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Bucky Barnes is back. It seems he didn’t die as previously thought after taking the mantle of Captain America. Mortally wounded, Bucky somehow managed to survive and has teamed with former Soviet spy the Black Widow. Both Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier) and Natasha Romanova/Romanoff (Black Widow) were used by the Russians during the Cold War to eliminate its enemies. Natasha defected to the U.S. and Bucky was freed from his brainwashing by Captain America using the fractured Cosmic Cube. Haunted by the memories of his past, Bucky has made it his mission to hunt down and stop any Soviet or Nazi threats that may still exist as a way to make up for his past misdeeds-even though he had no control over them. In issue #1 Winter Soldier and Black Widow break into a sleeper Soviet installation only to discover they are too late to stop another sleeper ultimate soldier. Unbeknownst to them the Red Ghost and his super apes have freed the ‘Zephr’ agents in order to exact revenge on Doctor Doom as planned by his former Minister: Madame Lucia Von Bardas, who is now a disfigured cyborg. Winter Soldier is written by Ed Brubaker and drawn by Butch Guice-past team mates on Captain America. Brubaker’s script, like his Captain America stories, is filled with intrigue, unexpected twists and turns and lots of action. Butch Guice’s pencils have never looked better. Marvel Comics appears to be getting
wind back in its sails and if Winter Soldier is any indication, Marvel is
headed in the right direction.
Grant Morrison and Ian Gibson ,along with Boom! Studios, has just released the best Avengers book on the shelves. No, not those Avengers, the original Avengers: the quirky, hip The Avengers TV show from Britain. During the late 1960s the adventures of secret agents Emma Peel and John Steed were all the rage on American and British TV. The ABC Network in the United States made the brilliant decision to import the popular spy show to American airways where it became a favorite of TV viewers. It was the time of the super spy and The Avengers were at the top of the spy game. Now Boom! Studios has released a brand new comic book series based on The Avengers TV show that captures both the tempo and look of the avante garde and pop culture TV series. In the first issue of the Crown & Anchor storyline, John Steed’s new female spy sidekick, Tara King, is following a lead to undercover who is the ‘Mole’ who is leaking information out of the spy bureau. Her first tip finds her meeting Admiral Fanshawe, head of the ministry-or so she thinks. Later the real Admiral’s body is found tied to an anchor at the bottom of a river and Tara is missing. John Steed is summoned to his superior, Mother, and told of the incident. Mother gives him the assignment to track down the ‘Mole’ find Tara and “tidy things up.” Told to trust no one Steed calls upon the one person he trusts implicitly, Mrs. Peel. Together the newly reunited spy team travels to the Fanshawe residence where they uncover a clue- which leads Mrs. Peel to the Metropolitan Magazines’ Doris Storm. Arriving at Ms. Storm’s office Mrs. Peel is told she is giving blood at a bloodmobile. Mrs. Peel arrives just in time to discover Doris has been poisoned by an attending nurse who seems to have performed the act under some kind of control. Mrs. Peel returns to Doris who manages to, as her last words, say, "Rooks and ravens." If you are a fan of The Avengers then you are in for a real treat. Writer
Grant Morrison has successfully captured the ‘feel’ of the original TV
series, while artist Ian Gibson’s stylized art fits perfectly with the
story. The Avengers are back, Bowler
hat, umbrella, skin-tight leather outfits and all. Zenescope Comics introduces a whole new
twist on Alice In Wonderland. Little
Alice is led to an opening in an old tree by her grandparents. They insist she enter in and when she does
she finds herself in a large cavern with whispering voices encouraging her to
proceed. A large White Rabbit stands
before her and proceeds to tell her all about her absurd surroundings. She
listens and then suddenly she's plunging head- over-heels down a large shaft
with the White Rabbit’s taunting voice echoing all about her. Its voice emanates at first in
the unusual surroundings and then to Alice’s surprise from her own
mouth. With a sudden plunk she lands
and comes face-to-face with the enormous and monstrous Jabberwocky. She soon learns that the
Jabberwocky needs people from the outside world in order to thrive. Alice makes a deal with the creature to
return her to her own world and she’ll bring others to feed his craving-as
long as no one gets hurt. He agrees
and Alice begins to leave by a magic mirror. But, the Jabberwocky only lets
a part of her leave-her sanity. She
must remain behind where her other self grows older and remembers only
fleeting images of her Wonderland experience. As the captured Alice attempts
to escape over the years she grows into a beautiful woman. When all seems lost the White Rabbit
returns, and using a sleeping potion on the Jabberwocky, he frees Alice and
they escape only to run into a carnivorous Cheshire Cat and a gigantic
Walrus. Alice In Wonderland #1 from Zenescope piqued my interest from the first panel. The art is luscious with bright vibrant colors and swift moving layouts. This is an Alice for a whole new generation-don’t miss it.
