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Rogue Warrior And The Governator One of the things (among many) that I love about Antarctic Press's creators is the fact that they aren't afraid to try something new, take chances and step on a few toes. Case in point is the two hilarious takes off of Alaska's favorite ex-governor Sarah Palin and Cal(e)fornia's governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Sarah Palin: Rogue Warrior #1 pokes fun at the straight talking ex-governor starting with its cover of Sarah in what appears to be a slight variation of Wonder Woman's red, white and blue outfit-only Sarah's is a little bit more revealing and she's sporting a machine gun and wearing a winter hat. She's also surrounded by all sorts of military vehicles. Inside a number of artists and writers pay satirical tributes to Sarah beginning with a faux Wonder Woman comic book cover, pin-ups, a Li'l Palin Peanuts knock-off, a hilarious send-off of Knights Of The Dinner Table, a Sarah Palin confrontation with the Russian military and a lot more pin-ups. You betcha! Arrrrnold is in all his muscular glory brandishing a huge sword on the cover of The Governator #1 by David Hutchinson. The Governator, with the help of a certain Italian Stallion and Texas
Ranger must stop lobbyists from substituting special effects for real life
action heroes. It's a no-hold-barred
skirmish as the Governator and his aid take on the forces of the lobbyists on
the ground and in the air. Who will
survive? Do I really have to tell
you? The Governator is a political
poke at the politics of Arrrnold and the subsequent mess Cal(e)fornia has
found itself in. He'll be back!
During the Silver Age one of my favorite comic book titles was Doctor Solar. When Jim Shooter resurrected the Doctor as a Valiant Comics title it soon became a favorite early 1990s title in my collection. I even liked it during its brief return in the newly resurrected Valiant line. Sadly the Doctor has not been seen in nearly a decade. But, when I heard that Jim Shooter would be bringing him back as a Dark Horse title I got all excited. I could hardly wait. The wait is over and once again the doctor is on my must-read comic book list, and for good reason. Jim Shooter has lost none of his story-telling ability. If anything, he's better than ever. He's brought the Doctor back with some similarities to his earlier incantations along with some new, and surprising, twists included. When strange events begin happening-most notably the appearance of several
super beings, Doctor Solar investigates.
What he discovers is that somehow reality has been shifted-due in part
to his own creation. And, his
creation, although unexpected, was caused not by an accident but by
someone. Dennis Calero provides the
art to the main story and included with the 48 page first issue is a reprint
of the very first Silver Age Doctor Solar: Man Of The Atom issue.
Steve Rogers is back from the dead, but not as Captain America. He gave up being Captain America to his longtime WWII companion, the resurrected Bucky Barnes. Instead Steve is the head of the newly reformed S.H.I.E.L.D security taskforce with the help of several super hero groups and individuals. While meeting with a covert operative Steve discovers that the grandson of the professor that created the Super Soldier serum that was responsible for Steve becoming Captain America has broken the formula of the super serum. His contact informs him that the grandson will be putting the serum up for sale to the highest bidders. Shocked at the prospect, Steve infiltrates the complex where the grandson and the formula are located. What he finds is not at all what he expects. He is confronted by three super soldiers-all of which die when the strain of battle gets too intense. The wife of the grandson looks identical to a woman Steve loved during WWII and before any questions can be answered someone shoots the grandson to keep him silent. The mystery deepens. Included with the Brubaker/Eaglesham Super Soldier story is a reprint of the original Golden Age Captain America origin story. The main story has me hooked as to who is behind the new Super Soldier serum and what they plan to do with it. There's a lot of unanswered questions and I plan on being around for the entire run of the Marvel Comics title to find out the answers.
