Revisionist History

Don't be silly. I know the blacks didn't land in Compton. They landed in Harlem. Duh.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at McSoss. Whether you like eating something boring like traditional turkey and stuffing, or something magical like tacos and mozzarella sticks, we hope you enjoyed yourselves.

I personally am thankful for all of you who keep coming back to read our comics or reviews or listen to our podcast. Soss and I would probably be doing this for ourselves if no one paid attention, but knowing others are enjoying it as much as us makes it all the better.

So thank you McSoss fans. Know that you're all appreciated.

And also, don't forget to donate to our Toys for Tots charity at the bottom of the page. Every little bit helps and we'd love to give Toys for Tots a healthy stack of toys this year.

-Gint

Soss' Suggestions 11-27-14

Amazing Spider-Man #9

We waited years to get Peter Parker back in the red and blue tights only to have Morlun murder him in the first few pages of Spider-Verse !? Well... the Peter Parker from the Moon universe of Earth 449. I guess that's okay.

Morlun and his family have been traveling the multiverse by way of The Great Web slaughtering Spider-Men for centuries. With the full force of this evil headed to Earth 616 to eliminate "the greatest Spider-Man of them all," it's about time for a massive crossover. Dan Slott brings every Spider inspired hero out of the toy chest to play. Cosmic Spider-Man, Scarlet Spider, Spider-Gwen and even Spider-Ham join the battle to protect the Peter Parker of the 616.

Oliver Coipel's art is the big draw here. Every page is filled with web-slinging goodness. Shit, he even made Spider-Ham look kind of cool. 

I've always liked Morlun and I'm intrigued by the idea of a family of vampires going up against the entire Spider-crew. As long as they can keep the story tight I'm going to go along for the ride. I'm just looking for one good Spider-Man story this year. Is that too much to ask? -Soss

Panel of the Week: Spiders as far as the eye can see.

McSoss Podcast Episode 83: Too Much Eggs

This week we discuss erotic fan fiction pairings, the elements of the New 52 we would keep and our early thoughts on Jurassic World. 

McSoss.com
Itunes.com
Stitcher.com
McSoss Instagram
McSoss Facebook Fan Page
DoingCoplays

Support Is Earned, Not Given

During the glory years of Geoff Johns and Hal Jordan's wondrous relationship, I had to watch my best buddy Soss wander through the mire that was Spider-Man. Since then-Marvel EIC Joe Quesada made it his personal agenda to throw Peter Parker in the toilet, Soss hasn't had a book based on his favorite character to hang his hat on. While sad, I was always able to say, "at least I have Green Lantern."

Oh how the tables have turned. I guess not really "turned." Spider-Man still sucks, but now Green Lantern sucks with him. For 9 years I got everything I wanted from my favorite character – great writing, great art, tons of heart and emotional stories... and then the inevitable creative change happened. Gone were the noble Jedi and in their place, the tyrannical Empire, led by Emperor Robert Venditti on the main title.

I don't doubt the current creative team's passion for writing good stories. I've read plenty of interviews with them and they love their job and are 100% invested in the world of the Green Lanterns. The problems is, their vision is pretty different from mine. Venditti and Co. have taken a lot of the foundation Geoff Johns built, and went in an opposite direction. Counter productive to the 9 years of stories that made Green Lantern a must read book.

Between making the emotional spectrum that the power rings gain their power from finite, to hooking up Carol Ferris and Kyle Rayner, to the mega crossover starring one of my least favorite groups of characters - the New Gods, step by step their run was less and less interesting. I've currently been without reading my favorite character for roughly six months.

DC's Convergence event next April promises sweeping changes to the landscape of the DC Universe. I'm hoping part of those changes include a new creative team and a new status quo for Hal Jordan.

Half of my wardrobe is Green Lantern shirts and I would like to start wearing them again.

-Gint

Gint's 11-19-14 Pull-List Review

Reading comic books has been a pretty enjoyable hobby lately. After culling the Pull-List, the last few weeks have been nothing but pretty solid reads.

Fourth Place:
Batman & Robin #36

It hurts me placing this book Fourth. Pete Tomasi and Patrick Gleason are always go-tos for good books. And this one was good, but someone has to finish last. This issue wasn't bad, it was just... maybe a little too big for itself.