After too long of an absence Charles M. Schulz’ Peanuts is back in print and I couldn’t be happier. Kaboom! Studio writers and artists have created a series of brand new Peanuts stories that recapture the magic of the original Peanuts comic strip. The cover consists of an original Charles M. Schulz Charlie Brown and Snoopy illustration while inside two new stories, a “How To Draw Charlie Brown” lesson and original reprinted Peanuts strips make up this wonderful Peanuts collection. Special care was given to capture the look and feel of the original strips with straight on likenesses of the characters obtained. It’s wonderful to see the Peanuts gang back together again after so many years.
The dawn of time-out of the void comes the Crystal-the bringer of life, light and creation. Spawned by on the planet Thra comes the sentient first life created by the Crystal: Aughra. From her animal and plant intermingled form comes self-awareness. She names the animals, plants and all things about her. Soon she charts the universe and gives rise to other sentient life-especially the Gelflings. From her they learn of life—and death. Soon change descends upon the world of Thra in the form of the visitors christened the Urshek (Light Bringers). Their arrival encourages the Gelflings to explore, discover new life and populate the world of Thra. So goes the story of the Dark Crystal, the Jim Henson creation as originally envisioned by Brian Froud. Brian Holguin, Alex Sheikman and Lizzy John combine their considerable
artistic talents to chronicle the history of the Dark Crystal in a
beautifully illustrated and written first volume of the Dark Crystal Creation
Myths from Archaia.
Swampthing #5 And Animal Man #5 It was a bold and risk taking move when DC Comics decided to reboot its entire line of comics and launch its New 52 titles. Overall, I’ve enjoyed each title. Of course I have my favorites and two of those favorites are Animal Man and Swampthing. I predict that these two titles are shaping up to be the cornerstones on which the rest of the new DC Universe will build its entire line of comics on. Here’s why. Without going into a lot of detail, the core of the books consists of the Red and Green. Animal represents the Red, or flesh, and Alec Holland (Swampthing) represents the Green. An uneasy alliance consists between the forces of the Red and Green. Both plants and animals have contented themselves with coexisting peacefully. All that is about to change as the Rot seeks to destroy both the Red and Green. Animal Man’s daughter, Maxine, is the nexus by which the Red exists. Abby Holland’s younger brother is the agent of the Rot. Swampthing is the agent of the Green. Events in both titles pit the Rot against the Red and Green inevitably forcing the agents of the Red and Green to band together to stop the Rot. But will they be in time and can long -held prejudices on the part of the Red and Green be put aside in order to save both? Issues five of both titles lead into the inevitable confrontation of the Red and Green with the Rot. Look for the sparks to fly as both Animal Man and Swampthing combine their respective powers in order to defeat the Rot, if possible. Jeff Lemire, Travel Foreman and Steve Pugh have returned Animal Man to his
prime with their chilling stories and art while Swampthing’s creative team of
Scott Snyder and Yanick Paquette reintroduce the Parliament of the Trees and
the essence of the plant who believes it is a man.
I’m a huge history buff-especially when it comes
to pop culture and specifically comic books. That’s why I am so delighted that Marvel Comics has produced a single volume
comic book about the history of the Marvel beginning with Fantastic Four #1.
The Watcher makes the perfect host of a quick, but very comprehensive, tour
of the Marvel Universe beginning with that fateful day Benjamin Grimm Johnny
and Sue Storm and Reed Richards boarded a rocket ship and encountered cosmic
rays and were transformed into the Fantastic Four. Briefly the Golden Age of Marvel Comics is
mentioned but by in large the book is dedicated to the Marvel Universe since
the FF first came on the scene. Taking art from across the decades, the book
successfully summarizes the key players and events that have made up the
Marvel Universe since its inception 50 years ago celebrated this year. Readers will witness the birth of heroes and
cosmic altering events up until present day. For those of you who are new to
the Marvel Universe this book is an excellent way to catch up on what’s been
going on for five decades. This is a ‘must have’ for any Marvel Comics’ fan.
