butterbeatleblog

I just want to direct your attention to a new blog that I launched earlier today: butterbeatleblog. It's a blog where my girlfriend and I will discuss various popculture things. Basically, things we watch, read, and listen to. So far, there isn't a lot up with only a trio of posts by me: a welcome post, some words on No Cities Left by the Dears, and a review of WWE Judgment Day 2007. Hopefully, Michelle will begin providing some content in the next day or two, while I'll try my best to keep things going. No comics talk there, of course, but plenty of stuff about everything else.

The Splash Page Podcast Episode 18

Once again, only one episode this week, but it's a very long one. Tim and I discuss some broad topics at first like Iron Man 2, creators who have improved dramatically over the course of their careers, the price of comics, and comics going digital before getting into this week's books. We also discuss pop and how Coke is better than Pepsi. Because it is. And, I have a few choice words for Americans at the end of the episode. Plus, "We're Hardcore" by Gord Downie.

You can download and listen to the Splash Page Podcast episode 18 HERE!

CBR Review: WWE Heroes #3

I recently reviewed WWE Heroes #3 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "A quasi-religious cult has taken over WrestleMania as part of a quest by the King of Shadows to kill his brother, the First Born, in a conflict that’s gone on for thousands of years. The First Born was revealed as Triple H last issue when he was killed. Now, with that out of the way, the King of Shadows still has the stadium and superstars held hostage, and the wrestlers get antsy. Champagne nails the voice of John Cena’s character with a bombastic rallying cry, but, then, Shawn Michaels superkicks him because... uh... Shawn Michaels superkicks people? Later in the issue, wrestlers are forced to fight to the death, never raising a point that should prove obvious to anyone: these guys don’t actually fight for a living. Michaels is superkicking someone in real life? What?"

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?: Dust to Dust #1

I recently reviewed Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?: Dust to Dust #1 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "With BOOM! Studios’ adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? reaching the halfway mark soon, they’re launching a prequel mini-series that takes place in the same world as the book, focusing on the aftermath of the war that poisoned the planet, causing people to move off world, killing most of the animals, and creating a purpose for androids to be built. Chris Roberson writes Dust to Dust and does a good job of capturing the tone of Dick’s world, while also adding his own elements, including some references to contemporary technology like Twitter."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: 7 Psychopaths #1

I recently reviewed 7 Psychopaths #1 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "7 Psychopaths #1 begins the BOOM! English language edition of the 2007 French album that’s part of a series of seven books by seven different creative teams featuring teams of seven people fighting in some sort of battle or undertaking some mission. 7 Psychopaths is a natural choice for release here first (if the plan is to serialize all seven albums) given the artist of the story, Sean Phillips, and the plot: seven psychopaths being sent to assassinate Adolf Hitler in 1941. This issue, presenting the first quarter of the album, introduces the idea and five of the seven eponymous psychopaths and it’s an entertaining introduction."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Secret Avengers #1

I recently reviewed Secret Avengers #1 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "There’s been some debate about the idea of Ed Brubaker writing another team book after his work on The Authority and Uncanny X-Men received negative reactions for the most part, while his work on Captain America and Gotham Central demonstrate that he can clearly work with ensemble casts. Thankfully, Secret Avengers #1 is very much in the vein of his Captain America work, reading almost as a companion title to that book instead of another Avengers title."

You can read the rest HERE!

Quickie Reviews (May 26 2010)

It's too damn hot and humid here. Makes writing a chore since all I want to do is fill the bathtub with cool water and sit there with a fan on and my slushy mug filled to the brim. Girlfriend being present is optional. But, comics are out and I ventured into the hell that is the Outside World to get them, so let's do this anyway...

Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne #2: Better than the first issue. Frazer Irving as the artist is a nice callback to Klarion. The story is okay, but it still hasn't captured me completely. Bruce Wayne going from time to time is maybe interesting...? But, the little story here is entertaining enough along with some time travel talk and Bruce being a total dick. I liked it. [***1/2]

Detective Comics #865: The main story is weak. I didn't mind it as much last issue, but this one just went off the rails. All it makes me wish is that someone would just destroy Arkham and be done with it. I got this because I wanted the last part of the Question back-up feature -- why have every part except the final one? It was alright, but not sure how it works as a conclusion to the whole thing. Will have to read it all in one sitting. [**]

Secret Warriors #16: And so ends "Wake the Beast" and most of the action happens off-panel. Together with the final page of Secret Avengers #1, I'm wondering what's up. A solid issue, but the art is the weakest it's ever been with a fill-in. Underwhelming as a conclusion, I think, the final page notwithstanding. I'm disappointed, honestly. Some good moments that never really cohered for me... hmm... [***]

Thor #610: Best part of the issue: the add for Skaar, Son of Hulk that says that title is coming out in June 2008. Let it never be said that Marvel simply gives up on books it believes in... Actually, this Siege epilogue issue is pretty strong. Gillen continues with a lot of the plot points from before the event and the fall-out of it. Kelda and William get a moment (of sorts), while the fight between Thor and Ragnorak (aka Clor) is something people have wanted since Civil War. Throw in Doug Braithwaite on art and it's the best issue of Gillen's run to date. [****]

Thunderbolts #144: Figured I'd give this a look since it seemed interesting. It's all set-up and team-building, but does that well. Luke Cage is Luke Cage and Parker really pushes the idea of this being a longstanding program that works at rehabilitating supervillains with former members showing up quite a bit. Not sure about all of the members or the reasons for them being on the team (most of them seem to be there despite Cage's wishes, which makes the whole thing come off as somewhat laughable). Kev Walker is an artist who I've always liked and he's pushed himself in a different direction here. I prefer his dark, sharp-edged stuff, but this cartoony, sharp-edged stuff is good, too. Haven't decided about the next issue yet, but I'm leaning towards giving it a look. [***]

Later.

CBR Review: DV8: Gods and Monsters #2

I recently reviewed DV8: Gods and Monsters #2 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "Bliss, along with her brother Matthew (Threshold), has always been one of the darker and unabashedly ‘evil’ characters in DV8. Her powers to create immense pleasure or pain are wielded at a whim, screw the consequences. She has the power, so she can do what she wants. Usually that involves bending people to her will, making her an interesting first subject to focus on since you would imagine her role as goddess of a tribe would be one of the more extreme ones. And it is, but her journey to becoming a so-called goddess isn’t what you’d expect."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Creepy #3

I recently reviewed Creepy #3 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "Creepy #3 contains six stories, five new and one from the original Creepy series, and the content is a little hit or miss. Some stories offer some interesting plots, while others have some great art, and the rest... not so much. What most of them lack, though, is a genuine sense of being creepy. For a horror anthology, the issue is pretty tame."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Azrael #8

I recently reviewed Azrael #8 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "In some ways, Azrael #8 looks like a very amateurish comic. Ramon Bachs’ art is blocky and simplistic with messy colors, looking somewhat like something a teenager dashed off. The story jumps from scene to scene with no explanation or context as numerous subplots drift in and out of the book despite this being the first part of a new story arc. And, yet, there’s something very compelling about the comic -- a strange energy that drives it and sucks you in."

You can read the rest HERE!

The Splash Page Podcast Episode 17

After numerous technical difficulties, Tim and I managed to record nearly two-and-a-half hours of podcasting awesomeness. We talk about Avengers #1 quite a bit. And widescreen vs. fullscreen. And math. Apparently, Tim and I were both really good at math as kids before we turned our backs on it, vowing to never again do math as long as we live! Okay, we just focused on English lit instead, but still. I educate Tim on some What If...? stories and he does the same for me on Dungeons & Dragons a little. It's a good time all around. Plus, "We're Hardcore" by Gord Downie!

You can download and listen to the Splash Page Podcast episode 17 HERE!

CBR Review: The Anchor #8

I recently reviewed The Anchor #8 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "With the final issue of the series, The Anchor wraps up in an open-ended fashion, allowing for a future return to the characters. It also provides a strong conclusion to the book’s current plot. With Clem’s descendent, Hofi, corrupted by the forces of Hell to the point where he had to kill her demonic self, he’s gone to Hell to reclaim her, and, to do so, he must team up with his own soul, which we’ve seen fighting against Satan’s armies for the series. This idea is a natural way to end the series and leads to a satisfying conclusion after some great demon-smashing action."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Avengers #1

