Essential Wonder Woman Encyclopedia Review

Authors: Phil Jimenez & John Wells
Publisher: Del Rey

What I would have given for this book to come out five years ago when I was re-reading my Wonder Woman trades and I needed a source of information to fill in the missing gaps not reprinted. Sure that information was vaguely available online, but for a character that has been around longer than Spider-man, the X-men, and Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) she sure didn’t get that much spotlight and the resources were very limited. I couldn’t think of a better person to write this database on information than Phil Jimenez (since he did have a run on the book for four years), well I guess other than William Moulton Marston.

Of course William Moulton Marston could write an encyclopedia on the character he created in 1940, but didn’t get introduce to the DC universe until 1941. He is also the creator of the polygraph machine, which I’m assuming might have something to do with the lasso of truth. See, its information like this that you will absorb just browsing through the book. You will also find the complete story of Diana’s origins, as imagined written by various creators from different generations and even her creator Marston. There are biographies of every major character in Wonder Woman’s universe, including her mother, Hippolyta, who was Wonder Woman herself back in the Golden Age. Her sister/reincarnation/daughter/replacement/ Donna Troy; Yes Donna Troy could have an essential encyclopedia all to herself. Her lover or sometimes just ally Steve Trevor. And what is a handbook without a complete guide of her villains such as Hades, Giganta, Silver Swan, Circe as well as classic foes like Ares, Cheetah, Darkseid, and the members of Villainy Inc. Although the almost 500 page massive book is printed in classic black-and-white pages there are 32 pages of full-color artwork inserts and an original cover illustration by fan-favorite artist Adam Hughes. We are still waiting on that All Star Wonder Woman Adam, don’t think we’ve forgotten! Did I mention the awesome introduction by Birds of Prey, Wonder Woman, and Secret Six author Gail Simone?

Don’t think this book is just for the hard core Wonder Woman addict, anybody could pick up the book and enjoy it. However, I wouldn’t consider this a coffee table book either; it is definitely intended as a reference guide than a book anyone can just pick up and browse through. Instead of having a constant narrative like most books that have covered this particular subject, Jimenez and Wells make this book into a handbook as it has alphabetical listings of each character, the issues they first appeared in and the stories behind their first appearance and in case they are dead, their last appearance. For those that want to become experts on Wonder Woman and her huge cast of secondary character this is the book for you. If you have ever wondered the difference between Gods, Demi-gods, Titans, and New Gods…well look no further. You want to know why Princess Diana surrenders her powers to become Diana Prince, student of Chinese martial arts mentor I Ching; this is what you’ve been looking for! It is an exceptionally thorough work that seems like it was years in the making and is everything most every fan of Wonder Woman or just casual fans that are interested in the character would ever need or want. A

Wolverine # 900 Review

Writers: Various
Artist: Various
Cover: David Finch

YES!!! After years and years of anticipation it is finally here!!! The mother of all Wolverine comics. The one where we get to find out what exactly makes Logan tick and what really did happen at the Weapon X project. We didn't even have to wait 60 years for this book to come out, because the wonderful folks at Marvel have even created a time machine to travel to the future and bring this piece of gold back in time to us. Fuck you Action Comics and Detective Comics we beat you again! First with Deadpool, now with Wolverine. It's amazing that comics 60 years from now are only five bucks and the stories are still pretty shitty.

What we have here is a collection of eight stand alone Wolverine stories. Six new ones and two recycled from previous comics. We have Logan going after some guy in the Hand, I think. Wolverine playing his role of leader of the Black Dragons to try and take out the Yellow Claw, a story that uses Logan as a surgeon, one where he gives words to live by to a fat guy he drinks with, helping a little girl find her daddy, a dynamic team-up with Spidey, dream sequence of a distant past or an Ultimate universe, and a silent story about Weapon X. Nothing really stood out to me. We didn’t add anything new to make the character more interesting or didn’t shed light in the character’s past.

