February 28, 2014
Stay Classy, Marvel Universe!
Well, I can honestly say I didn't see that coming. When the full Guardians of the Galaxy trailer premiered last week I really wasn't expecting hilarity amongst the stars. Iron Man 3 was a laugh riot, but it wasn't promoted that way. All those Iron Man 3 trailers were heavy. There was nothing about Tony's house being blown into the ocean that made me double over in hysterics. But Guardians is going straight for the jugular. At least that's how this first trailer looks.
But we all know trailers can be deceiving. Remember the Adventureland trailer that made it look like Caddyshack, but in reality is was an unfunny, awkward drama? And how about the most recent trailers for Vampire Academy? One that's CLEARLY geared toward Twilight fans and the other that sets it up as a tongue-in-cheek laugh riot.
Our good colleague "Image" Matt has posited that the bulk of the funny parts were in this trailer, and the finished product will be a little more serious. I agree that while this is going to be a funny movie, there will also be enough drama to pull it all together.
Guardians of the Galaxy is close to my heart. Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning's run endeared me to those characters more than the classic Marvel heroes. Comedy or no, I hope this movie does their run on the book justice.
-Gint
February 27, 2014
Soss' 2-27-14 Pull-List Review
Black Widow #1
Panel of the Week: Noto draws a stunning Natasha.
I think Black Widow #1 was supposed to be a mash-up of super heroics and Mission Impossible. That sounds great as a premise but it fell flat for me. I wasn't attached to this portrayal of Natasha Romanoff one bit. She was written in a way that I honestly didn't care what happened to her. Not exactly what you would be hoping for in a spy thriller.
I'm not gonna lie, I bought this book strictly for Phil Noto's artwork. I'm happy to say that he once again brought his A-game. I love how he pulls off a monochromatic, non-inked style and makes it work every time. Hopefully I'll warm up to this book. -Soss
Panel of the Week: Noto draws a stunning Natasha.
February 26, 2014
McSoss Podcast Episode 44: Surprise, SPORTS
This week we discuss the Guardians of the Galaxy trailer, the casting of the upcoming Fantastic Four film, and speculate how awesome NBC’s Constantine could be if
Pierre McGuire was cast as the titular character.
Subscribe in the iTunes store, listen through Stitcher Radio or stream via Podomatic:
February 24, 2014
I Don't Like You Either
I told you there would be an influx of Transformers-related comics coming up lately.
This one was a particular pleasure because I really dug into some GoBots research. Even lost myself for days down the GoBots Wikipedia rabbit hole. It was a lot of fun looking up GoBots and realizing I had those toys and had no idea what toy line they were from. UNLIKE the easily discernible Transformers, GoBots didn't have any kind of, say... Autobot or Decepticon logo to let you know what they were. And some of the quality was so poor they looked like knockoffs of themselves. Poor GoBots.
Alas, all of my Transformers/GoBots crossovers will stay relegated to my childhood or if I decide to write more stories from the Cybertron Cantina.
-Gint
February 23, 2014
Gint's 2-19-14 Pull-List Review
You know you've had a good comic week when each book was enjoyable.
Seventh Place:
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe #10
Of the 20 pages in this book, about 15 of them were filler. We get multiple panels of different characters asking Stratos where he found the ship they're on and multiple explanations about how the sky of Subternia connects all the levels of Subternia. Basically all we need is in the last two pages: King Hiss has been masquerading as King Randor for a long time.
The story by Dan Abnett has been good, but definitely could be helped by some compression. The last two issues spent too much time doing nothing but fighting in Subternia. Its time to move on.
Michael S. O'Hare's art. Its very angular with stylized characters. A few panels come off too cartoony, but over all he's putting on some great work.
Sixth Place:
Seventh Place:
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe #10
Of the 20 pages in this book, about 15 of them were filler. We get multiple panels of different characters asking Stratos where he found the ship they're on and multiple explanations about how the sky of Subternia connects all the levels of Subternia. Basically all we need is in the last two pages: King Hiss has been masquerading as King Randor for a long time.
The story by Dan Abnett has been good, but definitely could be helped by some compression. The last two issues spent too much time doing nothing but fighting in Subternia. Its time to move on.
Michael S. O'Hare's art. Its very angular with stylized characters. A few panels come off too cartoony, but over all he's putting on some great work.
Sixth Place:
Green Lantern: New Guardians #28
Written by Justin Jordan and drawn by Brad Walker, this issue starts a new arc called The Godkillers. There's a group of people in the universe traveling from planet to planet killing the gods of those planets' people.
What I liked most about this issue is the way Jordan and Walker make sure to use the shared universe DC has given them. There's no direct mention of it in the issue, but if you've been a DC Comics reader you'll recognize, not only the character Kaland'r as being from Tamaran, but also her god X'hal. Starfire, throughout many incarnations of the character, has mentioned that name. So its nice to see a little touch like that included in a book.