I recently reviewed Avengers #1 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "For anyone who’s argued that Brian Michael Bendis hasn’t written a ‘real’ Avengers comic before -- whatever that means -- the first issue of the newly relaunched Avengers should silence those criticisms. This issue has a feeling reminiscent of the last time Avengers was relaunched by Kurt Busiek and George Perez. There’s that same feeling of a return to a time that, let’s be honest, never existed. Part that return, part a celebration of the idea of the Avengers being the preeminent team in the Marvel universe, Avengers #1 sets things up by introducing the team and having trouble quickly finding it."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Ultimate Comics Avengers 2 #2

I recently reviewed Ultimate Comics Avengers 2 #2 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "Here, War Machine confronts Leonard Williams, now going by Tyrone Cash, in South America, near the house of a criminal that Williams has killed and taken over from. Williams was once a professor at Cambridge, physically limited by disease, and mentor to Banner. Upon turning himself into his own version of the Hulk, he disappeared, becoming a violent mercenary only out for money, women, and slaughter. It’s easy to see why Nick Fury would want him for his black ops group."

You can read the rest HERE!

Quickie Reviews (May 19 2010)

Before getting to the two non-CBR-review books I got this week, I'd like to point you to this week's 411 Wrestling Top Five list, which is on top five misconceptions in wrestling. Check out my list since my #1, 2, and 5 entries can all easily be applied to comics. Especially my number one misconception. Wrestling and comics: more alike than different it seems most days...

Hellboy in Mexico: This is the first Hellboy comic I've read. Like with a lot of quality books, I've avoided jumping in because I wanted to start at the beginning and work my way through the complete series/series of series... I've heard so much good about Hellboy and the other books that share that universe that it will happen. But, people kept telling me to pick this up. It's a stand alone, they said. It's got wrestling. It's Mike Mignola and Richard Corben! It was a small week for me and I saw the shop's final copy just sitting there and... hey, who am I not listen to all of you wonderful people? And it's a damn fine, fun read. Hellboy in Mexico in the '50s, fighting off vampires and other monsters alongside a trio of Lucha Libre brothers. Fighting monsters all day, getting drunk all night, culminating in a wrestling match. It's a sparse book that I'll probably come back to in the next few days to just look at. Richard Corben's art is something I don't see nearly enough of. [****]

Joe the Barbarian #5: I don't know. I'm enjoying this, but don't have any real opinion about it. Great art. I was worried about Murphy slipping as the book progressed, but it hasn't happened thankfully. The connection to Joe's dad is pretty obvious and that phonecall to his mom is... oddly touching and strange. A good issue. [***1/2]

Now, off to write some kind words about Avengers #1, which I really enjoyed.

CBR Review: First Wave #2

I recently reviewed First Wave #2 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "First Wave #2 continues the fragmented, big picture approach to the story begun in the first issue, which seems to be the best way to introduce so many different characters. While the focus here is on the Spirit and the Blackhawks along with the mysterious project in a jungle setting, numerous other characters make small appearances, including the first by Batman. While the larger story isn’t immediately apparent, the scene setting is entertaining, especially Azzarello’s reimagining of the Blackhawks as somewhat shady mercenaries with the money to afford good PR."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: The Unwritten #13

I recently reviewed The Unwritten #13 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "Year two of The Unwritten kicks off with the most plot-heavy issue to date as schemes are revealed left and right: Tom Taylor being manipulated and used by his seeming allies, enemies closing in on all sides, and him still just as ignorant and clueless as ever. Taylor works better in this sort of story, where he’s at the center of things, but is off camera most of the time as those around him dominant the book. Though, in this story, it looks like he isn’t necessarily at the center of things with the true focus being his supposedly deceased father, Wilson."

You can read the rest HERE!

The Splash Page Podcast Episode 16

This week, there's only one episode of the Splash Page Podcast since real life stuff forced us to change recording days. Possibly only one episode next week, too. But, still, it's an hour-and-forty-five minutes of good comics talk as Tim and I disagree about almost everything. Especially Siege #4 and New Avengers Finale #1. We do agree about The Sentry: Fallen Sun #1, though. We also discuss Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne #1, Dark Avengers #16, Punishermax #7, The Unwritten #13, how DC kind of sucks, and a bunch of other things. The episode begins, as always, with "We're Hardcore" by Gord Downie.

