FUNNYBOOK MUSINGS

Brain Games Is Now... Over

2006-05-24T12:19:00.000-05:00

Remember that show from HBO in the 1980's?

Anyway, I can't continue to publish this blog as my new job eats up almost all of my time. In addition I am not reading comics that regularly anymore so I don't really have much to talk about on the blog. I am going to leave the site up for as long as I can, and who knows? Maybe someday I will start it up again, but this has to be bye for now.

Big thank you to everyone who read each week and everyone that left comments. It was a lot of fun.

-Ryan

REVIEW: Daredevil #84

2006-04-26T07:02:00.000-05:00

Daredevil #84
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Michael Lark

[*spoiler wanring*] This review may contain spoilers. Read on at your own risk.

Story:
This arc has so far been very good. In this issue, Matt begins "investigating the death of Foggy Nelson using intimidation and violence which I have to say was satisfying to read. In addition, Bullseye joins the inmate population, though as you might have guessed he is kept in solitary under very restrictive circumstances for obvious reasons.

Artwork:
Lark's work has been good, and this issue is no exception. Like Maleev before him, Lark's style suits this title perfectly. The fact that the lion's share of this arc is set at Ryker's only helps to highlight Lark's work. The coloring has been very good also - just dark enough without being to dark.

Overall Impression:
This is currently one of the only titles I look forward to reading with any regularity. This arc has been great so far, and I expect that to continue. This issue was perfectly paced and had enough action to satisfy most DD fans. Highly recommended.

THE VERDICT: 9/10

New Review Format

2006-04-09T19:54:00.000-05:00

You have probably realized that I have started using a new format for my reviews. I think it makes them a bit easier to read, and it definitely makes them easier for me to write. Anyway, let me know what you think.

REVIEW: Y-The Last Man #44

2006-04-09T19:50:00.000-05:00

Y-The Last Man #44
Publisher: DC Vertigo
Writer: Brian K. Vaughan
Artist: Pia Guerra

[*spoiler wanring*] This review may contain spoilers. Read on at your own risk.

Story:
Yorick and Agent 355 are in Tokyo following Ampersand's trail. They encounter a male robot owned by a beautiful woman named You. She is sort of contemporary robot pimp for the sans male post apocalyptic world. One of her customers had used Ampersand as payment. Unfortunately, You had to barter Amp away for protection. "Who'd she sell him too?" You ask? A canadian pop-star.

Artwork:
I like Pia Guerra's work. It is not as detailed as some comic artists, but it is very clean and does a great job telling a story. Panel layout, colors, and pencils are all very good in this issue.

Overall Impression:
This issue begins a new arc for this title. I didn't particularly enjoy the last arc that much, but this issue has renewed my interest in what was once my favorite title. This is a strong issue and hopefully represents a return to glory for this title. This is one you should probably pick up.

THE VERDICT: 8/10

REVIEW: Batman: Secrets #2

2006-04-08T18:18:00.000-05:00

Batman: Secrets #2
Publisher: DC
Writer: Sam Kieth
Artist: Sam Kieth

[*spoiler wanring*] This review may contain spoilers. Read on at your own risk.

Story:
This mini focuses on the Joker's attempts to paint Batman as the bad guy in the eyes of the people of Gotham. While the incident in the first issue was a mere coincidence, in this issue the Joker actively stages scenes for the media that make it look as if Batman is one evil bastard.

Artwork:
I love Kieth's work. I always have, so it should come as no surprise that I am really enjoying the artwork in this mini. Kieth's work is highly stylized, and has a graffiti-like quality to it. If you have never seen it before, give one of these issues a peak the next time you are at the comic shop.

Overall Impression:
I like several things about the concept behind this mini. I like that it really gets into how fickle the confidence of the public can be when confronted with "dubious" photographic evidence as well as the complex roles played by both Batman and Joker in one of the longest running relationships in comicdom. Overall, this issue was a good read with pleasing artwork. The series has a lot to do before it can be called anything more than entertaining, but it is off to a pretty good start.

THE VERDICT: 7.5/10

REVIEW: Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #6

2006-03-21T09:06:00.000-05:00

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #6
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Peter David
Artist: Mike Wieringo

It has taken me a few days to get around to writing this review. In the last two weeks, I have only bought 4 comic books. There wasn't a whole lot that came out in that time that I was interested in. I actually read this one last Friday, but I haven't had much time to write anything. So, forgive me, but this review is not going to have much info related to plot - because I can't remember much about it.

