Secret Identity--What's New?

Doctor Who Returns!!! No Spoilers

3/31/2013

by Matman

Tonight Matt Smith begins the latest and possibly greatest adventures of any Doctor as we begin the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who!

Starting off where the Christmas Special ended, the Doctor is without Amy and Rory. We all know, without a companion, the Doctor can get a little nuts. 'The Bells Of Saint John' re-introduces with new companion Jenna - Louise Coleman who helps sets the tone early with a sense of whimsy and fun and seems a bit nuts herself.

New wardrobe, new TARDIS wallpaper and a new intro (with a nice nod to the past) this could be Matt Smith's moment to shine. Following a few deep and very involved arcs, this Who seems to be written to enjoy at face value. For the first time in a while I wasn't looking for clues and was able to just relax and enjoy the episode.

How will Clara's past and her Dalek incarnation play out? I can't wait to find out.

Matman Rating: 5 Out Of 5 Page Ones!

Review--Deadpool #5 (Marvel)

3/28/2013

by Brian LeTendre

After five issues of the new Deadpool series, I am starting to be reminded of why I have never stuck with the character in any of his incarnations.

This initial story arc by writers Brian Posehn and Gerry Duggan hasn’t been bad, but it’s getting tired already.

The premise is that a misguided necromancer raised the former Presidents of the US from the dead in order to restore the country to former glory. Unfortunately, the Presidents go rogue, and are more interested in destroying everything and starting from scratch than fixing what’s wrong with the country right now. Deadpool is hired by SHIELD to return the former leaders to the grave, with the aid of Ben Franklin’s ghost and a magic sword.

Now, don’t get me wrong. The premise of this arc is great, the artwork by Tony Moore is excellent and it’s clear that Posehn and Duggan understand what makes the character of Deadpool work. BUT, much like Deadpool’s humor can fall flat sometimes, this storyline reads like a joke that has gone on too long, and thus lost any of it’s appeal. This entire arc could easily have been told in three issues, and we are now heading to a sixth. I can only see so many dead presidents dismembered before it becomes boring.

Duggan and Posehn began this series with an interesting premise, but have mined it dry. The next issue wraps up the first arc, and from there I’d really like to see shorter stories that focus on Deadpool being placed in absurd situations for one or two issues, but moving on before he overstays his welcome. The pace of this book needs to be like the humor--fast and furious. Because when Deadpool slows down, you realize what a one-trick pony he really is.

2.5 out of 5 Let’s Wrap It Ups

G - Man Is Coming Home In May!

3/27/2013

by Matman

With the recent rash of concern and negativity about certai things going on in the industry (voiced by both Brian and I), it's time we focus on what is great and refreshing in our hobby and that is awesome comic books!

One of our favorite creators and best friends on the planet is writer / artist Chris Giarrusso. His 'Mini Marvels' won us over, his smile has stolen our hearts and his acclaimed 'G - Man' series keeps us coming back for more.

Hitting the shelves on May 1st is the third volume of the 'G - Man' saga... 'Coming Home.' Here, G-Man and Great Man return from their 'Cape Crisis' adventure only to discover that not everyone is happy to see them!

This is by far the best work of Chris' career! And I'm not just saying that because Brian and myself represent Secret Identity starting on page 37. This book has all the classic characters like Tan Man, Billy Demon and the Color Guardians but we are introduced to a new bunch of characters like Cool Wraps, Racing Stripe and the Thunderfriends.

This 128 page, full color comic from Image is priced under ten bucks!

See your retailer and demand your G - Man!!

The Creator Shuffle At DC Exposes A Lack Of Vision For The New 52

3/26/2013

Brian LeTendre

It started with George Perez and Rob Liefeld. Then Chris Roberson. Then we saw Jim Zub (Birds of Prey) and Robert Venditti (Constantine) get the shaft by DC, being pulled off the books before they even launched. And don't forget the whole Gail Simone fiasco.

Then last week, Joshua Hale Fialkov walked off the Green Lantern books, and Andy Diggle dropped off Action Comics.

The primary reason for the departures are similar to why Liefeld left--editorial changes to approved storylines that were already in motion. In fact, that’s a theme that runs through pretty much all of the creative shuffling we’ve seen lately from DC. And that’s just the stuff we’ve been privy to. In reading books like Teen Titans, Superboy, Red Hood and the Outlaws, and countless others, you can almost see the wheels spinning behind the scenes issue to issue.

