Go Go Power Pillows

I'm not a Power Rangers fan. Never have been and probably never will be. I think it's a generational thing. Every time I see the Power Rangers all I can think of is that they are cheap knockoff’s of Voltron. Maybe it's just my general disdain for the franchise that has me thinking that the new designs look like something from Joel Schumacher's unused Batman and Robin designs.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers is always held up as an example of the best the '90's had to offer as far as fantasy/cartoon properties. In my opinion it's simply a reminder that the '80's was a far superior time to be a kid. Even third tier properties like Mighty Orbots or Dinosaucers could kick the shit out of the stupid Megazoid. -Soss

Strawberry Witch

I liked what Marvel Studios did with the Scarlet Witch in Captain America: Civil War. While her screen time was limited the writers made the most of it, fleshing out her character and building the foundation for her relationship with the Vision. Elizabeth Olsen is a decent actress but I wish she would drop the failed attempt at an Eastern European accent. It's not working.

If I did have one complaint, it's her costume. I didn't mind her grungy 90s look in Age of Ultron, but Marvel had a golden opportunity to outfit her in a more classic look this time around. -Soss

Guys

I've been watching HBO's Girls since it premiered. Its a smart show that's filled with unapologetic characters. I've always been a person that needs to like the characters in a show I'm watching. Girls seems to buck that trend since I hate about half of them (I'm looking at you Marnie). But over the last five seasons its forced me to come around on some (I still hate you, Marnie).

Oddly enough, in a show called Girls, about girls, my favorite characters are the guys. Adam Driver's Adam steals every scene he's in. Alex Karpovsky's Ray is really the every-man that everyone can relate to. He's definitely the most balanced character on the show. And while Elijah (Andrew Rannels) was over-the-top and slightly irritating when he was introduced, Rannels and the writing team have given him more depth than you'd expect. Each of their unique personalities allows the female characters to bring out aspects of each other you may not expect.

Its such a well-written show that really marches to the beat of its own drum. I'm sure HBO will put some stipulations down, but creator Lena Dunham and writer Jenni Konner seem to have a very clear direction of where they want the show to go, and don't care how they get there.

Check Girls out if you haven't yet.

-Gint

Ps - I understand this has NOTHING to do with comics, but I don't give a shit.

Gint's 5-4-16 Pull-List Review

When DC finally releases Rebirth, its going to send my wallet into shock. The last year or so I've been used to buying two or three books a week, or like this week – one.

First (and only) Place:

Poe Dameron #2

Hands down, the most interesting and fun part of this issue is the introduction of the First Order's Agent Terex. He's a guy that was around during the Empire days, and while he's not a huge fan of how the First Order works, he can see the potential to be another Empire. What's great is he's fun and charismatic and not at all like the stuffed-shirt Imperial agents that we're used to.

Charles Soule really taps into a different kind of bad guy here. Traditional Star Wars villains tend to be one-note characters that are just bad guys. Its part of the charm of the series. But with those villains, you know you're not supposed to like them. Terex, for sure is a BAD guy, but Soule brings out an enjoyment in Terex liking what he does that makes you want to read more.

This is the first bit of post-Return of the Jedi Star Wars universe I'm reading, so its still taking a bit to get used to the status quo. Seeing the First Order ships and troopers and Captain Phasma is pretty neat since all of this is still so fresh.

And I would be remiss to extol the virtues of Phil Noto's art. Dude is a fucking talent. Great looking book.

Panels of the Week:

Noto uses his expertise to channel a little Vincent Price for Agent Terex.

-Gint

A Quick Buck

I read this week that the volume of printed materials in the United States is up for the first time in years. The article attributed this to the rise in popularity of adult coloring books. I think that anything that keeps the printing presses rolling is a good thing. I spend each week in a comic book store purchasing printed material and it would be a shame to see the medium go away completely in favor of digital. I love the ease and convenience of purchasing things online but you can never replace the experience of walking into a comic shop and browsing through all the wonderful titles on the shelves.

Tomorrow is Free Comic Book Day. The comic shop that I've called home since I was 11 years old is the Phantom of the Attic in Monroeville, PA. Their doors open at 8am and they will have free comic books as well as great deals on comics, graphic novels and other items. 

If you've never been to a comic book store tomorrow is a great day to stop by and get some free goodies! If you happen to stop in to the Phantom tell the great guys there that Paul, Dom and Ian sent you.
 -Soss

McSoss Podcast Episode 150: Jamaican Brogue

This week we mix Gold Key Alliance #1 and Wonder Woman: Earth One #1 into our conversation.

