Brave New Worlds Blog

2009-12-18T13:59:00.000-08:00

Wow. Really, any other words chosen to describe just how good Dark Avengers #12 is would be understated and would not do the issue justice. Brian Michael Bendis has once again provided the masterstrokes in the ongoing Dark Reign. Just as "event fatigue" may have started to settle in and wavering thoughts of the upcoming Siege were starting to simmer, Bendis gives us Dark Avengers #12. Seriously, 'nuff said.

However, if you are looking for more reasons to read this issue. Let's begin with Mike Deodato's pencils and Greg Horn's assists on a few pages when delving into the psyche of one Norman Osborn. Victoria Hand has been stepping up more and more in recent issues and in Dark Avengers #12, she is there in literally all her glory. This one has the Molecule Man and a huge showdown with the Sentry. It's got the goods.

All I can say, after reading this issue, I wanted more. And I am officially on the "can't wait for the Siege" bandwagon.

Taking a Look at Batgirl

2009-12-12T09:12:00.000-08:00

Five issues in and this new incarnation of Batgirl has been a pleasant surprise. Bryan Miller has done a nice job transferring the flag from Cassandra Cain to Stephanie Brown. Another neat touch by Miller is Barbara Gordon's mentorship of the former Spoiler. Babs was a lot like us at first, probably not wanting to invest ourselves in another Batgirl, but just like us she can't just help herself after getting to know her. And honestly, there is something endearing about the character that makes you root for her.

Miller did a nice job of letting the title get its own feet before bringing Batman and Robin into the title for a cameo, or whatever, this month in issue #5. To be honest, this issue was definitely the most-fun I had of all of them - the interaction between Damian and Stephanie is worth the $2.99 (now a bargain) cover price alone.

Add in Lee Garbett's pencils and Trevor Scott's ink and Batgirl is a good title to be added to the monthly pull. Operators are standing by ...

2009-10-10T11:21:00.000-07:00

Better than it has any business being. This has been my tagline for Marvel's Ultimate relaunch. And while I feel this is true for Ultimate Comics Armor War and Ultimate Comics Avengers, Ultimate Comics Spider-Man is a little different. First it has Bendis at the helm which screams quality storytelling, and considering how long he has been on the book that is quite an accomplishment to keep going. Not that the book was suffering before Ultimatum, but the narrative jump forward has definitely benefited the story.

With the relaunch comes a new artist at the helm - David Lafuente. His style takes some getting used to with its anime-type feel. I don't mind it as much as others, it does not distract from the story at hand, which has been fun.

Issue three dropped this week and the story has been a good one since the return of Peter Parker, who was thought killed at the end of Ultimatum. A weird bait and switch to the character if you ask me (unless they reveal him to be a clone of a clone or something stupid like that, but I digress ...). Anyway, without giving too much away, a lot has changed in the life of Mr. Parker. He has a new job and NYC is rebuilding. And another thing, the city that never sleeps loves its resident super-hero. So things are moving along for the character. But as much as things are the same, there has been other changes that will make you scratch your head (but in a good way). And thanks to the jump forward, we get to figure out what happened and why the new dynamics.

One new dynamic introduced in issue two and explained a little more in three is the addition of Johnny Storm to the Parker household. Only can be good for more interesting adventures.

The relaunch has also seen the addition of an iconic Spidey villain in Mysterio. The Ultimate version is a lot of twisted fun and definitely a good foil for our favorite webhead. He is not an easy win to say the least.

All that being said, if you are not reading Ultimate Comics Spider-Man for some reason other than you did not realize it was out, now's the time to jump back on board. Only three issues out, all still available. Would I steer you wrong (don't answer that)?

Invincible Iron Man #18

2009-09-19T11:14:00.001-07:00

Masterful. That one words sums up my description of Matt Fraction's efforts on the Invincible Iron Man. And this week issue's (18) did not miss a beat in what was the 11th chapter of the "World's Most Wanted" storyline. Most comic stories are plotted and written to occur in five or six issues, making them a perfect sell for a trade paperback. Sometimes we see a story go 12 or even 18 issues, but usually the pacing is not so good and the story generally suffers for it (R.I.P. or New Krypton anyone?). But Fraction's subdued storytelling in Invincible Iron Man reminds me of the subtle style that J. Michael Stracynski has displayed in the Thor relaunch.

Most Wanted is one the real interesting tales born from Dark Reign. Desperate to keep Norman Osborn's hands off of the database that contains the real identities of Marvel's good guys, Tony Stark embarks on destroying that database. The only catch, all of the information is contained in his brain. Thus, Tony needs to lobotomize himself, but like any good storyteller, Fraction has decided that he can't just blow his brains out, but rather it must be a slow burn-off, which benefits us a readers.

So, Osborn continues to send his minions to hunt down Stark's whereabouts, while Maria Hill and Pepper Potts work on their own to assist Tony is destroying his mind. Trust me, its really compelling storytelling. Think about the depths of which Stark is willing to go do to the right thing. Everyone's favorite whipping boy after the Civil War is reminding everyone why he is truly a hero. It will be interesting to see how Fraction finally resolves this story and what the ultimate confrontation between Stark and Osborn will bring.

Add to story the terrific art of Salvador Larocca and you will truly be in for a unique comic experience with Invincible Iron Man. Who knows, it might even make for a terrific third film Mr. Favreau ...

Spotlight on Fantastic Four Visionaries

2009-07-12T14:52:00.000-07:00

Excelsior! It seemed only fitting to begin with a nod to Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee. It is Lee and his partner in crime, Jack Kirby, that we think of when we think of the Fantastic Four. And it is understandable that we do think this way since the duo worked on 100 issues of the World's Greatest Comic Magazine.

However the legend that is the Fantastic Four did not end with Lee and Kirby (obviously). About 10 years after, John Byrne began a run that would last six years and watch him put an indelible mark on the quartet that today rivals the creators time on the book.

Beginning with issue #232 when Byrne assumed both writer and drawing chores a masterpiece was about to be weaved that would not just changed the way we look at the Fantastic Four (the Invisible Woman, Galactus munching on the Skrull homeworld, the death of Reed Richards), but also impact the very fabric of the entire Marvel Universe.

Marvel in its ultimate wisdom (and we mean that in a great way) decided to collect Bryne's entire run in Fantastic Four Visionaries, John Bryne. Brave New Worlds has the first seven volumes in stock, with almost all of them available at the low price of $10! That is a great deal for such an amazing run of what has yet to been rivaled since.

Brave New Worlds Second Look on Cloak & Dagger

2009-05-22T16:47:00.001-07:00

Aw Yeah I'm back with a review, and Aw yeah Cloak and Dagger is back as well in a new Premiere Hardcover, Cloak & Dagger: Child of Darkness, Child of Light, collecting the initial four-issue mini-series by Bill Mantlo, Rick Leonardi and Terry Austin. This was before Cloack & Dagger were revealed to be mutants, but rather victims of a drug experiments gone bad.

This is another classic 1980's tale from the Marvel Universe. The duo made their first appearance in the Spectacular Spider-Man as anti-drug vigilantes. The mini-series explained their mission further and reveals both characters roots and origins.

It was definitely a simpler time in terms of storytelling, but Mantlo's writing holds up, while Leonardi lends his unique artistic talents to leave an indelible mark on one of the Marvel 'verses more unique crime-fighting teams.

Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures in the Eighth Grade

2009-05-15T14:01:00.000-07:00

by Victoria.

This six part mini series opens with the Man of Steel engaged in a heated battle with arch enemy Lex Luthor who is over powering Kal El thanks to his giant sized robot. Luthor proclaims his robot specializes in draining Kryptonian strength and the only way to destroy it would be a rocket from another dimension. What are the odds of that happening? Enter Kara Zor El whose rocket ship happens to slice through Lex’s machine and accidently saves the day. After stumbling from the ship into a mob of inquiring reporters and discovering she has super powers, she is whisked away by Superman. The cousins exchange stories and Kara reveals that she ran away from home and asks that Superman return her to Argo. Because he has no knowledge on how to cross a dimensional barrier it appears Kara is stuck on our planet.

Kara assumes the identity of ‘Linda Lee’ and enrolls in Stan Hope Boarding School where she struggles with fitting in, a mean principle and learning about life on Earth (which often leads to her asking embarrassing questions). After an accident in detention involving some kryptonite and a light projector, she finds herself face to face with her evil dark haired twin. Belinda Zee (the evil twin) proceeds to make school life even more miserable for our Girl of Steel. When it seems the whole school is against for being socially awkward and due to the pranks courtesy of Belinda, one student stands in her defense and offers her hand in friendship. Lena Thorul and Kara not only become best friends but roommates as well. Kara is unaware that Lena has a big brother who was recently sent to prison and holds a grudge against earth’s greatest hero.

Belinda gets her hands on some red Kryptonite and begins causing chaos that includes giving all the students super powers and time travel. Lena and Kara’s friendship is tested when a super powered cat appears causing even more mayhem. Mind wipes, a bizarro student body, a future Supergirl with a Legion flight ring and a principle is disguise all lead to the final showdown in issue six.

