This Week In Comics: 02/09/2005

[Clayface]

Welcome to This Week in Comics for February 9th, 2005 - February 15th, 2005!

This is the place to discuss the comics you've bought this week, whether it be a brand new title or old back-issues. We also welcome and encourage talk about comics in general - news you've read on comic news sites, the state of the industry in general, upcoming issues you're excited about, etc. All we ask is that you please use spoiler brackets in the event that your comments get too detailed concerning a particular storyline. This way the book won't be ruined for anyone who hasn't read it yet.

For a list of the new items shipping this week, please consult Diamond Comics' Shipping List (http://www.diamondcomics.com/shipping/shipping_020905.txt).

To find a comic book store near you, check out the Comic Shop Locator Service (http://csls.diamondcomics.com/).

Comic store too far away from where you live? Want to support Toon Zone? We've teamed up with Things From Another World (http://www.tfaw.com/) to provide an avenue for you to buy comics. Click here (http://www.qksrv.net/click-1001569-5533438?url=http://www3.tfaw.com/comics/newreleases.html?cart=3183189286606656?qt=cjtoonzone) to see a listing of this week's comics being offered by TFAW.




----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Highlights of the Week!




Clayface's Picks:


http://comics.toonzone.net/solicitations/2005-02/batman-superman/t-batman-manwholaughs.jpg (http://comics.toonzone.net/solicitations/2005-02/batman-superman/batman-manwholaughs.jpg)...............http://a1055.g.akamai.net/f/1055/1401/5h/images.barnesandnoble.com/images/8770000/8771357.gif (http://a1204.g.akamai.net/7/1204/1401/04112912011/images.barnesandnoble.com/images/8770000/8771849.jpg)

Batman: The Man Who Laughs.....Negative Burn TPB......






Ace the Bathound's Pick:


(http://www3.tfaw.com/comics/profile.html?cart=5032051670325707&DB=c&sku=00071)http://images.amazon.com/images/P/1582404410.01._PE32_SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1582404410/qid=1107886834/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/102-2003060-1000127?v=glance&s=books)


Negative Burn TPB





Emerald Archer's Pick:


http://comics.toonzone.net/solicitations/2005-02/marvel/t-newthunderbolts05.jpg (http://comics.toonzone.net/solicitations/2005-02/marvel/newthunderbolts05.jpg)

New Thunderbolts #5



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Robin]

http://comics.toonzone.net/solicitations/2005-02/batman-superman/t-batman-manwholaughs.jpg (http://comics.toonzone.net/solicitations/2005-02/batman-superman/batman-manwholaughs.jpg)

Batman: The Man Who LaughsClayface, I am really glad you put up this Batman title as one of your highlights. This one shot, in terms of both artwork and writing, look absolutely amazing, and the early reviews have been excellent. I don't think I've been this excited about a Batman book in quite sometime.

[randomguy]

Clayface, I am really glad you put up this Batman title as one of your highlights. This one shot, in terms of both artwork and writing, look absolutely amazing, and the early reviews have been excellent. I don't think I've been this excited about a Batman book in quite sometime.
Ditto. Advance reviews on The Fourth Rail (http://www.thefourthrail.com/) are glowing, and I really like this period of Batman's history, so I'm eagerly anticipating it. I also just happen to be in the mood for a good Batman story right now, particularly a self-contained one, so it's good timing.

Also, I'll admit that my curiousity is picqued: just what, Clayface and Ace, is this Negative Burn you speak of?

Anyhow, I'm returning to the TWIC thread this week (Friday or Saturday) and should have beaucoup de reviews, including not only three weeks' worth of comics, but lots of TPBs and OGNs, including Bluesman Book One, The Couriers 03, Flight, and more. Should be fun.

[Robin]

Ditto. Advance reviews on The Fourth Rail (http://www.thefourthrail.com/) are glowing, and I really like this period of Batman's history, so I'm eagerly anticipating it. I also just happen to be in the mood for a good Batman story right now, particularly a self-contained one, so it's good timing.Me, too. The Batman books, while not bad, have been lacking of late. Detective Comics is the only title with a strong story. The other two main Batman titles are pretty mediocre. And I'm not sure why I like this, but they gave Gordon his proper hair color. One thing I really disliked about Batman: Year Two was that he was suddenly white-haired. They seem to be sticking pretty close to the Year One formula. The book is a bit expensive at $7 but I can overlook that.

[Clayface]

The fact that this Batman one-shot is written by Brubaker is reason enough for me to recommend it. He's one of my favorite Batman writers of the current day (heck, he's one of my favorite comic writers in general), and anything he puts out (be it Batman related or not) I will check out. I'm looking forward to reading this, but unfortunately, it will be a while before I do. I ordered it online and have to wait for the shipment to get here....


Also, I'll admit that my curiousity is picqued: just what, Clayface and Ace, is this Negative Burn you speak of?


The following is the amazon.com blurb for the book:


Negative Burn was an anomaly, merging together genres, pushing boundaries and allowing the top comic book talent in the world an opportunity to experiment and tell stories that they wanted to tell. When told that a black & white anthology title without a defined theme would never last beyond five issues, Negative Burn exceeded all expectations by running 50 issues and ending of its own decree, garnering numerous industry award nominations along the way. The biggest stars in the industry co-existed side-by-side with the next wave of superstars, to produce perhaps the most eccentric anthology title in the history of comics. This volume takes the very best from the first 50 issues of this prestigious anthology and presents them all together here for the first time.

