tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50838420085258627642011-11-27T16:10:21.789-08:00An issue-by-issue run through of the GREAT Marvel comic series, ROM SpaceknightDean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comBlogger5801100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-33081497021651752602011-05-31T17:01:00.000-07:002011-05-31T20:20:16.273-07:00

Originally published: September 1980Writer: Bill MantloArt: Sal BuscemaLetters: "Friends of Danny Crespi" [Note that Mr. Crespi became ill so everyone pitched in to letter the issue.]Colors: Ed HanniganEditor: Jo DuffySequence of events:Bemoaning the loss of his Neutralizer, ROM sets about searching for his friends, Brandy Clark and Steve Jackson. ROM fled the scene of the Thornoid attack in the

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-55508397373015152492011-05-17T16:51:00.000-07:002011-05-17T19:17:03.367-07:00

Originally Published: August 1980Writer: Bill MantloArt: Sal BuscemaColors: Bob Sharen & George RoussosLetters: Jim NovakEditor: Jo DuffySequence of Events: After falling into an open grave while battling Dire Wraiths in ROM #8, ROM finds himself in an underground network of caverns. He detects an mysterious energy source and sets out to find its origin.Meanwhile, ROM is observed by Serpentyne

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-86682290647277189152011-05-02T02:53:00.000-07:002011-05-02T08:14:22.430-07:00

Originally Published: July 1980Writer: Bill MantloArt: Sal BuscemaColors: Ben SeanLetters: Diana AlbersEditor: Jo DuffySequence of events:We join the action immediately after the Thorn-oid attack in the lab at the pharmaceutical company where Brandy Clark works from issue #7.Steve Jackson proceeds to flip out on ROM. Steve is grief stricken about the death of his good friend, Artie Packer, and

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-78457581189390654772011-04-25T17:59:00.000-07:002011-04-26T04:12:23.901-07:00

Originally published: June 1980Writer: Bill MantloArt: Sal BuscemaColors: Ben SeanLetters: J. NovakEditor: Jo DuffyKey Events: This issue picks up shortly after the events of ROM #6, where ROM's armor was overloaded with power during a fight with the Dire Wraith's Hell Hounds. Here we see that Steve Jackson has loaded ROM onto a car lift in his auto maintenance shop and is attempting to repair

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-71882950016213675832011-04-17T14:29:00.000-07:002011-04-18T03:09:47.146-07:00

Originally published: May 1980Writer: Bill MantloArt: Sal BuscemaColors: Bob SharenLetters: John CostanzaEditor: Jo DuffyKey Events (roughly in sequence):Having escaped the haunted house in Issue #5 and still on the run from the Wraiths, ROM, Steve and Brandy seek shelter at Steve's auto-shop.Steve quickly runs out for burgers, but ROM doesn't eat: He recharges by touching a light bulb. Steve

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-28509567765613581472011-04-17T14:27:00.000-07:002011-04-17T14:29:30.232-07:00

So....where have the damn reviews of ROM Spaceknight been? No better way to get a project off the ground than to go AWOL a mere few weeks into it, huh?Well, add in a week of vacation combined with a death in the family and it slows you down. Hard to break away from wakes and the like to go review 30 year old comics! The family tends to be no so understanding of that kinda behavior. Fear not.

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-27411537943145580182011-03-20T14:02:00.000-07:002011-03-20T14:54:28.643-07:00

Originally Published: April 1980Writer: Bill MantloArt: Sal BuscemaColors: G. RoussosLetters: Michael HigginsEditor: Jo DuffyKey Events (roughly in sequence):Picking up immediately after issue #4 and the battle between ROM and Firefall, we see ROM, Steve and Brandy hiding in the forest by the side of the highway as the police and Dire Wraiths (in human form) descend upon the scene. ROM is aware

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-66851809707293835402011-03-13T12:40:00.000-07:002011-03-13T13:25:40.214-07:00

Originally Published: March 1980Writer: Bill MantloArt: Sal BuscemaColors: Ben SeanLetters: J. NovakEditor: Jo DuffyKey Events:ROM and the gangster, Archie Stryker (in the Firefall Spaceknight armor) fight. Archie is pulling no punches because he believes that he is fighting for the Earth's future, but ROM holds back because he realizes that Archie has been tricked by the Dire Wraiths.Meanwhile,

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-77934125217623746122011-03-06T13:42:00.001-08:002011-03-06T14:31:24.833-08:00

Originally Published: February 1980Writer: Bill MantloArt: Sal BuscemaColors: Ben SeanLetters: Tom OrzechowskiEditor: Jo DuffyKey Events:We open with a scene of the Dire Wraith braintrust (consisting of Wraiths masquerading as a General, a Senator, an agent of SHIELD among others) giving "hardened criminal" Archie Stryker a briefing on ROM. Archie is determined to put a stop to ROM and the

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-1039959533139001242011-02-27T16:49:00.000-08:002011-02-27T18:24:37.359-08:00

Originally Published: January 1980Writer: Bill MantloArt: Sal BuscemaLetters: Jerry CostanzaColors: Glynis WeinEditor: Jo DuffyKey Events:We meet "mobster" Archie Stryker who is in the middle of robbing the Laserium Corp when ROM disrupts the robbery as he crashes in to deal with the Laserium manager (who is a Dire Wraith in disguise).After a big firefight, during which the Wraith reveals that he