Written by Landry Q. Walker with art by Eric Jones, each 32 page issue sells for $2.50 each. Much like the popular Tiny Titans, the story is fun for all ages and not just targeted for children. The writing is smart and full of humor with strong messages about friendship, self esteem and fighting for what you believe in.

Superman/Batman #59 Review

2009-04-24T15:09:00.000-07:00

The previous issue of Superman/Batman found The Man of Steel going head to head with the Prankster who shrunk our hero and is stranded in a microscopic world called Nanopolis. Time in this world moves differently and although it appears Superman has only been missing for a few hours, on Nanopolis it has been two months. Our hero soon encounters hostile machines and must fight for his life.

With the assistance of John Henry Irons, formerly known as Steel, Batman is shrunk to microscopic size ( along with his sub) and is on a rescue mission. After crash landing he is helped by locals who claim The Dark Knight's arrival was prophesied long ago. The Nomads have been waiting for a savior who would "match the metal ones power". They help Batman in tracking Superman's location but when Bruce finds him it appears to be too late.

Issue #59 will conclude this three part story written by Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning and Mike Johnson. The pencils are done by superstar artist Whilce Portacio (BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL) and are pleasing to the eye. Find out what happens when #59 hits store shelves April 29!

Beyond Wonderland #6 Guest Review

2009-04-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

Beyond Wonderland issue 5 ended with a cliff hanger for fans; Calie (our heroine who goes by the alias 'Lacy' in the series) was being forced back into Wonderland through the infamous looking glass by The Mad Hatter. This occurs on the top of the Empire State Building and issue 6 opens with a flash back of Calie, her brother Johnny (now the Mad Hatter) and their grandfather enjoying the sites on top of that very building. What ensues next between the two siblings is dramatic, gory and will not disappoint.

The Zenescope writing team closes the series with a shocking event that will no doubt continue in the next series lineup. Three new one shots centering on the Chesire Cate, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb and the Red Queen are slated for a Spring 2009 release as well as the Wonderland Annual.

A few bonus features are in this issue; a five-page preview of the new Zenescope title 'Salem's Daughter' and a preview/interview of the new Calie Wonderland statue sculpted by Clayburn Moore. Calie is by far my favorite Zenescope character and I won the Zenescope January Girl of the Month for my Calie Liddle costume so please excuse me as I drool over this statue.

Brave New Worlds Second Look - Angel

2009-04-19T13:32:00.000-07:00

It is a tale as old as time, a tale of a vampire (or two) with a soul on their eternal quest to redeem themselves, and look good in the process. Of course I am speaking of Joss Whedon's Angel, which the nice folks over at IDW Comics were kind enough to give us all new adventures picking up from the conclusion of the series finale a few years back.

Angel After the Fall picks right up from last we saw Angel and the gang getting ready to rumble with the worst Wolfram & Hart had to offer (which included, but was not limited to, a dragon - just wait until you see how that ended for Angel).

The series has almost completed year two and after a bump in the road seems to have righted itself with some fresh new story telling. The After the Fall storyline, written by Brian Lynch with plot points provided by Mr. Whedon himself, was decent. It started off very interesting but seemed to get mired in its own mythology after awhile. I am not sure if Lynch or IDW realized this, or planned to come out of it the way they did, but the conclusion was satisfying and sort of restarted the series allowing casual fans to jump back on board now under new writer Kelley Armstrong.

Now that Angel has saved LA from Hell, he is a celebrity with everyone happy to have this vamp on their side. Some of the group has dispersed, but Connor is back and Gwen in hanging around. And Angels' season one buddy, Kate the Cop, has returned to assist Angel in his continuing mission - to help the helpless.

If you are a fan of the TV show and if you have been enjoying Dark Horse Comics Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8, give Angel a try. Its not as solid as Buffy, but still entertaining and is doing the characters proud.

Spotlight on New Mutants Classic

2009-03-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

Magick is back. Long Live the New Mutants. Many comic readers might not realize this, but there was a time about 20 years ago when there were only two X-books produced by Marvel each month - the Uncanny X-Men and the New Mutants.

At the time, it was like nirvana for comic fans yearning for more stories of the children of the atom. After successfully dodging cancellation with the release of a new team in Giant-Size X-Men #1, the franchise took its first and next logical step into Marvel lore with the beginning of the New Mutants.

As was the case with everything mutant back in the day, Chris Claremont found himself at the helm as he created a new team for a new audience. These characters were similar in age to the first X-team of Scott Summers, Jean Grey and friends. They were also similar in experience. However the New Mutants did have the benefit of the older team to learn from, and "intern" with if you will.

One of the classic early stories was when Professor Xavier decided to "demote" Kitty Pryde to the junior circuit even though she had proved herself time and time again in battle. Remember that whole thing with the brood.

As they have done with some of the other titles in their vaults, Marvel has slowly been collecting the original New Mutant stories in trade paperback in New Mutants Classic. Volume four was released a few weeks ago and reprints up to issue #34. This new volume shows the team in its heyday of the team with Magick, Warlock, Cannonball and Bill Sienkiewicz providing masterful strokes as the artist.

With the upcoming release of New Mutants #1 now is a perfect time to go back and re-read the classic first adventure of Marvel's second mutant team - The New Mutants.

2009-03-18T12:33:00.000-07:00

It's a brand new day, and no we are not talking about a certain friendly neighborhood web-head. We are talking The Outsiders. For the second time in a year and a half, the Outsiders are enjoying a reboot and now is a perfect jumping on point.

As we all know (Warning Spoiler Alert if you have been living on a deserted island the past six months) since Batman's demise the entire DC Universe (and the Bat books in particular) has been topsy-turvy. With all the uncertainty and new directions the one title that seems to have gotten stronger is The Outsiders.

Despite the loss of Batman, the dark knight's blueprints are all over this new team beginning with its selection and new leader (a certain butler who has a lot of time on his hands now), as seen in Batman and the Outsiders Special #1.

Peter Tomasi has returned The Outsiders back to its roots with original team members Halo, Geo-Force, Black Lightning (fresh from slumming it with the JLA), Katana and Metamorpho. He's also added some fresh new faces in Owlman (who looks a lot like the Watchmen's Owlman) and the Creeper.

The current issue (#16) has an excellent explanation of why each of them are on the new team.

Lee Garbett supplies some very consistent pencils and Trevor Scott and Livesay take care of the inks. I like the style of art in this book. Too many titles (especially the Marvel ones) have this real fluid look to their titles that makes them look a little too real and not as much a comic. But that's just me ...

The Deep is the current storyline which began in Outsiders #15. The new squad is just finding its leg and learning to trust its new members and relearn to trust some old friends. However, no one ever tells the bad guys that the good guys need a breaking in period and there are some new interesting Powers That Be that are proving to be an interesting foil for our new team.

So that is my story and I am sticking to it. A lot of people have been questioning the quality of the DC books lately, and while I have not been overwhelmed by much of their product lately, the latest incarnation of The Outsiders has been consistently good and I am enjoying it more than I was when it was called Batman and the Outsiders.

Watchmen (Spoiler-Free)

2009-03-07T10:03:00.000-08:00

Zack Synder gets it. He really gets it. For me Snyder's take on the Watchmen hit the nail on the head. To start, I am not what you would say a disciple of either Alan Moore or the Watchmen. I read the book when it originally came out, issue-by-issue, month-by-month. I remembered most of it. I liked it. At the time I probably did not appreciate or realize the true impact the story were to have on all future comics.

That being said, it was with anticipation that I awaited the release of the big screen version of Watchmen. I was a little nervous, remembering the severe miss of League of Extraordinary Gentleman and the not so close job that V for Vendetta was. But the trailers for Watchmen intrigued me. At the end, Watchmen was the closest adaptation of what Moore intended than anything that has come before on the big screen, and that is a compliment to Snyder and the suits at Warner Brothers for allowing Synder to make the movie his way.

As far as other compliments, the movie is also a perfect companion for the book. There is so much that looked as if it were lifted directly from the page, and panel. There were some omissions, but the movie was two hours and 40 minutes long. They could not include everything (although a director's cut DVD is already scheduled for July and will add another 40 minutes to the film).

I was talking to a few people after seeing it, and the more we discussed it, the more I liked it. It was a really good movie. Stepping away from the source material, Watchmen is a good-old fashion murder mystery. It's just the victim was a super-hero (sort of). It's an epic tale that has a real edge (please note the "R" rating for violence, gore, nudity and sex - staying true to the book).

Snyder's inclusion of the pop soundtrack worked for me, with many of the songs also being pulled from the book. He also put his mark on the film with some of its slow motion action scenes that were done in a way that we really have not seen before, making the movie even more unique. I for one like it when they slow down those scenes because I can actually see what is going on. It does not always have to be a Jackie Chan, wham-bam, thank you ma'am fight.