The story isn't groundbreaking just yet, but its entertaining enough. As for the art, Brad Walker has yet to draw a bad book.
Justice League #28
Recently, my cohorts and I have been discussing the current boring nature of the New 52 since all the costumes, designs and origin stories have been coming from the same handful of people. What made the OLD 52 exciting, was you had 50+ years of varied styles and creators to choose from. It made for an intricate tapestry of a full, rich universe. Something the New 52 is lacking.
That being said, this was a really cool issue. Drawn by Ivan Reis and written by Geoff Johns, we get the introduction of the Metal Men in the New 52. Gone is the pipe smoking, plaid jacket-wearing Doctor Will Magnus, replaced by a brilliant, younger version of himself. The Metal Men themselves are pretty much the same, with slightly more dynamic personalities.
Johns and Reis pour the emotion into this issue. They make me care more about the Metal Men in just ONE issue than I have about Cyborg in TWENTY-EIGHT.
X-Men #11
This was a really cool issue despite any artistic inconsistencies. The first 15 pages are credited to Kris Anka, but either he had help, or he has two different styles. Pages 1-4 are brilliant as are 12-15, but all those pages in the middle take a serious quality hit. Oddly, its the pages that feature the X-Men that are the rough ones. And I think it affects the story.
After this issue, I'm more interested in what the villains are dealing with than the X-Men's point of view. Brian Wood's perspective of Ana Cortes, Typhoid Mary and the Enchantress being in over their heads with Arkea is what really has me hooked now. When Wood is left to his own devices, he can write a good X-book.
It should also be noted, the last 4 pages that detail a "part 2" of the story if you will, are drawn brilliantly by Clay Mann. If he was on a whole book, I'd be excited to read it.
Third Place:
Animal Man #28
I believe this is the second to last issue of Animal Man. March's #29 should wrap up Jeff Lemire's run and the series itself. Its sad to see it go. Its been a seriously great run.
Buddy and Maxine Baker make their last stand to save each other and the Red from Brother Blood and an evil Totem. Needless to say, our heroes come out on top. Rafael Albequerque continues his great work, making all the right artistic choices helping to make this book as good as its been.
There are honestly very few bad things to say about this book. If you like quasi-superheroes with a horror tilt, then you should be reading this book. Now that I think about it, I'd love to see an Animal Man/B.P.R.D. crossover.
Second Place:
Batman and Two-Face #28
Man, this must be the week for emotional beats. Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason write a couple good ones this issue as they wrap up the Two-Face arc.
With the Animated Series and, seemingly, The Long Halloween as inspiration, the creative team really pulls the heart strings for Harvey Dent and Bruce's tragic relationship. The majority of the issue takes place in an inferno where Batman saves Two-Face with a couple well placed flashbacks. This story fits so well inside a couple of my favorite Batman tales that its hard to imagine this one won't make in there also.
A brilliantly simple Batman story that I'm eager to sit down and read again, all in one sitting.
First Place:
Nova #13
Once again Marvel is pulling the old bait-and-switch with the big "#1" on the cover. This book is NOT the first in a new arc. Its actually the second. I really hope Marvel's shady numbering standards are helping with sales because its just aggravating regular fans. Or at least, me.
But aside from that, fuck is this a fun book. Gerry Duggan's story and Paco Medina's art make the perfect tone for a young superhero trying to find his way. If you liked those early Ultimate Spider-Man stories, you'd love this.
I'm a Nova fan. I love the concept and DO believe they're powerful. But seeing the novice Sam Alexander pretty much go toe to toe with the experienced Beta Ray Bill was a little unbelievable. I think Bill should have put him on his ass a lot harder. But small nerd arguments like that are part of what's made this book such a great read.
Panel of the Week:
Patrick Gleason dumps so much emotion into this panel. Perfectly placed with no dialog in the middle of chaos. Great stuff.
-Gint
Third Place:
Animal Man #28
I believe this is the second to last issue of Animal Man. March's #29 should wrap up Jeff Lemire's run and the series itself. Its sad to see it go. Its been a seriously great run.
Buddy and Maxine Baker make their last stand to save each other and the Red from Brother Blood and an evil Totem. Needless to say, our heroes come out on top. Rafael Albequerque continues his great work, making all the right artistic choices helping to make this book as good as its been.
There are honestly very few bad things to say about this book. If you like quasi-superheroes with a horror tilt, then you should be reading this book. Now that I think about it, I'd love to see an Animal Man/B.P.R.D. crossover.
Second Place:
Batman and Two-Face #28
Man, this must be the week for emotional beats. Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason write a couple good ones this issue as they wrap up the Two-Face arc.