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-69679243736425450342011-02-19T17:41:00.000-08:002011-02-19T18:21:40.765-08:00

Originally published: December 1979Cover price: $0.40Writer: Bill MantloArt: Sal BuscemaColors: Bob SharenLetters: Tom OrzechowskiEditor: Jo DuffyKey Events: ROM crashes to Earth and immediately encounters Brandy Clark. After determining that Brandy is not a Dire Wraith, ROM jetpacks to Clairton, WV where he identifies several Dire Wraiths in the crowd with his Analyzer and then banishes them to

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-14984856804544121942011-02-19T17:25:00.001-08:002011-02-19T17:41:43.229-08:00

So, I've finally figured out what to do with this blog. It has languished since I took my new comic reviewing talents over to Weekly Comic Book Review almost a year ago. For awhile I tried to post a few reviews here too, but it just didn't make any sense to have a divided web presence for new comic reviews. One thing I tinkered with at WCBR was back-issue reviews. They tend to not get a TON

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-57137958998823124472011-01-02T14:33:00.000-08:002011-01-02T14:46:31.964-08:00

Over at WCBR, we recently crowned out "Best of 2010". Of course, our winners came at the end of an exhaustive series of nominations from everyone on the WCBR staff which we then narrowed down via a few rounds of voting. I just thought people might be interested in what my top candidates were. I read a lot of off the wall stuff and sometimes that gets squeezed during voting because not everyone

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-40549712261651488392010-11-28T15:06:00.000-08:002010-11-28T15:28:47.923-08:00

Review: I loved GT2 for the original PlayStation, but found some of the iterations for the PS2 a little too hard for my increasingly middle-aged fingers to play. Ever since the PS3 came out, there have been teases about a Gran Tourismo for the new system. The GT5: Prologue came out two years ago. So, this begged the question: What exactly were the developers doing and would the final product be

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-66592720674654582952010-11-28T14:55:00.000-08:002010-11-28T15:00:01.729-08:00

Hey everyone. My brother-in-law had nudged me over Thanksgiving and said (basically), "Hey dude! Your blog is rotting."And he's right. I've moved the entirety of my comic book reviewing/blogging over to Weekly Comic Book Review. It just didn't make any sense to divide my web presence on a singular subject. It's hard enough to build a "brand" in one place. So, do add WCBR to your RSS feed. I

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-25277697471856201012010-09-26T14:59:00.000-07:002010-09-26T15:30:36.473-07:00

A lot of solid books this week.....Velocity #2 - (Ron Marz & Kenneth Rocafort) - Nice, simple and enjoyable story for this one: clock is ticking for Velocity to save her teammates. But, the star here is Kenneth Rocafort. Shoosh is this guy good and someone to keep an eye on. He is now in the tier where anything he draws.....I will buy it. 9.0/10The Walking Dead #77 - (Robert Kirkman & Charlie

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-26019462836728576092010-09-18T15:22:00.001-07:002010-09-18T15:27:37.025-07:00

Not a lot of bad stuff this week and that always makes me happy.....Morning Glories #2 - (Nick Spencer & Joe Eisma) - Just awesome. I love how much this comic reminds me of Lost (the TV show) in that it just keeps revealing weird stuff. Now at some point, it'll have to start to tell a story and pay off some of these weird things, but for now I'm just enjoying the hell out of it. Most comic

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-57003018793539157602010-09-12T14:35:00.001-07:002010-09-12T15:01:10.365-07:00

Weird week this week since comics were delayed by the Labor Day holiday meaning that about half my books are still in transit (i.e. the mail)....Daytripper #10 - (Fabio Moon & Gabriel Ba) - This wrapped up the Brazilian brother's much acclaimed miniseries. And what a nice final issue. The subtlety of both their script and art as they tell the final chapter of the life of Bras. What great

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-14728035975955728802010-09-06T14:34:00.001-07:002010-09-06T17:24:01.943-07:00

Here they are.....from best to worst.....Scarlet #2 - (Brian Michael Bendis & Alex Maleev) - For those who were wondering if Bendis had lost his fastball in the years since he had launched a creator-owned project, wonder no more. He still has it. Scarlet is a very compelling story of a young lady who is out for revenge against a corrupt system. I've seen some outcry that this book is

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-5207087287732840322010-08-30T02:56:00.000-07:002010-08-30T03:29:19.303-07:00

Avengers #4 - (Brian Michael Bendis & John Romita, Jr.) - I've realized that I use the word "fun" too much when talking about comic books, but this was a really fun comic. I love time-travel type tales and this has all of that goodness combined with the crashing together of various multiverses in modern day NYC. Especially loved the scene where Thor goes off alone to smash the martian invaders.

