COMICS

6-27-09: William Shatner's Tek War Chronicles # 1

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6-24-09:  Mighty Avengers #26 Review

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6-13-09:  Robot 13 #1 Review

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6-9-09:  Irredeemable #3 Review

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5-24-09:  Chew #1 Review

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5-23-09: ICONIC (Comic Book Artist Guild)

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5-13-09:  The Unknown #1 Review

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4-30-09: Dragon Frog # 1 (Big Fly Creative Works)

Wally Wallas is a frog who, when he was younger, was orphaned and crippled in a subway accident. But instead of just giving up and living with the cards he was dealt, Wally enters the world of martial arts and develops his body and mind to become New York City’s greatest hero. But the question is why? Is it to prove a point or really make a difference.
 

Dragon Frog is an adventure that takes place in an anthropomorphic world. Here, Wally donned in a purple surf suit and goggles, breaks up a hi tech bank robbery and is able to keep his identity a secret.  He finds great pleasure in this until he meets with his sensei who’s not very happy about this. Wally feels he is doing ‘good’ by being a hero, yet his master (who looks like the old Corn Flakes rooster) feels Wally is not looking at the big picture. He mentions ‘enemies that scour the world’ and for our young hero it means nothing. Like many of a younger age, he only thinks in the now but his motives are pure. Throw into the mix a mythical human looking monster called the Humbaba and you have one of the best comics I’ve read in a long time.

Writer / Creator Sergio Clavijo has somehow been able to mix the best elements of The Ninja Turtles, The Empire Strikes Back and the Karate Kid and make a unique and inspiring story. His characters are full of excitement and the story moves at a nice pace with plenty of action and animals. Artist / Colorist Aleth Romanillos is in one word, amazing. His style, panel layouts and colors bring this world to life. As you look at the pictures, you can’t help but feel good and smile. I don’t know how much editing Nanci Lillie had to do, because this book seems to have just put itself together. The perfect creative team for the perfect comic.

For me Dragon Frog # 1 brought back the feelings I had when I first read the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles way back in 1983; a fun and completely different comic. Dragon Frog is an all ages comic so big it’s in magazine size. Bigger art, bigger story and bigger fun!

Matman Rating – 5 out 5 web fingered karate frogs

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4-7-09:  American McGee's Grimm #1 Review

by Brian LeTendre

In the first issue of American McGee’s Grimm, the creative team of Dwight MacPherson and Grant Bond unleash the titular character of the video game upon the traditional superhero comic.

For those that haven’t played the game, Grimm is a dwarf that is disgusted by how fairytales have become sweet and sappy, full of happy endings.  He wants to return to the days when fairy tales were dark, filled with harsh lessons and cruel realities.  In the game, players control Grimm as he rampages through well known stories spreading darkness and mayhem.  A trail of darkness follows him wherever he goes, and he has a “butt stomp” move that increases the range of his darkness-spreading power.  As Grimm corrupts the world around him, the fairy tales lose their sugar coating, and their dark and violent roots are revealed.

For the comic, writer Dwight MacPherson does a great job of picking up Grimm’s story and running with it.  In Issue #1, Grimm has pretty much corrupted all of the fairy tales he can, and he’s looking for a new challenge.  He decides to make the world of comics his next target, as it’s filled with stereotypes and clichés.  His first order of business is to deal with superhero comics.  What follows is basically a skewering of the comic book theme of good guys triumphing over bad guys.  Grimm pays a visit to the supervillain fraternity and gives them an upgrade.  He then proceeds to put together a plan to take down the good guys once and for all.  With Grimm on their side, the villains finally manage to turn the tables, and the outcome for the heroes is a decidedly unhappy ending.  The story is filled with witty dialogue and nods to both well-known superheroes and well-known storylines.

Grant Bond expertly handles the art in this book, taking the look and feel of the Grimm videogame and contrasting it with a traditional comic book style.  As the story progresses, so does Grimm’s influence in the comic world, and Bond keeps the art in sync with the story all the way.

Whether you’re a fan of the game or not, American McGee’s Grimm #1 provides a great parody of our beloved comic genre that is worth a read for any comic fan.  The comic hits stores April 29th, and anyone wanting to check out the game can play a free episode of it over at www.gametap.com. 

4 out of 5 Twisted Tales

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4-3-09:  Irredeemable #1 Review

by Brian LeTendre

Wow.  Mark Waid’s Irredeemable # 1 punches you in the mouth, knocks you down and then keeps pummeling you until you black out.  It’s everything a first issue should be and more. 

Irredeemable is the story of the Plutonian, a Superman-like character who goes from being the world’s greatest superhero to the world’s most dangerous villain.  The first issue throws readers into the story after it’s already begun.  A hero named The Hornet is desperately trying to get his wife and kids out of the house before the Plutonian finds them.  Unfortunately for them, they don’t get out in time.

We then see the remainder of what used to be the Plutonian’s superhero fraternity trying to figure out a way to stop him.   We also find out the reason behind the Plutonian’s change from hero to villain.  He became obsessed with people who criticized him and mocked him, losing his faith in humanity after seeing their compulsion to tear their heroes down.  Now he’s coming after all of the heroes he used to serve with, taking them out one by one.

There’s surely more to the backstory of just what made the Plutonian snap, but Waid does a great job of setting up the series in a tightly written first issue.  Peter Krause gives the book a great look, really nailing the emotional moments in the story.

Irredeemable #1 is a terrific start to what may be one of the standout series of 2009.  A must buy.

5 out of 5 Heroes Running Scared

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3-30-09: Wolverine - Prodigal Son (Del Rey / Marvel)

When Antony Johnston asked if I’d be interested in reviewing his latest work, I said yes right away. After all, Antony is the writer of some incredible and thought provoking books like Wasteland and Dead Space and very instrumental in the early success of Secret Identity. So when I asked what it was he said “a manga take on Wolverine”.

Uh – Oh! I’m not a Wolverine fan, nor do I read any manga! This wasn’t looking good. How do i get outta this!

So when I popped open this smallish book the first thing I noticed was the panel layout. Instead of traditional flat and even boarders they were schizophrenic. But I read on.

Here we meet a Wolverine very different than the overused Marvel character. Logan is a young boy who was found in the woods by Mr.Elliot, the sensei of a martial arts school in the wilds of Canada. Here he also an outcast! The best fighter in the school (except for maybe Tammy Elliot, the sensei’s daughter), Logan has made many enemies with students past and present. His healing factor and bone claws also don’t warm him up to his classmates who look at him as just a psychotic freak. But the main theme of the story is not so much alienation, but fear. Since the school is a ‘school’, there comes an end to the time there. ‘Where do we go?’ and my ‘place in the world’ are all the fears we had upon our own graduations, but since this is the only home Logan has ever had, the fear runs deeper.

