Tuesday, May 20, 2008

I Rant about the DC & Marvel August solicitations.

I'm going to start with Marvel, because I want to.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN FAMILY #1
Written by MARC DEMATTEIS & TOM DEFALCO
Penciled by ALEX CAl & RON FRENZ
Cover by ADI GRANOV
Heads' up, Web-Slingers! Not getting nearly enough bang for your Brand New Buck with Thrice Monthly Spider-Man? Well, get ready to have your Spider-Senses overloaded with the Brand New Amazing Spider-Man Family! Check in here for slices of life from Spidey and the rest of the Brand New Day Cast. We all know Spider-Man's origin - but what happened the day after Uncle Ben died? Find out as J.M. De Matteis and Spanish Sensation Alex Cal bring you SPIDER-MAN: 48 HOURS! Also, the Amazing Spider-Girl team of Tom DeFalco, Ron Frenz and Sal Buscema show us life before MayDay became Spider-Girl with MR. AND MRS. SPIDER-MAN! Also, check out AUNT MAY, AGENT OF F.E.A.S.T. and a flashback to the birth of Spidey's New Ways To Die nemesis, VENOM!
104 PGS./Rated A …$4.99

  • What happens when a title doesn't sell very well? Cancel it and restart it under a slightly different name with a new number one!

SPIDER-MAN LOVES MARY JANE #1 (of 5)
Written by TERRY MOORE
Penciled by CRAIG ROUSSEAU
Cover by TERRY MOORE
At long, long, long, looooooooooooooooong last, SHE'S BACK!
Mary Jane Watson, in her very own adventures! Superstar writer Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise, upcoming RUNAWAYS) supplies story (and covers!) and artist Craig Rousseau (The Perhapanauts) brings his best for this all-new mini.It's the beginning of a new high school year. MJ finally feels like she's got her life in order. Good friends, good classes, good relationship with a certain Wall-Crawler…but is there someone behind the scenes that's got it in for our rambunctious redhead?
32 PGS./All Ages …$2.99

  • Only a mini!?! Really! That sucks. 

CAPTAIN AMERICA #41
Written by ED BRUBAKER
Pencils & Cover by STEVE EPTING
The epic "Death of Captain America" tale hits its penultimate chapter... and the final battle between the New Captain America and the people who killed Steve Rogers begins here! By the Eisner-Nominated team of Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

  • It's about time!

IMMORTAL IRON FIST: THE ORIGIN OF DANNY RAND
Written by MATT FRACTION, ROY THOMAS & LEN WEIN
Penciled by KANO, GIL KANE & LARRY HAMA
Cover by GIL KANE
Honor. Dedication. And above all, purity of heart. There have been sixty-six men and women to carry the mantle of THE IMMORTAL IRON FIST throughout the ages ?" men and women of great courage, valor, skill and sacrifice. Sixty-six men and women have stood between man and the unstoppable forces of evil, willing to give all they have to hold back the hordes. This is the story of Danny Rand, the Iron Fist of today ?" as told in THE BOOK OF THE IRON FIST! Raised in the otherworldly kingdom of K'un-Lun as an unparalleled martial artist, the Earth-born Rand mastered the ability to focus his spiritual energy into an impervious fist of iron. Now, as the costumed adventurer called Iron Fist, he fights with the fury of his ancestors and a hope for a better tomorrow! Experience the birth of a legend like never before is this special re-presentation of MARVEL PREMIERE #15-16 ?" featuring lush, fully rendered coloring and an all-new framing sequence by MATT FRACTION and KANO!
48 PGS./Rated T+…$3.99

  • That's a lot of words dedicated to what is essentially a reprint book.

MARVEL ADVENTURES THE AVENGERS #27
Written by JEFF PARKER
Penciled by IG GUARA
Cover by LEONARD KIRK
Marvel: Okay, 27 is your final Avengers issue- we're expecting something special.
Parker: Oh don't you worry, it will be. Heh.
Marvel: Really? Great! Who's in it?
Parker: Um... the guy with the thing- trust me, it's going to RAWK.
Marvel: You don't know what the story is yet, do you.
Parker: -think my phone's running out of juice-zzzz-can barely hear you--- bwip*
32 PGS./All Ages …$2.99

  • Man, either keep Jeff Parker on this title, which he "RAWK"s at doing, or give him something in mainstream Marvel. You are letting a talent just slip out of your fingers.
  • And do you think the people writing these solicitations really hate it when they have no idea what's going to be in the issue? I think this solicitation is them not taking it anymore.

