Friday, October 30, 2009

Everybody's Linking For The Weekend


Shag shows off this awesome "lost" cover to Firestorm #6 by Al Milgrom.

Bonus Game!  Check out the "Shagatorium!"  (He calls it the Comicatorium, but my name is better.)

Frank treats us to some Vile Menagerie entries which are sure to please.

rob! showcases a hilariously awesome Heroclix figure for classic JLA for Despero.

Doug scoops us on a Doom Patroller on Batman: The Brave And The Bold.  Speaking of which...

Finally, check out this preview of Doom Patrol #4, a Blackest Night tie-in.

Happy Halloween everybody!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

What Looks Good?


It's a SUPER SPOOKY WEEK here at the Bunker... mostly because Halloween is on Saturday.  Actually I guess it not all that spookt.  At least new comics are still coming out!

Blackest Night #4 -- Halloween tie-in, or coincidental shipping?  You make the call!  

The Web #2 -- Apparently the sales for this and The Shield were in the toilet.  Because sales is the only indicator of quality, ya know.

Amazing Spider-Man Presents: Anti-Venom #2 -- Ladies and gents, the 90s!

Guardians of the Galaxy #19 -- Cross Time Caper Redux?

Nova #30 -- Starkiller... the bounty hunter you love to hate!  That, or just hate.

Ultimate Comics Armor Wars #2 -- Boozing and woozing in a post-apocalyptic wasteland!

War Machine #10 -- I have no idea how Rhodey is going to get out of this one, folks.

So, what looks good to YOU?

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Unbridled Capitalism: Greenville Comic Con (10/24)


This past weekend, Greenville played host to one of their two comic book shows, Greenville Comic Con, in the "ballroom" over at the Quality Inn.  You can't beat spending a couple of hours on a Saturday buying comics!

Iron Man: I'm still hitting that "price wall" on my Shellhead collection, but I was able to pick up one, #107.

Hawkman: Most of the Hawkman stuff I am looking for at this point is hard to find in most cheaper bins, so not too much here.  I did get JSA: Classified #22 featuring the Winged Wonder, plus he also shows up in...

All-Star Squadron: ... specifically, #8-9.  I got these for the simple fact that this is the place to find the unpublished sixth issue of Steel: The Indestructible Man!  I have a sneaking suspicion that once I get into this, I might start collecting this title, which is a slipperly slope.

Avengers: The Assemblers were pretty well represented, as I got #211-213, 217, and 221 -- including Hank Pym going crazy and slapping Jan, wooo.

Robocop: I slowly but surely am finishing up my Marvel Robocop run, a series which I will tell anyone who listens that is better than it has any right to be.  I added #20-22, leaving me with just #23 to finish up!

Black Lightning:  Everyone's favorite electrically-charged hero  made a decent showing as well, as I got v.2:no.6, 8, 11, and 13.

Other Stuff: Some neat-o random stuff was out there for those willing to look.  I was able to pull up Terror, Inc.: Apocalypse Soon 1-4 for four dollars.  Not apiece, but all told!  Woo!  I also bought Crisis on Multiple Earths v.1 for 6 bucks from a guy with too many trades priced at $6.00 a pop.  Also, I snagged a little plastic Hawkman toy in the style of an Army Men toy!

All told, a successful excursion in capitalism.  I like these smaller shows for the fact that I can escape without too much damage to my wallet, but it is becoming more and more evident that I am going to have to start spending more to track down some of the stuff I am searching for.  But that, friends, is another story.

Monday, October 26, 2009

What I Read This Week


Outsiders #23 -- In the swamps out in Lousiana, Katana, Halo, and The Creeper are hunting down Killer Croc, but they may have bitten off more than they can chew when Man-Bat wings in as well!  Oh man, was this a good comic book!  It had action, character, snappy dialogue, two classic baddies, and a kickass cliffhanger.  What else could you want?  I really like what Tomasi is doing with Man-Bat and hope that thread is picked up someplace else, although it is something of a change of direction from his role in BFTC.  It's comics like this which make me sad that Tomasi and Pasarin are leaving the title.

Tiny Titans #21 -- The first rule of Pet Club is DO NOT TALK ABOUT PET CLUB.  That notwithstanding, we get a whole issue dedicated to Pet Club, as we bear witness to their struggle to find someplace to meet!  Cute and silly as usual, this title is guaranteed to generate laughs month in and month out.

Re-Read Pile: Outsiders

The Pick Of The Pile is Outsiders, which continues to hit the notes I want to hear, although Tiny Titans is always a treat.

So what did YOU read this week?

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

What Looks Good?


The temperatures have been plunging into the 30s here at night, which means its a good time to get under the covers and read some comics.

DCU Halloween Special 2009 -- The Halloween Specials have been hit or miss, so we shall see how this one rates.

