Secret Identity--What's New?

Kickstarter Alert: The Adventures of Aero-Girl

2/28/2013

A while back we told you about a cool new action comic by writer DeWayne Feenstra called Midnight Tiger. DeWayne and artist/creator Ray-Anthony Height ran a successful Kickstarter project, and issue #1 of Midnight Tiger is about to be released (you can find out more on the Midnight Tiger Facebook page).

This month, DeWayne has returned with another Kickstarter project, this one an all-ages book called The Adventures of Aero-Girl. The series is described as "A modern Golden-Age story of a teen superhero dealing with the death of her hero father with the help of a super-powered gorilla."

The awards for supporting the project range from digital copies of the book, to plush versions of one of the characters, to a cameo in the book itself!

You can watch the pitch for The Adventures of Aero-Girl in the player below, and then head over to the official Kickstarter page for more info.

Where It Began! Countdown To 500

2/27/2013

As we get ready to record our 500th episode of Secret Identity, we are reminded of our humble beginnings!

For the first 4 years, we recorded the show on Friday nights (following Sci-Fi Friday Nights), both huddled around a Logitec microphone and talking comic books, movies, TV, cartoons and gaming.

Please send us your comments, memories or well wishes as we get ready to celebrate this milestone!

matmancomics@yahoo.com

Review--Cable and X-Force #3 (Marvel)

2/26/2013

by Brian LeTendre

Over the past few years, I've been in and out of the X-world, and most of what I've read are not the core titles of that corner of the Marvel U. One of my favorites over that time was Cable, as the whole series revolved around his hopping through time with Hope and trying to raise her and prepare her for the major role she would play in our present time.

In a lot of ways, Cable and X-Force picks up where that series left off. Of course,there are some major events that have occurred in the world of the X-Men recently, but the heart of this book has become the dynamic between Cable and Hope, and that's what I really like about it. In this issue, X-Force is trying to avert a terrorist attack that is designed to frame mutants and start a chain reaction of "humans vs. mutants" activities. Cable is still struggling with being overprotective of Hope, and that comes to the forefront in this issue, as he tries to keep her from accompanying X-Force on their mission.

Writer Dennis Hopeless seems to have really dialed in on the dynamic between Cable and Hope, which I think is imperative to getting this book right. Salvadore Larocca has no trouble depicting both the character drama and the action in this one, and as always, Frank D'Armata's colors are superb.

Even if you're not that interested in the X-universe, Cable and X-Force provides and interesting family dynamic, a solid supporting cast and enough action that you'll get your money's worth.

4 out of 5

Matman's State Of The Union # 5 - DC Comics

2/25/2013

This will be a tough one because right now, DC is in a tough spot and as a lifelong DC fan this is a bit uncomfortable!

Since the 'New 52' relaunch a few years ago, DC has gone from pure positive momentum to stumbling at every bump in the road. Recently, creators have fallen, books have been canceled and overall confusion seems to be all we hear coming from my favorite comic company.

Where DC seems to be struggling the most is not knowing how to fix any problems within the books. Green Arrow and Firestorm had so many creative teams and the Superman family of books is in complete disarray. Management or the folks who make the decisions need to get the best creators on the books and give them the autonomy to tell the stories that readers want to read.

Now this is not saying all at DC is bad! If you look at the Batman family, 'Green Lantern', 'All Star Western', 'Flash', 'Animal Man' and 'Swamp Thing' to mention a few are must reads and the best books on the market. 'Before Watchmen' brought the best creators together and told an incredible story that I loved and 'Death Of The Family' told a tale so chilling I had to get every book that had the 'DOTF' logo.

Sadly Geoff Johns, Scott Snyder and Jeff Lemire can't write every book in the DCU, but they don't have to. You have Gail Simone, Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray that have proved time and time again what they can do... so let them.

Something is causing a problem at DC and it needs to be fixed right now! I'm not sure if DC is quite aware of the fan disappointment, but they need to be and soon. With so many other companies offering so many amazing books, they be losing sales as well.

Sadly at this time I must give DC the grade of a 'C'.

Review--Witch Hunter #11 (Monarch Comics)

2/24/2013

by Brian LeTendre

Jon Redmont is Witch Hunter--killed as a boy during the Salem witch hunts, he is resurrected three centuries later to battle a secret society bent on remaking the world through the magic they are stealing from humanity.

