OK, I already posted the "Heavy Hitters" of this week's Buy Pile in my last post (see below), but I just had to get on here to post the most shocking news of the week.
Ultimate X-Men #94 .... it was.... good! No, not even good. Considering the current state of the series, it was GREAT!
This issue returns the series to the fun feel the series had through the first 60 issues or so. Well, maybe 40 of those first 60 issues, as the series was uneven before turning crappy.
An all-different Alpha Flight attacks the school, right in the middle of a patented Xavier's baseball game (which, you have to love that this new writer Aaron Coleite respects the ole' Claremont games), and promptly wipes the floor with our Merry Mutants, including Jean "Phoenix" Grey (who's time on a higher plane of existence as Phoenix lasted all of zero issues, thank god).
But, that's only the premise for this story. Turns out, Alpha Flight and Colossus share more than one connection, leading to a MAJOR turning point in this series, it seems. I just don't want to give away too much.
The final page will make your eyes get wide, I guarantee it.
For the first time in years, I am optimistic this series can become what it once was, even if some of the dialog in this issue was a tad cheesy. There goes the $2.99 I was hoping to save each month!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Buy Pile Report: Heavy Hitters
Since I actually have a life tonight, with the girlfriend in town in T-minus 7 hours and 48 minutes, I decided to come into the office today early and get a jump on reading the biggest issues of the week. I'm not sure when I'll have a chance to talk about the rest of my Buy Pile (which included Ultimate X-Men #94 against my own advice since I'm no good at dropping titles, damnit), but here's the biggest four issues of the week, with no spoilers since this post is so much earlier than normal:
We begin this showcase showdown with a look at DC's top-tiers, starting the Justice Society of America #15. For all of you clamoring for more action in this title, this was your issue. The entire thing is a knock-down drag-em out brawl between Gog (or not Gog?) and the whole JSA. And while last issue I had the same problem — how can this golden schmuck stay on his feet against the whole JSA? — there is a hint in this issue that there is something more than superhuman in play.
I warn you, also, the last pages of this issue may divide some of you. Frankly, I am not sure how readers are going to take it. This is the last issue of the "Thy Kingdom Come" arc, and the final few pages create a clear divide heading into the first issue of the next arc "In the Name of Gog," but at the same time, it is a continuation on what's going on now. I know there is a large population of fans that have been itching for Geoff Johns to get away from the whole "Kingdom Come" angle, and while this is a departure, I don't know if it's enough of a departure to satisfy. Now I'm just talking in circles. Anyway, I was pleased and now anxious for next month.
Shockingly, Justice League of America #21 may have been even better. I've been a big critic of Dwayne McDuffie's and yet, for the second straight month he has impressed me with smaller character driven stories. The first half of this issue is spent looking at Clark, Bruce and Diana in a secret room they built into the Hall of Justice's transports, simply discussing business and secrets. It was an interesting dichotomy, because they clearly acknowledge how they've in the recent past decided how it's not good for the three of them to be keeping secrets, but at the same time they can't help themselves even during this frank talk. It sets up a coming story resolving Vixen's powers very well, too.
Personally, I am no fan of how these three characters get treated as the be-all and end-all in the DCU lately, so I wasn't keen on the idea of these meetings, but McDuffie handled the scene well, anyway.
The second part of the issue was a look at the Human Flame and Libra's assembling of the new Injustice Society, all wrapped together with a decent fight scene against Roy and Kendra. Again, in smaller teams, McDuffie really excels. This was a capable lead-in to "Final Crisis," similar to the look at Libra in "DC Universe #1." It also, unfortunately, again hits readers in the face with the news that J'onn J'onzz needs to watch his ass in "Final Crisis #1," and that's just not cool.
On to Marvel! And, it should go without saying that Ed Brubaker was again on his game with Captain America #38. Just as I said last night, too, it's amazing that Brubaker can reveal big puzzle pieces in each issue, and yet the Skull's master plans are still so well hidden. Yes fans, we are told EXACTLY who this other Steve Rogers is. We're also given a tremendous character moment with Sharon meeting him, which I only kind of wish was given a little bit more art space for it to breath and build tension. You'll see what I mean.
Bucky and Falcon also get a good deal of action in this one, and again Bucky serves as narrator throughout the entire fight. While Brubaker has used this writing style plenty in the past few months, I find myself really enjoying being in Captain Bucky's head as he fights. Hopefully the narration will last through this entire storyline — and end on time just as Bucky is finally comfortable with his role as Cap (presuming it lasts).
Finally, on to the only book of these top four which I wish I didn't read. Hell, I wish I didn't read any of Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch's four issues on this title. Fantastic Four #557 wasn't AS dreadful as the last isssue, but it was pretty bad. This nonsense with CAP is resolved in such a way that I feel like Millar views Reed as a superhuman being, for some reason. There's a certain remarkable speed Reed Richards can build something at, and then there's the unbelievable just stupid speed Millar employs here, in order to save the day. If you're a fan of Mech battles, you'll like this fight. Check that, you won't.