And the visuals and CGI work were stunning. Dr. Manhattan looked good in all his glowy-blueness. And the Mars scene pays off for fans the way the first fight between the Alien and Predator paid off in Aliens vs Predator.

Here's the thing, even if you have never read the book or like super-hero movies, Watchmen is still a very well done movie with an interesting story that should keep all viewers waiting for what will happen next. Now you will have to excuse me, I want to go read Watchmen again.

Brave New Worlds Second Look on Cable

2009-02-02T15:36:00.000-08:00

It has been 19 years since Cable made his first appearance in New Mutants #87 and over 20 since we first learned of the birth of Nathan Summers to Scott Summers and Madeline Pryor. Cable has called the Merc with a mouth a partner and has jumped back and forth thru the timelime. But it was not until Duane Swierczynski got a hold of him that I was really ever interested in a Cable story.

Last year saw the Cable/Deadpool series come to an end at the same time as Messiah Complex. A new solo series loomed on the horizon and I was so not feeling it, and then it happened on one of the last panels of Messiah Complex. Cyclops handed the entire premise of the crossover event to his son and told him to protect the future of all mutants. Cable jumped away, Bishop followed and I was intrigued.

But even though I was going to read the first issue, there were no guarantees I would come back for issue two or three. Well Swierczynski’s story hooked me almost immediately as Nathan Summers, with baby in hand, valiantly attempts to avoid detection from the obsessed Lucas Bishop.

The first couple of issues moved slowly, a pace which I liked because it allowed the story to build without any outside distractions. Swierczynski, with masterful art provided by Ariel Olivetti, was like a chef putting together a five-course meal over a three-month period. He painstakingly built the momentum to this series issue-by-issue.

It has been phenomenal and I liken the current run to that of another Marvel series, Thor. Each issue moves at a nice pace as the story takes its time to cook. And while Cable protects the baby at all costs (and just who is the baby? My money is on Rachel Summers), Bishop fanatically attempts to corner them somewhere in time.

I can’t wait to find out who the baby is and what will happen when Bishop and Cable meet again. I do know one thing, in Swierczynski’s hands it will be interesting and entertaining.

The Five for January 28, 2009

2009-01-29T12:31:00.000-08:00

There is the world, and then there is way that each of us chooses to look at the world. Generally when I look at the world, it is through rose-colored (or Bobby Clarke colored) glasses. It is just who I am. This explanation will serve to rationalize my top five comics of the week (and my surprising rant at the end of my review). Thus without further ado …

How does the old joke go? How about any old joke for that matter? What do you get when you let the lead singer of My Chemical Romance write a comic book for Dark Horse Comics? How about a pretty damn good comic as The Umbrella Academy: Dallas #3 hits shelves this week.

If you have yet to pick up The Umbrella Academy, don’t start with this issue. There is too much history in the nine previous stories before this week that you would be totally lost. Go and pick up the Apocalypse Suite which is now available in trade paperback. Then when you realize that you have been missing out on one of the finer comics in the ‘verse, you can pick up the first three editions of the current run.

I read this week’s issue and as I turned each page I could not believe Gerard Way was capable of such storytelling. This week’s issue (“Television or Are You There, God? It’s Me, Klaus”) is just as much fun as the previous two in this story arc. Ever since they saved the world in Apocalypse Suite, the surviving members of the Umbrella Academy are shells of their former heroic selves, none more so than Space Boy (and wait until you see what happens to him this week).

And before I forget, Gabriel Ba’s artwork is a magnificent compliment to the tale of Number Five, the White Violin and the Séance (just to name a few).

It has been a long time since the New Avengers have been good. I am talking the beginning of Brian Michael Bendis’ run on New Avengers oh so many issues ago. The previous arc was okay but felt like filler for Secret Invasion. Now we are into the good stuff as issue #49 finds Luke Cage dealing with the consequences after he just agreed to a deal with the devil (or Norman Osborn for detail’s sake).

Just as he did last week with Dark Avengers #1, Bendis pens a tale where I think one thing is going to happen only be surprised once again, especially by the actions of everyone involved on the last panels. Without giving any specifics away, you have to love when Norman states “Guess who just made the list.” This issue needs to make your list, and fast.

Once again this poor title was way down on my reading list, and once again The Incredible Hercules proved just how incredible Greg Pak and Feed Van Lente are at story-telling in the ultimate buddy book of the millennia. I have to admit I was a little more than confused as to what was going on as the end was worth my befuddlement. Let’s just say that Spider-Woman, a female Wolverine, Ms. Fantastic and the White Phoenix all make appearances in a topsy-turvy world that is upside down for Amadeus Cho and our hero Herc. Ever since this title was turned over to the God during World War Hulk it has been a solid performer every month. Issue #125 does not disappoint.

Sometimes I think I take Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch’s run on Fantastic Four for granted. Sometimes I feel the story is sort of dragging or not as grandiose as I expect from this duo. But I was reminded today by my friend George just how good and how much we both always look forward to the FF coming out each month. And for the longest time that was not the case.

Fantastic Four #563 hits shelves this week and it’s a nice break from all the commotion that has been going on in the title since the dynamic duo took over about a year ago. This is a classic FF tale with it centering on the family and what is happening in the world as the bread crumbs to the new threat are starting to be found. I think Stan and Jack would be particularly proud of this issue. There are no Earth-shattering moments, just a good-old fashion FF time.

Last but not least, Nova is like The Incredible Hercules for me. The title always works its way towards the bottom of my reading pile, and I am always astounded at how much I enjoy it. This was literally the second to last book I read tonight. It was so much more than where it was located in my stack.

Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning have done a terrific job with the story of Richard Rider, who used to be the sole remaining member of the Nova Corp. In the last few issues, Worldmind has decided to restart the Corps much to Rider’s chagrin. Not being able to do anything to stop an ever-growing powerful Worldmind, you get the feeling reading Nova #21 that things are not going as they should.

Abnett and Lanning allow me inside Rider’s head and I feel the dread he has as the events of this week’s tale unfold on the page. And wait until how the issue ends.

I have never been a fan of the sci-fi comics (Green Lantern, Nova, etc.), which is a real surprise since I am a Star Trek nut. That being said, I need to start moving Nova up higher in the read pile.

And now my rant for the week and if you had not noticed no DC books made it into my recommendations. And there is a reason for that as they dropped the ball, big time. Superman was decent, but really only got going until the end. Batman, which was the second part of the Heart of Hush follow up by Paul Dini, saw a disappointing end at what was a very enjoyable eight-issue arc (and a complete waste of a great Catwoman appearance).

But now I take notice with The Powers That Be at DC Comics and ask what were you thinking? I know there are business decisions that need to be made. Books that don’t sell well need to be retooled, cancelled or what have you – and such was the case of the poor-performing but entertaining (at least for me) Legion of Super-Heroes.

Hope was restored about a year ago when Jim Shooter regained the reigns to the title that made him a comics’ legend. DC decided Legion had enough time to prove itself recently and that it was going to end. Shooter’s current story was planned to end around issue #54. DC decided issue #50 (this week’s book) was the end. So this week when I opened up the issue to see that Shooter and artist Francis Manapul were not even involved with the finale’s production and were replaced, I was beside myself. It is insulting enough to not allow Shooter to finish what he started on his terms. Finish the story in an annual or special ala Superman Last Son. Show the man, and book, some respect.

And don’t even get me started on the farce that was Final Crisis #7. Don’t forget to tip your clerk at Starbucks – Peace.

Daredevil: Born Again

2009-01-25T14:31:00.000-08:00

Frank Miller was on his game in the mid-1980s. There was his Dark Knight Returns for DC, which established Bats into what he is today and set the tone and changed the way authors write everything in comics.

And then there was Daredevil: Born Again, which Marvel has recollected this week as part of its Premiere Hardcover collection. Born Again is the seminal moment for “the man without fear.” Just like Gwen Stacy’s death at the hands of the Green Goblin in the 70s established Peter Parker and Spider-Man, Born Again is the blueprint for everything Matt Murdock and Daredevil.

Born Again ran over seven issues and collects all eight Daredevils (#226-233) that Miller and artist David Mazzucchelli collaborated on. This is not the first time Daredevil’s life has been changed by Miller, as it was the writer’s earlier stint that killed off Murdock’s love in Elektra at the hands of Bullseye.

And while Elektra’s death was stunning and heartfelt for the blind lawyer from Hell’s Kitchen, Daredevil went on about his business. His every decision afterwards was not filled with guilt over her death (like Spidey’s with Gwen Stacy). Part of the reason I believe is that Elektra knew the deal when she was putting on the costume.

Born Again is the moment in Daredevil lore when everything changes and it is the ultimate Kingpin story. There is betrayal, loss (and a lot of it) and rebirth. It has Foggy Nelson (of course), establishes Ben Ulrich and reintroduces one Karen Page (and boy have we missed what was going on her life). Why are all the best Daredevil stories with Karen Page (Yellow, Guardian Devil)?

