Seduction of The Innocent

Day 2-Comics Find Me

noreply@blogger.com (Fred's Gunn) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 03:21:00 +0000

So, its officially been day two of my documentation of distancing myself from comic book culture and I have say it hasn't been a cake walk. I find myself at times getting distracted from the horribly monotonous chore of job searching and writing cover letters wanting to sneak a peek at upcoming previews and reviews of books. But I contain myself from such sin by generally hanging at other websites that arouse my other passion of video games. Which has turned out to be not so bad because I found out about the leak for the sequel to Marvel Ultimate Alliance. Turns out that the plot for this one will revolve around the Civil War and apparently you get to choose which side you want to fight on. Sounds like a winner to me.......more.

Even when I'm avoiding comic books they find a way to weasel themselves into my life. I could use that cliched quote about being pulled back in but come on, in some way, shape, or form comic book culture has intertwined intself into the fabric of mainstream pop culture. Well I'm sore from my always hard run of ultimate frisbee in the park so i'll explain my point about comics and pop culture tomorrow.

Peace.

Broke and Back

noreply@blogger.com (Fred's Gunn) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 05:39:00 +0000

Ok, ive been gone from the blogoshpere of the comic book realm for a while now and for good reason. I'm JOBLESS and BROKE, going on almost seven months now. I had saved enough money to continue my weekly Wednesday euphoria for the first three months of unemployment, with the hopes of returning to my old seasonal job, but the job screwed me and the money quickly dried up. Now as an individual who has been reading comic books for the 24 years of life i've spent on this planet and considering the massive amount of time I put into writing a thesis on the genre my senior year in college.

So, I came up with this bright idea that I should just go cold turkey off the (comic)junk until I get a job. Which means, no comic websites or blogs, cutting off The Penrod when he starts rambling about D.C., no more kick ass reviews and no more visiting my local comic book shop (sigh). Going to the shop to look at books would be a bigger tease than some of my ex girlfriends (Ba Zing!). But seriously folks, wiping comic books from, as it stands right now, my pathetic life truly is disappointing as Secret Invasion, The Death of Batman, X-Force, and the Hulk were growing in plot.

However, before I get out of here The Penrod did inform me that Mike Turner died from his long bout with cancer, my condolences to his family and fans, as we've truly lost one of the greats in the industry of comic books.

P.S.

My ban on comics doesn't reach to the cinema as I have already seen Iron Man (kick-ass) and the Hulk (still to unrealistic with the graphics, but a better story). Batman in July is next on the agenda for filling my fix, I'm freaking stoked for Heath's Joker.

First Release 4 March

noreply@blogger.com (Fred's Gunn) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 22:09:00 +0000

More post-Messiah Complex complex books along with other goodies release this week. But, overall it's still a slow week for comics.

MARVEL
Amazing Spider-Man #552
Amazing Spider-Man #552 (1 in 20) Granov Incentive Cover
Anita Blake Guilty Pleasures #9
Anita Blake Guilty Pleasures #9 (1 in 10) Booth Incentive Cover
Cable #1
Cable #1 (1 in 20) Liefeld Incentive Cover
Clandestine #2
Dark Tower Long Road Home #1
Dark Tower Long Road Home #1 (1 in 25) Deodato Incentive
Dark Tower Long Road Home #1 (1 in 75) Lee Sketch Incentive
Logan #1
Logan #1 B&W Edition
Lords of Avalon #2
Marvel Spotlight Hamilton Martin
Moon Knight #16
Omega Unknown #6
Penance Relentless #5
Powers #28
Punisher War Journal #17
Twelve #3
Uncanny X-Men #496
X-Force #2
X-Force #2 Bloody Edition

DC
All New Atom #21
Countdown Lord Havok & the Extremists #5
Countdown to Adventure #7
Countdown to Final Crisis #8
DC Special Raven #1
Detective Comics #842
Green Lantern #28
Infinity Inc #7
Jonah Hex #29
Justice League New Frontier Special
Nightwing #142
Supergirl #27
Teen Titans Year One vol. 3

Mini Reviews!!

noreply@blogger.com (Fred's Gunn) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 19:05:00 +0000

Because this weeks books I picked up were all solid reads, I will get to them, but before I do I must finish up the book reviews from last week with mini reviews..... WOOT!

The Mighty Avengers #9
Its the Mighty Avengers vs. Dr. Doom in this issue as the Avengers launch an attack on Castle Von Doom after its revealed that he released the Venom virus. Since the Civil War ended, most heroes have registered and are now either working for a team in each of the fifty states or is a Mighty Avenger. The idea of this book was to show what its like working for the government after registration and even though this story has dragged at times, I think its succeeded in doing so.