In the past few issues, Witch Hunter has started to question his purpose, as he's finding out that what he knows of his own past may not be entirely true. Issue #11 has a Shakespearean theme to it, as the infamous Lady Macbeth herself makes an appearance. Freed from an artifact that served as her prison, Lady Macbeth uses Witch Hunter's self-doubt to manipulate him, causing him to do something he never imagined--hurt someone close to him.

Ferrante does an excellent job of weaving the character of Lady Macbeth and a good amount of Shespearean dislogue into the story, while keeping the things grounded in the Witch Hunter universe. This series started out with clear lines drawn between good and evil, but those lines have blurred as of late, and Ferrante is putting readers through the wringer right alongside his main character.

Vin Ferrante's Witch Hunter series has been consistently enjoyable from the start, and the main character's story is getting more intriguing with each issue. Filled with imaginative characters, supernatural adventures and a healthy dose of humor, Witch Hunter has a little something for everybody.

4.5 out of 5 Queens of Manipulation

NOTE: If you haven't checked out Witch Hunter yet, you can grab the first issue of the series for FREE over on Drive Thru Comics right now. You can also keep up with everythinng Witch Hunter at www.monarchcomics.com.

Matman's State Of The Union # 4 - Archie Comics!

2/23/2013

We have said many times on the show that the comic industry needs Archie Comics! For many readers it was an Archie comic that was their first book.

In the almost 70 years of Archie, Betty, Veronica and the gang, the quality and innocent fun has never changed. Recently Archie Comics has branched out of their 'comfort zone' and made some comics that are fresh and relevant yet retain their trademark.KISS meets Archie? Archie and Valerie? George Takei? Oh my!

Between the regular size comics and the page packed digests (found at most grocery stores), Archie Comics has also made some incredible collections of current and classic material.

Recently, Archie introduced Keven Keller, an openly gay character that has fit in incredibly well with the gang. In fact his monthly comic is my favorite of anything the company publishes.

Among the regular comics line Archie also publishes under the Red Circle line; a line of all ages adventure comics. The first book 'New Crusaders' (written by Ian Flynn) has been an amazing book for readers who love great stories and art!

So take a trip to Riverdale and get hooked into some amazing comics that do everything they should do... entertain the readers. With everything going on, Archie Comics deserves a big fat 'A'!

Review--Daredevil #22 (Marvel)

2/22/2013

by Brian LeTendre

The latest issue of Daredevil brings Matt into contact with the Otto Octavius version of Spider-Man, and it makes for an awkward, but entertaining read.

The issue opens in the wake of Matt walking away from his law practice after a blowout between he and Foggy. Matt's realizing that he's pretty short on funds, and he has to leverage some of his Daredevil notoriety just to get a free meal. As he's wallowing in his current situation, Spider-man comes calling, and he's looking to take Daredevil in.

Those that haven't been reading the last few issues might be a bit confused, as there was a moment where Daredevil was thought to be a public menace, and that's the info Octo Spidey is operating with as he tries to take Daredevil in to the authorities. Lucky for the both of them, their battle of misunderstanding is interrupted by none other than Stilt-Man, giving them a common for to focus on.

This issues kind of sticks to the standard "two superheroes fight and then become pals" formula, but the added twist here is that we know about Octo Spidey, and Matt's extra senses keep telling him there is something off about this version of Peter Parker. You get the sense that if they spent a little more time together, Matt would figure things out before long. He has bigger things to focus on however, chief among them repairing his relationship with Foggy, which leads to a foreboding ending that promises to be a major storyline in the months to come.

As usual, Chris Samnee kills it on art, and continues to prove he is a great match for Waid's storytelling. Daredevil continues to be one of the most consistent books on the stands, and even a so-so issue of this book tends to be better than a lot of what's out there.

4 out of 5

Matman's State Of The Union # 3 - Valiant

2/21/2013

When it was announced that Valiant was going to make it's return to comics... I didn't care. I didn't read the originals so I didn't have any vested interest in the characters so their return meant nothing to me. My memories of Valiant was the multiple covers, cards in the books and multiple crossovers that many fans blame as the beginning of the end of the comic industry.

So much for history!

In Valiant's return they took it slow by issuing one book at a time, one a month. This was a great strategy not to flood the market and give buyers a chance to read the first issues without a huge investment. I took a chance on all of them and currently...I'm still reading all of them.

