CBR Review: Joe the Barbarian #2

I recently reviewed Joe the Barbarian #2 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "Based on Sean Murphy’s art alone, Joe the Barbarian is worth a look, but Grant Morrison’s writing is average fantasy fare and doesn’t rise beyond the novelty of the book’s premise. Joe is a young teenager suffering diabetes and is having some sort of odd side-effect from a lack of insulin that’s resulting him shifting between the real world and a perceived fantasy world. In this issue, he manages to make it from his attic bedroom to the bathroom, while stumbling his way through the other world where his pet mouse is a warrior and he learns of his quest to save that world from dark forces."

You can read the rest HERE!

Quickie Review (Feb 17 2010)

It's just like last week where I bought six comics: four $2.99 ones and two $3.99 ones. Same deal this week. But, unlike last week, I'm reviewing the four $2.99 books for CBR. That just leaves the $3.99 ones for here...

Captain America #603: This issue continues the "Two Americas" story and features no Tea Party references, sorry. It's just some good covert ops superhero action as the '50s Cap shows why he got to be Captain America for a period of time. He totally outclasses Barnes and Falcon. Luke Ross's art looks a lot better with Dead White's colours. Bold, thick lines, lots of shadows... good stuff. I didn't read the back-up story. Maybe I'll give it a shot at a later date. [***1/2]

Dark Avengers #14: Another comic billed as a tie-in to Siege that isn't actually. Ignoring that, this is a pretty standard/solid issue of Dark Avengers with the focus on Norman Osborn and the Sentry/Void's mental problems leading up to Siege. Victoria Hand continues to be an interesting/fun character. The scene with Bullseye, Moonstone, and her is pretty good. Mike Deodato's style fits the tone of this book so well. The way that these Siege tie-in issues are working, I may have to provide a reading order for this event like I did Secret Invasion. [***1/2]

That's it for this week. Later.

The Splash Page Podcast Episode 4

After some downtime thanks to using up all of the bandwidth in our free account, we are back thanks to Tim shelling out for the upgrade. He's a good man that Tim Callahan. He's allowing you to hear the fourth episode of our podcast where we discuss various DC-related topics like our top five DC runs of the past five years and some of last week's books like Batman and Robin, Daytripper, and The Unknown. Possibly other things. I can't remember. I do remember cutting out a lot of stuff that Tim wouldn't want made public (how do you think I got him to pay for that upgrade...?). So, go, download, listen, enjoy.

You can do all of that HERE!

CBR Review: The Anchor #5

I recently reviewed The Anchor #5 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "In many ways, this issue follows the pattern of previous issues: Clem fights a monster, kills the monster, eats its heart, and gains some lost memories in the process. Throw in a few scenes in Hell and an appearance from the mysterious bandaged man that has a speech impediment of some sort and it’s a pretty typical issue of The Anchor. While the story advances, especially at the end, the series feels like it’s treading water for the most part. Hopefully, the plot twist at the end of the issue will shake things up a little."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Chocolate Cheeks

I recently reviewed Chocolate Cheeks for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "The simplest way to determine if you’ll enjoy Steven Weissman’s Chocolate Cheeks is to read the fifth strip in the book. 'Sweet' Chubby Cheeks and Pullapart Boy are on the bus and the latter boy gives up his seat to a lumpy-faced man with a cane, causing the man to say 'A seat on the 217 bus? Thank you, sir. This brain tumor is the gift that just keeps on giving.' When reading, I laughed quite hard, causing my girlfriend to inquire about what was so funny and, upon learning, gave me a 'I’m in love with a really weird guy' look. Obviously, Chocolate Cheeks isn’t for Michelle, but is definitely for me and anyone who likes this sort of twisted, somewhat sick humor."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #7