Magazine DrawerBoxes Recently I acquired several of DrawerBoxes Storage System's new Magazine DrawerBoxes. If you're a serious comic book collector such as myself you also collect magazines not only about comic books but magazines about other popular culture items as well. I've never really been satisfied with the standard magazine storage boxes purchased at local comic book/book/collectibles stores. They tend to be too flimsy and easily damaged. Plus, often I like to categorize more than one run of magazines in a box or break the magazines up into years. When all of them are packed into one box it makes it difficult to locate a particular issue. DrawerBoxes Storage System has solved those problems in a unique way. Their Magazine StorageBox consists of an outer shell, reinforced by a slip in heavy duty sleeve, that fits over the sliding drawer of the box. By designing the Magazine DrawerBox in such a manner it gives the box incredible strength, especially when it comes to stacking. Cleverly designed Rails fit snuggly into each long side of the box held in place by the fold-over front and rear handle flaps. Upright Dividers slip into the various slots in the Rails thus creating separate chambers in the box for various magazine titles or however you want to organize your publications. As you can see be the accompanying illustrations and photos the entire assemblage makes for a neat, tidy and attractive storage container that will keep your magazines out of direct light, free from dirt and dust and safe from damage. Rails and Upright Dividers are also available for Comic Book DrawerBoxes. With the high cost of comic books and magazines today there's no better
protection than DrawerBoxes.
When David Petersen's Mouse Guard became a runaway hit everyone was surprised, especially David. More than just a story about cute mice, Mouse Guard contains all the elements of a grand fantasy adventure including monsters, magic, warriors and more. Archaia presents three new tales of the Mouse Guard in its Legends Of The Guard #1. In this issue a local tavern owner challenges three patrons to a contest. Should one of them come up with the best story containing one truth, one lie and never told in the tavern before their bar tab will be wiped clean. If not, they must pay their full tab in one week. The three tales include a showdown between the Hawk's mouse and the Fox's mouse, by Jerry Bastain, an encounter between a lovelorn mouse and an injured bat by Ted Naifeh and the untimely death of a rider caused by his steed from Alex Sheiman. Each tale is beautifully illustrated and colored and is a worthy companion
to David Petersen's own stellar work on the series.
Betty And Veronica Double Digest #s 180 & 181 Before I get to my review I'd like to say a few things about Archie Comics. While it's true that the "Big 2" comic book publishers get most of the press Archie Comics has slowly and methodically introduced new changes and innovative new publishing variations on a regular basis. For example: Archie Comics publishes its digest size comics containing both new and reprint stories and it reprints in trade paper back some its most recent story arches and classic strips from decades gone by. In addition, a new slicker paper stock has been introduced on some titles, a brand new look or more realistic art style has been tested on a number of stories, daring new storylines have been tried and tested such as Archie's imaginary marriages to Veronica and then Betty, the soon to be introduction of a gay character, an expansion of its titles and a commitment to continue publishing its current titles. And that's just a few of the exciting and innovative publishing concepts introduced. I admire Archie Comics because unlike many of the more high profile publishers Archie Comics keeps its stories clean, fun and untainted by such things as the "Dark" period seen in so many other publishers books. Archie Comics books read today could have just as been easily published twenty years ago. Is it any wonder the company is still around? Anyway, on to the review. In issues #180 and #181 of Betty And Veronica Double Digest the main story focuses on Betty's decision to tryout and eventually join the Riverdale Baseball Team. To the surprise of everyone, including herself, she becomes a team member. Her new status causes quite a stir among both the male baseball players and many of her female friends. This story showcases how barriers are made to be broken when it comes to sports, business or any other career pursuit. Women should have the right to choose their profession or sport and Archie Comics handles the conflict perfectly in a clever story arch set in a realistic setting and populated by realistic teenagers. I applaud Archie Comics for taking on such a story without resorting to a cliché confrontational showdown. Besides the main story both Digests contain some hilarious Archie hi-jinx along with some fashion sense Katy Keene stories. Pick up both books today.