MARVEL ADVENTURES SPIDER-MAN #42
Written by MARC SUMERAK
Penciled by VINCENç VILLAGRASA
Cover by MICHAEL RYAN
A night at the museum becomes a complete cat-astrophe when a feline femme fatale procures a priceless piece of Native American art. But the fur really begins to fly when the beautiful Black Cat is caught in the perilous pounce of the Puma! Looks like we've got ourselves a cat fight, Spidey... and you're caught in the middle! (Watch out for hairballs!)
32 PGS./All Ages …$2.99

  • Of course, they don't do much better when they do get the issue info, though.
  • CHOO!! CHOO!!! What's that sound folks? It the Secret Invasion Gravy Train, entering the station! Let's see how many books are on it this month? Okay?

SECRET INVASION #5 (of 8)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Penciled by LEINIL FRANCIS YU
Cover by GABRIELE DELL'OTTO
Variant Cover by STEVE MCNIVEN
Variant Cover by LEINIL FRANCIS YU
Sketch Variant Cover by STEVE MCNIVEN
Embrace change. With these two words the Skrull Empire declares their intentions to the entire Marvel Universe.
Embrace change. With these two words thousands and thousands of comic fans who have declared Secret Invasion the comic book blockbuster of the summer brace themselves for the shocking changes that are about to happen to their favorite characters and institutions. Embrace change, True Believer, because change is coming!
32 PGS./Cardstock Cover/Rated T+ …$3.99

MIGHTY AVENGERS #17
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Penciled by KHOI PHAM
Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
SECRET INVASION TIE-IN
The legacy of CAPTAIN MARVEL! The return of MAR-VELL has brought with it more questions then answers. In this special Secret Invasion tie-in, all those questions will be answered. Plus, Marvel Boy is confronted with his true destiny.
From Secret Invasion author Brian Michael Bendis and rising star Khoi Pham.
32 PGS./Rated A …$2.99

NEW AVENGERS #44
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Penciled by BILLY TAN
Cover by ALEKSI BRICLOT
SECRET INVASION TIE-IN
The dark secret of the Illuminati. Marvel's most covert gathering of heroes has a secret so dark that they never speak of it, even to each other. And it could be what has brought about the Secret Invasion.
From Secret Invasion author Brian Michael Bendis and Uncanny X-Men's Billy Tan.
32 PGS./Rated A …$2.99

AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #16
Written by DAN SLOTT & CHRISTOS GAGE
Penciled by STEFANO CASELLI
Cover by MARK BROOKS
SECRET INVASION TIE-IN
For months you've heard one question over and over again: "Who do you trust?" Well we've got your answer right here, Earth-boy: TRUST THE KILL KREW! Yeah, that's right, the SKRULL KILL KREW are back! And they're ready to kill, maim, torture, and butcher every mother lovin' Skrull out there! Also, back at Camp Hammond, ANT-MAN is in a giant world of trouble-the biggest kind of trouble the SECRET INVASION can dish out.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

SECRET INVASION: INHUMANS #1 (of 4)
Written by JOE POKASKI
Penciled by TOM RANEY
Cover by STEPHAN SEIJIC
Spinning directly out of SECRET INVASION - the hunt for Black Bolt begins! You learned that he was replaced by the Skrulls in New Avengers: Illuminati, now it's time to find out if the Inhumans' former king is dead or alive! How will the loss of their leader tear apart the Royal Family? Can the mighty monarch recover from this personal blow - that is, if he's even still living? And how far will Medusa, Crystal, Triton, Karnak and Gorgon go to find their disposed king? Writer Joe Pokaski (TV's Heroes) and artist Tom Raney (Annihilation: Conquest) unite for an adventure that not only expands the events of this year's biggest story, but will lead to huge events in 2009!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

SECRET INVASION: THOR #1 (of 3)
Written by MATT FRACTION
Art by DOUG BRAITHWAITE
Cover by GABRIELE DELL'OTTO
The Skrulls are coming for Asgard, and they've got the gods in their sights! But it's not just the pantheon who stand to suffer the repercussions of the aliens' secret invasion -- the citizens of small-town Broxton, Oklahoma are about to become collateral damage in the attack…and the God of Thunder must defend two cites at once! For a job this big, Thor will have to turn to one of his oldest and closest allies…Beta Ray Bill!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