With the Animated Series and, seemingly, The Long Halloween as inspiration, the creative team really pulls the heart strings for Harvey Dent and Bruce's tragic relationship. The majority of the issue takes place in an inferno where Batman saves Two-Face with a couple well placed flashbacks. This story fits so well inside a couple of my favorite Batman tales that its hard to imagine this one won't make in there also.
A brilliantly simple Batman story that I'm eager to sit down and read again, all in one sitting.
First Place:
Nova #13
Once again Marvel is pulling the old bait-and-switch with the big "#1" on the cover. This book is NOT the first in a new arc. Its actually the second. I really hope Marvel's shady numbering standards are helping with sales because its just aggravating regular fans. Or at least, me.
But aside from that, fuck is this a fun book. Gerry Duggan's story and Paco Medina's art make the perfect tone for a young superhero trying to find his way. If you liked those early Ultimate Spider-Man stories, you'd love this.
I'm a Nova fan. I love the concept and DO believe they're powerful. But seeing the novice Sam Alexander pretty much go toe to toe with the experienced Beta Ray Bill was a little unbelievable. I think Bill should have put him on his ass a lot harder. But small nerd arguments like that are part of what's made this book such a great read.
Panel of the Week:
Patrick Gleason dumps so much emotion into this panel. Perfectly placed with no dialog in the middle of chaos. Great stuff.
-Gint
February 21, 2014
Hipsters, Roll Out!
GoBots have always been the Transformers lesser cousins. After all, you don't see Michael Bay ruining their franchise do you? No, you don't. But the GoBots had their own cool characters that, when I was child were able to hang side by side with my Transformers during playtime.
Renegades like Cy-Kill and Cop-Tur were badass and Guardians Leader-1 and Turbo were just as heroic as the Autobots. Overall, the toys and cartoon were made with a much smaller budget which resulted in the Transformers taking over. Sure, those aren't the only reasons. The Transformers toys were ridiculously cool. They still are. And Optimus Prime alone is one of the most iconic characters created in the last 30 years.
After looking up characters, I turns out I had a lot more of them then I realized. While they're used to getting shit on, I'll always have a soft spot for the GoBots.
-Gint
February 20, 2014
Soss 2-20-14 Pull-List Review
The Fuse #1
Image's newest offering is a sci-fi procedural that follows detectives Dietrich and Klem on their first day together as new partners. The scene is set on the satellite space station of Midway City. There isn't much in the environment to tip you off that this is supposed to be the future, no alien, weird technology or strange dress. It's has a very lived-in universe feel.
This book is all about setting up the dynamics of the relationship between Dietrich and Klem. Much like a television pilot episode first issues aren't always the most exciting. The Fuse #1 falls into that category. The story centers on their investigation of dead "cablers", homeless folks with something extra and mysterious about them. What that is....I guess we will have to wait for that explanation.
My major complaint about this book is the androgynous way Justin Greenwood draws Klem. I understand that she is supposed to be a grizzled and hardened woman but thats no reason to present her as a creepy old man. I'm not asking for Psylocke here but it would be nice to know the characters sex without having to read it in a word ballon. -$
Panel of the Week: Wait! This Marilyn Manson looking cat is a woman? This was almost at the end of the story.
McSoss Podcast Episode 43: Cowboy Jedi
This week we discuss the upcoming animated show Star Wars Rebels, review the remake of Robocop and do some Whatcha’ Been Readin’.
Subscribe in the iTunes store, listen through Stitcher Radio or stream via Podomatic:
February 17, 2014
Black Hero History Month
Happy Black History Month, everybody! The truth behind this strip is that I think Snake-Eyes SHOULD be African-American. Or African-Asian. Through my entire childhood I imagined Snake-Eyes AND Destro as being black. Maybe Destro because he was always a playa. J'onn J'onzz, DC's Martian Manhunter's human form will also always be black to me.
The common denominator is that Jazz, Panthro, Hotwing and Martian Manhunter were all voiced by black actors. Each actor made their character an essential part of the cartoons they were part of and left indelible marks on myself, and I'm sure millions of other kids around the world.
So here's to all of the African-American actors in front and behind the camera that made my childhood better for them having played a part in it.
-Gint
Gint's 2-12-14 Pull-List Review
It a race for last place this week as more than one book vie to be the new feature "Garbage Book of the Week!" Without further ado...
Garbage Book of the Week:
Batman #28
Okay folks. The Scott Snyder experiment is over. I'm ready for a new creative team on this book after Zero Year. Zero Year has been great. Snyder and Greg Capullo have been hooking it up, but with Harper Row as "Bluebird," some other mystery chick working in the Batcave and the introduction of Spoiler, I'm just not interested.