Basically, Spidey battles that guy on the cover in a charity wrestling match that was set up by J. Jonah Jameson as a favor to the masked wrassler. The majority of the issue focuses on the fight and is relatively boring because when reading a 40+ year old title about a character that has been around that long, there is little room for anyone to believe that any fight will end with Spidey losing. I will say that if you are not a fan of the bone claws, this issue will likely further annoy you.

Wieringo's artwork is good. I must say that I am really enjoying that aspect of this title a lot. I didn't find this issue very entertaining. It would have been better served by focusing less on the fight and more on the character, but those aren't decisions I get to make. All in all this one was a letdown.

My Verdict: 5/10

REVIEW: Ultimates 2 #10

2006-03-06T16:20:00.000-05:00

Ultimates 2 #10
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Bryan Hitch

[*mild spoilers*] I am not going to put any real spoilers because there is really way to much for me to get into here. I will put it to you this way: this is an issue where a lot of sh-t hits a lot of fans. The one thing I do want to mention is that I found it both peculiarly cool and funny that Hawkeye kills several people in this issue with his fingernails. Read it and you will see what I am talking about.

This was a very good issue. I have read better Ultimates issues, but this one is very good. Hitch does some great work this issue with some very tough panels. The mood of this issue is decidedly darker than the past, but definitely worth the extended wait.

My Verdict: 9/10

REVIEW: Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #5

2006-03-06T10:28:00.000-05:00

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #5
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Peter David
Artist: Mike Wieringo

[*mild spoilers*] This was a really strange stand-alone story about a woman who feels that Spider-Man is "stalking" her. It is told, for the most part, by way of the woman's blog. She somehow gets a judge to approve a restraining order against the web-slinger, and then decades later is confronted by Mary Jane.

This wasn't really what I was expecting for the first non-"The Other" story for this title. While it was well written and somewhat entertaining, I can't help but scratch my head. There really is nothing more to say about it. It was weird.

My Verdict: 6/10

REVIEW: Batman Annual #25

2006-03-03T08:50:00.000-05:00

Batman Annual #25
Publisher: DC
Writer: Judd Winick
Artist: Shane Davis

[*spoiler warning*] If you were wondering (like me) how the hell Jason Todd ended up alive again, this is a definite must read. The entire purpose of this issue is to explain it to us. Are you ready for the reason? Get ready, here it comes. Jason Todd was brought back from the dead by magic. They don't call it magic, but make no mistake, that's what it is.

This was an important issue story wise, but very silly if you ask me. I don't find the explanation for why Jason is back from the dead to be interesting or even well planned. There is nothing wrong with the execution of the story, and the artwork is actually quite good. But, as far as intrigue goes; there is none here.

My Verdict: 6/10

REVIEW: American Way #1

2006-02-28T11:01:00.000-05:00

American Way #1
Publisher: WildStorm
Writer: John Ridley
Artist: Georges Jeanty

[*spoiler warning*] Before you read my review, I need to make something clear: I may ruin this issue for you if you have not read it already. That said, if you are not sure whether to get this or not, let me just say that I think you should. In fact, it is one of the better books in recent memory. So, if you are okay with massive spoilers read on.

WOW! This issue was fabulous. I picked this up to try something new and it really paid off.

The year is 1961, and America is as you might expect with a few very common comic book exceptions. First, there are superheroes; and second, there are aliens. The story follows a PR man for a car company that is fired after the failure of the model he promotes. He is called to Washington DC by an old friend from school: Bobby Kennedy. Kennedy offers him a job and gives him access to some very scandalous information. What follows is that information and it is a huge spoiler.

Kennedy explains that the supposed "superheroes" are nothing more than people with decent and sometimes amazing abilities that are acting out heroism on the grandest stage: real life. Every encounter reported in the paper, every super-villain, the aliens, they are all fake. Special effects and actors all staged for the public's benefit. Essentially they are all part of the government PR machine, and nobody knows it.

At the end of the issue, the most popular heroes dies from a fall. The book ends and we are left wondering how the government will handle this PR disaster. If that doesn't sound like the makings of a great title, I don't know what does.

The artwork is great this issue. Great detail with very nice coloring that actually makes the book feel more "60's." It is not a quick read, which is a good thing and also very rare these days. I cannot recommend this book more highly. Everyone should be reading this.

My Verdict: 10/10

REVIEW: Amazing Spider-Man #529

2006-02-27T13:14:00.000-05:00

Amazing Spider-Man #529
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Artist: Ron Garney

[*spoiler warning*] This issue sold out fast! Many of you probably missed the first printing, but do not despair. The good people at Marvel are printing more!

