Hey Cat-Man! Do your impression of Andy Griffith greeting his barber, and please: Phrase your response in the form of a kick to the face.
Wow, what a completely accurate response to my oddly specific question! Thanks, Cat-Man!
Anyway, it’s Thursday night and that means it’s time for another round of the Internet’s Most Rollicking Comics Reviews! But before we get around to those, please direct your eyes to the left as we welcome our latest sponsor: Jim Shelley and Pierre Villeneuve’s Kharon: Scourge of Atlantis!
Jim and Pierre are, as you might remember, the guys who brought you the FlashBack Universe (as well as being two good friends of mine), and this time they’re back with a sword-and-sorcery story that Jim’s described as “Zorro as written by Ronnie James Dio.” And come on, that sounds awesome. They’re in this month’s Zuda competition, and they’re up against some pretty stiff rivals, like Screamland
Now back to the more important subject here: Me. Here’s what I picked up this week…
…and here’s what I thought about ’em!
Age of the Sentry #6: Take note, designers: this is how you lay out a cover:
That’s right, folks, my infamous “Apex of the Artform” quote from my review of #2–where J. Jonah Jameson hired Truman Capote to cover the story of the Sentry fighting a giant bear, which actually is as awesome as it sounds–made it to the cover in what, for a pullquote, is a pretty prominent position, and I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t crazy excited to see it at the shop yesterday.
Not just because it’s always nice to be quoted on something (which it is), or even because it’s so prominent on the cover to an actual Marvel comic, but because, like almost everything I’ve been quoted on, I mean every word. With this book, Jeff Parker, Paul Tobin, Nick Dragotta, Ramon Rosanas and the rest of the crew have not only taken a character that I really didn’t care for and made me love him, they’ve done it in what might just be the most purely fun comic since Nextwave
It’s great stuff, and if you’ve been holding back for some reason, pick it up and give it a read. It’s the kind of comic that we really ought to have more of.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer #23: Yeah, I’m as surprised as you are that I’m still reading this after the harsh words I’ve had for the last few issues, but to be honest, this is probably the best one we’ve gotten since Buffy & Co. were fighting giant robots in Japan
There’s only one problem: I don’t know who the villain is. I mean, I know it’s the girl with the weird pink topknot, and I get from the story that she’s a renegade slayer with a small army, but I have no idea if we’ve ever seen her before, and considering that the series thus far has had a grand total of like six stories, I’m not sure if that’s a reflection of forgettable stories or the fact that my memory seems to be going as I settle into my late twenties. I guess it might be something that slipped my mind after six months of being beaten about the head and shoulders with Fray, and I guess she could be from the show, since I never made it through the last season, but for right now, all I know about her is that she’s a villain who chose to get into a fight with Buffy while standing next to a bucket full of swords.
Which is actually kind of awesome.
The Goon #32: This issue marks the tenth anniversary of The Goon, and while it’s not really news anymore that the Goon is awesome, it makes for a nice opportunity to remind everyone that Eric Powell’s doing one of the funniest, saddest, most action-packed, genuinely creepy and best comics on the shelf today, mostly because it’s one of the best things he’s ever drawn. Seriously, Powell’s never been a slouch when it comes to art, but there are panels in this issue that stand up next to anything else he’s done, short of the breakdown scene from Chinatown
If for some reason you’re not already reading the Goon–which would mean that you’ve been dodging a book with a gang of pre-teen sidekicks called the Little Unholy Bastards–then grab this one, as it’ll give you pretty much everything you can expect from the series: Miserable thugs, horrible monsters, miserable thugs beating the ever-lovin’ crap out of horrible monsters, and a man and his robot discussing fursuits and gorilla sex.
You know, all the good stuff.
Jersey Gods #2: I think the record will show that I enjoyed the first issue of Jersey Gods quite a bit, and while it did a great job of laying out the NewGods-as-Romantic-Comedy (RomCosmic?) hook of the story, the second issue darn near blows it out of the water. On the art side, you’ve got Friend of the ISB Dan McDaid, who manages to pull of these huge, Kirbyscope vistas of gods at war and a sycophantic New York fashion show with equal panache, but–for me anyway–it was Glen Brunswick’s scripting that really stole the show this time.
The way he’s set the story up, it would be incredibly easy for even the best intentions to go awry. He is, after all, alternating between super-powered space gods duking it out for control of the planet Neboron and an actual spunky fashion reporter trying to reach out to her local readers, but like McDaid, he’s able to do it without coming off as a disjointed mess. Instead, it just snaps right together as two people from different worlds trying to get together, just held apart by their careers and, you know, double-ended tridents made of space-fire. But isn’t that always the way?
Secret Warriors #2: This is a comic book that opens with Baron von Strucker just totally fucking up a bunch of Skrulls with the Satan Claw after reminiscing about how much easier it was to be a Nazi back in the day. But here’s the thing:
That is not the best part of this comic book.