This book is a flash-forward. The current Batman takes place 5 years BEFORE the present. This issue took place a year AFTER the present, giving us a glimpse of what's to come in the future of Batman. The glimpse shows a Gotham I don't want to live in with Selina Kyle running all the crime and Batman working with a bunch of unrecognizable characters. It looks like we'll get the answers to all these mysteries in the weekly Batman: Eternal. Someone let me know how it is.
The best thing about this book was the art of Dustin Nguyen. He's an amazing artist that should be on a big boy DC book, not something like Lil' Gotham (though its really cute).
Fifth Place:
Star Wars #14
Zzzzzzzz... huh? Oh, sorry. Fell asleep for a second because this book was BORRRRRR-IIIIIIING! The second issue that follows the unlikely black/Latino Ensign Nanda as she pilots Darth Vader around the universe looking for answers about the traitorous Captain Bircher.
Writer Brian Wood and artist Facundo Percio do their best to try to make this book exciting and emotional, and don't reach that goal. There a scene of Darth Vader fighting four elite Stormtroopers who turn on him, then single-handedly repairing a hole in the ship, but that's about it for excitement.
I think Wood is trying to bring back the badass Darth Vader from the pre-Prequel days before George Lucas neutered him. Thanks for trying, Brian. I appreciate the effort.
Fourth Place:
Green Lantern #28
This is a "special flipbook issue" that sandwiches Green Lantern #28 and Red Lanterns #28 into one back to back book. The positive is that you get 2 issues for $2.99. The bad news is you get 2 issues of the current Green Lantern Universe for $2.99.
I didn't bother reading the Red Lanterns half of the book because I stand firm that that book shouldn't exist at all. I also abhor Guy Gardner's new white trash look. But that's anther story. As far as the rest of the issue went, its a bunch of stuff we already know sandwiched around Supergirl's arrival on Mogo losing her mind with a red lantern ring. We also get to see Saint Walker being a giant pussy and refusing to use his ring. This character note seems a 180 from who he was when Geoff Johns wrote him. If he's the LAST of the Blue Lanterns, and he was the FIRST that hope sought to find, his faith shouldn't be shaken so quickly.
Sometimes I think I'm being too hard on this book and this new team's run on all these titles. But coming off of 9 years of what I thought was the perfect comic book, I'm going to be a little biased.
Third Place:
Green Lantern Corps #28
As far as Green Lantern books go, this was more like it. Since the creative team changeover, Corps has been the most consistent Lantern book on the stands. This issue reinforces that.
Bernard Chang, a personal favorite artist of mine draws an amazing issue. The interesting thing about the art are some panel color choices. The book is mainly colored traditionally, but every so often you'll get one panel that's stark black, white and red. I assume its supposed to highlight those panels, but it pulls the reader out of the book more that it does anything else.
Van Jensen writes the GL's going undercover to find Von Daggle, an undercover Lantern who has since quit the Corps. He's also a Durlan, the alien race that's been attacking them. Jensen does a nice job making John Stewart a no-nonsense badass and surrounds him with the right cast to make that happen.
Second Place:
Superman Wonder Woman #5
For as much as I loved Man of Steel, I wasn't really sure about bringing Faora into the current comic continuity. A big part of me still wishes she was Ursa, but whatevs. The way Charles Soule and Tony Daniel have introduced her makes her inclusion very cool.
Diana goes back to Themyscira to find that Doom's Doors (the doors to hell that the Amazon's have been tasked with protecting) have been opened and something got out. Adding this to Doomsday's appearance earlier in their run, with the upcoming Doomsday event that's being planning and its already a better story than the original Death of Superman. But that's speculation.
This issue is a knock down drag out with Supes, Wonder Woman, Zod and Faora. And WW has to bail Supes out. Daniel does a great job showing Supes getting his ass absolutely handed to him. They accomplish making you scared for an indestructible character.
A great book, folks. Everyone should be reading it.
First Place:
Rogues Rebellion #5
One more issue to go. Here's to Brian Buccellato and Scott Hepburn wrapping this book up with a bang. So far I think its been the surprise hit of 2014.
Scott Hepburn's art has a cool stylized feel that has fit the tone of Buccellato's writing perfectly. And Buccellato continues to make the Rogues the coolest "bad guys" in the DCnU. Him, and by extension Francis Manapul have given me a team of bad guys to replace the Secret Six.
The team has been whittled down from 5 to 2 by the time this issue ends. The Crime Syndicate and their followers really give the Rogues a beat down in each issue. But the Rogues continue to fight and give you a true underdog to root for. Not unlike this book.
Panel of the Week:
And example of Bernard Chang and the art team's color changes in Green Lantern Corps this month.
-Gint
Garbage Book of the Week:
Batman #28
Okay folks. The Scott Snyder experiment is over. I'm ready for a new creative team on this book after Zero Year. Zero Year has been great. Snyder and Greg Capullo have been hooking it up, but with Harper Row as "Bluebird," some other mystery chick working in the Batcave and the introduction of Spoiler, I'm just not interested.