Some of the creators included in this anthology are Neil Gaiman, Alan Moore, Paul Jenkins, Arthur Adams, Brian Bolland, P. Craig Russell, and "many more!" With a line-up like that, I can't pass this up. Unfortunately, I also ordered this one online, so it'll be a while before I get to read it.

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,


Also, I'll admit that my curiousity is picqued: just what, Clayface and Ace, is this Negative Burn you speak of?
Just a bit more from the solicitation text (http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/news/10993454704733.htm):


Negative Burn was an anomaly, merging together genres, pushing boundaries and allowing the top comic book talent in the world an opportunity to experiment and tell stories that they wanted to tell. When told that a black & white anthology title without a defined theme would never last beyond five issues, Negative Burn exceeded all expectations by running 50 issues and ending of its own decree, garnering numerous industry award nominations along the way. The biggest stars in the industry (Neil Gaiman, Brian Bolland, Alan Moore, Warren Ellis, Moebius, Peter David, P. Craig Russell, etc.) co-existed side-by-side with the next wave of superstars (Brian Bendis, David Mack, Paul Pope, John Cassaday, Frank Quitely, Jeff Smith, Terry Moore, Paul Jenkins, Mike Wieringo, etc.) to produce perhaps the most eccentric anthology title in the history of comics.

This volume takes the very best from the first 50 issues of this prestigious anthology and presents them all together here for the first time. Contributors read like a virtual “who’s who” of comic talent: Brian Bolland, Alan Moore, P. Craig Russell, Dave Johnson, Dave Gibbons, Evan Dorkin, Phil Hester, Arthur Adams, Edvin Biukovic, Bob Burden, Zander Cannon, Mark Chiarello, Guy Davis, Michael Gaydos, Danijel Zezelj, Darko Macan, Mike Wieringo, Terry Moore, Paul Pope, Andrew Robinson, Danijel Zezelj, Jim Mahfood, and numerous others.
I think if you picked any 6 names from that last list, that would be enough to get me to buy this book. It'd be down to 2 or 3 if you picked the right ones. Sadly, I've also ordered it on-line, so am waiting a month for it, too.

I believe this TPB is the opening salvo to an all-new Negative Burn anthology comic from Desperado Comics, to be published by Image.

-- Ed/Ace

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,

We begin with a happy update. I recall saying here and elsewhere that there should be a benefit book for Bill Messner-Loebs akin to the one they did for Dave Cockrum. Apparently, we're getting one -- The Three Tenors: Offkey will be written by Bill Messner-Loebs and drawn by...Dave Cockrum (http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/pulse.cgi?http%3A//www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi%3Fubb%3Dget_topic%26f%3D36%26t%3D003432).

I love the smell of karmic justice in the morning. Even when it's in the afternoon.

File under "Six Degrees of Separation:" How many steps between Stan Lee and Bill and Hillary Clinton? Turns out only one: corrupt financier Peter Paul, as shown in this article in today's New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/09/nyregion/09clintons.html?ex=1265605200&en=290eaea849d12460&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland) (free registration required, go to www.bugmenot.com (http://www.bugmenot.com/) for a free login). Rather than make the obvious corruption/self-promotion joke (especially because Stan got burned pretty badly by Paul's financial shenanigans), I'll point out that Stan was in Daredevil with Michael Clark Duncan who was in The Green Mile with Tom Hanks who was in Apollo 13 with...Kevin Bacon.

EEeeeeerrie.

Speaking of Stan, he'd be proud of the alliterative Marvel Masterworks Message Board, linked today because a Marvel rep is asking if fandom wants a Runaways oversized hardcover (http://p206.ezboard.com/fmarvelmasterworksfansitefrm1.showMessage?topicID=3188.topic). The correct answer to this is: Yes you do. You KNOW you do. Even you, Clayface. So let him know, eh? For extra credit, dig out my entry on the now-three-page-long thread and follow the link for a super secret alternate usage for an oversized Runaways hardcover.

Buy Runaways #1 when it hits NEXT WEEK, or someone will drop your Easter Eggs in a wood chipper and laugh at your tears.

I've been skipping most of the "Quesadarama" news and interviews this week. However, he just did a nice little thing with Greg Pak (http://www.newsarama.com/Qrama/Qrama7.htm) which, like Pak's comics, is thoughtful, intelligent, and better than a lot of the "name brand" stuff.

If you watch The OC, dig comics, and want to get published by Heidi MacDonald at The Beat, check out her latest offer (http://www.comicon.com/thebeat/archives/2005/02/the_oc_deal.html). Then when you make it big we can go and hit you up for money to buy more comics.

News flash that's a surprise to nobody: Evan Dorkin is a funny guy (http://www.houseoffun.com/athome/ejournal.html) (look for "The Week in Comics" posted Feb 6 if he's posted something new).

