Sunday, December 25, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
What Looks Good?
I'm serious, it always seems to rain on Wednesdays now. So strange. But hey, now's your chance to get some last minute gifts for the comics fan in your life.
DC Universe Presents #4 -- I am really digging this Deadman story. And to think I owe pretty much all of my interest in the character to Batman: The Brave and The Bold and Brightest Day.
Tiny Titans #47 -- Sadly, the series is ending at #50. Happily, we have 4 more issues!
Wonder Woman #4 -- Diana: Princess No More! Wonder Woman: Ready to kick tail and take names!
GI Joe: A Real American Hero #173 -- Snake-Eyes! Storm Shadow! Blue Ninjas! KUNG FU!
Invincible Iron Man #511 -- Mandarin is moving in the shadows against Tony Stark, and Shellhead doesn't see it coming.
So, what looks good to YOU?
DC Universe Presents #4 -- I am really digging this Deadman story. And to think I owe pretty much all of my interest in the character to Batman: The Brave and The Bold and Brightest Day.
Tiny Titans #47 -- Sadly, the series is ending at #50. Happily, we have 4 more issues!
Wonder Woman #4 -- Diana: Princess No More! Wonder Woman: Ready to kick tail and take names!
GI Joe: A Real American Hero #173 -- Snake-Eyes! Storm Shadow! Blue Ninjas! KUNG FU!
Invincible Iron Man #511 -- Mandarin is moving in the shadows against Tony Stark, and Shellhead doesn't see it coming.
So, what looks good to YOU?
Monday, December 19, 2011
Unbridled Capitalism: Charlotte Comicon 2011
I headed up to the Queen City yesterday with my pals Joe and Adama to hit the Charlotte Comicon, described as the "best one day family friendly comic show in the country." The "family friendly" aspect is very common in the Charlotte shows, as that is Heroescon's calling card. Anyway, fun was had by all, especially in the capitalism department.
Iron Man -- At this point I am looking for "onesie-twosies" issues of Iron Man as I slowly whittle down the holes in my collection. I picked up issues 69, 73-74, 76, 79, 84, 106, and 110. So looking at my punchlist, I now am missing exactly 3 issues of Iron Man. Of course, this is including my Essential volumes, but for now that's good with me.
Finding such a good score of the comics I needed at pretty good prices got me ruminating about how I got to this point. I started my Iron Man collection in earnest at Free Comic Book Day 2004 when we hit the Book Exchanges and Blast From the Past in Augusta. Oh, I had my run of Iron Man from high school when I started reading the book, but this was when I started buying back issues. And with the 30 or so issues I picked up that day as a start, I have spent the past seven years filling up boxes with Iron Man comics. And now that I am just about done, it's strange to reflect on that.
I suppose after I get the whole run I can start replacing the issues in really poor shape, and maybe picking up the ones I have reprinted in the Essential volumes. That should keep me busy for another 7 years.
Hawkman -- No luck on finding the few missing issues of Volume 4, but I did just about finish Hawkworld. I picked up issues 22, 30, and Annual 3. One issue left and Hawkworld is done!
Also, my biggest purchase of the day was the DC Direct Hawkman and Hawkgirl boxed set! Pretty sweet, but I am so far behind on opening my Hawk toys I don't know when I will get to them!
An odd sign: I saw three copies of Hawkman v.1:no.5 in three different bins. I didn't pick it up, but it seems like the comic gods want me to buy it...
Flash -- A single Flash comic, initially grabbed to round out a 50 cent bin pull to an even number (of course, it turned out that the bin was now a quarter bin, but there you go), v.2:no.105, featuring a classic encounter with the Mirror Master.
Outsiders -- I am guessing the second volume of Outsiders just had crummy print runs because it's bizarrely hard to find, Still, I added a few more issues, picking up v.2:no.5, 15, 19, 21-22.
Phonebooks -- From one of the most dangerous tables in the show ($5 apiece or 5 items for $20), I grabbed a pair of phonebooks to add the ever-growing pile of these in my bonus room. The first was Showcase Presents: Haunted Tank, because I will buy any of the War phonebooks. The second was Essential Godzilla, wooo! So stay on the lookout for this over at Earth Destruction Directive!
For a small show, there were a lot of good dealers and, oddly, a lot of cosplay. Besides the full 5 member team of the Gaoranger (aka Power Rangers Wild Force), there were also a mini Deadpool, and a little kid dressed as a Stormtrooper, which of course demanded the recital of the line "Aren't you a little short for a Stormtrooper?" All in all, a fun trip. I mean what's better than hanging out with friends and buying and talking about comics?
Iron Man -- At this point I am looking for "onesie-twosies" issues of Iron Man as I slowly whittle down the holes in my collection. I picked up issues 69, 73-74, 76, 79, 84, 106, and 110. So looking at my punchlist, I now am missing exactly 3 issues of Iron Man. Of course, this is including my Essential volumes, but for now that's good with me.
Finding such a good score of the comics I needed at pretty good prices got me ruminating about how I got to this point. I started my Iron Man collection in earnest at Free Comic Book Day 2004 when we hit the Book Exchanges and Blast From the Past in Augusta. Oh, I had my run of Iron Man from high school when I started reading the book, but this was when I started buying back issues. And with the 30 or so issues I picked up that day as a start, I have spent the past seven years filling up boxes with Iron Man comics. And now that I am just about done, it's strange to reflect on that.
I suppose after I get the whole run I can start replacing the issues in really poor shape, and maybe picking up the ones I have reprinted in the Essential volumes. That should keep me busy for another 7 years.
Hawkman -- No luck on finding the few missing issues of Volume 4, but I did just about finish Hawkworld. I picked up issues 22, 30, and Annual 3. One issue left and Hawkworld is done!
Also, my biggest purchase of the day was the DC Direct Hawkman and Hawkgirl boxed set! Pretty sweet, but I am so far behind on opening my Hawk toys I don't know when I will get to them!
An odd sign: I saw three copies of Hawkman v.1:no.5 in three different bins. I didn't pick it up, but it seems like the comic gods want me to buy it...
Flash -- A single Flash comic, initially grabbed to round out a 50 cent bin pull to an even number (of course, it turned out that the bin was now a quarter bin, but there you go), v.2:no.105, featuring a classic encounter with the Mirror Master.
Outsiders -- I am guessing the second volume of Outsiders just had crummy print runs because it's bizarrely hard to find, Still, I added a few more issues, picking up v.2:no.5, 15, 19, 21-22.
Phonebooks -- From one of the most dangerous tables in the show ($5 apiece or 5 items for $20), I grabbed a pair of phonebooks to add the ever-growing pile of these in my bonus room. The first was Showcase Presents: Haunted Tank, because I will buy any of the War phonebooks. The second was Essential Godzilla, wooo! So stay on the lookout for this over at Earth Destruction Directive!
For a small show, there were a lot of good dealers and, oddly, a lot of cosplay. Besides the full 5 member team of the Gaoranger (aka Power Rangers Wild Force), there were also a mini Deadpool, and a little kid dressed as a Stormtrooper, which of course demanded the recital of the line "Aren't you a little short for a Stormtrooper?" All in all, a fun trip. I mean what's better than hanging out with friends and buying and talking about comics?
Friday, December 9, 2011
Everybody's Linking For The Weekend
Frank gives us the best Wonder Woman covers of the 80s.
Bonus Game! Martian Manhunter, too!
rob interviews Joshua Williamson!
Meet Pohzar! (Thanks to Shag!)
And finally, check out my friend Chris' Media Masochist Christmas Special!
Bonus Game! Martian Manhunter, too!
rob interviews Joshua Williamson!
Meet Pohzar! (Thanks to Shag!)
And finally, check out my friend Chris' Media Masochist Christmas Special!
Men Of War #7 Cover & Info!
Digging this series, and this one sounds like a good issue as well.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
What Looks Good?
Why does it always seem to be raining on Wednesdays now? Is it some subtle trick by Mother Nature to get us to stop buying comics and go digital? I've heard crazier conspiracy theories...
Hawk & Dove #4 -- Condor and Swan and Monsters of Mass Destruction, oh my!
Men of War #4 -- Every day is the same, it's only the battlefield which changes.
OMAC #4 -- Remember when comics were about smashing? Me too!
glamourpuss #22 -- "Not the Fourth Annual Swimsuit Issue!"
So, what looks good to you?
Hawk & Dove #4 -- Condor and Swan and Monsters of Mass Destruction, oh my!
Men of War #4 -- Every day is the same, it's only the battlefield which changes.
OMAC #4 -- Remember when comics were about smashing? Me too!
glamourpuss #22 -- "Not the Fourth Annual Swimsuit Issue!"
So, what looks good to you?
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Captain Cold Makes a Comeback!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Scarlett Pin-Up... Yo Joe!
Original art purchase. I loved the G.I. Joe action figures growing up. When I saw this great pin-up of Scarlett, I just had to get it. Photoshop was used to darken the linework.
