The Splash Page Podcast Episode 35

Tim and I have returned after a week's absence for another edition of the Splash Page Podcast! In this week's episode we discuss: The future of the podcast, absolute/omnibus editions we'd like to see, euro/brit comics, disappointments, the best thing to happen to comics that isn't a comic, Vertigo Resurrected #1, Action Comics #894 and dated costumes, Avengers #6, Secret Avengers #6, Captain America #611, Incognito: Bad Influences #1, Secret Warriors #21, Scalped #42, and some closing thoughts. And, as always, we kick things off with "We're Hardcore" by Gord Downie.

You can download and listen to the Splash Page Podcast episode 35 HERE!

CBR Review: Gravel #21

I recently reviewed Gravel #21 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "With no word on the future of Gravel, issue 21 looks to be the last. Concluding the third seven-issue story arc of the series, and the large three-part story arc that was built from each smaller arc, William Gravel finds his position as King of Magicians in England not so secure after a crazed magician has killed his allies, destroyed his places of power, and left him seemingly defenseless. As always, people underestimate Gravel and they pay for the mistake with their lives. It’s a pretty simple pattern, but it’s driven the series so far, and allowed Gravel to be engaging as he consistently rises to the challenge, most often through surprise and skill. Even with everything taken away from him, he’s still as good as he was in the first issue when he began his quest to take down the Minor Seven."

You can read the rest HERE!

Sketch Reviews (October 27 2010)

Man, working 9-5 is tiring me out... thankfully, it's just until the end of this week plus two days next week and, then, I'm on my regular Sat/Sun shift. I miss my weekdays. Then again, having to go away this past weekend for my sister's wedding didn't really give me a chance to stop and rest much. Ah well. I got comics after work and I'll discuss them briefly per usual.

Batman and Robin #15: A week late for me, but well worth the wait. Not much to say beyond 'I liked this a lot.' [****1/2]

Scalped #42: Wow, some big surprises... and, yet, this issue felt quieter, more contemplative. Aaron and Guera work their asses off and it pays off. Great issue. [****1/4]

Secret Avengers #6: A perfectly fine superhero comic. [***1/4]

Secret Warriors #21: Wow, the art in the first half of the issue just turned me off entirely. Vitti returns with Imaginary Friends Studio for the second half, but the momentum was dead by then. Colak's art wouldn't have looked quite so off if it weren't for the colouring. A disappointing issue. [***]

Ultimate Avengers 3 #3: More of the same. The art is rushed/unfinished, while the story continues at a snail's pace. But, the end of the issue is pretty good. As is the Nick Fury stuff as he continues his powerplay to take over SHIELD. Curious to see how this arc plays out. [**3/4]

I also got CLiNT #2 in the mail from Titan. Read some of it. Looks about the same as the first issue, but with American Jesus thrown in. Maybe Tim and I will discuss it on the podcast. Maybe not. Maybe I'll just yawn a lot, be cranky, and fall asleep mid-sentence. That would be fun.

Later

CBR Review: Vertigo Resurrected #1

I recently reviewed Vertigo Resurrected #1 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "Part of DC’s new initiative to put material long out of print into 100-page eight-dollar books, Vertigo Resurrected #1 sees 'Shoot' published in full color for the first time ever, backed with eight shorts from various Vertigo anthology series featuring some of the imprint's top creators. While the chance to see some long forgotten stories from the likes of Garth Ennis, Brian Azzarello, Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely, Jim Lee, and others is a pretty strong appeal to begin with, 'Shoot' is the main draw of this book. Its announcement got everyone’s notice and is a rare time where a publisher has chosen to publish material it previously vowed not to."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: DV8: Gods and Monsters #7

I recently reviewed DV8: Gods and Monsters #7 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "Stranded on an alien planet with human-esque beings that are reminiscent of ancient tribes, the members of DV8 have steered these tribes into a war. Through their powers, they’ve taken control and aren’t content to allow the others to have their own space. They must lead their tribes to battle. The series has built to this confrontation and this issue both delivers on and subverts that expectation. As Gem narrates at the beginning and the end of the issue: 'It was the twilight of the gods.' It’s also a pretty good comic book."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: X-Files/30 Days of Night #4