Shocking, I know, but it’s true: Brian Bendis and Jonathan Hickman have come up with an Everything You Know Is Wrongâ„¢ premise, and for two straight issues, Hickman has knocked it out of the park in the way he’s setting up a new Nick Fury vs. HYDRA dynamic, with the result being a new story that’s just a phenomenally entertaining read. It’s got everything you want from a spy comic: Intrigue, super-science, self-destructing bases, hot girls wearing domino masks for absolutely no reason, furniture that’s way more intricate than one would think it would need to be, and a shocking return from a story that, if I’m honest, is one of my favorites of the past few years.
Of course, I’m still holding out for the return of HYDRA Regional Manager Elsie Carson–last seen in the pages of Team America, Marvel’s greatest crime-fighting dirtbike comic–but in the meantime, I’m loving this thing to pieces. Give it a shot, it’s well worth it.
I mean… the Satan Claw. That alone is worth the cover price.
And that’s the week. As always, the comments section below is open for any questions on something I read this week, so if you’d like to talk about how fun and enjoyable Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures in the 8th Grade has gotten over the past couple of issues (yes, really) or marvel at the absolutely gorgeous art of Mario Alberti in the pages of X-Men and Spider-Man (which is seriously one of the prettiest books I’ve seen in years), then drop a line.
Wait, the X-Men: First Class mini is already on its 2nd issue? Damn, how did I miss that when I double-check the ship list to make sure I pull everything?
Two questions on your pulls though. I see you’re getting the Dresden Files adaptation book. I stopped after the first, deciding I didn’t need two versions of the story. So as someone newly come to Butcher’s series, how are you finding the non-original comic?
And second, any guesses how Darkhawk will get drawn into this whole War of Kings conflict? And do you think they’ll be any chance of a return of Xemnu?
I’m just shocked your best of the week has Bendis in it.
It’s just nice to know that cover blubs, once again, know exactly what I demanded.
I’m pretty sure renegade evil Slayer girl is pre-existing character. If you remember waaayyy back to the first couple of arcs/trades, she was the one who asked Andrew “Why don’t we just get guns to kill the demons instead of this medieval crap” and later held up a place and stole some with other Slayers. On a security camera.
The hold up was a brief bit during the Wolves at the Door arc I believe.
I’d forgotten the earlier appearance.
i really have to pause for a second here.
no disrespect to your friends and their efforts on Zuda, but i have a bit of a problem with the name chosen for the comic.
see, normally i go with a more classical pronunciation for words like that. but ive been inundated recently with people who keep “americanizing” all sorts of mythological words (i.e. Lich = “lick”). dont ask why.
so basically, what i SAW was sounded out in my head as “Karen: Scourge of Atlantis”
and truth be told i dont know if this is more awesome than the actual title or not.
I’ve been impressed with Supergirl in the Eighth Grade since issue one. The daydreaming scenes alone are worth the (low low low) price of admission (I’ve become too delicious to live!). When I saw the solicitation for issue six at dccomics.com, I felt absolute joy over that cover and the word “frenemies,” and absolute sadness over “final issue.”
Fingers crossed for a Supergirl in the Ninth Grade ongoing!
Dude, you dropped an Elise Carson shout-out.
That’s beautiful.
*sniff*
Elsie, even.
One question on X-Men/Spider-Man #4: Is Xraven the Mutant Hunter the greatest or worst villain concept and name of the past decade? I can’t decide, but it’s clearly one of the two. Don’t get me wrong, Gage nailed the story, but really. XRAVEN THE MUTANT HUNTER.
@ Lurkerwithout:
Darkhawk and the Shi’ar both have wings, so I’m betting on a profound connection between the two elements that draws upon the deepest symbolic parallels of the subconscious collective in the same way that saw Norman Osbourne and Sandman being related. I will also be terribly disappointed if we don’t see at least another twelve pages of Darkhawk talking about his feelings with his refrigerator girlfriend who may or may not be Asian this week, because I buy comics to read that, and not silly nonsense about space-armored superheroes having mid-air battles with supervillains made of lasers.
War of Kings was pretty cool, but it’s just an old-school Marvel slugout with some space-operatics in the background – which I love to pieces, but may be too unsophisticated to anyone who doesn’t dig compressed mid-80s Marvel. DnA might have topped Annihilation with this one.
I’m always pleased and shocked by the amount of fan(girl)service that always comes with anything envolving Cat-man. Makes me think about the message here. Problably “look girls, it’s like Batman, but totally avaliable”.
Well, sorry, I *do* like my fictional men emotionally unavaliable, dark and moody.
“Infamous … crazy … a character that I really didn’t care for … [a]nd this issue’s no exception!”
– Chris Sims, the-isb.com
Enough about comics, let’s talk movies. Will you be
subjecting yourself toseeing Watchmen?Is the new issue of the Goon a good jumping on point for a guy who knows almost nothing about the book?
IanWally,
I’m inclined to say that I don’t think this issue of The Goon is a good jumping off point for newbies. There’s a couple of references to what’s happened before, and a set up of what is to come, and you really won’t understand what the deal is with the guy with no eyes. On the other hand, if you’re willing to overlook that stuff, the story involving the Little Unholy Bastards is a hoot.
