a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. He gained his powers when he was wounded on the battlefield and was bathed in a light from the sky of unknown origins. From that point on Harold Porter became a hero. Now it is years later and he has set up the Zenith Foundation. It is the world's largest charitable organization and functions to aid mankind with the help of his powers. The focus of the story though is not Zenith but one of his many fans, a high school boy named Adam Robeson. In fact Adam is one of the extreme fans who constantly is checking on Zenith's activities and rushes to the scene of any catastrophe in hopes of seeing and filming his hero. We see just how pervasive this has become for Adam when he interrupts a one-night-stand to rush off in hopes of a sighting. But Adam's world is about to change when he wins a fan club contest to actually tour the Zenith Foundation. Shortly after that Adam himself is suddenly able to fly himself. How will this affect his attitude on life when there is more than one powered being?  How will Zenith react to the situation? How did Adam or Zenith for that matter actually come by these powers? These questions may or may not be answered but it is an interesting start. Zak gives us good character development and dialog and the art team compliments the script with good execution that flows well. So far it is a lighter look though not humorous except for the nerd jokes. I am thinking it could get darker or at least more intense as the story develops. In either case it is worth you time.

Title: THE MUPPETS: THE FOUR SEASONS - SPRING
Issue Number: 1 (of 4)
Title Story: Spring
Publisher: Marvel/Disney
Creator: Jim Henson
Writer/Artist: Roger Langridge
Colors: Kawaii Creative Studio
Letters: Litomilano S.R.L.
Cover Artists: Elisabetta Melaranci
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Comedy/TV Adaptation
All Ages

The latest title in the series of Muppet comics from Marvel is this mini-series that will tie in to each of the seasons. First up is spring and as we all know in spring a young Muppet's thoughts turn to love. So this story focuses on that theme in both the main plot and in smaller segments throughout the book. The setting is the Muppet Show as the latest guests arrive. They are Colonel Marmaduke Bunch and Meredith the Mountain Gorilla - the greatest primate-based song and dance act in show biz. Well it seems Animal the drummer has fallen for Meredith the ape at first site. But as we learn early on she has another admirer of her own species, Bruce the ape. From the start you kind of get the idea that somehow Bruce will win the heart of the fair maiden and Animal will have his heart broken. How we get there is the fun part. This is the Muppets after all and hardly a page goes by without some form of goofiness, wacky sight gag or terrible pun. Some of the old reliables are around for a page or two. The old guys in the box seats, Statler and Waldorf set up a corny joke about spring chickens for example. Reporter Kermit is once again on the planet Koozebane to witness the rare Deebyzebs arouse from their 100-year hibernation. They look like hand puppets but in keeping with the theme have springs, like a jack-in-the-box. The punch line comes from an encounter with their most fearsome predator whose name I cannot divulge lest I give it away. In "Pigs in Space" the crew of the SS Swinetrek are stranded on a planet they believe to be inhabited by the ravenous, carnivorous Fnarls. But Dr. Strangepork has a unique solution to their situation. All together this is a fun comic that captures the essence of the humor we associate with the Muppets. The art is top notch as well. It is a perfect comic for all ages.


                                    *****
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:
Noel Neil played Lois Lane's mother in the Christopher Reeve SUPERMAN movie. 
What two other live-action Superman projects was she a part of the cast prior to that?
Noel Neil was of course Lois Lane in the 1950's TV show THE ADVENTURES of SUPERMAN.  Before that show she also was in the Kirk Alyn SUPERMAN movie serials. The winner this time is Jason Pavao.

Here was your no prize question:
In which city was the first Dunkin Donuts established.
The first Dunkin Donuts was opened in Quincy, MA.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
Though this title sounds like it would be from Marvel, it actually bounced around from Eternity to Amazing to Pied Piper to Eternity to Malibu.  What is it?

Here is your no prize question:
What is the only book of the Bible that specifies a blessing for those who study it?

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 7/6/12

REVIEWS

The comics reviewed are chosen by David not by That's Entertainment management
or staff. The opinions expressed are his alone. If you have an opposing view you
are welcome to respond to David directly by Email at the address above.


Title: HIT GIRL
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 with Michael Kelleher
Letters: Chris Eliopoulos
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero
Mature Readers - language & violence



This series spins off from the hit series KICK-ASS. It takes place between the
first and second mini-series. It serves to bridge the gap between the two. With
her father, Big Daddy, dead and her cover blown Mindy is now living with her
mother and step father supposedly having given up on the super hero stuff. Hit
Girl and Kick-Ass took down mobster John Genovese and his son Red Mist is
currently in hiding. But all is not quiet in the city. John's brother Ralphie
has taken control of the family and is running his crew from inside prison. The
guys on the outside are currently on a vendetta to find both Hit Girl and Kick-
Ass. Their plan is to grab other amateur heroes they find on the street and
torture them until they give up our heroes' whereabouts. Since at this point no
one knows this information it is not going well. This mini-series has three
themes. First is the in depth look at Mindy as a person. She is not only a
ruthless vigilante but also a very young girl. We see that while she appreciates
all her father has done for her with the first part she really has no idea how
to act like the girl her age. This becomes abundantly clear as she begins a
normal school day. Unknown to her parents she is planning to get back into the
family business and she meets with David Lizewski aka Kick-Ass to explain her
plan to start taking apart the infrastructure of the five families. This series
will reveal how they became partners in that effort. Finally it will also show
her reaching out to David, her only real friend, about that whole how to act
like a kid thing. As an added attraction the Red Mist is making his moves to not
only avenge his father's death but also take back his role as leader of the
family from his uncle. There is a lot here for one issue but it is all organized
nicely and moves fluidly. I prefer Palmer's inks on Romita's work as it softens
the facial work. The coloring is a good fit as well. Fans of the prior series
will not be disappointed with this comic. It is sure to be a hit.