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-620138185505834172010-08-23T08:05:00.000-07:002010-08-23T09:15:51.972-07:00

In descending order....Wolverine Weapon X #16 - (Jason Aaron & Davide Gianfelice) - Jason Aaron is probably my favorite writer in comics right now and this issue showed why. We already knew he could pull off grim and gritty (PunisherMax & Scalped), long form story telling (Scalped), fantastic and imaginative (Astonishing Spider-Man & Wolverine) and now we see him doing something that is just

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-63301900690026720822010-08-16T02:57:00.000-07:002010-08-16T15:37:09.090-07:00

Morning Glories #1 - (Nick Spencer & Joe Eisma) - This was a really good first issue. It is about a group of gifted teenagers who are all going to some new, but quickly prestigious boarding school. However, once they get there, they find out that it is more like a jail. Actually, jail isn't quite the right word as they still have class and such, but they cannot leave. Spencer tosses out about

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-34515082627068986952010-08-08T12:01:00.000-07:002010-08-08T12:53:16.489-07:00

SHIELD #3 - (Jonathan Hickman & Dustin Weaver) - This comic is just turning out to be a really cool tour de force. In this issue, we take a bit of a diversion away from the "main story" of young man Leonid and his indoctrination into the SHIELD organization in the 1950's to cover what happened when Issac Newton joined SHIELD in the 1500's. Lot's of cool things in this issue. Neat, bit concepts

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-68326181202849797512010-08-02T08:31:00.001-07:002010-08-02T09:22:39.864-07:00

Cowboy Ninja Viking #7 - (AJ Lieberman & Riley Rossmo) This is still a pretty good ongoing series even if some of the initial novelty has worn off. The biggest problem I'm having with this series is keeping track of all the various characters. In this second story arc, they have increased the number of humans to 5-6 folks and when half of them are triple-personalities, it gets to be a bit much

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-5750331224766642362010-07-25T05:41:00.000-07:002010-07-25T06:21:12.896-07:00

The New Avengers #2 - (Brian Michael Bendis & Stuart Immonen) - This was a really well written comic. I'm still not entirely sure what is going on with the demonic possessions and the appearance of Dr. Strange, but it was a LOT of fun watching the team trying to grab the Eye of Agamotto and also keep it away a possessed Luke Cage. The highlight was the banter between Spider-Man and Wolverine.

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-43038420872340308232010-07-20T16:10:00.001-07:002010-07-20T16:23:03.469-07:00

Hey all.....Just wanted to pass on links to the reviews I wrote for Weekly Comic Book Review this past week. Afrodesiac is just about the funniest graphic novel I've ever read. Love, love, love the fun it has with the blaxploitation genre. Lady Robotika #1 was a really pleasant surprise that was co-created by Jane Weidlin of the Go-Gos. Fun!Orc Stain #4 continued the trippy good time that James

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-54679854478615220932010-07-19T18:13:00.000-07:002010-07-19T18:28:34.693-07:00

Here are a few more stragglers.....sheesh what a heavy week of comics last week was. And....lot's of good stuff.Astonishing Spider-Man & Wolverine #2 - (Jason Aaron & Adam Kubert) - This is turning out to be a really neat time-hopping series that seems to continually find Spidey and Wolverine as the last men on Earth. I love how Jason Aaron is really nailing writing Spider-Man. Probably some

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-58191139688909277962010-07-17T15:32:00.000-07:002010-07-17T16:47:19.556-07:00

This was a HUGE week for comics. I had something like 25 new comics come out that I wanted to read and that means it'll be a quantity over quality thing with reviews this week....Mystery Society #2 - (Steve Niles & Fiona Staples) Ms. Staples is still going a very, very nice job on the art in this odd-ball little series from IDW publishers. In this issue, the Mystery Society is formed by a

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-73510354172848092072010-07-14T02:51:00.000-07:002010-07-14T03:12:20.995-07:00

I should be back to my normal schedule this coming week, but here are the last few vacation-affected titles from last week....Steve Rogers: Super Soldier #1 - (Ed Brubaker, Dale Eaglesham) - You didn't really think that we wouldn't have some kind of stand-alone Steve Rogers story now that Bucky is the new Captain America, did you? So we get this. It's pretty good and shows Steve acting more as

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-49351846299236337562010-07-13T03:00:00.001-07:002010-07-13T03:22:15.815-07:00

Another batch as I attempt to "catch up" from my time away from the office....I, Zombie #3 - (Chris Roberson, Mike Allred) - I really tend to like the art on this one, but the story is a little problematic. I do LIKE the general concept of this series, but think that Roberson might be trying to introduce a few too many characters in the span of a few issues rather than just jumping into the

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-65476923588853953522010-07-12T03:08:00.000-07:002010-07-12T03:28:32.943-07:00

Sorry for the lack of content, but I was "away from the office" so to speak..... Since, I'm a little backed up on my comic this week, here are some quick thoughts:Avengers: The Children's Crusade #1 - (Allan Heinberg & Jim Cheung) - I liked this a LOT, but I've also been eating up everything from this newest Avengers relaunch. This series is focusing on the Young Avengers and their search for

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-5840427587446815002010-07-02T03:32:00.000-07:002010-07-02T03:42:45.403-07:00

Based on when I reviewed them......not when they hit store shelves (although it's often the same thing)....1). Amazing Spider-Man #635 - A great story that was capped by the apparent death of Spider-Man. So what if I think I've figured out how Peter Parker didn't really die (it was Kaine in the Spidey-suit at the end). At the rate I read comics, it is pretty rare for me to still be pondering