I recently reviewed X-Files/30 Days of Night #4 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "If I may be honest for a moment: I’m buying X-Files/30 Days of Night for my girlfriend. She’s a big X-Files fan and enjoys reading the comics, so I don’t mind picking any up when they come out. I read them for reviewing purposes or just because it’s a comic that I bought, and, I’ve got to say, I’m surprised at how entertaining this series has been. Place me in the firm ‘no more vampires for a long time’ category, but this series has done a great job at putting the vampires in the background for the most part, using the X-Files style of only showing bits and pieces of the supernatural or otherworldly elements of the case. It's just enough to whet our appetites and know that Scully is wrong in her protests that vampires don’t exist."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Loki #1

I recently reviewed Loki #1 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "The plethora of Thor books adds one where the Thunder God is a supporting character with the focus firmly on his adopted brother, Loki. One of the most interesting Asgardians, at times, Loki has even proved more complex and engrossing a character than Thor. The trickster god is a mess of contradictions, sometimes wanting to do good, sometimes wanting to do bad, often simply compelled to do the wrong thing, unable to be anything other than himself. In the debut issue of this four-issue mini-series focusing on the god of lies, Loki lives up to his name, painting himself the victim, while Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa plays with the idea of myths as malleable stories that shift and change over time with only some success."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Punisher MAX: Tiny Ugly World #1

I recently reviewed Punisher MAX: Tiny Ugly World #1 for CBR and, in the process wrote the following sentences: "It’s become par for the course for the Punisher MAX one-shots to focus on characters that happen to come across the Punisher, leaving him a specter in a comic that bears his name. Rarely has the character that takes the spotlight been so depraved and disturbing as Bobby Boorsteen, who lives in a building where the Punisher kills a whole bunch of drug dealers. It looks like another case of a small, cowardly person that’s empowered by watching the Punisher take action against the evils of the world, and it is that story. It’s just that the small, cowardly person is crazy and his form of empowerment is to take the only survivor of the Punisher’s rampage and torture him."

You can read the rest HERE!

Sketch Reviews (October 20 2010)

So, I started a new job today and that meant not reading comics until, like, five! FIVE! My girlfriend was fantastic and went and picked them up for me. She even surprised me with a copy of Vertigo Resurrected #1 as a "Congrants on the new job!" present. At the same time, she didn't get Batman and Robin #15, so it's kind of a wash. (Kidding! Not a big deal at all, obviously. It's not too hard to just pick that up next week and her present was incredibly kind and thoughtful.) Quick sketchy thoughts on the non-review books of the week, which is lacking a certain caped crusader...

The Boys: Highland Laddie #3: Hey, you know why I hate John McCrea this issue? I got who was on the final page, but only because of context, not because of the art. Fuck that shit. Otherwise, a decent issue. [**3/4]

Steve Rogers: Super-Soldier #4: Brubaker is creating a nice tapestry between his various superhero books and I dig it. A solid, superhero book where Steve Rogers has no problem killing someone. That's right: KILLED THAT MOTHERFUCKER DEAD. [***1/2]

Also, apparently, copies of Casanova #4 from last week were damaged somehow, so I got a free replacement... I haven't compared the two, but I didn't notice anything. I will report my findings when I can be bothered to give a fuck.

Later.

CBR Review: Magnus, Robot Fighter #2

I recently reviewed Magnus, Robot Fighter #2 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "Of all the Valiant books from the past, Magnus, Robot Fighter never really clicked with me. The future never looked too futuristic, while the robots were fairly lame and seemingly unthreatening. As for the lead, he lacked anything close to a personality. So, I was surprised when the second issue of the latest attempt to bring back the book was pretty entertaining. The robots and future don’t look much more impressive, but the story and characterization of Magnus more than make up for it. Jim Shooter writes a pretty solid book with ample back-up from artists Bill Reinhold and Mike Manley."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: The Last Phantom #2

I recently reviewed The Last Phantom #2 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "Two months ago, when The Last Phantom #1 came out, former CBR reviewer/current CBR columnist Tim Callahan gave the issue half a star and wrote, 'Perhaps the series should be retitled: "The Last Phantom For Now, Sure, But It Will Make Your Eyes Bleed."' I didn’t disagree, but hoped the second issue would offer some improvement with the awkwardness of introducing the concept having been accomplished. And there is improvement, but not much at all. It’s still a painfully obvious and clunky comic with ugly, overly rendered art."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Thor the Mighty Avenger #5

