Batman # 664

Writer: Grant Morrison
Artists: Andy Kubert & Jesse Delperdang

Grant Morrison Returns! Well, technically that was last issue, but Andy Kubert was not with him for that issue, so I won't count it. This issue was a lot of fun, like the rest of Kubert's Batman issues. I really hope Kubert is on this book for the long haul, as he draws a great Bruce Wayne and Batman. Anyway, this book starts out with Bruce Wayne walking away from a few dozon unconscious Man-Bat Ninjas from the last arc. He meets some hottie in the Alps for skiiing, and shows that he has now patience for paparrazzi. When he returns to Gotham, its business as usual, and a slow night. Batman checks up on some old leads and catches some dirty cops roughing up some hookers. This all leads upto a very large cop wearing a Bane/Batman costume. This makes Batman think all the way back to #655 where another cop shot Joker in the face as Batman. Already, Morrisson is not forgetting the past, or the recent past. To me, this says that Morrison's run will be one of those ever continuing arcs. Lots of things will link to each other, and the past will always be referred to. That's what a continuing comic needs, and what Morrison and Dini are doing with Batman. Morrison gets a little far out with this issue, in his descriptions of blood and dead bodies, but hey, who says Batman isn't a little messed up? Don't let the funny looking cover fool you, this issue has a lot to offer to Batman fans.

Andy Kubert is doing a lot of things on Batman I like. Dynamic action poses, flowing capes, and keeping Batman in as much shadow as possible, when possible. And his other characters aren't bad either. In the restuarant scene the background characters are all highly detailed and charcterized. An old man leans over his plate, slurping spaghetti while his young date tries to look away. People wipe their mouths, order food, and whisper to their bodyguards. The restaurant feels alive. Kubert also adds a lot of charm to Morrison's Bruce Wayne. I've never read a Bruce Wayne in comics that was as much of a playboy that he's described as by DC editors. Morrison and Kubert are doing a lot of things right, so sit up and take note. B+

Blue Beetle #13

Writer: John Rogers
Artists: Rafeal Albuquerque & David Baldeon

This issue was so much fun. If you aren't getting Blue Beetle, go get this issue, you can practically jump right in. Again, it's a great book. At first, I was skeptical that the writing of this book might fall off when Keith Giffen left the book, but with this issue, John Rogers has proved me wrong. The creators of the scarab, the Reach, have arrived on Earth to "help" us. Right. Jaime and Peacemaker (who now has the scarab's knowledge inside him) talk to the Reach's emmisary, explaining everything that's been up with Blue Beetle for the last 12 issues. After they depart, people in Mexico are infected with scarabs, and go into riot mode. Jaime must stop them, and resist the scarab's programming to kill them. This has been a test made by the Reach, and they are astonished that Jaime can resist the beetle so forcefully. Jaime realizes that the Reach aren't here to help after all, but as he does, he sees a Reach alien at the White House acting all friendly. As Jaime would say, "It's on ese." Rogers really handles these characters with ease, which should come after co-writing the book since issue one. He's on a good path, if he keeps writing Blue Beetle to be and exciting title. If this book can keep up the pace for the next year or so, it will be one of those "hidden gems" and if you go and get the trade and back issues, you'll be in on the secret with me too.

The art is split up between regular artist Albuquerque and David Baldeon. Albuquerque handles all of the super-hero scenes, while Baldeon handles Jaime and his family. Since this is spread out through the book, and only scene specific, it's not jarring as you read it. Baldeon is adhereing closer to the Cully Hammner style than the regular artist. Albuquerque is stretching his wings here, breaking away from Cully Hammner's shadow and making the book his own. It's a little more rough edged than Hammner's art ever was. Good for him. If he plans on staying as long as I plan on reading (see "forever") then I'll be a happy camper. If you're not getting this book, you're missing out on one of DC's better series, trully. A

Wonder Woman #6

Writer: Jodi Picoult
Artists: Drew Johnson & Ray Snyder

So, Allan Heinburg's been officially booted off the book and novelist Jodi Picoult is the new writer of Wonder Woman. For how long? Who knows, but she writes a good Wonder Woman. You don't need to know what happens in Heinburg's missing issue, Wonder Woman triumphs, obviously, and moves on to this story. In this issue we have Diana trying hard to be an average human, and work in the DOMA (Department of Metahuman Affairs) without giving away her true identity. This is all new for Diana, so it's actually interesting, whereas with Superman it sometimes gets old. Diana and Nemisis have to guard "Max-Man" a Miracle Man knock-off who won a "Who wants to be a Superhero" knock- off TV show. Everything is a knock-off in the DCU. Lots of accidents happen, causing Wonder Woman to save the day. At the end of the issue, Nemisis is captured by a villain whom we just saw in issue 4, essentially doing the exact same thing she was doing in that issue. Didn't we see this plot already and have it taken away from us? Other than that development, this issue was pretty well written. This does nothing to set up the upcoming Amazons Attack event, but maybe next issue will. You can certainly bet it will be tying into it.

