DUDE! This is hella-awesome!! Thor’s pissed at the gods and humanity for various transgressions and decides to say to hell with it all and thrashes everything on an epic scale. This leads to his father, Odin, to start smackin’ his son around and show him the error of his ways. If you love mythology, battles, great art and, of course, Thor then you should pick this up and revel in this mighty good tale. Grade: A+

DC Comics: Justice Society of America – Kingdom Come Special: The Kingdom ( one-shot )

I don’t understand why this and the previous JSA Kingdom Come one-shots weren’t just told in the regular JSA monthly title but, like the previous two, this is a decent story (with fantastic art) that adds to the mystery and drama surrounding the god-like being, Gog, and how it affects the JSA as well as the rest of the world. Gog has granted “the heart’s desire” of several members of the JSA and some see it as a blessing while others are waiting for the other shoe to fall. The last page of this tale gives you an idea (which at least to me was obvious) of what’s coming. A pretty good story here but only pick it up if you’ve been reading the JSA Kingdom Come storyline already. Grade: B-

Marvel Comics: Hulk #8

You have two stories here in this issue, both second parts of ongoing storylines, one starring the Bruce Banner Hulk and the other starring the very crappy Red Hulk. The Banner Hulk story is better but I was at least entertained by the Red Hulk story. Jeph Loeb writes, if you want to call it that. The highlight of this whole issue is the phenomenal art by Arthur Adams and Frank Cho. Both men are kicking serious ass here. I just wish the writing was up to par. Please Marvel, I beg you, let the Green Hulk kill this Red Hulk. The character really really sucks! Grade: C

Cover of the Week: Batman #681

I hear that the current storyline in this book kind of sucks…but damn, that cover sure is purty!

Until Next Time–Peace…

Well, Marvel Comics had such a hit with Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series they are going to see if they can do it again (and I’m sure they will) with his apocalyptic epic, The Stand.

Writer Robert Aguirre-Sacasa and artist Mike Perkins (this dude can draw!) adapt the story of a military engineered plague that wipes out most of the population and brings forth true evil in the personification of the figure on the cover above, Randall Flagg. This issue introduces us to 3 of our main characters – Stu, Frannie and Larry – and shows us how the plague starts to spread initially. Even though I know the story I still found certain imagery here to be very gripping and creepy. What makes it creepy is the reality of the plague. You know that the government could, and probably is, messing around with something like this right now and all it takes is one little mistake and we’re all screwed. If you’ve read the original novel or seen the excellent TV mini-series from the Nineties you’ll still enjoy this. If you are totally unaware, you’re in for a treat. Apocalyptic stories don’t get much better than this. Grade: A+

Dark Horse Comics: Star Wars – The Clone Wars #1

I’ll admit that I’m a Star Wars junkie. Even though the prequel trilogy pales in comparison to the original trilogy I still found joy in much of it. Yeah, Jar Jar is one of the most annoying characters of all time but I think when people look back at the films, wooden acting aside, I think that they will see that they’re not that bad. This comic is based on the upcoming animated series (as well as the film that’s still in theaters) and I dig it. I am one of the select few who actually thought the animated flick was good and in some ways better than the live action prequel flicks. The action was very kinetic, the characterization was good and for the first time I really liked Anakin. This comic takes place shortly after the events in the film which naturally places us in the ongoing Clone Wars. There’s a thin story here but plenty of action and it’s art style is similar to the animated ‘toon. Basic, fun Star Wars is what we have here and that’s just fine with this geek! Grade: A-

Marvel Comics: Secret Invasion #6 ( of 8 )

First, the cover of this issue kicks a lot of ass! I’m still not crazy about the new Captain America costume but for some reason it works here and these three look like they are ready to obliterate some Skrulls. Second, this issue has got a great scene with some whacked people all ready to believe that the Skrulls are here to make their lives better and quickly learn that the Skrulls are aggressive, scary assholes. Third, this issue has the action and the arrival of Thor is cool as hell. Writer Brian Michael Bendis gives us some moments of great dialogue here but most of the heavy lifting is handled by artist Leinil Yu. The art for the most part is fantastic but there are parts here where I felt Yu might be either overwhelmed or just burnt out on handling such an epic. There are certain panels that just felt off but for the most part the issue is gorgeous and the end pages of this are freakin’ AWESOME! Grade: B

Until next time—Peace…

I’m loving this freakin’ series and I’ve never been a big Iron Man fan but writer Matt Fraction and artist Salvador Larocca are delivering the goods. The character is currently dealing with Zachariah Stane, evil son of his rival Obadiah Stane (Iron Monger), who is using Stark tech for terrorist attacks across the world. What makes this series and particularly this issue work is the writer is making Stark into a likable (albeit cocky) character once again. I dig! Grade: A