Title: BEFORE WATCHMEN: NITE OWL
Issue Number: 1 (of 4)
Title Story: No Such Thing as a Free Lunch
Publisher: DC
Creator: Moore & Gibbons
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Artist: Andy Kubert
Inker: Joe Kubert
Colors: Brad Anderson
Letters: Nick Napolitano
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



This prequel to WATCHMEN begins as Daniel Dreiberg sets into motion his plan to
work with the first Nite Owl, Hollis Mason. Mason was a member of the Minutemen
and the focus of the first BEFORE WATCHMEN title as he is about to publish his
biography. This story begins in 1962 while Mason is still active on his own as
Nite Owl. Daniel has his own reasons, the intelligence and before too long the
financing to help Nite Owl become an even better crime fighter. How he
approaches Mason is a key plot element. Daniel's home life is not ideal but a
life-changing event is pivotal in Holland agreeing to take Daniel under his
wing, so to speak. This is not about Daniel being groomed as a sidekick but as
the next Nite Owl when he is ready. By the end of the issue we see how he fairs
initially, even teaming with Rorschach for a couple years. JMS also incorporates
a scene from WATCHMEN - the meeting wherein Captain Metropolis proposes that the
current heroes form a team, The Crimebusters. Since that scene was in the
sixties we have a ways to go until Daniel also retires, a fact we saw at the
beginning of the original series. The art is clean and the plotting makes it
read nicely. We have pretty much seen how this hero came to be and going forward
we will see the rest of his initial career. I look forward to it.

Back up story: The Curse of the Crimson Corsair - "The Devil in the Deep" part 4
by Len Wein, John Higgins & Sal Cipriano
This feature is getting more interesting and begins to touch on the horror
aspect as our defiant British officer is saved from the lash by the appearance
of a Spanish frigate that attacks the ship, sending him to what could be a
watery grave. How he fares and what he encounters in the deep is the crux of
this chapter.

Title: IDOLIZED
Issue Number: 0
Title Story: Every Little Thing She Does Is Tragic
Publisher: Aspen
Creator: David Schwartz
Writer: David Schwartz
Artist: Micah Gunnell
Colors: David Curiel
Letters: Josh Reed
Price (USD): $2.50
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

I was surprised to see this title on the rack given the recent debut of a
similar title, AMERICA HAS POWERS. I suppose it is mostly coincidence that
creators would come up with similar concepts at the same time. You can almost
guess this will be a story about a super hero competition ala American Idol. It
takes place in a world full of powered people. Unlike AMERICA HAS POWERS the
people here are not controlled by the government with only certain chosen people
allowed to compete. This story is more closely patterned after the reality TV
format. All are invited to audition for a chance to win SUPERHERO IDOL. The
grand prize is not a recording contract though. In this case it is membership in
the greatest super-group in the world, The Powered Protectors. This being the
so-called "zero" issue (hrrmm...) it serves to outline the basic premise and give
us a first introduction to the main character in the plot. Her name is Leslie
Linnell. She will be dubbed Joule by one of the judges. In her segment of this
issue, which she narrates from a future perspective, we find out what motivates
her to join the contest and how that did not work out as planned. The second
half of the book is a mock magazine called SUPERPEOPLE that serves to give us
more background info on the people behind the story. There are three main
sections. First is an interview with host of the TV show. The second is
revealing internal memos among the judges indicating their apprehension with
Joule's psychology. Most telling is an Email thread between the leader of the
Powered Protectors and the government agency that funds the group. It is all
good background for what is to come. Based on the story pages and the backup
material I would give this title a chance. Though the premise is a gimmick it
seems there are interesting twists that could be developed into a good story.
The actual first issue should be worth getting.

Title: THE HYPERNATURALS
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Boom!
Creators: Abnett, Lanning & Walker
Writers: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning
Artists: Brad Walker & Andres Guinaldo
Inkers: Mark Irwin & Mariano Taibo
Colors: Stephen Downer
Letters: Ed "Duke" Dukeshire
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



This series has been getting some prerelease publicity. With Abnett and Lanning
writing the story I decided to take a look. The story is set far in the future
in a human galactic culture known as the Quantinuum. It is a time 100 years
after the Quantinuum AI was created and achieved Singularity. In this time the
Hypernaturals are the foremost champions of the Quantinuum. Each team serves for
five years and is specifically chosen for their powers and strength of
character. The main plot at this point in time is the sudden disappearance of
the current entire Hypernatural Team on their first mission to a place called 28
Kosov. The actual issue opens seven years earlier as we witness a mission of the
team at that time in a dream by its leader, Clone 45. This serves to introduce a
major villain and a couple of team members key to the plot in the present. One
such member was Bewilder who has the power of hyper-metabolic acceleration. It
is not so much super speed but burst of rapid acceleration. She used to be
married to Clone 45 and since his dream is featured in the first several pages,
though he is no longer a member of the team, it leads me to believe he will
become a bigger part of the story. In the present Bewilder is simply Creena
Hersh the head of Media Relations for the Hypernaturals. She is dealing with the
breaking news and will help formulate a plan to investigate the disappearance
with her former teammate the genius Thinkwell. That plan will also involve some
probationary that may be put on temporary active status. What they might find is
anyone's guess. A quick read of this issue seems like another super hero
procedural. One particular full-page panel is very imaginative in conveying the
seriousness of the threat. And of course we are purposely introduced to an older
mission as background for what is coming. Still I like super hero stories with
new characters and mysteries to solve. So far the art is very good and the cliff
hanger stops the story at just the right point. There is even a two-page
interview with Bewildered that gives more in depth perspective. I'll stick with
this one for a while.

Title: FATIMA: THE BLOOD SPINNERS
Issue Number: 1 (of 4)
Publisher: Dark Horse
Creator: Gilbert Hernandez
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction/Horror
Mature Readers - Comics on the Edge





This appears to be an original story as there is no reference to past
continuity. The story is set in the future when a lot of the population
succumbed to the most addictive drug ever conceived, Spin. It is highly sought
after promising everything you would ever want from a drug, except that in a
matter of hours you become a zombie - a walking dead. It is a slow process and
it is easy to recognize a person who is on the path to become undead. For that
reason clean citizens often attack such a user before they fully turn and can
infect others. Fatima is a member of law enforcement in this strange future. We
see how she typically handles "Spinners" and then go into a flash back from a
year ago when she went on her first mission. It is clearly the set up for the
story to come. It is an operation where operatives have infiltrated a drug
lord's operation and a sting buy is being set up. Fatima is on the assault team
that will crash in at the appropriate time. There is some useful information
learned in this segment and hints of a possible cure for Spin is one. Fatima's
narrative about the operation and her beginning relations with the rest of the
team is another. Hernandez as always brings the mastery of black and white art
to this tale. Visually it is right on. While it is very readable it is nothing
very special. It is a mash of zombies and cops and robbers that may or may not
appeal to a lot of readers. I give it a positive for execution and a neutral on
content.


