ancillary characters

Brand New Feature: The Bounce #1 (Image Comics)

2013-05-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

by Joe Casey and David Messina

Sometimes all it takes is a creative team, a great cover and you have eager readers excited for your first issue. The Bounce comes from a pretty strong creative team and what is apparent in the first issue is that they have big plans for this story. The world set up and the different elements teased in the opening issue all point to great potential. The Bounce #1, however, may have more ideas than it can handle, resulting in a strange opening chapter.

Episode 64: Star Trek Into Darkness & Arrow Season Finale

2013-05-23T19:29:00.001-07:00

Episode 64 brings the band back together for their first recording as a complete collective in three weeks.

What do they talk about? Well, the intro alone contains a lengthy discussion about Star Trek Into Darkness spurred on by a listener letter. Then they talk about the Arrow season finale. That's just the intro though...

During the news they dig into the Agents of Shield and the latest round of DC's New 52 cancellations.

Then the Take-it-or-Leave-it segment.

Allen review Green Team #1 and Regular Show #1.

Ethan reviews Half Past Danger #1 and X-O Manowar #13.

Paul reviews Justice League #20 and Adventures of Superman #4.

Seth reviews Superman #20 and Iron Man #10

And then they group hug like a flock of penguins riding out a cold winter's night.

Find us on the web at ancillarycharacters.com, ancillarycharacters.libsyn.com or youtube.com/ancillarycharacters.

In social media land you can track us down at facebook.com/ancillarycharacters or on twitter @ancillarytweets. Send in your letters to letters@ancillarycharacters.com and don't forget to RATE and REVIEW us on iTunes!

Check out this episode!

Brand New Feature: Dream Thief #1 (Dark Horse Comics)

2013-05-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

by Jai Nitz, Greg Smallwood

Sometimes the best stories are the ones readers have to work for. There is a fine line, though, where asking too much of your reader can be more damaging than asking nothing of them. Jai Nitz and Greg Smallwood present Dream Thief, a miniseries from Dark Horse. Here, readers are introduced to a fascinatingly unique story that balances several genres and influences for a final product that will surely draw them in for more.

As it opens, readers are quick to infer that the lead character is a bit of a deadbeat. Johnny wakes up, seemingly hungover with little knowledge of how he came to be in this room with last night's pretty face. Already, Nitz employs an interesting tactic with dual narration from the same character. Johnny is writing a letter to his son, and he is also narrating a bit, each employing different colored text boxes, and each serving separate purposes, though appearing within the same panels. Readers learn was once married, has kids and now a girlfriend but seems to have spent the night with none of those people.

Episode 63: The Goon

2013-05-16T14:00:00.001-07:00

You read it right, the Ancillary Characters take Erik Powell's The Goon! Join us as we talk industry news (Marvel Cartoons made by Disney?!?!), and of course a slew of reviews, including Avengers #11, The Movement #1, Adventures of Superman #2, Age of Ultron #7 and Iron Man #9!

Wanna support the show? We don't need money donations, we need iTunes reviews! And letters, sent to letters@ancillarycharacters.com!

Check out this episode!

Paul's Picks! - R.I.P.D.: City of the Damned (Dark Horse Comics)

2013-05-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, Paul here. Over the past few months, there has been a surge of increased activity for the guys over here at AC, and we couldn't be more excited about it. To name a few: we've recently shattered all of our records concerning downloads of the Ancillary Characters Podcast (thanks to you guys)! We've welcomed a new member into the fold here at ancillarycharacters.com in the form of our good friend Dan, or as you might know him, @penooch on Twitter. (Check out his new column "Brand New Feature," it's a fantastic read.) And finally, we've recently been welcomed by a handful of publishers to review advanced copies of books that they are publishing, from Action Lab Comics to Dark Horse, and we couldn't be more humbled or excited for these exciting opportunities. Things are really taking off for the Ancillary Characters, and we owe it all to you guys. Thanks.