Drew Johnson may not be Terry Dodson, but he's damn close in some panels. His Wonder Woman is hot, and he keeps the characters looking enough like Dodson's versions that you're not scratching your head going, "Who?" like you may have been with this week's 52 # 47. If Johnson and Dodson manage to trade off every few arcs or even issues, then this off-track book will be all the better for it. A worthwhile read, check it out. B-

Black Superheroes of my Childhood

We've done podcasts before about the depiction of minorities in comics, especially those in the 60s and 70s. This guy, however, does it better:

Marvel Legends Series 3 High-Res Photos

Hasbro PR has released photos of the newest Marvel Legends figures, due to hit stores this summer. You may have seen these photos already, but have you had a chance to sound off about them? Let us know what you think!

Of course, if you don't think that Cyclops, Marvel Girl and Colossus = LOVE, your opinion is worthless here.

Black Knight

Brood Queen

Captain America and Bucky

Cyclops

Danger

Hydra Soldier

Marvel Girl

X3 Colossus

About Heroes Episode 50

Fifty episodes! The we put the old band back together (sans Melanie, sadly) for a podcast about comics we love (and some we don't). Also, learn a little more about us (thanks, Omar) and check out some new theme music by Ookla the Mok!

Listen to About Heroes, Episode 50

Joshiebear's Picture of the Week

This is pretty funny too, and even though it isn't a comic picture, it's
sure as shit related.

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

Green Hornet Movie Still Alive!

Although no mention of Kevin Smith (who was originally writing the screenplay). I always thought if there was one cat who could take on Batman and the match end up in a draw, it would be the Green Hornet! Here is the latest buzz from IMDB.com:

The Green Hornet, the fictional hero who fought crime with assorted high-tech inventions first on radio, then in comic books, and later on television, is coming to the movies. Sony's Columbia Pictures announced that it had obtained the rights to the character and that he will be brought to the big screen by producer Neal Moritz (I Know What You Did Last Summer; The Fast and the Furious). Moritz said in a statement that the 1966-'67 TV series, which introduced Bruce Lee to the general U.S. public as Kato, the Green Hornet's "faithful servant," was "my favorite show as a kid." According to legend, the character of Kato was changed from Japanese to Filipino after the outbreak of World War II, but old-time radio historians say that as early as two years before the war, Kato was described as a Filipino "of Japanese descent." At least one report about the new film indicated that Kato will become a full-fledged Japanese in it.

Read This Soldier: Army @ LOVE #1 Review

Publisher: Vertigo
Written by Rick Veitch
Art and Cover by Veitch and Gary Erskine

This book delivers exactly what it promises: War and Sex. War is the setting, the Iraq War of course, and sex is thrown in clearly in one place and then give or take once or twice more. It’s a pretty solid read because it feels like I’ve been poked in the ass with a rifle all the way through recruitment and past basic training. The sex part is pretty hot, however some of the faces can start to look fairly distorted, like a fun house mirror, which sucks because the cover is hot! For me personally this book had a very Heavy Metal feel to it, which is not a bad thing, merely an observation.

I was also “pleasantly surprised” that there is more than just body parts getting blown off and men and women getting off. There is a clear underlining story to the main story that also includes a back-story. So there is plenty this book has to offer. I have to see that by about page 18 or 19 I found the dialogue (while very well written) began to be too heavy and I lost interest. I started to skip through some of the panels and then got to something that sparked interest back into me. Other than that little hiccup and the goofy faces I’d say this book earned a B+. Oh and by the way though this is a comment on current political affairs the book covers its ass, so don’t go and google Afbaghistan, you wont find anything…for a little while.

Cable & Deadpool #38

Writer: Fabian Nicieza
Penciling: Reilly Brown

Just when I was about to leave...they pulled me BACK IN.

The past couple of issues of Cable & Deadpool have been...well lackluster, tell me I'm wrong but, the overall feel was "Meh". This issue everything I loved about Cable & Deadpool is back, the non-stop humor, the bizarre storylines, no more of that Civil War downer stuff, no more of Deadpool torturing himself and generally trying to prove himself. Again, the funny be back.

The issue starts with the still small Wade Wilson being inlisted to save Agent X aka Alex Hayden, (think like Deadpool but more "serious"). Apparently, as Alex was breaking into a Hydra facility, he got caught and captured by some unsavory scientists. Prompt by some lovely ladies, Wade breaks into the Hydra facility, rescuing the now morbidly obese Agent X

Now summing it up right there, it doesn't sound that great....actually it sounds pretty corny and Cable doesn't even show up but, seriously, if you don't laugh at least ONCE while reading this issue, your are an inhuman bastard that is devoid of laughter. The book has regained its funny, from Yoda references, to Hydra's job benefits, there is enough random humor in here to fill an episode of Family Guy and Futurama 2 times over. The pacing of the story only added to the overall humor and enjoyment of this sucker. Believe it or not you even start getting engrossed in the story if only because towards the end it gets....a little weird.

Brown does a good job with the art, though honestly having to draw all of this stuff you just know he probably turns to Nicieza once and awhile and goes "Dude what in the WORLD were you smoking when you wrote this!". The cover done by Skottie Young was pretty pimp too, I must admit.