The best part about this issue was actually the irony of Millar's own uneven writing. He tells Alyssa here that one of the reasons he doesn't want to work with her in the future is because he doesn't like how secretive the billionaires are keeping Nu-Earth. Now, sure, there is a level of irony as a reader that makes you think "Wait a minute, Reed 'I built a secret Negative Zone Prison that I can't even tell my wife about' Richards is calling something too secretive?" But then there's another layer of irony when you say "Wait a minute! Mark Millar is the man that wrote Richards get that secretive in 'Civil War' in the first place!"
Even an intriguing last page has not kept me from questioning if I'll pick up this series until Millar is gone.
We begin this showcase showdown with a look at DC's top-tiers, starting the Justice Society of America #15. For all of you clamoring for more action in this title, this was your issue. The entire thing is a knock-down drag-em out brawl between Gog (or not Gog?) and the whole JSA. And while last issue I had the same problem — how can this golden schmuck stay on his feet against the whole JSA? — there is a hint in this issue that there is something more than superhuman in play.
I warn you, also, the last pages of this issue may divide some of you. Frankly, I am not sure how readers are going to take it. This is the last issue of the "Thy Kingdom Come" arc, and the final few pages create a clear divide heading into the first issue of the next arc "In the Name of Gog," but at the same time, it is a continuation on what's going on now. I know there is a large population of fans that have been itching for Geoff Johns to get away from the whole "Kingdom Come" angle, and while this is a departure, I don't know if it's enough of a departure to satisfy. Now I'm just talking in circles. Anyway, I was pleased and now anxious for next month.
Shockingly, Justice League of America #21 may have been even better. I've been a big critic of Dwayne McDuffie's and yet, for the second straight month he has impressed me with smaller character driven stories. The first half of this issue is spent looking at Clark, Bruce and Diana in a secret room they built into the Hall of Justice's transports, simply discussing business and secrets. It was an interesting dichotomy, because they clearly acknowledge how they've in the recent past decided how it's not good for the three of them to be keeping secrets, but at the same time they can't help themselves even during this frank talk. It sets up a coming story resolving Vixen's powers very well, too.
Personally, I am no fan of how these three characters get treated as the be-all and end-all in the DCU lately, so I wasn't keen on the idea of these meetings, but McDuffie handled the scene well, anyway.
The second part of the issue was a look at the Human Flame and Libra's assembling of the new Injustice Society, all wrapped together with a decent fight scene against Roy and Kendra. Again, in smaller teams, McDuffie really excels. This was a capable lead-in to "Final Crisis," similar to the look at Libra in "DC Universe #1." It also, unfortunately, again hits readers in the face with the news that J'onn J'onzz needs to watch his ass in "Final Crisis #1," and that's just not cool.
On to Marvel! And, it should go without saying that Ed Brubaker was again on his game with Captain America #38. Just as I said last night, too, it's amazing that Brubaker can reveal big puzzle pieces in each issue, and yet the Skull's master plans are still so well hidden. Yes fans, we are told EXACTLY who this other Steve Rogers is. We're also given a tremendous character moment with Sharon meeting him, which I only kind of wish was given a little bit more art space for it to breath and build tension. You'll see what I mean.
Bucky and Falcon also get a good deal of action in this one, and again Bucky serves as narrator throughout the entire fight. While Brubaker has used this writing style plenty in the past few months, I find myself really enjoying being in Captain Bucky's head as he fights. Hopefully the narration will last through this entire storyline — and end on time just as Bucky is finally comfortable with his role as Cap (presuming it lasts).
Finally, on to the only book of these top four which I wish I didn't read. Hell, I wish I didn't read any of Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch's four issues on this title. Fantastic Four #557 wasn't AS dreadful as the last isssue, but it was pretty bad. This nonsense with CAP is resolved in such a way that I feel like Millar views Reed as a superhuman being, for some reason. There's a certain remarkable speed Reed Richards can build something at, and then there's the unbelievable just stupid speed Millar employs here, in order to save the day. If you're a fan of Mech battles, you'll like this fight. Check that, you won't.
The best part about this issue was actually the irony of Millar's own uneven writing. He tells Alyssa here that one of the reasons he doesn't want to work with her in the future is because he doesn't like how secretive the billionaires are keeping Nu-Earth. Now, sure, there is a level of irony as a reader that makes you think "Wait a minute, Reed 'I built a secret Negative Zone Prison that I can't even tell my wife about' Richards is calling something too secretive?" But then there's another layer of irony when you say "Wait a minute! Mark Millar is the man that wrote Richards get that secretive in 'Civil War' in the first place!"
Even an intriguing last page has not kept me from questioning if I'll pick up this series until Millar is gone.
This week's comic book expectations
OK, I take back what I said in that last post. I am thrilled for a new issue of "Justice Society," it's true, but I didn't even notice we get a new "Captain America" as well -- and that has me even more excited.
When last we left our freedom-fighting friends, Sharon Carter had just met "Steve Rogers" in Red Skull's liar -GASP! - and there is definitely something wrong with him. Hopefully in Captain America #38 we'll get to find out what. Also, from what I can see in the solicitations, we're also going to start to see this "original" Cap in action, so hopefully we'll start to learn exactly how the Skull plans on using him. Honestly, it's amazing how good Brubaker's work over the last year and a half has been, and yet we still don't know what Skull is aiming at, exactly.
