McSoss Podcast Episode 98: Tight Huttese From the Tidal Wave

This week we are joined by Paul's brother Matthew as we talk about growing up in the 90's, Jurassic Park, Power Rangers and elementary school bullying.

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Modern Age

Recently, between watching Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Disney XD's Star Wars: Rebels, I've seen a TON of commercials for new/current cartoons such as Steven Universe and Harvey Beaks. Steven Universe isn't a huge offender, but every time I see the animation at play in Harvey Beaks or The Amazing World of Gumball or Sanjay and Craig I am highly offended. It looks like dogshit. Zero production value. And maybe that's the point.

These cartoons aren't for me and they seem easy enough to bang out at a quick pace before you lose kids' attention. Kids and stoners are the target audience. But so was Adventure Time before I gave it the time of day and wound up loving it. But I miss a more traditional animation.

I grew up on Transformers and G.I. Joe which came from the same studio... and even He-Man (which won't win many animation awards) had its own merit. Those were followed by Batman: The Animated Series and the Bruce Timm DC shows. Granted, Batman was made with a more sophisticated audience in mind, but I believe there's room for better animation.

Take the Craig MacCracken shows for example. Shows like Powerpuff Girls, Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends and Dexter's Laboratory had an interesting and higher quality design than the schlock rolled out currently by networks. Big eyes, tiny mouths and no noses are the themes of the day.

Maybe someday I'll appreciate Regular Show or some other contemporary cartoon, but for now, I still need a more sophisticated animation. Something that the current run of cartoon isn't providing.

-Gint
 

Gint's 3-25 15 Pull-List Review

With Convergence right around the corner, we saw a couple books wrap their stories, and one closing its doors for sure.

Sixth Place:

Nova #28

Nova once again gets pulled into Marvel crossover shenanigans. Its really a testament to Gerry Duggan's skill to be able to navigate all the crossover waters this book seems to get tied up in every couple months. This one however, had nothing to do with what Duggan has been working on.

The book opens with Sam transporting the Black Vortex (which is an evil mirror that gives you evil powers) to the Guardians of the Galaxy, but he can't find them. He makes a pit stop at home where the Collector (looking every bit Benicio Del Toro) finds him. Sam ditches him and the Black Vortex falls into the hands of the real bad guy. I don't know who that is because I'm not reading the other Black Vortex books.

If I was following the Black Vortex X-Men/Guardians of the Galaxy crossover, this would be a pretty cool issue. But since I'm not, I'm eager to get back to our regularly scheduled Nova.

Fifth Place:

Futures End #47

Almost at the end, folks. Time travel plays a huge role in the finale of this story. So much so that by the end of the issue, I was pretty confused. Hopefully #48 next week will clear everything up.

Tim Drake, now Batman Beyond, has to travel back to his own world, but he lies and goes back to before the E2 war started, to nip everything in the bud. I think. Like I said, the end of the issue was confusing. Instead he ends up in the woods in a cliffhanger page that really leaves us hanging to see where Tim is.

From what I've heard about post-Convergence, Terry McGinnis will no longer be the Batman in Batman Beyond. Looks like according to this book here, its going to be Tim Drake. If the New 52-rebooted Tim Drake was anything like the old one, I may consider picking that book up. But DC has pretty much made Tim irreparable at this point.

Fourth Place:

Wytches #5

My biggest problem with this story has been the messy-on-purpose artwork. Its really not my style. Its made the story more confusing than it has to be. This issue cleaned some things up. Even the super sloppy pages in the lair of the wytches are more digestible.

A highlight of this issue, and a testament to Scott Snyder's writing, is the creepy as all fuck police officer. Turns out he and the whole town are in cahoots with the wytches and Snyder writes him as terrifying. He feels like a great Stephen King character that is so reprehensible he makes your skin crawl. Kudos to Jock as well for the visuals and acting chops.

By issue's end the shit is really hitting the fan. Charlie and Sailor are in the belly of the beast, and I can't imagine how they get out. Being a finite story, there no rule that says either has to make it out alive. And Scott Snyder, for as nice a guy as he seems, is a pretty fucked up writer.