I recently reviewed Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #7 and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "The Ultimate Spider-Man status quo is very different in the post-Ultimatum world with Aunt May taking in both Iceman and the Human Torch in addition to Gwen Stacey. In the preview pages, Bendis recaps that by cleverly putting it into a conversation between Peter and Mary Jane while they’re on break at their mall food court jobs. Peter’s wonderment at how much May is loving the new arrangement no doubt mirrors that of readers, as Bendis takes almost an opposite approach to the character that was taken in the regular Spider-Man books. However, when we see May with the kids later, it reads smoothly and naturally, although truncated by the Rick Jones plot."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Human Target #1

I recently reviewed Human Target #1 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "It makes sense for DC to release a Human Target series a month after the TV series debuted on Fox, and even more sense to have it take place within the world of the show instead of the DCU or the Vertigo series’ world. Why alienate potential new readers who want more stories that fall in line with the TV show? Unfortunately, what makes the TV series work, like Mark Valley’s charm or the funny interplay between Chi McBride and Jackie Earle Haley, isn’t present in the comic. All that’s left is the bare bones of the show with serviceable art."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Ultimate Comics Armor Wars #4

I recently reviewed Ultimate Comics Armor Wars #4 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "Warren Ellis’ take on Ultimate Tony Stark has been one of the best, beginning with Ultimate Human and continuing in this series, this issue giving Ellis a chance to show another side of the character as he faces the man behind the theft of his Iron Man technology. The identity is somewhat shocking and is someone close to Stark that no one, not even he, would have guessed responsible for this. Ellis crafts the man responsible in the mould of many other Ellis-penned characters, but that cranky charm of his always works -— for this reviewer, at least."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Batman and Robin #8

I recently reviewed Batman and Robin #8 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "As Batman & Robin hits the halfway of its biweekly third storyarc, Dick Grayson, the Knight, the Squire, and Batwoman have all converged on a Lazarus Pit in England and are, apparently, going to resurrect Bruce Wayne using the corpse Superman found after his death in Final Crisis. In a twisted recall to Final Crisis, Grant Morrison reveals that the corpse in their possession isn’t Bruce Wayne’s, but one of the clones that were meant to be an army in service of Darkseid. It’s a clever twist that spurs on the second part of 'Blackest Knight,' 'Batman versus Batman.'"

You can read the rest HERE!

Quickie Reviews (Feb. 10, 2010)

I bought six comics this week, three of which I'm reviewing for CBR, so it's a pretty small week here in quickie reviews land...

Daytripper #3: I've generally been enjoying this series, but this issue really clicked with me. The twins wrote their asses off here, finding the right balance of mythical love bullshit talk and 'realism.' Bras was more interesting in this issue as well. The ending really hit home what's going on in this series... maybe. The art is sublime, capturing the emotional texture of scenes wonderfullly. The visual storytelling in the market is wonderful. The first issue to realise the potential that the series seemed to have... [****1/2]

Punishermax #4: A solid issue. The fight between the Punisher and the Mennonite was something different. Fisk's plan is almost working. All hope seems lost. Good read. [***1/2]

The Unwritten #10: Jimmy Broxton's finishes give this issue a different visual feel, which makes sense considering the different visual reality. They're in the map! The slow solidification of Goebbels is done well. An odd issue since it has both the best and worst of this series: I find myself disliking Tom Taylor and anything related to him, but liking the framework of his world, how it intersects with fiction. Taylor is annoying; Lizzie is almost equally so with her cliched insistence on being vague and mysterious... It's not too often that I find the disparity between the intellectually stimulating elements of the book and my (dis)interest in the character so great. Is the latter great enough to make the former tolerable? I don't know... [**1/2]

Later

The Splash Page Podcast Episode 3

Episode three of the Splash Page Podcast is up and ready for you to download. Tim and I discussed a lot of stuff from Jason Aaron's Ghost Rider to how we're both model citizens (and people, really) to Grant Morrison's odd hang-up with Alan Moore. We also discussed the format of the podcast and its future a little bit. And I swear. And, thus, had to bleep myself. Dammit.

