Finally, some fanservice!

Oh gosh, it has been awful here at headquarters. Our phone service has been out for who-knows-when, due to the wind messing up a cable, and we've been without dsl for who-knows-how-long. The days just go by.

Anyways, it gave me plenty of time to get some scanning in, so I just want you to direct your eyes to the sidebar, 'cause I've replaced the "Ollie, where's the Green Arrow I loved to read?" with something else.

GRATUITOUS ETERNAL CROTCH SHOT:


Heh.

It's a hard-foam life for Freddy

Do you remember that baseball scene I showed you earlier when I did a review of Supergirl #34?

If you don't, here's the image again, and I want you to take the time to read it over again. Go ahead, I'll still be here when you're done.

(fillerfillerfiller)

Done? Good. Now I wanna show you something that particularly stood out to me. You may have missed it, but here's a little zoom-in of the last panel, bottom-left corner:

Look at him! His face is so disapproving! And his Massive Foam-Finger of Condemnation! And notice how his fist is curled in utter indignation and rage!

I am officially dubbing him Foam-Finger Freddy. Whenever I come across a comic I don't like and put it up on the blog, I will send out Freddy here and say,

"Foam-Finger Freddy does not approve!"

So keep an eye out for the possibility of me posting comics I don't like some time. 

And Freddy? I mock because I love, kid. I mock because I love.

When you see Superman. . .

. . . give 'im a high-five for me!

From this week's Superman/Batman. I just now finished reading the three titles I got today, so hopefully I can look at them with you later this week.

Don't forget to put in all of your five fingers! Or was it six? If only there were a phrase that could help me remember. . .

If the conversation's getting boring. . .

. . . . Just Say The Magic Word!

God, I love Scooby-Doo.

Okay, here's the deal-io for real-io, guys. I'm officially moved in to my college dorm, but this "welcome week" is taking up my time. I've gone to the bathroom a mere twenty-two times today. Can you believe it????

Anyways, I'm really bummed that I didn't have enough time to go to the shop I always go to, but there's this other shop that's just a 10-minute walk from campus, which had all the books I was looking for.

I picked up Birds of Prey, Amazing Spider-Man, Guardians of the Galaxy, Marvel Adventures: The Avengers, Action Comics and last week's Wonder Woman, but I've only read the first two. Hopefully I'll get to the others, but  there's this cultural deal-y I have to attend.

Yoiks!

Wizard World Wednesday

Another Wednesday's passed, so you guys know what that means right?

It means we look at this week's comics! There's only one minor kink, which is, uh, the fact that I didn't get any today. I'm holding off on any spending for Wizard World Chicago. Wheeeeee.

So, in lieu of reviewing the week, I'm going to try a little something different.

I'm gonna review this tennis ball I found at the park today.

Note the little turquoise streak. Any tennis ball connoisseur will tell by the hue that this ball has been through a wild ride, and I'm not taking about any roller coaster. This ball's been abused something fierce, but that's not what we're looking at is it?

No, further tests will prove that this tennis ball is severely lacking in one particular practical department.

The piece a' crap doesn't freakin' bounce! How's anyone supposed to play some hardcore tennis with this?

I give this tennis ball one out of five deliriously insane blog posts. For shame, random-tennis-ball-that-I-picked-up-off-the-ground. For shame.

Okay, I apologize for the insane post today. Send me any feedback on how you liked it (or not) if you want, but don't be too harsh now, y'hear? You don't really wanna hurt my feelings, do you?

And don't worry, guys. You can count on plenty of pictures from Wizard World!

Comics I "read" UPDATE

The summertime calls for many things. It calls for scraped knees; it calls for late-night bike rides. It calls for (more frequent) bouts of drunkenness, and, if you're in the states, it calls for a crapload of fireworks.

But most importantly, it calls for some hardcore summertime cleaning, no holds barred.