SECRET INVASION: X-MEN #1 (of 4)
Written by MIKE CAREY
Penciled by CARY NORD
Cover by TERRY DODSON
It's aliens vs. mutants as the Skrull Invasion hits the West Coast! X-Scribe Mike Carey and super-hot artist Cary Nord (ULTIMATE HUMAN) bring you a story that will shock X-Fans and have everyone talking for years to come. The Skrulls don't expect the X-Men when they hit San Francisco, but don't think they don't have something very special prepared for Cyclops and his army when they find them at their new home. STARRING: ALL THE X-MEN. YUP. ALL OF THEM.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

SECRET INVASION: SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY #1 (of 3)
Written by BRIAN REED
Penciled by MARCO SANTUCCI
Cover by MIKE MCKONE
New York is full of Skrulls and Spider-Man... where the heck is Spider-Man, anyway? Now, thanks to Brian Reed (MS. MARVEL) and exciting newcomer Marco Santucci, Jackpot and the rest of the cast of Brand New Day must pick up Spidey's slack and go toe-to-toe with Super-Skrulls-- including one that might just be Spidey himself!
32 PGS./Rated A …$2.99

SECRET INVASION: RUNAWAYS/YOUNG AVENGERS #3 (of 3)
Written by CHRISTOPHER YOST
Penciled by TAKESHI MIYAZAWA
Cover by MICHAEL RYAN
The rip-roaring teen mini-series comes to a killer climax! The teams are split up, but can they come together and stop the Invasion? Can Hulkling become the Messiah he has been prophesized to be? Is Xavin lost forever?
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

SECRET INVASION: FRONT LINE #2 (of 5)
Written by BRIAN REED
Penciled by GG STUDIOS' MARCO CASTIELLO
Cover by JUAN DOE
New York has fallen to the Skrulls, and humanity is struggling to survive. Brian Reed (CAPTAIN MARVEL) and Marco Castiello (P'N'P) bring you the Skrull Invasion through the eyes of the man on the street in the Marvel Universe.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #4
Written by DAN ABNETT & ANDY LANNING
Penciled by PAUL PELLETIER
Cover by CLINT LANGLEY
SECRET INVASION TIE-IN!
When their HQ is sabotaged, the universe's scrappiest squad of butt-kickers must ask themselves: "Who do you trust?" Is there a Skrull amongst the Guardians? Maybe the recently returned and revamped Adam Warlock? Or Star-Lord, who now hides behind a mask? And a talking raccoon and a telepathic dog? C'mon, people, you just know they're evil infiltrators! So jump onboard, Secret Invasion maniacs, and find out why ComicPants.com says: "(Writers) DnA are on fire right now, and this team is brilliant."
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

NOVA #16
Written by DAN ABNETT & ANDY LANNING
Penciled by WELLINTON ALVES
Cover by PAUL DAVIDSON
SECRET INVASION TIE-IN!
At last - our #1 sci-fi hero rockets into the alien invasion saga that's tearing apart the Marvel Universe! But is our always-outnumbered space cop actually teaming with one of the enemy? When Super-Skrull comes asking for a favor, can you ever trust the warrior whose life was dedicated to destroying us? The summer blockbuster hits here in the book that IGN calls "easily one of Marvel's best titles"!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

INCREDIBLE HERCULES #120
Written by GREG PAK & FRED VAN LENTE
Penciled by RAFA SANDOVAL
Cover by JOHN ROMITA JR., KLAUS JANSON & DEAN WHITE
SECRET INVASION TIE-IN!
"SACRED INVASION" reaches its cosmos-shattering climax! Hercules leads the ragged remains of his God Squad into desperate battle with the unimaginably powerful Skrull pantheon -- and if they lose, Earth dies!
32 PGS./Rated A …$2.99

MS. MARVEL #30
Written by BRIAN REED
Penciled by ADRIANA MELO
Cover by GREG HORN
Ms. Marvel discovers the Skrulls' dark secret hidden away within Riker's Island. Something even worse than the armies already rampaging across the Earth? Most definitely. Brian Reed (CAPTAIN MARVEL) and Adriana Melo (Witchblade) bring the tale of Ms. Marvel and the Skrull invasion to its brutal conclusion.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI:13 #4
Written by PAUL CORNELL
Penciled by LEONARD KIRK
Cover by BRYAN HITCH
It's the final battle for Britain as MI-13 makes its last stand against the Skrulls. But the door to the darkness has been opened, and evil is loose in the world, and that might make even the end of the Secret Invasion look like the beginning of something much worse. Be here for the moment a team is created, a hero returns and a new legacy is born.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