In closing, if you want to read a hilariously entertaining title this week pick up Cable & Deadpool #38. A+

Runaways Saga #1

Writer: C.B. Cebulski
Pencils: Humberto Ramos

New readers, this is a comic for YOU!

The Runaways story has spanned over two hardcovers with a third coming out soon...now if your strapped for cash like I am....constantly....then this 3.99 issue is for you.

Runaways Saga is for all intents and purposes a "Previously on Runaways" type of comic. If you haven't read Runaways and want a primer, this is it. The story starts off with the other Runaways reading Molly's diary, while she is asleep in the Leapfrog. Sorta out of character for them to do this but, whatever. Pretty much Molly's diary entries cover the whole story of Runaways, from the beginnings to the current storyline. Weighing in at about 45+ pages, C.B Cebulski does a pretty damn good job at summing up all of the Runaways storylines....kinda impressive really. Ramos artwork is alright but more serves as an afterthought at times to the writing.

In short, if your looking to read this, to see Molly's side of things, maybe see something different about the Runaways....yeah...your not really gonna get that...BUT, if you don't know jack about Runaways or missed a story arc during the series run, pick this sucker up. It's a good starting off point before Whedon's run, and if it gets you interested in the series more, all the better. B+

PS: First person to respond that has never read Runaways EVER, will get my copy of this title. See, ha ha, it pays to read to the end of a review

Joshiebear's Picture of the Week!

Ever wonder why Venom REALLY hates Spidey?

-Joshiebear
(p.s. this is from applegeeks.com )

Early Review: Amazing Spider-Man #539

This Review was Submitted by Spider-ben:
"Back in Black" Part 1
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Artist: Ron Garney and Bill Reinhold
Cover: Ron Garney

Following immediately where last issue left off, May is shot and losing lots of blood. Peter realizes the sniper is still close by, rushes outside and hurls a vehicle at the sniper. The sniper flees, leaving a component of the gun behind in the room. Peter turns to May, refusing to follow the sniper and help his aunt. He rushes her to the hospital, and the doctors take May to the ER immediately. She is in bad shape, and Peter can't stay with her since he is a fugitive.

Mary Jane goes to the hospital and tells them that she is May Fitzgerald, her aunt. This protects her real identity and won't shed light on May and MJ being related to a fugitive. Peter is furious and almost in shock. He realizes they don't have money or insurance to cover he medical expenses since they are fugitives, and vows to find the sniper. Meanwhile, the Kingpin is still in jail (taking place before DD 93) and is told the main target wasn't acquired, but a secondary target was. Wilson is happy with this news. The next day, Peter meets MJ in an alley and tells her to keep watch over May. Peter returns to the sniper's room across from their hotel and finds the part of the gun.

He then tracks down tons of criminals in the city, demanding to know who makes this type of gun and where they can be found. The criminals face Peter Parker madder than ever, and outside of costume. Peter breaks one thugs hand demanding answers. Finally, Peter finds out where this kind of weapon is made. He has one more stop to make before continuing on his quest. At night, atop a building, Peter pulls out an old webbing pack, containing his black costume. He had it hidden here all these years, in case something ever happened when he would need it again. Peter dons the costume, still furious and in shock, claiming to find the sniper and whoever gave the order.

Thoughts/Comments: SWEET! This is what I'm talking about. Peter is super pissed off, and he really shows off just how strong he can be. Sure, this is a darker, grimmer Spider-Man but it perfectly reflects what is happening to him. The only thing I don't get is why he is making jokes in the New Avengers, yet he is all dark and gloomy here. Garney did a great job with the art, and the crooks really looked scared to death as Peter faces them, demanding answers on where to find the sniper. Mary Jane was super supportive and concerned, watching over May while still being supportive of Peter and his new mission. The dialogue is real and heartbreaking, and Garney does a mean interpretation of the black costume. I'd give this issue a A, definitely pick it up if you are a fan of Spidey or the black costume.

Spider-man Reign # 1-4 Review

This Review was Submitted by Spider-ben:
Writer/Artist: Kaare Andrews
Covers: Kaare Andrews

This review will be much shorter than the usual full length reviews I do, mostly because this mini-series didn't do a whole lot for me as a fan. First of all, this is pretty much taking Frank Miller's classic Batman story "The Dark Knight Returns" and throwing Spider-Man into the spotlight. The story focuses on the future, a bleak and distopian Manhattan ruled by Mayor Waters and his harsh followers. Members of the police force enforce the law with cruel and unfair tactics and methods. The entire city is enveloped by this electronic web technology, supposedly keeping the city and it's people safe and isolated from the outside world. Peter Parker is an old man, working in a flower shop. Parker is fired and decides to brood over the loss of Mary Jane, and also decides to wallow in self pity focusing on all his other mistakes in life.