DC Comics: Final Crisis #3 ( of 7 )

I just don’t get why people think writer Grant Morrison is so great. There is only one storyline of his I’ve ever liked (JLA vs. White Martians in the mid-90s) and I absolutely hated what he did with the X-Men seven years ago. In addition to Final Crisis he is currently writing Batman R.I.P. and those that I know reading it say that it is sub-par. Well, this issue of Final Crisis is sub-par as well. There is nothing really exciting in this issue which is a shame as the other Crisis books in the past (Crisis on Infinite Earths, Identity Crisis and Infinite Crisis) have all been pretty good throughout. There are only two things I liked here…The final scenes with Wonder Woman and Mary Marvel were decent and the art by J.G. Jones is still very beautiful. The big deal about this book is supposed to be the re-introduction of Silver Age Flash, Barry Allen, but it hasn’t really been handled that well. I’m still very disappointed in this series. Grade: D+

Marvel Comics: Hulk #5

Wow! This book still sucks. Jeph Loeb, a writer I usually like, seems like he has fallen prey to “gimmick-itis”, an ailment that has plagued many comic writers in the last 20 years. Basically this issue is all about Red Hulk thoroughly kicking Thor’s ass. It rings of total bullshit and if you can find me one Hulk fan who wants this Red Hulk storyline to keep going then I will show you a porno of Santa fucking Darth Vader. Come on! Bring the original Hulk back and make this red asshole take a dirt nap. And the art by Ed McGuiness, while it’s pleasing to the eye, can’t even save this total load of crap! Grade: F

Until next time–Peace…

This is one of the best Vertigo books to come out in years and this issue wraps up the storyline of the Viking, Sven, and his return to his homeland to reclaim his kingdom.

Written by Brian Wood with art by David Gianfelice (very talented penciler), we get a very dialogue heavy issue here but if you are invested in the story then you will enjoy every bit of it. But if you haven’t been reading this then this issue will probably seem a little boring for you. This is only for those who’ve been here since issue 1 so go pick up the back issues if you’re a newbie. It’s a great, gritty story! Grade: A

Marvel Comics: Wolverine #67 (Old Man Logan chapter 2)

This issue is much better than the last, which wasn’t bad either. We are continuing on the journey of elderly pacifist Logan and elderly and blind Hawkeye as they cross an America ruined by Marvel Supervillains. There are fantastic moments in this issue written by Mark Millar with art by Steve McNiven, most notably Hawkeye vs. The Ghost Riders. Get this! It’s a cool “Dark Knight Returns” take on Wolverine and the art by McNiven is so freakin’ pretty!! Grade: A

Marvel Comics: Thor #10

You should be reading this. Writer J. Michael Straczynski is in his element here crafting a story about Thor and the Norse Gods that reads like a mixture of Tolkien, Frank Capra and the best of Stan Lee. Olivier Coipel’s pencils are a true work of art and give the most regal nature to Thor and crew. This issue is all about Loki and her two-face-ish ways and the final panel is a little chilling. Yep…another Grade: A

Until next time– Peace…

Marvel Comics: Thor #7

Same great writer, new great artist and an awesome read!

DC Comics: Justice League of America #19

Not bad but I miss writer Brad Meltzer. Slick art!

Marvel Comics: The Incredible Hercules #115

I love this comic! You should pick this up immediately!!

Until next time–Peace…

5. Thor (Marvel Comics)

This relaunch of the character totally kicks ass! After the whole cybernetic cloned Thor debacle in the mini-series Civil War, fans of the Thundergod clammored for his return. He did in a beautiful and epic way and delivered an ass kicking to Iron Man/Tony Stark that he had coming to him. This is a comic that doesn’t have a very good release schedule but when it does come out it is one of the first comics I’ll read that week.

4. Green Arrow/Black Canary Wedding Special (DC Comics)

It’s about time these two lovebirds tied the knot but this one-shot shows that things don’t go smoothly for Ollie and Dinah. Great art my Amanda Conner makes this book a real gem as well as appearances by nearly every major hero in the DC universe. I’m partial to Green Arrow, the character is one of the best in my opinion, but this is one of the most fun reads from this year.