We're also getting yet another issue of Mighty Avengers #14, and is it just me, or does it seem like this book has been coming out on a weekly basis lately? OK, I know it's not true, but it feels like Bendis is just shooting this series out one after the other. Of course, over the last three issues we've been learning where Nick Fury has been and what his machinations are (I just wanted to use Machinations in a sentence), so I would only expect that story to continue here.
And who can overlook Fantastic Four #557? It's the final issue of Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch's first four-part arc, and for better or worse, it's ending. After last issue's dreck I would never suggest you picking up this issue -- but since most of us have already invested nine bucks into this crappy should-have-been-much-better story, what's another three to see the ending?
Marvel also offers X-Men: Divided We Stand #2 this week, another series of short stories showing what our merry mutants have been up to since "Messiah CompleX." While I wouldn't say the first of this two-issue set was bad, I will say it was by the numbers. There was that common theme of "We only belong as X-Men" running through the entire thing, so hopefully we get a little variety here. I'm just excited that Havok and his new team of Starjammers is included in this issue. If you've read this blog for a while, you know I am a big proponent of the potential for that space/Vulcan storyline, so hopefully Alex's inclusion here is a sign of things to come.
Finally from Marvel, I don't know how you want to look at it, as a jumping on point or a getting off point, but both Ultimate X-Men #94 and Ultimate Fantastic Four #54 mark brand-new storylines for the series. X-Men welcomes new regular writer Aaron Coliete, but with how horrible the series has been lately, I don't know if anyone can save this book. Fantastic Four, on the other hand, is coming off a fantastic Ultimate Thanos story, so it might be an issue to give a try.
There's less offered from DC this week, but a couple of real good issues to take note of:
Justice Society of America #15 is obviously the crown-jewel of DC's week. the issue will plop us right back into the middle of Gog's assault on the JSA brownstone for the second half of that battle. (Remember the cool full-page image of Alan Scott and Obsidian???) And while many of you have been talking about how this "Kingdom Come" slant has taken away from the JSA characters, I still have faith that Johns is going to turn it all full-circle. Hopefully this is that turn.
That other Justice team also shows up this week, Justice League of America #21, and it's also just about the only sign of "Final Crisis" we get this week. This issue is promoted as a re-introduction for one of the central henchmen in the upcoming event, Libra, and it will also introduce the Human Flame (you know, the C-list villain that apparently is going to off you-know-who in the "Final Crisis" opener). Personally, it seems like DC is just looking to place whatever "Final Crisis" material they can in their highest selling book in order to challenge Marvel's sales numbers this month. Well, it's working on me.
Brave and the Bold #13 begins a new story arc now that all that Megistus stuff is wrapped up, and I'm excited about it since the teamup includes one of my favorite heroes of all-time, Jay Garrick. Hell, I walk around wearing my Jay Garrick red lightning bolt long-sleeve t-shirt all the time, despite how flamboyant it looks. That's how cool as Jay Garrick is.
And with that little personal confession, I'm out.
When last we left our freedom-fighting friends, Sharon Carter had just met "Steve Rogers" in Red Skull's liar -GASP! - and there is definitely something wrong with him. Hopefully in Captain America #38 we'll get to find out what. Also, from what I can see in the solicitations, we're also going to start to see this "original" Cap in action, so hopefully we'll start to learn exactly how the Skull plans on using him. Honestly, it's amazing how good Brubaker's work over the last year and a half has been, and yet we still don't know what Skull is aiming at, exactly.
We're also getting yet another issue of Mighty Avengers #14, and is it just me, or does it seem like this book has been coming out on a weekly basis lately? OK, I know it's not true, but it feels like Bendis is just shooting this series out one after the other. Of course, over the last three issues we've been learning where Nick Fury has been and what his machinations are (I just wanted to use Machinations in a sentence), so I would only expect that story to continue here.
And who can overlook Fantastic Four #557? It's the final issue of Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch's first four-part arc, and for better or worse, it's ending. After last issue's dreck I would never suggest you picking up this issue -- but since most of us have already invested nine bucks into this crappy should-have-been-much-better story, what's another three to see the ending?
Marvel also offers X-Men: Divided We Stand #2 this week, another series of short stories showing what our merry mutants have been up to since "Messiah CompleX." While I wouldn't say the first of this two-issue set was bad, I will say it was by the numbers. There was that common theme of "We only belong as X-Men" running through the entire thing, so hopefully we get a little variety here. I'm just excited that Havok and his new team of Starjammers is included in this issue. If you've read this blog for a while, you know I am a big proponent of the potential for that space/Vulcan storyline, so hopefully Alex's inclusion here is a sign of things to come.
Finally from Marvel, I don't know how you want to look at it, as a jumping on point or a getting off point, but both Ultimate X-Men #94 and Ultimate Fantastic Four #54 mark brand-new storylines for the series. X-Men welcomes new regular writer Aaron Coliete, but with how horrible the series has been lately, I don't know if anyone can save this book. Fantastic Four, on the other hand, is coming off a fantastic Ultimate Thanos story, so it might be an issue to give a try.