Steampunk And
Zombies Allow me a moment to rant. There is a small independent comic book/Manga publisher out of San Antonio, Texas that has been on the cutting edge of popular culture since its creation over 20 years ago. That company, Antarctic Press, has consistently managed to introduce new concepts to comic book readers before the mainstream media jumps on the bandwagon. Whether its Manga, kids' comics, zombies, Steampunk or any of dozens of other current 'hot' properties, Antarctic Press has been at the forefront. Case in point: long before the 'other' comic book publishers cashed in on the zombie craze Antarctic Press was already exploring the genre. Another hot commodity is Steampunk. Comic book fans see plenty of it at conventions but Antarctic Press is the only comic book publisher who has really exploited the genre. Recently Antarctic Press released a trio of titles I believe deserve closer scrutiny. All of them feature great art, clever writing and top tier production values. First up is Fred Perry's, Rod Espinosa's and Kelsey Shannon's Steampunk Fairy Tales #1 that cleverly retells the story of Cinderella and the coming of the Apocalypse (renamed the Steampocalypse) in Fairyland. Kelsey Shannon provides the beautiful painted front cover and illustrated back cover. Gearhart's Steampunk Glamor Revue #1 combines illustrations, paintings and photos of beautiful Steampunk ladies in provacative poses along with bios, stories and art galleries. Did I mention the live models are gorgeous!? Writer Joe Wight and artist Rod Espinosa (is there nothing he can't draw?) tell the story about an entire planet inhabited by zombies and the spaceship crew who tries to survive. It's a chiller in planetary proportions. I highly recommend all three comic books and all of Antarctic Press titles. Request your copies today.
Leave it to artist/writer John Byrne to turn a genre on its ear. The master of taking an old idea, or character(s), and reengineering/re-imagining them has always been a John Byrne specialty and he proves he stills has the chops to pull it off as evident in his new title from IDW: Cold War. Set in the 1950s during the height of the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the United States, Cold War follows the adventures of British spy Michael Swann as he deals with defectors, beautiful women, sinister villains and secrets in “The Damocles Contract”. Things start out with a bang in East Berlin, as a top Soviet official inspects the coffin containing the body of Swann. The only problem is Swann is not dead and when the official opens the coffin, Swann swiftly kills him. Taking the dead man’s cloths, Swann manages to escape to West Berlin after a series of maneuvers and dodges that would make James Bond green with envy. After a short recuperative period Swann confronts his bungling superior who he believes blew his cover and promptly quits. Two years later Swann accepts an assignment to investigate a possible defector and what he gets is far more than he bargained for. John Byrne is at the top of his form. It’s nice to see the old Byrne magic as strong as ever. Everything clicks: the art, the story and especially the characters. Bravo! Included, as an extra bonus, is a sneak peek of IDW’s new series Memorial about a young woman who remembers nothing of her past that has some very unusual connections.
Taking place several months after the events in the last Star Trek movie, the crew of the Enterprise will soon encounter a phenomenon like none they’ve ever seen before ,with far-reaching ramifications. In a clever, updated retelling of the classic Star Trek second pilot,
Where No Man has Gone Before, Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock and the crew of the
Enterprise come across an old space buoy jettisoned by the crew of the SS
Valiant some 200 years ago. After examining the damaged recorder’s data Mr. Spock discovers the order was given by the captain of the Valiant to self destruct. The orders came not long after the Valiant encountered a radiation field just outside the fringe of the galaxy. Captain Kirk orders the crew to investigate and as they enter the field the ship is bathed in the radiation resulting in loss of warp capabilities and critical ship systems. It also affects some members of the crew, including Kirk’s longtime friend, Gary Mitchell. After the initial shock wears off Gary faces the captain with both eyes
glowing with an unknown energy. Soon
afterward Gary starts to exhibit powerful mental powers and a dangerous shift
in his personality. What a great story! Where No Man
Has Gone Before is one of my favorite classic Star Trek episodes and I’m so
glad the IDW and writer Mike
Johnson and artist Stephen Molnar have re-imagined it for the new version of
the old series. It’s wonderful to see
the crew of the original Enterprise back doing what they do best: exploring
the vast wonder of the universe.
Let’s face it; Aquaman has always been considered one of the lameness superheroes of the DC Universe. The man talks to fishes! He can’t stay out of the water but for short periods and his underwater home life is anything but normal. I never cared for Aquaman as a character much-until now. Aquaman #1 by writer Geoff Johns and artist Ivan Reiss has completely reversed my opinion of the character. In the new Aquaman series (part of DC’s All New 52) Arthur (Aquaman’s human name) decides that he will leave his underwater kingdom and give up his throne. He bases his decision on the fact that he has never felt comfortable in his role as king and has for too long denied his human heritage. Get ready for a new Aquaman, the true King of the Seven Seas! The story begins with Aquaman stopping a robbery. Both the crooks and the cops consider him a second rate superhero and the subject of many of fish man jokes. They change their mind when they see him in action. Leaving, Aquaman visits the old harbor town restaurant he and his human father frequented. While there he is accosted by a local reporter who lays it all out for him about how Aquaman is seen by the general public as basically a joke. Disgruntled and a little more than ticked off Aquaman returns to the sea and his wife Mera. Together they decide to return to land and begin a new life together. Good thing too because a certain meat-eating humanoids species from the deep just discovered the surface world and its bountiful human source of food. I can’t wait for the following issues to see what the ‘new’ Aquaman will
do and what he is capable of. Pick up
the series-you won’t be sorry.
