Joshiebear's Picture of the Week!

Just a few of the hundreds of pictures Josh found.

About Heroes Episode 39

Our friends Justin, Anthony and Lorin join us for some e-mail, some new book talk, and a round table discussion about the best introductory comic collections to buy your friends for Christmas.

Listen to About Heroes, Episode 39

Joshibear's Picture of the Week Round 2!

All-Star No More?

Over at superherohype there seems to be some concern on the status of All-Star Batman and Robin. Some are under the impression that issue five will be the last issue and the book has been cancelled. Others just think that the suscription to the book has been cancelled (since, you know...you'd only get one book a year). Some even went as far as to email DC themselves to see if all the All-Star line had been cancelled. I'm just really shocked so many people gave a flying fuck.

Joshiebear's Picture of the Week!

This was written in a serious fashion. I know it's incredibly hard to believe, but it's a golden age comic with no intentional ties to homosexuality. It's shocking, isn't it?

.............Joshiebear

Fantastic Force?

I'm sure in many other websites you have seen this image. This is the rumored new line up for the Fantastic Four core team. At the beginning of the year when Marvel was a announcing that Storm and Black Panther were getting married; they also mentioned that their family would be growing. Not really that shocking if you've ever read Fantastic Four; every few years they try to shake the line-up, but it never really lasts long. The most shocking thing I found from this cover, is I can almost see the Human Torches' foot.....almost.

Joshiebear's Picture of the Week!

Instead of the pic of the week, let's change things up....

Link
..............Joshiebear

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-man # 14 Review

This Review was submitted by Spider-Ben:

Writer: Peter David
Artist: Scott Eaton
Cover: Scott Eaton

Peter David rocks! I am really glad he has returned to write the monthly adventures of Spidey, and this issue did not disappoint. David brings back a long forgotten supporting character to the spider-verse, Deborah Witman. Deb hasn’t been seen since around issue 68-69ish of Spectacular Spider-Man way back when.

Due to Peter unmasking himself, Deb writes a book telling how Peter as Spider-Man played with her emotions and led her to a lot of sorrow and emotional torment. Deb’s book gets published and she is set to do a store signing in New York. Meanwhile, Peter is trying to figure out a way to remain a teacher and still keep the kids safe in case villains continue to attack the school like Mysterio just did. The Beast of the X-Men gives Peter an image inducer to help hide and conceal his true identity. Beast tells Peter the X-Men are still remaining neutral in the Civil War, but hopes the device will help Peter. Peter uses the device to dress up as Wolverine and the Punisher to stop some thugs from threatening the school.

Meanwhile, the Vulture is in jail after being captured by Captain America and his forces in Civil War #2. A mysterious voice tells Vulture that Peter is no longer on the side of registration, and he must be dealt with. The voice makes him an offer to track down Spider-Man and he gets his costume and freedom back.

It seems that hiring villains to roam free and chase down heroes is all the fad lately due to Civil War. Vulture accepts and realizes that Deb Whitman will be signing her book and figures Peter will show up. He plans an attack for our hero when the signing begins the next day. At the school, a blond man meets with the principal to ask about a job. The principal likes his attitude and credentials, but says there is not anything in the science department at the time. He states however, Coach Flash Thompson is in need of a Phys. Ed assistant. The man accepts, and the principal welcomes Mr. Ben Reilly to the faculty. (It is really Peter using the holographic projector Beast gave him, but it’s a damn nice nod to the past!) Meanwhile, Peter finds out about what Deb is up to with the book signing, and decides to pay his friend a visit, unaware that is exactly what the Vulture wants.

Thoughts/Comments:
Another fine job by Peter David. Loved the little nod to Ben Reilly, and the joke about how he should not be cloned. Also, David has Peter find out about an empty webbing cocoon in the Church seen last at the end of “The Other.” I’m sooooooo glad David is following up on that story. Peter using the image device is interesting, and I can’t wait to see how he reacts to being Flash Thompson’s PE assistant. The art was very cool by Scot Eaton, and I’m really happy Peter David knows about past Spider-Continuity. Deb Whitman has been gone a long, long time and I’m curious to see how Peter reacts to her book, and what the Vulture is really up to. Hands down, this gets a solid A!

Onslaught Reborn # 1 Review

This Review was submitted by Spider-Ben:
Writer: Jeph Loeb
Artist: Rob Liefeld
Covers: Liefeld and Michael Turner

OK, before I start the review let me say a few things. First, I haven’t had time to do reviews for the site this past week since I am totally swamped with tests, finals, and term papers at KSU. Second, I know people really don’t care for Onslaught, Rob Liefeld, or this mini series. That is fine; everyone is allowed to express their thoughts and opinions. However, I for one love this book. The original Onslaught saga was one of the first big crossovers I experienced as a comic collector. I loved the Onslaught story so much I even bought tie in issues of titles that I did not collect on a monthly basis just to follow the story. So I am thrilled to have Onslaught back, and I really think Liefeld did a great job on the artwork for this issue.

