Archive for April, 2011

Justice League: Generation Lost #24 Review

Posted: April 29, 2011 in Aaron Lopresti, Brightest Day, Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Dustin Nguyen, Fire, Ice, Judd Winick, Justice League International, Justice League: Generation Lost, Matt Ryan, Maxwell Lord, Travis Lanham
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Written By: Judd Winick

Artist: Aaron Lopresti

Inker: Matt Ryan

Colorist: Hi-Fi

Cover Artist: Dustin Nguyen

Letterer: Travis Lanham

Editor: Rex Ogle & Brian Cunningham

The Upsetting, Yet Satisfying Plot

OMAC Prime is on the rampage, copying the League’s powers and overtaking them.  Even Wonder Woman has some difficulties bringing down the big blue meanie.  Elsewhere, Max and Booster go tooth and nail in a knock-down, all-out fist fight, each showing a resilience and stamina that would make the initial fight between Doomsday and Superman look like child’s play.  (Not really, but it was a good comparison nonetheless.)

So what’s the purpose behind this miniseries?  I’m sure you can guess…

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

Here I am, geeking out over a series which reminds me of my childhood.  Growing up with the JLI took my life for a tale spin and changed it forever.  It is with this team that my love for comics began.  I hopped on board with Generation Lost half way through as my pocket book didn’t allow me to pick it up on a bi-weekly basis.  And now it’s issue #24 and I can’t believe I wasn’t follow the series since it hit comic book stands one year ago.  With issue #24, the conclusion of the best mini-series I’ve ever read from DC Comics has finally become reality, and the beginning of an exciting new revival series is just over the horizon.  And all I can do it wait, tapping my fingers in contagion, and bouncing my right leg up and down anxiously.

From page one to the end, #24 grabbed my attention and didn’t let go.  I was so into the story that I didn’t even hear my wife say “dinner is ready!  Put down you comic hang out with me!”  Yes, I have officially become a terrible husband…but it was worth it!  (Love ya on!)  Judd Winick’s masterful writing drives this issue into its successful conclusion, paying attention to the different personality traits of each individual character; Booster has never felt so determined, Blue Beetle continues to prove himself as one of the more competent youthful heroes in the DCU, and Rocket Red still maintains his goofy yet confident personality that causes me to laugh and cheer for him at the same time.

And like any good soap opera, this last issue leaves you wanting more.  The story is left somewhat unfinished yet successfully ends its purpose, leaving so many questions to ponder upon.  The difference with #24 however is this…The ending sucks!  It takes a lot of balls for a writer in any field to piss his or her readers off with an ending they didn’t want.  Max gets away.  He wins!  Just like the cover suggests.  Seriously, after all that investment we, the readers, put into this series…the bad guy wins.  This is a major literary blow to the head.  And for a brief moment, I wanted to pay the Secret Six to find Winick and end his miserable life by way of torture and death.  I was not happy.

Bu then it hit me, why am I allowing my preconceived notions about what I WANTED from this story to dictate what I think about its quality?  Clearly, Winick had a very specific plan for this series and allowing Max to win was part of it.  This wasn’t an ending that felt out of place nor did it feel unworthy of the great story that came before it…it was a good ending despite not getting to see Maxy brought to justice.  If anything, I’m ecstatic from realizing that the JLI monthly title is so close that I can touch it!

I don’t like the OMACs, and OMAC Prime is no exception.  I certainly wish Winick had chosen a different villain to bring in to fight the JLI.  My fear is that this big blue dummy is going to rear its ugly head over and over, becoming just as overplayed as Doomsday.  Oh well, Can’t have everything good I guess.  I did find it refreshingly interesting that Prime not only inherited his opponents powers, but also adopted their superhero attire as well.

I was sadly disappointed in how weak Wonder Woman felt when fighting Prime.  (It’s those leggings, they’re slowing her down!)  it was such a poor representation of what Wonder Woman has become in Straczynski’s run, and it’s not that great of a story to begin with.  However, the purpose with Wonder Woman’s inclusion in this story was met and utilized quite well…even if I don’t like it.  (ggrrrr)

I loved the fight between Maxwell Lord and Booster Gold – it showed how much growth both characters have undergone in the duration of this series.  I feel Max is being truly genuine in his actions and honestly does believe that what he is doing is the right thing to do.  This, in turn, makes him and even more likable villain because fans will have trouble discerning if they should root against or condone his actions.  Maxwell Lord has moved from being a character I despised to one of my favorite villains!  And it’s only going to get better from here.

And of course, the icing on the cake is Aaron Lopresti sketching everything out.  Hi-Fi is certainly a great colorist, but Lopresti is the force behind this visual masterpiece. Clean lines combined with rough edged artistry can never be underestimated.  And it was nice to see him working on Wonder Woman again…even if it is the ill-favored one.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

I had to read this book three times.  It called out to my nostalgia and reminded me of my childhood.  This may not be everyone’s cup ‘O tea, but it served my comics needs SO MUCH MORE than I expected it to.

I raise my glass to you Judd and Aaron, you did great work!  Best Mini-series of 2011, no contest!

10 out of 10 Stars

+ 3 Incentive Points.