Brian Michael Bendis continues to write this story as most of this issue revolves around the team taking down Doom's sentries and bringing Doom to justice. There are six-pages of this book are dedicated to pure action and zero dialogue. Which is fine with me, because since issue one the book has been more about bringing together this new team, Ms. Marvel and her leadership skills with this new team, and how Shield and the Government regulate the heroes. So this story is a welcome change.

However, this Doom arc, is nothing but a ploy to keep people entertained until its Secret Invasion time. The story is also predictable because after reading the first two pages I immediately knew where this issue was going to end. The only reason I could really recommend this book is because Marko Djurdjevic makes a guest appearance, taking the helm for two pages, bringing his concept art into the fold as Dr. Doom visits a beautiful and (half) naked sorceress. This is a book you can probably avoid until a Skrull pops out of a hole or they let the New Avengers go.... again.

Marvel's Feeble Attempt To Run Wolverine Into the Ground. [Update]

noreply@blogger.com (Fred's Gunn) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 19:01:00 +0000

During my afternoon internet surfing I came across this gem from the people over at marvel. Apparently there are more skrull faces that marvel is screwing around, including, Hawkman, Jean Grey and today they just added Spider Woman.

Now, I'm one of the many fans who's looking forward to Marvel's big event, but Wolverine, as a Skrull.....Who knows....[Marvel]

Wolverine isn't a Skrull and clearly Marvels' trying to make readers paranoid with these pics and it's kinda working. Whenever i'm reading a marvel book I'm wondering about each hero and their intentions.

Release list for Final Week

noreply@blogger.com (Fred's Gunn) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:38:00 +0000

Most of the books this month weren't bad at all and March can only get better!!

MARVEL
Black Panther Annual #1
Captain America #35
Criminal 2 #1
Daredevil #105
House of M Avengers #5
Kick-Ass #1
Kick-Ass #1 (1 in 10) McNiven Incentive Cover
Kick-Ass #1 (1 in 25) JRJR Incentive Cover
Marvel Illustrated Picture of Dorian Gray #3
Marvel Zombies 2 #5
New Exiles #0
New Exiles #1 (2nd Print)
New Warriors #9
Punisher #51
She Hulk #26
Spider-Man With Great Power #2
Thor #6
Thunderbolts International Incident
Twelve #1 (2nd Print)
Ultimate Fantastic Four #51
Ultimate Spider-Man #119
WWH Aftersmash Damage Control #2
X-Men First Class vol. 2 #9
X-Men Legacy #208
Young Avengers Presents #2

DC
Action Comics #862
Action Comics #862 (1 in 10) Incentive Cover
All Star Batman & Robin # 9
All Star Batman & Robin #9 (1 in 10) Incentive Cover
Batman #674
Blue Beetle #24
Countdown to Final Crisis #9
Crime Bible 5 Lessons of Blood #5
JLA Classified #53
JSA Classified #35
Justice Society of America #13
Justice Society of America #13 (1 in 10) Incentive Cover
Legion of Super Heroes #39
Teen Titans #56
Uncle Sam & Freedom Fighters #6

Runaways Review!!! Finally!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Fred's Gunn) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:30:00 +0000

Runaways, a book I've been waiting for this book for what seems like a year, but its really been a few months. Now I've been looking for a reason to get on writer Joss Wheedon's case for the lengthy delay of this book. But, once again, I have nothing but hugs and hand pounds to pass around.

Now before I review I had to go way back into the stacks and find the damn back issues of this book because I pretty much had forgotten most of the plot past the point of the kids getting stuck in the past. So the Runaways were contracted by the Kingpin to steal something of significant importance, which turns out to be a time machine, things go crazy and boom!!! The group is back in 1907 with the time machine busted. They end up meeting people who have superpowers and classify themselves as wonders. Now the plot gets a little more complicated when they story breaks down into three 'wonders' groups; The Street Arabs, none are Arab, but all are kids or teens like the Runaways, The City's Protectors, claim to protect the city, and the Sinners, stating the obvious, bad dudes. Then the book throws in another curve as it's revealed that the time traveling parents of deceased Runaway, Gertrude Yorkes, are leading the Sinners.

To wrap this in a pretty bow and bring us back to the current part of the story. These three groups aren't holding hands and doing whatever friendly things you do in 1907 and a gang war breaks out as most of the Runaways have come back together. While most of the group is looking for a way back to the present their leader, Nico is being held captive and tortured by her great grandmother, a powerful sorceress for the Protectors. This encounter happens only to make Nico stronger as the grandmother knows she is weak by sorcery standards. While Nico is tortured/stronger, the group attempts to escape from the ensuing melee but, the Yorkes plan is revealed as they plant a bomb in a middle if the square where the fight is going down. This may lead to the Runaways meeting the plotting parents of Gertrude.