J. Jonah Jameson is also alive and well, and decides to pay Peter a visit to smack him out of his funk and put on the costume to oppose Mayor Waters and his storm trooper policemen. The sinister six is put back together to fight off Spidey again, and they must obey since they have technology in their bodies that prevents them from straying or not following orders (basically the same thing being done to the Thunderbolts). Peter puts on the black costume, gets his butt kicked, wallows in more self pity, reveals his spider-cum was responsible for killing MJ, gets his encouragement back, and goes off to fight once more. Along the way some kids revolt against the police officers, the sinister six are guarding Mayor Waters, the Mayor's lackey reveals to be Venom and behind the whole thing, Sandman finds out he has a daughter to can turn to cement girl, Peter puts on the red and blues again, and Peter fights off the sinister six and faces Venom. More symbiotes attack the city, Jameson continues to fuss and whine, Sandman watches cement girl die and sacrifices himself to help Spidey.

The symbiotes go boom, the rule of Mayor Waters is over, Spidey continues to web swing despite being super old, and Jameson continues to bash him for it.
The end.

Thoughts/Comments: Overall, unless you are a die hard Spidey fan or completist, I'd advise skipping this mini. The art looks really bad, Andrews should go back to his old art style. The story was lacking in points, and it's clearly trying to be dark and gritty like Frank Miller's Dark Knight tale. Jameson should be dead he is so old, and Pete's spider-cum killed MJ. That's pretty lame. Overall, I'd give this a B-. It may seem harsh, but this just really didn't do much for me. I'm skipping on the hardcover as well. Hopefully Kaare's next spidey story will be original and fun, and maintain his old art style.

About Heroes Episode 49

Our old buddy Matt joins us to talk about what he considers the true golden age of comics - the early 90s (which is when we all started reading). Join us for some old-school comics fun!

Listen to About Heroes, Episode 49

Marvelous News!

So the title is a little lame, but it's early on Monday morning and I couldn't think of anything else. Anyway, according to IMDB:

"Executives at Hollywood film studio New Line are desperately trying to sign Brokeback Mountain star Jake Gyllenhaal as Captain Marvel in Shazam! The studio is looking to bid on a big franchise along the lines of Batman and Superman and think the movie, which is based on the DC comic, is the perfect project. A source tells the New York Daily News, "They're ready to spend up to $200 million to get it started." Sources say director Peter Segal and his fellow producers want to sign the star before Spider-Man director Sam Raimi can get to him. Raimi is reportedly on the lookout for a new Spider-Man after current star Tobey Maguire recently said he is ready to move on and let someone else play the role."

This got me thinking that perhaps the only reason Marvel comics brought back Captain Marvel is so they can cash in on this movie. What's to stop a comic retailer from handing a seven year old kid both Marvel's and DC's comic when swarms of seven year old children come bursting through the doors after they are blown away by those magical words? Shazam! Who am I kidding? Like a seven year old would set foot in a comic book store. But I think I got my point across; at least I hope I did.

Updating the Toy Archive

I've been spending a few minutes each day adding figures to the Toy Archive, trying to fill in the back catalog of items that have been released since we started About Heroes. This week, I've added Hasbro's Marvel Legends Series 1 and Series 2, as well as Hasbro's Marvel Legends Icons series and a few individual additions to fill out the Character Guides. It's going to take a goodly while to bring the Archive current (meaning comprehensive from 2005-now), but I'll keep plugging away at it a little at a time.

In the meantime, did you know that you can post reviews for any toy in the archive? Each figure is an individual entry, which means you can comment them up to your heart's delight! Let us know what you think of the figures in the archive! Also, you can subscribe to archive updates via the Toy Archive RSS feed.

As to why we have the Toy Archive: I feel that it's beneficial to the collecting community to keep centralized lists of items as they are released, since each company's website tends to drop things rather quickly and/or not even keep online records of items released, which can make completing collections rather difficult. The goal of the toy archive is simply to record these releases for future reference. It's a modest goal, but one that serves the community.

See, we haven't forgotten about those sections. Shame on ye of little faith!

Joshiebear's Picture of the Week!

Second week in a row, i know, but it's still buggin me.

So to answer Cap's question.....Joe Quesada.

-Joshiebear

Happy Birthday, Omar!

About Heroes Episode 48

Where were you when they came on the news to say that Captain America was dead? The comic-book equivalent of the JFK assassination and the Challenger explosion gets the About Heroes treatment (and we talk about other books from the last week or two as well).

Listen to About Heroes, Episode 48

Onslaught Reborn # 3 Review

Author: Jeph Loeb
Art: Rob Liefeld
Colors: Matt Yackey

I'm going to make this review quick and easy. I don't know how many reviews I have read where everyone complains how inconsistent Liefeld is and how he has no sense of the human anatomy or how slow the guy is. You know what? This book is very very disjointed, but it's not Liefeld's fault.

I am one of the very few people that don't mind Liefeld's work....if not for him I wouldn't have one of my favorite books around today (Cable and Deadpool). The problem with this book is Jeph Loeb. Holy shit! What is happening here? If I wanted to read this crap I would take out an issue of Youngblood and probably get more out of it. I understand that no one is going to take Onslaught Reborn seriously, but I figured the writer would have a little fun with it. This isn't even dumb fun; it just feels like Loeb is just cashing a check.