Miller pens a terrific tale of deconstructing a character and then picking them back up. It is a shame some of that beauty can not translate into what he has done recently – i.e. The Spirit and All-Star Batman and Robin.

I have never been a huge fan of Mazzucchelli’s artwork, but in this story it works really well. He has a gritty style that combined with Miller’s hard-boiled story telling becomes the perfect complement to the letters on the page. After experiencing this story all at once (I read the original month-by-agonizing month) and taking in Mazzucchelli’s splash pages, I have to think today’s artists whether knowingly or not took a page (or two) from Mazzucchelli’s run on DD. Simon Bianchi, Jim Lee – I am talking to you.

Anyway, that’s all I have for today. Remember to tip your waitress on the way out – Peace!

The Five (Plus One Yo)

2009-01-22T16:36:00.000-08:00

It is a dark time in the world of comics. (I felt like old Ben Kenobi just then, except I am not talking about the Rebellion or the Empire, but then again maybe I am). Anyhow, with both the Marvel and DC comic ‘verses plunged into Dark Reign and Faces of Evil things are just plain bleak right now on some of our favorite comic pages. Thus begins my five picks of the week …

If you are not familiar with my weekly reviews, let me begin by stating that they are always spoiler free. I very rarely get into specifics on the book lest to give something away before the audience gets to read them.

By nature, I am a pretty cheerful and positive sort and all this evil that is afoot and in charge brings me down a little bit. I know for some in comicdom this is a dream come true with the villains ruling the roost. And it’s not like we have not been teased with the Old Man Logan storyline or Kingdom Come. That being said, there were some real good stories this week with some real nasty individuals in the middle of things.

My pick of the week is a toss up between Faces of Evil Deathstroke and Dark Avengers #1. I was not prepared to like the Deathstroke book in the least bit and to be honest the only real reason I even gave it a go was because Georges Jeanty was supplying the artwork. Mark McKenna’s inks do not do Jeanty’s pencils justice, but it was still enough to get by. David Hine meanwhile was crafting a masterpiece on old Slade, who last we saw was dying after his encounter with Geo-Force on the pages of DC Last Will and Testament. FOE was a nice follow up to a not so great first story.

For fans of Deathstroke, you will be happy because everyone’s favorite DC Assassin is back baby, and possibly more dangerous than ever when we get to the last page. Of course there are family issues to wrestle out in this one before the Terminator can move on, but honestly, when are there not issues in that family?

Meanwhile, another evil dude – storming Norman Osborn – is just getting started at the havoc he is capable of playing in the Marvel hood. Brian Michael Bendis is at it again. How does someone who writes so many titles get it so right with everything he touches? Mike Deodato’s art works perfectly with this story. To be honest I thought the issue was going to be Tony Stark getting the gang back together to go after Osborn. I could not have been more wrong on so many levels. Trust me this is one issue you don’t want to miss.

Next is another book I was not ready to like. I am not a big Dan Slott guy, just never have been. I pretty much stayed away from his entire run of Avengers Initiative and only grudgingly read his Amazing Spidey issues. This week, the Scarlet Witch was on the cover so I had to find out what’s what. And it looks like Mighty Avengers is going to be existing on its own from the other books for awhile. And from the looks of this week’s issue #21, it is going to be fun. Khoi Pham supplied the understated pencils and did his usual bang up job.

Coming in this week at number four is a shocker as well. I tagged Justice League of America #29 by Len Wein with a story on Starbreaker. The only real reason I liked this issue was because it felt like such an old school tale – might have had something to do with Wein penning the title this month. It was just good to see the old JLA back in action with orange and green uniform Aqauman, pre-married Ollie and Canary, and oh yeah the Atom Baby! But wait, there’s more. As much fun the old tale was, the last two pages and its reveal pay it off even bigger for the next issue. I can say no more.

Last but not least are two titles. That’s right I am going with a tie for fifth place. Unlike my previous occupation which frowned on ties, I am going with the tie. To stay with the theme of this article once again I was so not wanting to read this comic or expecting to like it. Although the latter is a lie but we will get to that in a second. Punisher Frank Castle #66 came out this week written by Duane Swiercyznski.

Not to name drop, who am I kidding let’s name drop away. Duane frequents the store I work in a bit. We got to talking and he told me about his upcoming arc on Punisher and that it was going to take place in Philly. Remember how I am not a Slott guy, well I am even less a Punisher guy. The only time in comics that I even liked the character was when Captain America was kicking his ass in Civil War. I just don’t care for the title.

But a funny thing happens to me when the name Swiercyznski is on the cover, I have to read it. I never really liked Cable, but have been enjoying the current run immensely by our aforementioned writer. Iron Fist is immortal, who cares. Well, Swiercyznski makes me care. So there we have it, the slippery slope that is the Punisher. Still don’t care for the character after reading this issue, but loved the story and where it’s going.

What title tied this week for a mention on my Top Five, well that would be Angel After the Fall #16 or Season Five of the television show. IDW has given it the old college try. This title is not as strong or good as Buffy Season Eight, but it still gives me more stories in the world of Whedon and for that I am grateful. This month’s issue sort of hits a reset button and I hope after meandering around for a year and a half that Brian Lynch will finally takes us somewhere. And please keep Franco Urru on the art or bring David Messina over, otherwise just don’t publish for that month because no one else in the IDW pen can really get the likenesses down that well.

That’s it for this week boys and girls. Don’t know if you agree or not, but hopefully they and I will keep you entertained.

2009-01-11T12:35:00.000-08:00

It's time to have a little fun with the Dark Knight. I know what you are thinking; the Dark Knight, as in Batman, as in the Dark Knight from the movies this summer? He's the one.

Cartoon Network's latest animated offering from the DC Universe is Batman: Brave and the Bold and I have to admit it is a lot of fun.

For the animated Batman purest out there I only have one thing to say, get over yourselves. Granted, the animated series was a classic that has been off the air for what seems like forever.

Brave and the Bold will not sully TAS good name.

Brave and the Bold is the ultimate in team ups as each week Bats gets to work with not one, but usually two different DC Comics heroes. Usually in the teaser before the title credits we join Batman and one of said heroes already in progress taking down some evil doer. Then after the titles we get another hero and our main story. There have only been five episodes so far, and again, they have been a lot of fun.

So far we have seen the classic Green Arrow, Blue Beetle, Ice, Guy Gardner, Plastic Man, Demon, Aquaman and Red Tornado with the Outsiders and many more on the docket. The jazzy score gives Batman: Brave and the Bold a classic 60s cartoon feel without the poor animation from that decade.

So if you like good cartoons and want to check out something fresh and fun, go to Cartoon Network on Friday nights for Batman: Brave and the Bold, or download the episode from iTunes on Saturday morning and watch it in your pj's while you are eating some Captain Crunch (the preferable way to watch cartoons).

And now a public service announcement. For every good and fun animated journey into the world of superheroes, there is an equally hard to watch one. The new Wolverine and the X-Men falls into that category. I think the cartoon Gods knew this in advance and is the reason the show first aired in Canada and will broadcast on Niktoons in the States by the end of the month.

I decided to take a peek on youtube as a couple of people uploaded a bunch of the episodes that have aired north of the border. Wow, this one is bad. I actually could not watch an entire episode. The animated is decent, but I have no time for rain in cartoons that show windshiled wipers on and no rain falling. But that's not the hardest part, its the melodrama of the episodes that remind me of the old Fox series from the 1990s which I SO can never watch again (I am still trying to get the funk of the original out of my mind).

Because Wolverine and the X-Men is so bad, I can no longer spend anymore time talking about it ... Peace.

Five-by-Five

2008-12-09T17:46:00.000-08:00

All I want for Christmas is for my weekly comic read pile to make me go Wow. Is that too much to ask for? Anyway, unfortunately this week I did not feel it as much as in weeks past and that is disappointing when looking at the “A” list titles shipping. That being said, I still found five books for you to take a look at, including two I highly recommend.

For the second-straight month, X-Men: Spider-Man was able to get it done for me as issue two takes place about 10 years or so after issue number one. Last we saw our favorite web-head and the uncanny ones, they teamed up to take on the Blob and Kraven as Sinister was working the puppet strings in the background.

This week, the plot thickens as we see the impact of Sinister’s plans and how they play out in the time period the issue takes place. I am really looking forward to see when the next time jump will land and what the story will surround. This series is a ret-con special, filling in the possible blanks of old stories now that we know Sinister has been behind the scenes all this time. For some, that is just wrong, but this series is fun and the writing (Christopher Gage) and artwork (Mario Alberti) are both superb and will almost definitely end up on my bookshelf when it is collected.

Part seven of the New Krypton storyline drops this week in Action Comics #872. This is a Geoff Johns issue and expectations were high that it would be a good one and I was not disappointed. I don’t know if it is because we are seven issues in (more if you count the Braniac storyline and Jimmy Olsen one-shot), but the series feels like it is dragging a bit for me. This issue was good, and some fun stuff happened as we saw a little more of the Lex-Braniac story unfold. But for the first time I have to admit, I am not that excited for the next installment.