Batman, Batgirl, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Cyborg and Titus (how HE makes it out of this issue is beyond me) have traveled to Apokolips to get back the body of Damian Wayne. This issue breaks two of my main Batman rules: 1. keep it local, and 2. keep the cast small. As much as I like seeing Batman truly facing down the impossible, a trip to Apokolips to face down a planet of Gods is a little much. On top of all that, it takes a LOT to get me invested in the New Gods.

This storyline has been really strong from the start, forcing me to enjoy breaking my two rules, but this issue finally found me stretching the limits of the suspension of my disbelief. Even Batman has his limits. When Damian's body goes to Apokolips, that should be game over. But that's probably why I'm not Batman.
 

Third Place:
Justice League #36

Jason Fabok joins Geoff Johns for a next arc, The Amazo Virus. I'm not all that familiar with Fabok's work, but right out of the gate, I'm impressed. A little Ivan Reis, a little Gary Frank... Fabok matches up with Johns nearly as seamlessly as those guys do.

What I'm most impressed by is how Johns has really been able, over the last couple arcs, to write what he wants. The book hasn't been derailed for crossover events or had delays, and Johns has been able to write the stories he's wanted to write. McSoss has been talking a lot lately about how we love a good, unimpeded run on a book – Lemire's Animal Man, J. Michael Straczynski's Amazing Spider-Man – and how it really results in a quality product. Funny how the Big Two don't seem to see it that way.

Johns has been on a roll and Fabok seems to have joined him already in full stride. Here's hoping this book continues on in its own little corner of the DCU, quietly building into its own great run.

Second Place:

Superman Wonder Woman #13

This book started off pretty great thirteen issues ago, and then got dragged through the crossover mud and I dropped it. Two of my favorite creators made it a no-brainer to put back on the Pull-List.

Writer Peter Tomasi and artist Doug Mahnke kick off what I hope is a healthy run. The first issue out of the gate was a great read that gave me what I hoped this book would: a look inside Superman and Wonder Woman's lives as Clark and Diana, not just a team-up fight book. Tomasi highlights the differences between how Clark and Diana go about the business of being superheroes, along side personal differences like why Clark doesn't use superspeed to type.

What was most impressive, and certainly most eye-catching, was the art. Mahnke gets a lot of credit, but what really made this book stand out were Jamie Mendoza's inks and Tomeu Morey's colors. Due to Mendoza's specific line work, some pages look more like Gary Frank than Doug Mahnke.

If this book's quality continues, it will be a regular high finisher for the Pull-List before long.

First Place:
Futures End #29

This was a damn good issue. Its been a while since a comic was able to inspire an honest emotional reaction in me. The heroes death of Ronnie Raymond did just that.

The writing team sends Ronnie off to that great Watchtower in the sky in a beautiful layout by Patrick Zircher. Everything comes together the way Ronnie and Jason Rusch's story has been told in Futures End. The way they're there for each other in the end is very touching.

The only negative is the DC purge of the white man continues. Out is the white male, Ronnie Raymond, and in comes female Madison Payne. So now Firestorm is comprised of a black guy and a girl. Diversity! As much as I liked Ronnie and Jason however, my favorite Firestorm pairing was probably Jason and his old DCU girlfriend, the Asian Gehenna. They had a great chemistry about them that redefined who Firestorm was.

So now we're on to Madion Payne, Tim Drake's ex (but probably will be again) girlfriend. I wish her the best. Firestorms don't usually have long shelf lives.

Panel of the Week:

As good as Jason Fabok's Justice League was this week, Doug Mahnke, Jaime Medoza and Tomeu Morey's Superman Wonder Woman was SPECTACULAR. Slow clap to you, sirs.

-Gint
 

Toys For Tots Charity

The holiday season is the time of year when the McSoss crew takes a break from being the self-absorbed jerks that we are and does something nice for a change.

For the 2nd Annual McSoss Comic Book Podcast Toys for Tots Charity we will once again be taking donations to help brighten the holiday season for boys and girls in need. The donations we receive will be used to buy the types of toys that every child can enjoy. Nothing too high tech. We will keep it simple with toys like action figures, board games, art kits and of course Barbie.