Action Comics #900 Review

Posted: April 28, 2011 in Action Comics, Action Comics #900, Alex Ross, Comic Book News, Comic Book Review, Damon Lindelhof, David Goyer, DC Comics, Gary Frank, Geoff Johns, Jesus Merino, Neil Gaiman, Paul Cornell, Richard Donner, Superman
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Written By: PAUL CORNELL, RICHARD DONNER, DAVID GOYER, DAMON LINDELOF, GEOFF JOHNS

Artist: PETE WOODS, JESUS MERINO, GARY FRANK

Colorist: BLOND, BRAD ANDERSON

Cover Artist: ALEX ROSS

Superman Created By Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster

The 900th Plot

The Black Ring storyline comes to a climactic conclusion in this 96 paged Action Comics installment, as well as providing us with a few smaller, less significant Superman tales with the exception of one.  #900 comes to us in a package of three, giving us a heated rhetorical duel between Supes and Lex, another battle where Doomsday vs. everyone else, and a barrage of short stories with multiple guest writers and artists.  What’s established amongst all these stories is a satisfying ending to one, and an annoyingly predictable beginning to another.

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

Action Comics #900 is like a can of mixed nuts; you look for your favorites and deal with what’s left over at a later time.  Thankfully, the story I was most excited about comes right at the beginning…the conclusion of The Black Ring story arc!

I haven’t been following the whole Reign of Doomsday “thingy” simply because Doomsday is way overplayed and I just don’t care; it’s inclusion within this 900th issue was fairly annoying to me, and I’m probably not alone in the sentiment am I?  Its connection to the Black Ring arc, toggling back and forth, felt forced and unnecessary.  I hope DC will one day let Doomsday remain in history as the one who killed Superman and boot Cyborg Superman “Owt da doh!” Move on to bigger and better things DC, please.

Paul Cornell, however, was really on top of things with the confrontation between Superman and Lex Luthor.  Finally, Lex was able to achieve his God-like state and bring his unfathomable wrath on Superman once and for all and put an end to his long hated rival.  But of course, like all good Superman stories, the concept of good is ballooned into an awesomely cheesy yet powerful bit of prose, allowing Lex to see his potential of doing good rather than emitting chaos throughout the cosmos.

But now Lex knows of Superman’s secret identity!  How will this turn the tides in the future of Superman storylines?  Cornell brilliantly implemented a human side to Lex with his anger and jealousy of Superman in having parents like Ma and Pa Kent.  This issue gives us an even deeper analytical look into the psyche of Lex Luthor and how everything that he is today all falls back on his upbringing and poor relationship he had with his father.  If it hadn’t been for the Reign of Doomsday jargon connected to the Black Ring arc, I would say this was the best issue of Superman this year!

On another note, it’s been hitting the news on both the World Wide Web and public news broadcasting media…Superman is renouncing his American citizenship!  This bit of news even hit the radio waves on NPR.  Is it really that big of a deal?

The answer: Yes!  Why? Because Superman is looked upon as a major American icon. For him to take the Americanized aspect of himself out of the picture could greatly change his image and character among readers and fans.

Click To Enlarge

But let’s not take this lightly and think Superman is hating on America.  As he stated, he feels he cannot limit himself to one type of thinking.  His walk across America seems to have done more good for his thinking and broadened his mind quite a bit.  He views himself not JUST as a hero for America, but a hero for the entire world.  The “American way” is not something he wants to limit himself too, but rather to become a hero for everyone and not only be viewed as an American entity.  But again, how will this change in mentality alter future of Superman storylines and will it be for the better?  I for one am excited at the possibilities!

Another notable story feels more like a two paged set up for a Clark Kent and Legion of Superheroes pin-up…for those who DARE to tear up good literature for the sake of decoration.  (phooey on you all!!!) It’s a cute addition and I loved it.  And just a side note, Lois Lane has amazing legs!  Thank you Gary Frank for making the sexiest Lois Lane in the history of comics!

Speaking of art, I’m not one for artistic toggling, but this issue did alright.  They appropriately placed certain artistic styles depending on what past situations Paul Cornell and his team of assistant writers were calling out to.  I was glad to see Gary Frank take over during the memory of Pa Kent’s death and Jesus Merino take over on some of the other flashback scenes.  Pete woods, however, brings some amazing artistry to the main story sequence and gives Lex Luthor that terrifying edge needed.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

I had more good things to say about #900 than bad, so overall, this issue was a complete success in my opinion.  Sure, Doomsday tainted this issues potential, but I can overlook that due to the sheer awesomeness that the rest of the issue delivered.  But now that we are at issue #900, can Action comics survive 100 more issues and get to #1000???  I’ll definitely hope to be alive to witness such an occasion!

9 out of 10 Stars

Zatanna #12 Review

Posted: April 25, 2011 in Amanda Conner, Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Matthew Sturges, Pat Brosseau, Stephane Roux, Zatanna
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Nettirw Yb: Wehttam Segruts

Tistra: Einahpets Xour

Tsiroloc: Nhoj Zsilak

Revoc Tistra: Adnama Rennoc

Rerettel: Tap Uaessorb

Rotide: Yeoj Ireilavac

Eht Yllacigam Gnitevir Tolp

A wanna be thug and rapper, named Backlash, takes it upon himself to utilize his time reversing device to assist him in his dastardly and murderous deeds.  After slaying a group of mer-people, this simple minded jerkwad takes his blood-thirsty agenda to San Francisco where Zatanna practices her backwards enchantments.

While taking a stroll through the city, our fish-net wearing heroine finds herself doin’ the mystical tango with the Backlash. (Original name huh?)  As time runs backwards, and Zatanna’s spells are spoken correctly, (making them useless) she must now use her mighty wit and outsmart our rhythmless evildoer and save Tinkerbell!

Wait…What?