Riverdale High's resident nerd: Dilton, is a real whiz when it comes to computer programming. Code is like a second language to him. When he mistakenly offers Veronica help in their computer class Veronica is furious that he would think she needs his help. Determined to get back at Dilton, Veronica hires Facebook's founder and creator: Mark Zuckerberg, to design the school's social network site that Dilton has been working on. However, instead of Dilton and Mark becoming enemies they soon become fast friends and decide to take part in a friendly competition. Whoever's site is picked by the students wins. Mark is great at technical details, Dilton is great at design, so instead of one winner the new friends decide to combine their sites and make it the best school social networking site possible. Needless to say Veronica is less that thrilled that her plans backfired. Meanwhile Reggie cons Archie into a little computer education of his own.
Archie #624 presents Geek Face-Off and The Battle For Facebook. The winners? Readers of Archie #624 from Archie Comics of course!
After the tumultuous events in Flashpoint, the DC Universe was forever changed. The Flash (Barry Allen) hoping to save the life of his mother travels back through time and manages to save her. The ripple effects through time drastically alter the DC timeline in which millions of innocent people die because of his time jaunt. In a desperate attempt to set things right the Flash once again jumps though time and stops himself from completing his first time travel mishap. He succeeds and returning to his own present time Barry Allen believes all is well. It is-sort of. Writer Geoff Johns and artists Jim Lee and Scott Williams cleverly introduce the first of the New 52 DC titles that restarts the DC Universe using the same familiar characters but with altered costumes, updated origins and rebooted storylines. It’s basically DC Comic reborn. Justice League #1 opens with the police pursing Batman who is pursuing a rampaging alien/demon. Just as things get dicey Green Lantern shows up and stops the police and alien rampage, but not before the alien escapes and he and Batman reluctantly team-up to track it. They find it just as it self-destructs after leaving a strange impenetrable box of alien design. Green Lantern suggests they track down the new superhero, Superman, since he’s an alien, to see if they can get some answers. Cocky and self-assured of his power because he has a power ring, Green Lantern boldly confronts Superman on to be trashed. Superman appears and Batman is left alone to face him. In this new DC Universe super powered being are suspect and not trusted by the general populace. Only batman prefers it that way (he would). Justice League #1 is a great start to what I hope is a revitalization of
the DC Universe. If DC writers,
editors and artists can manage to introduce new concepts and ideas while at
the same time paying homage to the original DC Universe the re-launch should
be successful. I have my fingers
crossed.
Girls Of Steampunk For those of you unfamiliar with Steampunk I'll try to explain. Steampunk is an art/cosplay phenomenon where artists and individuals draw or dress up in Victorian cloths and are adorned with steam-driven futuristic appliance, weapons, etc. It's very cool and visually stunning. Check out photos at some of the larger comic book conventions of some of the outfits created by fans. Unbelievable! Antarctic Press knows Steampunk and appreciates its esthetics. Case in point: issue #1 of Victorian Secret Girls Of Steampunk is packed with various artist's interpretations and representations of lovely ladies decked out in Steampunk gear and Victorian attire. Also included is a short introductory gallery of live photos of ladies dressed in such attire in Antarctic's upcoming Gearhearts Steampunk Glamor Revue-do not miss it!
Archie Andrews looks pretty good for someone who turned 70 this year. It's true! America's favorite teenager turns 70 and it all began in Pep #22 in 1941 as written and illustrated by Vic Bloom and Bob Montana. For seven decades Archie Comics has maintained its squeaky clean publishing policy. Even today with all the violence, sex and 'questionable' language seen in most modern day comics, Archie Comics goes against the mainstream and is popular as ever. Despite its self-censoring, Archie Comics still manages to be on the cutting edge of comic book publication. New print formats, new art styles, multi-cultural characters and even 'alternate' timeline stories have kept the franchise fresh and relevant without compromising its 'family friendly' image. I applaud the staff of Archie Comics. I'm sure it's not been easy. Kids love Archie Comics, parents love Archie Comics and there are good reasons why. They're 'safe' to read, are fun, well written and drawn and successfully bridge the generation gap. In The Best Of Archie Comics the very best stories from each decade are
reprinted and interesting historical text chronicling the decades and key
issues make this not only a fun TPB to read, it also makes it a key reference
source for the history of Archie
Comics.