I recently reviewed Thor the Mighty Avenger #5 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "Five issues in and Thor the Mighty Avenger is still going strong with fun, exciting issues that manage to balance between the needs of a larger story about Thor’s banishment on Earth and self-contained stories that make dropping three bucks every month more than worth it. For the past few issues, some familiar faces have popped up like Ant-Man, the Wasp, Captain Britain, and, this issue, Namor. The choice of guest-stars is somewhat surprising, but all offer some insight about Thor and his place in the world. But, really, they’re included for entertainment value and, as anyone knows, Namor is always entertaining with his jerky, arrogance."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Doc Savage #7

I recently reviewed Doc Savage #7 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "The problem with the first half of the comic is a mixture of the writing and art. Ivan Brandon’s dialogue mimics some of the more obtuse and suggestive elements of Brian Azzarello’s, but doesn’t provide enough context at times. While Nic Klein’s art is very attractive and worth poring over, there are some baffling storytelling choices. A big one happens when Savage steals a vehicle, uses an item of some kind to keep it driving so he can use the gun mounted on the roof to shoot mortars from the air, but, at some point, the vehicle stops on its own and he continues shooting them from a stopped position. Where and how the truck stopped is never seen: one panel, it’s driving at top speed on automatic and, the next, it’s stopped."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Pilot Season: Forever #1

I recently reviewed Pilot Season: Forever #1 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "The high concept nature of Top Cow’s Pilot Season program sometimes leads to issues that don’t get the chance to show what they can do. Forever #1 has such a general and well-worn hook, a corporation that offers immortality apparently at the expense of someone else’s life, that it needs to not only establish it but also demonstrate what makes this take different from every previous one. Unfortunately, this issue doesn’t do that, presenting the clichéd plot with very little new or interesting that would warrant a second issue."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Hellblazer: City of Demons #1

I recently reviewed Hellblazer: City of Demons #1 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "The first of two issues of Hellblazer: City of Demons shipping this month, the debut introduces what looks to be the plot of the mini-series in a roundabout way on the final page with the majority of the issue focusing on John Constantine’s life in jeopardy and, possibly, his soul, too. Since Hellblazer is a comic often focused on longform runs by creators, the occasional mini-series that wouldn’t fit into the production schedule of the ongoing makes a lot of sense, especially when it involves a chance to see Sean Murphy’s art for the next few months."

You can read the rest HERE!

The Splash Page Podcast Episode 34

In this week's podcast, Tim and I discuss: NYCC talk, Superman: Earth One, Brian Hibbs's latest Tilting at Windmills column, Return of Bruce Wayne #5, Knight and Squire #1, Strange Tales 2 #1, Thor #616 and Thor the Mighty Avenger #5, superhero origins and how we don't care anymore, some random talk, New Avengers #5, Doc Savage #7, Irredeemable #18, and some final words on conventions. And it all begins with "We're Hardcore" by Gord Downie as usual.

You can download and listen to the Splash Page Podcast episode 34 HERE!

CBR Review: The Thanos Imperative #5

I recently reviewed The Thanos Imperative #5 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "The resulting confrontation between the two forces at that point of origin delivers the best page of the entire series. The first panel has Thanos charging, screaming 'MAR-VELL!' while Lord Mar-Vell moves at Thanos, yelling 'THANOS!' and Star-Lord is left, in the final panel, clutching his head, realizing what’s about to go down, and saying, 'OH @#$%!' The entire series has built to that page and DnA and Miguel Sepulveda pull it off."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne #5

I recently reviewed Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne #5 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "After a long delay and some help from Pere Pérez on art, Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne #5 finally arrives this week and it’s one of the strongest issues of the series yet. As the series approaches its conclusion, Grant Morrison begins to draw connections not only with previous issues of this mini-series, but with his work on the character in Batman and Batman and Robin by exploring the days after the murders of Thomas and Martha Wayne. An amnesiac Bruce Wayne acting as a detective ostensibly hired to find the killer of his parents is a clever hook for the issue and finally places him in a role that’s as close to being Batman without actually being Batman."

You can read the rest HERE!

Sketch Reviews (October 13 2010)

Weird week. Still catching up from the, basically, four-day weekend I had because of Thanksgiving. Good weekend, but that also meant Zero Work during those four days aside from a couple of things for 411mania that needed to get done. Bigger week than usual for me with ten books -- evenly divided into five CBR review books and five just for me books. Granted, the five CBR review books are also ones I'd be getting anyway... So, there's the comic reviews to write plus a few other things including the stack of Dreadstar comics I borrowed from my dad that need reading. Yesterday, I read "The Metamorphosis Odyssey," which was serialised in the first nine issues of Epic Illustrated in 1980-81... Jim Starlin cutting loose with some painted art and destroying the village to save it. Fun stuff. Plus, that also means everything else in those issues of Epic Illustrated... I sense a series of posts in the future... Shit. Enough about that. Sketch Reviews!