Ym Ewa-Gniripsni Noinipo

I have now decided to go back eleven issues and play catch up with the Zatanna series.  I’ve always loved her, but never did I imagine that she had enough potential to have her own title.  Finally, one year later, I decided to pick up issue #12 and see what all the excitement was about.  And I told myself I wasn’t going to pick up any more titles to help save a few bucks…this was a bad way of sticking to my comic book diet.

The interesting thing Sturges does with #12 is the play on the reverse aspect of Zatanna’s world.  How could a writer put a twist on Zatanna’s spells without seeming to unoriginal?  I got it!  Force her to say the spells forwards instead of backwards!  And I’ll be honest, as corny and stupid as the new villain Backlash is, the idea propelling this story is quite creative.

I liked Sturges’ portrayal of Zatanna having to constantly practice her magical spells.  Sure, she’s been around since the late 60’s, but everyone gets rusty right?  She doesn’t seem inept to me, just staying on top of things.

I can only imagine how much fun Sturges had in thinking up as many Palindromes as he could for Zatanna to spout out.  For those who loves word games, comics, and action, this is the ultimate storyline.  I wonder if Sturges decided to challenge Stephanie Roux and create some difficult artistic situations through the dialog that only the best artists could render.

Maybe it’s my problem having hopped on board with Zatanna 12 issue after it began, but I wasn’t fully sure where this thug came from, where he got his “wicked sword,” and where this green fairy came from.  It all seemed very random to me and out of place…but thus is the nature of comic books.  So all I have to say is “give me more randominity!”

It was nice to see Stephane Roux back on board with the art on a title.  I haven’t actually seen her work for some time which is quite sad.  We very rarely see Zatanna out of her magician’s uniform and in regular clothing.  But even then, Roux gives a very modern and exotic look to her, even as she flies over the city of San Fransisco.

Speaking of which, I hear rumors around the World Wide Web that Sturges’ description of San Francisco was a spot on match to what it’s actually like in the real world.  I’ve never been to the magical city, but if what Zatanna says is true, I might need to pay it a visit one of these years.

Ym Yllacitsejam Citcamilc Noisulcnoc

Overall, this was a very well thought out book.  It had its confusing and out of place points but, eh, nothings perfect.

Oh, that the cover by Amanda Conner is freaking amazing!!!!

7 out of 10 stars

Jesus Of Nazareth…RISE!

Posted: April 24, 2011 in Blackest Night, DC Comics, Easter, Easter Celebration, Green Lantern, Jesus, Jesus Is Risen, Jesus Of Nazareth, Sunday Funnies
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I found this picture and immediately fell in love with it.  But how freaking scary would that be??  Jesus the Christ rises as an evil brain eating zombie???  Good God, I’m getting chills just thinking about it!

Easter Celebration – Jesus Makes His Rounds

Posted: April 24, 2011 in Easter, Easter Celebration, Jesus, Jesus Is Risen
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In honor of it being Easter, here’s a video that I don’t think will ever get old.  Happy Easter and enjoy all the chocolate bunnies and egg hunting!

Wonder Woman Wisdom

Posted: April 24, 2011 in DC Comics, Wonder Woman
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How true Diana…How true…

Power Girl #23 Review

Posted: April 23, 2011 in Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Jessica Kholinne, Judd Winink, Power Girl, Sam Basri, Uncategorized, Zatanna
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Written By: Judd Winick

Artist: Sam Basri

Colorist: Jessica Kholinne

Cover Artist: Sami Basri

Letterer: John J. Hill

Editor: Joey Cavalieri

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

So there’s a horde of magical dinosaurs rampaging the city while their creator, Siphon, is spending quality time with the sexiest woman in a top hat and fish nets who spouts out backwards magical jargon. He doesn’t want to hurt her…he just wants to have her powers.  After Supes and PG release Zatanna from her bondage, thus begins the wizard’s duel!  It will have you laughing and tilting your head to the side in bewilderment at the same time.

It’s been almost a year since Winick took over the writing responsibilities for Power girl and it seems he’s only JUST getting started.  Winick decided to throw everything out there (including the kitchen sink) and make this one of the most chaotic issues of PG since Power Girl #12.  One can only guess what the two year anniversary issue next month may or may not be.

I’ve honestly always loved any comic book which involves Power Girl and Superman teaming up to fight the baddies.  It’s interesting how two Kryptonians, both from different dimensions who don’t technically share a real family linkage can feel more like family than Superman and Supergirl.

Siphon is an interesting villain, only good for one issue and then maybe returning a few years down the road after Geoff Johns revamps him into a much more dramatic and angst filled character. In the meantime, what an amazing duel the two magicians have as the fight kept you wondering what the next daunting spell was going to be; From Sasquatch to rocky boobs, every spellbound attack gave me a joyous laugh filled with action and…well…awesomeness!

I have always liked Zatanna, but this issue made me LOVE her.  This in turn causes me to regret not picking up her regular monthly title from the beginning.  However, I was a little jolted by the Magical bras comment…until I saw the image of Zatanna, Supes, and PG standing triumphantly, with hands placed on their hips, in front of Siphon.  No wonder she has Magical bras, her boobs are just as big as Power Girl’s!  I guess now we know how PG has been able to live without too many back problems, she has Zatanna to make her super powered braziers.

I know, It's not the best picture to display her chesticles, but my scanner has broke and have no way of scanning my favorite panels.

Sami Basri is doing nothing but good things on this titled.  When he first began his anime styled take on Power Girl, it got a lot of criticism.  But #23 showed me that he is anything but a second rate comic book artist.  Jessica Kholinne only enhances what Basri puts to paper with her excellent colors and shading.