And now for a blast from the past, DC Comics in a stroke of genius has decided to re-release The Watchmen as it originally appeared, in a monthly comic. I have been waiting to re-read this classic and this was the opportunity I was looking for, to do it the same way I did back in the day. It still holds up. If you have not read The Watchmen yet (and why not) or were waiting for a reason to do so, this is your excuse. Alan Moore shoves so much into each issue, that this is the best way in my opinion to experience The Watchmen, allowing you to fully soak in each chapter.

One of my second look selections a few weeks ago, Captain Britain and MI13 delivers its usual steadiness as issue eight his shelves this week. This issue has it all, a little betrayal, a nice touching moment between the undead and oh yeah, a little more background on this new and improved Brian Braddock. Paul Cornell and Leonard Kirk continue to give us a book that is interesting with characters who have been out of sight, out of mind for too long.

Wrapping up my week is Batman Confidential #24. Part three of the current Joker story, Andrew Kreisberg has done a strong job so far with both the story and his portrayal of the Joker. There are a lot of different writers out there right now outing their own twists on the dude with green hair and a permanent smile, and Kresiberg’s version is a twisted-insane one who obviously knows what he is doing. If you have yet to read this story arc and are bog fans of the Bat and the Joke-Man, pick this one up at issue #22 and read through to this week, you will thank yourself in the morning.

Until next week …

How About a Six Pack This Week?

2008-12-04T18:54:00.000-08:00

Instead of my normal five comic book reviews, this week I give you a six-pack. And sorry about missing last week’s books, there was some good stuff there, but I got tied up with all that delicious turkey and pumpkin pie.

My actual pick this week is the long-awaited return of Illyana Rasputin in X-Infernus #1. Last we saw Colossus’ little snowflake, she was taking a piece of Pixie’s soul to help the New X-Men. That was 18 long months ago and it turns out Pixie is all sorts of messed up from the experience as Nightcrawler finds out in issue one.

My friend and I were a little nervous about this mini-series because we are such big fans of Magik/Darkchilde, but C.B. Cebulski put our fears to rest with a spectacular introduction. The stage is set as Illyana is looking for her lost soul sword (do you remember where, or in whom, she left it?), but another player has come out to challenge her for the rule of Limbo. Giuseppi Camuncoli provides solid pictures.

As one mini-series, another (sort of) ends in Secret Invasion #8. This has been a tough ride because for me it always seemed like not much was happening each month. There was always one big wow moment in each issue. Well, the conclusion put any ill feelings out the door for me as Brian Michael Bendis delivered an epic story.

When last we saw our heroes and the Skrulls, they were getting ready to battle it out in NYC. However, the battle is done when we get issue eight in our needy hands (this was the first book I read this week). I thought it was a brilliant stroke of story telling to narrate what had happened and what we missed. The entire story was well done, but the last panel was the pay-off moment that no one can say they were expecting.

Now to find out what happens, we must read Dark Reign, but really, who is complaining about that?

Let’s stay in the Marvel U and NYC and take a look at how our friendly neighborhood wall crawler is doing in Amazing Spider-Man #579. When we last saw him he was trying to save a bunch of jurors in a mob trial from the Shocker and a subway cave-in. Mark Waid’s two-part story concludes and continues the fun from the previous book. Marcos Martin adds his unique pencils which really work for me on this book.

As maligned as Brand New Day is (and my aforementioned friend made a good point, could this story been told with Spidey married) the best stories that have come out of the relaunch have been the ones that just concentrate on Spidey being Spidey and not Peter Parker’s messed up life. They are good stories, but eventually we will lose out what makes this character so special and that is Pete’s messed up life.

I am going to cap off a heavy Marvel-favorite week with Cable #9. My boy Duane Swierczynski continues to give me those I can’t believe Bishop just did that moment as this week our favorite time-travelling betrayer plays the X-Men and gives them a nice little treat in his effort to find Cable. Bishop has attempted a scorched Earth technique destroying the future so Cable has no where to hide.

Turns out Bishop did not need to do a lot of work as Cable’s recent hiding place has been infiltrated and he needs to teach the little red-head girl (Rachel Summers anyone?) how to be a soldier. Boy does she make a Daddy proud. As always, Duane gives us another great chapter in this story and I SO can not wait for the next issue.

For the second time in three weeks, I have to give the nod to Image Comics I Hate Gallant Girl. Issue two continues to deliver as Renee begins her crime-fighting career with a new moniker. And it really is making Gallant Girl mad. Jim Valention plotted this baby out and Kat Cahill filled in the rest of the words and by issue’s end you will not have any thing figured out.

I really like this mini-series so far and I can not believe it is only three issues. I am going to be disappointed when it ends. A good old-fashioned comic book story, Gallant Girl also has a great message to young girls about body image.

And to wrap it up I go with a DC kid’s comics, Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures in the 8th Grade #1. Granted, I am a super-whore when it comes to Superman and Supergirl (although I am having a real hard time getting through Superman/Supergirl Maelstrom – ugh!). Anyway, the eight grade version of Kara is fun. Remember, it’s a kids comics, try not to take it too seriously and enjoy it for what it is, you will not be disappointed.

That’s it for now …

A Second Look ...

2008-11-20T08:31:00.000-08:00

This week I would like to take a look at Vertigo's Madame Xanadu written by Matt Wagner and drawn by Amy Reeder Hadley. With five issues in the bank this series has moved along quite nicely. Each month's issue features a solo story which has quietly become part of a much larger arc.

I credit both creators for keeping my interest in this book. Wagner has developed a unique idea and get you to care about its central character - Madame Xanadu, an immortal fairy with waning powers.

Each issue is completely different than the last and Wagner is using the passage of time very well to tell a story that spans the centuries.

Also, Wagner has added in a twist in the tale with The Phantom Stranger. Is he friend or foe for a smitten-Madame Xanadu? I for one am very interested to see where this part of the story goes.

Hadley's pencils, accompanied by Richard Friend's inks, are masterful. The detail is clean and this book has a much more vibrant look to it than other muddy Vertigo titles. For me, art is such an important part to the storytelling process that it sometimes distracts from a great story.

The next issue of Madame Xanadu, #6, will feature a Vertigo fan-favorite in Death from The Sandman in what promises to be another exciting chapter in this new-born title.

The Five – November 19

2008-11-19T05:12:00.001-08:00

In another light week there were not many books that got me thinking, but these next five did achieve the trick. One surprising note is that they are all mainstream titles, three Marvel and two DC. As always, spoiler free, enjoy and

Fantastic Four #561 My actual selection of the week, Mark Millar’s run on Fantastic Four began with not much excitement as it seemed he was laying the groundwork for his 16-month journey with artist Bryan Hitch. However, if you ignore his first arc all together you will miss an important ingredient in this latest storyline which I believe featured its penultimate issue with the death of the Invisible Woman. Don’t worry, it’s not a spoiler and it is actually in the title of issue #561.

This latest arc has been good and interesting with the Defenders and their leader who was revealed last issue to be future and older Sue Storm, taking out her ex-teammates and Dr. Doom. The question is why did she do that? Also, the question on everyone lips, well at least mine going into the comic, was which Sue dies (and of course how does she perish)? Wait until you get a load of what happens.

This issue reads fast and it is mostly because the pacing is superb by Millar, who has been juggling some books of late. All four members have their moments in this issue which is sure to please core fans and new ones alike.

Amazing Spider-Man #578 Let me go on the record as one of many stating that I was never a big fan of One New Day. Loved the actual story by JMS, hated the concept and resolution. Plus the first few issues of Brand New Day just reminded me of what we lost from the last 10 years. That being said Spidey is good again. The stories have been solid and we have had a bountiful run these past few months. Plus, we get three issues a month instead of one, the comic Gods must be smiling on us.

This latest arc by Mark Waid and Marcos Martin features Peter Parker having some good luck for a change, which we all know is about to end. I think when the new run focuses on day-to-day happenings in NYC (and there should be a lot), instead of Pete’s actual life, the book has been able to stay good. Issue #578 is another example of this, beginning with Pete taking the subway and once again getting hit on by an attractive and forward female (this seems to be part of the new mantra for Pete, glad he is single again because I would hate to miss these moments). But with all good things, the Spidey sense starts tingling and we are reintroduced to another long-time member of his Rogue’s gallery. Welcome back Mr … hope you enjoy the ride.

Terra #2 (of 5) Despite not wanting to like this book, I find myself enjoying it a lot. Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti are supplying fun words while Amanda Conner adds her unique talents to the story telling with her distinctive pencils. The first three pages of Issue #2 has the new Terra quite revealed and my question is – is it exploitive when the artist is a woman, and do we really care, because it is just good fun.

The mystery surrounding the new Terra deepens as does the connection with the old Terra in this issue. Along for the ride are Dr. Midnite, who has been doing yeoman’s duty of late appearing in what seems to be every DC book in the line. I wonder how much he actually gets for making house calls?