Third Place:

Batman and Robin #40

This week we say goodbye to yet another Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason opus. This book closed up shop this week and won't be back after Convergence. Its a real shame because this has been the best Batman book since the New 52 launched. Yes, even better than Batman which has bounced between amazing and meandering.

This last arc gave Damian Wayne superpowers for a few days. Ultimately I scoffed when it was introduced, but as always, I've learned to trust Tomasi and Gleason. Damian uses his powers in a fight alongside the Justice League that turns out to be a ruse by Batman to get him to burn his powers out. Turns out they were only residual. So by issue's end, Damian is back to being a normal kid... or as normal as Damian Wayne can be.

Post-Convergence, Gleason will be writing and drawing Damian Ways: Son of Batman. Peter Tomasi will stay on Superman/Wonder Woman. I wish these two the best of luck. Between Green Lantern Corps and this book, they've been responsible for some of my most enjoyable comics over the last almost decade. I guess its unrealistic that these two would stay together forever, so I'll just keep my fingers crossed their paths will cross again in the future.

Second Place:

He-Man: The Eternity War #4

Finally! Skeletor! We've been waiting a long time for Skeletor and his minions to make an appearance. Outside the original story that Keith Giffen started years ago, we haven't seen much of Skeletor. Well, this issue they show up in a big way.

We get our first glimpse at Hordak last issue and this issue he whoops She-Ra's ass. So much so, she should probably be dead. That's when Skeletor, Evil-Lyn, Beast Man and Trap Jaw appear. They seemingly have plans for She-Ra and the Eyes of Grayskull. You can't help but like the classic villains, so its a smart move on Dan Abnett's part making Hordak the big bad. No one ever really liked Hordak anyway. He never had that Skeletor charm.

There's not much more to say about this book than it keeps getting better. Abnett and Pop Mhan seem truly committed to making this a great book. Seriously, guys. If you love He-Man you should be buying this book.

First Place:

Aquaman #40

This book wraps my favorite run of Aquaman. When people ask, I'll tell them the Geoff Johns/Jeff Parker New 52 run. This book lasted longer than other New 52 highlights like Animal Man and I, Vampire, but after Convergence it'll be written by Cullen Bunn and seemingly go in a new direction.

Parker leaves a lot on the Aquaman board for Bunn or other writers to play with, but I can't imagine anyone using them the way Parker did. Parker took the character Johns built and expanded on that keeping the tone and character the same. Parker didn't need to put his own spin on something that was already successful.

And allow me to say I was honored to read monthly Paul Pelletier art again. I'm not sure where he's going to end up. He's not in any of DC's June solicitations so I'll quietly hope he's got something in the hopper.

Great run on this book and easily the Aquaman I've always wanted.

Panel of the Week:

I will assume Jock knew these would be facing spreads and purposely made them symmetrical.

-Gint

 

Just Another Victim

To most people, Bill Cosby is immediately known as Cliff Huxtable from The Cosby Show. Since I never liked The Cosby Show, I know Cosby from Picture Pages, and later from his stand-up special Bill Cosby: Himself. Those are two cherished childhood memories that I'll never be able to look back fondly on due to Bill Cosby being a rapist.

I watched a couple old Picture Pages clips via YouTube before I drew this comic and man is it weird. It wasn't weird as a kid, but going back and watching it as an adult is straaaange. I wonder if adults in the 80s thought the same thing.

The whole Cosby mess makes me wonder what young actors these days will have scandal meet them years down the road. Makes you appreciate guys like Michael J. Fox and Tom Hanks who have successfully navigated insane amounts of fame and still manage to seem like decent human beings. Well done, sirs.

-Gint

Ps, God, please don't let Tom Hanks be caught in any scandals. I love The 'Burbs too much for that.

Soss' Suggestions 03-26-15

Red One #1

Red One is a satirical look at the struggle between the United States and Russia in the 1970s. If that sounds too bland for you don’t worry because writer Xavier Dorison makes sure to spice this story up with serial killers, ultra-fundamentalist groups, porn and sexy Russian super soldiers.