I’m not sure what I think of the whole new look for Karen Starr.  She did, in fact, look completely different with her red hair and business attire, but I have my doubts on its longevity.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

Once again Power Girl one of the best comics of the month; Its consistent quality is always refreshing and fun to read.  However, it does make me wish that magical bras were real…I know my wife would love to have one.

10 out of 10 Stars

Zatanna #12 – Amanda Conner Rocks!!!

Posted: April 21, 2011 in DC Comic Book Cover, Matthew Sturges, Zatanna
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Without a doubt, the best cover of the month!

Legend of the Seeker – Book to TV Comparison

Posted: April 19, 2011 in Legend of the Seeker, Bridget Regan, Craig Horner, Bruce Spence, Craig Parker, Tabrett Bethell, Terry Goodkind, The Sword of Truth, Wizard's First Rule
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Richard Cypher and Kahlan Amnell

I’ve been following the first season of Legend of the Seeker, which in turn inspired me to go buy book one of Terry Goodkind’s series, “The Sword of Truth,” book one being called Wizard’s First Rule.  Toggling between book and show, I’ve been noticing a few things which makes the difference between the two world’s apart.

The book, of course, is vastly superior to the show from what I’ve read this far…and I’m only 5 chapters into it.  The characters seem much more confident and lively and not as corny and…let’s face it…stupid.  My wife decided she would watch an episode with me to see what the show was like.  Her first comment…”Richard is kind of stupid.”  And I agree – but that sentiment extends to all the characters for me.

In chapters 1 – 5, Richard takes up a very careful but strong approach during his initial journey with Kahlan, still remaining as cheesy as possible but giving off a more real and human sentimentality.  Kahlan herself has a personality which exceeds that of Bridget Regan’s interpretation of the character.

However, the actors shouldn’t be faulted as they do a tremendous job for what they are given.  The guilt falls more upon the script.   But, as we all know, a TV show must be handled differently, in the literary sense, then the novel it’s based off of.

Much of what makes the characters so interesting in the book is the connection they have to each other.  The show makes gives Kahlan and Richard this “Romeo and Juliet” feel – No real time to develop their relationship properly….It all happened to quickly.  Terry Goodkind gives both Kahlan and Richard the connection needed to properly develop their bond which, as I’m sure it’ll happen, will give the love connect much more depth and personality.

The book has me hooked, as does the show.  Both are quite campy and full of clichés.  The difference…one is written well!  I’ll let you guess at which one that is.

The Hobbit Movie – Production Process Vlog From Peter Jackson

Posted: April 17, 2011 in Cate Blanchett, Ian McKellen, Lord Of The Rings, Martin Freeman, Orlando Bloom, Peter Jackson, Philippa Boyens, The Hobbit
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Finally, some progress is being made on the much-anticipated film, The Hobbit.  And who’s surprised that the one to bring the production process back into a steady and consistent framework than the incredible Peter Jackson?  Answer…No one!

I think the film is going to be great, especially since it’s being divided into two sections so more attention to the details of the book can be fleshed out, giving fans a much more satisfying book to film experience.

The film seems to be taking that on a look and feel that resembles much of what Jackson did in his LOTR trilogy.  I’m excited to see how Jackson interprets certain scenes from the book and how that brings the film to life in new and interesting ways.

anyway, enough of my thoughts, enjoy the video!

Let’s Go Outside Music Video

Posted: April 16, 2011 in Meekakitty, Youtube videos, Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling
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Fell in love with this video.  Way to go Meekakitty.  I hope one day she reads this blog and falls in love with me and stalks me.   Eh, that’ll never happen.

T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents #6 Review

Posted: April 16, 2011 in Bit, CAFU, Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Nick Spencer, T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents
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Written By: Nick Spencer

Artist: CAFU

Inker: Bit

Colorist: Santiago Arcas

Cover Artist: John Cassaday & Alex Sinclair

Letterer: Patrick Brosseau

Editor: Wil Moss

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

Half a year has passed us by since T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents first hit the comic book stands in its revitalized form.  So far, the title has been perfect, leaving so much room for expansion and in depth story telling that doesn’t typically appear to this degree in modern comics.

Within the title name itself, this title screams back to a time when comics had corny names and hokey dialogue.  This, in turn, calls for juxtaposing what the T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents were versus what they are becoming now.  Spencer is giving us a much more solid grounding of story development to plant our feet on, feeling more secure and confident in the believability of this title’s premise.  We were hit pretty hard with issues 1 – 5, now we face #6 in a much slower and angst filled stillness…which is a perfect way to end the first arc and begin the new one.

Spencer is diving right into the consequences for becoming an agent wit no delay – where intense physical pain is expected, and a disconnection to the outside world and those you love is a normal way of life.  Not only that, but we see a much more realistic representation of what superheroes would feel if, in fact, they were real.  The happiness within the agents has disappeared, almost as if it were never there to begin with, and the hard truth about the choices they made in their past come back to haunt them.  Despite their glorious victory as a team over Spider, each character is still in their own secluded, individual dull drums and haven’t connected as a group yet.  Too often do new super teams develop friendships and bonds faster than they should.  Spencer brings three troubled men together on one team to show that it isn’t as easy as it looks to become a part of and find your place within a new organization.

Of course, amidst all of the darkness and disparity, Spencer knows how to pay tribute to the title’s campy stage in life to bring us a new bad guy…the Iron Maiden!  (Where are Bill and Ted’s and their air guitars when you need them?)  She seems to be more of the classic Anti-hero; preying on the men who disrespect women and use them as bags of sexual meat to consume on a daily basis, if not more.  I’m looking forward to seeing how Spencer fleshes this character out more.