You can download and listen to the Splash Page Podcast episode 16 HERE!

CBR Review: Punishermax #7

I recently reviewed Punishermax #7 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "Although Bullseye debuted at the end of Punishermax #5 and showed off his skills last issue, this issue gives readers a good look at how the assassin operates as he tracks down Frank Castle, revealing himself as completely crazy. But, his methods seem to be working, so who’s to say if he’s truly crazy -- aside from acts like sleeping atop the grave of Castle’s wife or demanding to see every place in New York where Castle has ever killed someone. Jason Aaron’s interpretation of the character is wonderfully entertaining and just the right amount insane."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: The Marvels Project #8

I recently reviewed The Marvels Project #8 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "The Marvels Project began as a promising look at the early days of superheroes in the Marvel universe, starting before the United States had entered World War II, but, as it continued, the story was less coherent and lacked a central purpose. Issue eight offers that payoff based on the historic day of the Pearl Harbor attack, December 7, 1941, juxtaposing that attack with a fictional one made by the Nazis and Atlanteans in Washington at the same time. While an interesting idea and keeping with the real life elements of the characters, it doesn’t pack the emotional impact that it’s designed to, nor the necessary cohesion to bring the entire series together completely."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Zombies vs. Robots Aventure #4

I recently reviewed Zombies vs. Robots Aventure #4 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "Concluding the latest book in the Zombies vs. Robots series from IDW, the fourth issue of the anthology Zombies vs. Robots Adventure is more an artist showcase than a display of amazing writing. Chris Ryall does some solid work in this issue, but the focus is clearly on the three artists, each tackling one of the stories, and showing off their unique styles and skills. While all are promising and show a lot of potential, the book never coheres completely. Each story in this issue concludes the four-part serialization and each does offer something a little different from the others."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: New Avengers Finale #1

I recently reviewed New Avengers Finale #1 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "Over five years ago, Brian Michael Bendis and David Finch relaunched Avengers as New Avengers and, since then, it’s been a consistent top ten performer for Marvel, often the top-selling ongoing for the company. It ends prior to another relaunch this week with New Avengers Finale #1, a 59-page (60 if you include the recap page) comic that, with Siege over, wraps up two of the consistent elements of the book’s existence from the past three years: the team’s outlaw status, and the Hood."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Dark Avengers #16

I recently reviewed Dark Avengers #16 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "As expected, with 'Dark Reign' over, Dark Avengers comes to an end as well, with most of the members of the team arrested at the end of Siege, including the book’s central character, Norman Osborn. This issue fulfills a dual role of acting as a final issue for this team of villains-posing-as-heroes and as an epilogue of sort to Siege. This is the definitive conclusion to 'Dark Reign.'"

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Siege #4

I recently reviewed Siege #4 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "House of M. Secret Invasion. Siege. Three Marvel event series written by Brian Michael Bendis, three Marvel event series that ended weakly. After the first two events, many doubted that Bendis could end Siege in a satisfying and meaningful way and, so far, his writing on the series was strong enough that it suggested that he would silence those critics. However, the final issue of Siege, while not a failure by any right, isn’t the strong ending that the series or the recent tenor of the Marvel universe needed as it heads into 'The Heroic Age.'"

You can read the rest HERE!

Quickie Reviews (May 12 2010)

If you've ever wondered what my desk set-up is like, wonder no more as I sent in some pics of my trades on shelves and my desk to Robot 6's Shelf Porn. As you can see, space is a little limited, but I dig it still. Also, a cluttered desk is a useful desk. Onto the reviews...

Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne #1: Enjoyable, decent start. I'm less enthralled by the 'Bruce Wayne dresses up like Batman in different time periods' concept, but it worked fairly well here. Chris Sprouse and Karl Story is an art team I always have time for. [***1/2]

Daytripper #6: Man, the craft on this series is just so high. Minimalist writing, lush, gorgeous art... what more can you ask for? [****]

Greek Street #11: The second arc concludes and I'm really enjoying this book. Sticking with it has apparently helped. Eddie by the end is in a different place, same with Dedalus. Menon... well, sucks to be him. Not sure that this is as brilliant as you'd hope, but it's definitely interesting. Not sure where it's heading now. [***1/2]

