Episode 115 - Weapon V

We're back! This episode we talk about Batman Cacophony, Adam: Legend of the Blue Marvel, the recent DC cancellations and MORE!

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Episode 115 - Weapon V

Editor's Note:

Dan has been really swamped with law school, so the audio on this might be a little raw, as I was the only one messing with it. Also the episode is not in iTunes yet, so download it from the direct link here till then. The episode should now (once the feed updates) download correctly in iTunes. -Dan

Video Game Review Bonanza Spidey W.O.S. and MK VS DC!!!!

Hey-o kiddies! My name's Josh, folk's 'round these parts call me Joshiebear. Haven't made a post in awhile, and since I just finished binging off the latest comic book oriented video game titles, I thought I'd pop in to give you this Southern Californian's well-earned opinions of them.

First up on the list is Spider-Man: Web of Shadows. I'll open with a summarization. This game has it's flaws, but I'd still call it the best Spidey game made to this date. Ok, let's take a step back and I'll give you the real review treatment.

Oh No! Manhattan has been taken over by symbiotes! Everyone's....a symbiote! Ok it's more complicated than that, but in Spider-Man: W.O.S., you play the titular and oh-so-marketable hero going through another symbiote-fueled romp around New York city. When I first heard of this game, I somewhat dismissed the thought of playing it. The last few Spidey games have been phoned in to say the least. What's worth getting excited over in this one? Well for starters, there's a Fables-esque 'choose your own adventure' approach where you can follow the path of the your standard Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, or the seedy Black Costumed (not to be confused with the cinematic Emo portrayal here,) brooding and Vigilante-esque Black Costumed Spidey.

Both to satisfy my curiosity and to report faithfully to you readers (that's right, all 3 of you), I completed both versions of the game, which is to say, making all heroic choices, and all bad meany mcpoopypants choices. The difference between the two of them wasn't very jarring. It's all a question of who you want to report to, in one section of the game you'll either get your missions from Moon Knight or Black Cat. Most the other differences are just in the cut-scenes and your bench-warmers. That's right kids! This game hearkens back to those snes/genesis days of Maximum Carnage where you'd call in a hero to whup some ass for you when things were a little too tough for your liking. Depending on your heroic alignment, you'll either have a rogues gallery (Black Cat, Electro, Vulture and Rhino) backing you up or some fellow Marvel Knights (Wolverine, Moon Knight and Luke Cage) coming to your aid. The choice comes down to this? Do you want to save the city, or rule it? That's the choice you make when you bet on red or black. I must admit, it hurt my soul to betray Mary Jane and have my fellow heroes look at me in shame when I took the darker path, haha.

Story be damned, the gameplay here is super fun. You have 2 different fighting styles, the nimble, acrobatic stylings of the red and blue suit, or the rough and tumble heavy hitting of the symbiotic black costume. I went all the way through both times, one primarily using the red and blue, the other black, and both systems are fun and enough to carry a game. The fact that you can juggle them just makes it sweeter. Do some DBZ style punching on one symbiote baddy, then turn around, change suits with the click of a button and start whipping around tendrils reminiscent of the chained blades of Kratos to smack around anybody standing withing a 20 foot radius of you, all in one combo. Then there's the whole concept of fighting on the sides of buildings and mid-air combat. While somewhat limited, it's a vastly improved...scratch that, supremely gutted and overhauled fighting system that works very, very well.

If you're a spidey fan and you have a 360 or PS3, at least rent this game and play it. Not sure about how the gameplay follows through on the Wii (FYI, a good rule of thumb that's served me well is that you don't play it on the Wii if it wasn't designed for the Wii, learned that the hard way with Spidey 3, blargh). The mini-games here are actually good, not repetitive stupid B.S. like they usually are, and the story is original, with no preconcieved restrictions on what you can and can't do, and it isn't cannon, so they can do whatever they want. Thus, they had lots of room to write things out the way it would be the most fun. Get out there kiddos, good or bad, Venom's making all sorts of awful baddies for you to conquer! And doing it is fun! I give this game a solid 8 out of 10. It's a vast improvement over the last few games and a solid improvement on all the good things they've done so far.