This issue we are also introduced to who we think is the big bad for the mini-series, plus once again, their half-naked friend of the female persuasion (sorry I could not resist). The pace is fast and fun and overall I continue to like this book. It actually reminds me of the Incredible Hercules, before I read it, I want to find a reason not to. But after I have finished, I can’t believe I was going to pass.

Flash #246 I have featured this book before, however this time it is under its new creative team of Alan Burnett and Carlo Barbieri? Paco Diaz handled the penciling chores the first few issues and I am not sure if this is a permanent change in the artist chair, but whatever, it’s a solid issue.

After last issue’s bee attack, Wally’s wife Linda is in serious condition and once again, its Dr. Midnite to the rescue, or sort of. This issue is all about heart and not about being a superhero as we get to take a walk through Wally’s memory lane remembering how he and the misses first met, etc., etc. Like I said, it’s got a lot of heart and is a very poignant issue. It also seems to set up a scarier read next month.

Now that I have that out of my system, I do have a question, since Wally is actually not really “flashing” in this issue, why does he need to walk around Linda’s bedside in his costume? I just think he would be more comfortable in regular clothes (c’mon, you know you were thinking it also). Also, Dr. Midnite only seems be a doctor in his costume as well, actually operating in costume in another book over the past few weeks. Do they really think we as readers would not be that smart as to figure out who they are? I need some reality in my fantasy – but I digress.

Uncanny X-Men #504 I looked at this cover, which is nicely done by the way, from Terry Dodson and thought oh please, another reason to draw the X-babes in a sexy way. Really? Is this what we have come to now for the X-books? But the answer was not what I was suspecting. First, this is the Matt Fraction has solo writing credits and it sort of feels that way as well. He did a nice job with the story which balances two main plot points, what is going on in Scott’s head (once again, although the reveal is worth the wait) and once again humanizing Peter in light of the demise of Kitty.

Pete’s having a real hard time, and just when it seems he finally turns the corner, he does something very un-hero like which reminded me just how human he is, especially when he spent most of the issue not being human.

So there are my five for the week. I enjoyed all of these immensely and look forward to the stories continuing. Until next time.

A Second Look …

2008-11-13T12:50:00.001-08:00

Greetings and welcome to a brand new feature on Brave New Worlds.com, our “Second Look,” which is basically me blogging about what comics are tickling my fancy and why. Generally these books are running under the radar but are deserving of attention. So, you know the drill, if you want to know more, click here.

For our first installment I have decided to take a closer peek on two books – Incredible Hercules and Captain Britain and MI:13.

Incredible Herc began its life actually as the Incredible Hulk. However with the birth of a new Hulk title (simply-titled Hulk), the powers that be at Marvel decided to hand over the existing titles reign to a longtime supporting character in the Marvel U, Hercules. Now with Amadeus Cho in tow, Hercules is back on the map.

I have to admit, I am surprised at how well each issue is produced. Fred Van Lente and Greg Pak have done a marvelous job scripting this title and have made us care about what is happening. I think the most important ingredient injected by the duo is heart.

At the end of each issue, I can not help but notice how touching and thoughtful the story was. There is always something that leaves me thinking about it. I also believe the relationship between Herc and Cho is also a strong one that is grounded in true friendship, and that translates in the pages as well.

And now for something completely different, let’s take a look at another supporting character getting another shot in the Marvel U. Captain Britain has been around, most recently in Excalibur. And I was that X-guy back in the day that when Excalibur started I was right on board. There were some good stories, but nothing in it ever made me a huge fan of the Union Jack wearer.

What started as a read because it tied into Secret Invasion has turned into something more as issue #7 just hit stands this past week. Paul Cornell makes me want more and more. I am completely satisfied after reading every issue, and am beginning to care about the characters as a whole. And any book that can bring back the Black Knight and also find a role for Blade can’t be all that bad.

Each month these titles come out, I always find a hand full of books I want to read before turning through these two. And every month after reading through almost everything I sit and think how good Incredible Hercules and Captain Britain end up being, especially over the A-list comics.
Keep up the good work guys, and if you have not checked out either of these titles yet, do yourself a favor and start.

2008-11-11T16:52:00.000-08:00

This week’s entries include two mainstream titles and three smaller company books, hooray for the little guy. In a week with a lot of milestone and big titles, it was the “other” ones that got it done for me. So without further fuss, her are my five picks for the week, spoiler free of course.

Action Comics #871 The fourth part of the New Krypton is my “official” selection of the week, as have three of the previous titles in the saga thus far. The story progresses as last we saw Kal-El led a delegation of New Kryptonians to meet his peeps in Metropolis when all sorts of funny stuff broke out (of course). Without giving anything away, lets just say in this issue, the plot thickens. Enjoy.

Star Trek Mirror Images #4 IDW has done some masterful work with its Star Trek titles and this one continues in the same vein as the rise of Kirk to power in the Mirror Universe culminates and concludes. While these books are not canon, they certainly make a lot of sense in connecting the dots to some classic original episodes. And Italian-artist David Messina’s likeliness’ are uncanny.

Fables #78 Four months ago in the conclusion of the war, Bill Willingham promised repercussions that would affect the Fables far into the future. The war might have been won, but this month we learn at what true cost (and this is only the beginning). That said, I have not had as much fun reading a character since the Joker when in this issue I was introduced to Mister Dark!

I Hate Gallant Girl #1 Meet Renee. Since she was a little girl she has dreamt of being a super-hero, which means a Gallant Girl. Selected once every 10 years, Renee believes herself to be a shoo-in as she has all the attributes. Turns out all of them save one – the look. So, what is a rejected Gallant Girl to do? If you guessed become a hero anyway, you would not be wrong. An Image-Shadowline production, I Hate Gallant Girl is by Jim Valentino and Kat Cahill with pictures from Seth Damoose.

Patricia Briggs Mercy Thompson #1 Much like Anita Blake, this comic is adapted from a series of books under the same name. This time the adaptation is performed by Dabel Brothers publishing. David Lawrence works the magic with Briggs writing while the true wonder of this four-issue mini-series is the paintings by Francis Tsai – worth the price alone. The kicker is this is actually an enjoyable tale about a coyote shape-shifter raised by werewolves. And did we mention the vampires? Hooked yet?

The Brave New Worlds Blog Review Has Returned

2008-11-06T06:42:00.000-08:00

Yes, it is back, my top picks of the week after a very lengthy hiatus (don’t ask). Anyway, without further a do my top five of the week (half of them being mini-series), spoiler free as always.

X-Men and Spider-Man #1 My actual pick of the week, X-Men and Spider-Man #1 harkens back to the early days of Marvel and both Spidey and the X-Men. It is a classic Marvel story from that era as Peter Parker is hanging out with Gwen, MJ, Harry and Flash. But Kraven is on the hunt (when is he not?) and this time with a new twist that directly involves the students of a school in Westchester. Christos Gage provides the story while Mario Alberti provides the breathtaking visuals in part one of four.

Go here for a preview http://www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.5785.Preview~colon~_X-Men~slash~Spider-Man_%231

Cable #8 Cable has been a slow burn since issue one, building towards something big. You can just tell. And each issue leaves me wanting more and more, which is impressive when you consider how much of a fan I am not of Cable (he just does not do it for me). That being said Duane Swierczynski has a way of writing the book that makes me care (the same can by said for his other title Iron Fist as well). The first couple of issues basically consisted of just Cable and Bishop, but now the X-Men are involved and things have started to heat up.

Gemini #3 It took a little bit of time, but Gemini #3 finally hit the shelves and was so worth the wait. Jay Faerber’s epic tale of a superhero who does not know he is a superhero continues as Gemini learns a little more about whom he actually is and what is going on all around him. By the time you get to the end you will be like, where is the rest, it’s that good.

Superman Supergirl Maelstrom #1 First thing to realize when you pick this up, don’t get stuck trying to figure out where in the DC continuity this takes place, it is obviously before Final Crisis and the Death of the New Gods. Now that we have that out of the way, Maelstrom is some low-level Apokolips lackey with delusions of Darkseid matrimony (never a good thing). So, she goes to prove her worth the only way you can with the Big D by going after the Big S. Unfortunately she has to settle for the S in the skirt. But this issue is so much more as Jimmy Palmiotti and Justine gray provide the first glimpse of what we can really expect from this five issue mini-series.

Invincible Iron Man #7 Where Director of Shield fails, Matt Fraction allows Invincible Iron Man to deliver. This issue features a guest spot by your friendly neighborhood web-head and the aftermath of the first six-issue arc, very poignant and well done.

Final Crisis Resist First let me remind everyone that in the beginning I was so a Final Crisis hater. However upon further review this is a pretty good series and for my money as fun as the main Secret Invasion title is, FC delivers more issue for issue, especially in its tie-ins. Resist is just that, how the resistance is doing against the Anti-Life equation (not well) and just what drastic measures they are prepared to do to win. This issue leads directly back into the main series, so you don’t want to miss it.