The story is straightforward, and Jeph Loeb’s first work since he returned to Marvel is great. The story picks up after Wanda spoke those infamous words, “No More Mutants.” By doing this, Xavier and Magneto lost their powers, and the powers they lost once again recombined to form Onslaught. Onslaught is totally pissed since a kid, Franklin Richards, defeated him. He quickly posses the Human Torch and proceeds to thrash and trash his buddy Ben Grimm. Johnny finally fights back, and goes Nova, exhausting his powers and forcing Onslaught to leave his body. Franklin races to his father, Reed Richards, and is shocked to find Onslaught has possessed daddy dearest as well.

Franklin rushes to his room and pulls out the Heroes Reborn universe ball. He decides to escape into the ball and hide from Onslaught. Sue Richards fights the possessed Reed, and both end up fainting from the strain of the fight. Onslaught leaves Reed’s body and follows Franklin into the Heroes Reborn universe. Reed and Ben gain consciousness and vow to find Franklin and crush Onslaught once and for all. In the Heroes Reborn world, Franklin runs into the Heroes Reborn female Bucky, and Onslaught appears ready to kill them both.

Thoughts/Comments:
Very cool and very fun, I’m really glad Marvel is celebrating the Onslaught saga. This is a great continuation to what has recently happened in the Marvel Universe (House of M) and I’m glad Onslaught is back and pissed at Franklin. The writing from Jeph Loeb was wonderful and witty, and Liefeld did a fantastic job on penciling. I really do not have a problem with the guy’s artwork; I think it is really fun and fast. I am very happy the Michael Turner cover was a 50/50 split and not some 1 in every hundred copies or such. Plus, a lot of the proceeds of this book go to help the Sam Loeb Scholarship Foundation. The book was fun and went to a great cause, and I’m eager to read the rest of the series. It was great seeing Onslaught again, and I’m looking forward to the Hardcover when the series wraps. I give this a solid A! Like I said, I know some people may hate and ridicule this book, but I really enjoyed it and I’m not ashamed to express how I feel about this project and the subject of Onslaught and Heroes Reborn. For those who did enjoy it, let me know! This book didn’t even have Spider-Man in it and I still thought it rocked!

Nightwing # 127 Review

This Review was submitted by Knightwingbk:

Writer: Marv Wolfman
Artists: Dan Jurgens & Norm Rapmund

After last months mediocre but better than Jones issue, Wolfman delivers a solid piece of writing, in both plot and character. Nightwing is buried alive by a contract killer who knows his Dick Grayson identity. As Nightwing must dig himself out he must come to grips with his life, and keep himself alive before his air runs out. Dick is in a very uncomfortable situation here, buried alive. Even though we know that he will come out ok, Wolfman still manages to create a suspenseful situation. This issue does not do much to move the story along, but its a good issue nonetheless that anyone should be able to read without any problems. This is partially due to the fact that Dick goes over the events of the last two issues, as he tries to keep himself focused.

Dan Jurgens and Norm Rapmund are a solid team, but this is the first issue of theirs that I thought their art did not feel dated in any way. How they managed to do that after following a great Ethan Van Sciver cover is beyond me... A solid issue, I have no complaints, but nothing to rave about either. B-.

Detective Comics #826 Review

This Review was submitted by Knightwingbk:

Writer: Paul Dini
Artists: Don Kramer & Wayne Faucher

You will laugh at this issue. You will laugh out loud. Paul Dini writes a fantastic Joker in this issue, just like he did in Batman: The Animated Series. If you're a fan of that portrayal, this issue is for you. The plot is simple, Robin is running around fighting crime, and runs into the Joker, who takes him on a holiday ride through Gotham. The Joker makes Robin watch as he barrels over people and harasses drive-thru workers. It’s like Grand Theft Auto in a comic. Not only does Dini write the Joker well, but his characterization of Robin is equally strong. Tim Drake narrates the issue, and repeats various Bat-mantras to himself to keep his mind focuses as the Joker tortures him. At one point he says to himself, "Don't make Jokes. Just go Batman on his ass." It's great comic, and just like the rest of his Detective run, you can just pick up this book and read it, no worries about continuity. If you're not picking up this title monthly do yourself a favor, and just get this issue, it's that good.

The art, by Don Kramer is as strong as the rest of his issues previously. I know that this title was announced as J.H. Williams II and Rags Morales, but if Don Kramer continues to deliver a solid issue, I will not complain. Kramer's Joker is just psychotic. He looks crazy; he is crazy, as seen through Kramer's art. If I had to ride with Kramer's Joker, I would definitely need a new pair of pants. Its fantastic.

I just can't rave about this title enough. And ignore the fact that it says it takes place before Batman 655, where Joker got shot in the face. It's a Holiday issue, and there is no way to explain how the Joker is back and doesn't have a hole in his face. Frankly, I don't care, and neither should you. Just read it and have fun. If we had gotten the Joker issue last week from Batman rather than the disappointing "Grotesk" then we wouldn't have had to have this editor's note. Back to the comic, go get it. A+.