MORTAL KOMBAAAAAAT!!!!!
(dun-dun-dun-dun-dundun-dun-dun-dun-dun-dundun-dun-dun-dun-dun-dundun-dun-dun-dun-dudun-dun FIGHT!)

Ugh, that was stupid. Anyway, when I first heard about this game I was somewhat outraged. There are so many things that make this stupid. Take someone out of the DC Universe. Anyway. No really. Who do you want? Ok I'll pick for you. Flash. Flash is in this game. Do you think ANYBODY from the Mortal Kombat universe could take Flash in a fight? If you said yes, you don't belong on this site because you're not nerd enough (Just kidding, stay, I kid, I kid). Ok fine. Not flash. Pick somebody else out. No wait, I'll just give you the run-down. Here are the DC characters in this game: Superman, Batman, Flash, Wonder Woman, Captain Marvel, Green Lantern (Hal Jordan), Darkseid, Joker, Deathstroke, Cat Woman, and Lex Luthor. Out of all of them, there are really 3 that are fair contenders. The last 3 listed. They're all regular Joe's with a little extra. Of course so is Batman, but c'mon, nobody can beat Batman, ever. But that's a Nerd converstation you're welcome to message me about if you'd like. Regardless, despite this thing that pissed me off, the game's pretty good. All the power differences are squirreled away with one simple word. Magic. Don't think about it, just swallow that pill, soldier, and start marching to the beat of a surprisingly entertaining, well thought out fighting game.

I won't make this long because, really, it's a fighting game, what do you need to address other than story (which, to be fair, isn't important, really) and the fighting. So, story is weird but fine, fighting is good! And really, that's what counts. Most the characters are pretty good in terms of what they have to offer, moves-wise. There are a few characters that are somewhat lacking, but most are worthy combatents....jeeze.....I don't know what to write actually. It's fun, you beat each other up, there's characters you probably like, give it a shot if you like fighting games! Call this 1.5 reviews, because that's all I really have to say about that! I give this a 7 out of 10. Not too shabby. Fun times to be sure.

Ultimatum #1 Review

Writer: Jeph Loeb
Artist: David Finch
Inks: Danny Miki
Covers: Finch and Ed McGuinness

With a Secret Invasion encompassing the entire Marvel Universe, the Ultimate Marvel Universe has been pushed to the side. For about a year now there have been hints as to a huge Ultimate Marvel Universe event looming on the horizon with the mysterious “March on Ultimatum” banner hovering above many Ultimate titles. With the recently concluded Ultimate Origins mini-series and the Ultimates vol. 3 having wrapped up, readers now know that Magneto is pissed. Both of his children (Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch) have died and the master of magnetism has vowed to make everyone pay. Thus, the Ultimatum has begun.

The first issue is a pretty fast read. We open up on a regular afternoon. Reed Richards is about to propose to Sue Storm, Peter Parker and friends ride a train through Manhattan, the Ultimates team drink, argue and bicker and some of the Ultimate X-Men prepare to watch a play. Suddenly, the sky grows dark and a tidal wave floods the city. Within a few pages many characters die. Those who have perished thus far: Dr. Storm, Beast, Dazzler, Nightcrawler and tons of innocent people. The Human Torch is missing amidst the chaos and Iron Man rescues Captain America from drowning. Reed Richards and Sue Storm race to the top of the Baxter Building where Sue uses her powers to repel the tidal wave back into the ocean, yet due to the extreme stress and overload of her powers she goes into some sort of power coma. Ben Grimm races to the roof wondering what’s going on and Reed races off to the ocean determined to pin the blame on Namor. Elsewhere, Kitty Pryde phases Peter Parker to the top of a nearby building and tells him to don his tights and go save lives. Peter is worried about his friends but Kitty vows to protect them against any threats that may occur. Basically, all the ultimate heroes are caught completely off guard.