Even though it took this book almost three months two come, it was well worth the wait. The story still has that young, light-hearted, teenage feel to it, while still being able to turn it up a notch with the action and suspense. The art was a nice mixture of serious and cartoonist blending well with the teenagers story. Micheal Ryan's art throughout the series has been well done. Hopefully this book ships sooner because this has been a good story and it only looks to be getting better.

Movie News

noreply@blogger.com (Fred's Gunn) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 23:15:00 +0000

So in one fell swoop of an article I went from loving the idea of the new Wolverine movie to going into convulsions. Why is Will I. Am in this film and has nobody learned from Ja Rule's mistake? Rappers in film do not equal great movies, except Friday that move was the funny as hell.

Origin's film adds more mutants. [Variety]

X-Reviews!!!! (X-Factor & X-Force)

noreply@blogger.com (Fred's Gunn) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 02:14:00 +0000

As you have noticed by the double covers, this is a double review of X-Factor (Peter David) and X-Force (Craig Kyle and Christ Yost). Now you may be asking yourself why or maybe not and you want me to just get to the point and I say fine.

I'll start with X-Factor because, in my opinion, it leads into X-Force. So here goes, this issue has a ton of plot; Madrox, exhibiting the futuristic mutant tatoo on his eye and still visibly bothered by this and the dark future he saw, attacks the purifiers, Siryn reveals to M she's pregnant, and Rictor questions the newfound segregation of Mutantown. However, all of these promising plots get lost as most of this issue is devoted to Wolfsbane revealing to half of the the team that she is leaving. This issue just displayed how fractured the X-Factor team and their town has become since House of M,Messiah Complex, and Layla's disappearance. This issue was average in what has been a pretty good run of series and I truly believe that the next issue will pickup the plots that were touched on in this issue.

X-Force is back and violent with a capital V. This plot is pretty simple Cyclops assembles a covert operations team to take down the mutant hate/terrorist group, the Purifiers and their leader, Reverend Matt Risman. The team is comprised of Warpath, X-23, Wolfsbane (yea, she left X-Factor to join this team), and the over used Wolverine. For some odd reason Wolverine, a killer, doesn't want the other people on this crew killing people. This reeks of hypocrisy from this dude, so I kind of laughed when he got emotional (or what passes for emotional with Wolverine) and punched Cyclops, erasing the emo moment I had with the character. Enough of my let it out moment, because this book came with a parental advisory and it doesn't disappoint. Three words can describe this first issue; blood, bullets, and death. I was wondering if this book would have a plot and it appears it will with the return of a certain X-men big bad so there is plenty of potential for this book.

X-Factor #28

Writing- 3 out of 5
Art- 4 out of 5

Overall- 3.5 out of 5

X-Force #1

Writing-3.5 out of 5
Art-4.5 out 5
Overall-4 out of 5

This Week's Solicitation

noreply@blogger.com (Fred's Gunn) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 02:08:00 +0000

Almost time for more comics, get giddy!!! Yea I said giddy.. I only added Independent this week because I will be picking up Angel.

MARVEL
Amazing Spider-Man #551
Avengers Classic #9
Cable Deadpool #50
Hulk #2
Hulk #2 (1 in 20) Djurdjevic Incentive Cover
Immortal Iron Fist Orson Randall
Incredible Hercules #114
Incredible Hercules #114 (1 in 15) Acuna Incentive Cover
Iron Man #26
Marvel Illustrated Iliad #3
Mighty Avengers #9
The Order #8
Runaways #29
Terror Inc. #5
Ultimate Human #2
Ultimate X-Men #91
Ultimates 3 #3
Ultimates 3 #3 (1 in 20) Cho Cover
Wolverine Origins #22
WWH Aftersmash Warbound #3

DC
Batman & the Outsiders #4
Batman Confidential #13
Birds of Prey #115
Brave & The Bold #10
Catwoman #76
Checkmate #23
Countdown to Final Crisis #10
Death of the New Gods #6
Flash #237
Justice League of America #18
Robin #171
Shadowpact #22
Spirit #14
Superman Batman #46
Superman Confidential #12
Wonder Girl #6

INDEPENDENT
Angel After the Fall #4
Angel After the Fall #4 (1 in 4) Cover
Angel After the Fall #4 (1 in 10) Urru Incentive Cover
Angel After the Fall #4 (1 in 20) Virgin Incentive Cover

Spidey Makes Devilish Deal and goes Number 1!!

noreply@blogger.com (Fred's Gunn) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:28:00 +0000

Its MUNDAY, blah blah, but news and reviews are here to save your soul

The Amazing Spider-man: #546 Brand New Day and Hulk #1, took first and second in Diamonds monthly sales charts and four of the five top selling books were also of the Marvel variety. I knew Spidey would be up in the five, but not number one, considering, I still see #546 on the shelf in my local shop and I'm still waiting to get my hands on the reprint of Hulk's new book. But, hey one point for EIC Joe Quesada!