The story that stuck out the most to me was the team up with Spider-man by Zeb Wells. It actually felt like I was reading a Wolverine story from back in the day. The others were just so bland and forgettable that they aren’t even worthy of talking about. But I guess for the sake of the review and all……David Finch’s art was a nice addition, but they story made little sense. The stupid bar buddy idea was a ridiculous situation where Wolverine takes an insecure nerd out that show him life is about going for it and getting laid in the process. This is Wolverine old as fucking dirt and a samurai and those are his words of advice?!!! I would like to see a follow up to the Yellow Claw story, but maybe just as a one shot. Worst There IS was a little hard to believe, but I guess it had a cute ending. The silent comic was a waste of time, unless Stephen Segovia is just trying to get hired at Marvel and using this as his portfolio piece. The Todd Dezago bit reminded me why I quit reading comics in the 90s and the Jeph Loeb story had some nice visuals, but was just nonsense.

I'm not sure what Marvel was trying to do with this. Other than cash in on the Deadpool Team up mild success. This could have been a solid story about an old man Logan that lost his way in the future......oh wait, fuck that idea we got Mark Millar working on that, let's make this a X-men Unlimited type of adventure. People love that stuff, that's why the series was cancelled twice! It’s a definite pass, unless you are a Wolverine completist and damn it… I happen to be one. D+

A Kick Ass director to work on X-Men First Class

Variety reports it here"":http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118018731.html?categoryid=13&cs=1&ref=vertfilm

I'm actually really surprised by this news.

Heres a history recap...

Vaughn was set to direct X-Men 3, but due to...well...a ton of shit (creative differences, the rushed schedule, the studios interferance....) Vaughn left, which led to the Ratner version.

He then made Stardust, and while not a Box Office success, it got some soild reviews (76% on Rotten Tomatoes)

Vaughn then was working on Thor for Marvel Studios, until he left that project too (information is a little less clear on why he left Thor)

Vaughn then made Kick-Ass...and you guys know ALL about that film don't ya.

Maybe theres a trend here.

Obviously he wants to play with the big toys so he'll keep trying till everything works out for him.

Maybe he will work on it, realize that Fox is still runned by a bunch of A-Holes and go off and make another good film on his own.

By the way, Fox wants this movie out by June 3, 2011 , another rushed schedule.

Personally, I have very little interest in another prequel movie. Why Fox wants to keep looking into the past for this franchise makes little to no sense to me.

Bryan Singer is still on board as a producer (his being back to the franchise is also just as surprising for me).

I wish Matthew Vaughn luck, but I wish he'd go on and do his own thing.

Because you demanded it!!! Manga Reviews Are Back!

Berserk vols. 29 & 30
Story & Art: Kentaro Miura
Translation: Duane Johnson
Publisher: Dark Horse

Alright, we know that it has been a while since we have done manga reviews. Having a kid kind of puts a damper on things. But, we are all back and doing one of our favorite things; reviewing manga. So the first book on the list is one of my all time favorite books! I have stated before that every time I get a new volume of Berserk, I put everything else I’m doing down and read non-stop. So, my daughter was lucky that a new volume didn’t come out the day she was born. . On to the review: Guts and the gang have finally arrived at the port city of Vritannis. We finally get to see the Farnese’s family and the reason why she probably turned out the way she did. While Schirerke and Isidro are fighting some pirate slaves, Farnese’s brother has arranged for a ship to help the group out of the city, but he wants his sister to marry his friend. Now it’s up to Guts to get her back, but just when you think that everything will get back to normal (well, as normal as this book could ever get); Serpico steps in and starts fighting Guts. Of course it wouldn’t be Berserk without the occasional demon popping their head in during a party. I found volume 29 something different than the norm; it was very dialogue heavy. I never have a problem with too many words in comics, specially the way comics are published these days, but for some reason the scenes with Farnese’s brother and her father just didn’t click with me. Seriously it’s not enough to take away from the terrific story that Miura is building here. I’m still at the edge of my seat and we need a breather every once in a while. I mean, he can’t be killing demons all the time right? B

Blade of the Immortal vols. 20 & 21
Story & Art: Hiroaki Samura
Translation: Dana Lewis
Lettering: Tomoko Saito
Publisher: Dark Horse