There's less offered from DC this week, but a couple of real good issues to take note of:
Justice Society of America #15 is obviously the crown-jewel of DC's week. the issue will plop us right back into the middle of Gog's assault on the JSA brownstone for the second half of that battle. (Remember the cool full-page image of Alan Scott and Obsidian???) And while many of you have been talking about how this "Kingdom Come" slant has taken away from the JSA characters, I still have faith that Johns is going to turn it all full-circle. Hopefully this is that turn.
That other Justice team also shows up this week, Justice League of America #21, and it's also just about the only sign of "Final Crisis" we get this week. This issue is promoted as a re-introduction for one of the central henchmen in the upcoming event, Libra, and it will also introduce the Human Flame (you know, the C-list villain that apparently is going to off you-know-who in the "Final Crisis" opener). Personally, it seems like DC is just looking to place whatever "Final Crisis" material they can in their highest selling book in order to challenge Marvel's sales numbers this month. Well, it's working on me.
Brave and the Bold #13 begins a new story arc now that all that Megistus stuff is wrapped up, and I'm excited about it since the teamup includes one of my favorite heroes of all-time, Jay Garrick. Hell, I walk around wearing my Jay Garrick red lightning bolt long-sleeve t-shirt all the time, despite how flamboyant it looks. That's how cool as Jay Garrick is.
And with that little personal confession, I'm out.
Wednesday's comic release list
BLAM - THIS LINK is the list of this week's comic books.
All I really care about is we get a new issue of Justice Society Wednesday.
All I really care about is we get a new issue of Justice Society Wednesday.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
This week's video game releases
Here you go, follow THIS LINK to the list of video games out this week — including "Wiifit," the latest title Nintendo hopes will trick you into being healthy. I beg you, don't fall for the trap! Don't get healthy! Follow me to Taco Bell! There we'll all plan how to stop Nintendo from getting you all to be healthy!
Seriously, though, I'm pretty shocked at how many people, who have never stepped on a treadmill in their lives, want this game. I'm just looking forward to when the Wii Balance Board is used for more fun applications than "Wiifit."
Seriously, though, I'm pretty shocked at how many people, who have never stepped on a treadmill in their lives, want this game. I'm just looking forward to when the Wii Balance Board is used for more fun applications than "Wiifit."
Friday, May 16, 2008
Bad News: Gaming in the Journal; 'Deca Sports' review
I was warned yesterday this may be a possibility, but I didn't want to break your hearts until I was sure — This Week's Saturday Gaming page in the Poughkeepsie Journal has been washed out. There just isn't enough space in our section this week.
So, I have this review of "Deca Sports" all ready to go and written, and I have two options — I can post it all here in one big review post, or I can hold on to it for a week and use it in Next Saturday's Gaming page.
I'm going to compromise. Since this game just came out this week and some of you may be waiting to read about it before picking it up, I will give you the briefest of reviews here:
"Deca Sports," which features 10 different sports mini-games all packaged together with a retail price of $29.99, is not a game for anyone over the age of 10. Anyone under 10 will enjoy this, as 4 or 5 of the 10 games will keep the youngsters occupied for days, and the kids can go on thinking how they have a game for all these different sports and be happy with it.
But, for anyone over 10-years-old, you will see the IMMEDIATE flaws with the basketball and soccer games, get tired of volleyball and badminton, and realize there are much better racing games out there. Now, I do recommend this as a game you may want to rent one rainy afternoon with three friends and competing, because many of the games will keep older gamers' attentions for an afternoon. But even at the $29.99 price, it's not worth a purchase for you.
For more of a review, read NEXT Saturday's Gaming page.
So, I have this review of "Deca Sports" all ready to go and written, and I have two options — I can post it all here in one big review post, or I can hold on to it for a week and use it in Next Saturday's Gaming page.
I'm going to compromise. Since this game just came out this week and some of you may be waiting to read about it before picking it up, I will give you the briefest of reviews here:
"Deca Sports," which features 10 different sports mini-games all packaged together with a retail price of $29.99, is not a game for anyone over the age of 10. Anyone under 10 will enjoy this, as 4 or 5 of the 10 games will keep the youngsters occupied for days, and the kids can go on thinking how they have a game for all these different sports and be happy with it.
But, for anyone over 10-years-old, you will see the IMMEDIATE flaws with the basketball and soccer games, get tired of volleyball and badminton, and realize there are much better racing games out there. Now, I do recommend this as a game you may want to rent one rainy afternoon with three friends and competing, because many of the games will keep older gamers' attentions for an afternoon. But even at the $29.99 price, it's not worth a purchase for you.
For more of a review, read NEXT Saturday's Gaming page.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
The Alphabet game
So, during a meeting today in the office, I was playing the alphabet game, trying to name a DC hero and a Marvel hero for every letter of the alphabet (don't tell my boss).
And, I'm kind of disappointed to say I wasn't able to name one of each letter for both comics brands. I'm missing Z for Marvel, Y for DC, X for DC, and (surprisingly) O for Marvel. I didn't include heroes from parallel Earths, either.
Anyone have any ideas? I'm going to look it up online later, but if anyone wants to save me some time and show off the knowledge, post here.