A research team searches a strange undersea cavern located close to Sable Island off the coast of Nova Scotia. They believe there is a hidden treasure cache located deep within its stygian depths. Part treasure hunters and archeologists the team hopes to obtain untold wealth and make history. With the help of an entrepreneur and his undersea robot they plan to uncover the treasure and secrets the undersea pit holds. And they do just that; a treasure trove is found, along with encrypted artifacts and a mysterious entrance in the rocks. Delving further they find a hidden chamber containing a large stone, rectangular sarcophagus. Taking it aboard they x-ray it and are shocked by what they see inside. The Vault #1 expertly taunts readers as to what they might expect. The story cleverly and meticulously introduces the key players and lays the groundwork to what promises to be a real shocker. Writer Sam Sarkar, artist Garrie Gastonny and colorist Sakti Yuwono have
done a stellar job of bringing true suspense and horror to comic books that
few can match. Image Comics presents issue one of a
3-part series that promises to shock and surprise readers.
Archie & Friends #156 And The Archie Babies Archie Comics has two great titles coming out this month (actually, ALL of Archie titles are great and family friendly). Archie & Friends #156 finds Archie and his gang storming the Riverdale Comic Con in costume! See if you can spot all the different comic book and movie characters throughout the book. Sabrina, Josie And The Pussy Cats, That Wilkin Boy and a certain sentient robot are also on hand. Everyone is entering the costume contest, but is everyone really in costume? You'll have to pick up this issue to find out for yourself. Ever wonder what Archie and his friends were like as babies? Well, wait no longer as Archie Comics presents its first-ever original graphic novel. Writer Mike Kunkel (Herobear And The Kid) and artist Art Mawhinney (Baby Looney Tunes and Rugrats) combine their awesome talents to bring The Archie Babies to life. Learn how all of the Archie gang first met and follow their imaginary
adventures and even go on a lion hunt.
What a delightful book. Kudos
to Archie Comics for releasing such a fun and exciting book that comic book
fans of all ages can enjoy-even a comic book curmudgeon like myself.
When I saw the cover of Marvel Comics' Red Skull Incarnate #1 I immediately visualized the Nazi propaganda posters of WWII. It's a chilling image with the face of the Red Skull overlooking an Allied city being bombed by the Nazi bombers-it's very Baus Haus. Although Doctor Doom was the first true Marvel Modern Age super villain and is considered the ultimate Marvel bad guy by many I have always had a fondness (if you can call it that) for the Red Skull. Doctor Doom personifies the sophisticated villain who doesn't see himself as a villain. On the other hand, the red Skull is pure evil for evil's sake. But, was he always that way? There have been a few hints as to the Red Skull's past, most notably that he was handpicked by the Fuhrer himself because he saw in his eyes (even as a bellboy) pure unadulterated hatred. Little has been explored about his early life as a child-until now. Writer Greg Pak and artist Mirko Colak, along with colorist Matthew Wilson, delve into the troubled past of the youth who would one day become the most merciless and horrendous villain ever imagined. Johann Schmidt was an orphan. His mother had died in childbirth and he was in the Munich Home For Wayward Boys. The headmaster was a cruel man who considered Johann a mistake, a vermin and totally worthless. Life was hard and his life in the Boy's Home made him even harder. One day he made his escape and on that day his life would change forever. For on that day he learned what true hatred was. Red Skull Incarnate simply tells a story.
No sides are taken. In it readers
witness how circumstances in life can shape a person-sometimes for the good
and in the case of Johann-for the bad.
I was surprised that I came away feeling sorry for Johann. Red Skull Incarnate is a brilliant piece
of writing. When a writer can make me
actually feel sympathy for a bad guy it's a rare thing.
Kevin, Betty, Archie And Little Archie Four titles you want to check out from Archie Comics this month cover a wide area of subjects and characters. Perhaps the most controversial comic book in the batch is Kevin Keller #1. For those of you who have been keeping up with Archie titles the name Kevin Keller is a familiar one. Kevin was introduced over a year ago and he is the first Archie Comics character that is Gay. Regardless of how you feel about the subject the comic book does break a few barriers and to have it happen in Archie Comics has taken many readers by surprise. In the first issue a background history story is given about Kevin and his relationship with his friends and especially his family. Betty #192 continues the Spy Girlz story first introduced in Veronica’s comic book. Betty and Veronica are high-tech super spies who face off against their arch nemesis Klutzy the Clown who through his TV show has mesmerized and mind-controlled youngsters to misbehave. In the story they also face off against their evil counterparts and you’ll never guess who they are. In Part 1 off King Of The Last Land! In Archie #621, Archie and his gang find themselves stranded in an underground world complete with dinosaurs and a bevy of beautiful cave girls. But, something lurks in the shadows and paradise may just prove to be anything but. Little Archie & Friends & Power Pets #155 introduces readers to Justin Beaver along with other animal entertainers Meowly Cyrus, The Jonas Barkers and Lady Arf Arf. But, is all as it really appears? It’s up to Little Sabrina and her cat Salem to get behind the truth of Justin Beaver.