X-FACTOR #34
Written by PETER DAVID
Penciled by LARRY STROMAN
Cover by BOO COOK
A SECRET INVASION TIE-IN!
X-Factor is in pursuit of Darwin, whose father is looking for him. She-Hulk and Jazinda are in pursuit of Longshot, who may hold the key to defeating the Skrull invasion. With Darwin and Longshot on the run, neither of them wanting to be found, you'd just assume that X-Factor and She-Hulk will work together smoothly to accomplish both their goals. But what fun would that be?
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

SHE-HULK #32
Written by PETER DAVID
Penciled by GG STUDIO's VINCENZO CUCCA
Cover by MIKE DEODATO
SECRET INVASION TIE-IN!
Okay, we know that Jazinda, She-Hulk's fellow bounty hunting partner, claims she's not part of the alien invasion…but can you ever trust a Skrull? Especially one that's the daughter of the infamous Super-Skrull? Months of accusations and mistrust come to a boil as our gamma-powered glamazon leaps into this year's biggest event!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

THUNDERBOLTS #123
Written by CHRISTOS GAGE
Penciled by FERNANDO BLANCO
Cover by BILLY TAN
A SECRET INVASION TIE-IN!
The Skrull armada rains destruction on our nation's capitol! The only thing standing in their way? The Thunderbolts. But if salvation depends on a group of criminals and madmen who can barely keep from killing each other, is Earth doomed? Or are they exactly what we need against the merciless alien invaders? A major turning point for the Thunderbolts begins here!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

NEW WARRIORS #15
Written by KEVIN GREVIOUX
Penciled by KOI TURNBULL
Cover by NIC KLEIN
A "SECRET INVASION" Tie-In that brings you New Warrior against New Warrior!
To discover the true fate of his deceased brother, Night Thrasher will need to survive a melee between his
current teammates and his former teammates, infiltrate a heavily-guarded S.H.I.E.L.D. station, and brave an army of Skrulls armed with the abilities of every superhuman he's ever known. Piece of cake, right?
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

BLACK PANTHER #40
Written by JASON AARON
Penciled by JEFTE PALO
Cover by JASON PEARSON
"SEE WAKANDA AND DIE," Part 2
The nation of Wakanda has never been conquered by any outside invader, but then again, they've never faced an army of Super-Skrulls before, have they? As war rages on the plains of Africa, the Skrulls strike a major blow against the Black Panther. Could this be the end for all of Wakanda? No really, could it?
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

  • Okay, you have the Secret Invasion series itself, 13 tie-ins to ongoing titles, and 6 brand-new miniseries created to tie-in to the event--four starting this month. That's 20 titles Wow.

NEWUNIVERSAL: CONQUEROR ONE-SHOT
Written by SIMON SPURRIER
Penciled by ERIC NGUYEN
Cover by BRANDON PETERSON
Five thousand years ago, civilization was held in the mighty hand of the slayer called STARR, who defended his kingdom from all invaders. But what were these invaders? Simple monsters…or something more? In this, the second one-shot story exploring the history and mythos of the NEWUNIVERSAL world, writer SIMON SPURRIER-hand-picked by NEWUNIVERSAL's WARREN ELLIS-and visionary artist ERIC NGUYEN bring to life a history like you've never imagined!
48 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

  • So, Mr. "I-only-work-hard-for-myself" can't put out two issues of a miniseries in a row and has to "hand-pick" a writer for a one shot? Wonderful.

RUNAWAYS #1
Written by TERRY MOORE
Pencils & Cover by HUMBERTO RAMOS
Come see the beginning of a whole new Runaways! Comics legend Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise, Echo) and super-star artist Humberto Ramos (X-MEN, WOLVERINE, SPIDER-MAN) run back to Los Angeles with your favorite teen heroes. But it's not the same city they left so long ago. The Runaways try to stay off the radar, but the sins of their parents won't make that possible…
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

  • Yes. Yes! YES! This is news most awesome!!!!