Today we go through my reading roster, to see what's changed, what hasn't, and what's about to. I have a listing of the roster -- updated on the sidebar, around the bottom of the sidebar content. You might also notice that I've put some new pictures on the sidebar about the M.O.vengers and Green Arrow's descent into poor writing. I've also removed the Free Comic Book Day banner and updated the title banner for the blog, but enough of that. . .

. . .Are you ready to rock????? (a little note: most of the links below will link to reviews of the comics in question, which I do so you can see the reasoning for the opinions I state here!)

Comics I "read"

* Amazing Spider-Man (on and off)
The "on and off" remains, and although I picked up the most recent arc, I'm not going to get back to the title until Slott gets back on "New Ways to Die" with John Romita Jr. One More Day is still a travesty, but a) that creative team is wonderful and b) I really want this title to respect the characters again.

* Birds of Prey
The creative team is taking such a shuffle that I'm getting vertigo! First Tony Bedard takes over (which I'm actually fine with, although his debut issue was mediocre at best).

And then Nicola Scott's leaving to work on a Secret Six ongoi--

--whoa, felt a little dizzy there. Gimme a sec to recover myself, grab some water.

Ah! Nothing like some fresh Aquafina to brighten your day! Aquafina -- Pure Water, Pure Taste!

And Oracle-Approved, even!

* Bloodrayne
When I was a kid, I always wanted to play the video game, but couldn't, because I didn't have a PS2.

I'm a kid now, but older, so I can at least read the comics. It always seems like they come out late, but that's partially because it gets so little attention.

It's fun vampire action, and really, what else does a kid need?

* Booster Gold
I got this, because it's pretty much a love letter to the DC Universe and all its history, and I thought I could understand some DC history through this.

It's not really working out as well as I wish, so I'm thinking about dropping it.

The problem is, I hate dropping books, because it makes me feel like a bad and noncommittal person.

* Catwoman
I got onto this book late, but I'm really enjoying what Will Pfeifer is doing with Selina. It's a damn shame that it's getting cancelled at issue 82.

The quality of the writing is splendid, and I think the world would be better if people would stop complaining about books like Final Crisis and instead supported small, underappreciated books like this.

* Detective Comics
I have great affection for Paul Dini's style of writing (compressed, done-in-one) and for Dustin Nguyen's art (sleek, stylistic, emotional), so you can tell that I've been enjoying Detective.

The problem is, this guy called "Hush" is returning, and there's a lot of hype about it, but I feel like I'm missing out on something important, because I only recognize him from that "Hush" crossover between Batman and Detective.

* Fables
It's Fables.

It's great.

* Hack/Slash
I read way too many horror comics to be squeamish, but Hack/Slash is one of them. It has its on and off days, but this too seems to be on a late schedule, so I'm okay with coughing up dough for it.

It's lost some of its humorous edge for a more serious tone, and I can admire that. Emily Stone's art continues to be beautiful.

* House of Mystery
I know I haven't been blogging about this fledgling series, but I'm really enjoying it so far, and waiting for some new issues to really solidify that enjoyment.

Y'know what would help that decision?

Some ice-cool Aquafina. Aquafina -- Pure Water, Pure Taste!

* Nova
It's Nova.

It's awesome.

* Sky Doll
Sky Doll isn't your average comic, and in this day and age, that's a wonderful note to hear.

A smart comic about one sky doll's need for freedom, and although the six-dollar price point sounds high, that's six dollars for 44 pages. One issue of Sky Doll is worth two average issues, and take it from me, guys -- it's totally worth it.

* Supergirl (occasionally)
That issue with Pfeifer and Randall caught me off-guard, and I'm still reeling from it. I just have no idea what's going on anymore, and Puckett is taking way too long to wrap up his cancer arc.

I'd like to believe you Kara, but it's getting damn hard to.

* Wonder Woman
I earlier felt enthusiastic about Simone, the new writer for Wonder Woman, but to tell you the truth? Not so much right now. I wish I had a reason to tell you why, but if I did, I'd be lying to myself.