Zombie, Fail And Girls One thing you can always count on from the fine folks at Antarctic Press is a diverse selection of comic book titles. Manga, Zombies, Politics, History - you name it, they do it. Case in point, or rather cases in point. Three new titles from Antarctic Press are quirky, funny, scary, alluring and somewhat familiar. In Zombie Fairy Tales, Miss Muffet, Red Riding hood, Alice In Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin, Little Mermaid, Goldilocks And The Three Bears and The Big Bad Wolf And Three Little Pigs are given their own 'unique' encounters with zombies and the undead. In Fail Of The Dead the Undead discover that just because you are a brain-eating zombie doesn't mean that your day will be the best-unless of course some over-size brain aliens come to visit. Victorian Secret Girls Of Steampunk bumps up the eroticism with some provocative and sexy illustrations of some very special ladies. The Industrial Age never looked so good. All of the comics feature first-rate art, clever stories and something totally different-a surefire winning combination.
I find it interesting that DC Comics has examined Batman’s and Bruce Wayne’s lineage almost to the point of exhaustion and yet never bothered to look into the history of Gotham City-until now. What is it that makes Gotham City what it is? Just how unique is it? Why is it that Gotham City looks so much different than other cities? For a city as old as Gotham City why is the architecture, both old and modern, so monumental? How closely tied is the Wayne family legacy tied to Gotham City? That’s just a few of the questions entertained and partially answered in DC Comics’ latest Batman title: Batman Gates Of Gotham #1.The story begins in the later half of the 19th Century as a young Alan Wayne introduces a young architect to some of the city’s founding fathers. The architect has some revolutionary ideas, particularly when it comes to Gotham’s bridges. Cut to the present. Someone has purchased a large amount of explosives and as Dick Grayson (Batman) attempts to track down who purchased it, a series of three explosions rip apart three of Gotham City’s bridges. Many are killed and injured. Batman traces the explosives purchase to Chester Cobblepot a.k.a the Penguin, who admits he purchased that explosives but did not set off the bridge explosives. After all, why would he destroy a bridge his own ancestors helped finance? A mysterious masked and suited man perpetrated the crime and he looks to be after the people whose ancestors helped build Gotham City-but why? Batman Gates Of Gotham #1 by Scott Snyder, Kyle Higgins and Trevor
McCarthy have come up with a killer story unlike any Batman story
before. I’ll be interested to see
where they take it from here.
Veronica And MegaMan Archie Comics presents a new take on an old character and a brand new book in the Archie family of comic books. In Veronica #206, Veronica’s French lessons will have to wait when she and Betty are called away on a secret Spy Girlz mission to Lodge Industries. Industrial spies are stealing the codes containing the entire blueprints of Lodge’s future overseas plans. Veronica and Betty easily subdue the two thieves only to discover there’s a third thief who is on the large size. After a serious tussle the thief is cocooned and justice is served. Betty needs some serious help with some out of control kids whom she’s babysitting. It turns out that kids all over town are causing havoc. The trouble is traced to Klutzy The Klown who through subliminal messages shown on his kiddie show is causing kids to go wild. Betty and Veronica confront the clown of crime only to be attacked by the clown’s audience of children-to be continued in Betty #192. MegaMan jets his way into comics with Archie Comics newest title MegaMan. In issue #1 readers discover the origin of the robot ready for action. Doctor Light, the head of Light Labs, has created a series of robots that will control the Earth’s environmental and energy problems. The only problem is Light’s partner; the egotistical Doctor Wiley, has reprogrammed the robots in order to help him control the world. Doctor Light has no choice but to modify one of his newest creations, Rock-a robot who looks and acts like a young boy, into MegaMan, a super sophisticated robot armed to the teeth to take Doctor Wiley and his robots down. The adventure just begins in Archie Comics’ new MegaMan series.
Forget Shaft. Pay no attention to Superfly. The baddest of the bad black brothers is Black Dynamite-the butt-kicking, super stud, Vietnam vet and ex-C.I.A. agent turned private eye who takes on the world-and wins! Inspired by the Black Dynamite major motion picture and the blaxploitation films of the 1970s, Black Dynamite delivers plenty of suspense, sex and in-your-face action. When Black Dynamite investigates an island where Blacks are treated as slaves as part of a return to the gold old days South amusement park he finds himself captured, tortured and put up for sale. His captors didn’t count on his iron will, his almost super human ability to endure pain and his talent to rally those around him to revolt against their white slave masters. It’s also in this issue that he meets his true nemesis, Noah Hicks. Brian Ash, Michael Jai White, Byron Minns and Scott Sanders deliver the goods in the very first issue of Black Dynamite with Slave Island published by ARS NOVA and APE Entertainment. “Who’s the baddest mother around? It’s Black Dynamite! Right on!”