Title: CAPTAIN AMERICA & IRON MAN
Issue Number: 633
Title Story: One Night in Madripoor
Writer: Cullen Bunn
Artist: Barry Kitson
Colors: Javier Tartaglia
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: Kalman Androsofszky
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero




This Captain America title recently became a team up book and so the title
changes with the guest hero. This issue begins a story arc with Tony Stark as
the celebrity guest. In fact he is front and center discussing the concept of
miniature drones the size of hornets at a weapons expo in Madripoor. Before long
we learn that Steve Rogers is also there but not so visible as a voice in Tony's
ear. Before long Tony's appearance changes by way of an image inducer and he
makes his way into an invitation only meeting with some very dangerous people.
With a couple of those tiny drones buzzing around Cap will be able to see and
hear what Tony does. This is the real reason they are here - an off the record
auction of the latest technology known as the Harvester Protocol. Not only does
it render other technology it touches useless but it also gathers detailed
information and schematics from the systems it corrupts. It is beyond an EMP
weapon and Tony recognizes its danger. It will be up to the two to stop the sale
and secure this devise but there are others who have the same idea though not
the high morals of our heroes. Imagine what this technology could do to Iron
Man's armor or Captain America's hard light shield. The two will have their
hands full when it all hits the fan. I found this to be a very entertaining
issue and a good first chapter of the arc including a nifty cliff hanger. Barry
Kitson does a great job as always and has solid backup from the colorist. The
dialogue is fresh and believable. Bunn shows the two have a good relationship
and brings touches of humor into play here and there. I would recommend this to
all as a fun super hero comic.

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

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

Last week's trivia question:
Teresa, Gianna, and Maria are also known as . . .?
The sisters in question were the stars of Acclaim's TRINITY ANGELS. The winner
by the dice is Gregory Goding.

Here was your no prize question:
What is Pope Benedict's favorite soft drink?

The answer is Fanta Orange.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
Noel Neil played Lois Lane's mother in the Christopher Reeve SUPERMAN movie. 
What two other live-action Superman projects was she a part of the cast prior to
that?

Here is your no prize question:
In which city was the first Dunkin Donuts established.

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 6/29/12

REVIEWS

The comics reviewed are chosen by David not by That's Entertainment management or staff. The opinions expressed are his alone. If you have an opposing view you are welcome to respond to David directly by Email at the address above.


Title: BEFORE WATCHMEN: COMEDIAN
Issue Number: 1 (of 6)
Title Story: Smile
Publisher: DC
Creator: Moore and Gibbons
Writer: Brian Azzarello
Artist: JG Jones
Colors: Alex Sinclair
Letters: Clem Robins
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero
Mature Readers


This latest episode of one of the characters from WATCHMEN takes place in the early 1960s. It of course is about Eddie Blake, The Comedian. At this point in time he is very close to President Kennedy and his family. He even plays touch football with the brothers in their leisure time. You may recall from the movie that in one of the opening scenes of the movie Eddie is depicted as the shooter on the grassy knoll on that fatal day in Dallas. This chapter directly contradicts that assertion. If anything he is shown as a loyal friend by his words and actions. Instead we see him taking part in the untimely death of another famous person of that era, apparently at the request of Jackie Kennedy. In the flow of the story we learn just how close he is to the president and how his reputation as a crime fighter with a somewhat nefarious past has made him useful to the government on certain jobs that need to be done. Of course he does not always follow the game plan set out, which Azzarello shows clearly in the plotting. This first issue takes us right up to the day of Jack's assassination showing us what Eddie was up to when he heard the news. Throughout the story the Comedian sticks to character and his reaction in the end is no exception. What then will follow after this?  Will this event shape him and change him into something else? That is at least the inference I make but will remain to be seen. Jones does a great job on the art with pretty good renditions of familiar people in the story. So far I am enjoying where things are headed.

Back up story - "The Curse of the Crimson Corsair" part 3 "The Devil in the Deep" by Len Wein, John Higgins and Sal Cipriano. The third chapter of this tale of horror on the high seas takes a pretty bad turn for the British junior officer who rebelled at the cruelty of his captain. It seems he will be paying a much higher price than anyone expected when it all falls apart. It is interesting to see just how much can be told in just two pages. The narrative and art blend well together. It is getting better and worth the wait for the next chapter in the pages of NITE OWL.


Title: MARS ATTACKS
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: First Contact! First Carnage!
Publisher: IDW
Writer: John Layman
Artist: John McCrea
Colors: Andrew Elder
Letters: John Layman
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction




IDW in conjunction with Topps is celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the original MARS ATTACKS series with this new comic that for now explores other aspects of that invasion from 1962. For Topps part they are issuing collectible card packs with the 55 originals reprinted, 10 lost cards inspired by the original art by Wally Wood, 15 new universe cards by series artist John McCrea and even special chase cards. If that weren't enough IDW is issuing a 57 comic box set for $200. It has all 55 variant covers, each with art from one of the classic cards, the retailer incentive cover and a cover only available with the box set. If you are a completist this is for you. It all began in the summer of 1962. Prior to the Martian invasion a scout ship hit an Earth orbiter and crash-landed and the lone Martian survivor was capture by a couple of locals in the American heartland. They decided they could make money by selling this freak, whom we learn is named Zar, to a freak show in the County Fair. The manager who agrees to the purchase is a cruel master and of course is only able to communicate with the alien through violence. Little does he know that there are others looking for their lost comrade and his actions will soon spark the first skirmish in the interplanetary war. While it is a bit of a stretch that events would unfold this way we go along with the suspension of disbelief and the stereotyping of these country bumpkins. This is all a set up to show a typical government cover-up and the story of Zar who will later play a key role in the major conflict. The set up is to establish a new continuity for the invasion in the present rather than 50 years ago. The artwork is pretty good and the plot is somewhat comical but entertaining. I liked it for what it is and it should be a fun book moving forward.