Marvel and DC like it on top........[Newsarama]

Yes the Hulk is red......[USA Today]

Joss Whedon awesomeness allows him to write (Runaways #29 preview) when he wants...[Marvel]

The New Avengers Review

noreply@blogger.com (Fred's Gunn) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 09:47:00 +0000

I have to hand to the folks over at Marvel because they have just been churning out books for The New Avengers and none have been a disappointment, minus the odd purple art in that second annual. However, I'm a forgiving man who can overlook questionable art techniques , but enough about my purple problem as I am a fan of the Artist Formally Known as Prince. Considering my fondness of music by men who dress up in clothes that make them look like human popsicles and comic book artwork have nothing to do with one another let's jump into this review.

This issue picks up right where the second annual left off, with Jessica Jones taking her baby and joining The Mighty Avengers and registering with the Initiative program. As you can see from this cover Jones was married to Luke Cage, who also fathered the child she ran off with. Also the Avengers move into a new apartment owned by Iron Fist, but that's all you need to know about the rest of the team because this issue was solely about Jessica and Luke breaking up.

I'll willingly admit that I cannot stand word heavy issues, but this issue hit close to home. I was raised in a single family home as my parents separated when I was very young. Even though they didn't separate out of the fear that I would be attacked by super villains and shape shifting Skrulls who can't be detected, which would have been a cooler reason, but I digress. Brian Michael Bendis brilliantly scripted this issue as Luke Cage sees everything crashing around him in the wake of constant attacks by the Hood and the ongoing hints of a Skrull invasion, Jessica wants him to join her, the baby, and the Mighty Avengers. This would mean Luke giving up everything he stands for when it comes to taking a stand against the fifty state initiative and registering heroes secret identities. The art and dialogue in this issue meld together as you can feel the desire both characters have for their separate beliefs, but just when you think its all about the breakup Bendis shifts gears back to the impending invasion and the sudden delusions of Skrulls in Stark tower return as Luke asks Jessica an interesting question about why she came back......During Civil War Jessica was supposed to take the baby and flee to Canada, but she came back after Captain America died......

This issue only left me with more questions about Skrulls and feeling sorry for Luke Cage, because not only is he without his wife and child but the Avengers are in an utter state of confusion and their still fugitives. If X-Factor and X-Force hadn't tied for my books of the week this one would have gotten the nod. Every Avengers issue has been one twist or surprise after another and if you can get past the extensive dialogue I recommend this book.

The New Avengers #38

Writing-4 out of 5
Art-4 out of 5
Overall- 4 out of 5

Random thoughts from this issue that had no bearing on the review.... Spider-Man is back in his old uniform, and he still takes of his mask around the Avengers (take that Brand New Day). Is it me or is Wolverine in too many damn books? All I'm saying is that Marvel is extending the character into too many stories and at some point people aren't going to be interested in him (other than die-hard fanboys and girls) anymore.

Excelsior Bitches!!

Skrull Guess Who!!

noreply@blogger.com (Fred's Gunn) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 21:42:00 +0000

So apparently Marvel is talking about skrull spoilers in some of their bigger books; NEW AVENGERS #31, NEW AVENGERS ILLUMINATI #5, MS. MARVEL #24 and CAPTAIN MARVEL #3, but they left a book out. I'm not going to say which book it is yet, but, way to black ball one of your better books Marvel. So here are the Skrulls and possible Skrulls ready to secretly invade. If you don't feel like reading the official half-ass marvel spoiler I'll give you my full list.

Why is He a Skrull?
Cobalt Man-Revealed in Captain Marvel #3

Ok, now I've considered picking up the Mar-vell series and considering my intrigue in the impending invasion I may pick it up, but considering his only lines of dialogue and action came in Civil War #1 right before Stamford was blown to hell. So this one makes no sense unless he supplied Nitro with the MGH (Mutant Growth Hormone) that enhanced his abilities. But we know that's not true as Wolverine took down the CEO of Damage Control who supplied Nitro with the "mutant juice." But now I'm just turning into some obsessive conspiracy theorist as Cobalt man was really just around to accuse Captain Marvel of being a Skrull.

We Still Don't Know Yet Skrulls..
Ms. Marvel- Revealed in Ms. Marvel # 24 & Captain Marvel-Revealed in Captain Marvel #3

Now Cobalt Man was brought in to accuse Mar-vell of being a Skrull and Ms. Marvel after she lost her powers is now reverted back to her Binary powers, so that's also questionable.