As the cover clearly indicates, this is the first issue featuring the web-slinger in his new duds. I am really torn over this issue. I can't say I am that big a fan of the new look for the character, and after reading this issue it sounds as if Spidey's new suit makes him almost invincible. But, I know that the change is temporary and that is a small comfort. I guess I just liked the stories about a loner hero that made his own costume. On a positive note, this issue read like an old school Spidey issue. There was a short action sequence in which Spidey took on some hoods. Then we got some foundation for the rest of the upcoming "Civil War" event. I liked the artwork on the book, and I thought the story was pretty entertaining. I do however question how anyones leg can bend the way Spidey's does on the cover. This one is recommended.

My Verdict: 8/10

REVIEW: Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk #2

2006-02-26T20:27:00.000-05:00

Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk #2
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Damon Lindelof
Artist: Leinil Francis Yu

[*spoiler warning*] You that kick-ass, really cool cover to the left? That really gets you in the mood to read a super cool issue with some super cool fighting between Hulk and Wolvie, right? I mean, the first issue opened with Wolverine cut in half. This issue is going to Rock!

Well, I hate to break it to you, but the cover of this book has nothing to do with what is inside the issue. A more accurate cover would feature Bruce Banner thinking or talking. Yep, this issue is all about Ultimate Bruce Banner coming to grips with his alter-self Ultimate Hulk. If that wasn't enough, he also seeks the advice of a Buddhist monk second in line to the Dahlai Llama. Boooooooorinnnnng. This issue sucked. I was really hoping that this mini would be a series of very cool stories covering a different aspects of a fight between these two brutes. No such luck. Hopefully future issues will feature less talking and more fighting.

My Verdict: 3/10

REVIEW: Astonishing X-Men #13

2006-02-26T20:18:00.000-05:00

Astonishing X-Men #13
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Joss Whedon
Artist: John Cassaday

[*mild spoilers*] Finally. This issue finally shipped! I can't much remember what was happening in the series, but I read this anyway. As expected, Cassaday's artwork was great. The story, unfortunately, didn't grab me so well. This arc is headed for some major Hellfire club action, and while they are cool villains, I just read an arc in Uncanny a few months ago that featured them. I am not really excited about the prospect of reading another one. There were two very entertaining scenes in this issue. The first featured Wolverine "teaching" the students their combat lesson without the aid of the now empty Danger Room. There is a great little moment in that scene. The other scene takes place at the end of the issue as Emma is trying to get Scott to come to bed. You have to read it to find out what I am talking about, but it got a chuckle out of me.

All in all this wasn't a bad issue, it just didn't feel as big as I remember this series being. I'm going with a moderate recommendation on this one.

My Verdict: 7/10

REVIEW: The Roach #1

2006-02-23T16:34:00.000-05:00

The Roach #1
Publisher: Black Ink! Imprints
Writer: Robert Roach
Artist: Robert Roach

Oh no, another indy book I didn't like. This one was almost unreadable for me. In fact, I couldn't finish it. It is essentially the story of an assasin named "the Roach." Who takes on a large bureaucratic organization called "the Cause," but other than that, it makes little sense. Some of the artwork is cool looking at first, but does little to help the story along. In certain areas it makes it quite difficult to figure out what is going on. In addition, Robert Roach seems obsessed with wrinkles in clothing as there are thousands rendered in this book. Perhaps it was all supposed to be a satire of the genre. If so, I didn't get it. I will give it a little credit for the artwork because it has a lot of detail, but other than that there is little to sink your teeth into.

My Verdict: 2.5/10

REVIEW: Captain America #15

2006-02-23T11:50:00.000-05:00

Captain America #15
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Mike Perkins

[*mild spoilers*] This issue centers on Red Skulls daughter who has been kidnapped by Crossbones. She doesn't remember her rotten past, but Crossbones is determined to refresh her memory.

This is a very dark issue. There are some "scenes" which made me shift in my seat some because they were pretty brutal. Brubaker does a brilliant job showing the sadistic side of the villains in this issue, and Perkins artwork is riveting. Following the amazing first arc of this new title, this one promises to be even better. This was a strong first issue, and comes very highly recommended.

My Verdict: 9/10

REVIEW: Batman #650

2006-02-22T18:23:00.000-05:00

Batman #650
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Judd Winick
Artist: Eric Battle

[*spoiler warning*] Many people are not pleased with the direction Batman has taken recently, and I imagine that will not change for many after reading this issue. But, I for one am really enjoying the Bat-dick and really liked this issue. For the record, this is the last issue before we jump to One Year Later.