NYX: NO WAY HOME #1 (of 6)
Written by MARJORIE LIU
Penciled by KALMAN ANDRASOFSZKY
Cover by ALINA URUSOV
Variant cover by JO CHEN
There's no place like home-just ask young mutant KIDEN NIXON. She's survived the hard streets of Manhattan, and she's built a home-and a family-for herself, with her friends TATIANA, BOBBY SOUL and his LI'L BRO. But with fewer than 200 mutants left on the planet, Kiden's become a target-and when somebody strikes at one of her friends, Kiden's going to find out just how much farther she can fall! Don't miss the breathtaking return of this beloved series, by NEW YORK TIMES best-selling writer MARJORIE LIU (the DIRK & STEELE SERIES) with stunning art by KALMAN ANDRASOFSZKY! Plus-a special behind-the-scenes gallery!
40 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

  • So, has Marvel run out of 1970s properties to bring back and couldn't find any 80s or 90s titles worthy of dredging up that the now have to look to the Zeroes for its nostalgia kick? Really?

CABLE #6
Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI
Penciled by
Cover by ADI GRANOV
"HOMEFRONT"
Special double-sized issue featuring the Uncanny X-Men! Meanwhile, back in the present . . . In the aftermath of the "Messiah Complex" war, Cyclops took a leap of faith and allowed his son Cable to disappear into the time stream with the first new mutant birth since "M" day -- and the future of the dwindling mutant population -- tucked under his arm. Weeks later, he still waits for a sign, however small, that he made the right decision. With evidence pointing to the fact that Bishop has jumped into the timestream and is hot on Cable's trail, the X-Men's unquestioned leader is about to make one final power move to protect the fate of mutantkind - one that he might come to regret.
48 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

  • Do we really need a double sized issue after only 6 issues?

YOUNG X-MEN #5
Written by MARC GUGGENHEIM
Penciled by YANICK PAQUETTE
Cover by TERRY DODSON
The numbers are in and it's official: Young X-Men is Mighty Marvel's newest hit!!! It's Marvel's youngest mutants in their final showdown with and one of them won't be walking away from it. The Young X-Men's first story arc ends here and nothing will ever be the same again. Yeah, we know lots of books make that claim, but with Marc (Eli Stone, AMAZING SPIDER-MAN) Guggenheim and Yanick (ULTIMATE X-MEN) Paquette delivering the goods, you know this one's for real!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

  • Wait a minute? A new series with X-Men in the title a success right off the bat!?! HOW CAN THIS BE!!!!!?????!!!!!!

X-FORCE #6
Written by CHRISTOPHER YOST & CRAIG KYLE
Pencils & Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN
Bloody Variant by CLAYTON CRAIN
"Angels and Demons" Conclusion
The shocking finale to the first arc! Wolverine versus Bastion. Archangel versus the Choir. Wolfsbane versus her father. X-23 versus Matthew Risman. Warpath versus . This is how a species dies.
32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$2.99

  • Okay, is who Warpath is facing supposed to be a secret? Or is this just bad writing?

WOLVERINE: KILLING MADE SIMPLE ONE-SHOT
Written by CHRISTOPHER YOST & TODD DEZAGO
Pencils by KOI TURNBULL & STEVE KURTH
Cover by STEPHEN SEGOVIA
Wolverine's hard to kill, sure-but if one guy knows how to do it…it's WOLVERINE himself! X-FORCE co-writer Christopher Yost and superstar Koi Turnbull have all the answers as Wolverine faces down NANNY and ORPHAN-MAKER and lets former NEW X-MEN member TRANCE in on all his secrets… And in a special bonus tale, TELLOS writer Todd Dezago and NEWUNIVERSAL's Steve Kurth send Logan to the Arctic Circle, and show us that there's always one more way to die…
48 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

  • Okay, Wolverine is finally beyond the point of overexposure and moved on to Marvel just trying to use Wolverine fans' money to finance their organization.

X-FACTOR SPECIAL: LAYLA MILLER ONE-SHOT
Written by PETER DAVID
Penciled by VALENTINE DE LANDRO
Cover by BOO COOK
Trapped in a future she never made, Layla Miller finds herself smack in the middle of the Summers rebellion that was responsible for the eventual liberation of mutants from the camps. The only question is, will she survive it?
48 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

  • Wait a minute? Layla Miller is still alive? I am behind on my comic reading but the last I saw was she was on the business end of a grenade.

PUNISHER #60
Written by GARTH ENNIS
Penciled by GORAN PARLOV
Cover by TIM BRADSTREET
"VALLEY FORGE, VALLEY FORGE," CONCLUSION
Garth Ennis concludes his epic run - in style! They threw up a wall of good men to shield themselves from the Punisher's wrath. Now these men of influence and privilege are going to pay. Frank Castle is about to bring his personal war to their doorstep in what might be the bloodiest chapter yet of the Punisher saga. Also featuring an 8-page preview of PUNISHER #61, "Girls in White Dresses," written by best-selling crime novelist Gregg Hurwitz (The Crime Writer) and illustrated by
Laurence Campbell (PUNISHER ANNUAL: THE HUNTED).
40 PGS./Explicit Content …$2.99

  • Goodbye, Mr. Ennis, you will be missed. And is including the "sneak peek" of the next writer in with this issue really that good of an idea. Wouldn't he only pale in comparisson? The only thing worse would be releasing the next issue in the same month as this one!