Title: CREATOR OWNED HEROES
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Image
Letters: Bill Tortolini
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction
Mature Readers







This title is a monthly anthology spotlighting stories from independent creators on their own work. Beyond the actual stories you also get commentary by the creators, an interview with Neil Gaiman, convention photos and even a feature on two sisters who are costume designers really into Cosplay. There is a lot here for only four bucks. The main reason to buy it though is for the stories.

Story Title: American Muscle
Story: Steve Niles
Art: Kevin Mellon

This one is set in an apocalyptic future. Seven young adventurers decided to leaved their walled city in three automobiles to see what the rest of the country had become. Global disease left much of the population sick, insane or dead. So these brave souls ventured out and in the opening are racing across barren land when one car loses its brakes and the others have to use unorthodox means to stop it before disaster. This action is portrayed to have some visuals while the narrative rambles on about how the world got this way. They were heading to Los Angeles and what they find is not pretty. But what will happen next might prove deadly. It is not a bad plot but wastes a lot of time with the runaway car bit this leaving little for plot development before it ends. The art is decent enough though nothing special. I guess I expected a bit more from Steve Niles in this introductory chapter and will have to see what comes next before judging its worth.

Story Title: Trigger Girl 6
Writers: Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray
Art: Phil Noto

For me this story is the better of the two in this first issue. It is a fascinating story of human assassins apparently grown from embryos with innate training in their art. This is not clear because we see one such killer, Subject 6, emerge from a cocoon floating in liquid. Was she grown this way or just incubated as an adult? She emerges and gets dressed and immediately arms up and enters a bean-shaped capsule that is shot into the air. It is clearly a very high tech transport with no evident means of propulsion. Her mission becomes clear when she approaches an Army jet transporting a US Senator. I do not want to spoil how she goes about acquiring and then eliminating her target. I will say it pushes the boundaries of what is possible but we could guess that based on the technology we have seen to this point. It is clear from the dialogue of those on board the jet and its chase planes that they know what a Trigger Girl is and the danger she presents. But the unanswered questions are the most intriguing. Who is behind it all? Who are they targeting and why? How is it possible for a human to do what she can do? Jimmy and Justin give us things to think about and Phil Noto gives us some terrific art that fleshes it out. I definitely want to see more of this story.

Title: FRANKENSTEIN ALIVE, ALIVE!
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: IDW
Creator: Mary Shelley
Writer: Steve Niles
Artist: Bernie Wrightson
Letters: Robbie Robbins
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Horror





When I saw Bernie Wrightson's name on this one I new at least the art would be good and I was not disappointed. Wrightson is a master of black and white illustration so you can always depend on any of his work. This is not an adaptation of the famous classic but a sequel. It is told in two segments. The first is told in the monster's present. He is one of the main attractions in the freak show part of a traveling circus and carnival. He has found a home among others who have been rejected by society - a family of sorts. But he wonders what he could tell them of his past as we drift into the past in a flashback. He is in a mountain in the winter. He has come here to die and yet he is haunted by the ghost of his creator, Victor Frankenstein. Frank, as the carnies call him now, has accepted his fate and the deeds he has done in the past. The vision reminds him that he will never be forgiven for the deaths he has caused. He will seek solace in ending his artificial life if not from freezing in the show then perhaps in the lava of the active volcano nearby, always haunted by Victor's accusations. This is an interesting story. The monster is no longer the newborn that can barely speak. He has grown to this point where he can communicate well, if only with a ghost. And of course this will not be his end because we know it is a flashback. I feel the main story will be in the present and this chapter certainly ends too soon. The issue includes an interview between Bernie Wrightson and Steve Niles on their first exposure to Frankenstein from the various movies over the years.  It also has a six-page excerpt from Mary Shelley's work. I am hoping for more story pages in the future so the main story can move forward.

Title: NEW MUTANTS
Issue Number: 44
Title Story: Out of Season, part 1 of 3
Publisher: Marvel
Writers: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning
Artist: Leandro Fernandez
Colors: Val Staples, Guru eFX & Chris Sotomayor
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: John Tyler Christopher
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

I saw this issue was the start of a three-issue arc and featured some of the Defenders on the cover so I decided to check it out. The New Mutants are mostly the original team with Dani Moonstar, Sunspot, Magma, Warlock, Cypher and the telekinetic X-Man. After the X-Men schism the New Mutants sided with Cyclops and have moved into San Francisco to help improve relations by living among humans. But the action opens in Queensport, Maine as the team is trying to stop a group of goblins leftover from the Inferno incursion from creating havoc. This is where they meet the Silver Surfer, Iron Fist and Doctor Strange whose timely appearance solves the problem. But that is coincidental to why these three Defenders show up. They came to see the New Mutants on another matter. It seems the New Mutants are the focus of a disturbance in the force. Er, to put it in Marvel terms a ripple in the cohesive binding structure of the metaverse or as Surfer puts it a change in the fundamental energies of the cosmos. Both magic and space/time are being affected. Strange wants them to do something about it and the urgency becomes evident when Bobby temporarily goes berserk, as if possessed. What he reveals after the Defenders leave will lead the team to Westchester to visit Karma. As we will see the effects will become more serious and happen more frequently as the story progresses. The plot is straightforward as is usually the case with Abnett and Lanning and includes characterizations and asides along the way. The art is fairly decent as well. I like the idea that this is a new arc and aside from references to early things and relations it is easy to get into and understand. It is a typical formula super hero plot that is entertaining for what it is.