Now on to the art. Sure it's everything that reviewers say, but you know what? By the end of the day it seems like Liefeld had a blast drawing nothing but fighting scenes. It's like he was back plotting Supreme or Brigade. This story is ridiculous and I truly believe that 90% of the editors at Marvel are out of their fucking mind for letting stories like this see print. D+

Mighty Avengers #1

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Frank Cho

I'm torn on this issue. I knew the line-up last November thanks to Wizard. I saw preview pages in there, basically showing me the entire fight. What I didn't see was the discussions between Iron Man and Carol Danvers. Tony tells Carol that he wants her to lead and help pick the team, but the entire time I was reading it, it felt like Tony was still leading and picking. Tony picks Sentry, Black Widow, and himself to be on the team. If he's director of S.H.I.E.L.D. doesn't he have other things to do other than stepping on Carol's toes? Carol picks Ares, Wasp, and Wonder Man, saying that they were the best Avengers ever. 'Excuse me? Wonder Man one of the best Avengers? Okay, maybe out of "those Avengers still alive and registered," but not ever. She picks Ares because he is "Thore and Wolverine rolled into one." Tony adds Black Widow because of some stupid reason like "In this day and age, you have to have a ninja." Yeah Tony, because ninja's are so in now. Bendis used to write Tony better than this, but this Tony feels like he is drunk while he is talking. I miss the New Avengers Tony, now that was a cool character, not this one. And since when can Black Widow fly? I though she was simply a former russian spy that carries a gun, but Frank Cho makes her fly. Another thing that bugged me about this book was the return of word balloons. Rather than make them neccessary, Bendis puts them in the middle of Carol and Tony's conversation with things like, "Did he just say that?" exclamations of "Man!" "Yes Good" and "Oh my God!" Did we really need these? A lot of these felt really superflous, thrown in there to make the book funny. The only good one was one of Iron Man's where he told himself to let Carol lead the team. I don't know if this is one of the ways to bring comics back to the classic ways, but if it's only used in this capacity, then I will pass on the idea. You don't need thought balloons to express emotions, that is what the artist is for. Put in some useful information and I might welcome the change.

This book is geared for Frank Cho. Wasp, Ms. Marvel and Black Canary all have boobs and butts, and Cho does his usual thing with these. While the other male characters are drawn well, his Iron Man really lacks something. He look's like a posed action figure in every panel. I don't know if it is because of the way Cho draws the suit, but it feels like that is the one character he's not putting the effort into. Take some effort off the asses, and into Iron Man. Please. That said, the action in the book is framed and drawn well. You have a sense of motion and fluidity in between panels whenever Iron Man is not in them. This being the first issue, maybe something is off, as Bendis has written the darker New Avengers for about 3 years and now he has to switch to "happy" Avengers. A lot of the other reviews on the net really enjoyed this book, but I felt it was lacking some real pizazz. It feels like Bendis is reaching for humor here, but without Spider-Man's wisecracks he just can't reach that. Read the book and judge for yourself, it's a better investment than that Initiative one-shot. C+

Fantastic Four #543

Writer: Dwane McDuffie, Stan Lee, & Paul Pope
Artists: Mike McKone, Nick Dragotta, & Paul Pope

After all the crap that was the Civil War issues with the Thing in France we finally get a good issue of Fantastic Four. Dwayne McDuffie writes a good story here incorporating the anniversary theme and the fallout from Civil War, which is actually more interesting than the war ever tried to be. Ben and Johnny are watching the kids while Reed and Sue talk about the past events. Sue goes through the "I still love you, you're the best man I've ever known" motions as Reed continually apologizes and manages not to make a science reference. Ben and Johhny are watching a Fantastic Four retrospective on "Lateline" and the interviews of Hank Pym, their Mailman, Doctor Doom, Namor, Spider-Man, She-Hulk, She-Thing (wha huh?), and Black Panther. Despite sounding really boring, this portion of the book is actually entertaining, especially Doctor Doom's words that Reed with ruin the world and Doom "might" help when that time comes. This TV show shows the importance of the Fantastic Four in the Marvel Universe as Reed and Sue debate on what to do. This part of the story was good, but the back-ups were much better.

The first back-up tale is 10 pages by Stan Lee, Nick Dragotta, and Mike Allred on inks, which might be why it looks like Mike Allred art. The story is really fun and witty, Stan Lee has still got it when it comes to these characters. The Mole Man attacks New York and Reed says that after 45 years, he's tired of saving the world. He wants to retire even though the cosmic ray exposure have kept him from aging. Stan Lee walks in and tells the FF that there are other ways than fighting to defeat Mole Man. We get a glimpse of the Marvel offices with Breevort telling a quivering Quesada that the FF will not come out and save the city. It's a really fun and short story that anyone can enjoy. This was the second-best story of the book.