Two of my favorite series in one review! I can’t believe I have been reading this book for 15 years. I’ve been buying them since they came out in comic book format. I have to say the translation technique is still unique compared to other manga released these days. It is still printed from left to right, and has a price tag that some may consider high for a manga. The thing you have to remember is that much work goes into the translation of this manga. Each panel has to be cut and re-pasted on the new pages in order to capture the real essence of Samura’s art style. The sound effects have to be as close to the original as they can make it, because sometimes the sounds are part of the art style. To put it bluntly; it’s worth the price of admission. It’s been a long time since I read the last volume of Blade of the Immortal, almost a year to be exact. Be that as it may, it still feels like I just read volumes 18 and 19 yesterday. It seems like Rin and Manji have been apart for years and it starting to feel like Rin will never get her revenge on Itto Ryu. Finally, after five volumes Manji and Rin are back together again and as they stated are completely invincible. Watching Rin and Doa sneak in to the underground prison was really nerve racking. The scene where Manji explains where he was hiding the hairpin was pure genius. The artwork is excellent as always and has more diverse locales now that the action has taken a step back. Samura’s art always has been one of the best amongst the seinen category. There is a huge glossary for terms used in volumes 1 through 19 that help remembering names and places. These two volumes are a grand pay off for a storyline that has been setting up for 6 volumes. Long time fans of the series will be glad to see Manji get those shackles off and cut loose again! A

Takeru: Opera Susanoh Sword of The Devil volume 2
Story: Kazuki Nakashima
Art: Karakarakemuri
Translation: Stephen Paul
Adaptation: Tim Beedle
Publisher: Tokyopop

The first thing I remember noticing about volume 1 was that for some reason I had a hard time reading the title. Was it Takeru Opera Sword or Opera Susanoh? I guess I should have known I was going to have a hard time following the title. I was really excited because it was based on the play written by the same guy that did Gurren Lagann. The plot was easy enough to follow; three guys named Takeru, (Kumazo the dumb brawny type, Oguna the silent-dark emo type, and care free Izumo) who by fate end up traveling together in search of the mystical sword of Susanoh. Weird enough the sword was inside of Yamato all along. Now they must come to the realization that the three queens have turned on them and are sneaking the Amamikado into the palace. While the story is just okay and reminds me of Saiyuki you do get caught up in the action because the art is easy on the eyes. The fight sequences are easy to follow and even though the main characters are pretty boys, they all have their unique style that sets them apart. The second volume read better than the first, but I think that’s because the main players are coming together. If fantasy adventure is your kind of book than look no further. B-

X-men: Misfits volume 1
Story: Raina Telgemeier & Dave Roman
Art: Anzu
Letterer: Michaelis/Carpelis Design
Publisher: Del Rey

Assuming you have been visiting the website or listened to the podcast in the last four years, you know I am as big an X-men fan as they come. Recently you’ve heard me gripe about the quality of the X-titles these days. I wanted to branch out and read something different featuring my favorite heroes….something like Ultimate X-men but with a twist. So what happens when two of my favorite genres (manga and American comics) collide? Should be gold right? Well, not exactly, but I did enjoy more than I ever thought I would. What I ended up reading was a story of a girl that didn’t fit in because she was a mutant and about love and school and who you can and can’t trust. Sure it sounds like your typical shojo manga, but it does have the X-men thrown in there. Kitty Pryde always seemed like an anime character to me. A 15 year old girl trying to cope with the fact that she is a mutant finds a place she belongs at the Xavier institute. Here we see classic characters given a make-over that almost makes them unrecognizable like Forge who know looks like a tanned Greek God and Beast who looks like a mixture of Totoro and a Pokémon. The story is entertaining enough to keep me reading and having cameos by popular characters really pushes me to want to check out the next volume, although I don’t know how I feel about Colossus given that tin man look. As far as the art is concerned….well it’s really nothing to write home about. It’s your standard pretty boy Shojo manga art and unfortunately Anzu does nothing special to make this particular work stand out. It’s a unique take on the X-men and I guess that’s what I was looking for. So it’s safe to say I was satisfied with the overall product. B

Zone-00 volume 1
Story & Art: Kiyo Qyo
Translation: Nan Rymer
Adaptation: Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane
Publisher: Tokyopop