* X-Men: First Class
I have a Marvel subscription to this, and although I'm still vaguely enthusiastic about it, the only reason I'm still reading this is because I'm too lazy to cancel the sub.

-----------

If you haven't noticed, I've eliminated a few comics. Green Arrow/Black Canary has disappointed me in neglecting who the characters are, so I had no choice but to drop it. Ollie and Dinah deserve so much more than what Winick is writing them.

Oh, Dinah, there's no need to be bashful now. I'll still skim through your book though.

Uncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters, Dead of Night, featuring: Man-Thing, and Countdown to Mystery are all miniseries that have ended, so I've taken them off the list.

This is Gonzo the Mechanical Bastard. He is awesome.

And I suppose that does it for the comics I read. Maybe you wanna speak up about one of them? Wanna recommend your own?

By the by, I'm planning on dropping a couple books that I talked about here, so I could fit in DC's Manhunter series in the list.

So step right up and don't be shy! Your opinion matters!

(P.S. please don't mind the product placement. Aquafina had a gun to my hea--

And never forget citizens! On your way to the comic shop and as you comment here, look for some ice-cool Aquafina! Aquafina -- Pure Water, Pure Taste!)

Is it just me. . .

. . . Or is our friendly neighborhood editor-in-chief. . .

. . . one kinky. . .

. . . kinky. . .



. . . kinky guy?

But I kid, Mr. Quesada, I kid. All in good humor right? (Until we start making deals with the devil, at least.)

Sigh.

Let's take a look at yon February poll. What sayst thou, O Mighty Thor?

My, we're being awful forceful, aren't we, Mr. Odinson?

Regardless, what Thor wants - Thor gets, verily, so let's take a gander. . .

. . . February's poll was tied to the arc for Amazing Spider-Man 549-551, namely the identity of Jackpot.

All two of you guys voted that she was MJ, making for a full 100% backing! Impressive, no?

Darn. Shot down by Poison Ivy. That's the life of a comics blog obscurity, I suppose. Unfortunately, we won't learn the truthfulness of the poll results for a while, because Spidey's braintrust seems intent on pulling our leg. Sigh.

So, in the interest of coming up with a new poll, I've. . .

. . . come up with a new poll! Namely: WHICH WOLVERINE APPEARANCE WILL BE THE LEAST GRATUITOUS AND THE MOST FULFILLING?

-Wolverine #63: He's gotta be on every page, after all!
-Wolverine: Origins #23: Dude. Deadpool.
-Wolverine: First Class #1: Dude. Kitty Pryde.
-Logan #1: Brian Vaughan rocks my canucks.
-Uncanny X-Men #496: You can always count on Brubaker.
-X-Force #2: Black-ops stealth Wolverine. BLACK-OPS STEALTH WOLVERINE.
-New Avengers $39: I'm not touching this one.
-Marvel Adventures Avengers #22: Oh hey, Sabretooth appears here too. Rowr.
-Ultimate X-Men #92: I'm getting really tired typing this out.
-Ultimate Spider-Man #120: Man, this is really fatiguing.
-Ultimates 3 #4: I feel really sorry for anyone reading thi
-zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I try to keep my polls topical, and since Wizarduniverse did an expose on Wolverine making March his big month, I thought I'd tie my poll in. Maybe it'll get some Wolver-fanboys here too.

A very Marvel post today.

But don't worry Harley! I try my best to be an equal opportunity blogger, and you can count on DC showing up in the next posts!

After all, I love you too much, puddin'.

So check out the poll and do that voodoo that you do, guys! VOTE!

Hawkaaa! Bedard on the Birds

Sooooo how was that Smallville episode? You know, the one involving Dinah Lance, AKA Black Canary?

I have no idea, because I, um, don't watch TV. Anyone willing to enlighten me on our Bird of Prey? Feel free to comment, don't be shy.