And in honor of these new opportunities, I'm bringing you another one of Paul's Picks, in the form of an advanced review of...

R.I.P.D.: City of the Damned (Dark Horse Comics) with writing by Jeremy Barlow and Peter Lenkov, art by Tony Parker, and colors by Michelle Madsen.

R.I.P.D. is based on two protagonists, Roy Pulsipher and Nick Walker. The two men served as law enforcement while they lived, and after death they were enlisted into the Rest In Peace Department. The R.I.P.D. is a police organization of dead men, sent around the world to protect the living and bring the rogue dead to justice. In this particular trade paperback, the reader is given the origin of Roy, who will be played by Jeff Bridges in the upcoming film based on the R.I.P.D. property. In fact, this was a large part of my own motivation for reading this book. If you've seen the trailer for movie, also starring Ryan Reynolds as Nick, then this book is a great place to get a taste of what you might expect.
Read more »

In Case You Missed It: Comeback (Image Comics)

2013-05-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

In lieu of a Brand New Feature, some weeks we will instead feature a collected work that has come out that week. With so many series launching each week, this column gives a nod to a completed mini-series or arc "In Case You Missed It."

By Ed Brisson, Michael Walsh and Jordie Bellaire

Is five million dollars worth it to save a loved one from dying? Time travel is nothing new to literature in any medium at this point, but that does not mean that a writer cannot use this in a new way. Ed Brisson's story in Comeback is unique, small, and eloquently executed. Imagine you suffered the loss of a loved one and there existed a way, shortly thereafter, to undo this tragedy. With the right money, this person could be saved and returned to you. Unfortunately, as is often the case, time travel is not legal, and the heat is on.

Episode 62: Three Guys and an Empty Chair

2013-05-09T20:07:00.001-07:00

The Ancillary Characters are back to basics with this week's episode! While Seth is off preparing to tie the knot next week, Paul and Allen take over as the Dynamic Duo of Podcasts! They bounce back and forth with friendly banter for a good 50 minutes. Oh, and they talk about comics, comic news, and just generally enjoy one anothers company.

You'll find all kinds of coolness in the form of Marvel Movie talk, Teen Titans GO!, Avengers #11, Adventure Time #15, Thor God of Thunder #8, Uncanny Avengers #8, and Amelia Cole and the Hidden War #1. So yeah, some cool stuff. Seth and Ethan may be away for the week, but you won't wanna miss this Sultry Southern Segment. Love you.

Check out this episode!

Paul's Picks! - Superior Spider-Man #9 (or the Dan Slott Roller Coaster Ride)

2013-05-07T11:50:00.003-07:00

Superior Spider-Man. It's been just a few short months since the polarizing events of Amazing Spider-Man #700 landed, and to say that we here at the Ancillary Characters had mixed feelings is an understatement. (Check out our 2012-In-Review Episodes from the Ancillary Characters Podcast, Episode 44 and 45, to hear us hash that one out in full!) However, as we've revealed numerous times over the past few months, Mr. Slott managed to pull us in (myself specifically) through his great storytelling. After a couple of issues, I found myself enjoying the story so much that my concerns and reservations about a Doc Ock Spider-Man were overshadowed by the über-high-quality art and writing that the team was delivering bi-weekly.

Then came...

Superior Spider-Man #9 by Dan Slott and Ryan Stegman, with Edgar Delgado on colors and Chris Eliopoulos on letters.

***There are absolutely going to be spoilers for not only this issue, but previous issues of Superior Spider-Man. If you're trade waiting or you just haven't hit the shop yet, TURN BACK NOW (and come back later).***
Read more »

Brand New Feature: Free Comic Book Day (Action Lab)

2013-05-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

In lieu of the regular column here featuring a spotlight on a new series, I wanted to take the time to talk about a few books that will be released this weekend for the national Free Comic Book Day event. While most people plan to pick up the more recognizable books from DC or Marvel or even the television tie-ins for Spongebob, it is a great opportunity to check out some things you might be unfamiliar with. Free Comic Book Day is a chance to look into a series that might otherwise remain under the radar and see if it's worth following.