To send us a donation simply click the Donate button at the bottom of our page. The deadline for donations is December 9th. Any amount is greatly appreciated. -Soss

Soss' Suggestions 11-20-14

Black Panther #1

Since Marvel recently announced its plans for a Black Panther film I felt that I should go back and read up on the character. Reginald Hudlin and John Romita Jr.'s 2005 run on the character seemed like as good a place to start as any.

This first issue spends a lot of time on the history of Wakanda and the Black Panther mythos. It was fun to see an early version of Blank Panther and I like the idea that this is a legacy character. I guess I'll have to keep reading to get into the modern day version.

John Romita Jr.'s work is as good as ever. While some of his recent work appears rushed, this is an example of some of his best stuff.

This was an enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to checking out the rest of the series, -Soss

Panel of the Week: Bad ass old time Black Panther

McSoss Podcast Episode 82: Ian In The Wild West

This week we reach out to our fans for topics as we spin the Dealy Cheely Wheely. 

McSoss.com

Itunes.com

Stitcher.com

McSoss Instagram

McSoss Facebook Fan Page

Dr. Who Do You Think You Are?

I still haven't watched an episode of Dr. Who. Someday... maybe... but don't hold your breath. There always seems to be something more appealing to watch than borrowing someone's Dr. Who DVDs. Like NBC's Constantine.

Four episodes in and I'm a fan. I suppose some Hellblazer diehards would disagree, but since I'm not all that well versed, I like the show just fine. Based on the few Hellblazer books I've read, plus the current DC Universe iteration of the character, I think they nailed it the best they could for a major network. Sure, the swearing it out, and we never actually see him smoking a cigarette, but the creators are cognizant enough to take you right up to the FCC wall so you know all that stuff is there even if we don't see it.

Half the reason the show is so good is Matt Ryan's John Constantine. He's incredible. In ways moreso than other comic-to-live action characters, its like Ryan's Constantine has stepped right off the page (of Justice League Dark anyway) and into our living rooms. The episode "A Feast of Friends" brings out the dark heart of the character that fans love. Easily the most powerful episode of the first four.

But the show isn't without its issues. NBC's effects department needs some work. Its not the gong show of ABC, though we're left with some standard primetime network effects. The characters and lore of the show have prevented this from becoming a deal breaker.

What I want to see more of is for Constantine to have its own style. Gotham is maybe the most stylistically driven of the current comic book shows. Constantine needs a little more of that, otherwise its just a different take on Supernatural... with more questionable effects.

All that said, Matt Ryan's Constantine will keep me coming back for more. He's infectious, and has landed a role on my list of "Most Accurately Portrayed Live Action Comic Book Characters."

-Gint 

Gint's 11-13-14 Pull-List Review

Its a pleasant occasion when you enjoy every book on your Pull-List. FIVE books this week and I liked every one. Guess my money is going to the right people.

Fifth Place:

Coffin Hill #13

The second arc, Dark Endeavors, wraps up in a pretty satisfying fashion. We even get to see the origin of Eve's creepy/sexy eye. The story closes and we get satisfying ends to some character arcs while writer Caitlin Kittredge leaves others open for future use. Personally, I hope she brings back Detective Frost. The hard street detective is a nice foil for Eve's world of witchcraft.

There's still something missing from this book. I'm not sure what it is. I don't necessarily want to say "depth of character," but I feel like this book is one step away from going from being good to great. Just not sure what that might be.

I've really enjoyed the world of Coffin Hill and would love to have a reason to draw Eve Coffin. I'd even love to see some other artists takes on the world. Inaki Miranda and the amazing Dave Johnson have put together a world worthy of further art exploration.

Fourth Place:
Futures End #28

Each Futures End issue has a credits page at the end with art from upcoming issues. This issue's art spoiled the hell out of next issue's climax. But you know, classic current comic move, a bi-racial Firestorm isn't enough, he's gotta be a girl too. Diversity!

In the meantime, Fifty Sue is plotting to take back Cadmus Island and afterwards, kill Deathstroke. Fifty Sue is a cool new character, and could be even creepier if she wasn't so over the top. If the writers played her sadistic nature a little more subtle, she could be terrifying.

New artist to Futures End, Andy McDonald, does a really nice job. Especially early in the book. By the time you get to the end, thing are getting a little muddy. But he draws a pretty cool O.M.A.C., and those are shitty characters.