Casanova #4: "Luxuria" concludes with issues six and seven of the original run... crazy-ass comics. There's so much going on that I still need to take it slow to really get it all -- and I've read this shit a lot. Haven't read the backmatter stuff with Chaykin yet, because this was the final comic of ten and... I wasn't in the mood. I'll read it when I read the original backmatter material. I don't know what to say about this comic right now. [*****]

Knight and Squire #1: I get the joke of Broxton sticking his name and the page number on pretty much every page (a few don't seem to bear the mark, but they could be covered with word balloons), but it's just tedious. That's kind of how I feel about this first issue completely. There are some nice moments, but it's so focused on establishing this large tradition of British heroes and villains that there isn't much else here. It's too focused on shouting "HEY! LOOK! BRITISH SUPERHERO COMIC!" The Knight and Squire also don't offer the same personality that Morrison gives them. The Knight especially seems... different. Broxton's art is fine, but very hit or miss. [**3/4]

New Avengers #5: Hey, how about that cover showing us the final page, basically? Nice job there, Marvel. I like how Bendis teased a retcon involving the Ancient One, playing off his reputation for retconning history (whether that was knowing or not is up for debate) and offering a bit of a surprise. But, a few questions concerning the art: 1. How did Hawkeye lift that taxi off of himself? 2. His cheek doesn't look puffy at all -- why not? 3. Shouldn't Dr. Strange have some mark on his face after being punched by Iron Fist? I'm a nitpicky motherfucker. Otherwise, another strong issue. [***3/4]

Thor #616: Um... after last issue's strong start, this issue spends 22 pages treading water for the most part. The scientist is dismissed by Thor, the World Eaters leave their ship/home/prison, and Kelda is sad. Really disappointing how little happens or couldn't have simply been pushed into last issue. Pasqual Ferry's art doesn't wow me despite me appreciating it at times. His Thor looked better here than last issue. He handles the Asgardians and World Eaters well -- his regular people are so cartoony that they don't look like they belong at all. The World Eaters sequence actually looked fantastic... The ending was a little screwy. It sounds interesting, but what logic drives Thor? Ultimately, a thoroughly disappointing comic. [**]

The Unwritten #18: The first page is great. The little window into the evil organisation Taylor is fighting against is just what I wanted. I want more still! All in all, a pretty solid breather issue with both sides dealing with some business to gear up for the next stage. The 14th Tommy Taylor book sounds godawful with its over-the-top Christ analogue. Harry Potter as Jesus... fuck me... Mike Carey is a bastard. [***3/4]

Later.

CBR Review: Greek Street #16

I recently reviewed Greek Street #16 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "Before reading Greek Street #16, the final issue of the series, I decided to reread the entire series to put the issue in a proper context and judge how it acted as a finale to the series. While the ending may be premature, Greek Street never rose above a certain level of quality, petering out at ‘decent’ or ‘good’ often, derailed by too large a cast and an ever-changing status quo that never allowed for many of the characters to gain any traction. Given the book’s roots in Greek mythology, relying on types instead of fully fleshed characters is keeping with the themes presented, but it doesn’t make for an engaging read, necessarily. There was always a sense that the story was leading ‘somewhere,’ but that remained the case for the first two story arcs, resulting in this week’s finale being that ‘somewhere’ whether it was intended or not."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Batman: Odyssey #4

I recently reviewed Batman: Odyssey #4 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "There’s a purity to Batman: Odyssey as Neal Adams embraces the over-the-top melodrama of the superhero comic, piling complication upon complication on Batman, and making every scene play out like a life or death situation with overreactions and hammy ‘acting.’ Adams has a strong, clear idea of what his interpretation of Batman is and he embraces it completely. It may not be to everyone’s taste, but it’s laudable that Adams is so willing to push the character into territory long forgotten and unseen in the current Bat-titles. His Batman is emotional, not the cold intellect usually depicted, and it’s a refreshing take on a character that is so rooted in emotional pain and anguish."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Ultimate Comics Thor #1