Sandman: Dream Hunters #1 This is a bonus review that some could say was 10 years in the re-making. An original Sandman story from Neil Gaiman from 1999, P. Craig Russell has decided to adapt the original text and provide all new artwork. The story delivers as always and the art work is phenomenal. If you read the original with illustrations by Yoshitake Amano, pick up this four-issue series for a new twist on a classic.

Good times with our guests @ BNW Old City

2008-10-22T17:03:00.000-07:00

The girls from the Zenescope booth show some love for BNW customers.
Spider-man and Gwen Stacy were in Willow Grove on FCBD.
Iron Man stopped by to get Steve Morrrison from WMMR's Preston & Steve show to register in accordance with the Superhuman Registration Act. He didn't leave until he was convinced by Rich that Steve didn't have any superpowers. Customers that were there said they smelled Jack Daniels. Further suspicion was aroused when iron man locked the keys in his car requiring the assistance of a local S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, who looked remarkably like an officer from Upper Moreland township.
Darth and some of his usual cronies stopped by Old City for a pint or two.
Then squared off against a young Jedi stopping in to get some comics on FCBD 2008.
Gary Panter and Steve Dillon were in over the summer to give away copies of the Lost Ones graphic novel.
Joe Brusha and Ralph Tadesco from Zenesope Comics were in Willow Grove back when we used to have Cap's shield.
Mike Oeming and Bryan Glass show off Mice Templar to folks on a First Friday in Old City
Spider-Man stopped by and checked out some comics while Brian Wood was hanging out.
Steve Dillon did some beautiful head sketches, then inked them himself for customers of Brave New Worlds to benefit the Hero Initiative. We raised over $600 for the fund that evening.

The Incredible Hulk - Spoiler Free

2008-06-19T06:25:00.000-07:00

Hulk smash box office records. Well not exactly and maybe after the huge success that was Iron Man the Incredible Hulk came out to fast or the public maybe a little saturated with the men in tights. Don’t forget the Dark Knight and Hellboy II are also on the horizon. And Iron Man was a colossal success. But I digress …

The Incredible Hulk was a fun summer movie that stayed true to the characters and did not make the audience sit through another origin story. Twenty minutes into the film and you realized right away that this will definitely be a different experience than Ang Lee’s 2003 attempt and the jolly green man.

The movie actually felt like The Bourne Identity with Bruce Banner in the role of Jason Bourne, and it works. Your adrenaline pumps from the very beginning and really does not let up until the end.

It is a classic Hulk story with the military on his heels and a few homages to the television show with an old-school TV clip of Bill Bixby and a cameo by Lou Ferrigno.

Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, William Hurt, Tim Roth and Tim Blake Nelson all deliver excellent performances. Norton does a very understated job and was an excellent casting choice for this film. And the CGI team that worked on the Hulk were amazing. The range of emotions you could see in the Hulk’s eyes, which were generally tortured were amazing. You feel real sympathy for his character – no easy task.

In the end, I recommend this film that is suitable for all ages. Make sure you have a smashing good time, because that is what this movie is about.

And one last thing, this time you do not have to remain in your seats until the end of the credits, the Robert Downey, Jr. cameo is at the end of the film, before the credits roll – thank you very much.

A Welcome Return by an Old Friend

2008-05-25T03:28:00.000-07:00

SPOILER FREE

First let me start out by saying just how geeked out I was by the release of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. While Star Wars definitely holds a special place for me, like so many others the Indiana Jones movies are of a different status – these could really happen (sort of).

So it was with great anticipation that I went to see the latest installment at midnight last Wednesday. I read nothing about the movie and allowed myself only to view the official trailers as to not learn anything about the movie.

To be honest, I was anticipating another chapter of the 1930’s-style serialization. Instead I got something completely different, not to say that was a bad thing. Steven Spielberg realizing the intelligence of movie goers would not allow him to play Harrison Ford off as a 30-something, he set the movie 19 years after The Last Crusade (Incidentally, that is the amount of actual real time that has passed as well).

So George Lucas and Spielberg made an Indiana Jones adventures that reflects 1950s happenings and such – i.e. The Cold War and other things that I will not get into as not to spoil it.

All that being said I was not disappointed with the latest and perhaps final chapter of the saga. As soon as the movie starts, Ford is wearing the trademark fedora and jacket and basically getting himself in over-his-head. He returns to the character with the ease of well, slipping on that jacket.

Karen Allen’s return as Marion Ravenwood also worked really well, and the on-screen chemistry she shares with Ford has not waned after all these years.

Shia LeBeouf wasgood but at times seemed a little out of place like he was trying to still figure out how he was cast in this movie. Cate Blanchett was magnificent in what I believe to be her first action role.

My only problem, and I guess the way this was written you could tell this has all been a set up, was with the script. It was a fun, summer adventure movie, which had none of the passion of the original films. Something was missing from Indiana Jones and it was not the last 19 years. He did not have the same charisma, charm and dialogue that he had the previous three flicks.

I am all for the passage of time and how it changes people, but I think to take those traits away from both Ford and Indy left me feeling like I missed something.

Again, that being said it was a fun ride that I highly recommend. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was a nice valentine to the series and seems to wrap up the life of Indiana Jones. There is a scene at the end where you could possibly see the passing of the torch to LeBeouf’s Mutt Williams, but instead I think you actually will see that in the end, the only person who is Indiana Jones is Indiana Jones (and Ford).

Iron Man - Spoiler Free

2008-05-19T08:30:00.001-07:00

Twenty-four hours ago I finished watching the latest Marvel movie-offering, Iron Man. It was good, real good. The best way to sum up the experience is this, I can not wait until the next one comes out. So let's take a spoiler-free look at what is definitely one of the better superhero movies to come out, as well as a strong-origin flick.

First, Robert Downey Jr. has Tony Stark down pat. As confident as I was that he would make an excellent Stark, that confidence was only strengthened as I watched Downey behave as I believe Stark would. As I have been fond of saying since news of his casting was first released, Downey was born to play this role.

Second, Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts was excellent casting. She was the one person who seemed a little out of place. Not that Paltrow could not handle the role, its just I never really could envisioned the star of Shakespeare in Love in a comic-book movie. Well, any reservations I had about her were silenced almost immediately when Pepper skillfully "takes out the trash" so to speak when Tony is called away from a late-night conquest early in the film.

The chemistry between Downey and Paltrow in the unrequited love that Stark and Potts have for each other was masterful. Its all I can really say to describe the emotion the two were able to convey. Its as if they were both Stark and Potts, and going back and forth with one another for years.

Jon Favreau did a masterful job directing this film. His choices in interpretation of Jarvis was and excellent one that worked and should make fans happy how he was able to keep the character and also update him.

As for the story, it was strong. Favreau actually starts the movie at one point, than rewinds about 36 hours to show you how events lead to Stark's current situation as the film opens. There are a lot of scenes of Downey designing and building the Iron Man armor, and clocking in just over two hours this movie could have dragged, but it never did.

Finally, if you have not seen it yet, make sure you stay in your seats when the credits begin to roll, as Marvel has been apt to do lately, they stash a final scene at the end of the credits, and it is worth sticking around for.

Color Me Surprised

2008-05-12T15:30:00.001-07:00

Midway through this week's stack of books, the only one that really jumped out at me was surprise, surprise - Buffy the Vampire Slayer #14. It has been consistently one of my favorite books since it debuted a little over a year ago. Each issues as strong as the last. That being said, my pick of the week was actually sitting at the bottom of the pile - Image's Gemini #1.

Going in I had no idea what Gemini was about (and there is the reason is what sitting at the bottom of the pile). The cover and art looked intriguing enough for me to open it up and give it a try. Well, color me surprised by I really enjoyed this book. Its about a hero, who seems to be programmed. He has a group of handlers that monitor him and activate and deactivate him.
Issue one opens with Gemini in battle against a force of evil as we get introduced to the crew that "watches" his every moment. We also get a glimpse into Gemini's normal everyday life, but its not the secret identity thing you would think it is. And just as you get towards the end and really interested in the character and what is going on, something happens that is not normal for Gemini, and nothing it seems, will ever be the same. I can not wait for issue two.

Last but certainly not least is the conclusion to Richard Donner's Last Son storyline in Action Comics Annual #11. The book was entertaining as Superman has to pair with his arch-nemesis to take on yet another arch-enemy. But the real interesting part of this story is the resolution to the Christopher Kent storyline. Do not want to give anything away, but Donner (with an assist from Geoff Johns) does it really well. And reading the issue I could not help but think of Christopher Reeves, even Adam Kubert's art makes Clark look like Reeves.

This Week's Five

2008-04-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

Another week, another five picks by yours truly. This week I am recommending Mighty Avengers #12, Northlanders #5, Superman/Batman #47, Ultimate Spider-Man #121 and Wolverine First Class #2. The later two were more fun than anything else, but Mighty Avengers was the issue we were all waiting for as Nick Fury returns, sort of.