As I read the book I realized Antony Johnston could right cereal box instructions (pour in bowl, add milk and eat) and make them incredibly interesting. There are at least five huge fight scenes that are made more spirited by the writing and a full chapter with no words that still tell a meaningful story. With his current works like Wasteland (Oni Press) and Dead Space (Image), Antony tends to let the action or situations tell the story. Here he lets the characters fuel the reading fire.

Just as important to the presentation is the art and Wilson Tortosa doesn’t disappoint. Visually is where the traditional comic reader struggles with manga, but Wilson keeps Wolverine recognizable and his action scenes are a nice blend of fury and beauty. His pencils are very expressive and details to things like planes cars and cityscapes are perfect. As someone who thought all manga artists draw the same, it was a shock to think I recognized Wilson’s art and style from somewhere else. Five years ago he was the artist on Top Cow’s Battle Of The Planets and most of you know the love I have for BOTP and Gatchaman!

Wolverine – Prodigal Son is an excellent way to introduce traditional comic fans to manga and vise versa. It’s an ages 13 + book that is a full 166 page story (plus 20 more pages of sketches) and has a price tag of $12.99. Don’t let the price tag freak you out too much. Look at what you pay for your regular comics and do a page to price count.

Rating - 4.5 out of 5 Kicks To The Face 

Wolverine – Prodigal Son is from Del Rey Manga and hits shops April 7th. For more information go to www.delreymanga.com. 

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3-3-09:  Fantastic Four #564 Review

by Brian LeTendre

A Christmas issue in February.  Really?  The cover of FF #564 shows the cast having a traditional Christmas dinner.  The tag line reads:  “Dear Readers—You have our word that nothing this lame happens inside.”  Now what it should have said was “Dear Readers—Nothing happens inside.”  Because that's what happens in this issue—a lot of nothing.

In this issue, the Fantastic Four, along with Ben's fiancée Debbie, travel to a small Scottish village to visit Reed's cousin for a little Christmas getaway.  In a plot taken straight from the movie “Hot Fuzz,” the small village of Iarmailt is the picture of perfectness, where nothing bad ever happens.  Except that bad things do happen, and there's something sinister afoot in the town.  There are clues here and there, and the big reveal is there is a plot to kidnap Valeria, who mysteriously disappears in the woods at the end of the issue.

That's it.  For all the delays with the Millar/Hitch run of this book, I will say it's been great—until now.  This issue is basically half of the holiday story that was meant for last year.   As someone who looks forward to this book every month (or other month, or few months), I was really disappointed with this issue.  It adds insult to the injury of the book's already inconsistent schedule.  When you are putting books out late, they better be good, and this one wasn't.

I was excited when the announcement that Dale Eaglesham was coming aboard this book with Jonathan Hickman this summer, and now that can't come fast enough.

1 out of 5 Wastes of Money

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2-23-09: Sky Pirates Of Valendor # 4 (Free Lunch Comics)

Two years ago I met visionary writer Everett Soares. At Connecticon 2007, Everett told me all about his world of Valendor. He told me about fantastic pirates that roamed the skies and the different creatures and civilizations that would fill the pages of Sky Pirates. As I read the first issues, I was completely hooked. “This was good!” I said to which Everett replied “You thought it would suck?”

So here we are. In the week following New York Comic Con 2009 I hold in my hands, the final two issues of Sky Pirates Of Valendor (#’s 4 and 5).

Following an incredible battle and escape, Tobin and his crew of the Rogues Revenge try to return to Governor Langford. En route they come across a deserted island port that as pirates do, they try to claim for their own. But like the best horror films show, staying anywhere abandoned is never a good idea. As they discover the island is filled with zombies who are led by an old friend of the captain and one f his closest allies, Shyni. Following a classic fight, Tobin discovers that Shyni can’t be trusted and throws her in the brig! The story concludes in issue # 5 with a showdown of epic proportions. An incredible ship to ship battle with plenty of clashing swords and full hoof on hoof combat!

Writer Everett Soares finishes this first arc with a big bang! The action and story have a great balance with dialogue that just flows from the characters. Artist Brian Brinlee has been the visual guide since the beginning, bringing this world to life. Minotaur, human, zombie and hotie gal, Brian draws them all well. And talk about eye catching. Brian’s cover for # 4 is one of the best I’ve seen in a long time. Sexy and freaky all at once.

So the first arc has finished and let me say it again… I was shocked! Shocked at how good the story was and how much I began to really get drawn into the World of Valendor! This is a vast world with so many stories to tell and according to Everett, they will be told.

Matman rating: 4.5 out of 5 deserted floating islands that you should just stay away from

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2-16-09:  R.E.B.E.L.S. #1 Review

by Brian LeTendre

After the disastrous ending of “Legion of Superheroes,” I almost swore off Legion books forever.  Then I came to my senses and realized that with Tony Bedard writing the new “R.E.B.E.L.S.”  book, I had to at least give it a try if only because of my loyalty to Bedard from his work on “Exiles.”

“R.E.B.E.L.S.” #1 starts with Vril Dox (aka Brainiac 2) landing on earth in an escape pod.  It seems that he’s on the run from a group of bounty hunters, as well as L.E.G.I.O.N., the interstellar security force that he was recently in charge of.  The bounty hunters are close behind, and it’s not long before they’re tearing up the place, which attracts the attention of Supergirl.  She manages to rescue Dox, and he reveals that he came to earth to find her.  It seems that Brainiac 5 implanted some information in Supergirl’s brain when he sent her back from the 31st century.  By speaking a codeword, Supergirl downloads a bunch of information onto a disc via her heat vision.  While Box is trying to figure out what Brainiac 5 wanted him to know, the bounty hunters show up again for round two.

I thought the story was a good intro to Vril Dox’s character, and the premise was easy enough to follow, even if you’re not a Legion fan.  I had some issues with Andy Clarke’s art on this issue, mostly because it looks un-inked and a little grainy, but I could get used to it.  Overall, “R.E.B.E.L.S.” #1 is a solid start for the new series, and I’ll be sticking around for at least a few issues to see what Bedard and Clarke have in store.

3.5 out of 5 A.C.R.O.N.Y.M.S.

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2-15-09: Undersea Adventures Of Capt'n Eli (Volume 1)

As a child, I always used to dream of cool adventures where I was the hero, despite my age and size. Today, being a kid doesn’t seem to be the same as it once was. Everyone is in a hurry to grow up and not enjoy the benefits of youth. For Capt’n Eli, this is not a problem. 

The Undersea Adventures Of Capt’n Eli (volume 1) is a book that is filled with action, adventure and fun that is seen with the eyes of a child. Capt’n Eli doesn’t let his size or age prohibit him from saving a military submarine and joining the Seaserchers; a group of adventurers who are much older than the Capt’n. In true ‘kid’ fashion, his companions are his dog Barney who ties sea knots and a 200 year old parrot named Roger who doesn’t mimic, but can speak 70 different languages.