If I was a Cobra, she could beat me up any day! Yowza!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
NFL Cleatus Action Figures?!
I'm tempted to get a Giants one for my brother, but I think my wife may balk at me picking up this Panthers one for our house.
What Looks Good?
Apparently, the weather has decided to get very cold here in South Carolina, but that's alright because we have plenty of comics to help keep us warm.
Spaceman #2 -- This dark and creepy sci-fi from the 100 Bullets crew is perfect Vertigo material.
Tiny Titans #46 -- The littlest team of superheroes, having adventures! You know you like it!
Charmed #16 -- What is Cole's game? And will the Charmed Ones find out?
Futurama Comics #58 -- I really need to watch the latest season! Till then, I will read the comics!
Kind of an oddball week, huh?
So, what looks good to YOU?
Spaceman #2 -- This dark and creepy sci-fi from the 100 Bullets crew is perfect Vertigo material.
Tiny Titans #46 -- The littlest team of superheroes, having adventures! You know you like it!
Charmed #16 -- What is Cole's game? And will the Charmed Ones find out?
Futurama Comics #58 -- I really need to watch the latest season! Till then, I will read the comics!
Kind of an oddball week, huh?
So, what looks good to YOU?
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Who's the Purple Lady?
Monday, November 28, 2011
DiDio and Giffen Talk OMAC!
Check out this interview on Newsarama with Dan DiDio and Kieth Giffen about the superlative (in quality if not in sales) New 52 title OMAC:
DiDio: What we want to do is have every story set and grounded in a very familiar situation. So if you follow the series, you'll see that we're in an office building in the start, or we're at an ATM machine, or we go into a diner -- places that people can relate to. But then, once the action ensues, everything starts to escalate until you wind up in this really surreal situation that only could be told in comic books.
Giffen: Exactly. What we're really trying to do is embrace the strengths of comic books... We are unapologetically a comic book. That's all there is to it.
OMACtivate!
DiDio: What we want to do is have every story set and grounded in a very familiar situation. So if you follow the series, you'll see that we're in an office building in the start, or we're at an ATM machine, or we go into a diner -- places that people can relate to. But then, once the action ensues, everything starts to escalate until you wind up in this really surreal situation that only could be told in comic books.
Giffen: Exactly. What we're really trying to do is embrace the strengths of comic books... We are unapologetically a comic book. That's all there is to it.
OMACtivate!
Unbridled Capitalism: Black Friday (ugh)
I don't like Black Friday. I dislike shopping in general for anything which is not comics or toys, so the entire concept of Black Friday is irritating to me. Still, my wife and I went out at about 9:00 in the morning on Friday to buy gifts and such for various relations. I didn't do much shopping, only buying a pair of Rockports for work, along with...
Classic GI Joe v.8-v.10 -- Mister K's did a little bit of a Black Friday sale themselves, with 30% off all books before noon. I managed to snag these three collections right before the deadline. Anyway, I have now purchased volumes 2-6 and then these three from the shop, which means that someone bought only volume 7. Why would you only buy volume 7 of a series of books when 8-10 was available as well? Of course, I say this knowing that now I will be hunting for volume 7 in much the same way. I also need to fill in the later volumes, but that's alright, because more GI Joe is always a good thing!
Did anyone out there get any other good nerd deals on Black Friday? (Paint the devil on the wall!)
Classic GI Joe v.8-v.10 -- Mister K's did a little bit of a Black Friday sale themselves, with 30% off all books before noon. I managed to snag these three collections right before the deadline. Anyway, I have now purchased volumes 2-6 and then these three from the shop, which means that someone bought only volume 7. Why would you only buy volume 7 of a series of books when 8-10 was available as well? Of course, I say this knowing that now I will be hunting for volume 7 in much the same way. I also need to fill in the later volumes, but that's alright, because more GI Joe is always a good thing!
Did anyone out there get any other good nerd deals on Black Friday? (Paint the devil on the wall!)
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Men Of War #6 Is Absolutely Bananas
Men Of War #6 is due on February 1, 2012.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
What Looks Good?
One of the real problems in getting comics mail order is that these weekly pull list posts just make me long for the comics that much more.
DC Universe Presents #3 -- Deadman finds himself no closer to the answers he seeks. What is the connection between the people he is possessing?
My Greatest Adventure #2 -- Three of DC's least likely heroes all in one book? Sign me up.
Wonder Woman #3 -- Diana has her hands full, and with the arrival of Strife, things just got worse!
GI Joe: A Real American Hero #172 -- This book has been so good, it is almost making me regret selling my Darklon toy. Almost...
Godzilla: Legends #1 -- So, will this lean towards Kingdom of Monsters or Gangsters and Goliaths? Let's hope the latter.
Fear Itself #7.3 -- Have not been reading this series, but supposedly this issue wraps up the seemingly never-ending Iron Man in Asgard story which Fraction has been subjecting us to. Probably not even bother.
So, what looks good to YOU?
DC Universe Presents #3 -- Deadman finds himself no closer to the answers he seeks. What is the connection between the people he is possessing?
My Greatest Adventure #2 -- Three of DC's least likely heroes all in one book? Sign me up.
Wonder Woman #3 -- Diana has her hands full, and with the arrival of Strife, things just got worse!
GI Joe: A Real American Hero #172 -- This book has been so good, it is almost making me regret selling my Darklon toy. Almost...
Godzilla: Legends #1 -- So, will this lean towards Kingdom of Monsters or Gangsters and Goliaths? Let's hope the latter.
Fear Itself #7.3 -- Have not been reading this series, but supposedly this issue wraps up the seemingly never-ending Iron Man in Asgard story which Fraction has been subjecting us to. Probably not even bother.
So, what looks good to YOU?
Monday, November 14, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Kirby Related News #2
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
What Looks Good?
We're riding the holiday train now, with Turkey rapidly approaching and only six weeks until Christmas! Yikes! Time to do some shopping!
Kull: The Cat & The Skull #2 -- These Kull comics do not get as much attention as their Conan cohorts, but so far they are doing the king of Valusia proud.
Essential Sgt Fury and The Howling Commandos v.1 -- I have so many DC War phonebooks I figured it was time to let Marvel in on the action.
Godzilla: Gangsters and Goliaths TP -- Forget about the middling Kingdom of Monsters series, pick up this trade if you want to see some high quality Godzilla comics.
Return Of The Monsters: Black Bat vs Dracula, Domino Lady vs The Mummy, The Spider vs the Werewolf -- Moonstone is crossing over their pulp heroes with some classic monsters for these series of one-shots which probably should have been in stores two weeks ago. But what can you do other than enjoy these grey-scale pulpfests?
This certainly is an oddball week, huh?
So, what looks good to YOU?
Kull: The Cat & The Skull #2 -- These Kull comics do not get as much attention as their Conan cohorts, but so far they are doing the king of Valusia proud.
Essential Sgt Fury and The Howling Commandos v.1 -- I have so many DC War phonebooks I figured it was time to let Marvel in on the action.
Godzilla: Gangsters and Goliaths TP -- Forget about the middling Kingdom of Monsters series, pick up this trade if you want to see some high quality Godzilla comics.
Return Of The Monsters: Black Bat vs Dracula, Domino Lady vs The Mummy, The Spider vs the Werewolf -- Moonstone is crossing over their pulp heroes with some classic monsters for these series of one-shots which probably should have been in stores two weeks ago. But what can you do other than enjoy these grey-scale pulpfests?
This certainly is an oddball week, huh?
So, what looks good to YOU?
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
What Looks Good?
Halloween is over which means we're now hurtling head-long towards Turkey Day! And nothing gets us in the mood for Autumn more than comics! And apple cider. Comics and apple cider.
Hawk And Dove #3 -- As more avatars appear, are our heroes in over their heads?
Men of War #3 -- The battlefield is terrifying enough. Now add super-powered freaks.
OMAC #3 -- More Kirby inspired craziness!
Classic GI Joe v.13 -- I recently have acquired volumes 2-5 of the original Marvel series of these trades, so eventually I will get to this one as well. I think by this point there were a bunch of subteams like DEF and Eco-Warriors, and ninjas. Lots of ninjas.
So, what looks good to YOU?
Hawk And Dove #3 -- As more avatars appear, are our heroes in over their heads?
Men of War #3 -- The battlefield is terrifying enough. Now add super-powered freaks.
OMAC #3 -- More Kirby inspired craziness!
Classic GI Joe v.13 -- I recently have acquired volumes 2-5 of the original Marvel series of these trades, so eventually I will get to this one as well. I think by this point there were a bunch of subteams like DEF and Eco-Warriors, and ninjas. Lots of ninjas.
So, what looks good to YOU?
Friday, October 28, 2011
A Halloween Treat In Three Parts!
You might not be aware of it, but it's almost Halloween! And to celebrate, we at The Vault of Startling Monster Horror Tales of Terror podcast are celebrating in a big way with THREEE (that extra "E" is for "EXTRA!") episodes this month!