Third Place:

Nova #23

It's Axis... or Sixis... or is it Nxu... whatever their poor logo design is trying to tell us, its crossover time once again for Nova. I wish Marvel would just leave this book the fuck alone. In its short 23-issue run, its been interrupted by Infinity, Original Sin and now Axis. Gerry Duggan has made this book incredibly enjoyable, DESPITE having to write around the long arm of Marvel.

That said, Duggan is capable of deftly navigating these crossover waters. After a lengthy explanation as to why Nova has to fight a monster Hulk in the desert, the fight between them is pretty entertaining. Mostly because Nova doesn't win. He gets his ass completely handed to him. There's a certain realism in the way Duggan writes Nova's failure that really endears you to the character.

All in all, these crossovers just enforce the fact that Duggan is a really good writer that should be allowed to let a story of his have some legs before having them cut off for the "greater good."

Second Place:
Wythces #2

Hmm. Wytches. The cover for this issue is super creepy. Blech. And Jock's interior art is also pretty creepy, but I wish it was a little more refined. Personal preference and all that. The art is pretty scattered and the color splashes thoughout this issue take away form some of the character art, but it certainly sets a tone. I'd love to see some of the original pages for this book. They've got to be intense.

Scott Snyder and Jock set up some mysteries on top of a couple mysteries this issue. Like in The Wake, Snyder has set up a fully realized, very deep world. Like you could step right into it. The guy is talented. Same with Jock and colorist Matt Hollingsworth.

Its certainly a creepy horror book. Books about the unknown supernatural element that's coming to get you will more than likely hook me every time.

First Place:

Batman #36

This month we get a little bit of that old Scott Snyder magic. He dug a little deeper in to his stores of Harry Potter-like writing wizardry to maybe wrap up his time on Batman as good as he started. Still a tall order, but this issue proves he's still got it.

Last issue was nutty. Shit was happening and it was total confusion. But #36 here pulls it all together and starts telling a cohesive Joker story for Snyder and artist Greg Capullo to close their run on. The Joker managed to infect the Justice League with Joker venom and sicced them on Bats. The creepy reveal at the end that the Joker is back, and his elaborate plan to announce it was simply brilliant.

This issue highlights why certain characters have lasted for so long. Why certain characters are so iconic and integral to a company. When Snyder sticks to Batman, Joker, Alfred... he's able to write a damn near perfect Bat-story. Its when he tries to branch out and put his own stamp (and characters) on that his efforts start to fall flat. All the tools you need are already in the Bat-toolbox, Scott. Just use them.

Panel of the Week:

Greg Capullo's Joker eyes. Fucking haunting, man.

-Gint

You Have Failed This Costume

Stephen Amell and David Ramsey make their first appearance in McSoss. Kind of surprising since Arrow just started its third season and I've been a huge fan since the pilot.

There's no real telling when a property will make itself available as comic fodder. I would have thought Oompa Loompas would have made an appearance before last week, but no. I'd like to attribute it to Arrow being so solid, that it hasn't left me much to poke fun at. But Star Wars is solid and we but their chops all the time.

On a different note, Stephen Amell used to be on an under-appreciated HBO show called Hung, about Thomas Jane being a gigolo to support himself and his kids. It was funny and well-written but only made it three seasons. In the third season Amell played Jane's younger, rival gigolo. Only recently have I stopped seeing Amell as Hung's Jason and purely Oliver Queen. Weird.

-Gint

McSoss Podcast Episode 81: Scott Snyder Can't Stop Masturbating

This week we welcome back Paul as we discuss Secret Wars, Convergence and the official title for Star Wars Episode VII.

McSoss.com

Itunes.com

Stitcher.com

Mcsosspodcast.libsyn.com

McSoss Instagram

McSoss Facebook Fan Page

Put Him In A Body Bag, Willy!

The big difference between the original 1971 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and 2005's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is Gene Wilder's darkness as Willy Wonka. Its so subtle its barely perceptible until you're an adult. For as popular as Johnny Depp is, the weirdness of his Wonka robbed the character of any maleficence Tim Burton may have intended.