Title: AMAZING SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL
Issue Number: 39
Title Story: Spider Who?
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Brian Reed
Artist: Lee Garbett
Inker: John Lucas
Colors: Antonio Fabela
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Cover Artists: Lee Garbett, Karl Kesel & Wil Quintana
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero

I was surprised to see an "annual" priced at only four dollars but sure enough this has 40 story pages for the price. It is also interesting to note that this is annual #39. After so many comics rebooting to a new number one and several titles with more than a couple Annual #1 issues it is good to see a continuation of numbering for a change. Anyway, this annual is a self-contained story, which makes it appealing and even a better value, as you do not have to invest in other issues or annuals of other titles to get the whole story. We get right into the main plot, as Peter is involved with an experiment gone wrong at Horizon Labs where he works with other young geniuses to come up with new stuff. His co-worker Grady has this idea about freezing objects in time but the inevitable problem occurs and Peter is suddenly in the future, but it apparently an altered future. No one has ever heard of Spider-man, Mary Jane is an accomplished actress starring in an Iron Man spin-off, RESCUE, Norm Osborne is a respected scientist working on a cancer cure and Jonah Jameson is the President! Peter tries to make contact at Horizon Labs but finds no one has ever heard of him. He is beginning to think that this is how the world would be if he never was around - never became Spider-Man. But that is not his only problem. Soon the ground begins to tremble, as if there is an earthquake in New York and in a flash he finds himself back in high school with all his old friends. What is cool about this part is that Garbett and Lucas pay homage to Ditko by aping his style from those early issues. It turns out that Peter is flashing through time. Sometimes it is his own past and he is a part of it, other times it is an altered future. Each time there is this tremor and it won't be long before the Avengers take notice. Will they believe his story that in his own time he is a member and friends with all of them? Can they even do anything to stop it all? The story is not just this dilemma that needs solving. He also meets Uncle Ben, still alive in this future and by the end of the book there is a really satisfying wrap up to their interaction. This is a really enjoyable annual for both story and art. If you just want to read a Spider-Man story for a change this one is worth your money.

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

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

Last week's trivia question:
Can you tell the TITLE from this abbreviation? ->  PTPOPW
Sometimes the questions are a bit obscure - that is why it is called trivia. The answer this time is PETE THE P'OD POSTAL WORKER. I stumped the class on this one.

Here was your no prize question:
What did Nathaniel Briggs invent?
Nathaniel Briggs of New Hampshire received the first United States issued patent for a washing machine in 1797. Because of the great Patent Office fire, no description of the device exists, and it is not known what kind of washing device Briggs invented.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
Teresa, Gianna, and Maria are also known as . . .?

Here is your no prize question:
What is Pope Benedict's favorite soft drink?

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 review 6/22/12

David LeBlanc was the Editor of the Comic Book Network Electronic Magazine for over ten years. He is a life-long fan of comics and moderated online comic book forums long before the Internet became the place to be. David works part-time at
That's Entertainment, the Eisner-winning comic store in Worcester, MA.


REVIEWS

The comics reviewed are chosen by David not by That's Entertainment management or staff. The opinions expressed are his alone. If you have an opposing view you are welcome to respond to David directly by Email at the address above.


Title: SPIDER-MEN
Issue Number: 1 (of 5)
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Sara Pichelli
Colors: Justin Ponsor
Letters: Cory Petit
Cover Artist: Jimmy Cheung
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero




I have been anxious to read this comic for a couple of reasons. It is actually the first Marvel comic to breach the barrier between the "Ultimate" Universe and the regular Marvel (so called 616) Universe. I am also a fan of the entire Ultimate Universe and am interested to see the reaction and interaction between the two very popular Spider-Men. For such a meeting to take place one of these guys has to travel across the dimensional barrier. As you will learn it is the original Peter Parker who ends up in a world not his own about half way through the comic. The first half is the setup for how this will take place and the second half is mostly his reaction when he realizes he is not in Kansas anymore. The how involves Mysterio who apparently knows more about the Ultimate Universe than you would first expect. Most of the action in the first act is formula and expected. I am more interested in what Peter will think about this other Universe. People know he "was" Spider-Man before his death. How will he react to the number of heroes and villains that are dead in this world?  How will other heroes who knew the Ultimate Peter react if they meet him? What about the different versions of his family and friends? And of course the confrontation with Miles Morales on the last panel is stunning to both of them. Except for that last bit none of this has happened yet, none of it may. I think it would be more interesting than any effort that will be made to get Peter home. I found the art good enough though nothing stunning. So far it is a good start and I anticipate the next issue will hold a lot of meat to it.

Title: BEFORE WATCHMEN: SILK SPECTRE
Issue Number: 1 (of 4)
Title Story: Mean Goodbye
Publisher: DC
Creators: Moore & Gibbons
Writers: Darwyn Cooke & Amanda Conner
Artist: Amanda Conner
Colors: Paul Mounts
Letters: Carlos M. Mangual
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero
Mature Readers

Unlike the first title in the series, MINUTEMEN, the bulk of this issue takes place in 1966, long after the original Silk Spectre stopped crime-fighting and is raising her daughter Laurel who is in high school. The focus of the story is on Laurel and the complex mess her life is in, beyond the normal teenage angst. Her mother Sally has set a high standard for Laurel. She forces her to train constantly, denying her any interaction with kids her age except during the school day. Some of the other kids make her life harder treating her like trash based on her mother's history. Laurel has turned into a superb athlete and there is a budding romance between her and the handsome young man named Greg. Much like her his father is training him, not as a crime-fighter but to be a macho guy so he can be the best he can be when he marches him down to the Marine recruiting office when he turns eighteen. Having this in common, over domineering parents, will only bring them closer. Of course Sally has made it almost impossible for Laurel to encourage Greg with her strict rules on socializing. Sally even goes as far as surprise attacks at night to be sure Laurel can defend herself against a would-be rapist. We all know where that motivation comes from. So this first chapter is all about the breaking point in their relationship and what Laurel does about it. Perhaps by the end of the mini-series she will actually become Silk Spectre II. That remains to be seen. The plotting is very good; including some well placed imagery in the first three pages. Amanda Conner is the perfect artist for this series. She captures a lot of the essence of the characters and the inherent theme of strong independent women. I am not disappointed about any of the book and am impressed with all of it. I think you will be too.