From the artist of Trinity Blood comes Zone -00! I have to admit that I never got around to reading Trinity Blood; I know that’s really blasphemous. I’m not really sure why I didn’t, because I enjoyed the anime so much. Having read Zone, I am definitely going back and picking up Trinity Blood. The story is really straightforward. We have demons that coexist with humans, but a new drug is making demon’s go back to their old way. So a Saburo Kujo, who unleashes a demon from within and Ango Shima; an exorcist team up to go up against this conflict. While we have seen this plot over and over again, I have to say Qyo’s art is what really carries this story. The character designs are amazing. They look like they come from a Persona (Shin Megami Tensei) videogame or a fighting game. She really knows how to draw some drop-dead gorgeous women, which usually comes with pretty boys. And even though this book has its share of pretty boys, there are some manly men in here too; with rippling muscles too! I really didn’t think I would enjoy this book, but the art really made it an easy and fun read. B-

I’d also like to take this time to bring up some bad news. Usui Yoshito creator of Crayon Shin-chan passed away this past weekend. His book was one of the most hilarious comic I have ever read. Very controversial, but damn funny…he will be missed.

WCAH Episode 11: That's a Were-Steamer!!!

In this episode, we discuss Blackest Night #1, Deadpool stuff, SDCC, Twilight hatred, X-Men: Necrosha, Dark Reign, New Avengers, Blabbity blah blah...IT'S COMICS!!!

We have a twitter account! For more frequent comic-oriented updates, follow us: TWEET. Also, feel free to email us: aboutheroes 'AT' gmail.com (I know I say a different account name in the podcast, i made a new one!!!)

West
Coast About Heroes - Episode 11

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.

X-men: Worlds Apart # 1 Review

Story:Christopher Yost
Penciler: Diogenes Neves
Inker: Ed Tadeo
Colors: Raul Trevino

Storm has always been one of my favorite characters in comics. She has always stood out from the rest of the heroines in the comic’s genre. Damn, even as a kid I knew a black woman leading a team of heroes was unprecedented. She has been a Goddess, X-man, leader, thief, and more recently a queen. Unfortunately, her new status as queen has really dimmed the light in this once well established character. This miniseries, if anything, accomplishes the task of proving that Storm really needs to go back home to the X-men.

I almost got excited when I saw Storm in the Morlock tunnels...err sewers with Cyclops. It seems that Cyclops needs her leadership of the Morlocks to try and recruit new mutants for his safe haven in San Francisco. He questions where her mind is and this takes us back to her recent place of residence Wakanda. It seems that Nezhno murdered an advisor to the king in cold blood. Storm thinks that something isn't right and as she releases her old ward, the King of Wakanda (Black Panther) puts a stop to her. It seems that he is being controlled by the X-men's old nemesis the Shadow King and is trying to turn her nation against her.

I guess in a way I am glad they brought the Shadow King back and if he isn't trying to take down Professor X, I guess Storm is a nice runner up. I'm not sure how I feel about Cyclops acting like a selfish brat, because Storm is now a married woman. Hell, she's only in one other book. He really just needs to sit down with Wolverine and ask him where his priorities are. I never agreed either with the ridiculous marriage of Storm and Black Panther, but I'm not Marvel. I was almost hoping that Black Panther was going to be a Skrull, but no such luck the marriage is still there. Now, this is one marriage I wouldn't mind Mephisto going after. The art gets the job, but that's about it. Some panels Storm looks determined, proud, and beautiful and others she looks like a drag queen strung out on coke. Neves' art is still better than Campbell's sketch....I mean cover. Not sure why this couldn't be told in the Black Panther book and not a $3.99 miniseries. B-

X-men: Manifest Destiny # 2 Review

Writers: Mike Carey, Skottie Young, and Chris Yost
Pencilers: Michael Ryan, Daniel Panosian, and Paco Diaz
Cover: Humberto Ramos

I never got around reviewing Manifest Destiny 1, because I think we talked about it on the podcast. So, I figure I would do a review of the second book. These books take the same formula as X-men Unlimited and here lately Divided We Stand. We find the X-men trying to adjust to life in a new place.

In this particular issue we continue the bizarre story of Bobby Drake losing control of his powers again. It seems that Mystique has taken an obsessive interest in our beloved Iceman. Skottie Young probably wrote the best story in this issue featuring the Juggernaut. I'm not sure how I feel about Dan Panosian's new art style. To be honest, I was never a fan of his old style and his inks either. This new style seems to be inspired by Young's sketchy cartoony style mixed with some old school Will Eisner. The last story has a touching moment between Wolverine and Emma Frost.