Speaking of funny, some blogosphere chain letter is making the rounds, and Fanboy Rampage sent it to Kurt Busiek. Check out the comments to this post (http://fanboyrampage.blogspot.com/2005_02_01_fanboyrampage_archive.html#110788890164964790) to see his responses and the hilarity that ensues. Frank Sinatra tunes with Marvel Comics lyrics. I couldn't make that up if I tried.

File under: experimenting on New Comics. If the "valiant rogue spy on the run from a dark CIA conspiracy that's trying to kill him" thing (along with a lot of violence and profanity) are your bag, then Image's The Expatriate (http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/pulse.cgi?http%3A//www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi%3Fubb%3Dget_topic%26f%3D36%26t%3D003428) looks like it might be your thing. If not, but the "former X-Man plays good cop in Mutant town that wants to stay dirty," you can always try Newsarama's shot at getting you up to date on District X (http://newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=27208).

Neil Gaiman interview (http://www.chizine.com/neil_gaiman_interview.htm). You're either not interested in the slightest or just now coming back after clicking through that link.

If that didn't work, try this: Frank Miller spills a bit more about All-Star Batman & Robin (http://newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=27218).

I wanted Bruce Campbell to voice Green Arrow on Justice League Unlimited (>twonnnngg!< >WHHHHUNNTCH!<* "Groovy."). I'll have to settle for Bruce Campbell writing comics, in this case an adaptation of his upcoming film The Man with the Screaming Brain. Issue #1 is solicited for May and this press release (http://newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=27211) has more info and a nice headshot of Campbell.

Finally, better late than never. Tim O'Neil presents the latest Comic Remix: Ultimate Hamlet by Brian Michael Bendis (http://www.popcultureshock.com/features.php?id=900). Usual warnings apply.

* = "WHHHHUNNTCH!" being the official post-Crisis DC Comics in-continuity sound effect for a boxing-glove arrow (http://www.greenarrowfansite.com/trickarrow.html).

-- Ed/Ace

[PaQ]

Very big week for myself. 13 comics in total: 8 Marvel, 5 DC. Just the big 2 this week.

Captain America #3 - Another great issue. Brubaker is simply a genious with how well he's telling this story. This is easily the finest story featuring Captain America that I can remember. *****

Batman: The Man Who Laughs - Coincidence that this is the other book that I thought was phenomenal this week, and it was also written by Brubaker. This was a very entertaining one-shot, and I definitely recommend anyone who likes Batman stories to get this, it was a great story even for the high price. I hope to do an extensive review on it soon. *****

Nightwing #103 - Another great issue, again an improvement on the previous issue. It looks like Dixon is really hitting his stride at the right time on this year one story. I liked that it ended up that Deadman was helping out Bruce to see how Dick was. Also.. JASON TODD *****

Action Comics #824 -A much better issue then when I left the series, but with things tight and already getting other Superman focused titles, it's not enough to see how things wind up. I doubt I'll be following Simone's turn on Action, just the breaks I guess. ****

JLA #111 - Clearly a much better issue then when I left the series, but it's still CSA and I still want no part of it. I'll see what's happening after this arc. ***

JSA #70 - A much better issue, easily the best on of the current JSA/JSA arc. Looks like things are heating up as time is running out, should be interesting to see how things turn out. ***

Young Avengers #1 - Talk about an issue that keeps someone interested. I really thought YA was going to be a bad idea when it was first announced, but the way the first issue turned out, it has the potential to be a great series. That final panel was a great way to end the issue and I can't wait to get the next issue.

Ultimates 2 #3 - I've really enjoyed Ultimates this go around, and this issue doesn't dissapoint. I was wondering how they were going to pull it off.. and it's nice to see Bruce is a wandering soul once again. Like he should be. ****

Ultimate X-men #56 - Solid issue of UXM, a somewhat predictable ending with all the foreshadowing and the easeness of their retrieval of Longshot. Nice to see Jean get feisty. Should be interesting to see how they save Angel. ***

Marvel Knights: 4 #15 - I've enjoyed 4, and this issue was different. I can't recall much that went on, but I thought it was a good issue. ***

Marvel Knights: Spider-Man #11 - Best issue yet on this disappointing arc so far. It always seems to end up with Green Goblin, Peter's love, and Spidey on the bridge. Let's see what happens this time around. ***

Incredible Hulk #78 - Got this issue for the fact that it was Peter David's return. This was a pretty entertaining story, tons of Hulk, and it's definitely a weird island. ***

Captain America & the Falcon #12 - And so wraps up my voyage with this series. I decided to forego the last 2 issues for the simple fact that this series has been terrible underwhelming ever since Dissassembled hit, and I'm glad that a new series like CAP is around to fulfill my reading pleasures. **

Thoughts finally added. :cool:

[Spider-Man]

I thought this would be a very quiet week for me until I stumbled upon a neat little special going on at my comic shop.

Marvel Knights: Spider-Man #11 (talkback (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=133601))
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Vol. 1
The League of Extraordinary Gentleman Vol. 2

The two The League... hardcover collections were shrinkwrapped together with a copy of the movie for only $50. I assume this was a comicshop deal becuase the movie was released through Fox and WB owns DC Comics so that couldn't work out. I've never read the comics and thought the movie was mediocre but I jumped at the chance at buying this. I think they'll make really good reads this weekend.