Volume One contains two complete stories. In ‘The Mystery Of Me’ we see Eli’s mysterious origin. Who is he and where he comes from is a big part of the fun and driving force of the story. The action picks up ‘The Mystery Of The Sargasso Sea’. Some mysterious things are happening in the Bermuda Triangle and the Seasearchers investigate. As the story unfolds we are introduced to Commander X; a mysterious adventurer in his own right who during World War Two led his own team against the Axis to keep the seas safe. Throw in time travel, a vortex and a nod to the Golden Age (The Big Three) and you have an incredible tale for all ages.

Behind the tale of young Eli is writer / artist Jay Piscopo. On the storytelling side, Jay is top notch. He keeps the story simple and captivating with enough twists and turns to make you feel you’re a part of the story… not just reading it. On the artistic side it is one stunning visual after another. It’s like seeing new work from Alex Toth and Jack Kirby during their animation years. The coloring makes the pages read like a cartoon in the fine tradition of Johnny Quest and the classic (yet very weird) Moby Dick. In the Commander X solo story (The Big Three), Jay channels the feel and mood of an old Bill Everett story complete with 30’s dialogue and art!

I wish I could find the words to express how much I loved this book, and the second volume! Capt’n Eli is the story we all played as kids and wish every child would play now. This book contains no superpowers, magic or angst; just fun and imagination. But the book isn’t just for kids! If you read and enjoyed Roy Thomas’ Invaders and All Star Squadron, than you will get something out of this too.
Matman Rating – 5 out of 5 Talking parrots!                 

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1-18-09: The Outer Space Men (Volume One)

My introduction to The Outer Space Men came in their original toy form. We had a closeout store in my town called Railroad Salvage and I remember seeing them there and not knowing what to make of them. So when all of a sudden, we are introduced to The Outer Space Men comic book, I didn’t know what to make of it as well. One read (in about ten parts) cured that!

The Outer Space Men are a collection of guardians from all the solar systems planets (except Mercury). There job is to protect the solar system and maintain peace. Where I thought the book would go with some typical evil alien force invasion didn’t quite happen. Where I expected the mandatory ‘space battle’ with creatures and ships from all over never worked its way into the story. Thank God!

There is a depth to this story that I didn’t quite expect. There is a problem on earth. Echo – Terrorists have begun to destroy the rain forests and change the climate of the Earth. What becomes alarming is that the problems are turning the Earth’s climate into pre history Earth, where Mystron once ruled and tried to disrupt peace. Following his banishment to the Earth’s core, Mystron is now back. Involved in this is a young conspiracy theorist – blogger who catches the attention of Commander Comet, a possessed lackey and a plot to make Hell On Earth!

Chronicling the story is writer Eric C. Hayes (many of you know him as the Hayestronaut on the boards) who has taken some very one dimensional plastic carded figures and breathed life and a soul in them. His storytelling is easy to follow even with the twists and turns he sends us on. Artist Rudolf Montemayor does a brilliant job in visually telling the story. His art is a cross between Adam Kubert and Norm Breyfogle, so now you know how good the book looks. Rudolf’s art looked he had fun with all the unique characters and interesting locals. The quality of the book is very impressive. A nice foldout cover (with pictures of the toys) is followed by high quality pages that bring out all the rich color Marc Borstel applies.    

What I thought I was going to read ended up not even being close…and I loved that. The Outer Space Men is an epic tale that takes 160 pages to tell and takes some time to read. But trust me, it is time well spent.   

Matman Rating – 4.5 out of 5 ‘fourteen words’          

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1-15-09:  Marvel Zombies 3 #4 Review

by Brian LeTendre

In this last installment of Marvel Zombies 3, Machine Man is trapped in the Zombieverse and seemingly left for “dead.”  Jocasta has returned to 616 with what she thinks is a vaccine against the zombie virus, when it is in fact a tool to infect all of the heroes in the initiative.  Machine Man fights his way home in time to stop the infection from happening, and Morbius gets to take out his zombie counterpart, who had been posing as him in order to facilitate the infection of the 616 heroes.

Marvel Zombies 3 has been an entertaining ride.  Fred Van Lente has demonstrated time and again an ability to take lower tier characters and tell great stories with them.  Machine Man, Jocasta and Morbius are all used well, and the teaser that the Midnight Sons will be returning has me excited for Marvel Zombies 4.  The action in issue #4 is very satisfying, and Kev Walker does a great job with the grit and gore.  Especially poignant is the scene where the zombie Kingpin breaks down and eats his wife, who was probably the last remaining human in the Zombieverse.  

Not only has Van Lente and company revived (no pun intended) a series that had become played out, but they managed to legitimize it in the 616 universe at the same time.

4 out of 5 Midnight Sons

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1-10-09: Megazeen # 10 (Megazeen)

by Matman

As a young kid in the 1980’s, my parents tried desperately to find Christian alternatives for my hobbies. But the 70's and 80's were a dark time for ‘Jesus Stuff’. Despite my arguments, Petra was no Iron Maiden and comics like the now classic Crusaders series by Chic Stone were a little too heavy on the message and light on comic action and fun. (cue music) So say hello to Megazeen! Megazeen is an anthology book that is very heavy on the message, but incredibly cleaver with the comic side.

Megazeen # 10 (the Technicolor issue) begins with a laffer called “The Evangelist”! Written and drawn Kneon Transitt, it’s a funny tale of two over the top evangelists who row to an island to find a dread locked man wearing only ripped up jeans. For us who have been judged by others because of their look, this one hits home with some poignant truths! “A Deaf Man and Jesus” is a silly look at Jesus performing miracles. Dean Rankine doesn’t make light of what Jesus accomplished, but he does it in a Captain Underpants kinda way that is very funny and full of ear wax and spit! There are other great tales in the book as well by Lawrence Samples and a bloody vampire tale by Jesus Marques, but there are two stories of conflicting styles that moved me to really look inside my own soul. “Saint” by Psycho Ann is an manga influenced look at a young man who is trying to do the right thing in his life. As he helps others, his old friends remind him of the crime he committed and how he’s not fooling anyone. As the torment becomes physical, he tells them the good they see is not his own, but a reflection of grace given to him. Eight pages that could change your life! Another ‘deep thinker’ is by Dean Trippe. Jesus and a man are walking to a doorway. But, as a sign says the only way through is to carry no baggage. As the man looks at Jesus, he lifts up his shirt to see sticky notes all over his chest. These notes contain his sins and nature. When one of the notes comes off him (lied), Jesus smiles and the caption at the end says ‘start the process.

Yes this book has an agenda and that is to entertain, reinforce beliefs and make the reader think! To say that it is a Christian Comic does it a major disservice. Megazeen # 10 is a great comic with imaginative stories and some very talented people involved. Joe Endres and his crew do a wonderful job with this book and I can’t wait to dive into the rest of the series.

Matman Rating – 5 out of 5 Biblical Wet Willies

For more on Megazeen, just click here! 

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1-9-09:  Cthulhu Tales #9 (BOOM! Studios) Review

by Brian LeTendre

Cthulhu Tales is an anthology series by BOOM! Studios that features short stories inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft, particularly his “Cthulhu Mythos.”  Issue #9 serves up three tales by various creative teams.  