I recently reviewed Ultimate Comics Thor #1 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "One of the most interesting and fun parts of Marvel’s Ultimate Universe is the chance to see different versions of familiar characters. In The Ultimates, Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch presented a version of Thor that had a few of the familiar elements, but also differed greatly with the questions surrounding his sanity, legitimacy, and the relationship between Asgard and Earth. A series developing and exploring the character’s past was inevitable and, thankfully, Marvel waited to find the right creative time. Jonathan Hickman and Carlos Pacheco deliver a debut issue that mixes three timelines to present differing perspectives on the thunder god and his fellow Asgardians, while playing with elements from the regular Marvel universe in unexpected ways."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: DeadpoolMAX #1

I recently reviewed DeadpoolMAX #1 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "Of all the Deadpool titles Marvel has launched in addition to his regular solo title, DeadpoolMAX is the only one that made me go 'That makes sense!' With his proclivity for extreme violence and offbeat banter, a ‘mature readers’ take on the Merc with a Mouth makes a lot of sense. David Lapham and Kyle Baker helming the book sold me completely and their first issue begins the series strongly, taking advantage of the lack of limitations on them. And, surprisingly, using Deadpool only sparingly, preferring to focus on the MAX version of Deadpool’s sometimes sidekick, Bob, Agent of HYDRA."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Pilot Season: Crosshair #1

I recently reviewed Pilot Season: Crosshair #1 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "The 'Pilot Season' project from Top Cow is always one worth checking in on, with its group of first issues that try to balance the demands of delivering a strong, self-contained comic and enticing reads to want to read more. It’s a chance to see creators who may be doing your favorite books in a few years (Jason Aaron and Jonathan Hickman are both alums) and it’s another sign of Top Cow working to fight against the image many have of it. The third 'Pilot Season' book of the current crop, Crosshair, definitely fits that mold with lots of action and an intriguing plot that demands close reading."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: The Boys #47

I recently reviewed The Boys #47 and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "This is the issue that many Boys fans have dreaded for a long time. Last issue, Hughie saw the tape showing what Annie (aka Starlight) did to get into the Seven. This issue is the fall-out. If you’ve been reading the Highland Laddie mini-series, then what happens isn’t much of a surprise, but watching it happen is just as gutwrenching and unpleasant as it would be otherwise. The confrontation has been coming ever since the two became romantically involved and Ennis doesn’t hold back. In fact, you might say he’s a cruel bastard with how intense and emotional the scene is. But, to quote Butcher last issue: 'Cruel to be kind.' That’s Ennis all over in this issue."

You can read the rest HERE!

Sketch Reviews (October 6 2010)

A decent-sized week. Busy day, though, as I try to get as much done prior to leaving for the weekend on Friday. Thanksgiving is Monday here in Canada, making for a long weekend of visiting Michelle's family and, then, mine. Should be a good weekend, though. I'm looking forward to it quite a bit. For one thing, I get to spend a lot of time with Michelle in the car. You know how I know we're the right people for one another? We never tire of spending hours in the car together. We always find things to say -- or feel okay not saying anything. It's really great. I like her family and, at my parents' place, it's looking like my buddy Adam may join us on Sunday night since he'll be stuck in London because of other stuff. All that plus grabbing the five Hunter Thompson books that remain at my parents' plus some other stuff. So, getting everything done before then is the goal. Shouldn't be too hard to accomplish. On to the sketch reviews...

Scalped #41: I reread the opening scene twice. The first time, I yelled out "Oh my fucking god no!" It takes a lot to shock me. Page four of this comic stopped me cold, prompting the outburst. I'll admit, I'm sensitive about a few things -- and a coathanger... christ, man. This is a cold issue. The Red Crow/Shunka scene becomes all the worse when we see the fall-out. I'm not sure what to make about the ending. It has that 'romantic comedy' feel, but this is Scalped. Dash isn't Tom Hanks and Carol isn't Meg Ryan. It all ends in death and misery. It's getting to the point where I almost dread opening this comic; I always do it, because it's so fucking good. [****1/2]

S.H.I.E.L.D. #4: Lots of nice trappings, but the larger pictures remains obtuse. That's both good and bad. Good, because you get some stunning scenes and moments. Bad, because, fuck if I know what the book is about necessarily. It seems to be talking around the point... that may not be the case, but that's how it's beginning to come off. Like there's a central plot, but Hickman is more interested in everything that connects to it. I trust it all to tie together and work out. Hell, I'm enjoying the talking around approach since the scenes and small moments are worthwhile on their own. I'm just a negative thinker. [***3/4]