The first story is by far the weakest. Not, only because the idea is ridiculous, but the story is just not well paced for an 8 page segment. I don't know, I guess part of me is with Bobby and I would want to nail a chick that can change appearance any time. Could be hot, but I wonder if she could change everything.....anyway the art by Ryan seems to be a little off. That last panel of Mystique holding one guard with her right hand and going for the next guard with her left just seems horribly angled. While the second story is really a throw-away story, it was nice to see Juggernaut debate to stay a good guy or become bad again. Yost's story would make more sense if someone had told Yost that Wolverine would be pushing Emma around and calling her White Queen in X-men Original Sin that shipped this week. He practically tells her that all has been forgiven by the X-men and that she does belong with the X-men, but that all gets thrown to the side if you read Original Sin.

If you are into the anthology books like Marvel Comic Presents, X-men Unlimited, and Spider-man Unlimited then this book is for you my friend. I myself have no fucking clue why Marvel made a big deal about this series that is easily forgotten as soon as you put the book down. If you are a completist then you already own this book everyone else can just pass on it. C

Secret Invasion: X-men # 1 Review

Author: Mike Carey
Art: Cary Nord
Colors: Dave McCaig
Cover: Terry Dodson

Because no one demanded it! The X-men jump into the Marvel summer crossover in their own mini-series. Okay, maybe a handful of people demanded this book, because they figured spending a week's salary all the other Secret Invasion Tie-ins wasn't enough. But not only that, but it's a Manifest Destiny Tie-in too. Are you fucking kidding me Omar? Two tie-ins for the price of one comic? I shit you not. But wait....there is a catch: no Wolverine! Not even the one on the cover.

So what exactly do we have happen in this book? Well more ass-kicking Skrull fights that's what! The Skrulls forgot to check their current events and to check the Colbert report to see Joe Quesada talk about the move the X-men made to San Francisco. So in the middle of an invasion on San Francisco the X-men interrupt and a fight breaks out. No X-men is revealed to be a Skrull and Nightcrawler talks to a purple ball.

The X-men don't take any crap from anybody and instead of getting something out of this book; we really just get Cyclops acting like the general he's been portrayed as in recent issues of X-men. Nord is really the saving grace of this comic. The art by Nord is completely gorgeous when it comes to figures and proportions, but his lack of backgrounds makes me wish on his simpler days on Daredevil. I'm not a fan of the broad strokes the colorist takes with each character. I get enough of that Quake-look from Cable. It's a simple good guy vs. bad guy book that does nothing to add to the Secret Invasion story or X-men story. I have no fucking clue what it has to do with Manifest Destiny and why a book like this is even necessary. D+

X-Men Origins: Jean Grey Review

Author: Sean Mckeever
Artist: Mike Mayhew
Letterer: Nate Piekos

It's been a while since I've done a comic review, but you know what; I'm in the zone today. I really thought this series of books were cancelled a few months back. When Mckeever went to DC I really didn't think this book would ever see the day. But I really didn't care either way; I have Bizarre Adventures 27 and a huge run of Uncanny that goes back to 94, but you know what not everyone does.

The story is a basic retelling of Jean Grey's origin. That's right: The original Marvel Girl and her early days coping with her powers and the loss of her friend Annie Richards. This is what triggers her mutant powers when her best friend is hit by a car As her friend lies dying, Jean instinctively links to her mind and senses what Annie feels as she dies. Originally this trauma leaves her in a coma, but in the retelling it just leaves her in a state of shock that only Professor Charles Xavier can get her out of. Eventually Charles invites her to join the X-men and that's the end of that.