Skrulls Marvel Won't Tell You About...
The Revolutionary-Revealed in Avengers: The Initiave Annual #1

This is the first of two Skrulls revealed in the pages of Avengers: Initiative and noticeably missing from the spoilers page of marvel. You want to talk about bit skrull, this one takes the cake. This guy is apart of one of the Fifty States Initiative teams in Philadelphia, named The Liberteens. Now before I get into this goof's role, let me address this team's name in one word, corny, and most of the teens names and caricatures make them look and sound like they were created in a cheap American factory. When Marvel said that Skrulls were going to be apart of every team in America, they meant it. The Liberteens look like a cross between the Great Lakes Avengers, the X-Men, and add an ass ton of patriotism and boom!!! You got a team. The only relevance this Skrull has is who he contacts at the Avengers training base at Camp Hammond.

Crusader-Revealed in Avengers: The Initiative #9

This is my deduction and my deduction only but unless there is another Skrull hanging out around the Camp Hammond base then this is the guy who's making sure Skrulls are in place. Now the placement of these two Skrulls makes since as both seem to be apart or will be apart of initiative based teams. But not to do too much spoiling, but this Skrull's longevity is questionable and I'll leave it at that, because you should be reading Avengers.

Skrulls Who Failed Their Missions...

Elektra-Revealed in The New Avengers #31

Everyone and their momma knew that Elektra was gonna get wacked by Echo in this issue, but what threw me, and anyone else not searching for spoilers, for a loop was that the supposed Elektra reverted to a dead Skrull. Which has led to massive paranoia among the Avengers including the defections of Spider-Woman with the Skrull corpse, and Jessica Jones, and Doctor Strange just straight up leaving.

Blackbolt-Revealed in New Avengers Illuminati #5

Talk about left field, in the final issue of this book Blackbot goes all Skrully and with the help of two other skrulls, start beating the crap out of the Illuminati bunch. Now considering I had almost dropped this book an issue before, I'm glad I didn't because by the time this issue ended my jaw was dropping as the battle and eventual defeat of the Skrulls occurred. This book pretty much jump started Iron Man's silent paranoia and cause the group to disband.

Now, to wrap this segment up with a pretty little bow, if these people are Skrulls, then WHERE THE HELL ARE THE REAL HEROES/VILLIAN? Who's ruling the Inhumans and do they know that their King is missing? The Hand looked lost once they found out Elektra was a Skrull. The Marvels are still in the air of questionable Skrulls so I don't know. One thing for sure is that the secret invasion is in full effect.

Marvel wants you to play Skrull guess who. Marvel

Excelsior Bitches!!

Previews 4 Comic Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Fred's Gunn) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 20:32:00 +0000

Happy Wednesday to all. I hope everyone is enjoying their comics, I know I am. Although this Roger Clemens hearing held me up from getting my books. Putting my sports cap on for a minute this is a sad situation for baseball and politics should have no part in the sport. I'll tell you one thing though some those bums in Congress looked real assclowns. Obama, can't get n there soon enough.

Setting aside my sports/politics cap, reviews on some of the books I picked up and some random thoughts about some things I've noticed of late.

What I Got!!!

The New Avengers
X-Force
X-Factor
Punisher: War Journal

Excelsior Bitches!!

Catching Up!!

noreply@blogger.com (Fred's Gunn) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:56:00 +0000

The X-Men are no more!? Eh, sort of. Messiah Complex has ended and the Neo/Jesus/Kanye West (insert proverbial savior to something or somebody character here) child is in the capable hands of the futuristic mutant Cable. Honestly there isn't much to say about this book, it's average. Its another Brubaker written story and if you haven't been into Messiah Complex and you want to jump back into Uncanny, this would be the issue to pick up. This was a word heavy issue with some dinosaurs fighting, Iron Man trying to register the X-men, a naked and buxom Emma Frost (under a sheet you pervs), and Nightcrawler as Angelina Jolie. Yes, you heard correct, so maybe you pick up this issue just for the intrigue of the Crawler/Jolie factor. The art also isn't bad to look at either. My only gripe is the same with my Daredevil review, Brubaker at times takes his time to build up to a climax, but that doesn't seem to happen with Captain America. Maybe it's because the Cap. stories are more espionage like and take a bit more time to build things and I like that in the Cap. However, when it comes to straight up action titles like Daredevil and X-Men snail pace is a bit bother some. But, now I'm just being a nitpicking little jerk.

Uncanny X-men #495

Writing- 3 out 5

Art-3 out of 5

Overall-3 out of 5

Reviews (Part 3)

noreply@blogger.com (Fred's Gunn) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:32:00 +0000

Daredevil has been an intriging read during the chaotic times at Marvel with Civil War and World War Hulk. The man without fear has seemingly been above both fray's, considering he was in France during the War and apparently Hell's Kitchen is not apart of New York City as the Hulk made his pissed off return. Or maybe the Hulk isn't as tough as we all think he is and pissed his pants at the thought of taking the Kitchen, even with his Warbound and his unlimited strength. That's probably not true but never the less as every other Marvel character has been thrown into wars with tie-in's and spin-offs, and blah blah blah Daredevil has been taking care of business in the Kitchen.