Hey, talking about Birds of Prey, check out the new writer following Sean McKeever's run! It's Tony Bedard, which gratifies me to no end. Issue #112, "The Warrior Wake of Zinda Blake," exists because of him! It was the issue that told me I LOVE THIS BOOK. Maybe I'll put it up on the blog someday? Regardless, I have until April or so, because that's around when McKeever's arc finishes. This quote from the interview made me happy:

Yeah, this is regular, ongoing, and they will indeed have to kick me off because I know a great gig when I see one, and this book has everything you could ask for.

It might seem bland, but Bedard has been saddled with a bunch of fill-in work ever since he signed a DC exclusive. From three Supergirl issues to a measly two (is this right?) for Batman and the Outsiders, it sounds great to hear that he's getting a nice, steady book for himself, and it sounds even better that that book is Birds.

Right, Illuminators?

Three of four Marvel's greatest minds approved of this message! (the fourth couldn't speak, because - a mere whisper would but devastate the greatest mountains!)

Hey, continuing to talk about Birds of Prey, let's take a look at my poll. . . Hmmm. . . . so one person voted for Black Canary as their favorite, another Lady Blackhawk. Cool! It's nice to see that people (yes, all two of them) are paying attention to the Birds.

So now that that poll is over with, I've got a new one. Below's a duplication of it:

WHO IS JACKPOT?

-Who else? MJ, my good sir.
-Carlie Cooper? That explains the erratic hair color, at least.
-Some nobody. It's a red herring can't you see?
-You thought she only tended to that soup kitchen? She's clearly Aunt May.
-Peter Parker. At least that explains the personality change.
-Jackpot doesn't matter to me. This Day is anything but Brand New.
-Wha? What's a Jackpot?
-A very attractive Skrull.
-CLAYFACE.
-Menace, ruining two legacies at once! You're a wily one, Mr. Guggenheim!
-OTHER (comment on post)

Aaaaand there you have it. May I remind you that you can select more than one option, allowing for wacky combinations, such as. . . AUNT MAY AS MENACE.

Thus far, Amazing Spider-Man appears to be about Spidey's dangerous adventures in the streets of New York, and #549 is no exception. We don't know much new about Jackpot. I'll get it reviewed by week's end.

komics blog: a tutorial

Whoa! Looong can only describe the past posts, so, to maximize your reading leisure pleasure enjoyment, I thought I'd balance it out with a short post, to be followed by. . .

. . . the reviews for last week! I have half of the comics for that week, so I'll be putting them through the scanner, uh, sometime.

I know, I know, Rayne, they'll come in their due time, alright? I promise you. I don't wanna give you any subpar reviews after all!

Meanwhile!

You might notice that I've been remodeling the blog. Recently the background has turned from a dark green to the dark blue that you see. It seemed like the yellow text stood out the best this way. Does anyone disagree? I don't want you straining your eyes at the blog, so feel free to bring it up.

Also notice that I've added a picture on the top left column, detailing Ben Grimm's reaction to the atrocity of One More Day. If you scroll down further, you'll see a picture for Free Comic Book Day, which will be May 3rd this year! Save the date!

Oh, um, you wanted something more, Rayne? Er, how 'bout you put down those cleavers attached to your arms, and uh, hear about. . .

. . . the new tagging system for the blog! All comics publishers are tagged with a period in front of them, so they appear at the top of the tag list. For example, the list goes ".DC" to ".Indies" to ".Marvel" (Thanks goes to the Spoilt! blog for this clever idea).

Similarly, I attempt to group all review-oriented posts by putting a slash in front of them. For example, a tag would go like: "/panel by panel." If you're new here, I (try to) have two weekly features: there's the "panel by panel," in which I select one issue of the week and tear it apart. Raaarrrgh. The comic featured in this is usually one that stood out to me, for better or worse. The other feature is the "cover to cover," in which I look at the rest of the comics, but give them what I think is a fair verdict.