Cafu and Bit take their usual quality and boost it up even more with amazing colors and top notch sketching abilities.  What sticks out to me the most is the dark and gothic nature of the book; with its shadows and low lite rooms which help to inspire tense and invigorating scenes which will have you begging for more.

In fact, I would say it’s the art which brings the story forward the most as Spencer spends little time with the dialogue between characters to allow for a more visually amplified book.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion 

Everyone should honestly be picking up this title.  If money is a concern, drop one of your multiple Batman or Superman titles from your pull list and add T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents to the mix…you won’t be disappointed.

9 out of 10

Justice League: Generation Lost #23 Review

Posted: April 15, 2011 in Uncategorized
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Written By: Judd Winick

Penciller: Fernando Dagnino

Inker: Raul Fernandez

Colorist: Hi-Fi

Cover Artist: Dustin Nguyen

Editor: Rex Ogle & Brian Cunningham

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

Talk about a nose bleed!  The cover suggests that Max Lord is about to bring chaos to the world on a Biblical level, flooding it with a horde of OMACs hell-bent on grabbing Wonder Woman by one of her numerous straps and throwing her into a meaningless pile of death.  But despite the Gen-Lost League’s assisting ol’ Maxy out (yet again) in achieving his goal, the team is in fine form, bringing every ounce of energy and power they can muster to end this conflict once and for all.

They just have a giant OMAC who can steal their powers to deal with.  Damn the influence of Amazo!!!

I have to be honest, I was a tad but disappointed in the OMAC “world wide” attack…Of course I never like the OMACs to begin with.  Judd Winick has been doing wonders with this title so I thought the evil Blue-Man group would be given a better place within the DCU.  Even the awesomely designed OMAC Prime left me somewhat disappointed as I felt it was a cheap knock-off of one of the most powerful villains the JLA has ever faced.

However, the connection the OMACs have with Maxwell Lord is quite intriguing.  Maybe it’s been too long and I can’t remember the influence Mr. Lord has on the lifeless androids, but there seems to be a much deeper connection between he and the OMACs; proof lying with the emotion filled OMAC Prime.

As excited as I am too see Wonder Woman drop her black leather pants (whoa, just had a fantastic image pop in my head) and slap her star-spangled undies back on, this new version of Wondy was outstanding!  Finally, the new Wonder Woman felt like…well…Wonder Woman!  She had all of that gusto and power behind her character while still retaining a lot of the new characteristics given to her by Straczynski.  This is a new Wonder Woman I can get behind (stop it you perverts!) and cheer for.

Issue #23 delivers this version of the league in a way that we haven’t seen in a while; there’s confidence, power, and brute force behind each character.  To see Booster stand triumphantly powerful and confident as he brought the fight right to Maxy’s doorstep in the sky was something I was hoping to see happen before the series’ end.  I always saw potential in Booster’s character, but never liked him that much.  I believe now I have reason to accept him as a valid hero whose personality stems further than glamor and fame.

Dagnino, while this issue wasn’t his best work, still had stunning efficiency and beauty in his art leaving me in awe.  Although, I have wondered where Wonder Woman was stashing that shield and sword before this issue hit the stands.  Oh well, it’s fantasy…why take it too seriously right?  And you can hate and barf as much as you want over the “bloody” nature of the bloody orifices, but I love it!  That cover forced me to do a double take as the world is covered in blood, outlining the countries of the world.  Give me MORE!!!!

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

Sure, #23 has its faults, but we’re coming to the end and the intensity has not loosened its firm grip on my attention yet.  One more issue to go and I’m geeking out over how this is going to end!!!!!

8 out of 10 stars

Star Wars Will Always Be Around

Posted: April 14, 2011 in Fan Mae Movies, Star Wars
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In some shape or form, Star Wars will always have an influence within fan made media.  College Humor recently added one of their own star wars inspired films…which you may or may not find funny.  I did!

My Other Hobby…Singing!

Posted: April 13, 2011 in Uncategorized
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Yes, it’s true…I don’t JUST read comics.  In the other free time I have I also sing!  Not JUST in the shower or while driving in my car down the road, I actually sing on a weekly basis in a chorus In Denver, CO.  Now this isn’t just any local chorus, this is an internationally ranked chorus in the Barbershop style.  (what?  Barbershop?!?!?) Yes, that’s right, an internationally ranked Barbershop chorus called The Sound of the Rockies.  We recently placed 4th in the world at the international barbershop quartet and chorus contest in Philadelphia and are looking for a much higher placing this coming summer.  (2nd or 1st place  maybe?!?!?!?) The videos below are of the Sound of the Rockies singing an incredible arrangement of Nearer My God to thee, and below that a fun arrangement of Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer.

But not only that, I also sing in another chorus called 52Eighty.  52Eighty is the 2010 international youth chorus champions which still holds the highest score in the history of the youth chorus contest.  Our director has recently stepped down, so guess what that means……I have now taken over as mainline director! (Well, not as of yet, but I have a feeling I WILL get the directorial spot.) The video below is of our gold medal winning performance at the international youth chorus contest in Tampa Florida, January of 2010. I’m in the front row, all the way to the left.  (your left)  Oh, and I was 28 years old when we won, so I wasn’t a HUGE youngin’.

Another geeky moment for me, I have sung in 6 different quartets and currently am working on my 7th quartet.  It’s still a work in progress so who knows how long it will take before it gets a-goin’.  Below is a video of me singing with one of my past quartets.  If you’re a fan of Looney Tunes and the Michigan Jake Frog….You’ll enjoy this.  I’m on the far left (Your left) singing Baritone.

