Remember this name...

It is like full on fanboy/girl Friday today! I want all of you geeks, fanboys, and those who love them to keep track of this man's name: JUSTIN MARKS. Who is he? He is apparently the luckiest geek to cash a paycheck these days- and is going to be playing a huge role in FANtasies for a few years to come. He is currently listed as the screenwriter for the movie adaptations of: Voltron, Street Fighter (not to be confused with the shitty Raul Julia film- and I sooooooo want to see a huge KO when the fight is over!!), Supermax (David Goyer's Green Arrow movie), and now- Masters of the Universe!!! I am trying to track down some of the short films that garnered such attention, so when I do I will post away!!

The Good, The Bad, and The Fugly

Three books make the Good pile this week. Nothing really great from any of them- and in fact, I wonder if they just seem good because the rest of the field was shiteous. Countdown is off to a commendable start. Nothing Earth shattering, but that is a good thing. I'd rather see this series have legs and not begin with a bang that it can't sustain. Hints casually dropped make it fun- I think for this series I am going to maintain a Rip Hunter chalkboard for everything that they dangle. It will be interesting to see where all of the different threads tie in to the DCU. JLA #9 adds it's share of hints to the overall WTF aspect of the DCU right now. More Legionnaires are found, but their overall mission is still questionable. The villians revealed and the Gorilla City involvement also could be interesting. JLA #9 did have the best line in comics this week: Red Arrow "... that's your best retort? Where'd you steal that, season three of 'Mama's Family?'" The lone Marvel good this week is the third installment of the Fallen Son arc. I didn't buy the first two, but after reading a friends copies I decided to try this one out. More FU Tony, fun with Clint, and with Heinberg keeping the Young Avengers in limbo- it's nice to see Patriot & Hawkeye in action anywhere.

As for the Bad this week- both are on my endangered list now. Mighty Avengers is a total mess- boring story, Altman style over talk without any Altman finesse. The art is so-so, the characters are not engaging to me at all. I was buying this series because I thought it would flesh out anything in New Avengers. Mistake. I will give it one more issue before deciding it's place on my Pull List. Same goes for Uncanny X-Men. Originally I had asked for all X-Titles to be placed on my Pull. After my recent purging, I wanted to see what I was missing in the X-Universe. I would have to say that after reading each title, this is my least favorite of all. That might have to do with me coming in at the tail end of a long arc- we shall see with the next two issues.

Finally the Fugs- All Star Batman and Robin is such shit I really want my money back. I have already posted it on Ebay, but doubt anyone would pay for it if they have seen it. Jim Lee's art is decent, but it's the horrible Frank Miller writing that turns my stomach. To hear Wonder Woman saying "Out of my way Sperm Bank" to some random man on the street? Sure these All Star titles are meant to be different versions of familiar characters, but what the fuck is wrong with Frank Miller? It has been exactly one year since the last issue of this series was on the shelves. And this is the script that took a year?! My 1st graders showed more growth in their writing over the course of a year. I am so over this series. Quoth the raven- Nevermore. Same goes for the other Fug- Marvel's long awaited Ultimates 2 series finale. It's been so long since the last issue came out that I had no clue what the fuck was going on. Good art- awful story. It's too bad, this series actually started out fairly interesting and was my initial foray into the Ultimate universe. What a letdown. And then there was Supergirl. There are currently so many WILDLY different characterizations of Supergirl in the DCU it's like she has multiple personality disorder. In the Legion title, she is kind of dim, very pleasant, and a full on Ass kicker. This title has shown her to be all of those things, but also a whiny, scared, malevolent wimp. This one is off my list now. I think the character has tons of potential, but I can't sit around watching it wasted anymore in this title. I look forward to her addition to the Titans- hopefully Sean McKeever can rescue the poor girl!!

Next week looks much more promising- another Countdown, Wonder Woman 9, Birds of Prey, X-Men (building to something huge for issue 200), and Supergirl and the Legion.

It begins today!!

DC's next big event kicks off today- and it's got a WW focus to it!!! Not bad after the crappy treatment of last summer huh?! "Amazons Attack" has the following write up from DC:

Spinning out of the pages of Jodi Picoult's WONDER WOMAN comes the first major comics event of 2007! Well over a year has passed since the events of INFINITE CRISIS, including the retreat of the Amazons to the realm of the Gods. But now they're back, screaming for vengeance! What could compel the Amazons to renounce their peaceful ways and attack America? The answers will prove useless to a country and hero population utterly unprepared for this savage attack. And where is Wonder Woman while all this is going on?

Written by Will Pfeifer (CATWOMAN, INFINITE CRISIS: THE SPECTRE) and illustrated by Pete Woods (SUPERMAN: UP, UP AND AWAY, SUPERMAN: BACK IN ACTION), this series unites the former Catwoman team for a story that will have devastating ramifications both in the present and all the way into 2008!

Not too shabby huh? Totally heart Will Pfeifer and Pete Woods- their Catwoman work kicked arse! Check out these preview pages- would love to have a battalion of Amazons reclaim the White House in real life!!!