You can listen to or download the podcast HERE!

random update from Steve

Hi, everyone! I'm the other guy who uses this blog on rare occasions to make my thoughts about comics known, Steve Higgins!

As always happens in the spring semester, I'm teaching a class called Comic Books as Literature at the school where I work, Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey, Illinois, and this semester I've updated the curriculum a bit. I got tired of doing the same books over and over, so I switched three of the five books I teach so I could try something new. Right now I'm in the midst of teaching the first volume of Astro City for the first time. Next up will be my first attempt at Criminal (vol. 2: Lawless) and then after two books I've taught before (V for Vendetta and Sandman: Season of Mists) I will attempt to tackle Jimmy Corrigan.

So I will be updating much more frequently in the coming months, simply because I will have more to talk about for once.

Also I am going to be participating in three academic conferences related to comics. On March 27 I will be involved in the St. Louis Area Comics Friendly Faculty conference, probably taking part in the panel discussion on Comic in the Classroom. At the Comic Arts Conference which is associated with Wondercon (April 2 through 4) I will be presenting an expanded version of my first post here, analyzing the question of the identity of Holiday in Batman The Long Halloween. And in the middle of April I will be going to C2E2 to participate in their Comic Studies Conference, presenting on symbolism and visual motifs in Jar of Fools.

And finally I will be hosting my special guest lecture at the end of April again this year, bringing in a comic creator to discuss his creative process to the students of my school and the general public. I'm still finalizing the details, but it looks to be a pretty big event this year, as I am quite possibly going to be flying someone in special just for the event.

So keep your eyes peeled for future updates from me, Steve Higgins, the guy that writes here who isn't Chad (or Tim).

CBR Review: Scalped #34

I recently reviewed Scalped #34 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "The finale to 'The Gnawing' is an example of when winning can feel a lot like losing. Red Crow and Dash Bad Horse both walk out of this comic in one piece, their respective problems solved for now, but the solutions were ones that brought both characters down to lower depths than we’ve seen before. And, if you’re a regular reader of Scalped, you’ll know just how low that is. For those unaware, both men have killed before, both men have shown an ability for cruelty to those they love, and, to make matter worse, both men are in desperate situations here. Like no other issue, Scalped #34 pairs the two, having each reflect the other, and hitting that point home in the final two pages in a stunning revelation."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: The Question #37

I recently reviewed The Question #37 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "The final issue of DC’s resurrected title’s month may have spilled into February, but it’s worth the wait. The Question returns for a thirty-seventh issue and the creative team from that series, Dennis O’Neil and Denys Cowan, team with current Question writer Greg Rucka to resurrect Vic Sage/Charlie as a Black Lantern. This issue acts as a good meeting of the two different Questions’ worlds as the legacy of Vic Sage is touched upon, while Renee Montoya proves herself a worthy successor."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Demo Vol. 2 #1

I recently reviewed Demo vol. 2 #1 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "The first volume of Demo, a 12-issue mini-series published by AiT/Planet Lar, was one of the best comics to come out in 2003-04, as Brian Wood and Becky Cloonan crafted fantastic stories about people who powers of some sort (sometimes only in the most ancillary sense of the word.) Every issue was self-contained and the subject matter ranged from a young boy who is picked on whose powers manifest in a frightening way, to the dissolution of a relationship. Word that Wood and Cloonan would be doing a six-issue second volume brought about mixed feelings of wondering why they would want to return when the first series was so great and the desire to see more stellar work from the pair."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Zorro Matanzas #1

I recently reviewed Zorro: Matanzas #1 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "Zorro: Matanzas is a comic that’s been in the works for over a decade, originally intended for publication by Topps when they had the license to the character, but never released for various behind-the-scenes reasons. This week, the first issue of this mini-series finally hits shops courtesy of Dynamite, the current license holder, and it stands out as a different book than their regular “Zorro” series, but should still appeal to fans of the character and act as an introduction for those new to it."