In Latveria, Dr. Doom is shocked to find his castle and his country suffering from an arctic deep freeze. Reed Richards jets over the ocean surface and confronts Namor, hoping to blame the sea criminal with the recent disaster in New York. Namor scoffs at this accusation and informs Reed that he would never commit any action that would endanger Sue. At Xaiver’s mansion, Wolverine and Cyclops rush to Professor Xaiver’s study. Xaiver informs them that many of his students have died and he knows who to blame for this disaster. Using his psychic powers, Xaiver contacts Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Reed Richards and others telling them they must join forces and face the monster responsible for this attack: Magneto. The issue ends with Magneto sitting on his throne, wanting all the heroes to come and suffer at his hands.

Thoughts/Comments:
For such a hyped up Marvel event, this issue read very fast. Yes, a lot happened in the first few pages. But with all the splash pages (despite being beautifully illustrated by Mr. Finch) the issue felt like a fast paced movie trailer. Also, there was a spoiler regarding the current Ultimate Spider-Man story arc before it’s conclusion (Gwen’s back in the cast) and how exactly has Magneto gained the ability to control the weather to such extents as seen in this issue? Still, the artwork was gorgeous and I really enjoyed the end with Professor Xaiver telling all the heroes to go out and kick Magneto’s ass! I don’t really understand why Marvel is charging $3.99 an issue for this event but it should make for a awesome trade when the story wraps up. Also, despite having a year head start the second issue has already been delayed until next month. That’s not a great way to start an epic mini-series event and it might give a lot of customers a bad taste in following the single issues of this story-line. Overall, I’d give the story a C; the art gets A and the combined score a **B-. **Here’s hoping the next issue amps up the action as the heroes confront Magneto head on.

Buddha volumes 1 - 8 Review

Story & Art: Osamu Tezuka
Translation: Maya Rosewood
Production: Hiroko Mizuno & Shinobu Sato
Publisher: Vertical

Buddha is a book I have been avoiding since I knew of its existence. Not because of the wonderful creator Osamu Tezuka who introduced me to the world of Astro (Atom) Boy, Jungle Emperor Leo, Unico, Apollo’s Song, and Big X. It wasn’t because that I was scared to read about the life of Buddha, because when I was in college I did some thorough studies in Buddhism and Siddhartha Gautama. I can only blame a manga called Adolf that I read years ago. The problem was it was such a good story, I wanted to believe the fiction from the truth and in doing so it jumbled up my knowledge of historical events. Buddha however is a different topic. It would be like someone taking the story of Jesus and adding elements of cartoony animals that make sexual jokes. I am familiar with Tezuka’s writing that I knew I could count on those elements being found in this book. Needless to say, I am glad that I decided to read these books, because they were amazing. This man is not known as the God of manga for nothing. This review took so long to put up because I really didn’t want to miss anything and make sure I put down all my thoughts. I also read the complete 8 volumes twice before writing anything down.

The story begins some time before Siddhartha is even born in around the year 563BC. We are introduced to two young characters fighting against what was to become India and Nepal’s rigid caste system. Chapra and Tatta are both tied down to their lives as slaves and beggars. Tatta has a special skill that comes in handy in future volumes; he can take control of any animal he wishes. Chapra is an ambitious young boy, and when he sees his chance to climb the social ladder he seizes it. He leaves his friend Tatta and beloved mother behind for the riches of a warrior general’s adopted son. This has repercussions that end with the death of Chapra and his mother. So by the end of volume 1, we see no hint as to who Buddha could be. Speaking of Buddha, we finally see that he is born at some point during the second volume, but he doesn’t play a big role until the latter half of the book. It’s good to see that Tezuka kept Tatta around to follow Siddhartha (Buddha) for the next seven volumes. Did I mention that this volume was 400 pages long? Ohh and the rest of the volumes are around that many pages too.