Simply Wonderful

As a tribute to another one of my heroes- another strong, beautiful woman I met in the 70's- I really need to psychoanalyze this shit someday! Despite loving the universe it is ostensibly based in- I am not a huge fan of the show "Smallville". sure the dude playing Clark is hot as hell, and they sprinkle enough guest characters to get this fanboy salivating- it's just fairly dull. I did watch last weeks episode though- solely to see the incredible Lynda Carter. I am not going to go into her role or any of that crap- but I did want to share the following quote from TV Guides interview with the icon. The prospect of a Wonder Woman movie has kept many a Wonderfan in Depends for years- the recent attempt at a successful production by Joss Whedon was particularly exciting as I became more familiar with his work. Pretty much the kiss of death apparently because it has fallen apart. I still have hope something spectacular can be done, as does Lynda:

“I really hope that it is a huge success, it needs to go forward. It needs new juice. But I hope they keep the integrity of the character, her goodness. She’s not just about superpowers,” Lynda said.

I just adore her!! And- judging from the picture below which was taken during her run as Mama Morton in the London stage version of "Chicago" so does Father Time!!!

It's here!!!! And it rocks!!!

Woohooo! If you read my flurry of posts on Friday, you might recognize this picture. I just received my copy of "Grab yo'self a handful of Cheeks Vol. 1" by Sean Galloway. I have been very excited to get this as I just love his art. He needs to be on a monthly title now! Check out Friday's post (Itching to grab me some Cheeks) for more about Sean and to see the picture preview! Have a great day- A

First Peek!

Found this on a random blog- appears to be the first look at pages from the long delayed next issue of "All Star Batman and Robin"! Don't know what is really behind the collapse of this book- but this sure looks good!!

You can check out the other blurred page, and read Jim's comments about the book here. I think he's a fantastic artist- I am glad that he is doing well- and I can't wait for more of this title!!

Itchin' to grab me some Cheeks

I've recently begun collecting sketchbooks of my favorite artists- and one that I am very excited to get is Sean "Cheeks" Galloway's 2007 book.



I first noticed his work on Deviantart.com, and then started stalking across the internet. His art is fantastic and is starting to get the recognition it deserves. I was lucky enough to buy an original sketch on Ebay!



I just found out that the books are in from the printers and he is in the process of drawing an original in the front of each book prior to shipping! I am so so so stoked! Check out his blog and become a fan for life!!

Oh Happy Day!!!!

The rumors started really flying last week when it was announced that Gail Simone (aka The Wonderful Gail Simone) would be stepping down from her writing duties on "Birds of Prey" after issue 111. Gail's glorious run with the Birds began way back in issue 56- and quickly became a fan and critic favorite title. Though I knew and liked the characters, I had never really read BOP prior to Gail. This was my first exposure to her work and I was instantly hooked. Her wit, enthusiasm, and dedication to characterization shine through everything she writes. Her "Villains United" mini was easily the best of the pre-Infinite Crisis lead-in titles. I am also really digging her "All New Atom" for it's over the top fun. Aside from her considerable writing skills, Gail has also continually impressed me as a comic professional and fan. Her comments at conventions, during interviews, and on message boards are all from the heart. She loves what she does and the community of which she is a part. For some time now "Gail Simone on Wonder Woman" (sounds like a lesbian fanfic waiting to happen hehe) petitions have littered comic forums. Not only would it be interesting to have comic's premiere female writer work with comic's premiere heroine- it just always seemed like the perfect fit of muse and artist. Well, when DC editor Dan Didio announced that Sean McKeever (a great writer in his own right) would take over Gail's baby- "Birds of Prey"- like many hardcore WW fans, my heart started beating faster. After a very tumultuous year for readers, the Wonder Woman title needed a big time boost. So this morning when I went to Newsarama for my pre-shower comic news- I was beside myself with joy. Not only did they finally say the words we wanted to hear, and make it official that she was indeed slated to be the new PERMANENT writer, but in the accompanying interview, Gail made me sooooooo happy to be her fan. She spoke so lovingly about the character and with such excitement I didn't need my coffee!! Mark my words- "Wonder Woman" is about to enter the titles most prosperous era- I have no trepidation whatsoever in predicting astronomical sales figures and a surge in readers. Gail's voice, especially when channeled through Diana's is going to reach and convert so many new readers that the industry will have to take note. This is very big and I couldn't be happier!!!

For the full interview with Gail go to: http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=108610

This is totally my read of the week 4/4/07

When the wonderful Brian K. Vaughan announced he was leaving The Runaways- a book he kicked off 24 issues ago- I was not too stoked. The Runaways quickly became one of my favorite titles. I am not going to use this space to rain praise upon his crafting of a wholly unique read- although totally deserved, this is to trumpet the new era for this title.

Aside from mildly enjoying Firefly a few years back, I was pretty new to Joss Whedon until fairly recently. Over the past month or so, I have been immersing myself in his work. I have just finished my first viewing of Buffy/Season One. I am definitely looking forward to Netflix sending Season Two. I am also totally digging the Buffy comic that he is writing as "Season Eight" for the cancelled series. Issue 2 was released today as well, and I totally recommend that as well.