Also! The current international championship quartet, Storm Front, also sings in Sound of the Rockies with me!  The lead in the quartet stands right next to me in the front row and the baritone is our musical director.  This video is from one of their songs which led to them winning the gold medal in Philadelphia.  Please watch…you’ll laugh like crazy!

Before you go judging me and start singing Homer’s barbershop quartet version of “Baby, I’m board” just know we are all nerds at heart and are PASSIONATE about it too!  Also guys….just know….Because I have sung all my life…..I got ALL THE GIRLS!

Keep the Whole World Singing!!!

Brightest Day #23 Review

Posted: April 10, 2011 in Brightest Day, Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Gary Frank, Geoff Johns, Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, Oclair Albert, Peter J. Tomasi, Tomasi
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Written By: Geoff Johns & Peter J. Tomasi

Artist: Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, Norm Rapmund, & Oclair Albert

Colorist: Aspen MLT’s Peter Steigerwald

Cover Artist: Gary Frank & Rod Reis

Letterer: Rob Clark Jr.

Editor: Eddie Berganza

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

Ok, let’s get one thing straight here…Brightest Day is a pretty bad miniseries; it’s been filled with confusion and strange happenings that seem so out of place that there really was no way to save it from its eternal damnation.  So the only thing remaining is to give it a dynamite ending!  Now there’s still one Brightest Day installment remaining (coming out on the 20th) and the tension has reached a buckling point and all that lies ahead is a shimmering ray of hope that all will be well……and AWESOME!!!

I typically don’t like stories that use the four elements as part of the plot; they typically get a little too cheesy and ridiculous.  But the way Johns and Tomasi construct this plot twister was nothing short of perfect.  Looking back on how things developed into what they are now also makes perfect sense.  While I don’t think that is a redemptive aspect of the series itself, it helps me to breathe a little easier.

I can tell that the end result of Firestorm, Manhunter, Aquaman, and the Hawks was truly planned out and not improvised as I felt it was as the series progressed.  In fact, I found myself slapping my forehead in disbelief…How did I NOT see this coming?  Brightest Day put so much emphasis on the Earth that I should have at least seen some semblance of the Earth elementals being a major player in the story.

But yet some mysteries still remain.  Hawk and Dove still haven’t been given their destinies, and we remain unsure why Cappy Boomerang has to throw his you-know-what’s at our sweet and innocent Dove.  One more issue to go, let’s hope it’s good!

The story within this issue is tense from start to finish!  Why couldn’t the entire run have been like this?  And all the tension occurs in one central location where all Hell is about to break loose.  It’s simply amazing how well Johns and Tomasi give this single issue such an amazing boost of excitement and awe.  I was blown away!

The White Avatar, which speaks to everyone in riddles and one-liners, really has me perplexed.  I’ve found myself wondering through this series if whether or not the white avatar really knows what’s going to happen as random as everything seems to be.  But one thing’s for sure, he’s funny as hell.

“No need to worry Jason Rusch.  Death sometimes makes you stronger…or simply just dead.”

What mystical being says that something like that?  I’m only now beginning to appreciate the humor of the white Avatar.  But it makes me wonder if he’s going to end up being this flimsy, absent-minded being that’s never sure where he’ at or going.

The return of Swamp Thing caught me by complete surprise.  I guess I’m not paying enough attention to the rumors that have been spreading around the internet.  Bringing back Swamp Thing was a brilliant move on Johns and Tomasi’s part, especially in the WAY they bring him back.  How many debates have been flying around the social networking world about who will be Earth’s ultimate defender?  And how many guesses were there for Swamp Thing?  I would dare say…zero!  But it makes perfect sense as Mr. Alec Holland is, in fact, made of the Earth itself.  I can’t wait to see what is in store for him in the future of the DC Universe!!

This issue had me going nuts over the multiple splash pages and crazy destruction.  The Dark Avatar was incredibly well done, and looked amazingly like Swamp Thing…don’t you think?  This is some of the best art I’ve seen in the Brightest Day title since issue #1.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

Overall, #23 is an absolute delight.  The story is fantastically written and finally gives Brightest Day something to be joyful about.  It’s smart and exciting to say the absolute VERY least.

10 out of 10

 

Secret Six #32 Review

Posted: April 9, 2011 in Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Gail Simone, J. Calafiore, Secret Six, Uncategorized
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Written By: Gail Simone

Artist: J. Calafiore

Colorist: John Kalisz

Cover Artist: Dan LuVisi

Letterer: Travis Lanham

Editor: Rachael Gluckstern

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

Issue #32 brings us part two of the “Darkest House” story arc, putting the Six (or the five in this case) right smack dab in the middle of Hell with Ragdoll leading his new army of six hundred and sixty-six (nice tough Simone) Demon powered army.  Ragdoll has seemed to take control of his life in a profound new way…he just had to go to Hell to do so.  Now the rest of the six are on the verge of crossing that line which Ragdoll carved into the red hot Hell-dirt.  But in doing so, the team might discover some things about themselves that could change the course of the Secret Six forever.

How appropriate is it that?  Out of all the places in the world, the Six fall apart in the most dreaded place of people’s imagination…Hell!  The central thematic push comes with this question…What are the prerequisites for being dammed to Hell?  Bane certainly felt perplexed and taken aback at the revelation that his “righteousness” will not get him his one-way ticket to the Heavenly Kingdom.  In fact, the whole team (except for Deadshot) seemed utterly shocked by the news of their eventually and eternal damnation.