In “The Zoo,” by Raven Gregory and Sergio Carrera, a security guard named Phil tells his buddies at his local watering hole about a strange encounter he had at work.  Since he works at a lab where inter-dimensional portals are studied, you can imagine what “strange” means.  Unfortunately for Phil and his buddies, the thing he encountered at work didn’t stay there.

“It Must Have Been Something You Ate” by Sam Costello and Axel Medellin Machain tells the story of a man who has exotic tastes in food.  And by exotic, I mean he eats endangered species, people and plenty of other stuff that would make your skin crawl.  He finds a black market dealer who just happens to be trafficking in some other worldly species, and he gladly pays a handsome fee for some.  His meal doesn’t really agree with him though, and he gets more than just heartburn.

“Face of the Competition” by Robert Tinnell and Milton Sobriero follows a rich hotel owner who has paid an architect to build an underwater attraction at one of his resorts that is unlike anything his guests have ever seen.  When the construction is fraught with delays, the owner decides to inspect the site himself.  He dives below the ocean’s surface and makes his way down to the attraction.  The good news is that it’s unlike anything he or his guests have ever seen.  The bad news is…well, you can probably guess what the bad news is.

What I love about the Cthulhu Tales series is that it captures perfectly the feel of Lovecraft’s short fiction.  All of the stories are short and simple, but all of them have a tinge of the bizarre and classic “O Henry!” endings.  You know that on the final page of each story is the payoff, and if you are a Lovecraft fan, that’s exactly what you are looking for.

BOOM! Has really created a fun series with Cthulhu Tales, and the revolving door of creative teams keep each issue fresh.  This book is highly recommended for horror fans, and a no-brainer for those who enjoy Lovecraft.

4 out of 5 Things Man Was Not Meant to Know

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1-2-09: Lazerman # 2 (HB Comics)

by the Matman

For Alex Sanders life has just gotten a bit more complicated! After trying to get his mind off his teen angst, he is accidentally zapped by a laser at a laser show. and his life changes forever! Laugh at the silliness of his origin, then think of radioactive spiders, super soldier serums and a lightning bolt hitting chemicals …twice! Lazerman is a book that hearkens back to the classic age of comics; when comics were simple and fun! Not that Lazerman is simple, but the premise is something most comic fans can and will get into. It’s about a kid who becomes a superhero and since he’s a comic book fan, this is pretty cool for him. What is NOT cool is the fact that heroics don’t come with instructions. After he gets a caped costume he decides to fly off (without realizing a cape may not fold out perfectly), he trips on it. On his first day of good deeds he stops a purse snatcher (boyfriend holding purse), an armed robbery (undercover police), and crashes into a jet in flight. Not a good first day for Lazerman, but a great time for the reader! And the fun doesn't stop!

Lazerman is the brainchild of Medford’s Chris and Alan Hebert. The creative chemistry they have is quite expressive and flows quite naturally. I don’t know how they get along out of the comic world, but here they got a good thing going. Chris’ art has a ‘feel good’ style that instantly captures your attention because it’s not like anyone else out there. It's big, easy on the eyes and very expressive! Alan’s story is simple to follow and seems to come from the heart. It’s genuinely enjoyable and a nice contrast to everything else out there, small press or big. The inks by Brian Boland are tight and keep everything in its proper order. The quality (pages and colors) and overall production is top notch, and well worth the $3.99. Not too many books can say that nowadays. 

If you miss the days when a comic book just entertained without making grand statements or crushing you with years of continuity, then I urge you to seek out Lazerman # 2. You read it, enjoy, and put it down! And that is what a comic book should do!

The brothers will be appearing at New York Comic Con in February so you can pick up any and all Lazerman books they have. If you can’t wait you can go to www.hbcomics.com. And when you meet them, don't forget to ask who is the most talented... and step back and enjoy the show!

Matman Rating – 4 out of 5 Non Stable Molecule Super Spandex Costumes     

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12-24-08: Licensable Bear TM Big Book Of Fun

By the Matman

Marketing is the key to success for any product or brand name. Look at McDonalds. Kids recognize the logo well before they can spell and sometimes even speak. Kids would trust Ronald McDonald and Uncle O’Grimacey before their own parents. Marketing is the way a company pulls away from its competition and competes for the almighty consumer dollar. So why would anyone want to read a comic about greed and abuse? Because this one is real funny!

Licensable Bear TM is a book that follows the life of a cute little bear and his attempt to become the ‘spokesbear’ for everything and anything. The Licensable Bear TM Big Book Of Officially Licensed Fun is a 144 page book that collects issues #1 to #4 of his own book and other appearances. Writer Nat Gertler takes the obvious clichés of advertising, adds a cute bear and blasts you with humor and a whole lot of fun. Each story is drawn by different artists like Mark Lewis, Rusty Haller, and my favorite Ryan Estrada. Joining in the fun is Marketable Moose who is trying to market himself, but has a deep dark secret. The best example of the tone of the book is in the story ‘Goes To Japan’. As L.B. steps off a plane in Japan he is inundated by advertising offers for products like industrial lubricants, candy bars and underwear. As he begins to rake in the Yen, Marketable Moose shows up and steals the show and becomes the new flavor of the month... or day… or minute!    

The Licensable Bear TM Big Book Of Officially Licensed Fun is a brilliant and unique book that I wish I could buy a copy for everyone… but I can’t, because I don’t have Licensable Bear type money! But this book is that good. And for only $11.99 it’s well worth every penny. I was literally laughing at every page and I’m laughing as I type this review.

I wonder if the Licensable Bear is available for a Secret Identity business card? 

If you want to find out more just go to www.licensablebeartm.com and bring your debit card. The site adds another level to the enjoyment of the world of Licensable Bear TM and the mind of creator Nat Gertler.

Matman Rating: 5 out of 5 marketing ploys. 

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10-24-08: Unknown Soldier # 1 (Vertgo Comics)

by the Matman

In 1975 I was introduced to the Unknown Soldier! In this adventure, the soldier infiltrated a German Commando unit, blew stuff up and killed a bunch of Nazis! For the next 30 plus years I was blown away by the thought of a man without a face who fought the war from the inside. After a couple forgettable attempts at a return, I was very skeptical of another one. After all, this was one of my favorite characters now coming back with a twist; he’s from Uganda!

In this issue, we are thrown head first into the horrors and abuse of modern day East Africa. Moses Lwanga is a man who left his native country as a small boy, came to the United States and was fortunate enough to attend and graduate from Harvard Medical School. But instead of staying in the States and enjoying the good life of a doctor, he felt led to go back to Uganda with his wife Sera (also a doctor) and try and make a difference in a war torn nation!

All the good intentions he may have started with start to erode as nightmares enter his sleep and atrocities occupy his waking moments. The senseless murder and bloodshed begin to eat away at his sole until an incident turns this practicing pacifist into a killer. Was his heart always clouded and angry just waiting for a flash point? This seems to be the war this Unknown Soldier is fighting from the inside.