The best story of the book is the one written and drawn by Paul Pope. In 12 pages, Pope focuses on the rivalry between the Human Torch and Spider-Man. Torch is tired of Spider-Man getting all of the press and decides to enter a drag race to get some publicity. Meanwhile J Jonah Jameson is telling Peter Parker to get less pictures of Spider-Man and more of the Human Torch. So Peter goes to the drag race and decides to get Johnny all fired up to start a fight. Pope really captures a fun rivalry between the two characters as well as a dynamic art style. There is a lot of fun, humorous moments, that in any other medium with any other characters would have failed. Rather than spend your money on the Initiative one-shot go pick up this all-around good book. It's 44 pages for 3.99 and well worth your money for the back-up stories alone, along with the main story. B+

On Behalf of Captain America and Joshiebear!

Joshiebear's Picture of the Week!

This week's submission is on behalf of cap himself, and all the rest of the stuff marvel's been putting out recently. Now i know i'm not the first, and I know there are many many behind me, but this just had to be done for my own concience. Quesada is a horse's ass.

Omar and Chris' Duel Reviews: Civil War: The Initiative

Writers: Brian Michael Bendis & Warren Ellis
Pencils & Art: Marc Silvestri and Top Cow Studios

omar69: So, Chris, start us off. What did you think of the Initiative?
XSimpson: oh man, well the Artwork was really good overall, even if Silvestri has changed A LOT from his old work, he still draws hot chicks. But we should do the critique in a page by page format...so Mr. Fantastic made a bald joke, which I bet Bendis laughed at, cheeky bastard, both of them. And why are we just now finding out that Sasquatch is still alive, thats a surprise only because they withheld it for way to long, we learn in creative writing that thats called being an asshole
XSimpson: so that was the first segment, what did you think about the new Vindicator being the Collective?
omar69: Fuck the New Vindicator, Guardian, or Captain Maple Leaf or whatever this fuck decides to call himself. Way to shit all over your readers of old Alpha Flight. Was there even a funeral for Puck, Shaman, or Guardian or anyone? Did Wolverine go and cut this fuck up for doing this to some of his best friends? So what do we do in honor of these fallen heroes? We give the bastard that killed them a membership and your old pal's costume and replace 90% of the Canadian team with Americans and Beta Ray Bill!
omar69: Fuck me running! Beta fucking Ray Bill!
XSimpson: LOL you said that shit in a fucking nutshell man
XSimpson: How many suits you figure Walter's goes through?
XSimpson: never mind
XSimpson: this issue felt like a Diamond Previews, the back IS fucking Previews!
omar69: I love Oeming and Kollins, but this is the brainchild of Bendis. Yeah fuck me in the eye socket some more Marvel.
XSimpson: thats hot
XSimpson: Okay moving on to the Thunderbolts
XSimpson: I'm against the assembly of this entire group, I've seen Penance before…as fucking Voldo in Soul Caliber
omar69: Penance is not Robbie...Penance is the new America that Jenkins was talking about. Myspace+Youtube+American Idol+Emo= Shitty character!
XSimpson: He's more Goth than Emo
XSimpson: I still have much to teach you
omar69: My left fucking nut is more goth than that bitch.
XSimpson: the pain thing though, I just thought about a middle aged man writing that and thinking, shut the fuck up
omar69: I actually have been enjoying the New Thunderbolts so nothing against Ellis. Its Suicide Squad meets Weapon X meets Warren Ellis.

XSimpson: I don't agree with Green Goblin but whatever
omar69: but I do not take that book to be seriously in Marvel continuity
XSimpson: yeah, no
omar69: much like I don't take 80% of the books Marvel puts out in Marvel continuity
XSimpson: I also don't like Swordsman's costume
XSimpson: he looks like a wussy paintball player
omar69: I think Silvestri is always a pleasure to look at, but it seems like his style has reached its limits. It hasn't changed in the last few years and that to me can be rather boring. Why the hell does he need a background artist? He's not superstar Pat Lee!
XSimpson: lol
XSimpson: see I think it has changed it's still identifiably him but I can tell a difference I actually liked the stuff with Jessica Drew, Carol Danvers and how she told off Iron Man
XSimpson: Plus another ass shot angle, nice
omar69: If this book is the beginning of Marvel comics, it is a rather DC mid 90's feel to it. I'm just waiting for Tony to go and kill all the guardians of the galaxy...err I mean Nova Corps and get their power! Four Captain Americas to take the cowl!
XSimpson: something fucking like that
XSimpson: okay so Tony says bring up the Avengers candidates I really wish they would stop showing random fucking characters for nostalgia's sake
omar69: Didn't care for the book, but damn that art is still pretty to look at. C-
XSimpson: he pulled up characters that don't fit that at all
XSimpson: Yeah it is, Spider-Woman saved this book C+

Omar and Chris' Duel Reviews: Captain America # 25

Author: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Steve Epting
Color: Frank D'Armata
XSimpson: So, I'll kick it off by asking you what you thought of Brubakers scripting on it?
omar69: I thought he did a phenomenal job with what he had to work with. Being forced to kill off the main character of your book is tough task. I really felft for the character of Captain America. Hell it was even written in the style that Superman #75 was written in. That is for new readers to understand what kind of man Steve Rogers was. It made you feel for the character and the rest of his cast.
XSimpson: Yeah I completly agree with you on that front. You know my feelings about Brubaker have been lackluster at best, Deadly Genesis sucked but his Captain America Run was good dispite my personal feelings about bring back Bucky
What I thought was also nice was how the death seemed to culminate with the sotryline already taking place
XSimpson: it made it understandable to have it in Captain America rather than Civil War
omar69: yeah although it was a smack in the face that he died after he just gave up. It was still great to see Cap die the way he did. To protect an innocent life.
XSimpson: yeah that was cool even a plot twist I was surprised by. I thought/and still kinda think Nick Fury has something bigger to do with it. How does this compare with Superman's death do you think? I know you already kind of mentioned it.