I was wondering if anyone could say anything about the DC: New Fonrtier mini-series that was released awhile ago. There's a collection of all six issues packaged together for $35 and I was wondering what the general consensus was on the comic series. Any help would really be appreciated on this.

[rggkjg1]

equal amout of marvel and dc this week.

BATMAN: THE MAN WHO LAUGHS - great one shot issue. too bad brubaker signed that exclusive contract to marvel. i would have loved to see more of these year one era one shots. heck, he should be on legends of the dark knight and get that title up and going once again.
BATMAN #636 - good issue. i'm most likely the only one on this message board who doesnt mind judd winick writing. i just really hope jason todd is not the red hood. he has been one of the few dead characters to stay dead...
NIGHTWING #103 - great arc.
JLA #111 - the battle i have been waiting for, the each jla member fighting their evil counterpart. glad to hear the previous issues of jla are sold out at dc comics.
MARVEL KNIGHTS SPIDER-MAN #11 - millar has had a great year on this title. i am sad yet glad to see it ending. i am glad because this "arc" can finnally wrap up. i am sad to see ending because we wont see anything more spider-man by millar and dodson.
ULTIMATES 2 #3 - WHY????? WHY DOES MARVEL COMICS DO THIS???? WHY DO THEY HAVE TO PUT A PUNISHER POSTER INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF ULTIMATES 2?? THEY KNOW I WONT PULL IT OUT OF THE COMIC!!!!!!!! CURSE YOU MARVEL!!! any one want to "donate" their poster?? aside from this poster incident, great issue. i guess this hulk trial is the comic's equivilant of OJ's trial.
THE PUNISHER #17 - yes. thank you mr. ennis for making me excited about the punisher again. i can not wait for the conclusion of "mother russia" and what else you have in store for us.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #512

[Chad Bonin]

Outsiders, Marvel Knights 4, Marvel Knights Spider-Man, Fade From Grace, Ultimates, Ultimate X-Men, Young Avengers, Majestic, Fantastic Four: Foes, The Gift.

Decent week, but nothing outstanding.

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,

More Thoughtful Than You'd Think Part 1: This article talks about the semantics of sound effects (http://www.eye.net/eye/issue/issue_02.10.05/city/panelist.html). Includes the proper sound effect for a pencil eraser, and comments on the fact that manga has a sound effect for silence, which is one of the things that still sort of weirds me out about manga.

More Thoughtful Than You'd Think Part 2: Cartoonist Don Simpson has started a blog (http://comicsaintart.blogspot.com/). Writer of Megaton Man, Border Worlds, and Bizarre Heroes, his blog is named "The Less Said the Better," but features long essays dense with thought (and the occasional swear word...enter forewarned).

Here's an interesting approach to getting more women to read comics: put comics in their purses (http://www.rockmusick.com/comicbook.html). Literally -- here's their 'Batgirl" Clutch Purse:

http://www.rockmusick.com/graphics/BatGirlClutch.jpg (http://www.rockmusick.com/graphics/BatGirlClutchLG.jpg)

Reggie Hudlin talks to BlackAmericaWeb.com about his Black Panther comic (http://www.blackamericaweb.com/site.aspx/bawnews/panther210). I find it interesting how Hudlin can talk about different aspects of BP every time he's interviewed by someone, and you can then read the comic (http://www.milehighcomics.com/firstlook/marvel/blackpanth1/) and say, "Wow, I never noticed that before."

Via some random blog, we get Chase Sequence (http://www.chasesequence.com/illustration.html), which has several features about author signings done in comic book format. Mildly interesting, but entirely appropriate for the one that covers Marjane Satrapi at a Persepolis 2 signing (http://www.chasesequence.com/illustration/stripped1/marjane0.html).

Finally, you got your hip-hop in my manga! You got your manga in my hip-hop (http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2005/02/09/hip_hops_latest_cartoons/)! I'd try to make a joke, but I don't know squat about either.

-- Ed/Ace

[Clayface]

Reggie Hudlin talks to BlackAmericaWeb.com about his Black Panther comic (http://www.blackamericaweb.com/site.aspx/bawnews/panther210). I find it interesting how Hudlin can talk about different aspects of BP every time he's interviewed by someone, and you can then read the comic (http://www.milehighcomics.com/firstlook/marvel/blackpanth1/) and say, "Wow, I never noticed that before."

I had absolutely zero interest in reading Black Panther. Didn't even flip through it in the store. But I'll read anything for free, so I just checked out your link.

And I have to say: holy crap, that was cool! Thanks for the link! (With that, you've almost redeemed yourself for all those Runaways recommendations you've made. ;) ) I'm going to pick up a copy of that at the store next week. Looks like I may have a new title to add to my pull list.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Captain America #3: Great issue, Brubaker is doing fantastic stuff with Captain America, and I'm loving every page of it. Epting is doing good art as well.

District X #10: Another great issue of this story. Really great book, everyone should be reading this. Enjoyable, suspenseful, all around great.

Incredible Hulk #78: PAD's second issue was better than his first. Hulk is written well here, there's a definite mystery going on here, along with some good humor. Nice fighting too, and good use of flashbacks.