The Cold War is raging and Russian leaders are becoming more and more worried about the developments taking place in America.  They figure that the best way to attack the American psyche is through their affinity for superheroes. Enter Vera, a super sexy Russian Captain America-type. Russia sends their “Winter Solider” to America to undermine their “superhero” (serial killer), named The Carpenter as well as become America’s new favorite hero. You know… like Spider-Gwen.

This story is nutty. I get that it’s satire but certain elements just don’t fit the time and place. Russia is presented as this ultra-liberal utopia. We know this because Vera is involved in a loving poly-amorous relationship. I’m pretty sure that stuff wouldn’t fly in today’s Russia much less in the 70s behind the Iron Curtain.  I understand what Dorison is trying to do but I’d be more excepting of these ideas if this was an alternate universe

I’m also not sure why this book needs to take place in the 1970s. The themes of superhero worship, American culture's obsession with sex/porn and the tensions between Russia and America are actually more appropriate in the present day. 

The art is excellent. It’s classic Dodson’s cheesecake goodness cranking on all cylinders. The beautiful ink work that really makes me question what is going on with their art over on Princess Leia. I read the second issue of that book right after Red One and it’s clear that there is something not right on that title.

Red One is a beautiful book with a wacky premise. I can only really recommend this to die hard fans of the Dodsons and their exquisite artwork. -Soss

Panel of the Week: Da comrade hot-stuff.

McSoss Podcast Episode 97: Karaté

This week we discuss the death of Donatello in IDW’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and give our opinions on the CW’s iZombie.

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The Important Things

DC Comics really stepped in it on a handful of accounts last week. There was almost too much for sensitive fanboys and fangirls to be outraged about all at once. Besides Wonder Woman's new, poorly designed in my opinion costume, Batman's post-Convergence robosuit, and Superman in jeans and a t-shirt with a buzzcut... whew.

But none of that saw as much ire raised as Raphael Albequerque's Batgirl variant cover. As you can see in the link, the art won't be released. The stink on it forced Albequerque to ask DC to not publish it. Its a shame because its an amazing piece of art.

On its own, I don't think there's anything wrong with Batgirl being posed as the Joker's next victim. Pair that with The Killing Joke (where Joker paralyzes and sexually assaults Batgirl) and the cover becomes something different entirely. I don't think that means Raphael Albequerque purposefully positioned Batgirl in a place of that particular victimization. But that doesn't mean it can't be inferred.

That kind of story, the one that can be inferred, shouldn't be eradicated from comics. The Joker is a terrifying character and does bad things to all kinds of people. The Joker doesn't target one audience just like comic writers don't target females in particular. The pre-New 52 story of Barbara Gordon picking herself up from the physical and psychological mess the Joker left her in years ago positioned Barbara as one of the strongest female characters DC has ever had. There's great potential in all types of stories. I would hate to see mainstream comics start limiting their possibilities.

-Gint

Gint's 3-18-15 Pull-List Review

After three straight days of hard partying, it was nice to only have to sit down to review three books this week.

Third Place:

Superman #39

I believe this is Geoff Johns' last issue on the book. When #40 picks up it will be the post-Convergence team of Gene Luen Yang with artist John Romita, Jr. Jury's still out on whether or not I'll pick it up. I know nothing about Yang and Superman's upcoming haircut and costume change makes me uneasy.

But this issue was a nice send off. It felt like an old-timey comic. Rarely these days do you get a stand-alone issue. This ties into all the stuff Johns has already done on the book, but its a one and done read. Supes loses his powers for a day, and after confiding to Jimmy he's really Superman, we see Clark deal with being human for 24 hours.

Its not an issue that's going to light anyone's world on fire, but its a good solid read. Probably the best one Johns and Romita have done since they jumped on this book.

Second Place:

Futures End #46

There's something about Plastique that has given me a total crush on her. Sure, all the artists draw her cute, but its something about the way she's written. She's had the same voice throughout the entire series. We've learned less about her that character like Madison Payne or Fifty-Sue, but Plastique is such a well-formed character. She's written as a normal person. No superhero-y dialog or any of that. She's a reflection of a real girl in a super world.