Title: THE MASSIVE
Issue Number: 1 (of 3)
Title Story: Kamchatka
Title Arc: Landfall
Publisher: Dark Horse
Writer: Brian Wood
Artist: Kristian Donaldson
Colors: Dave Stewart
Letters: Jared K. Fletcher
Cover Artist: Wood & Donaldson
Price (USD): $3.50
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction/Adventure

I've classified this as science fiction because it takes place in a world twelve months after "The Crash." The Ninth Wave marine conservationist force is led by the captain of its main ship the Kapital, Callum Israel. Their mission has changed from pro-conservation goals (anti-whaling, anti oil shipping and the like) to one that has them searching the world for answers to the cause of the Crash. Lately they have been hunting for their sister ship, The Massive that is apparently lost and adrift amid the chaos. At times the narrative reflects on the Crash itself. It began in January of 2003 with a massive storm in the Cook Islands that defied usual conventions. Entire landmasses vanished and loss of life was near total. Huge storms at sea along major Atlantic Ocean shipping lanes resulted in hundred of billions of dollars in damage and losses. Underwater landslides off the coast of California damaged several oil platforms, an event that repeated itself in other parts of the world. Masses of Blue Fin tuna washed ashore in Mauritania, wind farms in the East China Sea went still causing loss of power to millions in China. The geography and climate around the world has changed drastically. Many seaports are under hundreds of feet of water, crops are failing, and people are starving. On the human side the plot centers around Callum, his second in command Mary and his long time friend Mag. There are some conflicts among them as to courses of action to take. They are not alone in the waters as this chapter points out when they encounter pirates in smaller boats. All the time they search for traces of The Massive. Often they seem to get a radar signature in the distance only to have it fade quickly. So we have character development of the main players against the backdrop of a decimated world with unknown dangers lurking anywhere. The bigger question is what happened and why. The lesser one is can one ship off the coast of Kamchatka in the Bearing Sea have any hope of solving the riddle or finding their lost comrades. This appears to be a long journey to answers and is moving at a deliberate pace. The art is very good and some added text in the back helps fill in some of the blanks. I am not excited about the story so far but it seems intriguing and worth following for now.

Title: PLANETOID
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Image
Creator: Ken Garing
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction

This is a story in the far future and is set on a planetoid that was once a mining operation of the colonial government but has been abandoned along with all the old factories and AI robots when opposing alien forces, the Ono Mao, entered the region. The plot follows a space smuggler named Silas. In a narrative we learn of his past and the most recent incident involving his crew's attempt to salvage what they could from an Ono Mao research vessel in distress. They found experimental weapons but before they could leave they came under attack from a military ship and only Silas was able to escape in his boarding shuttle after an emergency warp. He thought he was lucky when he emerged from warp near a planet but getting closer was fatal as the strange electromagnetic planetary radiation disabled his systems and pulled his craft into a crash on the planet. The story then revolves around what he finds there and the possibility that he may never be able to leave. Most of this first chapter introduces us to the environment and dangers in this area of the planet, fills us in on Silas' history and sets up his encounter with other humans on the planet in future issues. I like the art, which has varied layouts and composition. Garing is not only a good storyteller but also an accomplished artist. If you are into space opera this is a worthy comic to try.

Title: KISS
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Part 1
Title Arc: Dressed to Kill
Publisher: IDW
Writer: Chris Ryall
Artist: Jamal Igle
Colors: Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Letters: Shawn Lee
Cover Artist: Various
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Horror/Fantasy

I have not read anything about this new title from IDW but was intrigued by the cover showing the members of Kiss, the rock group, in suits with details indicating they are in the late 1920's. Indeed the story is set in 1929 Chicago. It is a time of prohibition and mob rule in major cities. The introductory pages have Wicked Lester enjoying some recreation at a speakeasy as his boys bring him someone they suspect is a rat in the organization. How he dispatches this enemy clues us in on the fact that this story has elements of the supernatural. This may follow from earlier comic stories involving the band that I never read. There is one called the Elder, a cosmic force for justice and order. His goodness is under siege by the ultimate purveyor of chaos and destruction, the Destroyer. The Destroyer has entered our universe to spread his stain using human agents like Wicked Lester that he has empowered. As the gang plans to locate and kill the Treasury Agent who sent the informant we meet the other players in the game. As they confront him two cops in a diner nearby rush to his aid and they all see first hand the extent of Lester's power. It is these three and the informant who are soon transformed into avatars for the Elder through magic talismans. They gain their new appearance, face paint and all and along with it powers of their own. Each one has unique ability and soon the informant fills them in on the bigger picture. The text in the back explains that this is the theme of the book and will contain stories in two-issue arcs showing Kiss across different eras, presumably in the struggle against the Destroyer as agents of the Elder. It will go back in time to the Dark Ages and forward to the present as they move along. There will also be different artists on the various arcs. This first set is handled well by the current team. I imagine the hope is that hard-core Kiss fans will buy it just because of the band based on the success of previous Kiss comics. I found the story sufficient to hole my interest regardless of the characterization. Taking the stage images of a popular band and using that as the basis for heroes in a war among supernatural beings is nothing special. It remains to be seen if plain old comic fans will be interested enough to make it a hit.

Title: AMERICAN VAMPIRE: LORD OF NIGHTMARES
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: DC/Vertigo
Creators: Snyder & Alburquerque
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Dustin Nguyen
Colors: John Kalisz
Letters: Steve Wands
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Horror
Mature Readers - Comics on the Edge

I read a few issue of the ongoing AMERICAN VAMPIRE at the start and saw this mini-series as an opportunity to once again sample Scott Snyder's interpretation of the Vampire legend. This particular story is set in 1954 and begins in London. A young man has arranged to meet a British agent named Hobbes at a street café. What this story is really about is a long held secret involving the London Tower Bridge. Built in the 1880's it has a secret base built into the north piling. The purpose of the agents involved with its existence was to track down a high value target and then contain him in this location. It seems our young visitor at first is at Hobbes' mercy, surrounded by other agents nearby willing to publicly assassinate him at Hobbes' direction. But he is only there to inform Hobbes that his base is about to be breached. The result of that attack leads Hobbes to Paris to meet with a former agent of his, the best ever. She is a young lady that is half American Vampire. She left fifteen years ago along with a vampire baby that she used an experimental serum on to turn human again. They had an understanding she would be left alone but that recent event has changed everything. You might guess from the title just whom that high value target was and why Hobbes will need to take extraordinary measures now. The plotting of the script is nicely handled, as was my earlier assessment of Snyder's work. He gives us a lot in the pages without clutter. Sometimes there is just hints at things but there is no confusion as to where things are going. These characters may have appeared in earlier issues of AMERICAN VAMPIRE but that is not critical. Everything is easy to follow and the art supports the story in good fashion. If you have been thinking of sampling this popular title this may bee a good issue to begin with.