Pretty much nothing new happens in the retelling of Jean's story. To be honest it was perfectly fine to begin with and if you didn't read all those past issues with flashbacks this would be a great way to get to know Jean. Ahh if only Marvel would bring Jean back from the dead and Mckeever would go back to Marvel and write a Jean Loves Scott. The artwork by Mayhew is completely gorgeous. Unfortunately I have read Jean's story over a dozen times in the years I have been collecting comics and the artwork alone wouldn't sell me on this book. The book is not a necessary read for old X-men fans, but new fans of the series should not pass up on this. B

GeneXt # 1 Review

Authors: Chris Claremont
Penciler: Patrick Scherberger
Inker: Norman Lee
Colors: Chris Sotomayor

I’m sure I sound like a broken record when I reminisce of my childhood and reading comics. I couldn’t go a month without buying Uncanny X-men, New Mutants, and X-factor. By far Uncanny was the best of the three and I can’t think of Uncanny X-men without thinking of Chris Claremont. See, broken record. Things haven’t been the same since Claremont left in 1991 and made his return to the X-world in 2000. He’s had some good stories and some…err not so good ideas, but there is one thing that you can still say about the man and that is he knows his X-men history like no other, hell he wrote 90% of those classic stories.

Here comes GeneXt, the new kids on the block, Marvel’s answer to what today’s X-men generation would be like if the Marvel Universe aged in real time. Most of these kids seem to be children of original X-men such as Gambit and Rogue’s son Oliver Raven and Storm’s daughter Becka Munroe. Of course some are a third generation like the grandson of Colossus, Pavel Rasputin. Then there is No Name and Rico whose parents haven’t been revealed to the reader yet. They are trained by X-23 and seem to be under the tutelage of Beast and Cecilia Reyes. We still don’t know the whereabouts of the remaining X-men or what has happened to Professor Xavier.

It’s these kind of stories that really makes Mr. Claremont shine. He is not attached to old stories, even though I am sure he will get the urge to continue past plot lines left open. He is free to create his own rules and play with his new history. Damn, the man can still write some dialogue and each kid sounds different than the other. I know that doesn’t sound like much, but in today’s comics it gets harder and harder to find a writer that can give each character their own voice. If anything this kind of reminds me of a mixture of New Mutants mixed with the good elements of X-men The End. But it’s not all without flaw, because nothing really happens in the first issue. The kids train under a very angry and annoying X-23 and go out and have a dispute with “norms” at a club. It was a rather boring plot and if it wasn’t for the connection to the X-men I really don’t see this book working at all.

The art is something else I had a problem with. Scherberger can really draw the hell out of kids, but that’s the problem, much like Chris Bachalo and Humberto Ramos (who I’m sure are his inspirations) everyone looks like a young adult. His backgrounds leave much to be desired and his facial expressions seem to be limited. I also have no idea why the hell this book is $3.99. Is it because of the 8 page X-men First Class preview and sketches? Because gas is way too fucking high for me to fork over a gallon on a comic that was halfway decent. It’s not a bad start and the kid’s personalities and ties to the X-men is really the only thing keeping me interested. C+

Episode 101 - A Perfect Movie

It's a post-100 world, folks. We're older and wiser now. It just doesn't show.

We start our episode with a recap of the Cincinnati Botcon and a little talk about the 25th Anniversary Transformers line they previewed at the show. Then we run through some wonderful e-mails and we talk about a few comics from the last two weeks, including Free Comic Book Day X-Men, Blue Beetle 26, Mighty Avengers 12 & New Avengers 40, DC Universe 0 and Green Lantern 30. Then we wrap up the episode with a discussion of the best comic book movie ever filmed, IRON MAN.

Episode 101 - A Perfect Movie

X-men: Divided We Stand # 1Review

Authors: Mike Carey, Chris Yost, Craig Kyle, Matt Fraction, and Skottie Young
Artist: Brandon Peterson, Sana Takeda, Skottie Young, and Jamie McKelvie

I thought they had cancelled X-men Unlimited? I was almost 100% they had, but for some reason what I am reading feels like an issue of an overpriced X-men Unlimited comic. This book is a collection of short stories that deal with the aftermath of Messiah Complex. But did we really have that many loose ends to tie up?

We get five stories that feature Cannonball, Nightcrawler, Anole, Nehzno, and Hellion. Cannonball returns home to Kentucky to be picked up by Paige and they hit a bar, because Cannonball is depressed that the X-men broke up and needs to drown his sorrows. Then we get the stereotypical family vs. family in KY from Chuck Austen’s horrible run. It’s the Guthries vs. the Cabots in a bar brawl….yeeeeehhhhaaawwww! Nehzno makes his return to Wakkanda to be reminded that his “kind” isn’t welcome there, even by family. Northstar pays a visit to Anole who feels like he doesn’t belong in his own town thanks to the X-men, Hellion looks to Magneto for vengeance against the X-men, and Scalphunter gets a visit from Nightcrawler to discuss how good his migas plate is.