This is the first time I’ve seen uncertainty within the Six as a whole.  They seem ready to give it up because, as Bane said, if they are dammed, what they do on Earth makes little difference right?  It’s only then within Scandal’s powerfully moving, and very human statement where the Six remember what makes them human…

“We choose the life we lead.  We choose the people we are.  Not for God.  For OURSELVES!”

This brief, yet powerful statement brings to mind that the only reason to BE moral is to achieve a placement within Heaven.  But once you’re your fate is decided, why be moral? Of course Simone shows that being who you are should never be solely for the purpose to gain favor with any higher, all powerful deity, but for yourself. This is a concept you’d find in one of the graphic novels by the illustrious writers, Alan Moore and Neil Gaiman.  This issue officially marks Gail Simone as one of the best writers in the comic book genre; she always knows how to hit the nail right on the head with everything she does, and #31 brings to life everything that she is as a writer.

This whole trip to Hell began, as I’m sure you all know, with a “Get out of Hell Free” card which Ragdoll stole from Scandal. Simone did one Hell of a job at bringing this detail from the very first Secret Six story arc back to the title, but she doesn’t stop there.  It seems Catman had a secret agenda in accompanying Scandal and company to the pits of Hell.  Are we surprised to find His father lying on the ground, naked and chained to a tree?  I wonder how this will play out for Catman?

But let’s not forget about the most perplexing of plot twists…Ragdoll’s fear of becoming sane.  How backwards is that, when insanity is such a normal part of your life that the very thought of becoming sane frightens you enough to sentence yourself to an eternity in Hell?  But even more interesting is that his friends (or former friends, I can’t figure it out yet) sympathize with him.  Scandal and Jeanette even tear up!  So the bigger question in my mind is will Ragdoll be leaving the title forever or will this chaotic event be a team building exercise for the Six.  Personally, I hope he sticks around and Simone kicks our fishy friend off to rot in Hell for all eternity.

I can never say anything negative about Calafiore.  Why?  Because he rocks, that’s why!  I’ve never see Ragdoll doll so demented looking and full of a humorous rage that reminds me of the Joker.  And LuVisi once again brings us an amazingly vibrant and colorful cover.  Though I’m not sure why a bat demon hovers over Ragdoll when he went back for parademon.  Oh well, no complaints, just a question.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

Yes, I’ll say it…this is the best issue of 2011 so far.  And this arc isn’t even done yet!  The last chapter in this arc is coming next month and I don’t know how I’m going to contain myself!  Maybe I’ll eat chocolate.

10 out of 10 Stars

+ 2 Incentive Points

The Dark Knight Rises Fan Made Poster

Posted: April 8, 2011 in Uncategorized
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so there’s TONS of fan made Dark Knight Rises movie posters, some of them good, some of them bad.  But for me personally, I think this one might be one of my favorites.  Click HERE to see more Fan Made Dark Knight Rises Movie Posters.

Comic Book reviews coming soon!

Wonder Woman Wednesday – No One Better Than Lopresto

Posted: April 6, 2011 in Aaron Lopresti, DC Comics, Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman Wednesday
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My opinion, no one has or will ever be as good at drawing Wonder Woman than Aaron Lopresti.  I can’t put my finger on it, but somehow he just GETS Wonder Woman.  He never made her super skinny and gave her this commanding look that was both confident, mature, and beautiful.  I truly felt as if I was gazing upon a Goddess when I read every issue of Wonder Woman when Lopresti was drawing her.

Now I don’t want to discount the outstanding talents of other Wondy artists, but for me they don’t a candle to Lopresti.  If on’y he would have stayed even after Simone left the book; it would have helped the engagement of the story so much more!  Oh well, here’s my picture parade tribute to the greatest Wonder Woman artist to ever live!  Aaron Lopresti!!

Incredible Profiling

One of my favorites by Lopresti

Wonder Woman Action At Its Best!!

Gorgeous...just gorgeous!

She's gonna jump out of the page and attack us!!!

Tron: Legacy Film Review

Posted: April 6, 2011 in Beau Garrett, Bruce Boxleitner, Garrett Hedlund, James Frain, Jeff Bridges, Joseph Kosinski, Michael Sheen, Olivia Wilde, Tron, Tron: Legacy, Walt Disney, Walt Disney Pictures
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The following Movie Review comes from the days when my blog was over at blogspot.  if you wish to view this review there, just click away.  But I decided to post it here since I had a few requests to do so.  Anyways, enjoy!

Release Date: December 17, 2010 (3D/2D theaters and IMAX 3D)
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Screenwriter: Eddy Kitsis, Adam Horowitz
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde, Bruce Boxleitner, James Frain, Beau Garrett, Michael Sheen
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
MPAA Rating: PG (for sequences of sci-fi action violence and brief mild language)
Official Website: Disney.com/Tron