The Sentry: Fallen Sun #1: I wasn't sure if I'd get this, but I have the rest of the Sentry stuff written by Paul Jenkins, so why not the issue with his funeral/memorial service? Except it's more some superheroes stand around and talk and... it doesn't work. It's the sort of awkward, not-at-all-meaningful talk you'd expect and that's brutal to read. Since the Sentry wasn't too connected to any of these characters recently, their words rang a little hollow. I was left wondering why the Sentry didn't go to Reed Richards instead of Norman Osborn during "Dark Reign." Why did he so easily turn his back on his friends? Tom Raney can do action, but he was ill-suited for this issue. His tortured, overly rendered faces just make the whole thing come off as even more comical and stupid than it is. [*]

Now, back to the longer reviews...

CBR Review: Nemesis: The Imposters #3

I recently reviewed Nemesis: The Imposters #3 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "Everything in this comic (and the series) comes back to the idea of an imposter. The Joker wasn’t the real Joker. Tom Tresser isn’t really Tom Tresser. Seemingly legitimate, respected businessmen are criminals. No one is who they appear to be save Wonder Woman, who is, at best, an observer, much like the seemingly real Tom Tresser. The actors in this story are all fakes, imposters, cheap con men, while the real people are on the sidelines. If everyone in the story is an imposter, how real is the story?"

You can read the rest HERE!

The Splash Page Podcast Episode 15.2

We asked, you told us, and, thus, you get another long as fuck episode of the Splash Page Podcast! Even longer than last week's second episode! Naturally, we talk about a lot of things to fill up two hours like writers/artists/filmmakers/genres that have risen or fallen in our opinions over the years, Jack Kirby and Eternals, a bunch of new books, and me e-mailing Augie to ask if it's possible for me to also review Siege #4 in addition to the review Tim is doing (the answer: yes). It's an exciting episode, folks!

You can download and listen to the Splash Page Podcast episode 15.2 HERE!

CBR Review: Sparta, U.S.A. #3

I recently reviewed Sparta, U.S.A. #3 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "One of the most interesting conflicts in this issue comes in the form of Wanda, Godfrey’s wife, who has reentered his life and is not happy about the army of ex-girlfriends (though ‘girlfriend’ may be too strong a word for the sort of relationship Godfrey had with most of them) living in the house. She’s particularly unhappy about Nora, the ex that Godfrey proposed to last issue, completely forgetting that he has a wife and kids until they reappeared. In this issue, he tries to appease both sides, but is clearly uncomfortable, wanting to break free of his past life, while unsure how far to go."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Spider-Man: Fever #2

I recently reviewed Spider-Man: Fever #2 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "Spider-Man: Fever #2 doesn’t look like any other book on the shelves this week, presenting a bright, almost garish, vision of Spider-Man and Dr. Strange, both in otherworldly realms where Brendan McCarthy is free to let his imagination run wild, drawing weird buildings and whatever random ideas pop up. It’s fun and poppy, a weird adventure that, at its core, could be just any other Spider-Man/Dr. Strange team-up, but, when presented through McCarthy’s sensibilities, it becomes something decidedly different and unique."

You can read the rest HERE!

The Splash Page Podcast Episode 15.1

Another week, another podcast about comics from Tim Callahan and myself. This week, in our first episode, we stick to specific comics for the most part with Batman and Robin #12, I, Zombie #1, War of the Supermen #0-1, and Spider-Man: Fever #2. Plus, we discuss reality TV, the upcoming Grant Morrison documentary, and Brian Cronin from Comics Should be Good (or, more accurately, the current 'greatest _____ stories' thing he's got going on). And it all begins with "We're Hardcore" by Gord Downie.

You can download and listen to the Splash Page Podcast episode 15.1 HERE!

CBR Review: I, Zombie #1

I recently reviewed I, Zombie #1 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "Another $1.00 Vertigo first issue and that’s always a good thing in my world. That the comic in question has Mike and Laura Allred providing the art makes the one dollar price tag seem like a steal and a must buy. Unfortunately, the writing on I, Zombie #1 isn’t the sort to necessarily grab readers right away, which is partly the point of the cheap first issue: bring in readers who may skip the book and hook them. That doesn’t happen with I, Zombie."

You can read the rest HERE!