Action Lab Studios, a publishing company not as commonly mentioned as Image Comics or IDW has generated a great library of all-ages comics. This year, they have two releases, with each issue split into two features. The titles include ongoing series NFL Rush Zone, Princeless, and Skyward. They have also released a teaser for an upcoming series, Molly Danger. Each issue tells a quick story that gives readers a pretty good sense of the writing and direction of the respective titles.

Episode 61: Iron Man

2013-05-02T18:34:00.001-07:00

Time for the Characters to do some heavy welding, and computer programming as they cobble together an episode devoted entirely to Iron Mania!

We talk comics news: The Thor: The Dark World trailer, the possible Death of Wolverine and more.

Then they move into the take-it-or-leave-it segment, with only Iron Man books.

They team review Iron Man: Extremis!

Allen reviews Demon in a Bottle and Iron Man: Noir and the Iron Man 3 tie-in comic.

Paul reviews Marvel Now! Iron Man 1-5, the Iron Man Annual focusing on the Mandarin, and Iron Man: Heroes Reborn 1.

Seth reviews Matt Fraction's Iron Man, Iron Man: Legacy of Doom, Tales of Suspense 50 and Iron Man: Inevitable.

Make sure to visit us at http://ancillarycharacters.com and tune in every Thursday night at 7pm EST at http://youtube.com/ancillarycharacters. Find us at facebook.com/ancillarycharacters or @ancillarytweets on the twitters.

Letters go to letters@ancillarycharacters.com and EVERY letter gets a free comic!

Check out this episode!

Paul's Picks - TMNT Action Figures (Playmate Toys)

2013-05-02T11:39:00.001-07:00

As comic book readers and fans, we often face the scrutiny of the "grown-ups" out there in the real world. You know, the ones who go to their jobs, watch ESPN for at least 8 hours in the day, and spend their free time doing other manly, grown-up things. The look down at us with that lumberjack stare with a judging eye. Comics are for kids. Video games are for kids. And action figures are definitely for kids.

Yeah? That so? Well here's what I have to say to that!... You're right. There are comics for kids, video games for kids, and certainly action figures and other toys for kids. But this truth does not mean that adults have no place enjoying them just the same. In fact, I would daresay that we can enjoy some of these things to an even greater extent as adults, as grown-ups who fully comprehend the value of things like these. The fact of the matter is, while I may be a 26 year old married man with responsibilities, bills, and all kinds of kinds of other grown-up goodies, I love comics. I love video games. And yes, I love toys.

Are you a toy lover? Do you yearn to fill your top shelf with beautiful, colorful figurines of your favorite fictional figures? So do I. That's why this week's pick goes to, not a comic, but a set of TOYS!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Action Figure Set (Playmate Toys)

The Five Failures of DC Comics

2013-04-30T13:15:00.001-07:00

Lately I've been diving back into the deep, murky waters of DC continuity... circa the early-to-mid-2000's. You know, Morrison's Batman, Johns' Justice Society, Teen Titans and Flash, the various Crisis', Meltzer's Green Arrow and, of course, 52. Much of what I've been reading is shockingly good. Even weighed against the superhero books that are on the shelves today. Much of it is, arguably, not terribly well drawn but then back in those heady days DC didn't exactly seem to be crowded with unique artistic voices.

In reading all of this old stuff though I've had to reevaluate how I see the New 52. DC's bold experiment was something that I stood behind from the beginning. Sometimes vehemently, as when I argued with fellow podcaster Austin Wilson (Hideous Energy) on Twitter so angrily that his co-host actually called my cell to make sure I wasn't genuinely furious. I wasn't and I ended up going on the show to further argue my point with them.