In this issue, Jason and Bats get into a brawl and Jason questions Batman why he has never killed the Joker. Todd's reasoning for this question is that the Joker is the guy that killed him and countless others. In response, Batman states that he has thought about torturing and killing the Joker countless times but "he can't do it" because then " he could never go back." I, like Jason, find that to be a load of superhero BS and Jason gives Bats a simple choice: Kill Jason, or Jason kills the Joker. Want to know more? Read the issue. I guarantee you will feel strongly about this issue one way or the other.

This was a great issue of this sagging series with tons of drama. There was also a lot of important questions asked about Batman and superheros in general. The art was also very strong this issue, so I would definitely say you need to at least check it out at your LCS.

My Verdict: 9/10

REVIEW: The Portent #1

2006-02-22T18:17:00.000-05:00

The Portent #1
Publisher: Image
Writer: Peter Bergting
Artist: Peter Bergting

[*mild spoilers*] Trying this issue was pure speculation on my part. I am trying to expand my comic horizon and this represents one of those attempts. But, sadly this title just didn't work for me. It is a fantasy title and reads somewhat like a classic "quest" story except I had trouble at points understanding what was happening. In addition, toward the end of the issue the dialogue becomes so contemporary that it jarred me right out of any fantastical sense I may have had. But, by far my biggest gripe with this issue is the fact that it is yet another "chosen one" stories. This is such a played out plotline, especially in fantasy, that I can no longer read these stories with an open mind.

I did not care for this issue. The art is okay, but unremarkable, and the issue failed to grab my attention. Rabid fantasy fans may get something out of this issue, but I did not.

My Verdict: 4/10

Reviews This Week

2006-02-22T15:08:00.000-05:00

As you may have noticed, I am getting very ambitious this week with my review schedule. I will try and get them all done as quickly as possible so bear with me. There are a bunch of new indy titles on there as well, so I may end up finding us something we can all enjoy!

REVIEW: Butternut Squash #1

2006-02-17T09:35:00.000-05:00

Butternut Squash #1
Publisher: Speakeasy Comics
Writer: Ramon Perez
Artist: Rob Coughler

I decided to give this title a try this week for no other reason than I wanted to start buying more indy stuff. I think I may have picked the wrong book because I didn't really care for this one. The book is basically a collection of strips featuring three friends that all seem pretty identical to me. There are about a dozen strips that are about coffee and aren't funny anymore after the third time you've read the same joke. I chuckled a few times, but not anymore than I do when I read Family Circus - and I don't like Family Circus.

The artwork is in the style of a modern cartoon, and while it isn't bad, it would fit better with a full 22 page story. But, I am not going to complain much about the artwork since I generally found it to be good. There is also a whole bunch of extras at the end, but since I didn't like the issue I didn't read any of the extras. I won't be buying another issue of this title.

My Verdict: 3/10

REVIEW: New Avengers #16

2006-02-17T09:04:00.000-05:00

New Avengers #16
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Steve McNiven

[*spoiler warning*] I want to start by saying that this issue went by verrry quickly. Part of the reason for that is that the first several pages are just splash pages with no words on them. See that cover? Well, those guys aren't in this issue! How's that for false advertising? Instead, we get some guy riding a tail of flame and a bunch of SHIELD grunts. Oh, and I can't forget Alpha Flight who have apparently been killed; off panel within a span of 4 pages. But don't worry, it looks like the New Avengers are going to be in the next issue of their own series. If your sarcasm meter went off on that last sentence, I have done my job.

I was disappointed with this issue. The only real major event in it is the apparent death of Alpha Flight which has nerds everywhere up in arms. It really doesn't bother me at all. I sort of liked Puck and Sasquatch, but I can live without them around. Besides, we all know they won't stay dead long.

What really annoyed me about this issue is that we never actually see how the new villain does his killing. That all appears off panel. That was obnoxious. Also, this issue is so decompressed it is ridiculous - I am growing tired of that style. McNiven's art is nice at points, but one panel that features a bunch of SHIELD agents in the background made me die laughing. All of them look like toy soldiers. See if you can find the panel I'm talking about.

By the way, you also get a backup story featuring Kickers Inc. from the New Universe. I didn't read it because it looked really stupid.

I can't really recommend this one unless you are a die hard fan or a completist.