Writer Joshua Dysart has captured the soul and flavor of the original and created a story all his own. In the vein of Blood Diamond, this comic is a brutal look at the realities many people face! The violence and action is non stop but not gratuitous in any way. Whatever is there is needed to tell the story. Italian Artist Alberto Ponticelli does a fantastic job illustrating a turbulent land and a troubled heart. I'm happy to report their version of the Unknown Soldier is a worthy edition to the Joe Kubert / Robert Kanigher legacy.

If Unknown Soldier # 1 doesn’t stir up anger and sadness, than you must have skipped all the pages with story and art on them!

4.5 out of 5 bandaged faces

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10-6-08: Mecha Manga Bible Heroes

by Matman

Why is it when I opened up the first issue of Mecha Manga Bible Heroes I kept hearing the theme to Power Rangers in my head? First there is the fact that both are similar in premise; action, young heroes and big robots, and second is because the Power Rangers were cool!

Mecha Manga Bible Heroes # 1 is an action, adventure comics that may seem a little familiar to many. The fact is the issue is based on the early life of King David when he went against the odds and took down the Philistine giant known as Goliath. Although keeping with the scriptures in 1 Samuel, the setting has changed quite a bit. Israel, Philistines and horses have been replaced by a distant planet, Mech and spaceships. But the premise and the ideals of the story are still inspirational. Against unimaginable odds, a young shepherd boy takes on the challenge of an invading giant and not only wins but changes the course of his people and human history.

MMBH is the work of writers Tom Hall, Joey Endres (and Samuel, Gad and Nathan) and done an ‘aspirin in the applesauce’. Just when you thought you were reading and enjoying a great action story….BAM! You learned something. Great dialogue and storytelling greet you on each page. Tom Pratt supplies the interior art in panels that are easy for young eyes to follow. There is a definite manga influence in his work, but it’s not distracting. By no means is this book a ‘kids only’ comic! This is a great comic, from paper quality inside to the eye catching cover by Jeff Sleamons.     

In a time when everything is heavily scrutinized for its agenda, you don’t need to look far here. The mission of JMG Comics is to provide quality comics for readers of all ages and teach about values in keeping with the source material. Feel free to sneak this comic int Sunday School. You need no Bible knowledge to love Mecha Manga Bible Heroes # 1, just a love of adventure.

4 out of 5 ‘mecha’ sheep. Read it and see what I mean.

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9-1-08:  Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds #1 Review

by Brian LeTendre

I stand corrected. Recently on the podcast, I've been saying that nobody knows how to write Superman anymore, and that the character has become stale and boring. Well, I should know better than to bet against Geoff Johns, as he managed to get me pumped about Superman with a story that he only appears in four pages of.

Final Crisis: Legion of Three Wolds #1 starts off at the end of time. A cloaked figure is talking about how he (or she) has finally found a way to crush the Legion of Super Heroes forever. He is reaching back through time to find “the boy of broken dreams and blood and rage.” We fins out soon enough that he is talking about Superboy-Prime, who we last saw fighting in the Sinestro Corps War. Superboy crash lands in Smallville in the year 3008, angry and confused as always.

Superboy stumbles upon a museum dedicated to Superman's life, and there he discovers the history of the Legion of Super Villains. He also finds out that their three most dangerous members are still in prison, and he sets about freeing them.

Meanwhile, back in Metropolis, the United Planets Council is on the verge of disbanding the Legion of Super Heroes for good. Lightning Lad, Cosmic Boy and Saturn Girl have come to convince them otherwise, but it's not enough.

Once the Legion discovers that Superboy-Prime has destroyed the prison planet Takron-Galtos and freed all the prisoners, they reach out to the one member that may be able to help them against what's coming—Kal-El.

Without hesitation, Superman responds to their distress call, and immediately recognizes the threat as Superboy-Prime. His solution? Combine the Legions of three parallel universes in order to try and not only stop Superboy-Prime, but to redeem him.

This is a fantastic issue by Geoff Johns and George Perez. Fans of the Legion will see so much eye candy they will be reading the issue two or three times. The story is accessible for even non-Legion readers, and it may even win over a few converts. As I mentioned before, Johns captures the essence of Superman in a mere four pages, and reminds all of us that some of Supes' best stories have come from his adventures with the Legion of Superheroes.

Mr. Johns, I apologize. Superman is cool again.

5 out of 5 Legionnaires

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8-17-08: Sky Pirates # 3 (Free Lunch Comics)

by Matman

When series creator / writer Everett Soares wrote on the cover of my Sky Pirates # 3 ‘Told you it was good”, he was only stating a fact! Initially I had my doubts, but this series is seriously good!

Sky Pirates # 3 is continuing the misadventures of Tobin, Gearz and the amazing world of Valendor. Here, pirates rule the seas, but these seas are in the sky. In Valendor, sails may have been replaced by the Grav Generators, but the sword and cannon still do their thing. Building from the first two issues, the crew arrived on their rescue mission only to find the biggest challenge they face may not be the Ogres or Minotaurs… but from one of their own crew. If Tobin thought working with his ex – wife was going to be a challenge, he didn’t quite know how much. The action is fast and exciting and the story takes one wrong turn after another… but that’s good!

Everett Soares has created an entire universe of compelling characters; incredibly detailed and quite deep, but very easy to pick up. The pencil of Brian Brinlee does a great job visually telling the story in a way that’s fresh and exciting. Inks by Michael W Kellar and shading by Jet Amago add depth and texture to each panel. Everett has assembled a team that works very well together and it shows in the finished product.

The only problem I see is that this issue needs the first two to tell the story. This however is not a problem for the guys and gals at Free Lunch Comics who are more than happy to take care of that. I’m glad I fell into this world, or should say was pushed. Sky Pirates is a five issue series that, when it’s done, will go down as one of the most original and vibrant stories you will read all year.

Matman Rating – 4 out of 5 ex wife shut offs. 

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8-14-08:  Station #2 Review

by Brian LeTendre

With Station, writer Johanna Stokes and artist Leno Carvalho have crafted an intriguing murder mystery set against the backdrop of an isolated space station.   

In the second issue of the four-part series, the crew of the International Space Station is dealing with the loss of one of their own, who drifted into space when his gear malfunctioned as he was trying to do repairs on the exterior of the station.  At the end of the first issue, astronaut Karen James and Dyson, the tourist on his first trip to the station, have uncovered a clue that suggests their fallen colleague may have been murdered. 

Karen and Dyson decide to keep their suspicions to themselves, until they realize that the murderer could have sabotaged other gear as well.  Once they tell the crew, fingers start being pointed, and everyone starts to suspect one another.  To make matters worse, a fire breaks out that cuts off all communication with Earth, and compromises the life support system. 