PUNISHER #61
Written by GREGG HURWITZ
Penciled by LAURENCE CAMPBELL
Cover by DAVE JOHNSON
"GIRLS IN WHITE DRESSES," PART 1
The first of three story arcs written by three of the hottest writers in crime fictions starts here! Best-selling crime novelist Gregg Hurwitz (The Kill Clause, The Crime Writer) and Laurence Campbell (PUNISHER ANNUAL: THE HUNTED) bring you a tale of death, depravity and revenge south of the border. In black vans and under cover of night, they descend on the little Mexican town of Tierra Rota, abducting its women and returning them days later like broken dolls. And no one can stop them. That is, until one brave soul approaches Frank Castle with his heart in one hand and a bag full of money in the other. Now Frank's no bounty hunter, and definitely no hero, but there are some things the Punisher just can't abide.
32 PGS./Explicit Content …$2.99

  • Oh. Wow. Nevermind!

And now, DC:

  • CHOO!!! CHOO!!! Uh-oh! Another train is pulling into the station! It's the Final Crisis Gravy Train! Let's see who's on it!!!

FINAL CRISIS: REVELATIONS #1

Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Philip Tan, Jeff De Los Santos & Jonathan Glapion
Covers by Philip Tan
Greg Rucka (52, Whiteout, THE QUESTION: THE FIVE BOOKS OF BLOOD) and rising superstar Philip Tan unleash the wrath of God in this FINAL CRISIS tie-in!
With the end of creation nigh, Crispus Allen must embrace his role as The Spectre by exacting God's vengeance on some of the DC Universe's most vile sinners. But even as Allen struggles with his duty, a new threat is arising " one that only his former partner, Renee Montoya, a.k.a. The Question, can help him fight!
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers by Philip Tan that will ship in approximately 50/50 ratio. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale August 13 • 1 of 5 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

FINAL CRISIS: LEGION OF THREE WORLDS #1

Written by Geoff Johns
Art by George Pérez & Scott Koblish
Covers by George Pérez
From the moment Kal-El landed on earth until the end of time, the Time Trapper has sought to erase Superman’s impact on the universe. But the Legion of Super-Heroes have always been there to stop him. This time, though, even the Legion won’t be enough. The Time Trapper has found the ultimate weapon to carry out his plan " a twisted mirror image of the boy of steel from a parallel Earth long dead: Superboy-Prime! Who will answer the Legion’s call for help? Find out here as the Crisis of the 31st century begins!
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers by George Pérez that will ship in approximately 50/50 ratio. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale August 20 • 1 of 5 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

DC UNIVERSE: LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT #1

Written by Brad Meltzer
Art and covers by Adam Kubert & John Dell
New York Times best-selling author Brad Meltzer (IDENTITY CRISIS, JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA) makes his return to the DC Universe " and superstar artist Adam Kubert (ACTION COMICS) is riding shotgun!
The final battle is quickly approaching. How do the heroes of the DCU prepare for the end? Whom do they approach and say goodbye to before they make the ultimate sacrifice? Featuring the entire DC Universe, Meltzer takes us deep into the hearts and psyches of our heroes. It's the day before you die. What would you do?
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers by Adam Kubert that will ship in approximately 50/50 ratio. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale August 27 • 48 pg, FC, $3.99 US