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-82157683011425471542010-06-29T02:55:00.001-07:002010-06-29T03:08:28.805-07:00

These aren't necessarily bad comics, just ones that I found I didn't have a ton to say about. And with new comics coming out tomorrow, its time to say a few brief words about them:Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne #3 - (Writer: Grant Morrison, Art: Yanick Paquette) So, this issue had Bruce Wayne fighting pirates, which is cool. It also shows that as he is blinking through time to return to the

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-45414553977558875902010-06-28T02:57:00.000-07:002010-06-28T03:21:05.972-07:00

Writer: Jeff ParkerArt: Kev WalkerColors: Frank MartinReview: I'm really enjoying the Thunderbolts since their reboot in issue #144. This issue jumps right into showing that "Baron Zemo" was a fake (Fixer posing as the Baron) put there to tempt our villains into making a break for it (except most are too smart). Parker also introduces the fact that the villains all have "nanites" in their

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-18250822266667746992010-06-27T12:25:00.000-07:002010-06-27T12:37:06.375-07:00

Writer: Denny O'NeilPencils: Dustin NguyenInks: Derek FridolfsColors: David BaronReview: Earlier this week when I reviewed Batman: Streets of Gotham at WCBR, I noted that it looked like Dustin Nguyen's art on that looked a little rushed; I thought he had been possibly working on something else. Well....this is what he was doing and it is really good. This is a nice little stand alone issue of

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-31191330929303951222010-06-27T11:41:00.000-07:002010-06-27T11:56:58.766-07:00

Created by: Brian Michael Bendis & Mike Avon OemingColors: Nick FilardiReview: I had never read Powers before this newest volume started coming out back in the fall. "Everyone" gushes about what a great series this is, but I have to say I'm just not getting it.What is great is Oeming's art. Dude does a really nice job. See this two-page spread I've scanned here. I complain a lot about

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-4724860855611055622010-06-27T11:13:00.000-07:002010-06-27T11:29:40.733-07:00

Writer: Jason AaronArt: Ron GarneyColors: Jason KeithReview: Being a comic fan is better when there are good Wolverine comics and Jason Aaron has really demonstrated that he has a good handle on the character over the last year or so by telling us several really good Wolverine tales.This story about Deathloks from the future being set back to kill heroes in the present has been a lot of fun. Who

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-85230696289258074682010-06-27T07:30:00.000-07:002010-06-27T07:41:18.202-07:00

Writer & Art: Jim RuggReview: I picked up this minicomic after hearing the guys on 11 O'clock Comics chatting it up. It took a little bit of tracking down because I think this is a comic that Rugg is mostly giving away at his booth at conventions, but I was able to find it at Sparkplug Comics.This is a very fun little minicomic that details a dream that is had by former U.S. President George W.

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-46282763639706915292010-06-27T07:27:00.000-07:002010-06-27T07:30:31.379-07:00

I reviewed this over at WCBR and while it didn't knock my socks off the way the first 3 issues had, in some ways I liked it even better. This is the issue that showed that this series has a real ongoing story to tell. I really want to learn more about Pearl and Skinner's stories even if every issue doesn't have cool vampire stuff going on. Nice job! 8.3/10Click here for my full review of

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-44319772957106536612010-06-26T11:28:00.000-07:002010-06-26T12:03:40.655-07:00

Writer: Jonathan HickmanPencils: Neil EdwardsInks: Andrew CurrieColors: Paul MountsReview: This was a "just okay" issue of FF with a pretty good twist at the end.The bulk of the story revolves around Johnny Storm taking Franklin and Leech to a toy store that happens to be run by Arcade. I just don't like Arcade.....he's a little too hokey and Silver Agey for me. Plus, the story line

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-24845933854143239762010-06-26T07:20:00.001-07:002010-06-26T07:23:38.320-07:00

This is a thoroughly average comic. It finishes a 2-part story about The Carpenter who is a D-list Gotham City character whose job is fixing up the lairs of the supervillains (i.e. installing moats with alligators, trap doors, etc.) so that Batman can't just go barging in. It's a good story.....it just doesn't have a lot of impact AND for some reason, Batman shows up to save the day. It

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-36230871586448446382010-06-26T07:15:00.000-07:002010-06-26T07:19:58.710-07:00

Ugh.....there is no reason to read this series. Sucks! I'm a little surprised. Marvel clearly launched this series with an eye towards giving the casual fan who had just seen Iron Man 2 in theaters something to read since the far superior Invincible Iron Man is now 2 years into a story and is getting a little complex. But, even though this series has Fred van Lente who is a pretty decent

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-50663205296544076172010-06-25T03:49:00.000-07:002010-06-25T04:05:21.208-07:00

Writer: Brian Michael BendisPencils: John Romita, Jr.Inks: Klaus JansonColors: Dean WhiteReview: While not a perfect comic, I quite enjoyed this issue. I think my enjoyment boils down to three things: One, the Avengers are still a newer thing for me. Remember that I've "confessed" that I've never read Avengers in my life (either as a kid or adult). So, all of this stuff is new and fun.Two, I