I can't get enough of Marvel Comics' Avengers. Especially after the effects of Siege and the new Heroic Age relaunch. It's nice to see the big three of the original Avengers (Steve Rogers, Tony Stark and Thor) back together. Asgard has been destroyed by Norman Osbourn and his 'government' cronies, Steve Rogers is now in charge of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the nations' security and Iron Man has reverted to his old armor of several versions ago. Together the old friends work together to piece things together and try to put the nation back on its feet after the devastating Siege fiasco. However, Steve Rogers and Tony Stark are still on edge with each over the events of the last few years and Thor is feeling displaced. Exploring the ruins of Asgard, the trio accidentally trigger the shattered Rainbow Bridge's interdimentional capabilities and find themselves transported who knows where. Steve takes on some trolls, Tony Stark tries to fix his antiquated armor and Thor comes face-to-face with the Enchantress. And that's just for starters! This is the Avengers the way I like it-lots of fisticuffs, drama and action! Brian Michael Bendis and Alan Davis serve up some good old Avengers fun with a killer story and dynamic art. Who could ask for more? Avengers Assemble!
Siege has ended, Asgard is destroyed along with Loki, Norman Osbourn has
gone over the edge, his “Avengers” vanquished and The New Avengers are in the
thick Mass destruction and a huge loss of life are the result of The Hooded Man’s, Count Nefaria’s and Norman Osbourn’s mad plan to seize Asgard. The whole idea of super heroes being cast as outlaws and outsiders and their need to be registered with the government comes into question. In one finale push The New Avengers storm the headquarters of the mastermind behind the Siege initiative, Count Nefaria. The only problem being he’s as every bit as powerful as all of them combined. He’s nearly omnipotent and immortal. But, he never counted on a certain Marvel hero wildcard to show up and test his immortality. That, with the aid of Ms. Marvel’s absorbing powers and some good old super hero fisticuffs puts and end to the Count’s egotistical plans. The New Avengers Finale comes to readers courtesy of Marvel Comics' Brian Bendis and Bryan Hitch. Don’t let the word Finale throw you-the Avengers are far from over if the newly appointed ‘Top Cop” Steve Rogers has anything to say about. While one age ends The Heroic Age begins.
Bruce Wayne died-no, not really. When we last saw Wayne, Superman was holding what was thought to be his burned out corpse courtesy of Darkseids’ Omega radiation beams. Blackhand used his skull to conjure up the Black Rings and his corpse becomes a Blackest Night Black Ring bearer. But, neither item belonged to Bruce. Whose were they anyway? No, Bruce was catapulted through time landing in a prehistoric land where warring tribes fight for survival. When he mysteriously appears, a local tribe, populated by a few familiar faces, believe him to be from the sky if the silver rocket that also arrived with him is any indication. When another tribe, ruled by a certain “Savage” attacks, they capture Bruce and it appears Bruce has survived only to perish in the past. What happens next brings a whole new meaning to the phrase “Bat Man”. Just when things become interesting Bruce is once more thrown through time this time to the Pilgrim era. Too late Superman and other JLA members arrive in the prehistoric era tracking Bruce via Darkseid’s Omega radiation traces. Grant Morrison provides the story and Chris Sprouse the pencils in what is
sure to become a DC Comics classic.
Archie And Jughead A couple of Archie Comics titles you need to check out this month will keep you singing and eating. In Archie #607: Archie Meets the School Gyrls, a female pop group's bus breaks down in Riverdale. While they're waiting around Archie and the gang invite them to Pop's. The Gyrls are filming a new reality show and after talking to Archie and the gang they decide to film in Riverdale. The only problem is things aren't that exciting in Riverdale-at first. Suddenly dangerous 'accidents begin to happen and only the non-girl happy mind of Jughead figures out what's really happened. Look for lots of teenage fun, romance and music as Archie, Veronica, Jughead and Betty team up with the School Gyrls for some musical mischief. In Jughead #200, Jughead decides to rock the boat by changing his routine. He sets out and soon discovers a new restaurant at the top of a hill. The only trouble is he doesn't remember ever seeing it before or the hill. Stepping inside he meets the restaurant own who presents him with the ultimate junk food. The price? His metabolism. he trades it and before he knows it he starts to put on weight. Shocked by their friend's sudden weight change all of the Archie gang-minus Reggie of course, confront the restaurant owner (later revealed to be a witch) and trade her their own most precious item to change Jughead back. Betty looses her compassion, Archie his true heart and Veronica her status. They all agree with disastrous results. Only the timely arrival of Sabrina the witch and Jughead's determination to help his friends turns the tide and sets everything right.