Brand New Feature: Jupiter's Legacy #1 (Image Comics)

2013-04-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

by Mark Millar, Frank Quitely and Peter Doherty

Mark Millar is a man of big talk, big promises, and many times, big stories. Millar built himself up with a series of fantastic, finite arcs for Marvel Comics, before moving on to release some off-beat stories through Icon. Since then, the luster behind Millar has faded a bit. The hype machine is less effective, and the stories are not always fantastic. Still, pairing such a name with an artist like Frank Quitely, and buzz was sure to be a plenty for the new Jupiter's Legacy from Image Comics. Looking at the first chapter, this new series has more potential than delivery.

Episode 60: Daytripper

2013-04-25T16:13:00.001-07:00

Episode 60 collides with your ear holes with the force of a thousand exploding suns!

Or, y'know, we just talk about a bunch of comics and comics news.

Listen, I could give you the whole rundown on what the show consists of but where's the fun in that. Let's just say we talk news, then we team review Age of Ultron and then we have our hearts (and possibly minds) ripped out by Daytripper by Ba & Moon from Vertigo comics.

Find us on the web at ancillarycharacters.com or youtube.com/ancillarycharacters. Send us your thoughts on things to letters@ancillarycharacters.com or @ancillarytweets on twitter or facebook.com/ancillarycharacters.

Don't forget to rate and review us on iTunes! Please?

Check out this episode!

Brand New Feature: Bodie Troll #1 (Red 5 Comics)

2013-04-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

by Jay Fosgitt

Think fairy tale inspired characters in a world that looks and feels very familiar to the colored version of Jeff Smith's Bone and you have a pretty good picture of the universe presented in the first issue of Bodie Troll from Red 5 Comics. Written, drawn and colored by Jay Fosgitt, this mini series follows a troll who is too cute to be any real threat despite the species he is and what he is meant to do. Bodie is adorable, a down and out type character who has a real child-like charm. Issue one is mostly focused on character and world more so than an ongoing story.

Episode 59: Webcomic Explosion

2013-04-18T19:48:00.001-07:00

After weeks of set-up the Ancillary Characters return to talk comics and comics news... and Pizza Hut.

In the news section they discuss the newest Man of Steel trailer... and some other stuff.

Then they hop right into the thick of this weeks theme, webcomics.

Together they review Gunnerkrigg Court.

Allen reviews Manly Guys Doing Manly Things, Penny Arcade, Chainsawsuit, and Awkward Zombie.

Paul reviews Brawl in the Family, Buttersafe, and Homestuck.

Ethan reviews Marooned: A Space Opera in the Wrong Key, Steve Ogden and his Moon Town webcomic, PVP, 8-Bit Theater, Cleopatra in Space and Reds Planet.

Seth reviews Untold Tales of Bigfoot, Deep Dive Daredevils, Yeti 4 Hire, Super Cute, and Sheldoncomic.com.

Check us out live every Thursday live on youtube.com/ancillarycharacters.com or be sure to visit our site ancillarycharacters.com. Dont forget to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

Check out this episode!

Brand New Feature: G. I. Joe: The Cobra Files #1 (IDW)

2013-04-12T06:15:00.000-07:00

By Mike Costa, Antonio Fuso

There are many reasons why a book gets renumbered to feature a shiny “1” on the cover. Outside of the sales boost it will likely generate, a title may renumber to signify a new direction, a complete reboot, or simply to reflect a rebranding within the company. Similar to how many Marvel titles have kept previous continuity despite featuring that new numbering, Cobra Files is not really a fresh start.

Possibly signified by retaining the same creative team with the title, G.I. Joe: The Cobra Files is a continuation of Mike Costa’s previous Cobra story. For fans of that series, the title is a must buy and it delivers on what they have come to expect. For readers who are new to the Joe universe, jumping on with the Fred Van Lente led relaunch, this will be difficult to follow.