Thor: For Asgard #3: What sets this series apart from other Thor stories involving Ragnarok is that those ones felt epic, big -- external forces, easy to see enemies, lots of fighting and glory... this is just the death of an empire. It's decaying, cold, depressing... The way that the old man turns Undar is fantastic. The bickering, the way Thor just shuts down, obsessed with his dreams... the scene between Odin and Jord is a short punch to the gut... I made some jokes about not checking out Astonishing Thor, but Robert Rodi is really impressing me here... I may have to give it a look. Simone Bianchi has the right style that suggests epic fantasy, while also showing decay and death and depression... As I said in my random thoughts this week, if Marvel wants to churn out Thor book after Thor book, that's fine with me as long as they're as good as the ones they're pumping out now... [****]

Later.

CBR Review: Bullet to the Head #4

I recently reviewed Bullet to the Head #4 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "Passing the halfway mark, Bullet to the Head becomes something a little different, deflating somewhat and becoming more streamlined. The complex story of hitmen and police officers in the wake of a killing had spun out of control somewhat. The cast size ballooned, connections between characters became labyrinthine, and more time was taken explaining things than things actually happening. So, Matz does something surprising to make things simple: he kills off almost everyone. It’s a needed deflating that works very nicely to give the rest of the series a more specific focus and target to drive towards."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Green Arrow #4

I recently reviewed Green Arrow #4 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "Green Arrow #4 is made up of two halves that seemingly have nothing to do with one another besides location and the title character appearing in both. More than that, it’s like two different stories were crammed together with all of the meaningful and interesting parts left out. Context and content? Who needs those! Certainly not this comic where events happen without any reason that’s apparent. It’s a perfect example of the 'Yeah. And. So. What?' comic where that’s the response you have after reading it. Yes, I read Green Arrow #4, but so what? Where was the reason why anyone should?"

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: X-Men Legacy #240

I recently reviewed X-Men Legacy #240 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "Maybe X-Men Legacy needs a big event after all. It’s not that this issue lacks direction, it’s that the direction given is dull and somewhat ludicrous, at least in execution. Rogue and Magneto acting as mentors to young mutants has a lot of possibilities based on their past history, Magneto’s desire to prove himself, and Rogue’s longtime growth into one of the most mature and dependable members of the X-Men. What’s in this issue is passive heroes and a bad idea for a threat meant to replace Magneto and his comrades with mutants more united now than ever. Ostensibly, there’s a focus and clear direction to the title, it simply doesn’t show up in this month’s issue."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Wonder Woman #603

I recently reviewed Wonder Woman #603 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "If there’s a point to the story told in Wonder Woman #603, it escapes me. Maybe J. Michael Straczynski is taking the long road and a seemingly tangential and purposeless issue will become essential and mindblowing thanks to what comes next. And, if that happens, I’ll be the first to admit it and make an apology, but, right now, this issue is just a time-waster. It's a boring filler that seemingly acts as nothing more than a delaying tactic for the final few pages where a promise of things happening next issue is made. That’s all well and good for next issue, but what about the one that people have paid $2.99 for? How about something happening in it?"

You can read the rest HERE!

Splash Page Podcast Episode 33

In this week's episode, Tim and I don't really have any set topics, because of Tim not getting new comics for reasons we get into briefly, so we asked for topics/questions on Twitter and, after some kicking things off talk, we answer the following questions/discuss the following topics from YOU the listeners: Bendis journalism follow-up, backgammon, Vertigo, Bob Harras, NYCC, most personally significant comic, the most recent book to knock our socks off, last alt comic we've read, how delays effect our enjoyment, Wonder Woman TV show, spread out nature of the Morrison Bat epic, Morrison's post-Batman book, DC's Earth One books, favourite non-Morrison/Johns DC writer, top three artists, favourite current ongoing, favourite graphic novel/trade so far this year, first comic we remember reading, favourite webcomic, how can superhero comics can get out of their current doldrums, the next generation of comics readers, original art we own, upcoming Todd McFarlane art book, art books we would like to see, and eBay buying and selling. And, it all kicks off with "We're Hardcore" by Gord Downie.

You can download and listen to the Splash Page Podcast episode 33 HERE!