The first regularly scheduled episode for October covers the visceral and gruesome bloodsucker opus John Carptenter's Vampires. In an era of shiny, beautiful vampires, this movie is a breath of fresh air, so to speak.
The second episode features one of my favorite films of all time, the classic, legendary horror-comedy classic Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein! Seeing this film as a little kid shaped my love of the Universal Monsters as well as Bud and Lou, and it was a blast to talk about it on the show.
And finally, the third episode is the second installment of our annual Horror Stories show! It's a trio of original short horror stories for your spooky enjoyment!
Hopefully these podcasts will get you in the mood for the season! Enjoy!
The first regularly scheduled episode for October covers the visceral and gruesome bloodsucker opus John Carptenter's Vampires. In an era of shiny, beautiful vampires, this movie is a breath of fresh air, so to speak.
The second episode features one of my favorite films of all time, the classic, legendary horror-comedy classic Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein! Seeing this film as a little kid shaped my love of the Universal Monsters as well as Bud and Lou, and it was a blast to talk about it on the show.
And finally, the third episode is the second installment of our annual Horror Stories show! It's a trio of original short horror stories for your spooky enjoyment!
Hopefully these podcasts will get you in the mood for the season! Enjoy!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
What Looks Good?
The chill is in the air, and it's almost time for Halloween... so you know what means... time for CANDY and COMICS!
Aquaman #2 -- The Trench is here to feed on us! But Aquaman will face any and all comers!
Blackhawks #2 -- The team is compromised by a nanocyte attack -- can they recover and discover the threat of Mother Machine?
DC Comics Presents Jack Kirby Omnibus Sampler #1 -- A mini collection of Jack Kirby mystery/monster stories? How am I NOT buying this?
Flash #2 -- What has Barry Allen's friend gotten mixed up in? And can the Flash get to the bottom of it?
Savage Hawkman #2 -- Hawkman vs Morphicius! It's on!
Spaceman #1 -- I dug the preview of this series in the Strange Adventures anthology, so for a buck I will check out this out. From the people who brought you 100 Bullets no less!
Charmed #15 -- Will Cole keep his bargain to find the reincarnated Prue? Or does he have his own agenda? What do you think? (Also: Why is this marked for Mature Readers?)
So, what looks good to YOU?
Aquaman #2 -- The Trench is here to feed on us! But Aquaman will face any and all comers!
Blackhawks #2 -- The team is compromised by a nanocyte attack -- can they recover and discover the threat of Mother Machine?
DC Comics Presents Jack Kirby Omnibus Sampler #1 -- A mini collection of Jack Kirby mystery/monster stories? How am I NOT buying this?
Flash #2 -- What has Barry Allen's friend gotten mixed up in? And can the Flash get to the bottom of it?
Savage Hawkman #2 -- Hawkman vs Morphicius! It's on!
Spaceman #1 -- I dug the preview of this series in the Strange Adventures anthology, so for a buck I will check out this out. From the people who brought you 100 Bullets no less!
Charmed #15 -- Will Cole keep his bargain to find the reincarnated Prue? Or does he have his own agenda? What do you think? (Also: Why is this marked for Mature Readers?)
So, what looks good to YOU?
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
The 3rd Dimension: October 2011 Roundup Mk.2!
Alright toy fans, here's a quick rundown of two more figures I have picked up in the "recent" past!
Iron Man 2 Titanium Man -- I said in a previous one of these rundowns that after I found the Iron Man 2 Crimson Dynamo, I was eager to get ahold of his fellow Soviet armored compatriot (comrade?) Titanium Man. I only saw him one time so you had better believe I snapped him up. His bio describes his as Boris Bullski, but the armor looks a bit more like the suit the Gremlin wore, so I am just taking this as a new suit for Bullski (who is the T-Man I always liked anyway) and going from there. I like the height, and his big, tready feet help his poseability. The green and silver color scheme looks suitably menacing as well. His helmet is my favorite feature. It evokes the Silver Age faceplate but looks very modern at the same time. All in all this one of my favorites from the line and he and the Dynamo stand side by side ready to fight in the name of their Motherland. Interestingly, there is a "Legends" scale version of this T-Man armor as well, but I have held off on it for the time being because of the price. But I am sure I will give in soon enough. (There is also a Legends Dynamo which I have never seen, but it looks like the Shatalov armor as opposed to the Bukharin armor like the smaller toy.) His blast accessory is actually not bad, featuring a sort of "power punch" as opposed to the typical repulsor style beam.
Iron Man 2 Guardsman -- This one was a nice find because I picked it up right while I was reading Essential Iron Man v.4, which features all of the Kevin O'Brien Guardsman stories! This figure really captures the classic two-tone Guardsman look. Both shades of green pop and look really nice together. The main issue I have is the buck, which is not an "armored" look but a muscled one. If you look at it, Guardsman seems very overly muscled for a guy in armor. It's not a huge deal but it defintely takes something away from the figure. Still, I am willing to forgive that just because it otherwise is a very nice representation of the classic Iron foe. (I won't mention the yellow blaster piece, alright?) Makes for a good addition to the lineup of baddies.
More adventures in the 3rd Dimension to come!
Iron Man 2 Titanium Man -- I said in a previous one of these rundowns that after I found the Iron Man 2 Crimson Dynamo, I was eager to get ahold of his fellow Soviet armored compatriot (comrade?) Titanium Man. I only saw him one time so you had better believe I snapped him up. His bio describes his as Boris Bullski, but the armor looks a bit more like the suit the Gremlin wore, so I am just taking this as a new suit for Bullski (who is the T-Man I always liked anyway) and going from there. I like the height, and his big, tready feet help his poseability. The green and silver color scheme looks suitably menacing as well. His helmet is my favorite feature. It evokes the Silver Age faceplate but looks very modern at the same time. All in all this one of my favorites from the line and he and the Dynamo stand side by side ready to fight in the name of their Motherland. Interestingly, there is a "Legends" scale version of this T-Man armor as well, but I have held off on it for the time being because of the price. But I am sure I will give in soon enough. (There is also a Legends Dynamo which I have never seen, but it looks like the Shatalov armor as opposed to the Bukharin armor like the smaller toy.) His blast accessory is actually not bad, featuring a sort of "power punch" as opposed to the typical repulsor style beam.
Iron Man 2 Guardsman -- This one was a nice find because I picked it up right while I was reading Essential Iron Man v.4, which features all of the Kevin O'Brien Guardsman stories! This figure really captures the classic two-tone Guardsman look. Both shades of green pop and look really nice together. The main issue I have is the buck, which is not an "armored" look but a muscled one. If you look at it, Guardsman seems very overly muscled for a guy in armor. It's not a huge deal but it defintely takes something away from the figure. Still, I am willing to forgive that just because it otherwise is a very nice representation of the classic Iron foe. (I won't mention the yellow blaster piece, alright?) Makes for a good addition to the lineup of baddies.
More adventures in the 3rd Dimension to come!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
What Looks Good?
There's been an awful lot of rain on Wednesday lately. This week is no different. But again, I don't buy my comics at the LCS anymore so I guess I need to stop complaining.
DC Universe Presents #2 -- Deadman wants some answers and he is going to get them!
Tiny Titans #45 -- The more things change at DC, the more (some) things stay the same.
Wonder Woman #2 -- It's Diana versus the gods and no one is safe!
GI Joe: A Real American Hero #171 -- Everything is coming off the rails for Cobra Commander! And what's the deal with Sneak Peek?
Godzilla: Gangsters & Goliaths #5 -- The city smashing conclusion!
Invincible Iron Man #509 -- Will this finally end the Fear Itself tie-in? We can only hope!
So, what looks good to YOU?
DC Universe Presents #2 -- Deadman wants some answers and he is going to get them!
Tiny Titans #45 -- The more things change at DC, the more (some) things stay the same.
Wonder Woman #2 -- It's Diana versus the gods and no one is safe!
GI Joe: A Real American Hero #171 -- Everything is coming off the rails for Cobra Commander! And what's the deal with Sneak Peek?
Godzilla: Gangsters & Goliaths #5 -- The city smashing conclusion!
Invincible Iron Man #509 -- Will this finally end the Fear Itself tie-in? We can only hope!
So, what looks good to YOU?
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
The 3rd Dimension: October 2011 Roundup!
Once more I'm dipping into the well of toys which I have bought over the last few months and reviewing them for your enjoyment! This time out we have a trio of (wait for it) Iron Man toys!
Iron Man 2 Iron Man Mk.1 -- Up first we have the first! No, seriously, this is the Comic Series Mk.1 armor, based on the armor which debuted in Tales of Suspense #39. This is the first item I have based on this armor, although I do have the Bowen statue of the gold armor. Anyway, for such a simple design this is actually a very nice toy. The articulation is good and his wide feet (with some molded ridges on the soles) help him stand up in some nice poses. I even managed to get a TOS #39 cover pose out of him! He is equipped with an energy blast, which really isn't accurate, but it's easily ignored. One of the interesting aspects of this figure is the "marring" of the paint job. There's plenty of scuffs and scorches and rust on the armor, and it really helps sell it as a clunky piece of machinery Tony Stark built to escape captivity. Very happy with this one.