Stokes and Carvalho do a great job of making the reader feel both the claustrophobic nature of the station, as well as the void of space.  That combination lends to a sense of building dread as you realize the crew is trapped with a killer in their midst, and no one is coming to help them.     

Station is a well-paced mystery that stays with you long after you’ve read it.  Much like the characters in the book, you’ll find yourself puzzling over the clues that have been revealed, in hopes of solving the mystery before time runs out. 

 4.5 out of 5 Houston We Have a Problems

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8-7-08:  Venom: Dark Origin #1 Review

Written by Zeb Wells (of the Spidey ‘Braintrust’), Venom: Dark Origin delves into the backstory of one Edward Brock, and shows us that the seeds of Venom were sown long before the symbiote found him.

Issue one takes the reader through a quick tour of Eddie’s childhood, during which we find out a few very important things about him.  First, his mom died while giving birth to him, something that his dad and sister still partially blame him for.  Second, Eddie has an uncanny knack for telling when people are lying.  Third, Eddie is a manipulative young boy who constantly tries to create situations that will make him look like a hero to others.  And finally, Eddie developed an interest in journalism at a young age.

The remainder of issue one shows Eddie going through high school and into college, lying and manipulating his way into the journalism program at ESU.  The climax of the issue comes when Eddie’s lying gets him and a fellow student in trouble with soime street thugs.  In what feels like a seminal moment in the character’s history, Eddie has his first encounter with Spider-Man, who arrives in time to save Eddie and his companion from the thugs.  The issue closes with Eddie taking credit for Spider-Man’s heroics.

Wells has done a good job here of filling out the background of Brock without treading on the continuity fans are already familiar with.  Angel Medina brings a stylized look to the book that’s slightly unsettling, particularly whenever Brock receives a close-up.

Overall, Venom: Dark origin is off to a promising start, and continues the trend of good storytelling that the ‘Braintrust’ has established with Brand New Day.

4 out of 5 Little White Lies

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6-23-08: Hyperkinetic # 1 (Image Comics)

I first was introduced to Howard Shum back in 2004 with his series Gun Fu! In that very underrated comic, the main character was a cross between Indiana Jones and Bruce Lee with the vocabulary of a Gangsta! If that sounds like an eclectic mix, then welcome to the world of Mr. Shum.

In his latest series, Hyperkinetic, Shum introduces us to his latest creation; 4 intergalactic lady bounty hunters and their robot that seems to take the blame for everything that goes wrong. We start the story with the girls in pursuit of an alien who they need to capture so their ship doesn’t get repossessed. During the chase, they crash on a planet and encounter all sorts of wacky stuff. Now this may sound very cliché and it probably is, but there is so much more to Hyperkinetic than the plot.

As a writer, Howard Shum’s strongest skill is his characterization and the dialogue he uses with them. This is done brilliantly in the first few pages. As things start to go bad, the girls begin to verbally rip into each other and to me this is where the true charm of the book lies. Not in girls belittling each other to the point of Bulimia, but in the play between them. Artist Matteo Scalera has a style all his own. His art reminds me of Carlos Meglia (Star Wars Underworld), but much more pleasing on the eyes and controlled. It has the look of a Cartoon Network / Adult Swim show and most important for the series, the ladies are nice to look at. But this book is more than just a ‘bad girl’ comic. There is a substance to it that I think would appeal to female readers as well as the guys.

Hyperkinetic is a fun book that goes against the grain of everything out there from the big two! If you enjoy books like Atomic Robo, Model Operandi and Maintenance, than you’ll love Hyperkinetic. Sad, that there aren’t more comics like this.

Matman Rating 4 out of 5 Pee filled Shampoo Bottles.

Hyperkinetic # 1 from Image Comics his your local comic shop on July 2nd.

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6-12-08: Freddie And Me (by Mike Dawson)

If this book was called Mick and Me, I may have passed by it. But Freddy and Me is the heartfelt story of artist writer Mike Dawson and how the music of Queen, and more prominent, the image of Freddie Mercury affected him and set the tone for his entire life. 

As a youngster growing up in England, Mike was introduced to Queen via the video for I Want To Break Free. From there it was moment after moment that many of us had, and some of us heard the same soundtrack. In the mid 1980’s Mike and his family moved to the US and his teen years were filled with the pressures and angst we all felt, but despite the drastic drop in Queen’s popularity in the States waned, Mike’s love did not. We are given a front row seat to some of Mike’s most personal moments and embarrassing events, many woven within the Queen tapestry; their triumph at Live Aid, the death of Freddie Mercury and the emotional send off of “Mr. Fahrenheit” himself at the Freddie Mercury Benefit Concert. 

As a collected piece of work, Freddie And Me is an incredibly easy read. The story flows very tightly and packs emotional wallops we all have felt. Who hasn’t had to suffer with a sibling only to share an incredible moment later on? How many of us have had to defend our favorite bands to people with no taste? And how have we coped with guilt over a loss? Mike shows us…with Queen tunes! Mikes art is unique and has a comforting feel to it. I thought I would have to force myself to like it, but after a few pages in, it swept me in right away. Who new that rounded teeth would be so soothing and a storytelling plus.

Would I have liked Freddie And Me as much if I wasn’t a Queen fanatic as well? As a 16 year old kid who got dumped during Live Aid, it was Queen who made me forget my pain so I’d have to say no. But take a chance! This is an original, thoughtful and very enjoyable read that was so well done, I could hear the virtuoso that was Queen and the majesty that was and still is Freddie Mercury on every page. 

Matman Rating – 4.5 out of Five Sheer Heart Attacks

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5-28-08: Captain Action # 0 (Moonstone Comics)

by Matman

When I first heard of the return of Captain Action, I kinda scratched my head (in the quizzical way, not the head lice way). I mean Captain Action was in my opinion, a G.I. Joe wannabe. I didn’t realize the history, stories and rabid fan addiction. Check eBay and you’ll see it first hand. So when Moonstone announced they held the comic rights, it changed my mind. They’ve done a great job with The Phantom, Bukaroo Banzai and Kolchak, so I’ll bite!

In Captain Action # 0 we are introduced to writer Fabian Nicieza’s vision of the Captain. Here, Fabian gives us all the elements we know and love; commies, spies and shadow governments. As the tale unfolds, we see that once the fight was over… it only just began. This is where Captain Action gets ‘Chaykin-ized’! Much like how Howard Chaykin pumped new blood and edgy story to Blachhawk in 1986, Nicieza does the same, but not so adult. We meet the new heir to the Captain Action mantle in bed with a couple of ladies. But the ‘action’ happens when he takes on a hit squad naked, armed with only an empty champagne bottle. That’s worth a couple of points there.

Art in this zero issue is done by Mark Sparacio. Being a fan (and yes a friend) of Mark’s makes it easy to critique his art, because it’s brilliant... every single time! He makes the ‘capes’ look so heroic and every pose of Captain Action seems so iconic! To sweeten the pot is three incredible covers by Sparacio (modern), Paul Gulacy (retro) and Ruben Procopio (incentive) give everyone a choice, but if you get all three Moonstone won’t be upset.