Quickie Reviews (May 5 2010)

The first Wednesday of the month means a new issue of The Boys. I love that Dynamite has really kept that book on schedule so it always comes out then. Makes the beginning of the month something to look forward to. But, before I get to that, there are a couple of other comics to mention...

Avengers: The Origin #2: Enjoyable, but a little tedious in its dialogue. Everyone talking through what's going on... meh. I like the Phil Noto art, though. [***]

Batman and Robin #12: I had my suspicions regarding the identity of Oberon Sexton, but, then again, I could say that about half a dozen people who were candidates. A good issue. Andy Clarke's art was, obviously, less polished here with Scott Hanna picking up the slack. Even with that reveal at the end and The Return of Bruce Wayne kicking off next week, this felt like the conclusion to this story. I'll say more when I do my post on Morrison's third year of writing Batman. [***1/2]

The Boys #42: Man, the interactions between Auntie Sis and Malchemical just make me feel dirty. But, Butcher continues to have his head up his ass, while Hughie is a decent enough guy, Annie seems like she may end things with Hughie, and Mother's Milk is none too pleased with Butcher. A transition issue. The art is weaker, but that's because Robertson didn't do it all himself. [***]

Demo #4: Definitely reminiscent of "What You Wish For" from the first volume, but different enough. Great use of black and white by Becky Cloonan. I liked this -- Demo is usually at its best when it's walking that line between understandable and totally fucking crazy/wrong. [****]

The Great Ten #7: Appropriately, this issue focuses on the Seven Deadly Brothers. His origin is weird and interesting. Loved the visual allusion to Pei Mai. Also, the Seven Deadly Brothers is a different sort of character than his teammates. Since he's all energy and violence, Scott McDaniel does him well. The death of the God of Death was great, too. Solid book. [***1/2]

Briefer than usual this week it seems. Blame the seasonal allergies, I guess.

CBR Review: Artifacts #0

I recently reviewed Artifacts #0 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "One of the approaches for Free Comic Book Day issues in recent years has been to use the free comic as a launching point for a big event or story. DC did that last year with Blackest Night #0, offering a recap of what led to the event and some new material for fans, and Top Cow does the same thing this year with Artifacts #0. Acting as a recap/launch for the upcoming event, it provides the information necessary for new readers to jump aboard, while offering some new tidbits for hardcore fans. Even with that approach, though, it’s a little light on content and lacks strong art."

You can read the rest HERE!

The Splash Page Podcast Episode 14.2

In the second podcast episode of the week, Tim and I kept on talking and talking and talking for just under two hours. We covered a lot of topics like some of this week's comics, but also returned to older topics like more on JMS and reviewing. There's even a big chunk in the middle where we talk about movies and TV shows. And it's actually this episode where I tell Tim to watch Babylon 5. It's easy to get mixed up when you discuss the same topic in both episodes. Plus, "We're Hardcore" by Gord Downie! If you want us to keep things shorter, just tell us -- or if you love the long episodes, tell us that, too.

You can download and listen to the Splash Page Podcast episode 14.2 HERE!

The Splash Page Podcast Episode 14.1

The first of this week's podcast episodes is up as Tim and I talk about a lot of comics like Detective Comics #864, Captain America #605, and New Avengers #64. We also talk about Free Comic Book Day, Robert Kirkman's output (at the request of a listener), and more about J. Michael Straczynski, beginning with his upcoming run on Superman and going to me, once again, telling Tim to watch Babylon 5. All that plus "We're Hardcore" by Gord Downie.

You can download and listen to the Splash Page Podcast episode 14.1 HERE!

Buy My Book! (or the book I have a story in at least)

In April, Writing Without Direction: Ten and a Half Short Stories by Canadian Authors Under Thirty came out from Clark-Nova Books and I have a short story, "Are Ya Havin' Fun" in it. The title pretty much says it all: eleven short stories by Canadian writers under 30 and I haven't seen the book yet (except in a bookstore yesterday), but I can guarantee at least one great story. If you're interested in giving it a look, you can order copies from Clark-Nova Books directly or from Chapters. Below the cut I'm also including a small part from my story, "Are Ya Havin' Fun." It's kind of an anthology piece in and of itself with a series of short sketches of a Saturday night at a college/university bar... here's one section along with the dividing dialogue piece that I use in between each section.