The bottom line is this: DC created a new universe, and they’re trying to make it everything to everyone on the fly.

It would be like Coca-Cola introducing a new version of Coke, and changing the formula every month, so that you never knew what version you were getting when you picked a two-liter up off the shelf. And then to compound the issue, instead of realizing that the drop in sales was due to an inconsistent product, Coca-Cola just kept tweaking, thinking there was one magical formula that would click with everyone.

Here’s the thing--not everyone is going to be happy with everything. Not every book is going to sell 25,000+ copies a month. Not every character is going to resonate with people. BUT, you have to give them a chance. You have to let creators tell their story. The characters, and the New 52 as a universe, needs time to breathe. Let creators establish the new histories of these characters. Give them time to find a foothold.

You can’t shift gears three issues into a six-issue arc. You can’t change the personality of a character three times in the first year of a book. These things take time to establish. And if you are going to make changes, they have to be gradual, and they have to be earned through good storytelling.

It’s no wonder creators are walking off of books at DC. Their names are being attached to books that have wildly fluctuating quality, and many times the direction of the books are out of their control. Worse still, creators are being threatened into not talking about the editorial interference, leaving readers to hold the creators solely responsible for books that are simply not worth their cover price.

It goes without saying that when you sign on to write or draw someone else’s characters, you are not going to have full creative control. But if you pitch a story and it’s agreed upon from an editorial standpoint, you should be able to tell that story and have it judged by the readers for what it was meant to be.

Maybe Fialkov’s run on the Lantern books would have been awful. Maybe Diggle’s take on Superman would have stunk. I highly doubt either of those things, but we as readers will never get a chance to find out.

And that means we all lose. None more so than DC, who continues to damage their brand and raise questions about the quality of their product at a time when their biggest competitor can seemingly do no wrong. Between Marvel NOW and the second phase of their movie universe kicking off, Marvel smells blood in the water. Batman is only going to keep DC afloat for so long, and what in the world is going to happen when Scott Snyder eventually leaves the Bat family? I'm sure DC doesn't even want to think about that.

I’m still reading a good amount of DC books, and I’m still a supporter of the whole New 52 idea. My biggest fear right now is that DC will pull the plug on the whole thing and go back to the old DCU, dismissing this whole initiative as a failure.

I don’t think you can judge it a failure if you never gave it a chance to work.

John Byrne Brings Back 'Doomsday'

3/25/2013

by Matman

Every time I turn around, IDW seems to reach into my 'happy place' and bring back a comic book or property that was part of lil' Mattie's life. Add to the ever growing list is 'Doomsday.1'

Sorta kinda based on the concepts of Charlton Comics 'Doomsday + 1', this series has global death, wanton destruction and some folks trapped in space who witness the entire thing. And the biggest news about this four issue series is the fact that original series co creator John Byrne will be writing and drawing this series.

In 1975, Byrne and writer Joe Gill conceived the '.1' series for Connecticut based Charlton Comics. In its run we followed three astronauts and a thawed out 3rd century Goth. But not just your typical sci-fi story, the story also featured politics and a love triangle or two.

The series lasted 12 issues (the final six reprinting the first six) and to me was one of my favorite comic series from my youth. 'Doomssday + 1' was like a combination of Kamandi, Space 1999 and Planet Of The Apes, minus the apes.

The 2013 version has seven adventurers on a space station watching as a solar flare destroys most of the earth. And since the book is from IDW you know the quality will be there.

For more information consult this months Previews Guide (Page 161) and then let your local comic book shop know you want some 'Doomsday.1'

The book will feature two covers, one being a subcription variant that is available to only loyal subsription customers. Ask the person behind the counter about that one!

The Comic Book Road Show Welcomes Dan Slott!

3/24/2013

Our good pals Darrell and Chris welcomed a very special guest to their podcast Comic Book Road Show Recently--Mr. Dan Slott. The boys spent almost two full hours talking about everything under the sun with one of the most awesome comic writers in the industry today.

You can listen to the entire episode or download it right here.

NOTE: The podcast does contain some adult language, but don't let that stop you--it's a great epsiode.

Alter Ego Remembers Joe Kubert

3/22/2013

Press Release

Editor ROY THOMAS has devoted issue #116 of his magazine ALTER EGO to pay tribute to his friend, collaborator, and renowned comics artist, JOE KUBERT.