This book is a flash-forward. The current Batman takes place 5 years BEFORE the present. This issue took place a year AFTER the present, giving us a glimpse of what's to come in the future of Batman. The glimpse shows a Gotham I don't want to live in with Selina Kyle running all the crime and Batman working with a bunch of unrecognizable characters. It looks like we'll get the answers to all these mysteries in the weekly Batman: Eternal. Someone let me know how it is.
The best thing about this book was the art of Dustin Nguyen. He's an amazing artist that should be on a big boy DC book, not something like Lil' Gotham (though its really cute).
Fifth Place:
Star Wars #14
Zzzzzzzz... huh? Oh, sorry. Fell asleep for a second because this book was BORRRRRR-IIIIIIING! The second issue that follows the unlikely black/Latino Ensign Nanda as she pilots Darth Vader around the universe looking for answers about the traitorous Captain Bircher.
Writer Brian Wood and artist Facundo Percio do their best to try to make this book exciting and emotional, and don't reach that goal. There a scene of Darth Vader fighting four elite Stormtroopers who turn on him, then single-handedly repairing a hole in the ship, but that's about it for excitement.
I think Wood is trying to bring back the badass Darth Vader from the pre-Prequel days before George Lucas neutered him. Thanks for trying, Brian. I appreciate the effort.
Fourth Place:
Green Lantern #28
This is a "special flipbook issue" that sandwiches Green Lantern #28 and Red Lanterns #28 into one back to back book. The positive is that you get 2 issues for $2.99. The bad news is you get 2 issues of the current Green Lantern Universe for $2.99.
I didn't bother reading the Red Lanterns half of the book because I stand firm that that book shouldn't exist at all. I also abhor Guy Gardner's new white trash look. But that's anther story. As far as the rest of the issue went, its a bunch of stuff we already know sandwiched around Supergirl's arrival on Mogo losing her mind with a red lantern ring. We also get to see Saint Walker being a giant pussy and refusing to use his ring. This character note seems a 180 from who he was when Geoff Johns wrote him. If he's the LAST of the Blue Lanterns, and he was the FIRST that hope sought to find, his faith shouldn't be shaken so quickly.
Sometimes I think I'm being too hard on this book and this new team's run on all these titles. But coming off of 9 years of what I thought was the perfect comic book, I'm going to be a little biased.
Third Place:
Green Lantern Corps #28
As far as Green Lantern books go, this was more like it. Since the creative team changeover, Corps has been the most consistent Lantern book on the stands. This issue reinforces that.
Bernard Chang, a personal favorite artist of mine draws an amazing issue. The interesting thing about the art are some panel color choices. The book is mainly colored traditionally, but every so often you'll get one panel that's stark black, white and red. I assume its supposed to highlight those panels, but it pulls the reader out of the book more that it does anything else.
Van Jensen writes the GL's going undercover to find Von Daggle, an undercover Lantern who has since quit the Corps. He's also a Durlan, the alien race that's been attacking them. Jensen does a nice job making John Stewart a no-nonsense badass and surrounds him with the right cast to make that happen.
Second Place:
Superman Wonder Woman #5
For as much as I loved Man of Steel, I wasn't really sure about bringing Faora into the current comic continuity. A big part of me still wishes she was Ursa, but whatevs. The way Charles Soule and Tony Daniel have introduced her makes her inclusion very cool.
Diana goes back to Themyscira to find that Doom's Doors (the doors to hell that the Amazon's have been tasked with protecting) have been opened and something got out. Adding this to Doomsday's appearance earlier in their run, with the upcoming Doomsday event that's being planning and its already a better story than the original Death of Superman. But that's speculation.
This issue is a knock down drag out with Supes, Wonder Woman, Zod and Faora. And WW has to bail Supes out. Daniel does a great job showing Supes getting his ass absolutely handed to him. They accomplish making you scared for an indestructible character.
A great book, folks. Everyone should be reading it.
Rogues Rebellion #5
One more issue to go. Here's to Brian Buccellato and Scott Hepburn wrapping this book up with a bang. So far I think its been the surprise hit of 2014.
Scott Hepburn's art has a cool stylized feel that has fit the tone of Buccellato's writing perfectly. And Buccellato continues to make the Rogues the coolest "bad guys" in the DCnU. Him, and by extension Francis Manapul have given me a team of bad guys to replace the Secret Six.
The team has been whittled down from 5 to 2 by the time this issue ends. The Crime Syndicate and their followers really give the Rogues a beat down in each issue. But the Rogues continue to fight and give you a true underdog to root for. Not unlike this book.
Panel of the Week:
And example of Bernard Chang and the art team's color changes in Green Lantern Corps this month.
-Gint
February 14, 2014
Who's Got The Shingles? Soss Has Got The Shingles!