Outsiders #23 -- "The Hunt" continues, and I can only hope that this format continues when the new creative team comes in.

Tiny Titans #21 -- The most adorable superhero comic you've ever read!

Invincible Iron Man #19 -- The blowoff to "World's Most Wanted" is probably about six months overdue, but at this point I am happy just to be finishing it up and starting a new story.

So, what looks good to YOU?

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Awesome Files: Something I Never Expected


DC is releasing a Showcase Presents volume of Secrets of Sinister House, AKA The Sinister House Of Secret Love.  Even more of a treat, this volume collects the entire series, all 18 issues.  Here's the solicitation text:

DC's classic gothic horror/romance from 1971-1974 is collected for the first time in this value-priced collection. This moody, atmospheric volume collects THE SINISTER HOUSE OF SECRET LOVE #1-4 and THE SECRETS OF SINISTER HOUSE #5-18.

Now, I know the Romance angle of this series was dropped after the name change, but the fact that DC is collecting these truly obscure titles really puts a smile on my face.  Can Showcase Presents: The Dark Mansion of Forbidden Love/Forbidden Tales of the Dark Mansion be far behind?

What I Read This Week


Batman #691 -- Two-Face has broken into the Batcave, and he is certain that "Batman" is not the Batman he tangled with before!  Winnick and Bageley wrap up their opening arc in solid fashion here.  Nothing too spectacular but fast-moving, entertaining and sensible.  Winnick continues his habit of ending his stories by planting the seeds for the next one, which I really like.

House of Mystery Halloween Annual #1 -- Gone missin'.  Apparently shorted by Diamond.

Red Robin #5 -- Tim lies bleeding to death after being assaulted by a member of the Council of Spiders... so either he gets help from an unexpected side or this is a short issue.  The new threat is fleshed out and the relationship between Tim and the League of Assassains is further investigated in this issue, which admirably sets the stage for the next storyline.

The Shield #2 -- In Bialya, The Shield and Magog find themselves clashing not only with each other, but brainwashed American soliders!  Then, the Inferno tangles not only with Green Arrow but Black Canary as well.  The lead feature is excellent.  Trauttman and Rudy have hit the ground running and this has quickly become a favorite.  The same goes for the backup, which has quite a lot going on despite being only ten pages.  Very strongly recommended.

Iron Man: Iron Protocols -- Shellhead (back when he was the Director of SHIELD) heads to the Arctic to investigate a rogue AI which has taken a zoological research station hostage.  We laos have a backup bringing back a character from the hallowed antiquity we call "the late 90s."  I am not sure what the purpose of this comic is, seeing as the main story takes place before the current "status quo" (and as we all know, "status quo" is everything in Marvel), but, that being said, I rather enjoyed it.  Of course, I enjoyed it mostly because it was a fun pair of Iron Man tales which didn't linger over how absolutely awful the character is, but, my friends, we take it where we can get it.

Re-Read Pile: The Shield

The Pick Of The Pile is The Shield, which really was excellent and had a heck of a cliffhanger.

So, what did YOU read this week?

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Hiatus: Gone Fishin'


Heading to the beach to go fishing... so no blogging for me!  I'll see everyone back here Monday morning!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

What Looks Good?


I may be heading out of town to fish this weekend, but that doesn't mean I can't buy my comics today!

Batman #691 -- The conclusion of the first post-BFTC story.  I have really liked Bagely and Winnick on this book and am looking forward to seeing what they come up with here before Daniel takes over next issue.

House of Mystery Halloween Annual #1 -- Seems appropriate!

REBELS #9 -- Well, it has Comet and Adam Strange in it, coming hot on the heels of both the neat-o Annual and the blowoff of Strange Adventures, so they'll get my money for this one.

Red Robin #5 -- Tim has the "proof" he is looking for, but will he live long enough to do anything with it?

The Shield #2 -- The battle in Bialya rages on as the Red Circle continues to expand!  I can't put my finger on it, but I am definitely digging this new little corner of the DCU.

Iron Man: Iron Protocols -- I'm always a sucker for Shellhead one-shots.

Pride & Predjudice HC -- I'm considering getting this one for my wife for her birthday or Christmas... hmmm... good thing she doesn't read this blog!

So, what looks good to YOU?

Monday, October 12, 2009

What I Read This Week


Doom Patrol #3 -- The Chief pulls in another member of the Patrol to take care of the living black hole anomoly -- whether he wants to or not.  Meanwhile, the new member of the Metal Men who's name I cannot remember tries to help out and runs into Douglas, Robot Hunter!  The Doom Patrol feature does a great job of introducing Mento, and showing him to be just as screwed up as the rest of them.  But the real treat to me is seeing Dr. Caulder really play the role of the "Anti-Professor Xavier," as the manipulative SOB essentially bullies Mento into helping him (and violating a teammate in the process).  As a fan of the original, pre-Giant Size #1 X-Men, I am totally digging that potrayl.  The backup is just great fun, especially since your blogger is a fan of Magnus, Robot Fighter.  Apparently sales are not great on this title, but I don't care -- I'm still supporting it fully.