This issue features four separate interviews with Kubert, discussing the different eras of his comic book career, from the 1940s to the 1970s. As artist (and often writer) of Hawkman, Tor, Enemy Ace, Sgt. Rock, Viking Prince, Tarzan, his legacy will reverberate throughout the comics industry for decades to come, and this issue paints just a small portrait of his massive influence.

It also features added art by such Kubert collaborators and contemporaries as RUSS HEATH, NEAL ADAMS, MURPHY ANDERSON, MICHAEL KALUTA, SAM GLANZMAN, and others

The new issue, which will be in stores April 3, also features MICHAEL T. GILBERT exploring the depths of comics history in Mr. Monster's Comic Crypt, historian BILL SCHELLY's Comic Fandom Archive, and FCA (Fawcett Collectors of America), showcasing the conclusion of a 1950s Captain Video story by GEORGE EVANS that inspired Avengers foe Ultron. The issue's cover features characters by JOE KUBERT, with a portrait by DANIEL JAMES COX.

84-page FULL-COLOR magazine

Print version: $8.95 cover priceDigital Edition: $3.95Diamond Comic Distributors Order Code: JAN131395

In anticipation of this book's release, TwoMorrows Publishing is letting readers download a FREE PDF PREVIEW at this link:http://www.twomorrows.com/media/AlterEgo116Preview.pdf

The PRINT EDITION (with FREE DIGITAL EDITION) or DIGITAL EDITION ONLY may be ordered at this link:http://twomorrows.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1074

ALTER EGO #116 is now shipping directly from TwoMorrows Publishing, and will be in stores April 3.

DuckTales and Dungeons & Dragons Return!

3/22/2013

Press Release

Capcom, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, ended its panel at the PAX East convention today with the announcement that three titles from its revered catalogue - DuckTales , Dungeons & Dragons®: Tower of Doom and Dungeons & Dragons®: Shadow over Mystara - are making a welcome return on multiple platforms in the coming months. Originally released in 1989 on the Nintendo Entertainment System, DuckTales was widely acknowledged as one of that generation’s seminal platform titles. Taking its cue from the Disney cartoon series of the same name, DuckTales Remastered follows the adventures of Scrooge McDuck as he explores differently themed worlds to collect their treasures and become the world’s richest duck.

DuckTales Remastered has seen the development team take the levels and layout from the original 1989 release as a foundation before expanding upon them to significantly enhance the gameplay experience but where this update truly impresses is its graphics and sound. All of the visuals from the 8-bit game have been beautifully re-created as hand-drawn and animated sprites, across a backdrop of luscious, re-envisioned level backgrounds. Furthermore, original Disney Character Voices talent, including some from the cartoon TV series, bring in-game characters to life with charm and wit, while the classic melodies of the original soundtrack are given a modern twist.

Further additions to the original include an all new tutorial level where players can get familiar with the iconic pogo jump and cane swing; while Scrooge McDuck’s Museum allows players to track all their stats and compare their progress with others via global leaderboards.

A Disney Interactive licensed property, DuckTales Remastered is being developed for Capcom by WayForward and is scheduled for release digitally on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and Wii U™ this summer.

As the first modern role playing game, the Dungeons & Dragons franchise from Wizards of the Coast gave birth to numerous products including two arcade titles from Capcom, Dungeons & Dragons: Tower of Doom and its sequel Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow over Mystara. Both these titles are now being re-released with updated HD graphics and a wealth of other enhancements as a definitive double pack entitled Dungeons & Dragons ®: Chronicles of Mystara™. Scheduled for release digitally on PlayStation 3, Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360, Wii U and Windows PC in June, the title is being developed for Capcom by Iron Galaxy and will be priced at $14.99/€14.99/£11.99/1200 MSP.

Just as in the arcades, up to four players will select their character class before doing battle against the mythical beasts from the Dungeons & Dragons’ universe with a mix of melee, range and magic attacks. But now, thanks to GGPO, there’s no need to jostle for position around a cabinet as Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara offers seamless drop-in/drop-out online gameplay in one of two modes. In addition to the classic arcade mode with its branching paths and multiple endings, players can utilize the all new House Rules feature and customize gameplay for a completely different experience.