Young Avengers #1: I don't care what you think about the idea, this was a damn good book. Great humor, a good way of introducing new characters, and one of helluva kickass final page. Great start to a new book.

JSA #70: What did Geoff Johns have to sell to get his ungodly writing talent? Each character's story is going well, and Degaton is a really threatening villain. Not nearly enough Stargirl, but the two Dr. Mid-nites and Mr. Terrifics.

JLA #111: Kurt's JLA run is finally starting to get interesting with this issue, the 5th part of the story. I wish it would've gotten good sooner, and Flash is still being written horribly by him.

Action Comics #824: The resolution of the Preus story was very stunning. Really great fight scene, especially all of Superman's doubts about himself and his aging as a result of what Gog did. I can't wait to see how Austen's run concludes next issue, it should be a huge blast.

[Condiment King]

Fantastic Four: Foes 2 - Robert Kirkman continues to surprise me with this arc. What's strange is that the team itself is pretty bland. Why is Reed all of a sudden so worried about the probability of them dying to their foes? Why now? It just seems odd to me. Fortunately, the rest of the story is great, not to mention Kirkman's endings. ***

Supreme Power 15 - Interesting dynamic how Hyperion seems to think about the US government now, not to mention Nighthawk's continued disposition. Blur seems to be the best of both of them. Dr. Spectrum's new assignment could go so many ways. ****

Ultimate Spider-Man 72 - First good issue from Brian Michael Bendis on this book since the end of Hollywood. I've been waiting for another really good epic arc from this book and I think we may have it here. Not to mention, the original plot for this climax was placed all the way back at the beginning. ***

Walking Dead 15 - That was epic. This is the most unpredictable book I read. Its amazing how a book can be so unpredictable and tell a good story as well. ****

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,

Another Emerald City Comicon report (http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/pulse.cgi?http%3A//www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi%3Fubb%3Dget_topic%26f%3D36%26t%3D003447), with a bit more detail about stuff than the earlier ones. Oddly, it sounds like Kurt Busiek is NOT leaving JLA.

Normally, comic-book movies don't get a mention here, but I'll make an exception for the Watchmen movie site (http://www.watchmenmovie.com/), which just went live. I want to know why they felt they needed to display a non-animated picture on the front page in Flash.

The CBLDF is gearing up for a big fight in Georgia. Newsarama (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=27331) and Comicon.com's PULSE News (http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/pulse.cgi?http%3A//www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi%3Fubb%3Dget_topic%26f%3D36%26t%3D003442) talk to the DA prosecuting the case. After reading up on the details, I think I've decided that the law in question is unconstitutionally broad, but the retailer in question should get chucked in jail purely for being a complete moron.

The Bill Messner-Loebs benefit book has just picked up Cerebus creator and BM-L fan Dave Sim, along with "Spurgeon," who I must assume is Tom Spurgeon of the Comics Reporter (http://www.comicsreporter.com/) website.

To all you guys making negative comments on-line: knock it off. Apparently, we've scared off Kevin Smith (http://www.newsarama.com/Qrama/Qrama14.htm). To be fair, though, it turns out comic fans can blame something ELSE on Bendis. (Link contains much profanity and explicit yet gratiutious descriptions of bodily acts. Kind of like Kevin Smith's movies, but that's another story.)

And finally, after a week of yelling at Internet Fandom with Bendis, Joe Quesada brings "Quesadarama" to a close with some touchy-feely crap (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=27400) about how we're all one big family and how people getting upset means they're doing their jobs right. If that's true, then they're doing their jobs very, very well.

-- Ed/Ace

[rggkjg1]

Normally, comic-book movies don't get a mention here, but I'll make an exception for the Watchmen movie site (http://www.watchmenmovie.com/), which just went live. I want to know why they felt they needed to display a non-animated picture on the front page in Flash.

awesome. its comforting to know that the movie is moving along by an "official" source.

my ebay MAJESTIC 1-4 came today. i found majestic a great mini series and i am going to subscribe to the on going when i get to my comic shop.

[superprime]

This week I got:

Flash #218: This was a really good issue. I really didn't know much about Heat Wave before this, but this issue had alot of good stuff on him. I really liked the way his illness was presented and how he didn't think of himself as a bad person, just a sick one. I kind of started to feel for him toward the end. The last scene with the bar was really good and nice way to show that Heat Wave isn't as in control as he thinks he is. 4 out of 5

Adventures of Superman #636: I haven't really been following Adventures much, but the revelation on the last page really got me interested in what's going on with Ruin. I really liked Superman's talk with Batman and Wonder Woman in the Fortress over what happened in Identity Crisis. I was a little surprised that Superman knew what the other League members did to Doctor Light and didn't do anything about it. Like I said before the last page with Luthor was a big surprise and I'm looking forward to seeing how much he's involved in all this. 4 out of 5

[randomguy]

Jeez, this was some week. The reviews will be shorter than usual, out of necessity. Anyhow, moving right along...