Speaking of Plastique, if you read this space, you know I've been counting down the days until her death. I thought for sure she was going to get killed. I was wrong. Instead they flipped the script and killed Terry McGinnis. Super sad. For Plastique losing her paramour and because McG was a good character. Might have to finally check out some Batman Beyond comics now.

First Place:

Princess Leia #2

Soss beat issue #1 up a little bit last week. Primarily because of the artwork claiming the Dodsons are off their game, used too many color holds and can't draw Carrie Fisher. I loved #1, and also enjoyed #2 quite a bit.

Yeah, I've made a big stink before about artists having to draw the Star Wars actors. If you can't draw Carrie Fisher, get off the book. But I love Terry and Rachel Dodson's style so much I offer it a pass. Not every panel looks like Carrie Fisher, but they come close enough for me. And the ones that don't are just as sexy... so whatever. And they draw amazing hair!

This issue went a little more off the reservation than the first. We get into the meat of Mark Waid's story about Leia looking for displaced Alderraanians. The story takes us farther away from the core of the original cast and loses a little bit of is Star Wars-ness. That said, this was still a very entertaining issue.

Panel of the Week:

The Dodson's Princess Leia. Close (sexy) enough for me!

-Gint

With Gusto

Every time I draw one of these comics, it reminds me of little kids. Wait now hold on a second! Allow me to explain.

We've been doing the comic con scene for a couple years now. Inevitably, during each convention, some child will be drawn to the brightly colored cartoony style of what we do here at McSoss. This is immediately followed by a lot of scrambling to prevent said child from stumbling across Lion-O holding the Sword of Omens like a dick, or a giant dick that looks like the Hulk, or a giant The Grudge-induced dick. OR any number of other unmentionables that make Soss and I laugh that aren't kid-appropriate.

Children are not our demographic. Their parents are more likely our demographic. And as offensive as we might be, I think a cartoon penis is MUCH less offensive than some of the straight up superhero porn at conventions. Between some artists selling prints of a Catwoman who is 90% nipples and super sexed up cosplayers, I'm sure there's kids that cherish their trips to the cons as much as I cherished my first Playboy (December 1989).

So for all you adults out there that enjoy the above, stick around. There's plenty more where this came from.

-Gint

Soss' Suggestions 03-19-15

Edge of Spider-Verse Vol 1: #2

This story features Spider-Verse’s breakout star, Spider-Gwen. Since Marvel is insistent that this is my new favorite character I thought I would give her a try.

Most of the book is a recap of Gwen’s origin story while the remainder of the issue deals with the fallout.   Her origin has all the predictable elements you would expect: radioactive spiders, great power/great responsibility… you know the drill. The twist here is that the Peter Parker in this universe is proactive about the bulling he is experiencing. In his search to improve his chances against said bullies, Peter accidentally transforms himself into the Lizard. He is eventually killed in a battle with Spider-Gwen which creates a cloud of guilt that I’m sure she will be struggling with for the rest of her existence. Now a fugitive from the law, she is being hunted down by none other than her father Captain Stacy.

Spider-Gwen offers some interesting twists on the Spider-Man mythos. I honestly enjoyed reading this character more than I thought I would.  That being said, I’d really prefer Marvel to focus its efforts on making Amazing Spider-Man a great book again instead of coming up with a bunch of alternate takes on Peter Parker's story. -Soss

Panel of the Week: Does whatever a spider can.

McSoss Podcast Episode 96: Podcast Mistresses

Special guest Darcy Mahaffey stops by the McSoss studios as we breakdown the first season of Star Wars Rebels.

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Vital Supplies

There is a light at the end of the tunnel. We have gone one week without snow. In fact it’s actually getting warmer this week. Fifty degrees next week you say? Time to break out my daisy dukes.

In western Pennsylvania when the weatherman calls for several inches of snow the automatic response is always “Quick, we need to get bread, milk and toilet paper!”  That’s the plan, to survive on milk sandwiches? Everyone knows milk sandwiches will give you a serious case of diarrhea….oh...I see now. -Soss

Gint's 3-11-15 Pull-List Review

The Nova Annual was a game-time decision this week. And Star Wars gave me a little more faith in that series.