My Verdict: 4/10

REVIEW: Angry Youth Comix #10

2006-02-16T23:19:00.000-05:00

Angry Youth Comix #10
Publisher: Fantagraphics Books
Writer: Johnny Ryan
Artist: Johnny Ryan

I just started reading AYC a little while ago, and while it isn't really for everyone, I enjoy it. For those of you that are unfamiliar with it, it is an extremely raunchy yet extremely funny comic. This issue is a collection of one panel "editorial-type" cartoons with one thing in common: they are all pretty risque. I liked a lot of them, but there were a few racial ones that made me cringe. You aren't going to see any Johnny Ryan cartoons in The New Yorker anytime soon. But that isn't to say his work is devoid of talent. It just isn't high brow in the classic sense.

A normal issue of this title has an almost Seinfeldian feel to it. In that several stories weave themselves into a cohesive plot. Ryan's cartooning style is simplistic but very effective. While I do recommend this title to anyone with a strong stomach and depraved sense of humor, those of you that find Southpark offensive do not want to even look inside AYC.

This issue is strong, but not representitive of the series and a bad point for most people to start reading.

My Verdict: 7.5/10

REVIEW: Jonah Hex #4

2006-02-14T11:13:00.000-05:00

Jonah Hex #4
Publisher: DC
Writer: Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti
Artist: Luke Ross

[*mild spoilers*] This is yet another fabulous issue of one hell of a good new series from DC. This book is so much fun to read. The artwork is beautiful, the dialogue is well written, and the stories are intriguing self contained tales that will leave you wanting more. If that sounds like copy from an advertisement for this title; I don't care. I will gladly pimp this series to anyone that will listen.

In this issue, Jonah brings in a bounty to a strange town. After a cold conversation with the mayor of the town, Jonah decides to hang around while he waits to be paid. A conspiracy of sorts unfolds with a climactic ending that left me a little speechless.

Definitely check this one out. If not for the great stories, then for Luke Ross's outstanding art. You are all going to love this title - trust me.

My Verdict: 10/10

REVIEW: JLA #125

2006-02-10T14:50:00.000-05:00

JLA #125
Publisher: DC
Writer: Bob Harras
Artist: Tom Derenick

[*spoiler warning*] This is the last issue of JLA in this incarnation. They are supposedly launching a new title in the near future, but I haven't really paid much attention to new announcements.

As the cover indicates, this issue features the "dramatic" climax to the fight between Ollie and Bats. Key plays a prominent role in the fight, as does Envy. In the end, the physical battle ends, but the war of words see no such resolution. The ex-JLAers decide to put aside their differences momentarily to complete the task at hand: defeating Key.

Once they have subdued the villain, Batman wants to return him to Arkham Asylum. The others are not of the same mind. Ollie, and Dawn don't believe sending him back to Arkham will end the problem. Without warning Dawn uses her powers to send him to... (you have to take a look at the issue to find out where).

I have to say that I am not really sure why DC feels it necessary to reboot this title, but this issue seemed like anything but a finale. There are so many loose ends at the end of this book, there will be plenty to tackle in 52. Overall, the issue was entertaining, but far from the quality I had hoped for.

My Verdict: 6.5/10

REVIEW: Fables #46

2006-02-09T10:15:00.000-05:00

Fable #46
Publisher: DC Vertigo
Writer: Bill Willingham
Artist: Jim Fern

This is the first part of a 2-part story. If that sounds like filler to you, it doesn't get any better when you start reading. In fact, if you actually finish reading this issue, you should be very proud of yourself. Most that try shoot out the back of their throat by page 7. I simply put the issue down, which saved my life.

There is a guest artist on this issue and I really did not care for the artwork. I know nothing about Fern, but his art did nothing for me. I found it very difficult to follow, and far to simplistic and jagged for my taste. The artwork reminds me of ancient japanese art as it is very angular and very simplistic. Another draw back to this issue is the choice of font for much of the lettering. All of the narration is rendered in a cursive font that is so hard on the eyes, it had me straining the entire time.

I do not reccomend this issue to anyone.

My Verdict: 1/10

REVIEW: Uncanny X-Men #469

2006-02-03T08:45:00.000-05:00

Uncanny X-Men #469
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Chris Claremont
Artist: Billy Tan

This issue is the first in a new 3-issue arc, which again focuses on Rachel Grey. While some may be enjoying the recent direction of this title, I have to say that I am not. It feels more like a lesson in continuity to me than a story.

I did, however, really enjoy Billy Tan's artwork. I like his highly stylized pencils a lot and I think they work well for a book like this one. Sorry I don't have more to say. This one just isn't doing much for me.

My Verdict: 5/10