                                    *****
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:
There have been a few comic series about super hero sidekicks, one even had that title. Can you name the first comic starring sidekicks?People had to go way back, past the TEEN TITANS first appearance to the summer of 1941 and the YOUNG ALLIES for the answer. The winner by the dice is Gary Katzoff.

Here was your no prize question:
Where is the oldest private military academy in the USA?
The oldest is Norwich University in Northfield, VT. It is also home to the birthplace of one of the oldest Greek fraternities in the country, Theta Chi Fraternity.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
Can you tell the TITLE from this abbreviation? ->  PTPOPW

Here is your no prize question:
What did Nathaniel Briggs invent?

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

comic review 6/15/12

The comics reviewed are chosen by David not by That's Entertainment management or staff. The opinions expressed are his alone. If you have an opposing view you are welcome to respond to David directly by Email at the address above.


Title: DARK AVENGERS
Issue Number: 175
Title Story: Earth's Mightiest...
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Jeff Parker
Artist: Declan Shalvey
Colors: Frank Martin Jr.
Letters: Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: Mike Deodato & Rain Beredo
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



No, you didn't miss the first 174 issues of this title. Starting with this issue the tite THUNDERBOLTS has become DARK AVENGERS. The Thunderbolts were a team of super villains operating out of The Raft on behalf of the US government to work off their prison sentences. After saving Chicago from an invasion they went on the run and became lost through the time stream. Luke Cage, their supervisor has been searching for them with the help of Hank Pym. Part of this issue has the two in the Florida everglades trying to locate the Nexus of Realities so Hank can use his super duper technology to help pinpoint the Thunderbolts by tracing the tachyon stream through it. When Luke returns to what is left of The Raft dock he finds the so-called Dark Avengers standing there. They are Trick Shot - the fake Hawkeye, Ragnarok - the Thor cyborg, Toxie Doxie - the fake Scarlet Witch and Dark Spider-Man - a monstrous eight-limbed spider-creature. After the obligatory fight scene Luke learns from the powers that be that they have designated these villains as the new Thunderbolt team, complete with unique inhibitors to keep them in line. So this issue is the set up for the new team and determines if Luke will still assent to being the leader. As you might guess from the cover there is one other member that will show up by the end as they head out on their first mission. It is a rescue mission, the nature of which is spelled out in the opening pages. I enjoyed the past stories tied into Dark Reign with these characters but am not sure I will follow them in this capacity. It is not surprising Marvel would create such a title at this time, adding yet another "Avenger" book to the mix. The art is ok so the visual aspect works well. It is up to the readers to decide if this is a suitable replacement for a long-running title or not.

Title: PROPHECY
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Writer: Ron Marz
Artist: Walter Geovani
Colors: Adriano Lucas
Letters: Troy Peteri
Cover Artist: Paul Renaud
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Horror
Mature - Comics on the Edge



This is the beginning of a character crossover title involving the various characters in the Dynamite stable. The action takes place across timelines starting in the 1890's in the time of Sherlock Holmes, skipping back to the Yucatan of 632 A.D. and then moving forward to the present time. It starts with a museum theft of an ancient dagger. That dagger plays a key role as we go back to its origins as we see Kulan Garth dressed as a Mayan priest using it in a ceremonial human sacrifice. But his plans are disrupted with the appearance of his enemy, Red Sonja. Both have somehow been transplanted to this place and time. She has half an amulet she stole from Garth and it allowed her to follow him through time and space. Garth is aware of the magic surrounding this particular era and of the Mayan prophecy concerning the end of the world in 2012. He plans to use the magic of the dagger, after it has been sufficiently drenched with human blood, to transport himself to the prophesized time where he will harness the magic of that cataclysmic event. Sonja obviously just wants him dead. Through a plot twist they both end up in that future time but separated again. But before Sonja can track him down she will have to deal with Vampirella and the king of the Vampires himself. It is hard to explain this book without detailing most of the plot of this first issue. It is a good start in getting us filled in on the apparent main villain though it does not explain how the vampire characters ended up in the same place at the end. The art is spectacular as usual with Dynamite. Marz gives the art team plenty to work with to start off. It seems interesting enough for now and no doubt will draw in more characters moving forward. Regular readers of the regular books should enjoy this and new readers will have little problem following this stand-alone plot separate from the regular continuity in a bunch of titles.

Title: AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: THE MOVIE
Issue Number: 1 (of 2)
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Tom Cohen
Artist: Neil Edwards
Inker: Rick Maygar
Colors: Veronica Gandini
Letters: Jeff Eckleberry
Price (USD): $2.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero/Movie tie-in

The blurb on the splash page says that this two-part story is based on the film "The Amazing Spider-Man." The title on the cover does not mention the movie; it is just THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN. From what I see in the first issue this is probably not scenes from that movie coming out this summer nor is it an adaptation of the movie. I think instead it is told in the movie continuity, taking place within the time frame covered by the movie. From what I have already gleaned from the various trailers of the movie this appears to be the case. Peter Parker is already Spider-Man he is dating Gwen Stacy and her father, and NYPD Captain thinks Spider-Man is a dangerous amateur. As the story opens Peter is following Stacy hoping to redeem his reputation by lending a hand at the appropriate moment on something big he feels the NYPD has in the works. Something unexpected occurs though that could land him in big trouble. The rest of the book flashes back to some time ago with Peter in his civilian identity acting as a yearbook photographer. It has the typical elements like his meeting Gwen for the first time, Flash Thomson being his usual bullish self and several moments with Aunt May and Uncle Ben. So this is why I am not sure if any of this will be in the movie. In the present he is already Spider-Man but in the flashback it appears he has not yet been bitten. This two-parter may or may not show that origin, I just don't know. But the work as it stands is a decent story with very good art. I would look at this as a good supplement to the movie continuity but don't blame me if there are movie spoilers in these pages.