Iron Man 2 Silver Centurion -- We jump ahead about 20 years now with the Silver Centurion armor, which debuted in Iron Man #200, battling the Iron Monger. Like the armor in the comics, this figure is bulkier than the normal "slim" Iron Man buck. The sculpt is a reasonably close depiction of the armor from the comics; the colors too are really nice. I have this one posed next to my Toy Biz Silver Centurion (that is, "Hologram Armor") and the two of them look great together. This is a much improved version of this armor than the earlier one from the Marvel Universe line, which was built off of the Extremis figure and looked pretty weird. His blast accessory is, as usual, pretty unremarkable. This fan favorite armor is very well translated to the 3rd Dimension.
Marvel Universe Modular Iron Man -- Alright, first off, this one is seriously misnamed. The Modular Armor was the armor which debuted in Iron Man #300, made famous by its depiction in the Marvel Action Hour cartoon and the Toy Biz Iron Man line. This armor represents the modern Iron Man armor as seen in the pages of Invincible Iron Man by Matt Fraction and Sal LaRocca. Now, as a depiction of that armor, this is a pretty good version. It lacks some of what has come to be known as "control surfaces" which we see in the comics, but the colors and repulsor outputs look very close. The helmet as well is also very sharp, with the frown reproduced straight from the page. This figure is a more slim than the Silver Centurion, has good articulation and poses well. His accessory is the same sort of repulsor blast which these toys come with, and are summarily tossed into a bin with all of the others once I get them open. I don't know how long this armor design will last but it's nice to get a toy version of it.
More to come!
Iron Man 2 Iron Man Mk.1 -- Up first we have the first! No, seriously, this is the Comic Series Mk.1 armor, based on the armor which debuted in Tales of Suspense #39. This is the first item I have based on this armor, although I do have the Bowen statue of the gold armor. Anyway, for such a simple design this is actually a very nice toy. The articulation is good and his wide feet (with some molded ridges on the soles) help him stand up in some nice poses. I even managed to get a TOS #39 cover pose out of him! He is equipped with an energy blast, which really isn't accurate, but it's easily ignored. One of the interesting aspects of this figure is the "marring" of the paint job. There's plenty of scuffs and scorches and rust on the armor, and it really helps sell it as a clunky piece of machinery Tony Stark built to escape captivity. Very happy with this one.
Iron Man 2 Silver Centurion -- We jump ahead about 20 years now with the Silver Centurion armor, which debuted in Iron Man #200, battling the Iron Monger. Like the armor in the comics, this figure is bulkier than the normal "slim" Iron Man buck. The sculpt is a reasonably close depiction of the armor from the comics; the colors too are really nice. I have this one posed next to my Toy Biz Silver Centurion (that is, "Hologram Armor") and the two of them look great together. This is a much improved version of this armor than the earlier one from the Marvel Universe line, which was built off of the Extremis figure and looked pretty weird. His blast accessory is, as usual, pretty unremarkable. This fan favorite armor is very well translated to the 3rd Dimension.
Marvel Universe Modular Iron Man -- Alright, first off, this one is seriously misnamed. The Modular Armor was the armor which debuted in Iron Man #300, made famous by its depiction in the Marvel Action Hour cartoon and the Toy Biz Iron Man line. This armor represents the modern Iron Man armor as seen in the pages of Invincible Iron Man by Matt Fraction and Sal LaRocca. Now, as a depiction of that armor, this is a pretty good version. It lacks some of what has come to be known as "control surfaces" which we see in the comics, but the colors and repulsor outputs look very close. The helmet as well is also very sharp, with the frown reproduced straight from the page. This figure is a more slim than the Silver Centurion, has good articulation and poses well. His accessory is the same sort of repulsor blast which these toys come with, and are summarily tossed into a bin with all of the others once I get them open. I don't know how long this armor design will last but it's nice to get a toy version of it.
More to come!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Composite Spy vs Spy?!
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Spy vs. Spy, DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Jim Lee joins the ranks of other artists who've each made their mark on the iconic spy design (in toy form)...
This wacky and bizarre Composite Spy vs Spy made me smile this morning for sure!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
What Looks Good?
It's raining here today, but El Jacone has the cure for the rainy day blues.
My Greatest Adventure #1 -- The continuing adventures of Tanga and Garbageman, plus Robotman to boot!
The Shade #1 -- Looks pretty interesting, after reading this interview with Robinson I might check this one out.
Legion of Monsters #1 -- Okay, this looks quirky and monster-y enough for me to check it out.
glamourpuss #21 -- A month with glamourpuss is like a... I can't finish that sentence.
So, what looks good to YOU?
My Greatest Adventure #1 -- The continuing adventures of Tanga and Garbageman, plus Robotman to boot!
The Shade #1 -- Looks pretty interesting, after reading this interview with Robinson I might check this one out.
Legion of Monsters #1 -- Okay, this looks quirky and monster-y enough for me to check it out.
glamourpuss #21 -- A month with glamourpuss is like a... I can't finish that sentence.
So, what looks good to YOU?
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
And there came a day, a day unlike any other...
...when Earth's Mightiest Heroes found themselves united against a common threat...
The first Avengers trailer is now online! You can catch it over at Newsarama.
Looks like the epic we are all expecting. I still have little to no faith whatsoever in Joss Whedon but here's hoping!
The first Avengers trailer is now online! You can catch it over at Newsarama.
Looks like the epic we are all expecting. I still have little to no faith whatsoever in Joss Whedon but here's hoping!
Monday, October 10, 2011
The Crusaders Heading Back Home
I am alternately pleased and disappointed by this news. As readers of this blog certainly know, I was a big fan of the DC Red Circle imprint, so to see those characters disappear is disheartening. Of course, with the New 52 relaunch, it was more than likely that the Crusaders were never going to be a factor anyway. So at least the characters get to have their own space to run around in. The digital initiative is interesting, and if the price is low enough it might be worth checking out.
I will definitely be keeping an eye on this as it develops...
(Wow, two posts about Archie one day... go figure!)
You Wanted The Best, You Got The Best!
Sounds like a fun mash-up! To me, both the Archies and the KISS personas are classic characters who never go out of fashion. If this one is successful, then I will begin campaigning for Jughead Meets Alice Cooper!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Unbridled Capitalism: Mr. K's for October
I made a trip to Mr. K's Used Books in Greenville yesterday looking for something non-comics related, but you know me: I love a good deal. So when I saw these books I couldn't leave them.
100 Bullets -- This title never gets much mention here on The Bunker, mostly because I have exclusively bought it in collected format. I picked up Volume 1 (First Shot, Last Call) a number of years ago at Midtown Comics, and then religiously bought the series through Volume 5. I lost track of the series when I moved but now I have been on the lookout for the rest of it in cheap form so that I can read the whole thing. Yesterday went a long way to completing my collection, as I picked up Volumes 6-9 and 13, which is the last one. Throw in Volume 11 which I picked up a few months back and I am down to two collections to finish up the run -- Volumes 10 and 12. Get ready for some gunplay!
Excalibur -- Now this one you folks should be more aware of. I've actually got everything I am looking for as far as the Excalibur regular series, but I did pick up the prestige format Weird War 3 yesterday, which I had not seen previously. So hopefully we can get a return of Not Blog Ex on this site in the near future.
Remember folks, good deals are out there if you keep your eyes peeled and your wallet at the ready!
100 Bullets -- This title never gets much mention here on The Bunker, mostly because I have exclusively bought it in collected format. I picked up Volume 1 (First Shot, Last Call) a number of years ago at Midtown Comics, and then religiously bought the series through Volume 5. I lost track of the series when I moved but now I have been on the lookout for the rest of it in cheap form so that I can read the whole thing. Yesterday went a long way to completing my collection, as I picked up Volumes 6-9 and 13, which is the last one. Throw in Volume 11 which I picked up a few months back and I am down to two collections to finish up the run -- Volumes 10 and 12. Get ready for some gunplay!
Excalibur -- Now this one you folks should be more aware of. I've actually got everything I am looking for as far as the Excalibur regular series, but I did pick up the prestige format Weird War 3 yesterday, which I had not seen previously. So hopefully we can get a return of Not Blog Ex on this site in the near future.
Remember folks, good deals are out there if you keep your eyes peeled and your wallet at the ready!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Discount Bin Finds -- Random Borderlands Rummaging
I headed to Borderlands yesterday to pick up few of the New 52 comics yesterday (namely Aquaman, Fury of Firestorm, and Superman), and I happened to flip through a few of the dollar bins, and boy I hit some good stuff!