Here's my list so far (DC, Marvel):
A — Animal Man, Angel
B — Batman, Beast
C — Cyborg, Cyclops
D — Damage, Dr. Strange
E — Elongated Man, Elektra
F — Flash, Feral
G — Geo Force, Gambit
H — Hawkman, Hulk
I — Ion, Iceman
J — Johnny Thunder, Jubilee
K — Kilowog, Karma
L — Lightning Lad, Longshot
M — Mr. Miracle, Marvel Girl
N — Nightwing, Nightcrawler
O — Orion, ?
P — Powergirl, Polaris
Q — Question, Quicksilver
R — Rocket Red, Rogue
S — Superman, Strong Guy
T — Timberwolf, Thing
U — Una (of Triplicate Girl), Uatu
V — Vixen, Vision
W — Wonder Woman, Wonder Man
X — ?, X-23
Y — ?, Yellow Jacket
Z — Zauriel, ?
And, I'm kind of disappointed to say I wasn't able to name one of each letter for both comics brands. I'm missing Z for Marvel, Y for DC, X for DC, and (surprisingly) O for Marvel. I didn't include heroes from parallel Earths, either.
Anyone have any ideas? I'm going to look it up online later, but if anyone wants to save me some time and show off the knowledge, post here.
Here's my list so far (DC, Marvel):
A — Animal Man, Angel
B — Batman, Beast
C — Cyborg, Cyclops
D — Damage, Dr. Strange
E — Elongated Man, Elektra
F — Flash, Feral
G — Geo Force, Gambit
H — Hawkman, Hulk
I — Ion, Iceman
J — Johnny Thunder, Jubilee
K — Kilowog, Karma
L — Lightning Lad, Longshot
M — Mr. Miracle, Marvel Girl
N — Nightwing, Nightcrawler
O — Orion, ?
P — Powergirl, Polaris
Q — Question, Quicksilver
R — Rocket Red, Rogue
S — Superman, Strong Guy
T — Timberwolf, Thing
U — Una (of Triplicate Girl), Uatu
V — Vixen, Vision
W — Wonder Woman, Wonder Man
X — ?, X-23
Y — ?, Yellow Jacket
Z — Zauriel, ?
Buy Pile Report
Well, that was a bit of an uneven week.
First off, the good. And the best, in my opinion, was Secret Invasion: Fantastic Four #1. Honestly, could you have asked anymore from this first issue? Immediately we're given a super quick recap of how the Baxter Building got to the Negative Zone, explained why Sue and Reed weren't present (which, by the way, a Skrull with Sue's powers?!?), and laid the cards on the table with who Ben and Johnny are up against.
And, while I am a little surprised by how crazed the baddie responsible looks here, it still has the makings of a very good tie-in side story to the "Secret Invasion" mothership. If you're a fan of Marvel's First Family, pick this series up.
X-Men Legacy #211 was also pretty good, as Xavier is out on his own for the first time and beginning to rediscover his life. Again, Mike Carey does a terrific job of only giving the readers bits and pieces of the story, keeping us just as confused as Charles is. What is he trying to discover in the end? Xavier himself probably doesn't know, so why should we?
The only downside was the appearance of a certain someone at the issue's end. I wish this guy would just go away.
From there, we got a whole big bag of "eh." Batman #676 kicked off the "Batman R.I.P." storyline, although the whole thing just felt like a precursor to the big show. We got plenty of possible foreshadowing, with Tim voicing concerns about Damien and the new lady love in Bruce's life, and we get to know Black Glove a little better as well, but overall, this isn't so much the first chapter of the story as much as it is an introduction.
Green Lantern Corps. #24 was equally indifferent. I love the setup to this one, with a cadre of Lanterns trooping down to a planet full of Mongol's Black Mercys ... but nothing quite works as well as it could -- especially with slightly confusing art from Patrick Gleason. The only part that really piqued my interest is Mongol's new plans for his Black Mercys... they don't exactly grant wishes anymore!
Lastly, Booster Gold #9 was decent, but it felt a little rushed, especially after how stalled the story has been over the last two issues. It was pure geek joy to see the Justice League International together again, and Batman provides a great moment as well, but the situation with Max Lord is just resolved a little too fast in my opinion. After how Lord has been played up as the biggest baddie, I would have liked to have a bigger battle before he is taken out of the picture. Instead, it's simply on to the next threat -- a great threat, no doubt, but still, not what I was looking for.
First off, the good. And the best, in my opinion, was Secret Invasion: Fantastic Four #1. Honestly, could you have asked anymore from this first issue? Immediately we're given a super quick recap of how the Baxter Building got to the Negative Zone, explained why Sue and Reed weren't present (which, by the way, a Skrull with Sue's powers?!?), and laid the cards on the table with who Ben and Johnny are up against.
And, while I am a little surprised by how crazed the baddie responsible looks here, it still has the makings of a very good tie-in side story to the "Secret Invasion" mothership. If you're a fan of Marvel's First Family, pick this series up.
X-Men Legacy #211 was also pretty good, as Xavier is out on his own for the first time and beginning to rediscover his life. Again, Mike Carey does a terrific job of only giving the readers bits and pieces of the story, keeping us just as confused as Charles is. What is he trying to discover in the end? Xavier himself probably doesn't know, so why should we?