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-91592548119050254522010-06-24T18:11:00.000-07:002010-06-24T18:34:14.677-07:00

Writer: Mike CareyPencils: Greg LandInks: Jay LeistenColors: Justin PonsorReview: Well....I guess we all knew that this "great plan" from Bastion to kill all the X-Men (and all mutants for that matter) with a bunch of nameless Nimrods wasn't going to work. It is just hard to take the threat really seriously until you get some name villains in there because you know (as a comics fan) that named

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-80733438910275782662010-06-23T18:56:00.001-07:002010-06-23T18:59:41.494-07:00

Even though this issue has a lot of good stuff going on and I'm not grading it highly, it lays a lot of good groundwork for future issues. Kinda like in boxing: body shots in the first few rounds aren't pretty, but they pay dividends at the end of the fight. This comic also really benefits from the new art team. The first 5 issues just had distractingly bad art and we got a new team for issue

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-21028082096597251392010-06-23T18:53:00.000-07:002010-06-23T18:56:06.022-07:00

This is just a GREAT issue. I urge you to go read this asap, because the end is shocking and it'll get spoiled if you wait too much longer to read it. This issue continues the "Grim Hunt" as the family of Kraven the Hunter continues to try to capture spider-themed heroes so they can sacrifice them in an effort to bring Kraven back from the dead. 9.5/10Amazing Spider-Man #635 reviewed at WCBR

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-55790122923626371392010-06-21T03:04:00.000-07:002010-06-22T03:12:28.683-07:00

Atlas #2 - (Jeff Parker & Gabriel Hardman) - The best thing about this title is the art by Gabriel Hardman and it alone is probably reason to buy this title. I remember enjoying the story a little when I read it, but that was a few days ago and now I don't really remember what happened: Never a great sign. 7.4/10New Avengers #1 - (Brian Michael Bendis & Stuart Immonen) - Another title with

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-40607484010054771882010-06-18T03:30:00.000-07:002010-06-18T03:55:54.753-07:00

Writer: Zeb WellsArt: Ibraim Roberson, Lan Medina and Nathan FoxColors: Brian Reber, Matt Milla and Jose VillarubiaReview: Second Coming is approaching the conclusion. I can't wait for that because this has been a great event so far. This issue does a nice job of raising the stakes just a little higher for the last 3 episodes.By this time, the Nimrods from the future are coming through at too

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-16915842955828756912010-06-17T07:34:00.001-07:002010-06-17T07:37:07.267-07:00

I reviewed this over at WCBR. This was another really good issue and the creators are cranking the tension. If my math was correct, this was the sixth issue of this arc, so I was kind of expecting some fireworks, but since that didn't happen, I'm guessing they'll just keep building this for another six issues. This is a really good comic and the series is getting adapted into a 6-issue series

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-46470210808580379032010-06-15T02:50:00.000-07:002010-06-15T03:23:45.548-07:00

It happened again, a very heavy comics week combines with other life responsibilities to cause me to sit here on Tuesday morning with a few unreviewed comics. Since new comics come out Wednesday, these are quickly becoming "old news", but I wanted to say a word or two. These aren't necessarily bad comics, just perhaps ones that I didn't feel like I had a lot to say about....Batman #700 - (

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-44538305502442885542010-06-14T16:10:00.000-07:002010-06-14T16:19:16.010-07:00

Writer: Gail SimoneArt: J. CalafioreColors: Jason WrightReview: This was a good end to a story arc that most people seemed to like more than I did. I've seen a lot of comments that folks are loving this Catman-on-a-mission thing, but I thought it was nothing I hadn't seen in countless Wolverine comics over the past 20 years. Plus, this broke up the team element that had made this comic so

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-46760110208339086282010-06-14T15:57:00.000-07:002010-06-14T16:07:54.840-07:00

Writer: Christos GageArt: Mike McKoneColors: Jeromy CoxReview: It's that time again. My pull list of comics has gotten a little too long and I'm looking for comics that I can drop. I'm currently a little too addicted to the "main" Marvel titles, so things like Uncanny X-Men and Avengers are going to be safe even if they aren't always good.But......a book about a bunch of young heroes who I've

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-40018706192502121662010-06-13T06:41:00.000-07:002010-06-13T06:54:25.469-07:00

Writer: AJ LiebermanArt: Riley RossmoReview: We've got colors Cowboy Ninja Viking! That was my first thought as I opened this issue. Previously, this has been basically a black/white comic with a kind of single color wash over the entire page. We are still mostly getting the single-color wash treatment, but it varies from scene to scene and really helps to establish that these scenes happen in

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-85713995329364818452010-06-13T05:49:00.000-07:002010-06-13T06:08:10.443-07:00

Writer: Warren EllisArt: Kaare AndrewsColors: Frank D'ArmataReview: Last month's Astonishing X-Men Xenogenesis #1 was a bit of a treat. The story by Warren Ellis was nice and fun, but the art by Kaare Andrews really stole the show. That vibe continues this month as the Astonishing team (Storm, Cyclops, Beast, Wolverine, Emma and Armor) continue investigating a bunch of seemingly mutant babies

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-33976049095175569072010-06-13T05:44:00.000-07:002010-06-13T05:48:28.633-07:00