FINAL CRISIS: SUPERMAN BEYOND #1

Written by Grant Morrison
Art by Doug Mahnke & Christian Alamy
Covers by Doug Mahnke and J.H. Williams III
To save the woman he loves, the greatest hero of all time becomes the pawn of ultra-dimensional forces when a wounded emissary from a world of doomed super gods comes to Earth on the eve of the Final Crisis. His mission: To recruit Superman’s help against an epic, reality-spanning menace that originated in the Crisis on Infinite Earths!
Join the Man of Steel and his alternate-earth counterparts for a mind-blowing voyage to the edge of the DC Universe " and beyond! Can these super champions overcome their differences to beat the clock, find the ultimate treasure and save all existence from extinction?
Writer Grant Morrison and artist Doug Mahnke take you on an unforgettable, hyperdelic journey from the streets of Metropolis, through the 52 worlds of the multiverse, to the haunted court of the King of Limbo, in part one of this 2-issue Superman adventure!
With a unique 3-D section, eye-popping visuals and mind-boggling glimpses into the mysteries behind FINAL CRISIS, SUPERMAN BEYOND takes the Man of Tomorrow to new dimensions of action and excitement! This issue comes with a pair of 3-D glasses!
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers (one by Doug Mahnke and one by J.H. Williams III) that will ship in a ratio of approximately 50/50. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale August 27 • 1 of 2 • 40 pg, FC, $4.50 US

FINAL CRISIS #1: DIRECTOR’S CUT SPECIAL

Written by Grant Morrison
Art and cover by J.G. Jones
Come on a guided tour of DC’s FINAL CRISIS #1 and become further enveloped in the event of the century. Delve deep into the mind-blowing first issue as we explore what every page and panel represents, and the process behind the story as Grant Morrison and J.G. Jones reveal secrets hidden in the script and art.
On sale August 6 • 64 pg, FC, $4.99 US

FINAL CRISIS: ROGUES’ REVENGE #2

Written by Geoff Johns
Art and covers by Scott Kolins
Life was easier when the Rogues had Barry Allen for a foe " or at least it was a bit more fun. Now, hunted by Libra and the Secret Society for refusing to worship the impending evil that is prophesized to claim Earth, Cold and his crew find themselves attacked on several fronts . . . and that doesn’t sit well with the Rogues. Plus, a bizarre twist for Inertia!
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers by Scott Kolins that will ship in approximately 50/50 ratio. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale August 20 • 2 of 3, 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

  • So, 4 miniseries, three which are starting this month, and two one-shots (if you call the wholly unnecessary "Final Crisis Directors Cut" a one-shot) for six issues all together! Of course, the fact that there is no issue of the actual Final Crisis series solicited is problematic, but hey, DC is being easier on the pocket book than Marvel for this month at least.

TEEN TITANS #62

Written by Sean McKeever
Art and cover by Eddy Barrows & Ruy José
Guest-starring Cyborg! When villains attack, it's up to two remarkable teens to pick up the pieces so the Teen Titans don't have to. This issue: a heartwarming look at Titans Tower through the eyes of its least-known inhabitants: Wendy, Marvin ... and Wonderdog?!
On sale August 27 •32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

  • Man, to what lengths will DC go to satisfy the nostagia trend! Wendy and Marvin are before even my time, and I'm old!

TITANS #5

Written by Judd Winick
Art by Rodney Buchemi
Cover by Ian Churchill
In the stand-alone story “Date Night,” four Titans face the fact that love is a battlefield. Meanwhile, a mysterious figure is making his way to Titans Tower. Who is this ominous stranger " and how does he or she know the Titans?
On sale August 13 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

  • So, at least Winick is paying some lip service to his annoying trend of having his characters hook up. But you can have relationships between characters without them sleeping with each other, Judd.

NIGHTWING #147

Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Art by Don Kramer & Sandu Florea
Cover by Rags Morales
A “Batman: R.I.P.” tie-in! Two-Face hits New York City " but when he takes a bite out of the Big Apple, he finds it rotten to the core. He’ll make Nightwing and all of New York pay for their crimes…unless Nightwing can save one of Harvey Dent’s old flames from an assassin’s bullet!
On sale August 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

  • "he takes a bite out of the Big Apple, he finds it rotten to the core." Wow. Cliche-laden much? Is this all that is written in the Big Book of Cliches for New York City?

ALL STAR SUPERMAN #12

Written by Grant Morrison
Art by Frank Quitely & Jamie Grant
Cover by Frank Quitely
The Man of Steel has faced twelve super-challenges. Now, as Lex Luthor’s brilliant, criminal machinations come together, what fate awaits the doomed Superman? This is the final, dramatic chapter of the incredible, award-winning 12-issue run of ALL STAR SUPERMAN by Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely and Jamie Grant " don’t miss it!
On sale August 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

  • Sooo, does this mean that this is the last issue of All Star Superman? For a while? For ever? And will this mean the end of the "All-Star" experiment?