And Chris? How could you forget to mention the feral, cannibalistic hoboes? I mean, we’re talking Feral. Cannibalistic. Hoboes. Come on, man!
S-A-T-A-N, C-L-A-W
Hooray for the Satan Claw!
…and hooray for you Chris. Seriously, if the comic companies think this much of your “tastemaking” abilities, you could totally pitch a full book of your comic reviews (for money) as if you were the Roger Ebert of comics.
I’m pretty sure Roger Ebert gets tacos and bacon FOR FREE.
I’d pay money, real money to see Elsie Carson again.
What I’d do to see Janet Klyburn again could get me arrested in most states.
Two questions on your pulls though. I see you’re getting the Dresden Files adaptation book. I stopped after the first, deciding I didn’t need two versions of the story. So as someone newly come to Butcher’s series, how are you finding the non-original comic?
Like I said last month, it’s completely unnecessary, but enjoyable. The first issue felt a little rushed, but it’s settled into a better rhythm now and Syaf’s art is solid and well-suited to it.
And second, any guesses how Darkhawk will get drawn into this whole War of Kings conflict? And do you think they’ll be any chance of a return of Xemnu?
That’s three questions. Anyway, the Darkhawk armor comes from space, so…
I’m just shocked your best of the week has Bendis in it.
You and me both, but it’s good stuff, and he’s only doing the plotting.
If you remember waaayyy back to the first couple of arcs/trades, she was the one who asked Andrew “Why don’t we just get guns to kill the demons instead of this medieval crap†and later held up a place and stole some with other Slayers. On a security camera.
Right, right, that sounds familiar.
so basically, what i SAW was sounded out in my head as “Karen: Scourge of Atlantisâ€
Then you REALLY don’t want to know the names Jim was throwing around six months ago.
One question on X-Men/Spider-Man #4: Is Xraven the Mutant Hunter the greatest or worst villain concept and name of the past decade?
Oh man, I felt the exact same way. I really loved the story and the art, but when I got to the scene where the bad guy announces his name in huge letters, I think I may have said, out loud, “EX-RAVEN THE HUNTER? REALLY?” So goofy, but so fun.
Enough about comics, let’s talk movies.
Do we have to?
Will you be seeing Watchmen?
No, probably not.
So, did Hickman sign your issue, or did you scribble on the white half, or what?
Also; if it’s allowed to last, Agents of Atlas is totally going to turn in to the kind of comic that you have nothing to say about beyond “It’s very good”, isn’t it?
So, did Hickman sign your issue, or did you scribble on the white half, or what?
We had a signing with Hickman at my shop on Wednesday, and he signed that and Dark Reign FF there. If any of you get a chance to meet him, he’s a super-nice guy and he’s also totally hilarious.
How are the Phoenix Wright books, Chris? I have been speculatively glancing at them for a while since I’m a huge fan of the series, but I also know that video game manga and comics can go very bad very quickly.
Supermobile cameo
Twist ending that works
The return of Moon Supergirl
A consistant winner of “Best Scene of the Week” at my own waste of bandwidth
Everytime I see “of 6” on the cover of Supergirl: Cosmic Adv., I die a little inside.
How are the Phoenix Wright books, Chris?
They’re… strange. It’s essentially authorized doujinshi for the series (which is like regular doujinshi, but with less Edgeworth and Phoenix just making out with each other) by a bunch of different people doing different stuff, so it reads like really high-end fan-fiction. There’s funny stuff, though, so if you like the games, you’ll probably dig it (I think it’s worth checking out), but it’s hardly a necessary part of the experience.
I picked up Secret Warriors pretty much entirely on your recommendation. I have to say I’m glad I did. I would honestly read an entire book of Baron Strucker’s Nazi adventures. Of course now I have to track down the first issue which has apparently made itself incredibly scarce over the course of the last month.
On an unrelated note did the last issue of Ambush Bug ever ship? I know it’s probably been a bit if it has but I’m not sure if my local store ever got it or not, scouring the recent back issue shelves hasn’t turned up much except copies of Final Crisis.
Of course now I have to track down the first issue which has apparently made itself incredibly scarce over the course of the last month.
Second printing’s due in shops next week.
I’m wondering if the lateness on Ambush Bug #6 is part of the joke. Which would be the funniest thing in it thus far.
Yeah, I’ll show myself out.
S-A-T-A-N, C-L-A-W
Hooray for the Satan Claw!
“No, No. I’m not tired… BUT MY FINGER IS!”
PS
Enough about comics, let’s talk movies.
Do we have to?
On a possibly brighter note: I ran across a movie trailer to Big Man Japan.
I’m not sure what to make of it, but some aspects of the Sims oeuvre do apply. (Lacks JJJ, though.)
Is Age of the Sentry an ongoing, or a mini?
The Age of the Sentry is a just ended 6-issue mini…
good information..
Supermobile cameo
Twist ending that works
The return of Moon Superg