Fourth Place:

Futures End #45

Don't let this Fourth Place finish fool you. This was a good issue. The writing team is doing a good job pulling all the previous fourty-four week's storylines together for the finale. Brainiac is temporarily neutralized while Brother Eye slowly takes control. A big component of that control is turning dead soldiers into half-robot zombies. Comics, folks!

Stephen Thompson and Jack Herbert split art duties. I'm not sure who's work is who's, but its all pretty solid. Some really well done panels featuring one that even gives a nod to Christopher Reeve's Superman.

The panel that was most impressive is a headshot of Shazam. He's one of very few comic book characters that generally looks like the same person no matter who draws him. He's not drawn like a particular actor or person, but his face has remained the same since the 40s. I think that's neat.

Third Place:

Coffin Hill #16

Not too much to report here. Just a good creative team banging out a good comic book month to month. It doesn't sound like much of a compliement, but these days, when you get a consistently enjoyable comic month to month, you really need to appreciate it.

I'm a fan of Inaki Miranda's artwork. What really stood out to me this issue was the way she drew Lorelei's hair in the first few pages. It looks so natural. The way she uses super thin lines to denote flyaways left me shaking my head in frustration. Mostly because I love hair, but can't draw it with much success.

The current story arc has focused on a trio of kids killing their families decades apart. The smaller nature and environment of the small town of Coffin Hill lends itself much better to this kind of creepy-ass story. The familiarity of the small town, that could be your small town makes the creepy creepier.

Second Place:

Star Wars #3

Okay. I beat this book up a little last week. Mostly because issues #1 and #2 didn't blow me away. At the same time the first issues of Darth Vader and Princess Leia DID blow me away. The strength of those books highlighted some flaws in this one.

But #3 has been the strongest issue so far. Sure, Jason Aaron is still leaning a little too heavily on lines of dialog and cadence from the Original Trilogy, but this issue felt more natural. The previous issues felt like, "make the core cast do something exciting!" #3 felt more organic and less of a mandate from Marvel/Disney.

My biggest problem is Darth Vader being so heavily involved in this book. It just takes away from the importance of his run-ins with the core cast in the movies. True, it stands to reason their paths may cross, but I don't buy it. I'm sure it helps sell books, but it doesn't ring true.

First Place:

Nova Annual #1

I wasn't going to buy this. Annuals are usually just fluff to sell an extra oversized issue for more money. BUT... this one tied in pretty heavily to the main story that's being told. Had I skipped this issue, I'd have missed a key part of the run: Nova getting his helmet fixed.

That's at the core of the issue, but surrounding it is the buddy comedy of Sam and Doc Green (some weird-ass, smart, bearded Hulk that's running around the Marvel Universe these days) flying around the galaxy getting into trouble trying to fix it. It works. Its one of Gerry Duggan's strengths: properly balancing the fun and serious moments of a story.

What should have dropped this book to last because I hated it so much was the cliffhanger last page where Nova gets folded into the Black Vortex Guardians of the Galaxy/X-Men crossover. Despite Marvel constantly forcing this book into whatever company-wide crossover they're currently promoting, Duggan has powered through keeping Nova and the tone of Nova focused. Kudos to him because Marvel editorial isn't doing him any favors.

Panel of the Week:

Jack Herbert's Shazam.

-Gint

   

The McSoss Boys

Ah, The Lost Boys. 1987's take on the (then) modern day vampire. Let us not forget this was directed by Joel Schumacher. He's now synonymous with ruining the Batman franchise in the 90s, but if you look at Schumacher's resume, he's done some great work. The Lost Boys is one of them.

This movie creeps me out now just as much as it did when I was younger. Most of it has to do with Kiefer Sutherland. Channeling his father's talent for evil as David – from the original movie poster through his prosthetic vampiric transformation, he's downright scary. Most of his pre-prosthetics scenes are just as chilling.

It may not be as big a deal now, but as a kid one of the scariest parts of the movie was just the fact that this gang was able to get away with whatever they wanted. The Kobra Kai were scary enough back then, but David and his crew were the juiced up version... with teeth. It blew my mind that these guys were out there unchecked by anyone.