The only downside was the appearance of a certain someone at the issue's end. I wish this guy would just go away.
From there, we got a whole big bag of "eh." Batman #676 kicked off the "Batman R.I.P." storyline, although the whole thing just felt like a precursor to the big show. We got plenty of possible foreshadowing, with Tim voicing concerns about Damien and the new lady love in Bruce's life, and we get to know Black Glove a little better as well, but overall, this isn't so much the first chapter of the story as much as it is an introduction.
Green Lantern Corps. #24 was equally indifferent. I love the setup to this one, with a cadre of Lanterns trooping down to a planet full of Mongol's Black Mercys ... but nothing quite works as well as it could -- especially with slightly confusing art from Patrick Gleason. The only part that really piqued my interest is Mongol's new plans for his Black Mercys... they don't exactly grant wishes anymore!
Lastly, Booster Gold #9 was decent, but it felt a little rushed, especially after how stalled the story has been over the last two issues. It was pure geek joy to see the Justice League International together again, and Batman provides a great moment as well, but the situation with Max Lord is just resolved a little too fast in my opinion. After how Lord has been played up as the biggest baddie, I would have liked to have a bigger battle before he is taken out of the picture. Instead, it's simply on to the next threat -- a great threat, no doubt, but still, not what I was looking for.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
'Final Crisis' Sketchbook
I just finished thumbing through the "Final Crisis Sketchbook" drawn by JG Jones with captions by Grant Morrison, and three major things jumped out at me.
1) Mister Miracle in the sketchbook is Shiloh Norman, not Scott Free. Further, Big Barda is nowhere to be seen. As a big fan of both characters, I'm going to be pretty disappointed if this duo does not come back as New New Gods, especially given the inauspicious deaths they both shared in the "Death of the New Gods" series.
2) Half of this sketchbook is devoted to the Japanese heroes we saw back in "52" ... at least I'm pretty sure these are the same guys we saw in "52." Now, on the one hand, maybe they are only included in here since nobody knows these guys and Morrison needed some small introduction for them. BUT, I just hope this group doesn't show up too much in "Final Crisis," and the amount of space occupied here would dictate they play a major role.
3) There are notes in the margins of some of the sketches, including the new look for Darkseid (which I like). One of these notes reads "No Shadow. He Is The Shadow." THAT'S how EVIL Darkseid is. I love it. It's like that line from Justice League Unlimited where Flash's brain is stuck in Lex Luthor's body: "Aren't you going to wash your hands?" "No... Because I'm EVIL."
Anyway, I don't know if the sketchbook is worth three bucks, but there are interesting aspects to it.
1) Mister Miracle in the sketchbook is Shiloh Norman, not Scott Free. Further, Big Barda is nowhere to be seen. As a big fan of both characters, I'm going to be pretty disappointed if this duo does not come back as New New Gods, especially given the inauspicious deaths they both shared in the "Death of the New Gods" series.
2) Half of this sketchbook is devoted to the Japanese heroes we saw back in "52" ... at least I'm pretty sure these are the same guys we saw in "52." Now, on the one hand, maybe they are only included in here since nobody knows these guys and Morrison needed some small introduction for them. BUT, I just hope this group doesn't show up too much in "Final Crisis," and the amount of space occupied here would dictate they play a major role.
3) There are notes in the margins of some of the sketches, including the new look for Darkseid (which I like). One of these notes reads "No Shadow. He Is The Shadow." THAT'S how EVIL Darkseid is. I love it. It's like that line from Justice League Unlimited where Flash's brain is stuck in Lex Luthor's body: "Aren't you going to wash your hands?" "No... Because I'm EVIL."
Anyway, I don't know if the sketchbook is worth three bucks, but there are interesting aspects to it.
'Deca Sports' in the house
There's nothing like walking into the office after the weekend (my weekend is Monday and Tuesday) and finding a brand new video game waiting for you in your mailbox.Such is my life.
OK, so it doesn't happen as much as I would like, or as much as you would think for a Gaming editor like myself, but today I walked in and found a new copy of "Deca Sports" for Nintendo Wii in my mailbox.
If you haven't heard of the game, GO HERE for my hands-on preview a few weeks ago. I'm pretty excited to go home and get my hands on the game, especially the Curling section. I love me some Curlin'!
And, of course, expect to see a FULL REVIEW in Saturday's Poughkeepsie Journal Gaming page, located weekly within the Sports section.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
This week's comic book expectations
I'm in a good mood today. Maybe it's the sunshine and the fact that I was on the court playing basketball 15 minutes after waking up. Maybe it's the fact that "Tin Cup" is on TV right now. OR, maybe it's the long list of comics worth picking up on Wednesday.
Batman #676 kicks off Grant Morrison's "Batman R.I.P." story, which (as many stories do) promises to change everything for the Caped Crusader. While you've heard plenty of writers claim that, remember that Grant Morrison is the guy that broke up Scott Summer and Jean Grey before bringing back the Phoenix entity the last time he was on a title for this long. While I've never been the hugest fan of Morrison's writing, this is still a story any DC fan is likely to want to read.