INFINITY INC. #12

Written by Peter Milligan
Art by Javier Aranda David EnebralCover by Pete Woods
A Dark Side Club tie-in! The mystery of Professor Fogel and his allegiance to the Dark Side Club are laid bare in this harrowing final issue, in which the Infinity Kids find themselves outmatched in every way! A dream comes to an end, but for Infinity Inc., the nightmare is just beginning.
On sale August 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • FINAL ISSUE

  • Is the "Dark Side Club" a FInal Crisis thing? Then shouldn't this be a Final Crisis tie-in? Not that it would do it any good.

 

 



Monday, May 5, 2008

Movie: Iron Man X 2

I had the opportunity to see this movie twice in two days, and have had two days to let it sink in.

My opinion? I liked it. It was very good and close to being the best comic book movie ever.

The acting is the high part. Downey, Jr. is great as Tony Stark. He delivers them with a great personality and humor. Sometime, his dialogue sounds a bit like it was written for Vince Vaughn "What's a matter, platypus?" but that could just be me.

Jeff Bridges is excellent as Obidiah Stane. In this movie, the dude does not abide. He plays evil very, very well.

Terrence Howard does well in a limited role. Hopefully, he will come off bigger in the sequels.

Gwyneth Paltrow comes off better as Pepper Potts. She makes her intelligent, likable, and sweet.

The story stay remarkably close to the comics, especially in its origin sequence. It seem like Marvel taking over with its own studio was the best thing that could have happened. They figured out how to adapt the mythos for the movies yet make it a really good movie at the same time.

This is not to say that Iron Man is a perfect film. The mid-movie meeting of the bad guys makes you wonder why the main plot point of the first half had to happen. But it certainly was enjoyable.

Now the previews. We saw the film in two different cities in two different states on two different days. There was carry overs and differences.

 

  • The Dark Knight (FRI & SAT): We saw two versions of this trailer on both days. I thought that was strange. I'm not sure I'm warming to Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker. Not so much what he does, but how the character is written. Yes, the character is psychotic, but, what I've seen here, he's too psychotic. But I trust all involved so this should rock.
  • Don't Mess With The Zohan (FRI & SAT): Adam Sandler takes on the Mossaud. Again, there were two different cuts of this trailer each day. I don't know if the geographic location played into that or not, but that was interesting. This looks funny, but, then again, Sandler isn't acting like a idiot in this one, and I like his films when he doesn't act like an idiot.
  • The Happening (FRI & SAT): Another trailer with two different versions. The kids at school mocked this trailer. Perhaps the bloom is off the Shamaylan rose. I don't know. The Village was kind of shaky for me, and while I liked Lady in the Water, it wasn't his best. We'll see how this turns out. Sidebar: Jen and I both realize that Zooey Dechanel is a dead ringer for our friend Amie.
  • The Love Guru (FRI & SAT): Mike Myers returns. I've seen some commentary where people think this film is lame. Just Mike Myers doing his usually goofy shtick. But I like Myers usual shtick. I thought the trailer had funny moments. Oh, and this trailer was the same both days.
  • Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (FRI & SAT): And this trailer had two different cuts. Each one awesome. I'm ashamed to say this, considering the amount of comic book movies coming out, but I might be looking forward to this one more than any other movie this year.
  • The Incredible Hulk (FRI): This one only played in New York, which is a shame bacause I was building it up to my friends on Saturday. This one has gotten a lot of slack by ripping off the "Hulk using a car as brass knuckles" bit from the Hulk video game. I think they are missing the point that Hulk using cars as brass knuckles is awesomely cool. This film should rock.
  • The Spirit (SAT): When my wife saw this trailer, she said, unknowingly, "We have to see that". I had to set her straight. I explained that Frank Miller doing The Spirit is like Matthew McConaghey being cast as Dirk Pitt in Sahara. She loves Clive Cussler and thinks MM is totally wrong for that role. Frank Miller is totally wrong for The Spirit. Sure, the Spirit had a lot of noir to it, but it also had charm, quirkiness, humor and wit about it. Something from what I've seen of this trailer, it is lacking.
  • Hamlet 2 (SAT): This seems like a concept that might have come from a computer. Type in that you want a comedy that is quirky and slightly controversial but features a lot of people being hit by things (or hitting things) and it spits out a story about a teacher trying to save a drama program by putting out a sequel to Shakespeare's greatest work. Will it be funny? Maybe. But it still seems manufactured.    


Thursday, May 1, 2008

Happy Anniversary, Sweetie!!!

Three years ago today, Jen made me the happiest man on the planet by marrying me. And the happiness has continued non-stop through out all those three years! I love you, sweetie! Thank you for coming into my life!