3. The Walking Dead (Image Comics)

DAAAAMMMNN! This one will sock you in the gut when you least expect it. Really bad things have happened in this book since the beginning but this year was a doozy. Our group of survivors of the zombie apocalypse are now dealing with a crazy sonuvabitch called the Governor, a guy who leads another group of survivors with militaristic and immoral tendencies. Writer Robert Kirkman knows how to write this kind of story with maximum effect–it’s not the zombies you should worry about, it’s your fellow humans!

2. Silver Surfer: Requiem (Marvel Comics)

Silver Surfer: Requiem is one of the most beautiful comics I’ve ever read. The story all deals with the Surfer discovering that he is going to die and his last goodbye to Earth, the Cosmos and his home planet of Zenn-La. Esad Ribic is an artist comparable in talent with Alex Ross. I will always keep this mini-series handy so I can peruse through the pretty pictures often.

1. The Sinestro Corps War storyline–Green Lantern, Green Lantern Corps and related one-shots (DC Comics)

THE BEST STORYLINE OF THIS YEAR IF NOT THE LAST FEW!!! I loved every issue, every panel and character nuance in this epic storyline that had Sinestro assembling an army of yellow power ring wearing evil badasses. From Sinestro infecting Green Lantern Kyle Rayner with the evil entity Parallax to the Lantern known as Killowog bringing an aircraft carrier down on the head of a bad guy to the beatdown of Sinestro–IT ALL ROCKED AND ROCKED HARD!!! The events in this story will have long reaching implications for the DC universe and I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

Coming in 2008—Legion of Super-Heroes by comics legend Jim Shooter…

Best comic based flick of 2007—

300

No other movie this year nailed it on the head! Director Zack Snyder shot a beautiful movie that had shots that looked exactly like the stellar graphic novel by Frank Miller. THIS IS SPARTA!!!

And TV finally gave us a kickass comic book inspired show…

Heroes

Yeah, it came out in 2006 but the show really amped up in 2007. A serialized show that delivers the goods every week and keeps you tuning in for more. Creator Tim Kring gets the characters and epic nature of “superheroes”. Keep it coming Mr. Kring!

Happy New Year—

So while looking around on myspace the other day, I happened upon Ms. Chen’s profile listed on another one that showcases creative profile designs. After looking at some of the art that she’s done it was cool to learn the identity behind some kick-ass artwork that I’d seen around before, but wasn’t aware of who the artist was.

By way of wikipedia:

Jo Chen is a comic book artist.

Chen was born in Taipei, Taiwan and emigrated to the United States in late 1994. Working professionally in the Asian comic book industry since age fourteen, she burst suddenly onto the U.S. comic book scene with her art work for the Racer X mini-series, part of the Speed Racer series published by Wildstorm/D.C. Comics in 2000.

She quickly established herself producing interiors and covers for titles including Darkminds Macropolis, Battle of the Planets, Robotech, Fight For Tomorrow, Taskmaster, The Demon, Thor, and (Batman &) Robin. Currently she is most well known to American comic readers as the cover artist of Runaways.

Check out some of her artwork in the gallery, then stop on by her page to see more.

Okay, all fanboys and fangirls are excited about the new Iron Man movie coming out next May and it looks like they have nailed the origin of the character. That being said, let’s not forget that in the current Marvel continuity Tony “Iron Man” Stark has done some pretty crappy things in the past year in a half and is a total douchebag!

In this issue of Thor, unless you approve of the current Iron Man, there will be a smile put upon your face. The Thunder God puts a hurtin’ on Stark and it is good. If you haven’t been keeping up with Thor (shame on you!), he has been “dead” for several years following the big battle in Asgard, called Ragnarok, and has recently returned to Earth due to the “need” for him. That means he was not present for the Civil War between the Marvel superheroes, Hurricane Katrina (which is addressed very well in this issue), and the cloning of Thor by Stark and Reed Richards of Fantastic Four which resulted in an off-balanced Cyborg Thor who killed the hero Goliath. Thor knows all about this and he’s pissed! This issue delivers big time and the series (although we are only on number 3) continues to get better. BUY THIS!! Grade: A+

DC Comics: Trials of Shazam #8

Number 8 of the 12 issue mini-series has a very interesting take on the legend of Atlas but this is probably the weakest issue yet of the series. The ongoing story is following Freddy Freeman as he goes through the trials set upon him by the wizard Shazam to gain the power to become the next Captain Marvel. Atlas has the power of stamina but a shock is in store for Freddy when he arrives to confront Atlas for this prize. Atlas is portrayed as a man who is plugged into the world and he’s constantly monitoring the planet to prevent accidents and disasters. It’s a unique way to look at this character but that is the only thing in the issue that stands out. There are usually lulls in any great story and this is one of them. The art still kicks ass though! Grade: C DC Comics: Superman #667