By today's standards The Lost Boys may seem a little tame. But there's a real viciousness under the surface. Kiefer Sutherland, and later Edward Herrmann, bring it out from between the lines and that's one of the reasons The Lost Boys is so good. There's plenty of vampire gore and violence, but there's an unspoken cruelness underneath that makes it so frightening.

-Gint  

Soss' Suggestions 03-12-15

Deadpool vs. X-Force #1

I loved the 1990s. It was a decade filled with angst and attitude. I reveled in all the grungy, Mountain Dew-soaked goodness of those years. However, I could never get behind two of the major comic characters of those days: Cable and Deadpool. Maybe it was the hype of how “bad ass” these characters were supposed to be. Maybe it was the legions of toolbags cosplaying as Deadpool at every comic convention. Whatever the reason I was never sold on these two as characters that I wanted to read. Deadpool vs. X-Force delivers a version of this duo that was surprisingly entertaining. 

The Merc with the Mouth has been hired to travel back in time to change the results of battles in American history. Cable gets wind of this and assembles his team of New Mutants to track Mr. Wilson down and stop him. This story takes place prior to New Mutants #98, so this is essentially the first meeting of these characters.

Dwayne Swierczynski’s version of Deadpool is different than most that I’ve encountered. He is more mercenary with a dark sense of humor than circus clown with a gun. He still says and does some wacky shit but it’s more palatable then previous incarnations. Rick Remender also writes his Deadpool like this in Uncanny X-Force. If this trend continues I think I could actually get behind ol’ Wade Wilson.

This is the first I’ve seen of Pepe Larraz’s art and I was extremely impressed. Lots of great energy and action in each panel. I also liked how he handled the costumes of the members of X-Force. These were the same Rob Liefeld designs from the early 90s but they never felt dated. 

Deadpool vs. X-Force is a time traveling actionfest with the right amount of 90’s nostalgia and skillful modern storytelling that should be an enjoyable read for all. -Soss 

Panel of the Week: There is something very menacing about this proposed cooking lesson.

McSoss Podcast Episode 95: Surprise, MUSIC

This week we chat about the direction of creator-owned comics, night terrors, classic monsters and a lengthy discussion about our favorite albums of all-time.

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Hairstyles By Skeletor

There's no real rhyme or reason behind this comic besides... I like drawing Skeletor. I doodled him weeks ago with Lion-O's hair and cracked myself up. Self-serving? Yes. But I'm sure there are others out there that have wondered what nerd-inspired hairstyles would work on the Scourge of Eternia. Sadly, Shatterstar's hair didn't make the cut because I thought that would be too obscure.

My good buddy Jason Kumpfmiller turned me on to this "leaked" image that's supposedly from the live-action Masters of the Universe movie. That movie has been rumored for a long time over the last couple years. What happens is some tiny bit about a writer or director pops up, and then the trail goes cold. I wouldn't be surprised if it never happens.

But if it does and this image indicates the tone of it? Holy mother of King Randor. Battle Cat has never looked so imposing. And with special effects these days? Can you imagine live action He-Man (in that beat-up, lived in world) riding a GIANT FUCKING GREEN TIGER! In the immortal words of Kevin Smith: "Fuck you! Take my money!"

I never believed a Masters of the Universe movie would gain enough traction to be made, so I wouldn't be hurt when it didn't. I still don't believe, but this image of what-could-be has stoked the fires in my penis to a full conflagration. I never knew I wanted it this bad. Lets make it happen, Sony/Columbia, to replace the stink of the Prequels and Michael Bay's Transformers. Make this Masters of the Universe and set the world right so I can die happy.

-Gint

Gint's 3-4-15 Pull-List Review

I learned two things this week: there's no hope for Green Lantern while Robert Venditti is writing it, and Star Wars is the weakest of the new Marvel Star Wars line.

Fifth Place:

Green Lantern #40

I understand that to keep a character growing, you need to try new things. You need to be able to take chances and think outside the box. That's what Robert Venditti is doing with Hal Jordan, and while I appreciate that in theory, I don't like the results.