omar69: The plot twist with Sharon and Faustust was great. It has been building up for quite sometime, with her going to see the shrink and all.
XSimpson: I thought so too, I'm torn between a really good issue and a really horrible idea.
omar69: What I really enjoyed about this issue is that it is intense. Bru does a fantastic job of building the intesity by going back and forth with the main story. He kept going back to a variety of distractions such as Winter Bucky's, Sharon's and Falcon's memories of Captain America, or went back to the Red Skull, or the news.
XSimpson: right the build up of tension is important and he used good examples of friendship, loyalty, love, and villiany to keep the reader interested in both sides of the story, rather than meaningless flashbacks that are only a distraction
omar69: As to how this compares to the death of Superman? Well I don't expect to their to be a Funeral for Friend or World Without Cap. It's rather silly to think that Captain America (Steve Rogers) is actually dead though specially with so many returns recently. Back then nobody knew when Supes was coming back; but today everyone doesn't give it more than a year until Steve returns.
omar69: To be fair Cap has been dead and replaced before and he always managed a way to come back.Wish they would have told this story at the end of Civil War 7, I mean it would have made more sense to have the story end in that book.
omar69: I thought it was funny that Ms. Marvel mentioned that Cap was not dead in the issue of the Initiative. Yet no where in that book do they say that it's not true. But in an interview on Newsarama they said it was lie.
omar69:Email from Melanie: I know you started to tell me yesterday, but you never got the chance to explain. I thought you meant the actor died .. a student just told me that CAPTAIN OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DIED BY A SNIPER OF ALL THE STUPIDIEST THINGS. I am truly angry right now. I can t believe they are that stupid at Marvel to do this, and I don t even follow the character!!!!! What poor, lame writing. I am so angry.
XSimpson: thats the thing though is that the writing was actually good it was just a shitty editorial mandate to make civil war have impact and it didn't even happen in civil war or directly relate to it, it did indirectly but that is all.
omar69: The part of his death that really pisses me off is that Captain America stood for the good that once was. For Christ sakes he was the type of guy that would hold door open for the ladies and help old people across the street. These kind of hero is a person who reminds us of what's great and good in all of us, not just in the US, but good in all human beings. We actually need that more than ever with all the crazy shit happening around the world. What we don't need is fucking validation that the american dream is dead. Where the fuck is Walt Whitman when you need him? O Captain! My Captain! Sorry had to put that there.
XSimpson: yeah, and if they don't spin it somehow I think a lot of people are going to be upset about this in the long run. I know everyone says oh it wont last it never lasts but it still happens and it still hurts everyone involved. Just to make a little extra money that quickly fades away
omar69: Captain Bucky won't cut it. I love Bru and I have high hopes, but this will be rough to pull off.
XSimpson: yeah I don't like that idea at all either it doesn't fit the character. Lets face it no one can fill the Captain's shoes
omar69: Nomad....oh wait he's dead. US Agent John Walker! Ohh wait he's in that shitty Omega Flight
omar69: What did you think of the art?
XSimpson: at first I thought it was a different guy
omar69: how come?
XSimpson: okay I guess it was just a few pages that looked different from Eptings usual stuff
XSimpson: he does shadow work really well and there are just a few panels of broad color screen tv and it looks very bland, but otherwise I of course thought the black and white was fitting for the backstory and everything else was eerie and moody as always so I liked it
omar69: I think the art really carried this story at points. His dark heavy inks keeps the tone of the book grim, while his characters carry a lot of emotion in their faces. The reporter is one great example. I can't think of very many artist that can show that much expression from one character in sevem different panels.
omar69: What would you rate the book?
XSimpson: yeah I noticed the emotion in her face and liked it too, I guess I put a lot of expectation on the mood being dark
XSimpson: given the subject I can't morally give it an A
XSimpson: so a B
omar69: Unfortunately Captain America being killed by a sniper (even if it is Crossbones) and gun shots is still a stupid idea, considering all the guy did was dodge bullets in WW2. But Brubaker did an amazing job with such a plot. Overall I give it a B. Ohh and that variant cover by Ed Mcguiness is really shitty. Nothing to do with the story at all, just Marvel's way to make more money.

Uncanny X-men # 484 Review

Author: Ed Brubaker
Penciler: Billy Tan
Inkers: Danny Miki and Allen Martinez
Colors: Frank D'Armata

The saga of the Mutants in space continues and I'm still being fooled that Warpath is a badass! I don't think there has ever been a time I have liked James Proudstar this much, well he was pretty cool when John Francis Moore had him running around with Risqué and made him sport that badass Thunderbird tattoo on his back. But enough about Warpath....on with the review.