Brian Michael Bendis continues to masterfully weave his tale of the Skrull Invasion in this week's edition of the Mighty Avengers. This one is a must read for anyone interested in the Secret Invasion. Ever since we last saw Nick Fury in Secret War and later talking to Spider Woman in New Avengers the question on everyone's lips has been, where is Nick Fury? This week, that answer is revealed - a little bit.

Brian Wood dips into the past to reveal some of the origins of Sven the Viking in Northlanders #5. It is a poignant issue as we watch Sven as a child and the events that unfolded that put him in the position he is today. This has been an excellent series and with only five issues out should be easy for anyone to pick up on if they have not taken the jump yet.

The quest for kryptonite continues in Superman/Batman #47. However in this issue all is not as it seems and the end has a huge reveal worth the price of admission alone. Turns out, Bats and Supes were wrong in thinking they had pretty much gotten all the green rocks there was had to on Earth. Now it appears someone has been stockpiling it - right under Superman's nose in a diner in Kansas, and boy do they have a surprise.

And now for some fun, because comics should be fun, right? Bendis' second nod this week is from Ultimate Spider-Man #121. After just finishing the Firestarter arc, this one-shot shows us a day in the life of Peter Parker, ordinary high school student and employee at the Daily Bugle. But if we have learned one thing about Parker, life is nothing but ordinary when your alter ego is Spider-Man. If you have yet to take a chance on the Ultimate Universe, or are just looking for a fun issue to read, this is the one.

Finally, Wolverine First Class #2 rounds out the week. I have said this before, the world was a lot simpler in the early days of the new X-Men. This series revolves around Logan's relationship with Kitty Pryde. The First Class stories (X-Men being the other) are nice one-shots that make me yearn for the old Chris Claremont-John Byrne days, before everyone and their uncle became a mutant, and then lost their powers, and then found out they still had their powers, and then found out they might be a skrull, and then ...

Spectacular Spider-Man Review

2008-04-21T08:18:00.000-07:00

Four episodes in, I found myself caught in the web of the latest animated offering of everyone's friendly neighborhood wallcrawler - The Spectacular Spider-Man.

In the 10th animated version of Spider-Man, Peter Parker returns to the small screen after a five-year absence (the last being MTV's Spider-Man: The Animated Series in 2003). This latest rendition follows Parker and best buds Harry Osborn and Gwen Stacy as they navigate the perils of high school. Also joining the fun is Aunt May, J. Jonah Jameson, Dr. Curt Connors, Eddie Brock (this time as a friend of Peter's) and a cast of others from Spider-Man lore. Noticeably absent however is one Mary Jane Watson, who was mentioned but not shown.

A catalyst for each creature of the week appears to be Connors' lab as the first few episode see accidents launch the career's of Electro and the Lizard. Brock by the way is Connors' lab assistant, so we can only assume that the creation of fan-favorite Venom is not far off.

The animation is excellent although it make take a little time to get used to the animator's choice of drawing everyone's pupils in a very BIG way. However you get used to it and it appears to works for this cartoon.
Parker is back in his element as the outcast, serving as the punching bag for Flash Thompson and his friends. His friendships with Stacy and Osborn are tested immediately as his alter-ego's lifestyle conflicts with multiple commitments, showing the formation of his isolation from his friends and loved ones. And while Uncle Ben is gone, he is referenced and his presence felt as Parker often makes choices that further alienate him in order to do the right thing - "with great power comes great responsibility" and all that jazz.

The Spectacular Spider-Man is definitely geared towards the kids, however adults will recognize the relationships and enjoy it just as much. If you like the recent wave of animated super-hero fare, this one should definitely have a spot in your Tivo lineup.

Five-by-Five

2008-04-15T19:01:00.000-07:00

After a one-week absence, I am back with five more picks of the week. To be honest, last weeks offerings left me a little under whelmed and that is why no review, although Nova #12 was strong and my pick of the week. Now without any further ado, here are my top five for the week - Captain Marvel #5, Amazing Spider-Man #557 (second time in three weeks), Star Trek Year Four Enterprise Experiment #1, The Flash #239 and DC Wildstorm Dreamweaver.

Captain Marvel #5 - During a big event like Secret Invasion, a lot of mini-series end with more questions than they answer. This issues was the opposite, in fact it answers a lot of the questions on how and why Mah-vell came back (as long ago as the Civil War). But more importantly, it gives us an idea as to how the Skrulls are accomplishing what they are doing. If you have not been reading this mini-series, shame on you. The bad news is, its over. The good news, it was only five issues so it should be easy to catch up. I hope this is not the last we have seen of Mah-vell. Somehow I don't believe that is true.

Amazing Spider-Man #557 - Part three of Zeb Wells arc ends here and it is just as good as the previous two issues. Brand New Day has been difficult to read through, but Wells had a way of making you forget about it and focus on the reason we all read the book in the first place, Spider-Man. The only sad part is now we will have to wait another three months for Wells' next arc.

Star Trek Year Four Enterprise Experiment #1 - IDW's Star Trek re-launch has been good and this issue does not disappoint with the return of veteran Trek-scribe D.C. Fontana. This series is taken right off the screen from the Original Series episode when Kirk stole the Romulan cloaking device. If you ever wondered what happened after that episode, wonder no more.

The Flash #239 - This title has been enjoyable since Wally West's return. It is not stuck in the deep continuity of Countdown, it is pretty much self-contained. And while the focus on Wally's kids is not for everyone, I find their story very interesting. This issue also has a couple of guest stars in Jay Garrick and Red Arrow. It's been a good read and this month's edition leaves me wanting more as always. I know its not an original idea to have superhero looking for work to make money (Peter Parker anyone?), but it is new in the DC Universe.

Last but surprisingly not least, DC Wildstorm Dreamweaver - While I am not exactly sure what this book is about, the first issue had me hooked like a fun, summertime popcorn flick. On one side you have the characters of the Wildstorm Universe (Gen 13, Authority, Mr. Majestic, Welcome to Tranquilty) and on the other the DCU (JLA, Titans, Legion). I was intrigued as Titans Tower dropped down on the Wildstorm Universe, but whatever interest I had turned into pure, unadulterated fun when the Titans faced-off against Mr. Majestic - 'nuff said. I can't wait until issue number two.

Who's In Your Five?

2008-04-01T19:22:00.001-07:00

I don’t know if T-Mobile would approve of my five this week, but I have selected Tony Stark, Buffy Summers, Peter Parker, Dave Lizewski and Kara Zor-El as my favorites. Of course with T-Mobile’s flexibility, these names could (and probably will) change next week. But let’s enjoy them for now, shall we?

Peter Parker – It looks real good that my “Pick of the Week” will be Amazing Spider-Man #555. Zeb Wells and Chris Bachalo have been able to do something that none of the other Brand New Day “teams” have been able to do thus far – make me forget the disaster that this book has become. This week’s Spidey felt like a normal, good-old fashion story about everyone’s friendly neighborhood web-head and it was complete with guest stars Wolverine and Dr. Strange. Perhaps even better for my money was the absence of a certain “cracked”-up super villain and Jackpot.

Tony Stark – I will say this for Secret Invasion #1, Brian Michael Bendis sure knows how to suck me into a story and leave me wanting more. Without giving too much away from the premiere issue of this eight-issue mini-series, does a Skrull ship that crashes into the Savage Land make a noise if no one is there to see it? How about if the Avengers and New Avengers see it? And wait until you see who gets off that ship – in the words of the immortal Keanu Reeves, “Whoa.” I am so counting the days until issue number two.

Dave Lizewski – Just as I did with issue number one, Kick-Ass #2 had me rooting for this guy. Here is an ordinary everyday teenager who decides he is going to become a super-hero. Of course, being an everyday teenager with no super abilities whatsoever (or even Batman-like training), he fails awfully bad in issue one. Issue two picks right up from the end of the premiere and hooked me back in once again – nice job Mark Millar.

Buffy Summers – The Season Eight launch of Buffy the Vampire Slayer has been a mainstay for me each week of its release, with issue #13 being no different. Drew Goddard’s second issue of the “Wolves at the Gate” arc actually poses more questions than gives answers about the mysterious Asian-vampire thieves who swiped Buffy’s magical scythe. But as strong as the issue is, it’s the last page that had me going, “damn.” ‘Nuff said (thanks Stan).

Kara Zor-El – I have been a big fan of the latest incarnation of Supergirl. However, she seemed to have peaked storywise with Jeph Loeb and Michael Turner’s introduction in Superman/Batman. It has just seemed to me that writers have not quite figured out what to do with her. Supergirl #28 is part three of its current arc which has Kara doing something that when I first read it made me annoyed, but now has me feeling intrigued – she has vowed to save a dying child of cancer. I think this is a daring storyline. There is just no way she can succeed in this quest. To just take on this topic is very brave. The latest issue was a fun one, but had me asking throughout, how are they going to pull this off? I am guess I am just going to have to stick it out.

Anyway, that’s my five for this week.

Brave New Worlds Blog Coming Soon!

2008-04-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check back for Brave New Worlds first blogs, coming this week.