Post Convergence (DC's big spring event), Hal will be traveling the universe alone as the universe's most wanted. The universe hates the Green Lantern Corps, and Hal has taken it upon himself to be the face of that. If he leaves, he removes the cancer and the Corps will be loved again. Sounds great but for a couple things: 1. He left his ring and is using a backpack and glove called Krona's Gauntlet for willpower. So, the ring, the thing that makes a Green Lantern a Green Lantern, has been left behind. 2. This decision couldn't feel more out of character. Even for a hothead like Hal the decision seems rash and more an excuse to further Venditti's story than something that would happen naturally.

I think this is it. This is when I finally quit Green Lantern until a new creative team is in place. The problem is, Venditti comes SO CLOSE to getting it right, but ultimately gets it wrong.

Fourth Place:

Detective Comics #40

Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato finish up their second arc on Detective. Its been infinitely more interesting than their first arc, but still not as overall-good as their run on The Flash.

Harvey Bullock is the centerpiece of their run. The pairing of Batman and Harvey, two characters that don't like each other, allows the story to take some new turns. It also allows Harvey to develop as a character. For the first time, Harvey is getting some of his story and personality brought to the forefront and I couldn't be happier about how Manapul and Buccellato are doing it.

I would like to see some more interesting villains. Anarky and the Mad Hatter just aren't getting it done. Its time to let Manapul and Buccellato spread their bat-wings and use some heavy hitters. The way they can tell a sentimental story makes me want to see Mr. Freeze sooner than later.

Third Place:

Futures End #44

Batman and the Atom are coming from one side, and Superman is coming from the other to finally knock Brainiac on his ass. The pacing of this issue between those two A-storylines couldn't have been better. Throw in a couple B-plots and we're good to go.

I'm not sure how this is going to tie in to Convergence. With Brainiac down for the count, we still have four issues to go. My best guess is Brother Eye will be the big bad for these last four, somehow assuming control of Brianiac's tech. I assume Brainiac's skull ship will be split open and BOOM – Convergence.

The biggest art issue this week is the inks. Some panels are super heavy on the thick blacks, others are nice and tight with thin detailed lines. I suppose this has been a minor issue throughout Futures End, but this week it was really blatant.

Second Place:

Saga #26

There's something about this arc that isn't quite as good as the others. Maybe its keeping Marko and Alana split up. The quiet truce between Price Robot and Marko should be more interesting than it has been. Though I do think the giant salamanders are really cool.

I get the feeling we're only in the middle of this saga... no pun intended. I expect Saga to run about 60 issues. So here at #26, I shouldn't be surprised if there's a lull. Maybe since we've already seen 26 issues of wacky stuff, novelty of new characters and locations has worn off.

Still, this is a really good book. Fiona Staples is a rockstar. I would probably follow her to whatever she does once Saga wraps.

First Place:
Princess Leia #1

What I've learned from Princess Leia #1, and the two issues of Darth Vader, is that Star Wars sucks. When Marvel announced relaunching new Star Wars books, I openly scoffed at Princess Leia and Darth Vader. Boy was I wrong. These books have run circles around Star Wars which feel much less inspired in light of these two others.

Mark Waid, who is a comics rockstar in his own right, brings his A-game. Jason Aaron on Star Wars seemed to just throw some dialog from the movies in with some new dialog that doesn't really gel. Waid's dialog this issue feels very deliberate. From word selection to grammar, the dialog reads like George Lucas could have written it. Words we've never heard come out of Luke Skywalker's mouth sound more than natural.

I prefer my Star Wars artists to draw the characters like their actor counter parts. Leia should look like Carrie Fisher and so on. Terry and Rachel Dodson don't really do that, but hey come extremely close while keeping in their style. Most importantly, they really seem to get the tone of each character right. Leia's size and weight, and the "acting" of the art really sells her as Carrie Fisher, even if she's not a photo reference.

I doubted this book needed made, but now I couldn't be more excited to get issue #2.

Panel of the Week:

Terry and Rachel Dodson's Leia makes a very Leia head motion.

-Gint