So, back to my question; Is this two issue limited series really needed to tie up loose ends? Sure, but it would have made a hell of a lot more sense to release it right after Messiah Complex ended. While I appreciate the character study we get in each chapter, the stories were just dull. The best one comes from Skottie Young, even though Northstar has mysteriously lost his French accent, it was still a touching story about not able to fit in at home after you have seen the things you have while in the X-mansion. Anole (who I had no idea was gay) feels like an exile and hurts because he doesn’t trust himself around his family and his town. But it’s also a dual theme of not just hurt, but abandonment, much like the Hellion story.

The remaining three were just boring and really served no purpose. So what if the X-men disbanded? Why is Cannonball so pissed? Just call Boom Boom, Boomer, Meltdown, or whatever the fuck she is calling herself these days and get X-force together again. Shit, I’m sure Sunspot and Magma aren’t doing anything but eating bonbons and watching reruns of Where are they Now: New Mutants Edition! Nehzno can’t fit in because he is an outsider, not because he is a mutant. Way to rule your kingdom Black Panther! I found Fraction’s story really lame. Nicieza already gave us a look at humanizing Scalphunter in the Gambit series. He even talked about how clones can’t have a soul, but that part didn’t bother me. What bothered me the most in this story is for Nightcrawler (who is still a man of the cloth right?) to even threaten to kill him is just out of character. What is the purpose of Nightcrawler visiting this guy for days, eating his food, and quoting Walter Benjamin? What I guess was supposed to be an emotional story about finding God, really felt empty (this is coming from the wuzz that cries at movies too.)

Skottie Young really defined the way the New X-men looked and I really miss his art in a monthly book. Brandon Peterson has really changed the way his art looks, he has come a long way from the days of being a Jim Lee clone. To be hones the art was fine in every story. The only bad thing I can say is Takeda’s art makes everyone look really young. I couldn’t tell an age difference between Nehzno and his mother, unless of course Wakkanda women just age well. I have mixed feeling about this book. I feel like its stories that needed to be told, but not really necessary to buy. But hey, if you want to know what happened to some of these characters after Messiah Complex, you know you already have a copy. C+

Episode 94 - I'm Pretty Much Just Blaming the Editors

In my second week off, Omar, Melanie, Chris and Nick talk about Kickass 1, Young Liars, Cable 1, Buffy 12, X-Force 2, Green Lantern 28, Detective Comics 824, Countdown 8, Uncanny X-Men 496, and the latest issue of Wormwood. Next week, I'll make my triumphant return and whip these guys back into shape.

Episode 94 - I'm Pretty Much Just Blaming the Editors

Episode 93 - No Time for Character Development

In my absence, Omar, Melanie and Chris recorded a wonderful episode of the show, in which they read a lot of really fun e-mails, and talk about Justice Society of America 13, X-Men Legacy 208, Captain America 35, Melanie discovers a small indy series called Dragonball, Ultimate Spider-Man 119, Batman 673 (not 672 as Omar guesses), Countdown 10, Teen Titans 56, and Kickass 1.

Episode 93 - No Time for Character Development

X-men Legacy # 208 Review

Author: Mike Carey
Pencils: John Romita Jr. & Scot Eaton
Inkers: Klaus Janson & John Dell
Cover: David Finch

For the second time in its lifespan X-men has changed titles again. When Morrison took the book over the title changed to New X-men. Now, after the rushed events in the last four pages of Messiah Complex, the book has had another name change. Although this time it’s not because a “hot and happening” writer is taking over, there is an actual purpose to the name change.

The issue is divided into two different stories. One depicts the reality in which Exodus and a handful of Acolytes are watching over Xavier’s comatose body and the other is a dream world where Xavier seems to be experiencing his past. We are reintroduced to Amelia Vought, an Acolyte who shared a past with Xavier and it’s because of her love for Xavier that Exodus decided to keep Xavier alive (it doesn’t seem like it was an art fluke, his body was really missing)! After scenes of dreamlike flashbacks Exodus doesn’t think there is anything left for him to do, so he calls on the one man that can help them. His old leader of the Acolytes, Magneto himself comes to the rescue.