This issue has the blind one ruthlessly searching for Mr. Fear for poisoning his wife and once again Ed Brubaker has constructed an emotional and gritty story as Daredevil goes off the deep end with a rage this side of the Hulk. He tortures and then beats the holy hell out of a member of the Enforcers, chokes a woman, and kicks a baby!!! He didn't kick a baby but you see where I'm going with this, Daredevil will do whatever he has to do to find Mr. Fear. The artwork throughout this story has been done very well, giving off that noiresque and violent feel that's been tradition since Frank Miller's revamp of the character.

Overall this story is a good, but the problem is that this arc should have ended an issue ago. This issue becomes the fifth part in a six story arc and to make me wonder more, Brubaker brings in the Hood to feud with Mr. Fear. Daredevil has been coming close to finding Mr. Fear for two issues now and then you insert the Hood. WTF!!! To be fair the Hood has been in the story since the fourth arc, and between Daredevil's vendetta against Mr. Fear, and Mr. Fear's need to peddle his new drug, I don't know where the Hood comes into play and that's my gripe. But getting past the Hood issue and its length, this was still a good read, that I'm sure will have an interesting ending.

Daredevil #104

Writing-3 out of 5
Art-5 out of 5
Overall- 3.5 out of 5

Got Monday?

noreply@blogger.com (Fred's Gunn) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:49:00 +0000

Its a new week and as always a time for new comics.

MARVEL
Amazing Spider-Girl #17
Amazing Spider-Man #550
Black Panther #34
Captain Marvel #3
Civil War Chronicles #8
Dead of Night Man-Thing #1
Fantastic Four #554
Fantastic Four #554 (1 in 15) Bianchi Incentive Cover
Fantastic Four #554 (1 in 50) Suydam Incentive Cover
Fantastic Four The Lost Adventure
Ghost Rider #20
Iron Man Enter Mandarin #5
Marvel Comics Presents #6
New Avengers #38
New Exiles #2
Nova Annual #1
Punisher Force of Nature
Punisher War Journal #16
Spider-Man Family #7
Ultimate Iron Man II #3
Wolverine #62
X-Factor #28
X-Force #1
X-Force #1 Bloody Cover
X-Force #1 (1 in 25) Hitch Incentive Cover

DC
Bat Lash #3
Booster Gold #0
Countdown to Final Crisis #11
Gotham Underground #5
Green Arrow Black Canary #5
Green Arrow Black Canary #5 (1 in 10) Incentive Cover
Green Lantern Corps #21
JLA Classified #52
Salvation Run #4
Simon Dark #5
Suicide Squad Raise the Flag #6
Superman #673
Wonder Woman #17

I've got Daredevil, Spidey, and X-Men reviews coming today so keep reading.

Excelsior Bitches!!

More Reviews from last week (Part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (Fred's Gunn) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:26:00 +0000

We are nine issues into Avengers: Initiative, since the ending of Civil War, and I've got to say this is one of the first books I'm reaching for when I'm in the comic book shop. Avengers has been an exciting read from day one exhibiting the trails and tribulations young heroes in training go through, from killing for the first time, personal struggles, and questioning if the government should be taking kids from their homes to be trained(doesnt sound like democracy to me). As many marvel books gear up for the Skrull invasion, writers Dan Slott and Chris Gage don't slow down the pace as another Skrull is revealed and a former recruit takes their revenge on everyone.

This has been one of the better books that Marvel puts out thats been on time, hasn't deviated from its main plot, and has had many guest stars. Yes, the Avengers were apart of the post-Civil War hunt for the New Avengers, as Spider-Man schooled one of the new recruits and during World War Hulk, attempted to fight the pissed off green giant, and failed miserably. Once again they are joined by a Marvel character and this time it's a villian. The Taskmaster comes to the Avengers base to train them in strategy based combat situations. Slott and Gage do a good job of weaving three stories into one book as he reveals the next Skrull (wikipedia it, the guy is a scrub hero, not worth mentioning), brings back a deceased Avenger who seeks vengenece on all who caused his death, and then another sort of alien who comes to defend the Avengers from that menacing threat.

The artwork in this book isn't bad either as it blends the serious side of the training and rehabbing one of the kid's goes through after a tough mission, and the lighthearted side as another reveals her affections for another. These emotions, along with the intense action in this issuse are displayed vivedly through the artwork (done by Stefano Caselli). If you haven't picked up this book yet I recommend you do so.

Avengers: The Initiative #9

Writing-5 out of 5
Artwork-4 out 5

Overall-4 out of 5 -This is one of those books that I think goes under the radar, but its a solid read.