The DC Universe shattering events of Blackest Night have culminated in massive changes to the status quo. Many heroes and villains have changed, none more so than those previous dead and resurrected by the White Rings. But why? Why did a select few return to life and not dozens of others? That’s the big question asked in Brightest Day #0 as written by Geoff Johns and Peter J. Tomast and illustrated by Fernando Pasarin. Perhaps the most key resurrected hero is Deadman, a.k.a. Boston Brand, the onetime circus acrobat artist killed by the mysterious man with one hand and brought back as spectral tool of mysterious supernatural forces. For some reason Boston has the ability to bring dead things back to life. He is also drawn to those heroes and villains who were resurrected-but why? As the story progresses readers are given a quick glimpse of the various characters and the choices they are given. Deadman, Hawkman, Hawkgirl, Hawk, Aquaman, Reverse Flash, Boomerang, Maxwell Lord, The Martian Manhunter, Jade, Firestorm and Osiris have all returned from the dead but for what reason and what about the resurrected Star City and Sinestro? If you like a mystery wrapped up in an enigma, twisted around adventure and packaged in an exciting storyline then be sure to pick up each issue of Brightest Day.
For those fellow Marvel Comics Silver Age fans out there I’m sure you remember when Marvel introduced Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. in its Strange Tales anthology series first drawn by Jack Kirby and later written and drawn by the legendary Jim Steranko. The story centered on the modern day spy adventures of one-time WWII Sergeant Nick Fury as the head of the spy organization S.H.I.E.L.D. and its fight against evil around the globe. Later on, Nick and S.H.I.E.L.D. would play pivotal roles in all of the Marvel Universe, recently in the Invasion storyline. As it turns out S.H.I.E.L.D. has been around for centuries and headed up by some of the most notable figures in history, Leonardo Di Vinci being one. Born at the dawn of civilization S.H.I.E.L.D. and its operatives were given the task of protecting Earth and its inhabitants from threats natural and supernatural, terrestrial and celestial. Throughout time S.H.I.E.L.D. have been responsible for stopping, or assisting in stopping, such threats while maintaining its covert status. Young Leonid is about to come face-to-face with S.H.I.E.L.D. and a new threat to the Earth and universe on such a grand scale that his father: The Night Machine, has returned from the dead and not far behind him Leonardo Di Vinci. What is the threat? What has S.H.I.E.L.D. and Leonid have to do with it and why the return of Leonardo? I don’t know, but I’m planning on sticking around to find out and you should too. Writer Jonathan Hickman turns in a powerful tour de force story while artist Dustin Weaver will wow you with his artwork. Although Dustin has worked in comic books before there was nothing particularly outstanding in his work. That has changed! His new pencils and inks are phenomenal! His work reminds me of a cross between Neal Adams, Arthur Adams, Michael Golden and Jim Lee. The detail and mastery of anatomy, perspective and layout is a real treat for the eyes and he tells one heck of a story. Don’t miss it!