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It's Snot A Bad Idea

Snot Girl is an upcoming Image Comics title by creators Bryan Lee O'Malley and Leslie Hung. When I saw this comic advertised I couldn't help but be reminded of my own strange creation from the 90s, Secretion. Instead of explaining who or what this character was check out previous strips Poorly Thought-Out Superpowers and  Under The Influence. where Secretion has been referenced. - Soss

Gint's 4-27-16 Pull-List Review

There isn't a whole lot that ties all three of these books together, so lets just get to it.

Third Place:

Star Wars #18

I assume its a color palette thing, or maybe just a creative decision by Leinil Yu and Sunny Gho, but the decision to constantly keep giving Luke reddish-brown hair drives me nuts. Even under the different lighting's used, Luke's hair would still be blonde. What the fuck, guys?

What Jason Aaron and Yu DO get right this issue is the fun, back-and-forth banter between Luke and Han. Besides A New Hope, we never really get to see these two have a whole lot of fun together. The last couple issues have been giving us a glimpse into their relationship. I like it so much that when the story cuts back to Leia, I'm disappointed.

The Leia story is entertaining enough – her and a couple other characters trying to find a murderer let loose in a Rebel prison – but there's something about the Han and Luke bits that really make this feel like a Star Wars story. The Leia beats could be any sci-fi space book.

Second Place:

Justice League #49

This story has been big and epic. And maybe a little TOO big and epic. There's so much going on that I couldn't give you a concise synopsis of the story. And all the while the reason I get this book in the first place (the Justice League) have been relegated to the background. Sure, Superman and Batman are IN the book, but center stage isn't for them.

It seems like everything is starting to wind down. Darkseid is dead, Mobius is being handled, but now we have to deal with Grail and whatever she's done to Steve Trevor. Not to mention all the weirdness about the Crime Syndicate and Superwoman's baby that's going to be some kind of weapon. Next issue is supposed to be the last, but I have no idea how they wrap this up in 20 pages.

Despite all the convolutedness (no, that's not a word) of the plot, Jason Fabok is just killing this artwork. Matt thinks its too dense and there's too much going on, but I think its expertly detailed and really provides a sense of depth to the story. This still may be the best looking book on the shelves.

First Place:

Saga #36

Well, this latest arc has been a chore. Its been kind of weird and disappointing, and the fun times have been few and far between. Seeing The Will get fat and crazy, and having a lot of the story revolve around Hazel's prison-mates (who aren't that interesting) hasn't given me a lot to look forward too in this book.

BUT, Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples have pulled it all together for this final issue of this latest story arc. All the weirdness dovetails together and in the end, we finally get the reunion of child and parents that we've all been waiting for. And its told expertly. Not just the Marko/Hazel moments, but the Marko/Klara moments too. Tugs at the old heartstrings.

Now that the family is all back together (and Alana's pregnant again [wear a condom guys]) I have high hopes for this next arc. Here's too more upbeat storytelling like the first couple arcs of this book going forward.

Page of the Week:

Lienil Yu and Sonny Gho's Luke Skywalker: Firebush Edition.

-Gint

Sauna Stranger Danger

I absolutely despise interacting with people at the gym. I go to the gym to sweat profusely and pretend to work out. I'm not there to socialize. The folks that DO visit the gym to socialize are always in immaculate shape. It makes me wonder how they got into such great shape if all they do is exercise their mouths.

God made headphones for reason. As we all know if someone has their earbuds in it's the international sign that they do not want to talk. I was in the sauna the other day and encountered a gentleman who was unfamiliar with these rules of engagement. Dude was just dying to talk as we sat there in the dry heat. I took a chance, pulled off my headphones and started chatting him up about the most harmless topic on the face of the planet. The weather. This fellow must've taken this as his queue to start rambling about all his various fetishes. Let's just say I've learned my lesson. Keep your headphones on kids. -Soss

McSoss Podcast Episode 149: Triple Homicide: Nuisance

This week we react to the X-Men: Apocalypse and do a little Whatcha Been Readin.

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Career Paths

This is a true story. In high school I worked at a combo KFC/Taco Bell (yes, it was as glorious as you'd imagine; yes, the mashed potato taco was a work of pure art) and management didn't think it was a good idea putting me in the chicken suit in front of the store. I'd love to think I'd have been a great bombastic chicken – both attracting customers and scaring a few off, but ultimately, I know my apathetic teenage-self would have gotten out there and not used the position to its full potential.

Everyone should work at a fast food restaurant for at least a week. It gives an important, invaluable perspective on life. There are other menial labor jobs that teach similar lessons, but until you're soaked from the belly button down, mopping floors, smelling like fried chicken and eating Little Bucket Parfaits in the walk-in cooler at 2:30 in the morning, you haven't lived. Not. Even. Close.

To those of you that have been in the trenches, I salute you. To those that haven't, don't you DARE go into a fast food joint with under 30 minutes til close. I guarantee your order will have a special surprise in it. I meant spit, not semen. Don't be gross.