This new series seems be another take on a formula that has been ran into the ground. How many times are we going to explore the X-men’s past? How many secrets can Xavier really hold? Everyone from Chris Claremont, John Byrne, Jeff Parker, Scott Lobdell, Mark Waid, and Ed Brubaker has explored the past to tell more stories for the future. But in the end these stories of retelling a hidden past or trying to change a thing here and there to suit your story really doesn’t add much to the X-men mythos. You want past stories? Go buy some Essentials or trades. I can’t imagine this story going on for more than five issues, unless every five issues it spotlights on a different character. They want to impress me with a secret past….write the secret past of Maggot or the hidden agenda of Cecilia Reyes.

Now that I am done with a small gripe I guess I can talk about the story in this issue. I really like how Moira Mactaggert plays Charles conscience in the flashbacks and how Amelia seems to be playing Exodus’ conscience. I think the use of the five Acolytes is a fantastic idea. These five individuals I speak of stand out, because at one time or another they have fought on the side of the angels and given up their evil ways. I think that makes Carey shine; using C-list characters for purposes to move a big story forward. My main gripe with the story mainly comes from the fact that none of the X-men know that Xavier’s body was taken by the enemy and why they don’t seem to care enough to try and retrieve it. I hope they bring this up sometime in the near future.

Eaton’s art is great, he will be missed on X-factor and for some reason more and more his style is starting to look like Finch’s art. JRJR on the other hand reminded me how much I didn’t enjoy his return to the X-books in the mid 90’s. Where everyone was shaped like a box and had oversized bodies. Overall, it was an interesting book with a couple of shining moments. I hope the quality of the book continues and they spotlight other characters that haven’t had a shining moment in years…..Cough cough Gambit…Nightcrawler. If they do explore their past I hope that not everyone has an evil hidden secret. B

Episode 91 - Kernel Panic

32 minutes into the podcast we were recording last night, my computer freaked out and threw a kernel panic. Once I'd rebooted, I was able to find the file, but it was hopelessly garbled, so we couldn't use it. So we recorded another 50:00 worth of show, talking about Uncanny X-Men 495, X-Factor 28, X-Force 01, Wolverine 62, New Avengers 38, Booster Gold 00, Countdown 11, JSA 12, The Goon 21, Fantastic Four 554, BPRD 1946 2, Abe Sapien - The Drowning 1, Walking Dead 46, Spawn 175, Green Arrow - Black Canary 5 and Salvation Run 5.

For those who aren't particularly fond of their aural sanity, I went ahead and attached the ruined (but still somewhat comprehensible) audio after the main podcast. For you sane folks out there, stop listening after 'stay geeky.'

Episode 91 - Kernel Panic

Episode 89 - Why Omar Doesn't Care That Professor X Is Dead

Nick sends us some of the e-mails that he received from the contest, which start us on a discussion of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer comics, past and present. We talk about X-Men 207 and Messiah Complex, Countdown 14, Blue Beetle 23, Astonishing X-Men 25, Amazing Spider-Man 548, Young Avengers: Patriot, and Transformers Spotlight: Blaster.

Episode 89 - Why Omar Doesn't Care That Professor X Is Dead

Episode 88 - You don't f@$* with Rip Hunter, Time Master

This week, in another awe-inspiring episode of About Heroes, we discuss Spider-Man's Brand New Day, X-Men's Messiah Complex, Wolverine Origins 21, Countdown 15, Cable & Deadpool 49, Booster Gold 6 (from whence comes the title of this episode), The Sword 4 & other Luna brothers comics, Catwoman 75 and Justice League of America 17. We also talk a bit about Shannon Wheeler's new work, "Screw Heaven, When I Die, I'm Going to Mars," and we talk briefly about the passing of Heath Ledger.

Episode 88 - You don't fuck with Rip Hunter, Time Master

About Heroes Episode 86

It was a slow week, so we've got a bit of a shorter episode. We talk a little bit more about One More Day, and then on to things we actually enjoyed: Detective Comics 840, Countdown 17, Messiah Complex and Uncanny X-Men 494, Teen Titans - Year One 1, The End League 1, Umbrella Academy and Lobster Johnson.

About Heroes, Episode 86