It’s obvious from the very first panel of Star Trek: Leonard McCoy Frontier Doctor #1, published by IDW Publishing, that writer/artist John Byrne loves Classic Star Trek and especially Doctor Leonard (Bones) McCoy. His writing has pegged Bones perfectly as the crusty old time doctor that he is forced to contend with modern day technology while providing good old fashioned personal care. In this first story, that takes place just prior to the events in Star Trek: the Motion Picture, Bones has written Kirk a letter telling of his recent adventure as a space-faring Frontier Doctor. After saving the life of an important Andorian couple’s unborn child, Bones and fellow physician Jon Michel Duncan, board their antique spacecraft and head for their next assignment. But as they go into warp the ship malfunctions because of the extra weight of an Andorian stowaway. Before they can return her to her planet they are called away to the Earth colony on Ophiucus III. It seems that the human inhabitants are being infected by a strange plant virus. After some quick thinking and by making a “logical’ conclusion Bones solves the problem and creates several others. Read the story, you’ll see what I mean. If you love Star Trek and Doctor McCoy, you’re sure to love this great new
book about everyone’s favorite country doctor in space.
Clayton, Epilogue, Freshmen And Washington Four Archie Comics titles I recommend reading this month showcase the Archie characters at their best. Archie's cartoonist friend Chuck Clayton gets more than he bargained for when he's asked to teach cartooning at the Community Center. Of course the Archie gang jumps in to assist and chaos prevails. Eventually everything turns out for the best and Riverdale residents learn that cartooning is not for the faint of heart. What better way to learn about how comic books are created than in a comic book? Leave it to Archie Comics to make it fun, interesting and educational. Archie & Friends All-Stars: The Cartoon Life Of Chuck Clayton is a one-shot reprint of previous Archie stories with something extra thrown in for comic book lovers. Archie #606 provides an Epilogue to the "Will You Marry Me" storyline running in the book. Archie realizes how much both Betty and Veronica mean to him and in his own bumbling fashion manages to both please and infuriate them. Archie takes up different career interests through the week and about drives his parents crazy. He tries a little subterfuge to break his date with Veronica so that he can go o t with new girl in town. Veronica overhears him and tries to stop him only her plans backfire. Boy, do they backfire! Archie & Friends #140 presents the missing chapters of the Archie gang's Freshman Year. Jughead is the new student at school and his eating habits soon draw the attention of the other students-especially one particular girl, Montana. They become good friends. Unfortunately, Jughead's family moves back to Riverdale and the rest of Archie gang want to know all the juicy details. In typical Jughead fashion he dismisses the whole thing-or does he? Readers get to see a side of Jughead rarely glimpsed-as a romantic softy. Veronica #199 has President Barack Obama on the cover. Need I say more? Oh all right, if you insist.
Ronnie meets the President and takes his advice. Although Mr. Lodge is not too keen on the
results. Stimulating the economy with
Archie around is sure to put everyone and everything in a deficit.
Karloff, Turok And Tarzan I own a number of Dark Horse Books’ classic comic book reprint volumes. I really enjoy looking through each and every volume. Many of the original comic book series I owned and read or borrowed from fellow comic book readers during my youth. Looking over each handsome hardbound collection brings back wonderful memories of afternoons spent reading and rereading tales of adventure, horror, suspense and super heroics. Comic books encouraged me to read regular books and one of my favorite series was Edgar Rice Burrough’s Tarzan, The Ape Man. Dark Horse presents the fifth volume in its Tarzan reprint series, this particular volume focuses on the Jesse March years. Along with writer Gaylord DuBois, Jesse March was responsible for the first illustrated Tarzan comic book that was filled with humor, playfulness and high-adventure. Boris Karloff Tales Of Mystery Volume Two features tales of terror and horror hosted by the master of macabre, Boris (Frankenstein) Karloff, the grandfather of cinematic chillers. Like the other compiled volumes the Tales of Mystery book is filled with morality plays where justice is served up in supernatural ways-often with horrific results. Each color page is lovingly reproduced and includes text pieces, covers and Keys Of Knowledge frontispieces. Look for art by such greats as Alex Toth, Mike Sekowsky, Joe Certa and others. Turok Son Of Stone was one of my favorite Gold Key titles growing up. Turok, along with Doctor Solar and Magnus Robot Fighter never failed to deliver great stories, great art and lots of fun. In Volume Five, Turok takes on winged cavemen, magic potions, man-eating
plants and of course-dinosaurs.