My prediction? Batman is "broken" like he was back in the "Nightfall"/Bane story, and Damien takes over the Cape and Cowl for a while.
There are two main "Secret Invasion" tie-ins this week you should know about (and no, this week I'm not talking about Franklin Richards. Captain Britain and MI13 #1 is an interesting title you may want to read if you're really diving into the "Invasion" story, since it features a hero, who's been on Earth for years, and is a SKRULL. In these invasion stories there's always one turncoat and plenty of other suspected turncoats, so this tie-in could be interesting.
The second tie-in (and the one I'll be picking up) is Secret Invasion Fantastic Four #1. When last we saw the Baxter Building, fake Sue Richards sucked everyone into the Negative Zone, leaving Ben and Johnny to fix everything. And, since Marvel likes to FORCE you to buy tie-ins, if you want to find out how those crazy kids get out of their latest pickle, this is the place to do it. I'm also holding out hope that Lyja shows up again, even though Mark Millar would not agree on bringing her back into Johnny's life, with his current plans writing the mothership.
On to less "event"-full stories, Green Lantern Corps #24's cover says it all. Mongol walking through a field of Green Lanterns sucked into the fantasy worlds of the Black Mercys. Personally, I love that villain, and I love that torture device. I have a fantastic story written in my head I'll tell you about sometime featuring the Black Mercys too, since there are just so many possibilities when you put emotionally tortured heroes into their wildest dreams. Anyway, it should be a good read.
Booster Gold #9 should just be good fun too, but if you're reading the story you probably already know that. This issue should see the reunion of "Blue and Gold" with the other members of the former Justice League International, a moment I've been waiting years for.
By the way, Roy McAvoy just parred the back nine with a seven iron. But I digress.
Lastly, Genext #1 comes out this week, the long-awaited Chris Claremont story of the children of the X-Men. I've no idea whatsoever of what to expect from this story, but I am curious and interested, given Claremont's knowledge of the characters and the fact that the story takes place in the near future, not the distant one.
Other titles to keep on your radar include Project Superpowers #3, X-Men Legacy #211, Wonder Woman #20 and Giant Size Hulk #1.
Oh, and don't forget the Final Crisis Sketchbook comes out this week too. It will be interesting to see JG Jones' take on the heroes and the New New Gods.
Batman #676 kicks off Grant Morrison's "Batman R.I.P." story, which (as many stories do) promises to change everything for the Caped Crusader. While you've heard plenty of writers claim that, remember that Grant Morrison is the guy that broke up Scott Summer and Jean Grey before bringing back the Phoenix entity the last time he was on a title for this long. While I've never been the hugest fan of Morrison's writing, this is still a story any DC fan is likely to want to read.
My prediction? Batman is "broken" like he was back in the "Nightfall"/Bane story, and Damien takes over the Cape and Cowl for a while.
There are two main "Secret Invasion" tie-ins this week you should know about (and no, this week I'm not talking about Franklin Richards. Captain Britain and MI13 #1 is an interesting title you may want to read if you're really diving into the "Invasion" story, since it features a hero, who's been on Earth for years, and is a SKRULL. In these invasion stories there's always one turncoat and plenty of other suspected turncoats, so this tie-in could be interesting.
The second tie-in (and the one I'll be picking up) is Secret Invasion Fantastic Four #1. When last we saw the Baxter Building, fake Sue Richards sucked everyone into the Negative Zone, leaving Ben and Johnny to fix everything. And, since Marvel likes to FORCE you to buy tie-ins, if you want to find out how those crazy kids get out of their latest pickle, this is the place to do it. I'm also holding out hope that Lyja shows up again, even though Mark Millar would not agree on bringing her back into Johnny's life, with his current plans writing the mothership.
On to less "event"-full stories, Green Lantern Corps #24's cover says it all. Mongol walking through a field of Green Lanterns sucked into the fantasy worlds of the Black Mercys. Personally, I love that villain, and I love that torture device. I have a fantastic story written in my head I'll tell you about sometime featuring the Black Mercys too, since there are just so many possibilities when you put emotionally tortured heroes into their wildest dreams. Anyway, it should be a good read.
Booster Gold #9 should just be good fun too, but if you're reading the story you probably already know that. This issue should see the reunion of "Blue and Gold" with the other members of the former Justice League International, a moment I've been waiting years for.
By the way, Roy McAvoy just parred the back nine with a seven iron. But I digress.
Lastly, Genext #1 comes out this week, the long-awaited Chris Claremont story of the children of the X-Men. I've no idea whatsoever of what to expect from this story, but I am curious and interested, given Claremont's knowledge of the characters and the fact that the story takes place in the near future, not the distant one.
Other titles to keep on your radar include Project Superpowers #3, X-Men Legacy #211, Wonder Woman #20 and Giant Size Hulk #1.
Oh, and don't forget the Final Crisis Sketchbook comes out this week too. It will be interesting to see JG Jones' take on the heroes and the New New Gods.
Wednesday's comic release list
Oh so much to love from this week's comics, it's a something for everything kind of week. From "Batman R.I.P" to "Secret Invasion" tie-ins to "Booster Gold," this is the week to go tell your local comic shop guy how much you appreciate your weekly visits.