House of Mystery #18 -- The Space Between is filled with all sorts of strange and bizarre sorts of creatures, but nothing may be more bizarre than those already in the House of Mystery itself.  More Sandman-esque oddness from Sturges and company, this current storyline is not really talking to me.  The second story, telling the epic tale of a brave roach of legend, is much more entertaining.  This is a title which I enjoy while reading, but doesn't stick with me; it's perpetually on the chopping block.  Time will tell.

REBELS Annual #1 -- The first of two DC space opera epics this week, this oversized issue brings us inside the inner circle of Starro The Conqueror, and his armada bent on galactic domination.  Nearly worth the cost of admission just for the showdown between two classic JLA bad guys in Starro and Despero, but the additional fleshing out Starro and his elite warriors is very satisfying.  This is clearly written in the mold of Marvel's Anihillation books, but if you are going to ape something, it's smart to ape something really darn good.  

Red Tornado #2 --  The Android Atlas (bwa-ha-ha) and his sister, Red Torpedo, have to deal with the fact that they kinda sorta are trespassing on a US Naval base, while Red Volcano continues his interrogation of Professor Morrow.  Strong second chapter which does it's job of setting up the balance of the story very well.  So far I have enjoyed the characters on display here and am eager to see them all thrown together -- seeing Reddy and Torp streaking across the sky was very enjoyable.

Strange Adventures #8 -- Synnar: the most powerful being in the universe.  And now he has gathered his Abberant Six together in order to take the next step in his ultimate plan to overthrow God Himself!  I must admit that I expected a huge blowoff from this issue, but Starlin mixes it up and throws us a more philosophical climax.  We learn the role of each member of the Six, and Synnar is, ultimately defeated -- at least as "defeated" as someone with unlimited cosmic power can be defeated, anyway.  Starlin's art, as always, is a real pleasure to look at, and he really seems to be having a blast drawing these characters.  The cosmic side the DCU has a new god-level character to contend with, and hopefully at some point this story will get picked up.  (Holy crap, can you imagine if Synnar put his gaze upon Starro as his instrument of destruction?  DC, make it happen!)

Superman: World of New Krypton #8 -- Thanks to a miscommunication, a Thanagarian fleet has engaged the Kryptonians right while they are transporting one of Saturn's moons to their new digs!  But things are going to get worse for Kal-El and his people even if they can handle the forces of Thanagar.  This issue was remarkably disappointing.  James Robinson and Greg Rucka try to give the Thanagarians an "alien" speech pattern which tries very hard to be catchy but ultimately fails (and sounds nothing like any Thanagarians I have ever read).  Ultimately, this story seems like filler to get to the next guest star (who, admittedly makes a FREAKING AWESOME last page appearance).  Pete Woods' art is the main draw here, although I am pretty sure that Thanagarian space ships were not bird-shaped.  Of course, I am just nitpicky (and could very well be wrong as well).

Warlord #7 -- Travis Morgan comes to the aid of a young maiden being chased by brigands, but after the battle, finds that he has no memory at all of who he is.  Beautifully crafted comic by Grell, who looks like he never actually stopped drawing Skartaris.  (What a treat this week -- Jim Starlin and Mike Grell both on pencils.)  The issue is a set-up, but so far I like what it is setting up: a lost city, forgotten gods, sub-humans, all good stuff.   If Grell can continue to do the art for one story a year or so, while still handling the writing chores, I'll be a happy reader.

Iron Man: Armor Wars #3 -- The Red Barbarian's Soviet superweapon Omega Red has been deployed against Iron Man... and the Golden Avenger doesn't even have a full set of armor to fight him with!  Fast-paced All-Ages armored action, with guest stars and cameos a-plenty.  I was super-jazzed by the villian choice -- have Shellhead and Omega ever tangled before?  I'm very much looking forward to getting the last issue so I can read this story in one sitting.

Justice League of America 80 Page Giant #1 -- A week late, but I got this one!  The Justice League is battling the time-manipulating Epoch when they are scattered through time and space!  Classic set-up for this kind of story produces a lot of fun pairings, including Black Canary and Zatanna hanging out with the Crimson Avenger in the 1930s, Vixen and John Stewart matching up with Shining Knight in 6th Century England, and Firestorm and Green Arrow fighting a different immortal foe in World War II.  One question: Where the heck did Steel come from?  Another question: Why didn't the Samurai use his wind powers?  A nice big read which should satisfy those looking for a Justice League fix, like me.  Nothing Earth-shattering, but a lot fun nonetheless.