Turok, along with his young friend Andar, must work to survive in the
lost land where danger lurks around every rock, tree or swamp. Legendary Turok artist Alberto Giolitti
was the master of prehistoric landscapes along with beautifully designed
pages, striking action sequences and exciting character sequences. Full color pages recreate the classic
series and deliver Turok action in a hardbound format.
New Ultimates #1 To say I'm a fan of Frank Cho's artwork is a huge understatement. I love his ability to make super beings appear real and pulsing with movement even when they are standing still. He is the 'ultimate' good-girl artist (as evident by his self-published Liberty Meadows) and he never fails to deliver powerful and action-packed stories. His page layouts, character designs and the ability to translate to the page emotion in his characters is second to none. Writer Jeph Loeb brings back The Ultimates after the disastrous events in the previous Ultimates titles. Iron-Man and Hawkeye, despite their personal losses, begin the process only to be surprised by the arrival of The Defenders consisting of the now super-powered Power Man, Son Of Satan, Nighthawk, Hellcat and Black Knight. Things look pretty grim until Captain America, Zarda and Thor's young female associate Barbara arrive and turn the tide but not before the Son Of Satan snatches Thor's hammer and The Defenders teleport away. Meanwhile Thor, trapped in Valhalla, makes a deal with Hela, Mistress Of The Damned, in order to return to Earth. Kazar, Shanna and The Black Panther strolls the streets of New York and Tony Stark and Carol Danvers argue about who runs the Ultimates and get up close and personal. Then Loki arrives with his army of Trolls looking for revenge. And that's just the first issue! A sneak peek at the new Electric Ant based on Philip K. Dick's sci-fi
masterpiece, and a huge fold-out cover poster from Frank Cho makes the New
Ultimates #1 from Marvel Comics a
must-have for any comic book fan.
It began a couple years back when DC Comics brought The Spirit back to comic books. Couple that with DC Silver Age characters (the Metal Men for example) that have made a comeback in various DC titles such as The Brave And The Bold, Wednesday Comics and the like) the time is ripe to reintroduce more Silver Age, Golden Age and Pulp magazine characters to a whole new generation of readers. And that's just what DC's First Wave does. Writer Brian Azzarello and artist extraordinaire Rags Morales present a hero book without the usual super powered heroes Sure Batman is present, but he has no powers, only his wits and utility belt, pre-Superman inspiration Doc Save with his motley crew of assistants are there and Will Eisner's Spirit manages to dig his way out of his graveyard headquarters to lend a gloved hand. The story begins with a bang as a lone explorer rushes through the jungle, fleeing a large mechanical man. He is captured and injured, only to be saved by a mysterious benefactor. Switch to New York City where Doc Savage's longtime friends, Monk, Ham and Tom attend the funeral of Doc's dad. Doc arrives and so does reporter Denton, filled with questions about Doc's father's death. Meanwhile The Spirit is visited by his old friend Dolan who gives him a tip about a very important man arriving at the docks later that evening. But, what does Doc's father's death, the man in the jungle, the arrival of the man at the docks and the surprise appearance of The Blackhawks have to do with the mechanical man in the jungle and his criminal cohorts? There's nothing better than a good old mystery and Fist Wave promises to
keep you glued to your seat each and every issue.
Besides being a bottomless pit when it comes to food, Jughead is crude, often rude, sloppy, lazy and definitely not a fashion model. Add all of his attributes up and you have a sure way to irritate many of the girls at Riverdale High School. So, they hatch a plan t straighten Jughead out and make him conform to fashion, food, etiquette and regular norms. But how? They decide to confide with Trula Twyst, Jughead's female nemesis. She concocts a scheme to slowly chip away at Jughead's individuality by dressing and behaving just like him. The plan works and Jughead transforms into a 'regular' teenager. There's only one catch though-if she stops masquerading as him he'll revert back to his old self. The only way to keep him normal is for all of the girls who hatched the plan to change him to become like him. Unfortunately for them they become more like him and alienate their own boyfriends. Throwing in the towel they let Jughead revert to his old self and it was all part of Trula Twyst master plan. If anyone is going to change Jughead it will be her and not a bunch of dissatisfied teenage girls! Jughead chides Archie when he becomes Veronica's errand boy. It takes Veronicas heartfelt admiration
for Archie to prove Jughead's assumptions wrong. Jackie Frost comes in to town determined to kiss Jughead. When
he refuses the weather gets colder and colder. A coincidence? Read
Thrills & Chills and decide for yourself in Archie's Friend Jughead #199
from Archie Comics.