Have I mentioned how badass an Indian with two blades in space is? Solid! Professor X is still held captive while the X-Men and Starjammers plan their assault. Leading that offensive are Korvus and Warpath. So this issue splits between the Warpath/Korvus team-up fighting across the Shi’ar Empire, and the remaining characters making their assault on the Shi’ar fortress. Lilandra confronts Major General Ka'ardum and thinks that he can help join their fight against her own people by promising to restore his honor. It was really nice to see Rachel cut loose and mention the fact these are the same people that killed her family and tried to imprison her!

The issue read real well, between the flashbacks and the fighting scenes and Brubaker manages to even sneak in some character development. Although the romance between Korvus and Marvel Girl seemed really fast, this issue explains that both of them have been spending a great deal of time together subjectively while they have only known each other for a couple of days. There is also a sign of Havok and Polaris rekindling their relationship. There was a really good scene between Darwin and Vulcan which shows how strong willed Darwin really is. Although I don't like Vulcan's Iron-Spider with a cape costume, he is really starting to grow on me. Now, things I missed in this issue: No signs of Warpath's full powers are showing (the guy can fly), no Brood anywhere in sight not even one of their Acanti, and of course no signs of Adam-X even showing up as a cameo.

Billy Tan is really getting used to these characters, nothing against Clayton Henry, but I really miss Tan when he is not drawing it. He reminds me of an early stage Marc Silvestri, but with help from ink-master Danny Miki it evolves into a style all of its own. The colors look like they have been painted on and that gives this story an epic feel to it. I like what Brubaker is doing here and I'm curious to find out how it all turns out, but bringing D'ken back while killing Banshee is still an unfair trade. The overall story seems to drag at times, but fortunately this was not one of those issues. Of course any writer that can successfully use a character like Warpath has accomplished more than 75% of writers out there. Now let Shatterstar and Feral (oohhh wait House of Crap ruined that one) join the team and we'll see how great Bru can be.
B+

Breaking News - Yeah....somebody dies...AGAIN!

A Marvel character is killed....a BIG one....don't worry Ben it's not Spider-Man....though I am sure ole' Joe threw the idea around a bit beforehand

All in all we all know this won't last, when is a death in comics ever permanent, heck Joe even said to news outlets this person is coming back, just not right away.

About Heroes Episode 47

Omar and I get back to basics: talking about new toys and new comics. It's a podcast in the classic style!

Listen to About Heroes, Episode 47

Nice and Creepy Ledger.

Give credit where credit is due. Heath Ledger, yeah thats right Mr. Brokeback Mountain looks pretty fucking scary. I told people I had faith in Christopher Nolan and David Goyer.

No More Spidey!

According to IMDB.COM:

Tobey Maguire has confirmed the upcoming Spider-man 3 will be the last time he plays the superhero on the big screen. Co-star Kirsten Dunst has also said she feels the third film will be the last in the popular franchise. Maguire says, "To me it seems like this is a natural point for the team to break up because we have a lot of story conclusions that were going along for the main characters for the first two movies and we kind of tie almost everything up for the third movie. "It feels like a trilogy to me and it feels like the end." But moviemaker Sam Raimi isn't so sure that it's all over for the web-slinging movie hero. In a recent interview, the director stated he's seriously considering a fourth film. He explains, "I love Spider-Man and I love working with Kirsten, Tobey, James Franco)... I just have to make sure that when I'm done with Spider-Man 3, I'm really still fascinated with the character. At this moment I'm fascinated with him." But Raimi insists he couldn't imagine making a fourth installment if Maguire didn't sign on for it. He adds, "I couldn't imagine it."

Blue Beetle #12

Writer: John Rogers
Artist: Rafael Albuquerque

Ok, now we are getting somewhere. The last few issues have been exploring the nature of the Scarab, and in this issue we meet one of it's creators from a place called the Reach. The Reach alien looks similar to the Bliue Beetle costume, bearing the same beetle marking on its stomach that Jaime has on his chest. The issue beins with Jaime and Peacemaker chasing after a signal. Peacemaker divulges that he has part of the scarab's programming and information inside him, stuff that Jaime does not have. This gives a reason for Peacemaker to stick around, not only to form a mentor relationship with Jaime, but to find a way to get that part of the scarab out of him. This relationship gives the book a buddy-cop feel, and there are many characters in this book that Jaime could do that with. As the two get closer to the signal, they discover that it is in fact a Half-Life 2 strider looking thing, that is of course, blue like the Beetle. Jaime tries to attack it, but the beetle shuts down, leaving him without any protection.

I'm really digging the new artist on this book, Rafael Albuquerque. He has a strong handle on the Beetle, Jaime, Peacemaker, and Paco. It's close enough to original series artist Cully Hammner's designs, but far enough away that he can call it his own. I'm still liking this series, and for me it beats out anything else out of OYL, except for Trials of Shazam, but this is a close second. If you're not reading Blue Beetle, this issue might be a good time to jump on, as it is about to get a lot more interesting. B