Captain America #3- I'm totally digging what Brubaker is doing here. In fact, I think it occupies the very top echelon of Marvel books. In this issue, Captain America and Agent 13 continue to unravel the Red Skull's devious plans. Brubaker is writing some of the best Captain America I've ever seen, and this issue is the textbook example of how to pull off a good contemporary superhero comic. The characterization work on Cap is great, and his insights into the French this issue are incredibly powerful and interesting. I'm really glad Sharon Carter is back, also, because Brubaker is writing a very sympathetic, intelligent version of the character, and her chemisty with Steve is undeniable. Best of all, Brubaker always remembers to fit in a great action sequence, and this issue is no exception. Epting, meanwhile, is doing the best work of his career, and Michael Lark's WWII flashback stuff looks great, with a strong newsreel-esque quality. This is a very good book, with great action, art, characterization, and dialogue, exceeding even the high standard set by Captain America & The Falcon. This is one of Marvel's more underrated mainstream books right now, all things considered, so do yourself a favor and pick it up while it's still early. Grade: A

The Ultimates 2 #3- Easily the strongest issue of The Ultimates yet, as Millar abandons the series' usual sense of cynicism and ugliness for a surprising show of sentimentality and emotion. Amazingly, he pulls it off very well. This month centers around the trial of Bruce Banner, and wraps up that plot in a very poignant way which I suspect will resonate with fans of the Incredible Hulk TV show in particular. CaptainInfinity, I'm lookin' at you. Millar writes a powerful and immensely charitable passage on religion (which I would have never expected from him). Best of all, he serves up a resounding "F-you!" to two of the most annoying aspects of modern comics storytelling: decompression, and the "Part 3 of 46" style. This is written for the single issue, and is much stronger for it, while there's also a refreshing amount of content and plot progression. Hitch's art is sublime as ever. This comes highly reccomended, even for those of you that don't read The Ultimates, because it stands just fine on its own. Grade: A

The Walking Dead #15- Essentially, what Condiment King said. This series has always boasted really strong final pages, but this one pretty outdistances anything the book has done before. Very interesting stuff. Grade: A (hey, we're off to a good start).

JLA #111- The Crime Syndicate is finally found out by the JLA. Much punching ensues. This is a straightforward action issue, which might have worked under a different artist, but Ron Garney's sketchy work just isn't up to snuff. Busiek's prose is regrettably very verboise (somewhat Claremont-circa-1978-esque), and very little happens in 22 pages. Yet another letdown of an issue, and my last one on the title. Grade: D

Ultimate X-Men #56- While one half of the X-Men tends to Longshot's rescue, the other deals with a hostile political reactionary by the name of Spiral. Unfortunately, this arc isn't just working, and coming as it does after the disappointing "Cry Wof", is beginning to make me question Brian K. Vaughan for the first time in a loooooooooong time. He's trying to Ultimize a bunch of characters that just don't fit in that universe, and although he's making them work better than they would under most writers, they still feel unnatural. I mean... Spiral? Arcade? Mojo? These guys are D-listers at best, and even retooled, are deeply uninteresting. There's nothing horribly wrong with this arc, but it's profoundly boring, and it doesn't help that Immonen seems like he's phoning it in. Grade: C

New Avengers #3- Okay, so some of you might remember me saying I wouldn't buy this book again. And I didn't... I read it on the shelf, with the blessing of my comic shop's owner. And I thought it was pretty good, which was kind of agonizing, in a way. Finch's art is the strongest it's been since Ultimate X-Men, with the opening splash and the Sentry's appearance being the issue's highlights. Bendis' dialogue actually works for once, instead of sounding forced, and the setup is pretty well-done. There's a few nice character moments here (I practically cheered at Cap's "I don't care what Nick Fury thinks" line), and it's a total delight to see Jarvis again. It ain't revolutionary, but it's pretty good for what it is, and I have to confess that I'm suddenly interested again. So, I'll be reading it off the shelf until the end of "Breakout", and we'll see what happens from there. Grade: B

*insert Goodfellas quote*

Batman: The Man Who Laughs OGN- Towards the close of Batman's first year, his inexperience is put to the test when a mysterious psychotic madman emerges from the underworld, with motives neither the Dark Knight nor Jim Gordon can fully understand. I expected to love this, and I wasn't let down. Brubaker is probably the finest non-animated Batman writer of the last fifteen years, and he's in top-form on this one-shot. He captures the "Year One" feel very well, which is great, because Batman's earlier crimefighting days are always the ones that interest me the most. His characterization of Jim Gordon is fantastic, and there's a surprising rationale for the Joker's first killing spree that actually works very well. Doug Mahnke's art is appreciably gritty, and the atmosphere is tense and suspenseful. Very well-done Batman story. Grade: A

Gotham Central #28- Two Gotham beat cops intervene during a fight between two schoolboys, and are unexpectedly drawn into the world of a supervillain... and this time, not one of Batman's. This is a strong foundation for a mystery, nicely building on the events of "Half a Life", and with a very chilling opening scene. There's a lot of promise here, and the art is very strong, putting to rest any fears that the book wouldn't work under someone other than Michael Lark. Read this book, folks. It needs your support, and I can all but guarantee you'll like it. Grade: A