Last week I came down with a nasty case of shingles. Pretty fun stuff, stabbing pains in my side, a rash and the medication made me vomit for four straight days.
The good news is my friends have a new nickname for me now. -Soss
February 13, 2014
Soss' 2-13-14 Pull-List Review
While I loved that this was a quieter story with lots of personal interaction, I HATED the myriad of artists tasked with bringing this book to the shelves. If you only credit Esad Ribic on the cover I expect 22 pages of his art.
Hickman's stories always tend to be too grand for what I want in an Avengers book. Everything shouldn't be intergalactic space battles and aliens with this team. I enjoyed Thor making burgers for his fellow teammates more then the entirety of the Infinity storyline.
While this was a good jumping on point for new readers the murky storytelling provided by the host of pencilers and inkers is a true disappointment. -Soss
Panel of the Week: That damn lobster!
February 12, 2014
McSoss Podcast Episode 42: Supermanland
The McSoss Podcast returns from our week hiatus bigger and better than ever. We break down all the recent news from the comic book universe including our opinions on the trailers/promotional pics of Captain America: Winter Solider, Amazing Spider-Man 2 and Guardians of the Galaxy. Like the true gentlemen we are we discuss AMC's Preacher and the casting of Jessie Eisenberg on as Lex Luthor.
February 11, 2014
Zoinks!
Transformers is a property that, surprisingly, hasn't been mined too often here at McSoss. That's about to change. Prepare over the next couple weeks for some Transformers content. Does this have anything to do with the introduction of Dinobots in Michael Bay's Transformers 4? No, it does not.
Michael Bay's Transformers movies are so sacreligious to us here at McSoss that we barely broach the subject of them in the strips, podcast or just general talk amongst us. They've been defiled so thoroughly, they are unrecognizable husks of what we love.
So, Dinobots in Transformers 4? No, we don't care, and no, we still won't see it. But if you propose a Generation 1 Transformers and Scooby-Doo team-up? Yes. I am 100% interested.
-Gint
February 9, 2014
Gint's 2-5-14 Pull-List Review
Ah nothing like a quick 2-book week. Easy on the reviewer and easy on the wallet.
Second Place:
X-Men #10
Seems the only constant on this book is writer Brian Wood. There are two different artists on this issue, Kristopher Anka and someone whose last name is Mann. Marvel apparently didn't find him important enough to put his full name in the book.
The confusion around this issue is the giant #1 on the cover, that denotes the first issue of this ARC. The book picks up right after last issue's cliffhanger, so... I don't really know what Marvel thinks their pulling these days.
I still like the story and Kristopher Anka's art was good. He's not Terry Dodson. He's got a little hint of John Romita, Jr. in him. The mysterious Mann's art was much more interesting though a huge departure from the Dodson's style. A shame because he only got to draw 5 pages.
First Place:
Forever Evil #5
What a great event this has been. Geoff Johns and David Finch get me more invested with each issue. How they write Sinestro into the book isn't even that far out of left field. It makes sense if you want it to.
I believe if these characters are written properly, its not hard to hear Kevin Conroy in Batman's word balloons, or Clancy Brown's in Lex Luthor's. Johns knows how these characters are supposed to talk. Dialog, cadence and all. A pleasant surprise is hearing Manu Bennett's (Slade from Arrow) voice when I read Deathstroke. The actor has apparently left a mark on my comic psyche.
This book has been great, almost in spite of artist David Finch, who has been all over the board with this series. Some panels will be impeccable, followed by one that looks like he drew it blindfolded... with his foot. But when he nails it, he nails it. And he's nailed it enough for this to be my the most enjoyable DC event in a long time.
Panel of the Week:
An interesting choice by David Finch to just show a sliver of the side of Batman's head here. I think this space could have been used better. Armchair Quarterback. I know.
-Gint
Second Place:
X-Men #10
Seems the only constant on this book is writer Brian Wood. There are two different artists on this issue, Kristopher Anka and someone whose last name is Mann. Marvel apparently didn't find him important enough to put his full name in the book.
The confusion around this issue is the giant #1 on the cover, that denotes the first issue of this ARC. The book picks up right after last issue's cliffhanger, so... I don't really know what Marvel thinks their pulling these days.
I still like the story and Kristopher Anka's art was good. He's not Terry Dodson. He's got a little hint of John Romita, Jr. in him. The mysterious Mann's art was much more interesting though a huge departure from the Dodson's style. A shame because he only got to draw 5 pages.
First Place:
Forever Evil #5
What a great event this has been. Geoff Johns and David Finch get me more invested with each issue. How they write Sinestro into the book isn't even that far out of left field. It makes sense if you want it to.