The new extras don’t stop there. The Character Visualizer lets players track which characters they and their friends use most often and can help create a more balanced multiplayer dungeon party, or point out which characters are most under-used; with further gameplay stats tracked via a global leaderboard. Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara also includes a Challenge system that sets players in-game goals in return for level-ups and coins which can be spent in the Vault: a treasure trove of unlockables and gameplay loot. Finally, owners of the Wii U version will be able to use the GamePad touch screen to select spells and items with ease, allowing for a more streamlined gameplay experience.

More Snow (Job) On The Way!

3/21/2013

An update and some news from our friend Sean Wang and his Kickstarter update.

"Just wanted to give you an update on my Runners Kickstarter project. It's been doing really well and met its goal, but I'm also trying to use it beyond fundraising to fold in new readers as well. I now officially have just days left to go on it, so I'm doing a last push to try to get the word out. The campaign ends on March 28!"

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/621975803/runners-the-big-snow-job-graphic-novel

It's Comic Wednesday! What Books Are You Picking Up?

3/20/2013

It's Wednesday, and that means new comics! There's a ton of great books coming out this week, some of which are listed below. So what are you going to be grabbing at your local comic shop?

I'll be picking up Adventure Time, Constantine, Daredevil, GI Joe, Nightwing, Nova, Red Hood and the Outlaws and Revival.

--Brian

ACTION COMICS #18
ADVENTURE TIME #14
ALL NEW X-MEN #9 NOW
ARTIFACTS #26
AVENGERS #8 NOW
BATMAN BEYOND UNLIMITED #14
BATWOMAN #18
BIONIC MAN #18
BIRDS OF PREY #18
BPRD HELL ON EARTH #105
CABLE AND X-FORCE #6 NOW2
CAPTAIN AMERICA #5 NOW
CAPTAIN MARVEL #11
CATWOMAN #18
CHEW #32
CONAN THE BARBARIAN #14
CONSTANTINE #1
DAMSELS #6
DAREDEVIL #24
DARK AVENGERS #188
DARK HORSE PRESENTS #22
DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #18
DEADPOOL #6 NOW
DOCTOR WHO PRISONERS OF TIME #3
ELEPHANTMEN #47 (MR)
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT ASSASSINS #9
FABLES #127
FLASH GORDON ZEITGEIST #10
GFT MADNESS OF WONDERLAND #2 (OF 4)
GI JOE #2
GI JOE SPECIAL MISSIONS #1
GREEN LANTERN NEW GUARDIANS #18 (WRATH)
HARBINGER #10
HELLRAISER DARK WATCH #2
INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK #5 NOW2
INVINCIBLE #101
JENNIFER BLOOD #24
JSA LIBERTY FILES THE

WHISTLING SKULL #4
JUDGE DREDD YEAR ONE #1
JUSTICE LEAGUE #18
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #2
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICAS VIBE #2
LEGION OF SUPER HEROES #18
MY LITTLE PONY MICRO SERIES #2
NEW AVENGERS #4 NOW
NIGHTWING #18
NOVA #2 NOW
QUEEN SONJA #34
RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #18
REVIVAL #8
SAGA #11 (MR)
SAVAGE WOLVERINE #3 NOW
SONIC UNIVERSE #50
STAR TREK COUNTDOWN TO DARKNESS #3
STAR WARS LEGACY #1
STEED AND MRS PEEL ONGOING #6
SUPERGIRL #18
SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #6 NOW
SWORD OF SORCERY #6
TMNT ONGOING #20
TMNT SECRET FOOT CLAN #4 (OF 4)
TRANSFORMERS FALL OF CYBERTRON #1
TRANSFORMERS MORE THAN MEETS EYE #15
ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #21
WOLVERINE MAX #5 (MR)
WONDER WOMAN #18
X-FACTOR #253
X-O MANOWAR #11
X-TERMINATION #1 XT (OF 2)
ZOMBIES VS CHEERLEADERS #1

<<Previous

Doctor Who Returns!!! No Spoilers

Review--Deadpool #5 (Marvel)

G - Man Is Coming Home In May!

The Creator Shuffle At DC Exposes A Lack Of Vision For The New 52

John Byrne Brings Back 'Doomsday'

The Comic Book Road Show Welcomes Dan Slott!

Alter Ego Remembers Joe Kubert

DuckTales and Dungeons & Dragons Return!

More Snow (Job) On The Way!

It's Comic Wednesday! What Books Are You Picking Up?

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