The Couriers 03- This prequel to the first two Couriers graphic novels is set in New York City's Chinatown in 1993. Future couriers Moustafa and Special are only 12 and 15, respectively, and are taking the first steps towards securing themselves a place in NYC's criminal heirarchy. If you've never read a Couriers graphic novel, the appeal is really quite simple: it's a big fun action movie. Everything is woefully implausible, with a glamorized take on crime and bullets flying everywhere, but it's a total blast. It's cinematic in pacing and staging, with great art, and some extremely funny and self-aware dialogue. I can't really say too much about The Couriers, other than that's it's as much fun as you'll ever have reading a comic book. Check it out. Grade: A

Love As A Foreign Language Volume 1- The first volume of J. Torres' ongoing digest series. A young man takes a job teaching English in South Korea, but is unprepared for the culture shock he experiences. He prepares to leave, but the sudden appearance a certain someone has him rethinking his decision. This is a charming little romantic comedy, with great art and great atmosphere, and a very strong premise. It appeals to the thirty-four year-old housewife in me. I have concerns about the pacing, and the price is a bit steep for the page count, but I enjoy what's here and intend to read the next volume. Grade: B

Marvel Knights: Spider-Man #11- Spider-Man and the Black Cat prepare to do battle with the Sinister 12. I posted a pretty thorough review in the talkback, but the gist of it is that this is a strong issue which allows Spidey to survive the Sinister 12 fight in the only way that really makes any sense. The action is great, the art is good, nothing standout but certainly very satisfying in a lot of ways. Grade: B

Next week: my copy of Bluesman Book One should be in, so I'll definitely get to that, as well as some old issues of Superman/Batman, Y: The Last Man, and Ultimate Fantastic Four that I have not yet reviewed. Also, Runaways 2 #1 ships next week! If you buy it, all of your wildest dreams will come true! You'll start dating a supermodel, you'll win the lottery, you'll strike oil in the yard of the mansion you win from a fast food promotion, and best of all, you'll be reading a really kickass comic. Don't make me beg.

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,

Following up on one item from last week, here's a brief brief writeup about self-publishing from the Emerald City Comicon (http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/pulse.cgi?http%3A//www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi%3Fubb%3Dget_topic%26f%3D36%26t%3D003450). Not much on hard info, but it's nice to see labors of love getting some attention.

Shaun of the Dead shambles to comics (http://www.newsarama.com/IDW/Shaun.htm). This is supposed to be a good thing, but I kind of missed the movie despite numerous injunctions to see it, so I'm just going to have to take their word for it.

You're all buying the Complete Peanuts, right? (Well, except you weirdos who seem to think Charles Schulz and Peanuts wasn't any good.) Mark Evanier follows-up on the one strip that wasn't reprinted in its entirety (http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2005_02_13.html#009600) in Vol. 2, and links to an image (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/bdbrucke/tcj/pe530503b.jpg) of the complete strip.

Hello Kitty crop circle (http://thoughtballoons.blogspot.com/2005/02/its-trying-to-communicate-with-us.html).

Just to change gears as dramatically as possible from that last link, GrimJack is back on comic book shop stands, but we know writer John Ostrander has really hit the big time (http://ostrander.malibulist.com/) now because he has a weblog. All the really cool kids have weblogs. Consider yourself warned that Ostrander isn't shy about political content in addition to stuff about comics, but anybody who's read a John Ostrander comic would probably be disappointed if he DIDN'T have political content.

Speaking of political content, The New York Times publishes a few paragraphs about Brian K. Vaughan's Ex Machina (http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/14/business/media/14comic.html), unfortunately focusing heavily on the recent "gay marriage storyline" issues. Heidi MacDonald points out that this article is by the writer who Knows Things (http://www.comicon.com/thebeat/archives/2005/02/media_watch_wed.html) about comics on the Times staff, which automatically puts him ahead of a lot of other writers everywhere else on the Times staff.

(Ob Runaways plug: Brian K. Vaughan also writes Runaways, which has its new #1 debut in THREE SHORT DAYS!!! Buy it or you'll re-open the Hellmouth (http://www.buffyguide.com/)!)

Finally, someone makes genuinely good use of what would otherwise be another insufferable "Biff! Pow!" headline about comics. The article subtitled "Holy heroes, Batman!" in startribune.com (http://www.startribune.com/stories/389/5229162.html) is about Christian comics creators trying to make comics Christian and cool without being preachy, and how they are spreading the Word through our favorite medium (and genre, apparently). Visit www.bugmenot.com (http://www.bugmenot.com/) to grab a login/password to bypass the annoying registration, or just jump straight to Community Comics (http://communitycomics.com/cc_a2_news/) to grab a sample and titles to ask your Friendly Neighborhood Comic Shop to order for you if you are so inclined.

-- Ed/Ace

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,

Greg Rucka, Geoff Johns, and Judd Winick talk about DC Countdown (http://newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=27581). In a move sure to anger thousands of fans worldwide (like they needed MORE reasons), Winick drops a HUGE, MAJOR spoiler for the series without even a warning:

Apparently, "It's Batman and Superman fighting the bad guys, and the bad guys lose. That's how it's going to happen. At some point, Batman will outwit them using his brains and his fists. Superman will outwit them through the strength of his character as well as his physical strength."

80-pages and a dollar --- WASTED!!!!!!