HERE'S THE LINK to the week's comic releases.
HERE'S THE LINK to the week's comic releases.
Monday, May 12, 2008
WiiWare launches today
Remember to log on to your Wii today and check out the new section of the Nintendo Store online, WiiWare.
If you haven't heard of it, WiiWare is going to be a source of independent games to download (for a fee, of course). It also will have a handful of not-so-independent games, like the new "Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King" game that is included in the first crop of WiiWare games available.
It will be interesting to see if this idea, as well as the idea Xbox has with their XNA games pans out. It seems to me that if these games are popular enough -- and enough game developers get behind this idea -- it would help spur on the next era in gaming, the era of strictly downloadable games and unspecific consoles. Granted, that idea is decades away from full realization, but this would be the first step. Much like the plot in Terminator 2.
If you haven't heard of it, WiiWare is going to be a source of independent games to download (for a fee, of course). It also will have a handful of not-so-independent games, like the new "Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King" game that is included in the first crop of WiiWare games available.
It will be interesting to see if this idea, as well as the idea Xbox has with their XNA games pans out. It seems to me that if these games are popular enough -- and enough game developers get behind this idea -- it would help spur on the next era in gaming, the era of strictly downloadable games and unspecific consoles. Granted, that idea is decades away from full realization, but this would be the first step. Much like the plot in Terminator 2.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
This week's video game releases
Two big releases on the way this week: 1) Deca Sports, the mini-game collection of sports that I am very high on (I SHOULD have a full review in this week's Gaming page), and 2) Major League Eating (need I say more?!?)
Check out the full list at THIS LINK.
Check out the full list at THIS LINK.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Who should play Captain America?
Sorry I haven't been around as much as I should be, folks, it's one of those segments of time I warned you about, where there's just too much to do in the office to find time to get on the blog as much as I like.
But I've been wanting to point something out:
You may have heard the rumors that Marvel has an actor in mind for Captain America — Matthew McConaughey.
I don't believe these rumors for a second. For One: Marvel knows their character better than this. If Fox were making the movie, I'd guess the rumor to be true, but this is Marvel. Two: Marvel didn't want such a big name as Robert Downey, Jr. to play Tony Stark, for fear the name would overshadow the character (which Jon Favreau convinced them otherwise), so why would Marvel choose a big name like McConaughey?
No, McConaughey cannot be Steve Rogers. So who will?
Years ago, the rumor was that Brad Pitt wanted to play the role. While I would say he'd be a perfect choice, he's much too big a name for Marvel's tastes. Which would make you think Marvel might want to go the Brandon Routh route of casting a complete unknown, right?
Well, no, I don't think a complete unknown will quite have the mixture of physical look and acting depth that's going to be needed to pulloff a character so potentially hokey and so potentially inspiring at the same time as Captain America. Routh only just barely pulled it off due to his resemblance to Christopher Reeve.
This is going to have to be someone who we've seen before, but never really in a starring role before.
Here's my choice:
Josh Duhamel. You've probably seen him in "Transformers" or "Win a Date with Tad Hamilton" or "Las Vegas" (TV).
They guy has the look of a leader, looks in perfect shape without being too bulky, and also has a very clean-cut look about him that Steve Rogers MUST have. And while we haven't seen him exude the kind of acting chops this role is going to require, I also don't really think he's been put into a position to show what he can do yet.
There you go, my casting selection. Now we'll see if Marvel makes a prudent one and gives us a happy Summer of 2011.
But I've been wanting to point something out:
You may have heard the rumors that Marvel has an actor in mind for Captain America — Matthew McConaughey.
I don't believe these rumors for a second. For One: Marvel knows their character better than this. If Fox were making the movie, I'd guess the rumor to be true, but this is Marvel. Two: Marvel didn't want such a big name as Robert Downey, Jr. to play Tony Stark, for fear the name would overshadow the character (which Jon Favreau convinced them otherwise), so why would Marvel choose a big name like McConaughey?
No, McConaughey cannot be Steve Rogers. So who will?
Years ago, the rumor was that Brad Pitt wanted to play the role. While I would say he'd be a perfect choice, he's much too big a name for Marvel's tastes. Which would make you think Marvel might want to go the Brandon Routh route of casting a complete unknown, right?
Well, no, I don't think a complete unknown will quite have the mixture of physical look and acting depth that's going to be needed to pulloff a character so potentially hokey and so potentially inspiring at the same time as Captain America. Routh only just barely pulled it off due to his resemblance to Christopher Reeve.
This is going to have to be someone who we've seen before, but never really in a starring role before.
Here's my choice:
Josh Duhamel. You've probably seen him in "Transformers" or "Win a Date with Tad Hamilton" or "Las Vegas" (TV).They guy has the look of a leader, looks in perfect shape without being too bulky, and also has a very clean-cut look about him that Steve Rogers MUST have. And while we haven't seen him exude the kind of acting chops this role is going to require, I also don't really think he's been put into a position to show what he can do yet.
There you go, my casting selection. Now we'll see if Marvel makes a prudent one and gives us a happy Summer of 2011.
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