Top Cow Studios looks like its got a real winner on its hands with it Angelus title. Issue #2 continues the story introduced in issue #1. Danielle Baptiste, former Witchblade recipient, is a member of the Angelus, bearers of the light. She left her 'angelic' domain to return to New Orleans and her friend Finch. As the two woman walk they are attacked in an alley by a horrific beast. Suddenly, as if by magic, Sabine, an Angelus warrior arrives and dispatches the beast. Danielle is whisked away by Sabine to the magical realm leaving Finch in a clench. Once there Danielle learns of the millennium long struggle between the forces of light and darkness. She also learns that she is the chosen one and that she is expected to lead the forces of light against the darkness. The only problem is that her friend Jackie, is one of the Darkness. The other creatures in the realm of light are shocked. Never has being of light embraced a member of the dark as a friend. Distracted by the sight her surroundings, Danielle suddenly remembers her friend Finch, who was left behind, is in danger. She returns to Earth, and saves her. In the meantime Jackie has plans of his own that will eventually culminating in a showdown with his friend Danielle. Ron Marz delivers a one-two script with lots of intrigue and action while
artist Stjepan Sejic wows readers with his dynamic art, killer colors and
cutting edge page layouts.
I have to admit I dropped out of Marvel Comics' whole X-Men thing. X-this, X-that, I simply couldn’t keep up with the various storylines. Throw in the whole “Dark” thing and I became totally confused. I had pretty much given up trying to make any sense out of the X-Men Universe. Until I read that Arthur Adams would be penciling a new “X” title derived from the Ultimate Universe. I’m a big fan of Arthur’s work and I always pick up any project he’s working on, regardless of the publisher. The man can draw anything-and much better than most. His clean, crisp style is a real treat for the eyes as is his uncanny ability to convey emotion in his characters. In Ultimate X #1 readers are introduced to Jimmy Hudson, the adopted son of Heather and James Hudson. While taking part I a high-speed auto race against a fellow high school rival Jimmy crashes his car and comes out bloody, battered and broken. A few minutes later his body has completely healed itself just as the local law arrives by helicopter. Fortunately for Jimmy his dad, James Hudson, is the chief of police. He takes Jimmy home. Once home Heather and James must decide to tell their son the truth about who he is. Shortly after Kitty Pride of the disbanded or killed X-Men shows up with a package for Jimmy. She gives it to him and opens and finds a strange electronic device. He activates it and a hologram of Wolverine shows up. The hologram tells Jimmy that he is Wolverine’s son, complete with is claws and healing power. Jimmy pops his claws for the first time-bone claws. Only they don’t stay bone form long. Jimmy is able to coat them, at will, with metal form his own body. Thus begins the strange and dangerous saga of Jimmy Hudson, son of Wolverine. Jeph Loeb provides the powerful script, Arthur Adams the pencils, Mark Roslan the ink and Peter Steigerwald the excellent colors. Finally, an “X” book I can sink my teeth into without having to know the entire X-Men history. I can’t wait to see what Ultimate X’s creative team have is store.