Outsiders v.2:no.3 -- Eradicated! So says the cover, as Eradicator begins his association with the Outsiders in this issue. This was a totally random find, but one which is much appreciated as I am still filling in my collection of volume 2 of Outsiders and this was one I needed.
Weird Western Tales #51 -- Featuring Scalphunter! I could not pass up an issue of Weird Western Tales, as rare as they are around here.
Wonder Woman #246, 255, 271 -- If you remember, back at FCBD this year, I picked up a few issues of this era of Wonder Woman, and have liked what I read. So when I found a few more I had to pick them up! Especially with the New 52 Wonder Woman seemingly being one of the early breakout titles of the reboot, these classics are a lot of fun to read.
Marvel Premiere #50 -- Starring... ALICE COOPER! Are you serious bro?! How freaking awesome is this? I LOVE Alice Cooper and putting him in a Marvel comic book is so downright awesome that I cannot wait to read this one. No More Mister Nice Guy!
I definitely need to head back and dig through their bins some more!
Outsiders v.2:no.3 -- Eradicated! So says the cover, as Eradicator begins his association with the Outsiders in this issue. This was a totally random find, but one which is much appreciated as I am still filling in my collection of volume 2 of Outsiders and this was one I needed.
Weird Western Tales #51 -- Featuring Scalphunter! I could not pass up an issue of Weird Western Tales, as rare as they are around here.
Wonder Woman #246, 255, 271 -- If you remember, back at FCBD this year, I picked up a few issues of this era of Wonder Woman, and have liked what I read. So when I found a few more I had to pick them up! Especially with the New 52 Wonder Woman seemingly being one of the early breakout titles of the reboot, these classics are a lot of fun to read.
Marvel Premiere #50 -- Starring... ALICE COOPER! Are you serious bro?! How freaking awesome is this? I LOVE Alice Cooper and putting him in a Marvel comic book is so downright awesome that I cannot wait to read this one. No More Mister Nice Guy!
I definitely need to head back and dig through their bins some more!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
The Savage Hawkman Teaser
"How long have I been here? How long have I been frozen like this?"
–Carter Hall in THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #1
Ooooooh...
Image: Savage Hawkman #1 teaser, 2011, Philip Tan.
What Looks Good?
It's a big Wednesday, there is no doubt about it!
Aquaman #1 -- Aquaman has always been cool dammit!
Blackhawks #1 -- DC's take on GI Joe? Color me intrigued.
Flash #1 -- Hopefully this new take on the Flash can run a bit longer than the last volume (pun intended).
Fury of Firestorm #1 -- This book is getting tons of hype, so I do intend to check it out.
The Savage Hawkman #1 -- Today's the day baby. Except I have to wait for my DCBS box.
Superman #1 -- George Perez on Superman is something I am going to definitely check out.
Charmed #14 -- My wife will be happy to see this one as well.
Futurama Comics #57 -- At some point I need to watch the latest season. But the comic still rocks!
So, what looks good to YOU?
Aquaman #1 -- Aquaman has always been cool dammit!
Blackhawks #1 -- DC's take on GI Joe? Color me intrigued.
Flash #1 -- Hopefully this new take on the Flash can run a bit longer than the last volume (pun intended).
Fury of Firestorm #1 -- This book is getting tons of hype, so I do intend to check it out.
The Savage Hawkman #1 -- Today's the day baby. Except I have to wait for my DCBS box.
Superman #1 -- George Perez on Superman is something I am going to definitely check out.
Charmed #14 -- My wife will be happy to see this one as well.
Futurama Comics #57 -- At some point I need to watch the latest season. But the comic still rocks!
So, what looks good to YOU?
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
What Looks Good?
I hate rain on Wednesdays -- especially when I have to go to the comic shop.
Tiny Titans #44 -- It's good to see that no matter how much some things change in the DCU, some things stay the same.
Invincible Iron Man #508 -- This Fear Itself stuff is getting old, but we have got to be getting close to the endgame at this point, right?
So, what looks good to YOU?
Tiny Titans #44 -- It's good to see that no matter how much some things change in the DCU, some things stay the same.
Invincible Iron Man #508 -- This Fear Itself stuff is getting old, but we have got to be getting close to the endgame at this point, right?
So, what looks good to YOU?
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
The 3rd Dimension: Remco Mini Monsters Mummy
I have been on a bit of a Mummy kick lately, mostly due to my father buying me the Polar Lights recast of the old Aurora Mummy's Chariot hot rod model kit, which I have liked since I was a kid. (I still need to pick up some version of the original Aurora Mummy.) So that lead me to not only watching some classic Universal Mummy movies but also pulling my bin of Old Toys (tm) out from under the bed in my Bonus Room and digging up (oh I slay me) this classic from my childhood.
Both of the Universal Mummies (Im-ho-tep, played by Boris Karloff in The Mummy, and Kharis, played by Tom Tyler in The Mummy's Hand and Lon Chaney, Jr. in The Mummy's Tomb, The Mummy's Ghost, and The Mummy's Curse) are favorites of mine and so I have, over the years, accumulated a lot of Mummy stuff. This piece remains the oldest one of my Mummy relics, so it holds special value to me.
Remco put out both a large size and small size line of Universal Monsters in the late 70s and early 80s. My brother and I never had any of the big ones but we did have most of the small guys, in the form of Frankenstein's Monster, Wolfman, Creature from the Black Lagoon, and the Mummy. I don't think we had Dracula, and I know for a fact we did not have the Phantom of the Opera.
Like all of the monsters, the Mummy is a solid construction, with 5 points of articulation -- both arms at the shoulders, both legs at the hips, and his head. The real beauty of this toy is the detailed sculpt. For a toy made in 1979, this guy looks fantastic. The bandages have plenty of detail on them and are wonderfully non-uniform. The face, while not at the level of the RealScan stuff we have today, looks suitably close to Karloff for me to say that this is Im-ho-tep. Which is funny on it's own level because Im-ho-tep spends exactly one scene bandaged up, and the rest of the movie masquerading as a modern Egyptian.
But oh how much I dig this toy. The Remco Monsters never had anyone to menace (learning their lesson from the Aurora Monster Scenes perhaps?) but the fact that we had 3 3/4" Monsters to play with meant that they could "play" with various other toy lines too. Want to have Cobra disturb an Egyptian tomb? Here you go!
Once I build the Mummy's Chariot I am seriously considering putting together a small "Mummy Shelf." And if I do, you can bet the treasures of Princess Anaka that this guy will be front and center.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
What Looks Good?
These are a day late, because I felt that sleep after a 13 hour drive was more important than comics. Go figure.
GI Joe: A Real American Hero #170 -- Firefly versus Mainframe in the Empire State Building! Plus Crystal Ball! Oh heck yes!
Wow. One book. I hope I can afford this spending spree. Yeesh.
So, what looks good to YOU?
GI Joe: A Real American Hero #170 -- Firefly versus Mainframe in the Empire State Building! Plus Crystal Ball! Oh heck yes!
Wow. One book. I hope I can afford this spending spree. Yeesh.
So, what looks good to YOU?
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
What Looks Good?
It's a new month and a new dawn for one of the Big Two. What comics will I be checking out this week to celebrate?
Hawk And Dove #1 -- Check out this interview with scribe Sterling Gates. Not sure why this one is gathering so much attention from me but here we are.
Men of War #1 -- Last year I commented that I thought DC's War event in September was leading up to a revival of the genre, and it seems I was on the money. This one should be the grittier of the two. You can check out a teaser, too.
OMAC #1 -- I did not preorder this book but the more and more I see of it and read about it the more I want to read it. DiDio and Giffen killed it on Outsiders and this one looks even more insane. Giffen was honing his Kirby style on that book and now he gets to go all out with it. You can read interviews with DiDio here and here.
Godzilla: Gangsters & Goliaths #4 -- The Yakuza is used to dealing harshly with those who threaten them, but how do you deal with a man armed with a giant monster?
Charmed #13 -- Mom, Restaurateur, Superwitch... Can Piper Halliwell do it all?
So what looks good to YOU?
Hawk And Dove #1 -- Check out this interview with scribe Sterling Gates. Not sure why this one is gathering so much attention from me but here we are.
Men of War #1 -- Last year I commented that I thought DC's War event in September was leading up to a revival of the genre, and it seems I was on the money. This one should be the grittier of the two. You can check out a teaser, too.
OMAC #1 -- I did not preorder this book but the more and more I see of it and read about it the more I want to read it. DiDio and Giffen killed it on Outsiders and this one looks even more insane. Giffen was honing his Kirby style on that book and now he gets to go all out with it. You can read interviews with DiDio here and here.
Godzilla: Gangsters & Goliaths #4 -- The Yakuza is used to dealing harshly with those who threaten them, but how do you deal with a man armed with a giant monster?
Charmed #13 -- Mom, Restaurateur, Superwitch... Can Piper Halliwell do it all?
So what looks good to YOU?