-Gint

 

Gint's 4-20-16 Pull-List Review

Another lonely one-book Pull-List week, so you're getting a second one just cause it was on my stack of books and I wanna talk about it. You're welcome.

Second Place:

Outcast #1

Now, this book wasn't a specific Pull-List buy. It came free with my last trade paperback of The Walking Dead to drum up sales of the Outcast comic, and hype the new series coming to Cinemax. The long and short of it is: I'll check out the Cinemax series, but I won't be buying the comic.

But, Gint... WHY? Its by God's latest gift to comics and television Robert Kirkman! Well, because it was just okay. I like the premise enough – some guy in a small town lost his girlfriend (and I think kid) to demonic possession years earlier, and has a special ability to banish demons... I think? So an old priest pulls him out of retirement (being a depressed loner) to help fight the good fight.

The problem is I hate the main character Kyle. Granted, this is probably part of Kirkman's storyarc for him, but I need to like him first to get invested in his journey. His sister and this priest try to help him, and he's kind of just a dick the whole time. Well, then just go be a dick, asshole!

Looks like Patrick Fugit (the kid from Almost Famous) has been cast as Kyle. I've seen him in couple things and like him well enough. Lets hope he's got more charisma than the character Kirkman writes in this book.

First Place:

Captain Canuck #8

I really like Bluefox. I really like Bluefox even more since apparently Laura Vandevoort has been cast as her at some point. At least that's what the variant cover would lead you to believe. You never see her out of costume in the comic though. She could be hideous. But its more likely she's hot considering Kalman Andrasofszky and Leonard Kirk play her off Captain Canuck like Catwoman off Batman. And that's no slight. Its a proven dynamic that adds an extra layer to Canuck himself.

Also interesting is the way Captain Canuck is almost a co-lead book by Canuck and his brother Michael. Most superhero's are orphans with no family, so its a really cool change-up to see actual brother's fighting together on the same side, though with different motivations.

Jumping on board this book has been a real thrill since I don't know anything about Captain Canuck. I know he has a long history in comics, but I've never read anything. Being able to jump on Andrasofszky's run, with new eyes, being able to read this universe for the first time has been pretty neat.

Panel of the Week:

Need to see more of this relationship. Art by Leonard Kirk and Irma Kniivila.

-Gint
    

Homecumming

Can I be honest with you guys? I have a secret, but I feel like we're good friends and you won't judge me too harshly. I'm not all that excited about the new Spider-Man movie. Maybe it has something to do with Sony's mediocre effort a few years ago. It also could be all of the other high-quality genre films on the schedule. With Marvel Studios in high gear, Disney cranking out Star Wars films and the DC Universe finally joining the party, it's not enough to simply be another Spider-Man film. It needs to be a GOOD Spider-Man film. 

I am excited to see him fight alongside all the familiar Marvel heroes in Captain America: Civil War but I honestly just don't know what another solo Spider-Man film could possibly do different.

Just this week they announced that Robert Downey, Jr. will be in this upcoming movie. That's a very positive sign. The more these solo Spider-Man films are woven into the fabric of the greater Marvel Cinematic Universe the better. -Soss

McSoss Podcast Episode 148: Fidel Slott

This week we preview DC’s Rebirth.

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Not Our First Rodeo

Often I ask myself, "Gint, are you at the advanced comic-reading age that you can no longer appreciate new ideas? Are you stuck in the early 2000's DC Universe and treat anything else as an abomination?" Often the answer is "yes." But that's because shit like Clark Kent and Lois Lane's son Jonathan Kent being Superboy is fucking retarded.

You know what else is retarded? The new Wally West. Wally West has an insanely large fan-following. I bet the majority of comic readers would prefer the old white/red-haired Wally even over Barry Allen. Even hardcore Barry-ites would be like, "I'm alright with that." Everyone's favorite Flash (Grant Gustin) is already an amalgam of Barry and Wally. So quit fucking with Wally and just MAKE WALLY!

And then there's the seriously dumb shit like making Superman's boots the same color as the rest of his costume. Make the boots red, assholes! It breaks up the look and balances out the color scheme. Its more visually interesting! That's not advanced comic-reading age curmudgeonlyness either, that's just fucking design fact.

We'll be recording the DC Rebirth preview episode of the podcast tonight and I'm already getting myself worked up. Common sense tells me I shouldn't have tequila so early. But the heart wants what the heart wants. Bottoms up!

-Gint

Ps - I self-indulgently reminded myself of one of my favorite movies and favorite quotes from said movie: the juice is worth the squeeze.

Gint's 4-13-16 Pull-List Review

We got one entry on the Pull-List this week, so lets get right to it.