To elaborate further on tags, I wanna mention that the tag "spidey" is no longer in the umbrella tag of ".Marvel" That just took up too much space, to be honest! So, tags like ".Marvel" will have Marvel characters beside Spidey, who will have his own tag!

-"blog blog blog" relates to where I talk about the blog itself: its format, its appearance, new polls, new headings, stuff like that.
-"inaugural post" is exactly what it says. It gets its own tag 'cause it's speeeecial.
-"meta: breaking the 4th wall" is where I try to have fun with comics panels. Having a chat with Sue Storm and all that.
-The rest lies to your common sense! Discover! Learn!

No, thank you Rayne. Thank you for helping me make the blog as accessible as possible!

friendly neighborhood housekeeping

Black Canary - now in Technicolor!

If you're reading this blog, there's no doubt that you're familiar with the show Smallville, on the CW (what does that stand for?). If you're not, though, it's basically about young(ish) Clark Kent and his adventures at home, Smallville, and Metropolis. They've already formed a "league of justice," with appearances by Green Arrow and Cyborg, but some fans may be dismayed that Batman has yet to appear.

Looks like it's Black Canary's turn, as she's getting the spotlight on the episode aptly titled "Siren." Dinah Lance here has short hair, as in the Dixon era of Birds, and she doesn't have a wig bothering her. She looks like a raccoon. I'm not trying to insult her or anything, just making an observation. Besides those, there's. . .

. . . fishnets!Click the link to comicscontinuum for more info. Mark your calendars for February 7th on the CW!

Poll poll poll

I finally got the nerve to remove my first poll, in which we helped Sue decide what to do with Mr. Editor-in-Chief.

All two of you guys voted to A) lock him up! What an upset! I'm blown outta my mind!

But seriously, thanks for voting, guys. It's nice to see some support. . .

. . . so I wanna introduce a "fill-in" poll, about the Birds of Prey. Basically, who's your favorite? I list Oracle, Black Canary, Huntress, Zinda, Misfit and Big Barda, but feel free to put "Other" and comment on this post.

I called it a "fill-in" poll, because I'm planning a bigger poll when February starts. This means the time is ticking for you to vote! Do it! Do it now!

Why does everyone like Bachalo?

In this Newsarama article, Tom Brevoort AKA one of the editors on Amazing Spider-Man, talks about the art of Brand New Day.

Brevoort touched on all four of the BND artists, who are Salvador Larroca, Phil Jimenez, Steve McNiven, and Chris Bachalo. I'm especially looking forward to Larroca's work, who was exceptional in expressions in the Ultimate Daredevil and Elektra mini and the Sensational Spider-Man Annual . His pencils are very realistic and expressive, although it doesn't need such saturated colors and such thick inking, and I'm kinda apprehensive about the obvious movie inspiration.

Regardless, fans seem skewed on Chris Bachalo's artwork. They called him "one of their all-time favs" or "Get this guy on New Avengers! STAT!" He's pretty famous for his work on all kinds of x-books, like Uncanny X-Men or Ultimate X-Men, but there's one thing I don't get. . .

. . . What's so great about him? I really don't understand why he's getting praised. He draws people with the same overexaggerated chin and underexaggerated figure. They'd look like children if he didn't make them grimace all the time! I'm a big fan of what he did in Death: the High Cost of Living, but his style's become heavily exaggerated, and I really think he belongs on kids' titles like Marvel Adventures.

Could someone please enlighten me?

breaking news: I suck at blogging.

As of late, I've been inundated with stuff. Semester is about to endyadayadaIhateyouJoeyQyadayda. . . .

When comes the chance, I'll catch up with reviews (esp. Amazing 546, which is pretty big).

Here's something to quench your friendly neighborhood komics fix:From Cable and Deadpool #49.

Heh.