Episode 58: Age of Depression

2013-04-11T19:11:00.001-07:00

More books are reviewed than you can shake a stick at in this one, boys and girls!
But before they get to the reviews Allen, Ethan, Paul and Seth talk news. There's a Hickman Fantastic Four omnibus coming! A new Arkham game! and some other stuff...
In the review section they hit titles like Green Lantern, Saucer Country, Knuckleheads, Age of Ultron, Rocketeer: Hollywood Horror, and much more.
Don't forget to find us on the web at ancillarycharacters.com and at facebook.com/ancillarycharacters. Also on twitter @ancillarytweets and... well, really we're all over the place. Google search us and we'll turn up. BE SURE to tune in LIVE on Thursdays at 7pm EST at http://youtube.com/ancillarycharacters.

Check out this episode!

Paul's Picks - Princeless Vol. 1 (by Action Lab Comics)

2013-04-10T07:39:00.002-07:00

Welcome back to Paul's Picks! By way of a rapid introduction, This is the column where I (Paul) would typically review my favorite book from this week's releases. However, since I am currently living an hour from my nearest comic shop, I don't usually get to my books the week-of anymore. So instead of a weekly pick, I will be bringing all of the readers a glowing review of a recent title that should be read by all! Starting with...

Princeless, Book One: Save Yourself

- written by Jeremy Whitley with art and colors by M. Goodwin,

and letters by Jung-Ha Kim and Dave Dwonch.

The guys at AC delved into this title from the publisher Action Lab Comics for our All Ages Bonanza (specifically Part One, which can be found here online or here in iTunes). The story begins with a Disney-esque opening, with a queen telling a typical bedtime story to her young princess, Adrienne. This bedtime story is the age-old tale of the Princess, trapped in the top of the tallest tower, where only the bravest and strongest of princes can save her by slaying the dragon that holds her captive. As one might expect, this wasn't simply a bedtime story: it was an explanation for how Adrienne's life is going to be by decree of the king. But as the reader will quickly discover, the princess mold was broken with our protagonist. The first line that she delivers comes off of the tail of the fairytale, "That story was complete hogwash."
Read more »

Skullkickers (or the Merits of Handsome Packaging)

2013-04-08T06:45:00.003-07:00

Skullkickers was a book that had drifted on the fringes of my peripheral since it launched. It wasn't that I don't like fantasy books (I do) and it wasn't that I don't like a good action adventure yarn. In the end it came down to one too many books being on my pull list at once and me being forced to ignore stuff that otherwise I might have leaped, not just jumped, on board for.

Last month writer, Jim Zub retitled the book Uncanny Skullkickers, slapped a big old number "1" on there and proved not only that I'm a giant sucker but that there is something to be said for "relaunches". I hopped on, fell wildly in love with everything about the title and quickly caught up on the series through the Treasure Trove hardcover.

Before I go any further a quick rundown of what the book is about: A dwarf and a big bald guy go around punching (or shooting or axing or cutting or chopping, etc.) stuff in the face for money. That's it.

Brand New Feature: Polarity #1 (BOOM! Studios)

2013-04-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

by Max Bemis and Jorge Coelho, Felipe Sobreiro, Steve Wands

Max Bemis is the frontman for genre band, Say Anything. Polarity is Bemis' first public foray into comics. This excursion is not new for the modern musician with Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance, Tom Morello and now even Corey Taylor all with works of their own. However, this does not make Polarity any less worthy or any less original. Instead, Polarity is a true work of creativity with autobiographical roots and a real strength for character.

Episode 57: We Love Comics and So Can You

2013-04-04T18:28:00.001-07:00

We're back to talk comics!

No theme this week as we talk comics news and review a handful of titles. Allen, Ethan and Seth are lacking one of the group but that's okay, they'll press on anyway.