First Place:

Darth Vader #19

Truth be told, if there were any other books on the Pull-List, this wouldn't be First Place. This arc about Shu-Torun has been a complete dud. There are definitely some interesting bits –  like Triple Zero wanting to use human blood to augment a battalion of Battle Droids, but over all this arc has been a snoozefest.

Between the boring rebellion on Shu-Torun and Cylo's lame not-quite-Sith flunky's, there's no interesting characters to get invested in. Since Dr. Aphra has been taken out of the story, we're stuck watching Darth Vader be the Mayor of Mediocretown.

With the reintroduction of Inspector Thanoth being a thorn in Vader's side, there's a glimmer of hope that this next arc jumps into more exciting territory, like the first couple that really gave something to get excited about. Jason Aaron and Salvador Larroca have it in them, they just need to find it again.

Panel of the Week:

Vader saving someone else from lava. Until he kills her on he gets his info. Cold.

-Gint

 

Coincidence

After both viewings of Batman v Superman, I didn't have a problem with the fight stopping when Bruce realizes he and Clark's mothers share the same first name. I still don't have a HUGE problem with it, but wish it would have been handled better. But man is internet fandom hung up on it. As far as the flaws in Batman v Superman go, the handling of "Martha" shouldn't be high on the list. There's plenty of other missteps that attention should be focused on.

I would have preferred a more subtle way through the name for Bruce to come to terms with the realization that Clark is really as human as he is. OR, as my good buddy Justin explained, have Bruce actually MEET Martha Kent on the farm, have a sit-down with her and see where Clark came from. Not only seeing the humanity in Superman, but being reminded of the loving childhood he never had. Quiet, character-building moments like that are what was severely lacking from the movie.

As far as Voldemort and Harry Potter go, that would have been quite an abrupt end to that book series. I can hear Voldemort saying, "Now that we're friends, sorry about that Cedric Diggory boy."

-Gint

McSoss Podcast Episode 147: Chewie and the Young Toughs

This week we react to the new trailers for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Suicide Squad.

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Suburban Commando

I’m loving Jon Bernthal’s take on the Punisher on this season of Daredevil. There have been many versions over the years but none that really got to the heart of the character like this Netflix version. Frank Castle is a complex and layered hero. I think there is a part in all of us that can relate to the drastic measures that he eventually takes when his family is taken away from him. 

It seems like Marvel is going to move forward with a Netflix program dedicated to Frank Castle’s part of the world and I couldn’t be happier. I think the story of the Punisher is best told in the long form style that modern television has mastered. -Soss

Gint's 4-6-16 Pull-List Review

Its been a while since a comic book has blown my mind. This week is no different. That doesn't mean you shouldn't continue reading!

Second Place:
Justice League: Darkseid War Special #1

Unless Geoff Johns covers a couple things in the regular run of Justice League, some readers are going to be confused. There are a couple plot points that look like their going to be pretty important as The Darkseid War moves forward.

But overall? Eh. Seemed like we could have banged through this issue in a couple pages of the regular book. We get TONS of exposition about Grail and Myrina's backstory, and more exposition about what its like when your soul gets pulled into Power Ring's ring. Seemed like a lot of story to get to the big business of Steve Trevor being the lynch pin of Grail's plan and Cyborg getting Jessica Cruz out of the ring. See how easy that explanation was?

The art was solid. It was really nice seeing Ivan Reis do some Green Lantern-y things penciling the Jessica Cruz pages. Reis got help from Oscar Jimenez and Paul Pelletier and it all came together pretty smoothly. I haven't gotten a Reis book in a while and it was really refreshing to see his work.      

First Place:

Poe Dameron #1

$4.99 price tag aside, it was going to be hard to keep me away from a Charles Soule/Phil Noto joint. Chewbacca wasn't all that, but Noto's art was enough to make sure I read each issue. And Noto's on his game again here.

His likenesses of Oscar Issac and Carrie Fisher never waver. There is never any doubt who those characters are. If this was the publishing standard for actor likenesses, everyone else would be out of a job. As for the rest of the art, there was a brightness in Chewbacca that's lost here. We deal with a lot of dark locales and earth tones. But that's not necessarily Noto's fault.

Charles Soule writes an interesting story where we get to flesh out how Poe finds Lor San Tekka (Max von Sydow) at the beginning of The Force Awakens. Soule has a bit of leeway in writing most of the cast, but does a stellar job with General Leia Organa. With Noto's likeness, you can hear Carrie Fisher deliver each line.

Soule has some work to do ironing out the Poe bits since we don't have a lot to work with. Yeah, Poe is pretty jovial in The Force Awakens, but he comes off a little too jovial at times.

This was a cool book. Two creators at the top of their game giving us some new Star Wars before Episode VIII.

Panels of the Week:

Phil Noto – CRUSHING it.

-Gint