Wilder's laissez faire attitude in the face of the parent's horror as their children's fate hangs in the balance, turns a beloved movie as a child into something honestly scary as an adult whether its intended or not. To this day, when Wilder screams at Charlie at the end for stealing the Fizzy Lifting Drinks, it makes me uncomfortable. Easily one of the most vivid movie moments I will never forget.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a hollow shell of the magic and malice of the original.

I would like to thank Jack Purdy for the idea for this comic... though it doesn't make losing to him at Beer Pong any easier.

-Gint

 

Gint's 11-5-14 Pull-List Review

This week I officially trimmed my Pull-List at the comic shop. Guess there were a lot of books I was putting back on the shelf and Tom called me out on it. It felt good whittling down to (mostly) only books I enjoy reading.

Third Place:

Superman Unchained #9

That'll do it, folks. Scott Snyder and Jim Lee's mostly disappointing shot at Superman comes to a close in a mostly satisfying fashion. Mostly satisfying because of Jim Lee's fantastic art and this last issue was probably the most interesting of the nine parts.

What I also liked about it is this is sort of a New 52 Elseworlds tale. Whether its supposed to be or not, it feels like it takes place just outside of the New 52. And also Wraith dies at the end, so we won't have another new, lame, poorly designed character running around the DCU.

Collected, this might read as a better story, but overall I just didn't like it. It was just a little too big with yet another Superman analog character involved. Still waiting for someone to just write that new, excellent Superman story.

Second Place:

Nailbiter #7

If you want to see Brian Michael Bendis appear in the fictional town of Buckaroo, Oregon, then this is the book for you. You read that right. Brian Michael Bendis is a character in this issue who interacts with Sheriff Crane and Edward Warren and also gets himself in a zaney adventure.

Supernatural is a tv series that's established itself as a serious horror show that's also able to do meta episodes where Sam and Dean come to "our" world, and not miss a beat. Nailbiter isn't quite ready to play this card and the appearance of Bendis, while relatively amusing, pulls the reader out of what is a very good comic series.

I appreciate the fact that Bendis changed writer Joshua Williamson's life and has been a mentor. While the story would have worked with any fictional writer going to Buckaroo, the homage, and Williamson's letter at the end took some of the venom out of my initial opinion of this issue.

First Place:

Futures End #27

We are officially coming down the other side of the mountain. 25 issues to go. Plenty of time to get a lot of storylines wrapped up in time for DC's Convergence event in April.

I am more than ready to retire the ridiculous name Cal Corcoran and start calling the man by his real name: Tim Drake. Everyone (Lois, Madison, Terry McGinnis) knows who he is by now anyway. Lets get to it.

They haven't been introduced yet, but I'm also ready for the horrifying bionic-human superhero monsters teased at the books start. They were super creepy then, and I'm ready to see them in action. We're getting closer to a big throwdown on Cadmus Island, so I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Panel of the Week:

Can't argue with the fact that Jim Lee can draw some iconic shit.

-Gint

A Packed Schedule

In the next few years we will see almost every Marvel and DC hero brought to the silver screen. If you listen closely you can hear my wallet screaming in horror at the thought of so many comic book films. -Soss

Soss' Suggestions 11-6-14

The Wicked and The Divine #4

I’m a sucker for the creative team of Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie . I’m starting to wonder if this is a smart thing to be a sucker for. I loved their wonderful run on Young Avengers and then recently slogged through the muddy waters of the critically acclaimed yet boring Phonogram. Their newest endeavor, The Wicked and The Divine, looked promising with it’s wonderful and vibrant art and what sounded like an interesting plot. Four issues in and I’m not totally sold.

Every 90 years or so, twelve gods incarnate in the bodies of the young. They are charismatic and brilliant. They stand before crowds, speak in tongues, and send them into rapture. They’re rumored to perform secretive miracles. They save people’s lives, either metaphorically or literally. However, within two years they are dead. The book follows Laura, a devotee who wants nothing more then to be in the presence of gods. She gets her wish and with it gets to see all the awful things that go along with having such power.

While interesting, it took a few issues to really get a sense of where the plot was going. I think I like this team much better on superhero books then  left to their own creative whims. 

As I said in my review of Phonogram, you might be better off checking out their run on Young Avengers then this book. -Soss

Panel of the Week:
Sachet doing her best Rihanna impersonation. 