And there is something for everyone, for every taste. 'Harbinger' and 'X-O Manowar' are incredible reads but my top three are the quirky 'Archer and Armstrong', the shoot 'em up 'Bloodshot' and the best of the best 'Shadowman'! All five books are in my monthly top 20.

With creators like Joshua Dysart, Duane Swierczynski, Manuel Garcia (my favorite artist of 2012), Patrick Zircher, Justin Jordan, Clayton Henry and Fred Van Lente putting their talents on these books, the future of Valiant is secure!

I was going to mention the only thing that worries me is the day they announce a company wide crossover! Well, coming in April is the crossover event 'Harbinger Wars' which will tie in all the title in the Valiant-verse. But with everything they have been doing right...I shouldn't be worried.

If you are not happy with a few of the books you are currently reading, than give a Valiant book a shot. Giving a grade is a 'no brainer' because everyone of their books is a must read, so for that they get an 'A'! Quality books, thoughtful storytelling and beautiful art is what Valiant is all about!

Review--Archer & Armstrong #2 (Valiant)

2/20/2013

by Brian LeTendre

Fred Van Lente writes a story about a booze-swilling immortal and his young sidekick. They get into crazy and often humorous adventures together as they try to save the world from very bad things.

I know what you’re thinking--Incredible Hercules, right?

Wrong. Archer & Armstrong.

Archer is a young man who was raised by a cult to believe that Armstrong is an unholy entity that must be assassinated. It’s not too long before Archer finds out that what he once believed was a lie, and he and Armstrong become unlikely partners in saving the world from the machinations of the cult that raised Archer. Issue #2 in particular features the beginning of the partnership, and then a trip halfway across the world, for an Indiana Jones-like adventure in Rome.

Van Lente is a perfect fit for this book. The relationship he creates between the two main characters is perfect, and reminds me so much of his work on Incredible Hercules. Clayton Henry’s art is outstanding, as he manages to handle everything from the action to the humorous exchanges with a consistent style that works so well with Van Lente’s writing.

Archer & Armstrong is fun from start to finish. Get it.

5 out of 5 Perfect Pairings

Matman's State Of The Union # 2 - IDW Publishing

2/19/2013

It was a few years ago when I bought my first IDW comic... Gene Simmon's Dominatrix'! Even then I noticed a difference in the way IDW did things and didn't feel bad or guilty spending the extra buck per book because you don't mind paying for quality.

FACT! I currently read over 60% of the IDW line!

Here we are some years later and IDW doesn't seem like the same company it once was. Their stable of books contains a few of my favorite things in the world like Doctor Who, KISS, Judge Dredd, Godzilla, Mars Attacks and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. In fact their recent 'Mars Attacks' event is my early choice for best mini series or event for 2013.

But among the other incredible books (Ghostbusters, G.I. Joe, Star Trek, Transformers, Popeye, and Rocketeer) they have an incredible stable of talent including John Layman, Chris Ryall, Andy Diggle, Chuck Dixon, Duane Swierczynski and Erik Burnham who make sure the comics are the best they possibly can be.

The only negative I have with IDW is in their coloring process. Many books seem to be flat and lose depth and detail with the colors. In books like 'G.I Joe', Mars Attacks' and 'TMNT', sometimes the action scenes don't come to life like they should.

This looks to be a great year for IDW with the relaunches of 'G.I. Joe' and 'Ghostbusters' and the top 20 status of 'My Little Pony'. It's time for IDW to be spoken about in the same breath as Marvel and DC and with Editor In Chief Chris Ryall at the wheel, it's only a matter of time before they are! I give IDW an 'A' for Awesome!

<<Previous

Kickstarter Alert: The Adventures of Aero-Girl

Where It Began! Countdown To 500

Review--Cable and X-Force #3 (Marvel)

Matman's State Of The Union # 5 - DC Comics

Review--Witch Hunter #11 (Monarch Comics)

Matman's State Of The Union # 4 - Archie Comics!

Review--Daredevil #22 (Marvel)

Matman's State Of The Union # 3 - Valiant

Review--Archer & Armstrong #2 (Valiant)

Matman's State Of The Union # 2 - IDW Publishing

Sponsored by:

What's New?

Archives

Categories

Get Social With Us

Subscribe To Our RSS Feed

Looking For The Old SI Website?