Captain Action # 0 is a primer to the full series premier coming this summer. Here, Fabian will be joined by artist Ruben Procopio who impressed everyone at New York Comic Con with the Captain Action Statue. Jump in, you’ll forget all about that G.I Joe guy!

Matman rating – 4 out of 5 free bottles of Captain Action water.

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5-23-08:  Cthulhu Tales #2 (BOOM! Studios)

by Brian LeTendre

BOOM! Studios continues to make a name for themselves in the horror genre.  Following on the success of the previous anthology, the new ongoing series Cthulhu Tales recently released its second issue.  With creepy short stories from Steve Niles, Eric Calderon and Christine Boylan, the book offers a little something for everyone. 

First up is Niles’ The Hiding Place, which follows a detective and the one criminal he’s never been able to catch.  When that criminal seemingly commits suicide, the detective is left with more questions, and the answers to those questions don’t bode well for him.  The second story by Eric Calderon is a post-Katrina vignette that explores what may have been lurking in the flood waters during those dark days, and whether or not the worst is yet to come.  Completing the trilogy is Christine Boylan’s How to Get Ahead in the Occult, in which the main character is a young woman fascinated with the occult.  She is tired of the wannabe wiccans that surround her on campus, and feels she is destined for something greater.  When her roommate hears the call of the elder gods, she finds out that there is in fact a much bigger plan for her. 

All three of the stories do a nice job of evoking the creepy and “wrong” nature of Lovecraft.  As usual, Niles has a standout story here, and he delivers a classic “O. Henry ending” that is reminiscent of many of Lovecraft’s short works.  Calderon and Boylan’s stories are more modern, but tie into the mythos well and provide some disturbing moments.   

The visuals offer a real treat for horror fans, and the artwork by Shane Oakly, Jon Schnepp and Chee (respectively) fits each story perfectly, even though the artists have completely different styles.   

Issue #2 of Cthulhu Tales is an all-around great read, more so if you happen to be a Lovecraft Fan.  Those who are searching for their elder evil fix need look no further.  Cthulhu Tales delivers.

4.5 out of 5 Cthulhu Ftagns

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5-15-08: Runners - the Big Snow Job # 1 (Archaia)

by Matman

I have a few problems with this book! One is that Runners doesn’t sell a million copies, and two it’s not an animated series. Runners is one of the most enjoyable and eye pleasing comics I’ve ever read. This is a drastic statement I made long before I ever met (and began mispronouncing his name) series creator Sean Wang.

Runners is a tale about some down on their luck and not so smart smugglers. In their latest adventure Runners – The Big Snow Job # 1, the crew thinks they’re making a big score and elevating their reputation in the smuggling world. They hope this job will give them respect and financial stability. This is much needed, especially for Roka, who after a job gone badly finds himself eating the payment of the last job, nasty squirting Root Beetles.

If you’ve been reading Runners all along then let me tell you, this is the start of their greatest adventure and Sean’s best work. His art is clean and very stylized and each panel tells a story. He’s crafted great dialogue and personalities for each character that come alive in the book, more so than in Bad Goods. He has created interesting and visually stunning alien races and worlds that are fun, not scary.

5 out of 5 Preegen Crung Heaps!

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5-12-08: The Man With No Name (Dynamite)

by Matman

Western fans know that the pace of a Western movie is deliberately slow! It has to be. The horses only go so fast, the trail is long and dusty and the bullets don’t hit their targets right away. So it may be hard to get a non fan interested in the genre. This is the up hill struggle the film 3:10 to Yuma had and it may be the battle this book has to fight.

The Man With No Name (Dynamite Entertainment) is a typical and true western tale. Building on situations and events, writer Christos Gage proves his ability to tell incredible stories without (pardon the pun) showing his hand. We are (re) introduced to the ‘man with no name’; the Clint Eastwood character from the classic films Fistful Of Dollars, For A Few Dollars More and The Good, The Bad And The Ugly. We start with the ‘man’ on the run from both the Union and Confederate army. During Civil War America that is everyone. As he escapes an ambush in town and then a (horse) drive by, he is thrust into another situation. After an encounter with a dying Priest (who he has a relationship with), the story seems to begin to unfold. 

The highest compliment I can pay this book is that both Christos Gage and artist Willington Dias have captured the magic and vision of director Sergio Leone. They have created a comic that reads like one of his movies. The art is cinematic and after your done reading, you’re dustin’ off your coat and looking for a nice cool drink. 

If you didn’t pick this one up last week…get on your horse and go get one! You have two choice covers; one very iconic by Richard Isanove and one kinda scary by Arthur Suydam.

4 out of 5 Spits of Tobacco.

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5-10-08: Love And Capes # 7 (Maerkle Press)

by Matman

Just because you’re the most powerful superhero on the planet doesn’t mean life is easy for you. For the Crusader, battling bad guys and saving the planet is easy. It’s finding the perfect way to ask his girlfriend Abby to marry him. Welcome to the world of Love And Capes, a situation comedy about heroes and love.

Meet the Liberty League; Crusader, Microdot, Bluestreak, Darkblade, Steel Worker and Amzazonia. These are the earths greatest (and a bit familiar) heroes who protect the world but still have a hard time managing their own personal lives. In Love And Capes # 7, we find Crusader and Abby at Christmas time. Writer / Artist Thomas F. Zahler takes the personal side of superheroin’ and injects humor and real life situations. We can all relate to something going on as Crusader tries to find the perfect moment to pop the question. Whether it’s the right moment, wrong advice or family meaning a little ‘too well’, this is tougher than saving the planet. There is a great supporting cast of heroes, family and an ex girlfriend who doesn’t get in the way, but is there …just waiting. Thomas’ art is very pleasing and fits the animated style. His story flows well and the dialogue works and is very natural.

Maerkle Press has got a great thing going. Love And Capes is the personal and professional lives we don’t see in the Justice League. This type of story couldn’t be told in those types of books, but here it is the story. 

For more on Thom, Capes and news on the first Love And Capes trade paperback (coming in November from IDW), just go to www.loveandcapes.com.

3.5 out of 5 Engagement Rings

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5-4-08: Flash Gordon (from Ardden Entertainment)

by Matman

Flash Gordon is a character that has different memories for different people. Fans who grew up with his pulp adventures in the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s remember adventure in its purest form. Fans in the 1980’s remember the campy, but brilliant film and incredible animated adventures from Filmation. Well get ready for the new Flash Gordon!

Ardden Entertainment could have taken a few different visual approaches on this one; a realistic look or a stylized one. For the relaunch (and reinvention) of Flash Gordon, they chose the later. Artist Paul Green creates a very Manga type environment. The characters are very noble looking with pronounced features and the technology is very alien. The look is very reminiscent of Chris Bachalo’s work in Steampunk, but cleaner and much brighter. Writer Brendan Deneen (who also acts as one of the publishers) does a great job in setting up the story. We find the inhabitants of Mongo already at war; battle lines drawn and secondary characters like Prince Barin, Gatrath and Tabor take center stage. It’s a little weird to read this and realize in the 12 page story there is no Flash or Dale Arden. But because the story set up is so strong, you don’t even notice. If the characters and situations were flat, this wouldn’t have worked. And the coloring? Beautiful!