I believe if these characters are written properly, its not hard to hear Kevin Conroy in Batman's word balloons, or Clancy Brown's in Lex Luthor's. Johns knows how these characters are supposed to talk. Dialog, cadence and all. A pleasant surprise is hearing Manu Bennett's (Slade from Arrow) voice when I read Deathstroke. The actor has apparently left a mark on my comic psyche.
This book has been great, almost in spite of artist David Finch, who has been all over the board with this series. Some panels will be impeccable, followed by one that looks like he drew it blindfolded... with his foot. But when he nails it, he nails it. And he's nailed it enough for this to be my the most enjoyable DC event in a long time.
Panel of the Week:
An interesting choice by David Finch to just show a sliver of the side of Batman's head here. I think this space could have been used better. Armchair Quarterback. I know.
-Gint
February 7, 2014
Taking Care of Business
Acceptance is a rare bird. Acceptance of adapted comic book properties is an even rarer bird. I'd like to think that someday I'll have the moral fiber to not lose my shit over a beloved property of mine being adapted to movies or TV.
Arrow has been outstanding. The Walking Dead, for its ups and down, continues to bring me back week after week. Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor and a Seth Rogen-produced Preacher on AMC? Lord give me strength.
I came to my own strange acceptance over some properties right around the time I was reading this post about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The author, Tom Lynch, would prefer all of the disparate Ninja Turtles variations to all line up into one cohesive universe. While that's an ambitious dream, its highly unlikely. The same goes for most properties. The Superman you read in the comics will be different from Henry Cavill in Man of Steel who will be different from whatever DC Animated Universe title currently out there.
There are so many different creators who have different visions that its healthier for us all to look upon a new take and say, "lets see what this creator does with the property," while still appreciating your own personal favorite.
Until we get to write the properties, none of it will be perfect. (Except Batman: The Animated Series of course.)
-Gint
February 6, 2014
Soss' Pull-List Review 2/6/14
Thor: God of Thunder #18
This was a light-hearted one shot about Thor's friendship with a dragon and how misunderstood folks can be.
For a story about a god and a dragon there is a lot that the reader can relate to. This is essentially a buddy comic, like Medieval Lethal Weapon.
Das Pastoras is the artist on this one and while his style is different from last arc's Ron Garney it's similar enough. Whether it is a long arc or 22 pages, Tho: God of Thunder has delivered for me every month. -Soss
Panel of the Week: Don't you hate when you wake up like this?
February 3, 2014
Welcome To The Thunderdome
Jesse Eisenberg will be Lex Luthor in Man of Steel 2... or Superman vs. Batman... or Justice League or whatever they wind up calling it. Boy, I didn't see that coming. Nor is he what I prefer from my Lex Luthor.
My Lex Luthor is Clancy Brown from Superman: The Animated Series. The super genius who is also physically imposing. Threatening. The Lex that works out, is more than capable of handling himself, but has a body guard anyway because you're too beneath him for him to bother. A character that's a little frightening.
Seems Christopher Nolan and Zack Snyder are going in a different direction. Focusing more on the BRAIN of Lex Luthor than anything else. I assume there's something in the script that will make Eisenberg's casting make sense. Making him younger certainly opens the door for sequels.
Each subsequent news release about this Man of Steel sequel has left me more disappointed than the last. While I'll try to maintain a positive attitude, and display a faith in the creators that brought me Man of Steel, they're really making it challenging.
-Gint
February 2, 2014
Gint's 1-29-14 Pull-List Review
Saga and Aquaman are the big winners this week, but only one of them offers no fill-in artist.
Fifth Place:
Fifth Place:
Justice League Dark #27
Ugh isn't this story over yet? We've been trying to defeat Blight and find Zatanna forEVER! I'm not even getting the Pandora or Phantom Stranger parts of the story and this seems overlong.
Its unfair to judge J.M. DeMatteis on this run so far. Since he took over he's been working on the Blight mess. But he's not doing anything to polish up this turd. Brian Wood put two Battle of the Atom issues in the middle of his X-Men run and those managed to be interesting. This is not. Everything seems wordy. But I can't tell if its wordy because DeMatteis writes to much, or because what he's writing is putting me to sleep.
Even the fantastic artwork of Mikel Janin can't save these last few issues. Please, Justice League Dark, get out of this crossover and just tell some good stories.
Fourth Place:
Green Lantern Corps Annual #2
If you're gonna buy a comic book for $4.99, it better be good. This issue was good, if not overwhelming.
Van Jensen and Robert Venditti stick with the (unofficial) current theme of DC books which is to team the heroes up with villains. Early in the post-Geoff Johns Green Lantern Universe a bunch of sciencell convicts escaped. They're back and decide working with the big bad of the arc, the Durlans, isn't going to cut it. The issue takes you through the convicts backstories and tries to paint them in a more sympathetic light as they team with the GLs.