Title: BEFORE WATCHMEN: MINUTEMEN
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Eight Minutes
Title Arc: The Minute of Truth
Publisher: DC
Creator: Moore and Gibbons
Writer/Artist: Darwyn Cooke
Colors: Phil Noto
Letters: Jared K. Fletcher
Cover Artist: Darwyn Cooke
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Super Hero



This is the first chapter of the much-anticipated prequel to WATCHMEN. It has gotten a lot of publicity, both good and bad. I fall on the side of those who want to see how the line up of top-notch creators handles these characters. First up is sort of a book end/catch all title. The Minutemen is the name of the hero group that preceded the story in WATCHMEN - the generation before. By the way, for those of you who were not paying attention there was no group called The Watchmen. This book is narrated by Hollis Mason whose autobiography is a prominent element of the WATCHMEN series. The story begins shortly after he retired and moved into a new apartment. He is writing the epilogue to his book, having already sent the first draft to Larry Schexnayder, one of the few people who know his dual identity. Once we get past some of his personal observations the issue focuses on his allies in the Minutemen. Hollis fills us in on some of the background of each of them, Hooded Justice, Silk Spectre, The Comedian, Dollar Bill, Silhouette and others. This is mostly his impression of their character and motivations. It is Nelson Gardner, Captain Metropolis, who has the means and desire to form a team of the ever-growing number of masked avengers. He is sort of a Bruce Wayne type only he enjoys his wealth and is not driven by revenge. It is interesting to see how he goes about setting the wheels in motion as the issue ends. Darwyn Cooke is a good choice for this particular book. His style fits the scenes, which are mostly from the early 1940s as these heroes emerged. I have already read some online critics picking apart choices of coloring and departures from Gibbons' style in WATCHMEN. I was not expecting a carbon copy but expect each artist to give their best with the material they are working with. Darwyn Cooke does just that.

Back up feature: "The Curse of the Crimson Corsair" by Len Wein & John Higgins with letters by Sal Cipriano.
Each issue of BEFOE WATCHMEN will have a chapter of this tale of horror and the sea. In WATCHMEN Alan Moore used the "Marooned" story from the comic within the comic, TALES OF THE BLACK FREIGHTER, to echo themes in the main story, particularly relating the pirate tale to that of Adrian Veidt. This issue gives us only two pages so it is a bit early to see if this story will have any strong tie in to the various books. The first page has visual implications of a horror theme while the narrative along with the second page tells the story of a junior officer in 1771 in the British Navy. An incident only three weeks into his latest assignment is the focus of the chapter. The opening alludes to "fates far worse than death" so expect this to turn darker as it goes along.


Title: HARBINGER
Issue Number: 1
Title Story: Omega Rising part 1
Publisher: Valiant Entertainment
Writer: Joshua Dysart
Artist: Khari Evans
Colors: Ian Hannin
Letters: Rob Steen
Price (USD): $3.99
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Science Fiction/Super Hero(?)




While Valiant's first title, X-O MANOWAR, sticks pretty close to the older version this title strays a bit from the Jim Shooter version of Peter Stanchek. He is still what they call a Harbinger, an evolved human. He hears voices, hundreds of them. That is because of his emerging telepathic ability. The only way he can keep them from driving him crazy is by taking pain pills and antipsychotic drugs. How he obtains them is less than noble. He goes into a drug store and forces the druggist to give him what he wants, including all the cash, and then makes him forget everything that just happened. This Peter is a runaway at eighteen, living in a foreclosed house in Pittsburgh with another boy who actual has mental illness. The two have been on the run from a man hunting them down and have returned to Pete's hometown before moving on. Peter has a couple of things to do her and someone to see. Contrast this with a person of means, a mogul of a vast conglomerate. This is Harada Toyo, possibly the first Harbinger. His powers were active in 1951 at the age of eighteen. But his path has lead to power and wealth. Like Professor Xavier he can sense others of his kind and will reach out telepathically to Peter to offer him a place and the training to find his purpose. There are more plot elements I have not divulged that make this a very dense beginning. The art is good enough to keep things flowing without distracting. Right now we don't know if Harada's intentions have an ulterior motive but that will have to wait. In the meantime this is a strong start. This one is worth your time.

Title: EXTERMINATION
Issue Number: 1
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Creator: Matt Gagnon
Writer: Simon Spurrier
Artist: Jeffrey Edwards
Colors: Blond
Letters: Ed "Duke" Dukeshire
Price (USD): $1.00
Release Date: NOW ON SALE
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic Super Hero



In typical Boom! Fashion this first issue is only $1. In it we are treated to a future where the Earth is has been ravaged by aliens and the war that ensued. At the point where the story begins the toppled buildings and melted steel indicate just how bad things have gotten. The struggle just for survival has become desperate. It is the kind of situation that can force sworn enemies to work together. Thus we find superhero Nox, sort of a Batman type character, working with the villain known as Red Reaper. This is an interesting dynamic that can work with smart scripting. While we are seeing their struggle together in the present we are often shifted back in time to when they fought each other. The banter between the two is the thing that carries things forward. Red Reaper seems committed to the partnership but still acts independently when it suits him. This causes Nox to continually admonish him - mostly in a running gag about his language. In fact this seems to be the better part of the script. The fight scenes and discussions about the alien technology tend to bog things down. The transitions between time periods are not distinct enough to clue us in. While it is clear the two characters are following a path, and have many conflicts in the past, I am not sure that is enough to keep me interested for a long time. Fortunately it only costs a dollar to see what you think.

                                    *****
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:
With whom did Mike Mist share a 3D comic in 1985?The answer is MS. TREE. The winner by the dice is Stan Hosmer.

Here is your no prize question:
On March 12th, in 1964, which state became the first state to legally sell
lottery tickets in the USA?
On March 12th, in 1964, New Hampshire became the first state to legally sell lottery tickets in the United States. Although Puerto Rico had a lottery since 1934, New Hampshire began the trend for U.S. states to join in the practice. A few years after tickets began selling in New Hampshire, many other states began their own lotteries.

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
There have been a few comic series about super hero sidekicks, one even had that title. Can you name the first comic starring sidekicks?

Here is your no prize question:
Where is the oldest private military academy in the USA?

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.