I reviewed this over at WCBR. I'm not wholly unfamiliar with Hack/Slash as it is available on a few of the iPhone comic apps and has become a favorite of mine whenever I have time to kill, but certainly haven't read all of the issues to date. This issue is a really good point for new readers to hop on and that makes sense as the title has moved to Image and will probably get a much larger

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-62938400165881126042010-06-12T12:05:00.000-07:002010-06-12T12:23:02.423-07:00

Writers: Andy Diggle & Antony JohnstonArt: Marco ChecchettoColors: Matt HollingsworthReview: This is the final issue of Daredevil before the Shadowland event kicks off (for which I'm quite excited). I didn't find this to be a hugely eventful issue, so this will be a faster review. It mostly deals with political scheming going on within The Hand as Matt Murdock attempts to solidify his hold on

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-22835591263293444712010-06-12T11:38:00.000-07:002010-06-12T12:03:44.304-07:00

Writer: Jonathan HickmanArt: Dustin WeaverColors: Christina StrainReview: Question #1 I had going into this issue was whether this issue could live up to the VERY high standard of story and art that we got from SHIELD #1. The answer is that it doesn't, but that isn't surprising as the first issue was one of my favorite issues of the year. Maybe it wasn't the "best" issue of the year so far, but

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-3522156149937550302010-06-12T08:24:00.000-07:002010-06-12T10:17:30.226-07:00

I reviewed a few titles earlier this week over at WCBR and wanted to share the links....Invincible Iron Man #27 is quickly quashing any momentum this series had coming off a year of really strong story telling and the boost from Iron Man 2. I trust Matt Fraction to right the ship, but I am starting to lose faith.Invincible Iron Man #27 reviewedThe Unwritten #14 continues to tell a really strong

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-73086863088217410972010-06-10T17:39:00.000-07:002010-06-10T18:10:27.600-07:00

Publication Date: August 2010Writer: Matt FractionPencils: Terry DodsonInks: Rachel DodsonColors: Justin PonsorReview: Yeah! Matt Fraction finally got to write a good issue of Second Coming. I think I read somewhere that Fraction had plotted the entire event, but it seems like his issues (in Uncanny) have been the most dull of the event. No more!Lots of good stuff in this issue.....For

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-30281810737615655022010-06-06T07:34:00.001-07:002010-06-06T07:36:57.931-07:00

I've never been a Punisher fan, but I enjoyed the one-shot Dark Reign issue back in the fall where Frank Castle got chopped into ~50 pieces by Daken. Then seeing that he was reanimated as Franken-Castle and is working with the League of Monsters was kinda cool. So, I figured I'd give this a chance and see if I liked it. And it is a lot of fun. I guess I can see why hardcore Punisher fans won't

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-26372066626455919872010-06-06T07:31:00.000-07:002010-06-06T07:33:44.815-07:00

I reviewed Irredeemable #14 over at WCBR. It was very nice to see this series get back to the ongoing story after spinning its wheels for a few months to create a nice "jumping on point" for newer readers. I've been really happy with how this series has evolved from simply a Superman-gone-bad story to something broader.Irredeemable #14 reviewed

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-84655102896103070872010-06-04T19:13:00.000-07:002010-06-04T19:38:24.133-07:00

Publication Date: May 2010Writer: Steve NilesArt: Fiona StaplesReview: So, I'm a week late with this review, but it is too nice of a comic to let pass without a notice. I had missed this comic completely last week, but my LCS went in with IDW to create a special, retailer-exclusive cover and so they had a bunch. Since I'd heard nice things about the issue AND since I like to support my LCS when

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-87441788322650875052010-06-04T02:45:00.000-07:002010-06-04T03:00:49.937-07:00

With Memorial Day coming this past Monday, "new comic day" in the U.S. was on Thursday this week instead of Wednesday. Combine that with a light week of really cool comics coming out and it has meant more back issues for me to read.....Promethea - This circa 2000-01 series from Wildstorm by Alan Moore and J.H. Williams, III is a must read for any fan of either creator. It was a 32-issue run and

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-25165578989176603092010-06-02T02:50:00.000-07:002010-06-02T03:06:18.057-07:00

Going through my notes, I read & reviewed 64 comics in the month of May 2010. These were the best....1). Amazing Spider-Man #632 - 9.5 - This was the most recent issue of the Shed story with the newly reimagined Lizard. Very cool and very creepy. Plus, we get art from Chris Bachalo AND Emma Rios.2). Last Days of American Crime #2 - 9.2 - I am really enjoying this sci-fi + crime story from

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-64049067794084512362010-06-01T02:51:00.000-07:002010-06-01T03:11:32.255-07:00

Last week was really BIG from a comic release standpoint and as I sit here on Tuesday morning. What I'm starting to do in cases like this is review the ones where there is something to say (positive or negative) and for the others, just do a quick hit review at the end of the week if I kinda run out of time.Choker #3 - (McCool & Templesmith) - 7.5/10 - I enjoyed this issue of Choker, but there

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-26947167094610812032010-05-31T17:08:00.000-07:002010-05-31T17:26:22.046-07:00