So Here’s What The Film Is About…
20 years later, Encom has taken the world by storm; providing people with state of the art technology that would have Steve Jobs shaking in his boots.  But where’s Kevin Flynn?  Didn’t he take over the company once Dillinger was exposed as a thief?  Apparently Flynn has been missing for 20 years, leaving the more money hungry administrators in charge of the powerful corporation.
Enter Sam Flynn, son of the missing owner, who seems to have it in him to ruin the present image of Encom and maintain his father’s vision of providing cheap technology to the people of the world.  As the introduction pumps through, and we learn of Sam’s deep longing to find his father, Sam accidentally finds his way into the game grid where he runs into a program with the spitting image of a twenty year old Kevin Flynn.  Of course we, the die-hard Tron fans of old, know this Flynn doppelganger as the program called Clu, who has a dream of ruling the game grid…and the world of the Users.
Limited time allows Sam and his real father the chance to escape and go back home.  The monkey wrench?  Clu will stop at nothing to enter into the real world.  Can Sam and Kevin stop Clu from world domination, or will Clu succeed and cause mass chaos in both worlds?
And Here’s What I Thought About It…
In this day and age, it’s really is hard to please the average film goer when it comes to CGI integration in realistic movies.  If it looks obviously animated, it becomes a distraction which, in turn means the majority of audience members will hate on that aspect of the film’s animation endeavors.  But of course, while these critics are making fun of the animated head of Clu (made to resemble Jeff Bridges) and how unrealistic it is, they also fail to recognize that Kevin Flynn, who is a real human being living in a digital world, has somehow lived for twenty years in a world where human food doesn’t exist.  How did he exist for so long without sustenance?  This will always remain uncertain.
The point?  If you want realism in your movies, don’t watch Science Fiction.
Now this isn’t to say Legacy doesn’t have its flaws, they merely lay in the areas of the film that most people don’t seem to care about to begin with.  But I guess when it comes to a winter action film, the quality of the story doesn’t matter as much to people when it comes to digital effects.
It’s nothing to run home about; the plot isn’t as profound as Disney makes it out to be, but the story’s execution is the best it could be given the circumstances.  The question is, however, did we know what was coming because of the painfully revealing trailers released by Disney, or is the plot just that obvious?  I would vote the latter, but I can’t say that with absolute certainty.
The retro, David Bowe motif that ran through a good chunk of the film was a bit much.  The 1982 film presented the game grid as a world filled with very stoic, wooden characters with no more life in them than an idle Jellyfish.  But almost 30 years later, Legacy shows a world much more vibrant, exciting and rebellious.  Even if you’re one of those people who can’t get over Clu’s cartoony style head, it’s hard to deny the beautifully digitalized world of the game grid.  The simulated ground flowed with gorgeous light cycles which trail semi-transparent ribbons of color, shimmering and twisting all throughout the racing sequence.  It’s obvious that Disney went above and beyond in upping the anti with better animation combined with its darker, more gothic tone.  Even the suits worn by the characters were spectacles in and of themselves.
Favoritism on my part lies with a film’s script and always has, so I was quite disappointed with the Legacy’s very mediocre story, but it was MORE than tolerable to sit through thanks to the tremendous performances given by the cast.  Jeff Bridges, like always, gives audiences everything and more, technically playing three different characters; The younger and more colorful personality of Kevin Flynn, the older Zen-like religious wiseman of the older (and hairier) Flynn, and the defiant and dictatorous computer program known as Clu, all three coming off very believable and fun.  Garrett Hedlund, who’s always brought terrific performances to the big screen, was perfect in portraying a very confident man whose feeling of loss is never overshadowed by his vibrant personality.  But the best addition to the film’s “minor character” list is Bruce Boxleitner return as Alan, also known as Tron, who has a voice made for the big screen.
Speaking of which, did any of the other Tron geeks get a major nerdgasm in how well Tron was used in that subtle, non-revealing way?  Truly, Legacy was made for the cult of fans that have loved the first Tron film ever since 1982, or whenever a fan first discovered the landmark Disney Sci-Fi film.
Much like most films these days, Legacy is in 3D, but it doesn’t lend much…if anything.  All the 3D technology does for the film is to help pop the characters out a bit, but the action sequences are hardly utilized with the 3D at all.  The film is even prefaced with a note, letting us know that only certain parts of the movie were filmed in 3D.  This, in turn, compelled me to take off my enormous glasses only to realize just how much brighter the overall look of the film is.  As advanced as 3D technology is today, no one has found a way to get rid of the annoying dimness provided by the glasses.  And to be honest, I think I would have enjoyed the film just as much, if not more, had I seen in it 2D.
Legacy hits the ground running almost from the start, which is always the more intelligent thing to do in Science Fiction.  Its downfall, as stated above, is its inconclusive plotline.  It’s a roller coaster ride of a film and may very well be one of the more visually exciting and fun films of the year, hopefully worthy of an Oscar nomination.  But Quorra’s statement of “All your questions will be answered” doesn’t really extend its favor to the audience very well.  Through all the twists and turns we go through in the film, in the end, nothing changes.  Sure, Sam decides to take back his fathers company, but he was already keeping it in check with his late night invasions and technological thievery.
The film hopes to explain the plot through a series of expositional dialog that’s forced into our ears, giving the illusion that the plot is effectively being executed when in reality, it’s just causing more confusion.  This has a lot to do with the fact that so much was packed into the story that it was hard to keep the plot simple enough not to rack the brain to and fro.  It throws one to many plot devices at us; such as three versions of one character, a society of intelligently advanced programs called “Isos” which were obliterated before we had a chance to really know what they were, A beautiful and fun woman whose purpose in the story wasn’t entirely clear, and a highly developed world that’s too complex too explain in just under two hours.  The end result of all this and more is bringing the audience to a state of mind no different from when they sat down in the seats of the auditorium two hours before.
Don’t expect too much with this film.  It isn’t mind blowing nor is it a milestone in the history of cinematic excursions.  But it is a spectacle that should be seen and will keep your eyes open and your body pumping ready for the next scene.  And while it doesn’t even touch the animation achievements made by James Cameron’s Avatar, it certainly brings a much more enjoyable and exciting ride when it comes to Science Fiction films in general.

Rating 7.5 out of 10

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