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Hawk & Dove Teaser
"You've been partners with this guy for a couple of years, and you still haven't told him where you really came from?"
DC is rolling out the teasers for the New 52 books, and Hawk & Dove is now out.
At this point I don't know that I could be more excited for Hawk & Dove at this point. Unfortunately I am going to have to end until the end of the month when my next box is shipped!
DC is rolling out the teasers for the New 52 books, and Hawk & Dove is now out.
At this point I don't know that I could be more excited for Hawk & Dove at this point. Unfortunately I am going to have to end until the end of the month when my next box is shipped!
This Past Labor Day Weekend...
... was not spent at DragonCon. It was spent at my in-laws in Florida. And on Thursday, I will be heading to New York to visit my family. So things are going to be a little light for a spell. Sorry for any inconvenience!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Podcast Roundup
If you're like me, then you listen to some comic book podcasts. And if you are really like me, then these are some you should be listening to!
From Crisis To Crisis -- Covering the era between Man of Steel and Infinite Crisis, this long-running Superman podcast details the life and times of the Post-Crisis Superman. With the new version of Superman coming very shortly from DC Comics, this is the time to check out the one which I -- and most of the folks reading this blog I am willing to bet -- grew up reading.
Xavier's Podcast For Gifted Youngsters -- The X-Men! From the beginning! No, really! This new bi-weekly podcast is covering Marvel's Merry Mutants from the very start, including the pre-Giant Size period which I like so dearly. Always great to get in on the ground floor of a podcast.
Tales of the JSA -- The Mystery Men of World War II gets the spotlight shone on them in this show. And it's not just the Society, as the All-Star Squadron also get in on the act too.
Anyone else have some other good ones they listen to?
From Crisis To Crisis -- Covering the era between Man of Steel and Infinite Crisis, this long-running Superman podcast details the life and times of the Post-Crisis Superman. With the new version of Superman coming very shortly from DC Comics, this is the time to check out the one which I -- and most of the folks reading this blog I am willing to bet -- grew up reading.
Xavier's Podcast For Gifted Youngsters -- The X-Men! From the beginning! No, really! This new bi-weekly podcast is covering Marvel's Merry Mutants from the very start, including the pre-Giant Size period which I like so dearly. Always great to get in on the ground floor of a podcast.
Tales of the JSA -- The Mystery Men of World War II gets the spotlight shone on them in this show. And it's not just the Society, as the All-Star Squadron also get in on the act too.
Anyone else have some other good ones they listen to?
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Well Now, Jeez.
What does this all mean? I have no idea! The only X-Men comics I have been able to understand in the last decade was X-Men: Kingbreaker, which, appropriately enough, starred Havok.
What Looks Good?
Next week, we see the re-launch of the DC Universe and the assorted rumblings which that entails. This week, however, it's business as usual.
Action Comics #904 -- Well, if you gotta go, going out with an all out brawl for it all with a Super-Mega Doomsday is a heck of a way to do it.
GI Joe: A Real American Hero #169 -- Mainframe versus Firefly in the Empire State Building!
Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters #6 -- This will probably be my last issue, which is disappointing. But those are the breaks.
The Iron Age: Omega #1 -- My favorite Marvel event in years comes to close.
So, what looks good to YOU?
Action Comics #904 -- Well, if you gotta go, going out with an all out brawl for it all with a Super-Mega Doomsday is a heck of a way to do it.
GI Joe: A Real American Hero #169 -- Mainframe versus Firefly in the Empire State Building!
Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters #6 -- This will probably be my last issue, which is disappointing. But those are the breaks.
The Iron Age: Omega #1 -- My favorite Marvel event in years comes to close.
So, what looks good to YOU?
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
DC New War Comics Logos
Not sure which one I like better. From what I gather, Men Of War is going to be more of a Modern Military book, while Blackhawks is going for more of a Military Fantasy title. So the logos seem appropriate to their genres.
The Men Of War logo looks like something from a ModMil video game. And considering the incredible success (*waves to Mr. Bones*) of those games, I consider this to be a Good Thing. Hopefully this is the sort of book which can attract the attention of that market, because that would help the book achieve some sales and notoriety. Blackhawks looks a little more traditional, but I still dig it. The bird head is a classic element and the stencil-style font works well too. I think that this title is poised to get some of IDW's GI Joe readers, and like the GI Joe logo this one is striking but not ostentatious.
You can see all 52 of the covers over at Newsarama, including the logo for The Savage Hawkman, which you can see at Being Carter Hall.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Interview With Sterling Gates
Hawk & Dove #1 is due next month!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
What Looks Good?
You know darn well that only comics can quell what you're feeling inside!
DC Retroactive The Flash: The 90s -- This is when I got into The Flash so this should be a treat!
Tiny Titans #43 -- Time for a ReBoot!
Invincible Iron Man #507 -- You have some 'splaining to do, Fraction.
Darkwing Duck #15 -- Time is short on this series, but honestly, did we really think that this is not how the BOOM! Disney line would go down?
So, what looks good to YOU?
DC Retroactive The Flash: The 90s -- This is when I got into The Flash so this should be a treat!
Tiny Titans #43 -- Time for a ReBoot!
Invincible Iron Man #507 -- You have some 'splaining to do, Fraction.
Darkwing Duck #15 -- Time is short on this series, but honestly, did we really think that this is not how the BOOM! Disney line would go down?
So, what looks good to YOU?
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Behold My Mighty Hand.
Luke versus the Mega Burrito at Papas & Beer, Greenville, SC:
Luke 1. Mega Burrito 0.
Luke 1. Mega Burrito 0.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Return Of The Monsters!
This cover also showcases Mike Bullock's New Pulp creation, Death Angel, is all sorts of awesome.
The crew over at Moonstone does these classic pulp characters like its nobody's business, plus now we have MONSTERS as well! Sweet!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
What Looks Good?
We're in the middle of our 2011 United Way Campaign here at work, so I am wearing jeans today -- despite the high pushing 100. Yikes. Well, at least we have new comics, too.
Showcase Presents: The Trial Of The Flash -- I have heard so many varying opinions on this story that I, as a Flash Fan, had to read it for myself.
Godzilla: Gangsters and Goliaths #3 -- Now this is what I want in a Godzilla comic. So far.
The Iron Age #3 -- This time-hopping adventure is the first Marvel "event" I have been excited about in a long, long time.
So, what looks good to YOU?
Showcase Presents: The Trial Of The Flash -- I have heard so many varying opinions on this story that I, as a Flash Fan, had to read it for myself.
Godzilla: Gangsters and Goliaths #3 -- Now this is what I want in a Godzilla comic. So far.
The Iron Age #3 -- This time-hopping adventure is the first Marvel "event" I have been excited about in a long, long time.
So, what looks good to YOU?
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Men Of War #3 Cover Preview
Don't know how long this ride of DC War books is going to last, but I have to applaud DC for giving a shot to a "dead" genre!
Monday, August 8, 2011
What I Read This Week
Quick capsule reviews, GO!
Godzilla: Gangsters & Goliaths #2 -- Our hero, a policeman betrayed and left for dead, uses Mothra as his instrument of revenge. This is as cool as it sounds; indeed, much better than the main IDW Godzilla book (see below).
Iron Age #2 -- As a Power Man & Iron Fist fan, I am probably more prone to like the first half of this issue, as they team up with Shellhead. But the second half, with Iron Man and Human Torch fighting Dr. Doom, was very well done too. So far I am digging this miniseries.
DC Retroactive: Wonder Woman -- The 70s -- The lead story has Diana undergoing "trials" for denying her powers; the story itself is nothing special but I totally dig J. Bone's offbeat take on the Amazing Amazon. The backup is a tale from the I-Ching era which, I think, is very representative of that period and fun to read.
DC Retroactive: The Flash -- The 70s -- The new story involves Gorilla Grodd trying to steal Iris away from Barry; kind of oddball but I can see it playing out in the era. The backup is a reprint of an issue I literally just read a few months ago, part of a Flash/Superman race... why this story was chosen, I have no idea -- it's part 2 of a story, even!
Tiny Titans #42 -- Match and Bizarro Girl are IN WUV! Too cute.
Invincible Iron Man #506 -- *sigh* This one will get a bigger write up. And not in a good way.
Futurama Comics #56 -- Fry gets the crew stuck working at a fast food restaurant as big as the planet Earth! Also features an amazing cameo by Iron Maiden's mascot Eddie!
Action Comics #903 -- Reign of the Doomsdays continues as the battle reaches Earth. Paul Cornell didn't work for me with Captain Britain, but amazingly enough I can dig his take on the Superman Family. Eager to see how this concludes.
Strange Case of Mr. Hyde #4 -- It's Edward Hyde versus Jack the Ripper in a Victorian blowout to end them all! Really dug this book and hope to get more from this team.
Godzilla, Kingdom of Monsters #5 -- More nonsense, with the best elements of the story happening off panel while we linger on stupid pop culture references and heavy handed politicking. I'm done with this book.