Publication Date: July 2010Writer: David HineArt: Jeremy HaunColors: David BaronReview: This was a pretty good wrap up of a story that Hine and Haun have been working on for a year or so through Battle For the Cowl: Arkham Asylum and Arkham Reborn. Detective #864 was fun, but it left me with a lot of confused moments. This issue really ties everything up nicely with a bow and closes this story

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-24788243708415944002010-05-31T16:07:00.000-07:002010-05-31T16:52:17.438-07:00

Publication Date: July 2010Writer: Jason AaronPencils: Ron GarneyColors: Jason KeithReview: This was the third issue of this Terminator-themed story arc of Wolverine Weapon X. Almost always the story lags a bit by the third episode as the novelty of the first issue has worn off, but the conclusion isn't ripe yet. Jason Aaron avoids that common trap by tossing in a clever plot twist that

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-22058921437159205862010-05-31T06:26:00.000-07:002010-05-31T06:29:28.281-07:00

I also reviewed Gotham City Sirens #12 over at WCBR. Paul Dini is again working on something else this month, so Tony Bedard guest writes and gives us a story revolving around Catwoman and her insane sister (who thinks that Selina Kyle is possessed by a evil spirit). This is always a quality title even if it isn't even the "best" on the shelf.Gotham City Sirens #12 reviewed at WCBR

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-7574787490029816552010-05-31T06:21:00.000-07:002010-05-31T06:24:44.693-07:00

I reviewed this also over at WCBR. This is obviously a tie-in to Second Coming and while it fulfills my "requirement" that event tie-ins shall NOT be required reading, I also like them to not have "it could have all been a dream" importance. This story had some potential, but I was really disappointed that the creative team missed (IMO) the characterization of Dr. Nemesis (one of my favorites).

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-32085910830728672902010-05-31T06:17:00.000-07:002010-05-31T06:21:28.963-07:00

I reviewed this over at WCBR. Wow....getting up to Annual #37! Mostly "ongoing" series don't last that long nowadays. This is a tale of two stories (as the annual has two medium length stories in it). The first tells the story of the first meeting between Spidey and Captain America. It takes some liberties with continuity (and I don't think they intend for this to be cannon), but it is a LOT

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-28928448735854432162010-05-30T11:59:00.000-07:002010-05-30T12:14:56.681-07:00

Publication Date: May 2010Writer: Rob ZombieArt: Donny HadiwidjajaColors: Val StaplesReview: "May not be appropriate for all ages". Don't we all need to see a little bit of that in our lives? I was very unsure what to expect from Whatever Happened to Baron von Shock. I'd never been exposed to that much Rob Zombie stuff, but I'm always a little cautious about reading comics from writer who have

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-45520984168144153512010-05-30T11:20:00.000-07:002010-05-30T11:32:56.067-07:00

Publication Date: July 2010Writer: Kieron GillenArt: Doug BraithwaiteColors: A veritable squad of Andy Troy, Doug Braithwaite & Paul MountsReview: This was a pretty good issue that mainly serves to tie up a few loose ends from the last few years of Thor stories and set the table for THE HEROIC AGE. It isn't the most exciting or suspenseful issue I've ever read, but it is pretty important reading

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-66069367573948717892010-05-30T06:36:00.000-07:002010-05-30T07:09:54.741-07:00

Publication Date: July 2010Writers: Dan Abnett & Andy LanningPencils: Brad WalkerInks: Andrew HennessyColors: Wil QuintanaReview: I had really been looking forward to this issue since Marvel put Nova and (more importantly) Guardians of the Galaxy on hold during this new Marvel Cosmic event. Ignition serves mostly to set the table for the event and makes a great jumping on point. So, if you've

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-70471638640520655122010-05-28T17:51:00.001-07:002010-05-28T18:05:14.726-07:00

Publication Date: July 2010Writer: Jeff ParkerArt: Kev WalkerColors: Frank MartinReview: Along with picking up all the Avengers titles post-Siege, I figured I should give Thunderbolts a try. I'm not sure why I've never read this title before. One of the few DC titles I enjoy is Secret Six (which I love) and Thunderbolts seems like a similar set-up. Actually, it is probably more like Suicide

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-48825350508980774232010-05-28T16:54:00.000-07:002010-05-28T17:00:22.158-07:00

I reviewed Amazing Spider-Man #632 over at WCBR. Wow what a GREAT comic this was! Lizard has always been one of my absolute favorites of the Spider-Man rogues and I love the way they have reimagined him here. And, the coolest thing about it is that it doesn't change any past continuity (that I can see, anyway). And, his new (and kinda creepy) powers aren't anything dorky like being able to

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-40336736936122700512010-05-28T03:03:00.000-07:002010-05-28T03:30:43.787-07:00

Publication Date: July 2010Writers: Craig Kyle & Chris YostPencils: Mike ChoiColors: Sonia ObackReview: This was an odd issue (to me). We start out with 9 silent pages of the X-Men fighting the Nimrods who came streaming out of the glowing-sphere-from-the-future in the last issue of Second Coming. I'll give this part a "close to awesome" grade. They don't quite pull it off, but I'll give them

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-60157459987041537432010-05-27T03:37:00.000-07:002010-05-27T04:43:18.492-07:00