You can read the rest HERE!

CBR Review: Indomitable Iron Man #1

I recently reviewed Indomitable Iron Man #1 for CBR and, in the process, wrote the following sentences: "The use of the other characters allows Chaykin to draw both the Iron Man/Titanium Man fight and those other characters in their respective activities, plus a sarcastic, flirtatious Pepper Potts who seems both annoyed at her boss and amused by his hectic day. Chaykin’s art allows for a little bit of gray, but is mostly heavy blacks and whites, and dynamic, energetic poses. He seems to love using the circular energy effect of Iron Man’s repulsor rays and it gives a lot of pages an interesting look; mostly, Chaykin favors big pictures with characters in the midst of the action. This is a fun story that rests on a simple concept, but presents it effectively and entertainingly."

You can read the rest HERE!

Quickie Reviews (Feb. 3, 2010)

As always, quick thoughts on the comics I got this week that I'm not reviewing for CBR...

The Boys #39: Another quiet character-based issue. The sex stuff between Hughie and Annie made me laugh, especially Hughie's homophobia being followed up with him stopping the porn on the lesbian scene. Mother's Milk's couple of pages were... yeah, pretty much what you'd expect Ennis to show after revealing his origin. John McCrea and Keith Burns did the art and it's serviceable, but just makes me long for Robertson. The payoff at the end is done well. Let's get into the second half of this book's run! [***]

Criminal: The Sinners #4: Man, Tracy is a stupid guy sometimes. A gorgeous comic as always. Glad that it's back on a regular schedule. [****]

Ghost Riders: Heaven's on Fire #6: A minor complaint: no letters page for this finale? Damn. The Irish Ghost Rider made me laugh quite a bit. Roland Boschi knocks it out of the park with Dan Brown's orange/red colours almost hurting the eyes on some pages they're so dominant. The conclusion to Jason Aaron's run on the character is good, not great. He doesn't give us the all-out brawl we expect, but it's an intelligent and smart conclusion. If there's a book likely to be discussed in this week's podcast, it's this one, I imagine. [***1/2]

The Great Ten #4: An enjoyable issue that answers some questions and raises others. The story behind the Immortal Man in Darkness is good and a nice spin on the Blackhawks that's a lot more subtle than last issue's Superman/Thundermind thing. I do love the energy of Scott McDaniel's art, but the finishes aren't as polished as I would like. [**1/2]

Greek Street #8: One of the better issues of this series as things seem to be moving in a direction. The first arc was a lot of promise of an eventual direction, but this one has shown movement as the characters converge and interact more. Still not a great read, though. [***]

Siege #2: No one saw that coming. I know I didn't. It's not unusual for violence of that scale to happen in superhero comics now, but, in this case, it was done well -- and was shocking. The look on Hawkeye's (Bullseye) face tells it all. The final page was going for a certain effect, but was reaching for it too much. I liked this issue more than the first. It hasn't exactly progressed beyond the concept yet, but it's executing it in a suprising manner. The text piece at the back of this issue adds to the story in a way that last issue's text piece didn't. Good stuff all around. [***1/2]

Later

The Splash Page Podcast Episode 2.3

Today, the conclusion of the second Splash Page Podcast recording session went up with episode 2.3. We talk about a lot of stuff... do I even need to tell you what? Jonathan Hickman is one of them. I even left in a part where I say I should edit what we're saying out because it's kind of funny. So go, download, listen, enjoy.

The Splash Page Podcast Episode 2.2

The second of this week's Splash Page podcasts has gone up. There's more talking by Tim and I about all sorts of things. We begin with some reviewing talk, which we may wind up doing a lot since that's how we relate to comics a lot of the time, so hopefully people don't mind that too much. Then we actually discuss some comics. Not reviewing comics, the comics themselves. Good times. The third and final part should go up tomorrow. That link again is: the Splash Page Podcast episode 2.2!