Justice Society of America 1 Dual Review

The new Justice Society of America book is exactly what I was hoping for in the new Justice League, which failed to deliver. In the pages of the first book, not only is the new team assembled, but new characters are introduced and other characters are given beautifully succinct blurbs that sum them up perfectly. Geoff Johns is truly the king of the team book.

There are some obscure references to a World War III serving as the catalyst for the new Society’s formation, and it’s difficult to tell whether the book is referring to the Infinite Crisis, or to some event that occurred over the missing year that not only has yet to be revealed, but also has yet to be referenced in any other books.

I’m pleased by the new lineup; it’s not all that far away from the previous JSA, but they’ve brought back a few older characters and, as I mentioned earlier, introduced some new ones. Speaking of new characters, am I the only person who didn’t know that Ma Hunkel actually had some kind of powers that she could pass down to her granddaughter? I always thought that the whole “Red Tornado” bit was just a gag. And when did Hourman and Liberty Belle get married? Did it happen in the old JSA series in one of the issues I missed?

Not only does this book introduce the new team and new characters, but it also starts two separate plot lines. The first deals with Mr. America, and the reasons why someone has decided to kill his entire family, and what the JSA can do in response. The other is a more personal line, dealing with Wildcat’s increasing isolationism in the face of all these young whippersnappers that he’s trained over the years. This characterization of Wildcat isn’t one I’m all that familiar with, since every guest appearance he makes (Birds of Prey and Catwoman to name a few) depicts him as the wise old master who’s always there to assist his progeny, and takes real joy out of doing so.

And the book includes teasers for the next few plotlines, including the return of Kal-L. Ooh, mysterious. Me like. I’m pleased to say that the new Justice Society of America book is a real treat, and one that I’m going to look forward to in the months ahead.

Knightwingbk's Review:
I've never read a JSA comic or trade in my life. Not one. Now I realize that this was probably a mistake, because Geoff Johns is such a strong writer, and wrote a lot of the more recent JSA stories as well as this one. The Society is restarting, after their success in World War III, an event that has not happened yet in 52, but now I'm sure will happen, since it is referenced here about 3 times. What did I like most about this comic? We have the team assembled in the first issue. You hear me Brad Meltzer? Sure, a lot of the members are returning, but they still managed to set up the new ones and start a mystery in one issue. We have the same cliché pictures on the table, but its done in 5 pages. As the return members gather the new recruits, we see another hero, Mr. America embark to find his family's killer. At the end of the issue he lands on the JSA's doorstep to warn them of bigger dangers that he discovered. Maxine Hunkle, the granddaughter of the original Red Tornado, is a hyperactive college student that does not stop talking. Liberty Belle is married to Hourman, and they are so in love that they recite their anniversaries to each other in their spare time. The new Starman shows up as well, and he is... eccentric, to say the least. Geoff Johns is a very good writer, one of the best, and I picked up this issue based off of his work in Green Lantern and Teen Titans. If you like his writing, pick up this book and give it a try. It's a number 1, so it's an easy jumping on point. I will be sticking around for this series, I'm hooked, no reservations here like there was on Flash.

Dale Eaglesham's art is great. I'm still more of a fan of his work on Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner's series) than his Villains United stuff, but that may have more to do with nostalgia, but it felt a little more detailed there. His work here in Justice Society, is a blend of both, and I am pretty pleased with it. I think you will be too. Everyone looks muscled, the girls look hot, and the action is kinetic. He fits the book, what can I say. B+

Red Mencace # 1 Review

This Review was submitted by The Dude:

Writers: Danny Bilson, Paul DeMeo, and Adam Brody
Penciler: Jerry Ordway

Published by Wildstorm, Red Menace is a story set in the McCarthy era of the United States. The issue begins with a character named the Eagle who is brought before the HUAC committee, wherein he unmasks himself as Steve Tremaine, a decorated war veteran, declaring himself to be a patriot. Eventually things turn sour however when Tremaine refuses to name names and play ball with the committee. Incidents are brought up, that though seeming inconsequential; lead the press to label him a communist. As you can imagine things for Tremaine only get worse. Towards the end of this first issue you see another hero calling himself the Grey Falcon, who takes up the Eagles' fight and well...things don't look good for this intrepid hero either.

Ok, ok nuff with the synopsis. My opinion on this whole issue was....it was good. So why should this be surprising to people? Have you read The Flash at all? Yeah it's bad, and guess who's writing it, Bilson & DeMeo, the same guys who wrote this. Adam Brody helps write this with Bilson and DeMeo actually, and a more cynical person could believe that Brody did all the work but, I don't know, I'd prefer to think they all contributed equally. The whole time I was reading this though, I kept thinking, "are these the same guys". The illustrations were alright, nothing great nor too disappointing, the lines throughout remind me of John Byrne's current style, though they aren't real thick which, is why I don't completely hate the penciling within this title. Overall I'd recommend people to read this in trade whenever it comes out later, cause thus far it looks like a good read. B+

About Heroes Episode 38

The legendary Peter Cullen, voice of Optimus Prime, joins us for a discussion of Transformers, voice acting, and more!

Listen to About Heroes, Episode 38