Excelsior Bitches

More Reviews from last week

noreply@blogger.com (Fred's Gunn) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 18:32:00 +0000

Ok, i'm doing some quick reviews for the books I picked up last week and then i'll get to this week's round. Boom!!!

The second annual of The New Avengers, wraps up storylines from World War Hulk and Civil War with The Avengers taking on the Hood's gann once again, but with more consequences. As this annual comes to an end, one Avengers quits the team and another jumps sides to the Mighty Avengers. This is the second annual for the Avengers since the new year has began and once again Brian Micheal Bendis has crafted a very fun story and making everyone wonder who is and isn't a skrull. Jessica Jones defects to the Mighty Avenger and due the strain of using his magic powers during World War Hulk, Doctor Strange leaves the team to re-educate himself in the ways of being a sorcerer. Leaving the Hood to once again escape. The story just ties up some loose ends, nothing major, a fun story that won't blow you away as it builds up to the upcoming Skrull Invasion. My only problem with this book was the artwork.

Now, the artwork isn't too bad, as Carlo Pagulayan takes the reigns from Leinil Francis Yu, but the mood of the story is to be dark and a little serious as the paranoia of the Skrull threat rises and with the purple (yes seriously) backgrounds and shadowing used, it doesn't come across as such. In two pages worth of panels when the Hood breaks into Tigra's room and assaults her, I would have have sworn Prince was her interior decorator. The purple totally takes away from the situation on this page, because I didn't wonder if the Hood, along with every other villain he broke out of prison watching, was going to shoot Tigra point blank in the head. I just kept thinking, somebody just needs to lay off the purple stuff.

The New Avengers Annual #2

Writing-3 out of 5
Art-2.5 out of 5- I can't get past all the danm purple!!!
Overall- 3 out 5- Reveal some Skrulls already nobody cares about Skrulls who are second rate heroes!!!!

Happy Friday!!

noreply@blogger.com (Fred's Gunn) — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 23:36:00 +0000

Yes Yes, i know I've been behind, but I swear, I've got plenty of books to review and comment on. Was Prince doing the artwork and coloring for last week's New Avengers comic? Dare I say a positive review of a Spidey book!!!! Let's not go that far but that and how awesome was that Iron Man preview doing the Super Bowl!!!

Execlsior Bitches!!

New Releases this week

noreply@blogger.com (Fred's Gunn) — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 17:56:00 +0000

Here is the list for this week's releases!

Marvel

Amazing Spider-Man #549
Amazing Spider-Man #549 (1 in 20) Finch Incentive Cover
Anita Blake Guilty Pleasures #8
Anita Blake Guilty Pleasures #8 (1 in 10) Booth Incentive Cover
Annihilation Conquest #4
Clandestine #1
Lords of Avalon Sword of Darkness #1
Lords of Avalon Sword of Darkness #1 (1 in 10) Grummet Incentive
Marvel Illustrated Moby Dick #1
Moon Knight #15
Ms Marvel #24
Omega Unknown #5
Silver Surfer In Thy Name #4
Twelve #2
Uncanny X-Men #495

DC
All New Atom #20
Batman Confidential #12
Countdown Special OMAC
Countdown to Final Crisis #12
Detective Comics #841
Green lantern Corps #20 (2nd Print)
Infinity Inc #6
Jonah Hex #28
Justice Society of America #12
Justice Society of America #12 (1 in 10) Incentive Cover
Metal Men #6
Nightwing #141
Supergirl #26
Teen Titans Year One #2

Captain America is still dead in our hearts, but not in our comic books (Spoiler)!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Fred's Gunn) — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 20:04:00 +0000

The new Captain America is here and whether you like it or not the new guy doesn't do a bad impression of the deceased original. Let's give you the rundown, first the new Cap is Bucky; equipped with the a brand new, Tony Stark created uniform, the shield, and now he has a gun. For the purpose of this review I'm going to call him Bucky. Bucky is now working Shield, covertly, becuase he's still an unregistered super hero and Tony Stark can have no connection to him for that obvious reason. This book was all about re-introducing us to Bucky, not as the Winter Soldier, but as Captain America. So lets start the review.