Terminator/Robocop: Kill Human #1 -- A great setup, with Robocop awakening from a museum far in the future, as Skynet is on the verge of eliminating the last of humanity. Should be cool to see where this leads.
Charmed #12 -- The big blowoff to the Neena story delivers pretty much as expected. It's the revelation at the end which has me more intrigued.
Whew!
Godzilla: Gangsters & Goliaths #2 -- Our hero, a policeman betrayed and left for dead, uses Mothra as his instrument of revenge. This is as cool as it sounds; indeed, much better than the main IDW Godzilla book (see below).
Iron Age #2 -- As a Power Man & Iron Fist fan, I am probably more prone to like the first half of this issue, as they team up with Shellhead. But the second half, with Iron Man and Human Torch fighting Dr. Doom, was very well done too. So far I am digging this miniseries.
DC Retroactive: Wonder Woman -- The 70s -- The lead story has Diana undergoing "trials" for denying her powers; the story itself is nothing special but I totally dig J. Bone's offbeat take on the Amazing Amazon. The backup is a tale from the I-Ching era which, I think, is very representative of that period and fun to read.
DC Retroactive: The Flash -- The 70s -- The new story involves Gorilla Grodd trying to steal Iris away from Barry; kind of oddball but I can see it playing out in the era. The backup is a reprint of an issue I literally just read a few months ago, part of a Flash/Superman race... why this story was chosen, I have no idea -- it's part 2 of a story, even!
Tiny Titans #42 -- Match and Bizarro Girl are IN WUV! Too cute.
Invincible Iron Man #506 -- *sigh* This one will get a bigger write up. And not in a good way.
Futurama Comics #56 -- Fry gets the crew stuck working at a fast food restaurant as big as the planet Earth! Also features an amazing cameo by Iron Maiden's mascot Eddie!
Action Comics #903 -- Reign of the Doomsdays continues as the battle reaches Earth. Paul Cornell didn't work for me with Captain Britain, but amazingly enough I can dig his take on the Superman Family. Eager to see how this concludes.
Strange Case of Mr. Hyde #4 -- It's Edward Hyde versus Jack the Ripper in a Victorian blowout to end them all! Really dug this book and hope to get more from this team.
Godzilla, Kingdom of Monsters #5 -- More nonsense, with the best elements of the story happening off panel while we linger on stupid pop culture references and heavy handed politicking. I'm done with this book.
Terminator/Robocop: Kill Human #1 -- A great setup, with Robocop awakening from a museum far in the future, as Skynet is on the verge of eliminating the last of humanity. Should be cool to see where this leads.
Charmed #12 -- The big blowoff to the Neena story delivers pretty much as expected. It's the revelation at the end which has me more intrigued.
Whew!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
One Reason Not To Blog This Late
Because you come up with ideas like Eric Raymond hooking up with Extensive Enterprises so that The Misfits become a money laundering operation to funnel cash to Cobra in order to fuel Cobra Commander and Megatron's insane idea of finding and unleashing Metlar, Tendril, and D'Compose to different parts of the globe in order to ravage the world's defenses so that Cobra will be able to usurp control of all government while the Decepticons can create enough energon to fuel their conquest of the galaxy.
You might want to put on a helmet because El Jacone just BLEW YOUR MIND.
You might want to put on a helmet because El Jacone just BLEW YOUR MIND.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
What Looks Good?
I think the high in Greenville today is like 101 degrees. I don't care where you are that's hot! Also: comics.
DC Retroactive -- The Flash: The 80s -- Flash in the 80s? Yes please!
DC Retroactive -- Wonder Woman: The 80s -- I read the 70s one last night and was very impressed, so I am seriously considering picking this one up as well.
So, what looks good to YOU?
DC Retroactive -- The Flash: The 80s -- Flash in the 80s? Yes please!
DC Retroactive -- Wonder Woman: The 80s -- I read the 70s one last night and was very impressed, so I am seriously considering picking this one up as well.
So, what looks good to YOU?
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
And Now, Your Moment of Zen
Shout out to Viciousvinyltoys over at HissTank.com for making this awesome 80s mashup!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
What Looks Good?
Yeah, it's hot all over the country? You know what? This is NORMAL WEATHER down here! So grab some comics and chill out!
Strange Case of Mr. Hyde #4 -- I have very much enjoyed this detective story with Henry Jekyll helping to track down Jack The Ripper. I know, big shock.
Action Comics #903 -- DOOMSLAYER! Sounds like the most awesome heavy metal band ever.
Heroes of the DCU Hawk Bust -- Not getting this bust if there ever was a character who utilizes the term "bust" in his crime fighting, it's Hawk. (No, not THAT definition of "bust," the other one.)
Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters #5 -- King Ghidorah? Perhaps? Maybe?
Charmed #12 -- The battle continues against The First Witch!
Futurama Comics #56 -- What news do these intrepid explorers bring of the far-flung future?!
Terminator/Robocop: Kill Human #1 -- You know at some point I should track down the original Robocop vs Terminator.
So, what looks good to YOU?
Strange Case of Mr. Hyde #4 -- I have very much enjoyed this detective story with Henry Jekyll helping to track down Jack The Ripper. I know, big shock.
Action Comics #903 -- DOOMSLAYER! Sounds like the most awesome heavy metal band ever.
Heroes of the DCU Hawk Bust -- Not getting this bust if there ever was a character who utilizes the term "bust" in his crime fighting, it's Hawk. (No, not THAT definition of "bust," the other one.)
Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters #5 -- King Ghidorah? Perhaps? Maybe?
Charmed #12 -- The battle continues against The First Witch!
Futurama Comics #56 -- What news do these intrepid explorers bring of the far-flung future?!
Terminator/Robocop: Kill Human #1 -- You know at some point I should track down the original Robocop vs Terminator.
So, what looks good to YOU?
Friday, July 22, 2011
Is The Popemobile Catholic?
Thursday, July 21, 2011
We Must Resist! After All, It's Our Phyiscal Nature.
Yeah, I know. We had better not quit our day jobs. (I'm a Controls engineer though, so I'm in the clear.)
You can get this "Resist" T-shirt at shirt.woot.com today and today only.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
What Looks Good?
Before going to the theater to see Captain America, be sure to buy your comics!
DC Retroactive -- The Flash: The 70s /Wonder Woman: The 70s -- Decided to get these two as much for the new stories as the reprints!
Justice League of America #59 -- Eclipso just sliced the moon in half. So this should be rough going for the Earth!
Tiny Titans #42 -- Young Bizarros in LOVE! Yuck!
GI Joe: A Real American Hero #168 -- The Joes mission to the arctic gets even rougher!
Invincible Iron Man #506 -- Paris is a stone wasteland thanks to the Grey Gargoyle, but is Tony in danger of losing a battle against his will?
Iron Man 2.0 #7 -- *sigh* Something about Chinese demons or something. Very much related to War Machine. Right?
Darkwing Duck #14 -- The Duck Knight is facing all sorts of problems but crimefighting waits for no man!
So, what looks good to YOU?
DC Retroactive -- The Flash: The 70s /Wonder Woman: The 70s -- Decided to get these two as much for the new stories as the reprints!
Justice League of America #59 -- Eclipso just sliced the moon in half. So this should be rough going for the Earth!
Tiny Titans #42 -- Young Bizarros in LOVE! Yuck!
GI Joe: A Real American Hero #168 -- The Joes mission to the arctic gets even rougher!
Invincible Iron Man #506 -- Paris is a stone wasteland thanks to the Grey Gargoyle, but is Tony in danger of losing a battle against his will?
Iron Man 2.0 #7 -- *sigh* Something about Chinese demons or something. Very much related to War Machine. Right?
Darkwing Duck #14 -- The Duck Knight is facing all sorts of problems but crimefighting waits for no man!
So, what looks good to YOU?
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Garbageman and Tanga Will Return
MY GREATEST ADVENTURE #1
Written by AARON LOPRESTI, KEVIN MAGUIRE and MATT KINDT
Art by AARON LOPRESTI, KEVIN MAGUIRE, MATT RYAN and SCOTT KOLINS
Cover by AARON LOPRESTI
On sale OCTOBER 12 • 1 of 6, 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
The adventures of Garbage Man and Tanga from WEIRD WORLDS continue – and now, these offbeat heroes are joined by the Robotman, who has a disturbing knack for self-destruction!
Sounds good to me!
You can check out the rest of the second wave of "DCnU" (ugh) solicits over at Newsarama.
Monday, July 18, 2011
4 Color Cinema: Thor
The story is straightforward (as befitting a film version of Thor): After an ill-thought out attack on the Frost Giants leads to a declaration of war, arrogant Thor is cast out of Asgard by Odin. Trapped on Earth, Thor is unable to stop the machinations of his devious brother Loki, who plots threaten Asgard, Earth, and all of the Nine Realms. Thor must prove himself worthy and reclaim his power to save the day.