Re-Read Pile: Doom Patrol, Strange Adventures, REBELS

The Pick of the Pile is Doom Patrol.  Strange Adventures was good but ended on kinda of a weird note, the 80-pager was a lot of fun, and REBELS was very solidly what an "Annual" should be, but the double dose of quirky heroics takes it this week.

So what did YOU read this week?

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

What Looks Good?


It's a grey, rainy day here in South Carolina, and I think I am coming down with a cold.  Better run to the store and pick up some medicine, if you know what I mean.

Doom Patrol #3 -- The quirkiest title on the shelves from the Big Two, bar none.  In a good way.

House of Mystery #18 -- What is this new threat to the House and what is their connection to Cain?

Rebels Annual #1 -- Starro The Conquerer as you've never seen him before!

Red Tornado #2 -- I keep wanting to call him the Android Avenger, just because I am a lot more familiar with the Vision... what is his cutesy nickname?

Strange Adventures #8 -- What is the meaning to life, the universe, and everything?  SYNNAR THE DEMIURGE.

Superman: World of New Krypton #8 -- Thanagar and New Krypton throw down!  Nth metal vs those weird crystal things!  All this plus Jemm, Son of Saturn?!

Warlord #7 -- Grell on pencils and words!  Grell on pencils and words!

Iron Man: Armor Wars #3 -- In this case, "AA" means "All Ages," not "Alcoholics Anonymous."

So, what looks good to YOU?

Monday, October 5, 2009

What I Read This Week


Aliens #3 -- Down in the mysterious crystal city, the colonists find themselves surrounded by the xenomorphs while trying to find their lost compatriot.  But the aliens are not the only threat in the strange metropolis.  Its been a while since #2 came out so I had to think about some of the early pages for a minute or two, but it all came back to me pretty easily.  Reminds of some of the old Dark Horse Aliens books, which is pretty good praise.

Futurama Comics #45 -- You watched it!  You can't unwatch it!  It's the Anthology Of Interest II!  When the Professor breaks out the "new" and "improved" What If Machine (along with the Finglonger), all sorts of hypothetical craziness breaks out!  Fun and funny, with lots of great gags.

glamourpuss #9 -- While Dave Sim expounds upon the sex appeal of Stan Drake's sexy Eve Jones from The Heart of Juliet Jones, glamourpuss gives us some notes from her annual trip to rehab, and confronts her alien opposite, ssupruomalg (pronounced "Supromal-G").  Typically superlative effort from Sim on both the art history and satire, all wrapped up under a very cool Gene Colon cover.  I wish that some folks online would keep an open mind about this book and not just jump on the "Sim sucks" or "he's tracing" bandwagon because of certain high-profile creators who feel the need to bash other's work.

The Phantom: Generations #5 -- The 5th Phantom must head to England to track down the bloodthirsty pirate, and finds himself a jungle in Sherwood Forest... complete with wild animals imported from Africa!  This story is told 3rd person omniscent style instead of 1st person, which is a nice change of pace.  The tale itself is nifty, putting The Phantom out of his normal setting of Africa and making good use of it.  Enrique Alcatena's art has a very line-heavy look which fits the Phantom very well.  I have really enjoyed this series, which would make for one hell of a bound hardcover!  Ideas are brewing...

The Phantom: Ghost Who Walks #5 -- Villagers and tourists all over Bangalla are being kidnapped by mysterious masked men, and being taken to the "Eastern Dark!"  What is the slavers connection to the Phantom and the "Sleeping God" whom he has fought before?  Strong start to "Return Of The Eastern Dark" which does a good job of tying all sorts of stories together: classic Phantom strips, the prose backups from this series, and the previous Moonstone comic.  It's all very pulpish and a ton of fun.  Also features the start of a new prose backup as well.

Wow, all "small press" books this week!

Re-read Pile: The Phantom: Ghost Who Walks

The Pick Of The Pile is Ghost Who Walks, which started a new story on a very high note.

So, what did YOU read this week?

Friday, October 2, 2009

Everybody's Linking For The Weekend


Shag brings the awesome Enterprise wallpapers.

Frank knows iconic, my friends, at least when it comes to Martian Manhunter covers.

rob! has a perchance for coloring books, it would seem.

Kelson has some thoughts about getting trimming the fat.

And finally, check out my boy Adama on the Back To The Bins podcast!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

One Panel, One Question (Avengers Classic #9, reprinting Avengers #9)


Has there ever been a tougher dude with a green and red uniform than Wonder Man?

I chose this panel because 1) Wonder Man is freaking AWESOME and 2) I have decided to take advantage of the ridiculous rate Marvel is giving me and subscribe to Mighty Avengers... even though ol' Simon here is no longer a member.  

I guess no comic is perfect.