The focus of the next few volumes is spent following Siddhartha, he doesn’t take the name Buddha (Enlighten one) until volume 4. As a child and young adult, his transformation from a rich prince in the lap of luxury to a humble monk struggling to cope with the harsh realities of life. The beauty of what this series is about really starts to shine in this transition period between boy and man. Tezuka doesn’t paint Siddhartha as an all knowing saint; to be honest he comes across as an ordinary level headed guy just trying to do the right thing. Oh yeah, and trying to find out how to live forever or at least how we can move on forever spiritually. He really struggles to contemplate death and suffering and this brings a human element to the story that helps us better understand his teachings as the Buddha. It is that simple teaching that makes this story so believable and makes you feel for Buddha’s nemesis as one by one they turn to his teachings. Let me reassure you though that some of the points raised are more than obvious, but you rarely feel like you’re being spoken down to or lectured in this series. For the most part you don’t feel like you’re reading some religious tome designed to influence whatever beliefs you might have, you’re just reading a good story that’s told well and it won’t affect your religious beliefs. I hate to compare it to a book like Preacher (wonderful in its own way, but if you’ve read it you know why I hate to compare the two), but if you do happen to have a weak faith, I can see it opening your eyes to something else.

It’s not an easy road for Buddha; I guess being a martyr and savior to millions wouldn’t really be paving the road with gold. Over the course of the next volumes, Buddha makes a few but significant mistakes in his quest to become the pillar of enlightenment in the eastern world. He swore off his royal heritage, leaving behind his subjects, parents and pregnant wife. Some of you may be wondering what kind of dickhead protagonist leaves his pregnant wife. Just stay with me here. He survived many an attack on his being, including crossing over to the other side during the brink of death. Everything from his past comes back to haunt him in the last two volumes of this epic and we are left with the question: when a hero/leader of this magnitude passes his peaks and takes ill, will people continue to be inspired? How will his message and teachings continue? Who will carry on his torch that he has lit? Characters from all six volumes previous volumes collide in the final two installments

The last two books really feel like Tezuka wanted to make this a 10 volume epic, because he gives us so much that I almost felt overwhelmed. Compare to previous volumes, these volumes cover way too much ground and literally jump from places to places. It’s in no way confusing, but you can definitely tell that the pacing is different. The narrative in the last volume doesn’t prod the readers to the edge of their seat until halfway through, though drama is still suitably sustained from beginning to end. It isn’t the most powerful portion of the saga, but it certainly handles its events and arcs better than would any other example of sequential art, if any other story would ever attempt such epic themes of this proportion. Despite some grim turns of events, and some extreme tests of Buddha’s faith and sanity, this volume has a surprisingly uplifting ending with a great spiritual tone. Like I mentioned earlier lots of characters that have been around from the beginning show up and die off in the final volume. There’s a few tearful goodbyes to well meaning (and not so well meaning but redeemed) characters. There is no other way to say that this was a perfect ending to a masterpiece.

I found myself wanting to believe that all of these events could have happened. But compared to the historical events really couldn’t happen. It’s not to say that a lot of the events that happened in Buddha are clearly based around actual events, yet Tezuka manages to squeeze in several of his own characters in there, such as Black Jack, Big X, and even Tezuka makes several appearances. This helps makes everything a whole lot more accessible, not only because it takes the onus away from the rest of the cast, but also because these original creations help to better illustrate the point that Buddha is trying get across. Characters talk, in translation from the original Japanese, in modern slang and even use sexual jokes at times. Characters also frequently dip into slapstick humor, bouncing around the frames and sometimes physically breaking them. While at first it is disconcerting to a reader expecting a serious biography of the Buddha, it is important to remember that manga is first and foremost an entertainment medium, and as the long series is digested book by book, the humor is important to keep the story moving along and audiences entertained. I can’t imagine someone here in America taking the story of Jesus of Nazareth and doing the same treatment to his story. To be completely honest though, I found myself a little hesitant over the portrayal of The Buddha at first. I guess I can blame it on my college courses on Eastern religions. However after reading the first volume I welcomed the idea of a more human Buddha than I imagined and it is refreshing.