McSoss Podcast Episode 80: Sensual Seventies Soss Sanctuary

Matt and Ian hold down the podcast fort as Paul takes a well-deserved vacation. We cover a variety of topics ranging from Marvel’s Phase 3 films and comic cancellations, Wizard magazine, 90’s comics and our thoughts on the cinematic versions of Spider-Man. 

McSoss.com

Itunes.com

Stitcher.com

Mcsosspodcast.libsyn.com

McSoss Instagram

McSoss Facebook Fan Page

Universal Hustlers

Another Halloween has come and gone and only now am I realizing I should have been a member of the Soultron Force. Sure, there's the questionable nature of wearing blackface for a night, but its all in the spirit of cultural appreciation. I would fucking love to see a brand new Voltron series featuring a team of all black characters. You know you would too.

-Gint

Gint's 10-29-14 Pull-List Review

Richard Rider is dead, folks. After years of wanting answers from Marvel, I got them this week. RIP, the greatest Nova.

Fourth Place:

Nova #22

We'll get to Richard Rider's fate later on in the reviews, but for now we'll focus on the current Nova and his complete throwaway of a book this month. Sam Alexander, who I guess now really IS the one true Nova, goes trick or treating with a bunch of X-Men kids that I've never seen before.

Sure, its a fun issue, but ultimately unnecessary. The big takeaways are Sam being reinstated in school after being expelled, and a mysterious call from Steve Rogers at the end of the issue. I have no idea what's going on with the Avengers these days, but I bet its no good.

The most interesting part of the book for me was the introduction of the X-Men's Nature Girl – a young student with big antlers who can communicate with nature. A cool design and interesting power. I also don't think she speaks.

Third Place:

Futures End #26

This month is a slow walk through a few storylines. Mostly setting the table for things to come than things actually happening. Batman Beyond and Plastique need help from Tim Drake, we get some backstory on Fifty Sue, and Batman shows up to bitch slap Ronnie Raymond and Jason Rusch for being pussies and forsaking being Firestorm.

The pencils by Scot Eaton are pretty strong, and in a couple panels, I'd go so far as to say exemplary. Eaton and fellow Futures End penciller Patrick Zircher have been winning me over. After knowing very little about each of their work before this series started, they've since convinced me to get on board.

As far as the plot lines covered in this book, they're the ones that interest me the most. After an issue without all the Frankenstein/Amethyst or Earth 2 New God stuff, I think I can say those are easily the F and G plots.

Second Place:

Saga #24

This issue we get to meet The Brand and Sweet Boy, The Will's sister and her pet dog... that shoots poisonous darts from his nose. You read that right. The Brand is looking for her brother and expertly tracks down Gwendolyn and Sophie to find him.

Some highlights of the issue are getting to see The Will again... if only in flashbacks. In a book littered with strong characters, The Will is easily one of the best. Currently on his death bed, if Brian K. Vaughan knows whats good for him, he won't kill him. You also get to see how The Will and The Stalk, his half-spider (think centaur but with a spider body instead of a horse) girlfriend do the down and dirty. Only in Saga, folks!

Vaughan and artist Fiona Staples keep building onto their huge world. Rules and physics and magic are all intertwined and somehow they continue to make it all make sense.

First Place:

Guardians of the Galaxy #20

Well here it is. The death of Richard Rider. The Marvel character that I connected with more strongly than any other makes the ultimate sacrifice to send his friends back home. If I said I didn't get a little emotional reading this issue, I'd be lying.

Here's an example of Brian Michael Bendis being an expert comic book writer. Sure, he's known for zippy dialog, witty banter and pop culture quotes, but when he's able to put all that aside and focus on some real moments, he writes them beautifully. Ideally I'd have preferred Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning to write Richard Rider's death. After all, they were the ones to reintroduced him to modern audiences. But Bendis did a stellar job giving him the heroes sendoff he deserved.

The plan was to bail on Guardians once I found out what happened to Nova. But after such a strong showing my Bendis and artist Ed McGuinness, there's a good chance this book will be back on the Pull-List next month.

Panel of the Week:

Farewell, Richard Rider. In the immortal words of Tinsletown Stiffs, "you will be missed."

-Gint