It’s April Fool’s Day and no one is safe as long as the King of Pranks is around, Reggie! Pranks he plays throughout the school year are kid’s play compared to his no-holds-barred barrage of gags, tricks and spectacularly orchestrated April Fool’s Day shenanigans. Archie and the gang find out the hard way just how diabolical Reggie can be when they all experience his talent for trickery. Archie’s car explodes, Veronica, Betty and Kumis get soaked, Raj gets a black eye, the staff and faculty of Riverdale High get hornswaggled-no one is safe and that’s just the way Reggie likes it. Be sure to check out Archie & Fiends #153 from Archie Comics to discover
just how far Reggie will go to pull off some spectacular gags. Atlas Comics Returns! Back in the mid-1970s, former owner/publisher of Marvel Comics, Martin Goodman, decided to start a new comic book company to compete against Marvel and DC Comics. He surmised that the time was right to place a challenge against the big two. Hiring several comic book professionals, including Larry Lieber, Stan Lee's brother, Goodman created Atlas/Seaboard and went about setting up the editorial and creative staff. Goodman was able to draw in top talent by offering higher page rates, creator rights and the guaranteed return of artwork. All three of these were ground-breaking at the time. Needless to say many creators jumped at the opportunity. Several big names such as Neal Adams, Steve Ditko, Wally Wood, Alex Toth and others signed on and came up with some incredible titles. I bought each and every Atlas title at the time and I still own several. Unfortunately the market could not support a new company and due to lackluster sales and some bad management and financial decisions Atlas/Seaboard only lasted about a year. Few people realize that during that time Direct Sales and comic book shops didn't exist. Atlas/Seaboard forever changed the comic book industry. If it were not for Atlas/Seaboard's early changes to how comic books were produced I doubt the present comic book industry benefits and perks would exist in their current form if at all. The good new is that Atlas is back with updated versions of some of its original titles and with the goal to eventually publish even more. Currently The Grim Ghost, Phoenix and Wolf have all been published and I must say I am impressed. All of the stories are engrossing, the art is well done, as is the coloring. Veteran comic book creators as well as unknowns have combined their talents to produce a promising new series of titles. Dubbed Atlas Original, the new company is headed up by Martin Goodman's grandson, Jason Goodman. It appears Atlas Original is off to a great start if the buzz on the internet and in print media are any indication. I loved reading Atlas/Seaboard Comics growing up and I have a feeling that I'm going to enjoy reading Atlas original titles just as much.
The Marvel Comics event of the Spring/Summer begins with the very first issue of Fear Itself. The Marvel superheroes have been through a lot, as has the country. Distrust of authority, rising costs, unemployment, suspicion and unrest has put the population of New York City and the rest of the country on edge. The recent Civil War between the superheroes and the government still has many people uneasy with super-powered individuals, be they hero or villain. Any little thing out of the ordinary or that threatens to upset the status quo sets people off-in this particular instance the proposed building of a controversial structure close to the World Trade Center 9-11 site. Captain America and the Avengers attempt to calm the crowd. Their presence only sparks more violence. Elsewhere Sin, the daughter of the Red Skull, and her minions have finally found her father's hidden Antarctic base containing an ancient hammer of power guarded by Nazi soldiers preserved by the Red Skull since WWII. She has them killed and touches the ancient hammer. Instantly she is transformed into a goddess. Meanwhile Tony Stark offers to fund the reconstruction of Asgard in order to employ thousands who are currently without work as a token of good will. Just as the reconstruction begins Odin appears demanding that Thor and the other Asgardian gods join him in his own plans to rebuild Asgard and to fight the newly resurrected and rescued All Father now joined by Sin. As the gods join Odin, All Father releases The Worthy upon the Earth. Fear Itself promises too shake up the Marvel Universe to its core. More than a universe-spanning battle, Fear Itself strikes at the heart of Marvel's heroes. Will they survive?