What is there to say about the artwork of Tezuka that hasn’t been said a million times already? The man is the God of comics for a reason. The style of art is a mix between wide-eyed manga and lush, detailed landscapes. The humans are all drawn really cartoony, but the backgrounds and animals are all very detailed. I’d also like to take this opportunity to point out that there’s a lot of nudity in this manga. I am in no way complaining about that. I didn't think the Buddha's life would translate very well into action-packed manga, but this whole series was really moving, beautiful, and even hysterical at parts. Powerful drawings with lots of imagination and the many subplots that wove themselves together in these volumes made this a joy to read. It was the best series of books, not comics that I have read in a long time. It’s really difficult to put into words how successful this series was, but I guess I can say I didn’t just read Buddha, I experienced it! The God of manga has done it again in his own essential and classy way! Do yourself a favor and buy, borrow, just read these wonderful books. A+

Batman: Cacophony # 1 Review

Author: Kevin Smith
Penciller: Walt Flanagan
Inker: Sandra Hope
Colors: Guy Major
Cover: Adam Kubert

Finally it's the return of one of the most of interesting characters from Green Arrow's list of villains. Ohh yeah and it's also the return of Kevin Smith to comics. Let's hope these three issues are already in the bag and ready to print. At first glance, I thought it was Kelly Jones that drew that cover, so I was a little surprised to see Adam Kubert's name attached to it. I say Onomatopoeia should have been on the cover of that first issue.

That's right! It's the return of Onomatopoeia and the very much demanded return of Maxie Zeus. Hellz yeah! Those three Maxie Zeus fans are going to shit their pants when they find out that guy is back! Deadshot is hired to kill the Joker for the murder of a kid, even though it turns out that Maxie Zeus was the one selling the "chuckles", but is stopped by Onomatopoeia, who helps the Joker escape and even hooks him up with some money. Batman has a confrontation with Zsasz and Onomatopoeia seems to want to start a gang war.

Not sure how I feel about this whole project. It seems that Kevin Smith can change his mind and come back and write comics any time he wants. He can also bring his friends who are a little artistically inclined along for the ride. I enjoyed the hell out of Green Arrow and Daredevil, but those Black Cat/Spiderman and Bullseye stories really showed that Smith could write some bad comics. This is somewhere in the middle. While I find the character of Ono really interesting, I'm with the Joker and that fucker gets to be annoying after a while. We really don't know what drives this character and what his purpose is. I know Smith created the character and no one has done anything with him since his appearance in GA, so I'm hoping we get some glimpses of his past.

It's really hard to swallow the idea of Arkham Asylum letting their front gate guards go because no one would want to break in. His Joker and Batman seem a bit off. Joker doesn't act as threatening as other interpretations of him, but the whole butt sex joke, just seemed out of place, even for the Joker. Batman's inner monologue just seems like a mix of several different people's take on the character. The Deadshot faking his death was pretty tight though. Hell, the whole confrontation between Joker and Deadshot was on point. The idea of the "Chuckles" drug is damn solid. Just when I thought Smith found his groove, something would pop back up to remind me not to get too used to it.

So, along for this comic book of a ride we get the Fanboy from the View Askew universe; Walter Flanagan as an artist. Who I do think is only doing this because his friend is writing it. I'm not saying that Flanagan is a bad artist; I just don't think he is the man for this project. Even though Sandra Hope's inks really clean up his artwork his artwork still seems too cartoony for a story like this. Particularly the scene where Zsasz kills that couple and tries to do the same with their kids. It just doesn't seem like his art is meant for a dark setting. Believe it or not after all those bad points I brought up, I can see fans of the Bat-Family really enjoying this book. As for me, I'll stick around for all three issues and hope to get some light on some things.
C+

Justice Society of America Kingdom Come Special Superman Review

Written & Illustrated: Alex Ross
Colors: Alex Sinclair
Letters: Rob Leigh
Alternate cover: Dale Eaglesham

That has to be one of the longest freaking titles for a book that I have ever reviewed. Sure I could have shortened it to JSA, but it's just so much better to say the full name. This is it folks the semi sequel to Kingdom Come running in the JSA pages finally gets its art duties by Alex Ross. I have to say that the covers might throw you off a little bit, because you won't find Kingdom Come Superman fighting Earth 1 Superman or Magog. What you will find is one damn fine story that really surprised me. Keep in mind this story takes place after the events in JSA 20.