In the news segment they talk Dark Horses' The Star Wars, Jeff Smith's upcoming projects and the new animated Flashpoint movie

Meanwhile Allen reviews Captain America 5, Avening Spider-Man, and Fantastic Four AU.

Ethan reviewed Animal Man 18, Artful Daggers 2, G.I. Joe: Special Missions 2, and Princeless Vol 2#1

Seth reviewed East of West #1, Private Eye #1, and Thunderbolts 6-7.

Together they review Guardians of the Galaxy #1, Thanos Rising #1 and Age of Ultron #4.

Find us on the web at ancillarycharacters.com and send your letters to letters@ancillarycharacters.com

Check out this episode!

The Lucy Knisley Interview

2013-03-31T09:41:00.001-07:00

In this special edition of Ancillary Characters we welcome Lucy Knisley for a discussion about her work and career and her new book Relish: My Life in the Kitchen.

Lucy is an amazing illustrator and comic creator and you can find her work online at http://lucyknisley.com. Her books French Milk, Radiator Days, and Relish: My Life in the Kitchen as well as her other self-published works can be found at your favorite online retailer.

Send us your feedback on this episode to letters@ancillarycharacters.com or visit our site at http://ancillarycharacters.com where you can read our review of Relish as well as other written content. Find us at facebook.com/ancillarycharacters or on Twitter @ancillarytweets.

Check out this episode!

Episode 56: Real American Heroes

2013-03-28T19:45:00.001-07:00

Here's episode 56, fresh from the bunker and ready for the battlefield.

I'm going for a theme here, see. A G.I. JOE theme.

Anyway, Allen, Ethan, Paul and Seth are back to talk comic news and review a bunch of books.

During the news they talk the latest round of DC creative team changes as well as the new trailed for The Wolverine.

In the take-it-or-leave-it segment they review the Batman: Requiem books, Relish: My Life in the Kitchen by Lucy Knisley, Five Ghosts: The Haunting of Fabian Gray #1 and Superior Spider-Man 4-5.

During the G.I. JOE segment they talk about Cobra: The Last Laugh, the IDW Collected Edition volume 1, Tranformers VS G.I. JOE #1 (volume 1) G.I. Joe #2, G.I. Joe: Special Missions #1, and G.I. Joe #21 (original Marvel series).

Find us on the web at ancillarycharacters.com, youtube.com/ancillarycharacters and facebook.com/ancillarycharacters Also on twitter @ancillarytweets and send us your emails to letters@ancillarycharacters.com.

Check out this episode!

G.I. JOE #1 & #2 / G.I. JOE: Special Missions #1

2013-03-28T13:11:00.001-07:00

G.I. Joe has been launched, and relaunched more times than any other title in the history of comics. This is a fact.

Interestingly enough we're getting the third relaunch under the watchful eye of publisher IDW. This time out Fred Van Lente and artist Steve Kurth are at the helm. While Kurth is a relative unknown, Van Lente is one of the more prominent writers to take a stab at a JOE title since Max Brooks wrote the Hearts & Minds miniseries. The series launched last month to a fairly substantial amount of fanfare and relatively solid reviews.

Our story picks up where the previous JOE incarnation ended. With JOE's previously-secret identity now made public by Cobra, the government decides to bring the "highly trained special missions force" into the modern era. They do this by essentially turning them into a "highly trained, special PR campaign", which pleases none of the veterans, particularly team leader Duke.

Meanwhile a town called Warrenton, Ohio (obviously our villains have a thing for Ohio as they've previously gained ground in Springfield, Ohio as well) has been overtaken by the "ruthless criminal organization" known as Cobra. General Colton dispatches Duke and his hand picked team of soldiers to the town in an effort to stop Cobra's first real showing on American soil in quite some time. The team is comprised mostly of recognizable JOE characters with the exception of a legacy character and, unfortunately, a new one called Hashtag. The team hits the streets of Warrenton where they're quickly attacked by the locals with everything from rocket launchers to machine guns and from there the action escalates.