Using the clever story-telling technique of switching from the present to the past, writer Ed Brubaker draws readers into his story of the Red Skull’s, and his daughter Sin’s, plans for world conquest. The present: Baron Zemo and Sin fly over the barren desserts of Egypt in Zemo’s hovercraft looking for a long lost site once occupied by the Red Skull. They soon find a booby-trapped, hidden conclave beneath the dessert sands. Using his teleportation device, Baron Zemo and Sin materialize in a vast underground Nazi complex-complete with dangerous robot sentinels. They quickly dispatch them and Sin enters an adjacent room. A large book bound in the blue skin of Atlanteans sits on a table in front of a Swastika flag. Sin grasps it and the scene suddenly switches to the Red Skull and his minions in Germany during 1942. They are performing a black arts ritual using the blood of Atlanteans to open a dimensional rift that promises to hold great power. They do, only to watch the mystical lightning streak across the sky and land far away. The Red Skull follows and what they find promises to make the Red Skull’s plans for world domination come true. If not for the timely interference of Captain America, Namor and Bucky the Skull’s plans would have come to fruition. Switch to the present. Having obtained what she came looking for, Sin damages Baron’s Zemo’s transporter disc and steals his hovercraft. Whatever she is up to she has just made another powerful enemy. I have to admit, I am intrigued. I’m excited to see what Marvel Comics’ new Fear Itself series has in store. If early hints are any indication, the Marvel Universe is about to experience major and far-reaching changes.
The Silver Saga begins in Archie Comics’ Sonic Universe #25. Psychic time traveler Silver The Hedgehog sits meditating with his mentor. But, his thoughts are troubled by a disturbance in the time flow. Something or someone has crossed not only the time stream but the dimensional barrier as well. Taking his time stone, Silver goes to investigate, with a word of caution from his Master. What he discovers is a mysterious armor clad stranger with formidable powers who attacks him. Caught off guard, Silver is nearly ambushed save for the timely rescue by Edmund The Last Guardian. As they talk the unconscious attacker awakens and jumps through a time/dimension gateway. Silver follows and finds himself in a strange devastated world inhabited by invading armored beings much like his previous attacker. What he doesn’t know is that he has traveled to a world ruled by the evil Enerjak: The Living God who wants nothing more than Silver’s powers. Sonic The Hedgehog fans are sure to love this new chapter in the universe
of Sonic -- new friends, new foes, new adventures!
Betty shares some Fact From Fiction in her honest and upfront truth behind her fellow Riverdale resdients. Learn all about Reggie, Archie, Veronica, Dilton, Principal Weatherby and Jughead in Betty #190 from Archie Comics. While working at the library Betty goes to lunch with Archie and hits upon a clever new idea. Unfortunately for her it winds up being one of her worst ideas-at least as far as keeping Veronica away from Archie. Chuck and Betty dream up a series of adventures for betty if she had superpowers. But when it comes to reality her powers extend to convincing Archie of anything. Betty and her friends try out for the local roller derby. Turns out none of them are tough enough,
but they are talented enough to use their skating talent to help the
Riverdale Animal Shelter.
In the first part of ‘Campaign Pains” Archie is running for class president against Reggie. Almost late for their first debate Archie is then thoroughly trounced in the debate by Reggie, who has been schooled in politics by Trula. Disheartened and discouraged Archie is ready to give up and let Reggie win until his campaign manager, Veronica, strikes on a brilliant idea. What Archie needs is a change of image, a little polish and connections to the right people to restore his image. After a quick trip to buy some new clothes and then a hop on Veronica’s private jet Archie is surprised to find himself face-to-face with President Obama. Using a concealed camera in her lipstick case Veronica takes a snapshot of Obama with Archie. Once home she posts the picture on the Riverdale High’s online newspaper. The results are instantaneous-everyone thinks Obama is endorsing Archie for class president. Furious at Veronica’s subterfuge, Trula comes up with a tricky campaign idea of her own. She proceeds to take Reggie to a Sara Palin event, snaps a photo of him with her and uses her photo as an endorsement for Reggie. The media exposure for both candidates is tremendous and all appears to be going well until both Obama and Palin show up demanding to know who is responsible. Archie #616 proves once again that Archie Comics is on the
forefront of comic book innovation.
The story is funny, timely and a brilliant way to draw people into
reading comic books. “Hope and change
come to Riverdale! But can everyone
get along? You betcha!”
What immediately strikes me by Antarctic Press’s Steampunk Palin #1 is the beautiful cover art by Brian Denham. He really captures Palin’s likeness and the way he attires her in Steampunk regalia is priceless. Flipping open its pages I am equally impressed by the interior art, especially from Antarctic’s own Ben Dunn. Is there anything he cannot draw? The story is a hoot. Palin and her associates have championed a new form of energy, steam, to replace fossil fuels and nuclear power. At one of their meetings, a big oil terrorist blows himself up and in the process severely injures Palin. Six months later she wakes up from a coma only to find 60 percent of her body has been replaced with steam technology. Her mission, should she decide to accept it, is to lead a strike force against big energy, headed by the maniacal Gore, and stop his nefarious fossil fuel fanaticism. Helping her is the curmudgeon McCain and cyborg sidekick Obama. It’s hilarious-especially the political puns. The story is followed up by a gallery of Steampunk Palin full-page
illustrations and a sneak peak at Time Lincoln: Apocalypse Mao. |
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