Superman is reminded of Norman McCay, the man in his world that came to him with the revelation that Superman's world would end. With the help of Mr. Terrific and Cyclone he finds this world's version of Reverend McCay (who is mysteriously as old as his KC version). After a brief meeting with him he has a long overdue talk with this world's Lois Lane and explains to her in detail what happened to his Lois and eventually to his world. We find out that along with the death of his Lois, he also put the identity of Clark Kent in the ground.

The story may not seem that much, but I will tell you that it was an emotional reunion between old Superman and Lois Lane. The flashback of his Lois dying in his arms was some of the most touching panels I have read in comics. Just in one issue Ross explores KC Superman's doubts, fears, and great concern as he tries to prevent this world from sharing the same fate as his. It is a powerful story of loss and the search for one's purpose in a world he doesn't belong to.

What can I say about Ross' artwork that hasn't been said in every review you have ever read? It is drop dead gorgeous. I can't get over how beautiful these pages are. So much work and craftsmanship go to each panel. His pencils are just as powerful as his painted work and I would love to see him do more interior work than just covers. There are things that are still left unanswered, such as the age of McCay and how exactly did Superman's world end if we have already read the ending to Kingdom Come? Is it all being rewritten? Who knows, but I sure as hell hope to find out. A fantastic issue that leaves you craving for more and has you rooting that the KC Man of Steel is here for the long haul (even after the events that are to come in JSA 22) A

Iron Man: The End

IRON MAN: THE END
Writer(s): David Michelinie & Bob Layton
Pencils/Art: Bernard Chang

No you didn't drink some funky kool-aid I am in fact reviewing an Iron Man comic before Dan could.

Iron Man : The End is essentially solicited as a sort of Dark Knight Returns only with...well Iron Man. Yeah....this comic isn't so much DKR....but more Spider-Man Reign...and that's being generous.

The plot of Iron Man: The End, begins with Tony Stark in his mid-50s/early 60s. Tony is a wreck, and I'm not talking "rough-bender/hangover" type of wreck either. Years and years having flown in the Iron Man suit and taken a beating within it has slowly destroyed Starks' body. Like an old boxer Stark yearns for his early years, his vitality, struggling to keep hold till his last great project, a space elevator, is finished and launched. While out in the Iron Man suit surveying things for the space elevator, underwater teams run aground some sabotage. Stark saves everyone but only narrowly as his suit has a rupture underwater causing a malfunction within the iron shell. Tony, after some investigating, finds a rival company was involved in the underwater sabotage, following explosive charges all the way to a warehouse front of sorts in Russia. The moment Tony touches down the Crimson Dynamo starts to kicks Tony's ass backwards and forwards. Eventually defeating Iron Man the Crimson Dynamo leaves Tony, suit melted around him, alone in the Russian Wilderness to die. Somehow, someway, Tony eventually makes it back to the states and finally realizes someone younger and smarter will have to take on the mantel of Iron Man for him. The story goes on further from this but the rest of the story is only mildly interesting.

I am a big fan of "future" stories, Days of Future Past, DKR, heck even Spider-Man Reign a little, all had these dark edgy stories that you could get into. In your traditional "future" story the world has gone to hell in a handbasket and the heroes look to come up from the ashes and save everyone and everything. Iron Man the End....it's a lame "passing of the torch" story. The world of Marvel isn't crappy, everything is so/so, there is no evil mastermind behind everything, it's just a fucking corporation hiring the Crimson Dynamo to stop a space platform from launching (and somehow solving a huge energy crisis cheaply). If I wanted to read some throwaway story like that I'd pick up a 1990s issue of Iron Man. Iron Man : The End fails where it could have been a really interesting read. The "passing of the torch" story that exists within this one-shot is more one of convenience. Essentially this issue summed up is Tony Stark realizes he's "too old for this shit" and chooses some random scientist to be the next Iron Man. There, I saved you five minutes.

The art is manageable on this title though nothing to really call home about.

I know it may seem like I am being overally harsh on this title but, yeah, it sucked. Reading this one-shot I felt nothing, I mean heck Spider-Man Reign at least got a little emotion out of me.

In closing, if you wanna see a story about Stark being a f'ing wuss, this is your book, otherwise, skip this sucker and read something you might enjoy coughs*Incredible Hercules*coughs

D-