God- he soooooo gets these kids! Their voices are dead on. Their interaction and characterization are perfect extensions from Vaughan's work and vision. Screw last week's flashback episode- this is a perfect jump on for new readers. While not getting the nitty gritty of what has brought them to this point- you don't need to have read a single issue to be thoroughly entertained, engrossed, and hooked.

Favorite line (so far- I did just read it once before tossing my two cents): Kingpin "I dislike semantics." Chase "Well neither does Mel Gibson." HEHEHEHEHE

Comic Reviews for week of January 31, 2007

A few of the books that I read this week:


Teen Titans #43
The long awaited "Teen Titans East" began with this issue. I have to say that as much as I was anticipating this months Titans- the announcement that writer Geoff Johns, and artist Tony Daniel would be leaving the title at the end of this arc made it a bittersweet one. Johns, the writer of the title since it's relaunch in 2003 has made it one of my favorite titles each month. Whenever it comes out it is generally the first read of the week. Tony Daniels, as well, deserves major kudos for all he has done with the team.

Now to the meat of the issue- a well planned sneak attack takes the team totally off guard. Cassie, Tim, and Raven are in Tim's underground "Robin Cave" discussing Conner when Robin and Raven are knocked out. The attacker taunts Cassie and reveals himself to be Inertia- the anti-Impulse clone from the 31st century. He is quickly joined by Match- the new Bizarro-ish clone of Superboy. Cassie is shocked and taken out. Jump to Cyborg and Ms. Martian- they are at a metahuman detention facility to extract information from Bombshell. As Ms. Martian begins her mind probe she discovers that Bombshell is a member of a Titans team- albeit a team with a very different agenda. Just as they are about to find out more about this team- they arrive- but not to rescue Bombshell- to silence her. Batgirl , who we haven't seen since her unfounded turn to the dark side assault on Robin, leaps into the room and slit's Bombshell's throat. Hell then breaks loose when the prisoners at the facility are released and our heroes are subdued. The issue ends with two reveals- this anti-Titans East team has been assembled by Deathstroke and that he has been drugging Cassandra in order to control her.

This was a good issue- kinda jumped around a bit- but still managed to kick off this storyline with a punch. I am anxious to see how this all unfolds over the next three issues. In addition, it makes me really look forward the WWIII issues that promise to show how Slade first captured Cassandra. There have been hints that one of the members of Slade's Titans will turn traitor- will it be Cassandra? Is Batgirl just pretending this drug is working? We shall see as Deathstroke's plan of revenge plays out!! Definitely my favorite read this week!



52 week 39
52, DC's weekly series chronicling the aftermath of Infinite Crisis, and the missing year for all of the OYL titles has been surprisingly good. The last few weeks- as we begin the third and final act- have been excellent. The gradual build up of multiple storylines has been very entertaining, but as more and more is revealed it is quickly becoming "fasten your seatbelts" time.

This week we see Luthor beat the piss out of Natasha as we all discover that he was indeed a candidate for his Everyman project. The good Dr. Dennis has been hiding his status with falsified reports. Just as Natasha seems to put it all together to report back to Steel- she is horrified to discover several truths. The stomp is set on her and it does not look good for Ms. Irons.

Meanwhile in the dysfunctional Black Adam family- Osiris is consumed with guilt over his recent kill during the attack by the Suicide Squad. As Adam and Isis discuss his situation with Sobek there is a loud boom overhead and the "Garden of Isis" begins to die. The boom? What could it be? Read on!

The war machine is definitely cranked on the mad scientist island. The Four Horsemen use a Boom Tube to begin their treachery. Sivana discusses his recent time experiments and talks to Dr. Time about missing time and Mr. Mind. Then we see an exchange between Morrow and Magnus where Morrow warns the good doctor about the Metal Men reappearing- Magnus dispatches Morrow with news of Red Tornado. After he leaves we get a glimpse of our old buddy Mercury- in miniature- that hints at the return of all Metal Men. Since we have seen them in the first issue of the JLA One Year Later- this has been expected.

The other storyline featured this week leaves one with some questions- nothing new for 52! Ralph and the Helmet of Fate journey to Atlantis as part of their strange voyage. They arrive at a shattered kingdom and encounter a dissheveled and confused Aquaman. Ralph certainly recognizes his former teammate- but the Helmet does not. Odd since the Helmet should have much knowledge and has partnered with Arthur many times. This is obviously setting up more about Aquaman's fate to be shown in WWIII.

All in all another entertaining week - this series has exceeded my expectations and is totally hitting it out of the park.

That's about it for reviews- I really enjoyed Blue Beetle #11- this has been a good series and I hope it has legs. Metron's role certainly goes right in line with other Kirby hints in the DCU. The cancellation of Firestorm and other revamped characters has put the longevity of this title in question.

I also picked up several recent X-men issues- but haven't finished reading them yet. The artwork was the draw for them and I am not all that familiar with recent events. If I have any down time this weekend I will pour through them. I grabbed the Ms. Marvel special as I like the character- but was unimpressed with this one shot. Decent art, but rotten story- definitely my waste of money for the week!

Next week we have Nightwing, Outsiders, Supergirl, 52, New Avengers, and some Superman titles to look forward to- so until then!