I'm not a Thor fan by any means. I have read lots of him in Avengers, but I have never read his solo series. My brother read him some as a young man but moved on to The Punisher early on. So I am going in with only the barest of non-blank slates on the character. I know the basics but the details are an unknown for me. So, coming from that background, this film really delivered the goods. It set up the backstory without bogging everything down, brings some awesome action sequences, and brings the grandiose operatic style appropriate for the drama of the gods on Asgard. We get everything from the Marvel version of King Lear to Thor walking into a pet shop in New Mexico demanding a horse, plus a cameo from Hawkeye. This is a grand film on many levels, which left me very satisfied as a viewer.
The cast didn't have any real weak points that I could find. Chris Hemsworth did a fine job as Thor, showcasing both his youthful hot-bloodedness as well as noblity and even a little humility. Natalie Portman's Jane Foster was a good supporting character, and she's as cute as ever. Loki was played by Tom Hiddleston with a very strong sense of conviction of actions, and really shines. And Anthony Hopkins as Odin seems pretty obvious but it works very well. There's some overacting in there, but as I said this is operatic, so that's alright. It helps to differentiate the tone from the Asgard scenes and Earth scenes. This is a solid cast and hopefully at least some of them will make a reappearance in The Avengers (besides Thor of course).
As far as complaints, I don't have many. The film lacks any of the real world relevance of Iron Man, but then again, this is Thor, and I am not expecting real world relevance from a Thor story. But still, it does not have the same gravitas of Iron Man, which remains the best of the Marvel films, nor Incredible Hulk, which is very near the top. But that doesn't mean it doesn't hit all of the right notes and come off pretty dead-on to what I want from a Thor movie.
Now, which did I like better, this one or Green Lantern? Sorry to give a cop out answer, but I thought these two were pretty close to each other. Thor was the better movie overall, but Green Lantern was a lot of fun, so that's sort of a wash. With a gun to my head I would say Thor was better. I don't consider this a problem, though -- two awesome superhero movies in one summer is never a bad thing to me.
In closing, Thor scores another big hit for Marvel. It's no Iron Man, but it's certainly right up there with some of the best superhero movies I have seen.
(For those who are curious: The little guy slept through most of it (though he did like watching the trailers and opening credits), but he did get upset about 30 minutes in and required some TLC. Luckily the theater had a nice vestibule in the back so I could calm him down while still seeing the movie. And I am now considering buying him that semi-soft foam Mjolnir toy!)
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Fair Trade -- Star Trek: The Gorn Crisis
Star Trek: The Gorn Crisis -- During the Dominion War, the Enterprise is ordered to open negotiations with the Gorn Empire in order to gain their alligience. But the timing couldn't be worse because the Gorn military caste, lead by General Slessshh and his Black Crest warriors, have performed a bloody coup on the government. Meanwhile, Riker is on the planet Elkauron II, working with a Klingon crew to shore up the defenses there. Slessshh and his soldiers then launch attacks on the two closest outposts -- good ole Cestus III and, of course, Elkauron II. With the Enterprise crew held hostage in the Gorn capital and Riker and the Klingons being pushed back by the extremely tough Gorn fighters, it's a desperate situation for the heroes. Authors Kevin J. Anderson and Rebecca Moesta turn in a solid tale with a strong examination of the Gorn and their culture. Plus it is always fun to see Riker as an action hero -- much more believable than Picard as one! The main selling point (besides the Gorn) is the painting art by Igor Kordey, which is evocative and very accurate. It suits the story well and the Gorn themselves look great. All around, this is was a strong Star Trek adventure, but not super epic or anything. Worth picking up if you can find it and if you dig the Gorn, like me.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
What Looks Good?
Yeah, I know, I said I'd try to get back into the blogswing, but this new project is taking up a lot of time. Sue me! Or better yet just read some comics.
Orange Lantern 1/4 Scale Power Battery and Ring -- Maybe it's cliche but MINE MINE MINE MINE MINE!!!
Godzilla: Gangsters and Goliaths #2 -- The first issue of this miniseries is already better than every other Godzilla comic IDW has published.
The Iron Age #2 -- So far this event is kicking it hardcore just the way I like it. (I ordered the Power Man & Iron Fist cover.)
So, what looks good to YOU?
Orange Lantern 1/4 Scale Power Battery and Ring -- Maybe it's cliche but MINE MINE MINE MINE MINE!!!
Godzilla: Gangsters and Goliaths #2 -- The first issue of this miniseries is already better than every other Godzilla comic IDW has published.
The Iron Age #2 -- So far this event is kicking it hardcore just the way I like it. (I ordered the Power Man & Iron Fist cover.)
So, what looks good to YOU?
Thursday, July 7, 2011
What Looks Good?
New project, new building, new desk, same new comic book day!
DC Direct Brightest Day Hawkman -- I recently got the Black Lantern Hawkman toy so I guess I should try to find this one, too!
GI Joe: A Real American Hero v.2 -- Can't wait to read this one, as the last volume ended with Snake Eyes under the influence of the Brain Wave Scanner. (Larry Hama, woo!)
Black Bat GN -- I ordered this GN from Moonstone so long ago that I forgot about it. Moonstone does these pulp characters like nobody else, though!
So, what looks good to YOU?
DC Direct Brightest Day Hawkman -- I recently got the Black Lantern Hawkman toy so I guess I should try to find this one, too!
GI Joe: A Real American Hero v.2 -- Can't wait to read this one, as the last volume ended with Snake Eyes under the influence of the Brain Wave Scanner. (Larry Hama, woo!)
Black Bat GN -- I ordered this GN from Moonstone so long ago that I forgot about it. Moonstone does these pulp characters like nobody else, though!
So, what looks good to YOU?
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Uh yeah...
...about the last few weeks...
Sorry folks, started a new project at work and between that and taking care of several projects around the house before the holiday, my blogging availability has been extremely scarce. I hope to get back into the full swing of things either this week or next. Sorry for any inconvenience!
Sorry folks, started a new project at work and between that and taking care of several projects around the house before the holiday, my blogging availability has been extremely scarce. I hope to get back into the full swing of things either this week or next. Sorry for any inconvenience!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
What Looks Good?
Big week last week -- had a birthday, saw Green Lantern, buying comics. This week: mostly just buying comics.
Action Comics #902 -- The Reign of the Doomsdays continues!
Batman And The Outsiders #40 -- Ah well, we had a good run.
Justice League of America #58 -- Eclipso just cracked the moon in half. Awww yeah.
Iron Man 2.0 #6 -- Last issue was pretty rough, hopefully this one is better.
Charmed #11 -- It's all very metatextual at this point as the Charmed Ones try to figure out how to stop Neena from destroying Heaven!
So, what looks good to YOU?
Action Comics #902 -- The Reign of the Doomsdays continues!
Batman And The Outsiders #40 -- Ah well, we had a good run.
Justice League of America #58 -- Eclipso just cracked the moon in half. Awww yeah.
Iron Man 2.0 #6 -- Last issue was pretty rough, hopefully this one is better.
Charmed #11 -- It's all very metatextual at this point as the Charmed Ones try to figure out how to stop Neena from destroying Heaven!
So, what looks good to YOU?
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
4 Color Cinema: Green Lantern
So what's the verdict?
It's a fun, entertaining movie which delivered what I wanted out of it.
Was it the best superhero movie I have ever seen? No, not even close. But it was exciting and kept me entertained, and I am much more eager to rewatch it than something gloomily self-important like The Dark Knight. It's got a lot of humor and a lot of action, but it's not the super space opera epic which I think the diehard GL fans were hoping for. It's an odd opening salvo from the newly organized DC Entertainment, unless they want to establish their universe as the lighter one? I don't know, I'm not privy to that kind of information.
Ryan Reynolds seemed like an odd choice for Hal Jordan but he turns in a strong performance. He's jokey quite frequently but when its time be serious, he is serious. He has some good character moments as well. Mark Strong is dead-on awesome as Sinestro, who is the strongest character in the movie. At this point in his career, he is the second greatest of the Green Lanterns (after Abin Sur) and he commands respect when ever he is on the screen. Geoffrey Rush and Michael Clarke Duncan both turn in very good vocal performances as Tomar Re and Killowag, respectively, even though they have fairly small roles.
Blake Lively doesn't do much for me as Carol Ferris, but she doesn't embarrass herself. She's got the ice queen thing down but she melts too frequently. Peter Sarsgaard plays Hector Hammond well enough but the character disappears too soon. He's got an interesting arc but it's abbreviated.
I think that is my biggest complaint: the film is too short and somewhat rushed. Once the story really starts to pick up and start moving, it's already time to get the climax started. I would have rather had extended out the scenes with Hector and then the final battle by a few minutes apiece and it would have made the film "bigger." As it stands, while I liked the film I definitely could see the flaws.
Overall, I dug the movie and will pick it up when it gets released on DVD. But I am not rushing out to go see it again in the theater.
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