The writing on this book was well crafted, as usual, when it comes to writer Ed Brubaker. We find Bucky donning the new Captain America suit for the first time and the Black Widow hot on the trail of the Red Skull who's making his move against the America. We find the Red Skull, with the help of ex-Soviet General, Alexander Lukin and his energy and financing corporations crushing the American economy. We find Lukin's corporations dramatically increasing the price of oil and foreclosing on thousands of mortgages around the U.S.. This in turn has led to numerous protest around the country. As the book progresses we find Bucky talking to the Black Widow, as he comes to terms with the fact that he is now Captain America. Before the book gets too heavy with Bucky's identity crisis A.I.M attempts to steal America's gold reserves and we are treated to a fight between the new Captain and his oldest enemies. Bucky and the Black Widow dispatch the terrorist with ease as Bucky uses the shield and his gun to subdue them. Brubaker, once again shows that Bucky is the new Captain America, but with a more vicious side, as he shoots the A.I.M terrorist in their legs as they try to attack. So the whole, "Captain America is packing heat" controversy makes since. Bucky knows and understands that he can't or won't try to be like Steve Rogers. His firearm is apart of him, like the shield was apart of Steve Rogers, he knows Steve would only want him to be true to himself, even if it means being a bit more brutal while fighting for justice. The ending to this book is what leaves me wanting more Captain America as Shield agents (under Faustus' mind control) shoot unarmed protesters in Washington D.C. and Bucky still on the hunt for the Red Skull.

With good writing, one would hope that the artwork is done just as well. That happens in this book as Steve Epting, creates a darker side of America that comes through in a very dramatic way. As Bucky goes through the transition of putting on the new Captain America suit, the visuals of man who's decision to replace the original pillar of American justice, still weighs heavy on him a bit. The artwork does a great job exhibiting the seriousness of this issue, along with the action scenes. This is my book of the week so go pick it up .

Captain America #34

Writing-5 out of 5
Art-5 out 5
Overall-5 out of 5

Comics, Comics, Comics

noreply@blogger.com (Fred's Gunn) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:32:00 +0000

Thursday is here and reviews for the books I picked up are sure to follow. Not much on the news front but if you happend to miss it Joe Q, the Editor in Chief of Marvel visited the Colbert Report. He was on the show to discuss the spider- er um Captain America controversy, even though there is nothing that big about who carries the shield.

Top book of the week and reviews later today!!!

Excelsior Bitches!!

Books for Tomorrow

noreply@blogger.com (Fred's Gunn) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:38:00 +0000

Happy Tuesday to everyone. As you all know tomorrow is new book Wednesday and unlike last week, where there wasn't much to chose from, the books for the last week of January are shaping up to be solid reads. So here are couple of the books i'll be picking up and why you should too.

Daredevil #104
This arc is one of the best stories in the Marvel universe that has nothing to do with Secret Invasion or Civil War. While everyone is wondering who is or isn't a Skrull, looking for a Capt. America replacement, or making a deal with the Devil ( I won't let that go), Matt Murdock is fighting in Hell's Kitchen. Not only is Daredevil caught in between a super powered gang war, that's destroying Hell's Kitchen, but his wife is slowly losing her mind, due to being poisoned by Mister Fear. Which leaves the fearless one in a tough spot, hunt down Mister Fear to save his wife or stop the the gang war which is putting the city at risk. If your looking for a grittier Marvel hero and a good story pickup this book.

Captain America #34
Were you shocked at the death of Captain America. Did you find yourself rocking yourself to sleep, clutching your replica shield of justice. Well wipe your eyes friend because the Cap is back, sort of. With an Alex Ross cover, the new Captain America premieres with a gun and a new uniform. But the question is, who is the new Cap? If you've been reading this well crafted story from the time of Captain's death, you should already know who has the honor of being called Captain America. If you don't, then that's one of the reasons why you should pick up this book, plus the fact that the Red Skull is making his power play to attack the country.

Excelsior Bitches!!

Loads of Books!!

noreply@blogger.com (Fred's Gunn) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:44:00 +0000

Hopefully you don't have the case of the Mondays, im not sure they have a cure for that yet. But the book list for this week's comic solicitation.

MARVEL
Amazing Spider-Man #546(2nd Print)
Avengers Initiative #9
Captain America #34
Captain America #34 Epting Cover
Captain America Chosen #6 Charest Cover
Captain America Chosen #6 Brewister Cover
Daredevil #104
Fantastic Four #553
House of M Avengers #4
Hulk #1 (2nd Print)
Marvel Spotlight Ultimates 3
Mighty Avengers #8
New Avengers Annual #2
Spider-Man Swing Shift Director’s Cut
Spider-Man With Great Power #1
Ultimate Secrets
Ultimate Spider-Man #118
Ultimate X-Men #90
What If?Spider Man vs Wolverine.
X-Factor #26(2nd Print)
X-Men Emperor Vulcan #
Zombie Simon Garth #3

DC
Action Comics #861
Action Comics #861 (1 in 10) Incentive Cover
Batman #673
Black Adam the Dark Age #6
Countdown to Adventure #6
Countdown to Final Crisis #13
Death of the New Gods #5
Green lantern #27
JSA Classified #34
Spirit #13
Trials of Shazam #11

Later in the day I'll have news and a review of Young Avengers Presents: Patriot.

Excelsior Bitches!!