Gold Digger Tech Manuals #7-10 Artist/writer Frank Perry is probably one of the least known and unappreciated comic book professionals around. And yet, he has some of the most impressive credentials in the industry. Single-handed he created a whole new American manga series of which he writes, pencils, inks and colors each month-often more than one title! His series, Gold Digger, allows him to not only explore the magical world of manga but other literary and artistic genres as well. The man is a machine and has an incredible imagination with the technical skills to match. Where else can you find and artist who can draw anything…and I do mean anything?! Characters, backgrounds, architecture, landscapes, high-tech equipment and transportation craft-you name it, he can draw it and incorporate all of them into interesting and engaging stories packed with dialogue and character development. Antarctic
Press presents the latest of its Gold Digger Tech Manuals (#7-10) that
showcase just how extensive the Gold Digger Universe is and demonstrates the
incredible drawing/design talent of Gold Digger’s creator, Frank Perry. Prepare to be amazed!
I really like the direction DC Comics is taking with its Blackest Night series and tie-ins. DC, under the helm of Dan Didio, is providing comic book readers with not only a killer storyline but, unlike a certain DC competitor, continues the storyline in its various titles and mini-series without forcing readers to buy each and every tie-in just to understand the story. The Blackest Night series, subsequent mini-series and one-shots are self-contained and all make excellent reads. Such is the case with Weird Western Tales #71. Dan Didio and Renato Arlem tell a tale of the Old West in a modern West setting. A descendent of Quentin Turnbull, the arch nemesis if Jonah Hex, pays tribute to his lost ancestor by keeping a twisted version of the Old South alive. When the black rings of the Black Lantern pellet the nearby cemetery some recognizable DC Western stars begin to resurrect with blood and death on their rotted minds. Scalphunter, Super-Chief, Firehair, Bat Lash and Jonah Hex are reanimated and proceed to decimate the nearby town and kill its inhabitants. When Quentin Turnbull is resurrected his descendent is overjoyed. The thought of Quentin regaining his rightful place in a resurrected South is almost exciting as the thought of him destroying the resurrected Jonah Hex. Guns are drawn and...somethings are thicker than blood. This is a great story with great art and its a real treat to see some of the old DC Western stars reappear-albeit in slightly perverted forms.
In the last several issues of Archie readers have watched as Archie is inexplicably catapulted a few years into the future when he takes a walk Memory Lane. In the alternate universe/timeline Archie proposes to Veronica, they marry and have kids. At the end of the story Archie once again strolls down Memory Lane in a nostalgic mood only to reappear after his walk back at high school with all his friends-as if nothing has happened. In this new timeline Archie and his friends graduate, make their future plans and in a surprise move, Archie asks Betty to marry him. At first Veronica is shocked and angry at her best friend but true friendship shines through and she agrees to be Betty’s Maid of Honor. Betty and Archie make their wedding plans, albeit on a very tight budget. But, neither is deterred and agrees that a lavish wedding is out of the question so they plan on marrying at Pop Tate’s. Be sure to check in next issue as the big wedding takes place and if Archie’s luck holds true it should be very interesting. Michel Uslan provides the scrip and longtime Archie artist Stan Goldberg the artwork. It’s a classic! I’ve really enjoyed the new direction Archie Comics are
taking. Innovative storylines, new
exciting formats and the occasional “realistic” art makes me want to come
back issue after issue.
Who better to travel the world with than that super snob rich girl, Archie's on-again, off-again girlfriend, Veronica Lodge? Tag along with Veronica as she hits the hotspots of the world and shops, visits historical sites, shops, sees the Eastern world's version of Hollywood, shops, meets handsome men, shops, meets royalty and shops! Veronica visits her cousin in New York and the Big Apple never knew what hit it. She jets off to Paris, loads up on the latest fashions and unexpectedly becomes part of a jewelry heist. It's then off to Rome where her father sends her to learn about business so she can eventually take his place running the family business. Bollywood in India is Veronica's next stop as she discovers that stardom comes at a price and movie secrets are big business, especially if stolen. Archie & Friends All-Stars Veronica's Passport is a fast-paced romp
around the globe with plenty of fashion, food, frivolity and fun all wrapped
up in a very expensive package courtesy of Veronica Lodge from Archie Comics. |
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