If you’ve been reading this title, there has been an ongoing conflict between Superman and this seemingly immortal Atlantean wizard named Arion for about a year now. This is part one of a two part finale for the story which has had some great parts and some very subpar parts. Arion approached Superman a year ago and told him that Supes and other heroes like him are leading humanity to the brink of annihalation due to there fight against evil, that it is just getting pushed back and eventually it will be so strong it can’t be stopped. Superman thinks Arion is probably crazy and evil himself so in this issue he is out to stop the wizard who has been causing all kinds of problems on Earth. Like I said, there have been some great parts of this story but I’m looking forward to it being over. It’s not bad but it’s also one of the weaker Superman stories out there in my opinion. This issue does have a great fight though between Supes and the alien called Subjekt-17 and Carlos Pacheco’s pencils ROCK! Grade: B-

Until Next Time–Peace….

Shazam

Screenwriter John August has nearly completed a script for the fan favorite character, Captain Marvel, that is titled Shazam.

The character is a DC Comics property that involves young Billy Batson who is granted the powers of Captain Marvel by saying the name of the Egyptian wizard who gives him the powers. Mr. August has said that it will have the wish fulfillment fantasy of the 80s’ Tom Hanks film Big and the superpowered action of Superman. If all goes well production will begin sometime in 2008.

Hellboy 2: The Golden Army

The sequel is slated for a release of August 1, 2008. The script, written by Mike Mignola and director Guillermo del Toro, brings Hellboy and the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense up against a monstrous invasion once an ancient truce is broken between our world and the supernatural realm. Guillermo del Toro said this movie will be bigger and even more true to the comic.

Captain America

Lion’s Gate Films currently have this one in development with a likely start in 2008. There has been a lot of name dropping as to who will play “Cap”, such as Matthew McConaughey, Paul Walker, and Brad Pitt. This movie is supposedly on the fast track since reaction to the trailer at San Diego Comic Con for Iron Man, another Marvel flagship character, was so positive.

Iron Fist

The flick has director Steve Carr attached to it at this time and that actor Ray Park (Darth Maul from Star Wars) is to play Danny Rand/Iron Fist.

Luke Cage

Director John Singleton (Boyz In The Hood, Shaft, 2 Fast 2 Furious) is pushing to make this flick based on the Marvel Comics character who is framed for a crime he doesn’t commit and in exchange for a prison release, participates in an experiment which gives him superhuman strength and durability. Actor Tyrese Gibson (Baby Boy, 2 Fast 2 Furious) has expressed interest in the role as well as Wesley Snipes (New Jack City, The Blade Trilogy).

Superman: The Man of Steel

The sequel to Superman Returns is in heavy development right now but Warner Bros. studio might put the project on the backburner as they aggressively pursue getting the Justice League of America movie up and running. As of right now the release is for Summer 2009 and Bryan Singer is still supposed to direct. The plot is to be about Superman dealing with a visitor to Earth who followed him back from his visit to Krypton, which was only referenced in Superman Returns, and that this visitor might be the supervillain Braniac.

Thor

The director is Matthew Vaughn (Layer Cake, Stardust) and the rumor about casting of the Thunder God comes from Tyler Mane, an actor (Sabretooth in X-Men, Michael Myers in the latest Halloween) and former pro-wrestler, who said in recent interviews for Halloween that he wants to play Thor.

The Incredible Hulk

Marvel Entertainment has said that this flick is a “re-do” since the “touchy feely” Ang Lee flick wasn’t true to what a Hulk movie should be. This one is promised to have lots of “Hulk Smash” action and a worthy Hulk adversary. The Abomination, played by Tim Roth (Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs), is the big baddie and Liv Tyler (Lord of the Rings, Empire Records) is playing love interest, Betty Ross. William Hurt (Children of a Lesser God, A History of Violence) is General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross and the fantastic Ed Norton (American History X, The 25th Hour) is playing Bruce Banner/Hulk. There are rumors that the supervillain, The Leader, will show up and the Hulk may even be grey in part of the flick. This is scheduled for a June 13, 2008 release and it’s directed by Louis Leterrier (The Transporter 1 and 2).

Wolverine

Screenwriter David Benioff has said this flick will take place 17 years in the past and deal with Wolverine and his past with the Weapon X project. Hugh Jackman has confirmed that he will reprise his role as Wolverine and he is a producer on the film. Also, Sabretooth will likely be back and another mutant, The Blob, will be giving Wolverine hell. Production is said to begin in 2008 for a 2009 release.

Take Care….