As far as the presentation of the comic, it’s top notch! The book has a card stock cover with glossy (and great smelling) pages that hold the inks and colors very well. The first issue will be hitting shelves in August and I for one can’t wait!  

4 out of 5 Flash AAAAHHHHHHHAAAAAAAHHHHHHH’s! (phewww)

For more on Flash Gorden and Ardden Entertainment, click here. 

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4-30-08: Unhappy Gran'ma (Radbu Productions)

by Matman

Most of us have or had a gran’ma (or two) in their lives. Some were as sweet as the day is long. Others are the spawn of Hell who lived to torment! This one’s somewhere in the middle, but it might not be her fault because of some ...altering!  Unhappy Gran’ma is the story of an 80 year old Irish grandmother who has taken it upon herself to clean up the streets of Boston. Packing some serious heat, she takes on a giant robot, gets flippy with some law enforcement officers and ends up in the lair of an evil Nick Fury wannabe named General Campbell!  But not having to fight alone, Unhappy Gran’ma is introduced to a group of super powered…um, helpers.  Harvey the telepathic and really strong bunny, Dr. Strange Fingers and a guy that turns into smoke help our hero fight the bad guys and keep Boston safe!  This may not be an easy task since people all over the city have been exhibiting super powers.  As would be the case in any group or crowd, some have chosen to abuse these gifts, and that is why we need an Unhappy Gran’ma!  

Tom Van Zandt’s (along with writer Markellus Ragan's) story is very clear and easy to follow.  It’s funny without becoming too silly or relying on too much humor to drive the book.  He’s a good storyteller that knows how to keep his focus.  Artist Matt Ryan is a perfect fit for Tom's creation.  Each page has big full panels that come alive in the black and white format.  Matt’s attention to detail is clearly seen in the treads on Gran’ma’s combat boots!  The layouts by Aaron Wood keep the book flowing and free of overcrowding.  It’s evident in the overall look and presentation of the comic that the crew are heavily influenced by the classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!  

My fear in reading this was that in the years this story was working its way out of Tom, it would be diluted and too big for the concept.  Thankfully that didn’t happen.  If Tom Van Zandt set out to write the next Watchmen, he failed miserably!  If his goal was to entertain and give you a lot of fun for three bucks, that he did!

...and it smells good too! 

4 out of 5 Elderly Irish Brogues

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3-24-08: Franklin Richards - Spring Break (Marvel)

by Matman

What happens when Dennis The Menace has cool toys like Iron Man’s armor or H.E.R.B.I.E. the robot as a nanny? How about trouble on an epic level! Franklin Richards is every kid. He’s bored to death and thinks only of himself. Not out of malice, but because that’s what all kids do... even ones with their own robot and parents that are super heroes. In his latest adventure Spring Break, Franklin climbs into (and then gets stuck in) Iron Man’s original suit. Then to avoid trouble on the Dodge Ball court, he brings in a time controller to get back at the kids that torment him. How about a science fair volcano that turns into a real volcano? This and more await you in Franklin Richards - Son of a Genius - Spring Break! Written by Chris Eliopoulos and Marc Sumerak, with perfect art by Chris (not to mention the best lettering this side of Joe Caramagna), this book is a laugh out loud ride you wish was a weekly cartoon.  

5 out of 5 Unlabeled Beakers.      

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3-22-08: Tiny Titans # 2 (from DC Comics)

by Matman

Before most kids know anything about them, they want to be them. I’m talking about super heroes. They have the most colorful costumes, the coolest powers and greatest adventures anywhere. Now some of those heroes are available for the soon to be comic book fan ages 3 to 7. Tiny Titans # 2 is a series of short stories involving the best characters in the entire DC Universe. Kid Flash, Speedy, Aqualad and every other Titan (from all the incarnations of the team, classic to today) are represented in an easy to read and very fun book. Where else will you see the Titans face off against the Fearsome Five for swing set rights or a hero become an Easy Bake Oven?

Art Baltazar’s visuals have a style that makes you feel good when you see it. The panels are big and full of action without being cluttered! He and Franco (one name) co – write the book that has taken classic characters and situations that older Titans fans remember so well and put them in a great format for kids to follow and enjoy. But don't think Tiny Titans can only be enjoyed by kids. It's the target audience, but big people will love it too. This book could be to the elementary age readers what New Teen Titans was to me as an 8th grader lo, those many years ago!  

4 out of 5 Rocks to Beast Boy's Head!    

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3-12-08: Gemini # 1 (from Image Comics)

by Matman

Leave it Jay Faerber for taking comics to a new and entertaining level. With Noble Causes, he combined dysfunctional family behavior with superheroes and made it on of the best comics month after month. Not resting on that, he took the widow of a dead superhero, a bunch of children he spawned out of wedlock, added more dysfunctional, and got the brilliant Dynamo 5. Now, Jay gives us Gemini. 

Gemini is the hero that is always there when he’s needed! He’s like Superman in strength and character, but there’s something weird going on behind the scenes. With Mr. Faerber, there always is. For Dan Johnson, juggling the role of hero and his ‘Secret Identity’ isn’t very hard… because he has no idea he’s a hero. He is sent into a ‘trance’ by a word and controlled and maneuvered by three handlers, all of who have numbers instead of names. Artist Jon Sommariva adds an interesting take on this book. Some of the subject matter can get a little heated, but his style makes it all seem fun and light. With a nod to manga, he adds a Chris Bachelo flair (especially in the fight scenes) and works it into a very enjoyable visual.

This should be another winner for Jay, a great introduction to Jon and an enjoyable read for anyone who picks it up.

4 out of 5 Puppet Masters

Gemini # 1 (from Image Comics) will hit stores (and hopefully your sub list) in May.      

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3-8-08:Dead Space # 1 (Image Comics)

by Matman

I knew nothing about Dead Space before I picked up the first issue. After I read it, I still know nothing about Dead Space! But, that is alright… but please, let me explain. 

Antony Johnston is a master storyteller! Better than anyone else in the genre, he can create an entire world and feed you bits and pieces at a time. Not enough to give you the complete story, but enough to entertain you and keep you interested. Ben Templesmith is a unique talent. His style may not be the ‘norm’, but why would you want it to be. Ben created the eerie visuals for the now classic 30 Days of Night, where his panels made your heart race and his layouts made you feel the cold of Alaskan darkness.

Dead Space is a modern day Alien! We are introduced to a group of colonists, digging for minerals on an alien planet. But as they dig, they uncover a stone structure that some of the crew see as a testament to their religion. As we see, the ‘non believers’ become hostile towards the ‘believers’ and problems ensue. Religious disse