;)

(Just in case you're taking me seriously: first, welcome to the boards, and second, there's not really a spoiler there. Except for the part where I reveal Batman's holding Ambush Bug on the cover and Countdown's big wow finish is that G'nort becomes the one true Green Lantern.

Oops.)

Speaking of Green Lanterns, former Green Lantern writer Gerard Jones starts an editorial for the Los Angeles Times with Stan Lee's court victory and ends it with why American comics don't get the popular respect that European comics or Japanese comics do (http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-jones15feb15,0,4862653.story?coll=la-news-comment-opinions). Smart dude, that Gerard Jones. Visit www.bugmenot.com (http://www.bugmenot.com/) if you need a login that won't cost you your personal information.

While we're in the wayback machine, Manly Man Beau Smith looks back at the year that was 1995 (http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/busted/110839800984383.htm). One of the more interesting bits is to compare the long-term careers of the Wizard's top 10 artists of 1995 vs. the top 10 writers. Ten years later, and is the industry any better off?

OK, all you kids out there stop rolling your eyes. Us old people are Having a Moment here. And while I'm at it, "Layla" is an electric guitar song, Han shot first, and if any of you whippersnappers say something like, "I couldn't even read 10 years ago," I'm gonna give you SUCH a PINCH!

From the old to the new: James Jean is one of the hot hip new cover artists, with his work gracing Fables, Batgirl, and Green Arrow. Newsarama has part 1 of a two-part interview with Jean (http://newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=27634), as he describes the thought process behind building the super keen GA #50 cover.

In a related note, the comments thread of the Fanboy Rampage! blog entry on the Jean interview (http://fanboyrampage.blogspot.com/2005_02_01_fanboyrampage_archive.html#110848399152923898) notes that Marvel, apparently, has a "3-use policy" towards their cover artwork. This means any Marvel cover has to be usable in at least 3 different places (poster, trading card, house ad, etc).

Suddenly, the vast suckitude of most Marvel covers makes more sense, doesn't it?

Finally, the latest Comic Remix (http://www.popcultureshock.com/features.php?id=903) takes aim at Teen Titans, as our comic book friends gripe about the popularity of the TV show.

(Ack! It's the end of a BPoL and I haven't found a way to work in the obligatory "Brian K. Vaughan/Runaways" plug/threat. And this a DAY BEFORE IT HITS THE STANDS!! Ummm.....ummm......

X-fan has a BKV interview (http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/forums/showthread.php?t=32365). Go through the front page (http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/) so their advertising revenue stays high. And buy Runaways #1 tomorrow or that hangnail on your toenail will become sentient and throw you into a dumpster, which will be emptied in Staten Island's Arthur Kill landfill, leaving you surrounded by a bunch of Doombots (http://members.aol.com/ROBOLT1/index.htm)...ALL OF WHOM WILL THINK YOUR NAME IS ARTHUR!!)

-- Ed/Ace

[randomguy]

Young Avengers #1: I don't care what you think about the idea, this was a damn good book. Great humor, a good way of introducing new characters, and one of helluva kickass final page. Great start to a new book.I'll readily admit that the book was far better than I expected. I still believe the idea, title, and names are dumb, but I think Allan Heinberg has done a very good job with a mediocre editorial mandate. The book's not amazing enough to convince me to pick it up, but I will stop making fun of it. Which means I no longer want "Young CBC" to be this year's April Fool's prank.


Finally, the latest Comic Remix (http://www.popcultureshock.com/features.php?id=903) takes aim at Teen Titans, as our comic book friends gripe about the popularity of the TV show.Definitely a return to form for Tim O'Neil. My favorite part (Mark Millar's Wolverine spoilers):

The Teen Titans standing in front of Northstar's grave, which is labeled "Now we need another token." Very funny, and it begs the obvious question: if Northstar isn't Marvel's token gay character anymore, who is? Are there any other notable heroes (outside of Ultimate Colossus) in Marvel's books that are homosexual?

Finally, if you've got the time Clayface (and I hate to do this to you again, by the way), I'd love to hear what your take on Brubaker's Captain America is. I know you're a Brubaker groupie like myself (don't know how you feel about Cap), so I'd be interested to know if it's living up to your expectations.

[Clayface]

Finally, if you've got the time Clayface (and I hate to do this to you again, by the way), I'd love to hear what your take on Brubaker's Captain America is. I know you're a Brubaker groupie like myself (don't know how you feel about Cap), so I'd be interested to know if it's living up to your expectations.


I'm not much of a Captan America fan in general. I kinda like the concept of the character, but never really liked the execution. He always came off as too corny or too 2-dimensionally boring to me the times I've tried to read him in the past. And of course, there was that Chuck Austen run.... *shudder*

However, I am indeed a Brubaker fan, and will check out anything he puts out. (For some reason I can't get into Sleeper though.) So it was a given that I'd be checking out his take on Cap. And I've been very pleased with what I'm reading. I'm not familar with most of the characters that are being used, but I've had no problem following along, and Brubaker's writing, as usual, is solid as a rock. Good pacing, good dialogue - just lots of comic goodness.

So I guess the short answer is: I'm loving it and think it's one of the best Marvel books on the racks right now.
:)