The artwork of Neil Edwards and Tom Derenick goes a long way toward making this book more interesting. Each handles different parts, but both artists' work blends together well. Ultimately I'd like a little more from a $4.99 book, but such is being a comic fan.
Third Place:
The Flash #27
Brian Buccellato's time on the book is winding down, so this gives him a chance to write some shorter stories while staying away from big arcs. Its a chance to write some more traditional comic-type stories. He does a great job with this first issue which puts the Flash up against a homicidal ghost.
You heard that right. Police procedural... comic book style. Buccellato and Patrick Zircher give us a preview of what the CW Flash show could be, showing how Barry's time as the Flash leads to him being on a case as a CSI. The two ideas work hand in hand with each other to make a very enjoyable read.
Patrick Zircher's art is good, but his use of the same art for different panels, especially when the line-weight doesn't scale properly, is distracting in a couple places.
Second Place:
Aquaman #27
This would have been one hell of an issue if Paul Pelletier drew the whole thing. He gets help on a couple panels from Netho Diaz, whose work is just not the quality of Pelletier. But that's DC Comics for you.
Jeff Parker's story picks up with Aquaman mind-melding with the Karaquan, an ancient Atlantean monster that used to protect the city. Now its out of control in Iceland and Arthur needs to bring it down. Parker's writing and characterizations pick up seamlessly from where Geoff Johns left off. The tone of the story and dialog all just augment the world that was already built. Dan Jurgens, who will be writing Aquaman and the Others when it premieres has a tough job in front of him.
If only we could get one artist drawing a whole book these days we'd be in business.
First Place:
Saga #18
The worst thing about this issue is that it's the last issue before a months-long hiatus. Its a necessary evil since this is one of very few books that has the same creative team and quality in place every issue.
And quality isn't something Saga has been short on since it began. Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples wrap up the third arc with our heroes escaping and our pursuers being scattered to the winds. It almost had an Empire Strikes Back-feel to it.
Super good book including a super creepy image of the usually loveable Lying Cat on the cover.
Panel of the Week:
Its not often you see Aquaman showing off his brute strength, so good on Paul Pelletier for reminding readers this guy is a badass, not just a fish talker.
-Gint
Fourth Place:
Green Lantern Corps Annual #2
If you're gonna buy a comic book for $4.99, it better be good. This issue was good, if not overwhelming.
Van Jensen and Robert Venditti stick with the (unofficial) current theme of DC books which is to team the heroes up with villains. Early in the post-Geoff Johns Green Lantern Universe a bunch of sciencell convicts escaped. They're back and decide working with the big bad of the arc, the Durlans, isn't going to cut it. The issue takes you through the convicts backstories and tries to paint them in a more sympathetic light as they team with the GLs.
The artwork of Neil Edwards and Tom Derenick goes a long way toward making this book more interesting. Each handles different parts, but both artists' work blends together well. Ultimately I'd like a little more from a $4.99 book, but such is being a comic fan.
Third Place:
The Flash #27
Brian Buccellato's time on the book is winding down, so this gives him a chance to write some shorter stories while staying away from big arcs. Its a chance to write some more traditional comic-type stories. He does a great job with this first issue which puts the Flash up against a homicidal ghost.
You heard that right. Police procedural... comic book style. Buccellato and Patrick Zircher give us a preview of what the CW Flash show could be, showing how Barry's time as the Flash leads to him being on a case as a CSI. The two ideas work hand in hand with each other to make a very enjoyable read.
Patrick Zircher's art is good, but his use of the same art for different panels, especially when the line-weight doesn't scale properly, is distracting in a couple places.
Second Place:
Aquaman #27
This would have been one hell of an issue if Paul Pelletier drew the whole thing. He gets help on a couple panels from Netho Diaz, whose work is just not the quality of Pelletier. But that's DC Comics for you.
Jeff Parker's story picks up with Aquaman mind-melding with the Karaquan, an ancient Atlantean monster that used to protect the city. Now its out of control in Iceland and Arthur needs to bring it down. Parker's writing and characterizations pick up seamlessly from where Geoff Johns left off. The tone of the story and dialog all just augment the world that was already built. Dan Jurgens, who will be writing Aquaman and the Others when it premieres has a tough job in front of him.
If only we could get one artist drawing a whole book these days we'd be in business.
First Place:
Saga #18
The worst thing about this issue is that it's the last issue before a months-long hiatus. Its a necessary evil since this is one of very few books that has the same creative team and quality in place every issue.
And quality isn't something Saga has been short on since it began. Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples wrap up the third arc with our heroes escaping and our pursuers being scattered to the winds. It almost had an Empire Strikes Back-feel to it.
Super good book including a super creepy image of the usually loveable Lying Cat on the cover.
Panel of the Week:
Its not often you see Aquaman showing off his brute strength, so good on Paul Pelletier for reminding readers this guy is a badass, not just a fish talker.
-Gint
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