Publication Date: July 2010Writer: Ed BrubakerArt: Mike DeodatoColors: Rain BeredoReview: A readers have noted, I'm jumping into the Avengers for the first time in my comic reading life. Thus, the next stop was Secret Avengers #1 by Brubaker and Deodato. I was actually pretty excited to read this because I really like Brubaker. I've seen a lot of people saying Secret Avengers might not be good

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-46753472662999077832010-05-25T03:17:00.000-07:002010-05-25T03:28:16.183-07:00

I'm calling this a "quick review" because I don't have a ton to say about this issue. I've already dropped the series on my DCBS order and just have a few straggling issues coming to me still. Rather than review (again) why the series just isn't my cup of tea, I'll just be quick about it with this issue.Brightest Day #2 again bounces around covering all the characters (almost Wednesday Comics

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-33691599294924791182010-05-25T02:57:00.000-07:002010-05-25T03:16:01.087-07:00

This is just a quick review of Enter the Heroic Age. I don't have a LOT to say about this issue because it was mostly a set up for a bunch of new series that are being launched by Marvel."Admissions" by Christos Gage & Mike McKone was a teaser for Avengers Academy. I will be getting Avengers Academy, but this teaser isn't making me look forward to it much because it centers on Reptil who just

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-85628720815391036042010-05-24T17:24:00.000-07:002010-05-24T17:45:16.366-07:00

Publication Date: May 2010Writer: Raven GregoryArt: Vic DrujiniuColors: Mark RobertsReview: This is the final issue of The Waking which has turned out to be a great 4-issue miniseries from Zenescope. As I've mentioned in prior reviews (#3, #2 and #1), this series is a very novel entry into the zombie genre.The overall plot was pretty well broadcast in the last issue: [SPOILER] murdered people

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-79291000282900922512010-05-24T02:56:00.000-07:002010-05-24T03:09:33.232-07:00

Publication Date: July 2010Writer: Grant MorrisonArt: Sean MurphyColors: Dave StewartReview: If there was a bigger narrative to this series....I've really lost it. The art continues to be just spectacular, but it doesn't seem like the story is anything more than the hallucinations of a diabetic boy who is hypoglycemic. At this point, having bought the first 5 single issues, I am pretty much

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-24437374259586407422010-05-23T16:44:00.001-07:002010-05-23T16:46:31.107-07:00

I reviewed Rescue #1 over at WCBR. This is another of the "women of Marvel" issues. I thought this was a decent comic, but kind of a missed opportunity with the interest in Pepper Potts coming off the Iron Man 2 movie. Oh well....Rescue #1 (one-shot) reviewed at WCBR

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-489564827037503392010-05-23T15:48:00.000-07:002010-05-23T16:19:36.021-07:00

Publication Date: May 2010Writer: Robert KirkmanPencils: Greg CapulloInks: Todd McFarlaneColors: FCO PlascenciaReview: I think I've said it on a few Haunt Reviews (#6 and #5), but this is really a pretty good comic that doesn't deserve some of the scorn it got when it launched for being a rip off hybrid of Spider-Man and Spawn. It still isn't the best comic on the rack, but it is inching up

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-33888936280577990762010-05-23T05:18:00.000-07:002010-05-23T05:37:40.439-07:00

Publication Date: July 2010Writer: Paul DiniPencils: Stephane RouxInks: Karl StoryColors: John KaliszReview: I ask in jest, "Why does DC have to have so many really good artists working for them right now?" I say this because even though I've been drifting away from the DCU for awhile now with everything but the Batman books beginning to bore me to tears......they have some seriously talented

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-62417559000121893552010-05-22T15:40:00.000-07:002010-05-22T15:43:29.535-07:00

I reviewed American Vampire #3 over at WCBR. This is really shaping up to be a great series. If you're seeing the word vampire and thinking you'll hate it because it'll be angst-filled guys in frilly clothing....think again. The "American Vampires" are really nothing like that.....they can go around during the day, cast shadows and transform almost like werewolves when they attack. Very

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-1096596568011293692010-05-22T15:19:00.000-07:002010-05-22T15:37:28.625-07:00

Publication Date: July 2010Review: This is written as four short stories telling little side stories of how various portions of the Marvel U are dealing with the events of Siege and the new "Age of Heroes"."Thumb on the Pulse" is a story about J. Jonah Jameson (Kurt Busiek, Marko Djurdjevic & Jelena Djurdjevic). This story really shows what a vile guy Jameson really is. He's kind of the classic

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-29117994875260446802010-05-21T16:59:00.001-07:002010-05-21T17:16:26.878-07:00

Publication Date: May 2010Writer: Robert KirkmanArt: Charlie AdlardGrays: Cliff RathburnReview: Imagine The Walking Dead without zombies. Well, that is what this story arc is kind of like. I don't think I'm violating my "no spoilers" policy by talking about the general set up for this story arc where our band of survivors find a pocket of civilization, but have a hard time adjusting. And....as

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-52802406632189905692010-05-21T16:53:00.000-07:002010-05-21T16:56:43.112-07:00

I reviewed this over at WCBR. This is a pretty simple little story about The Carpenter, so those of you who complain that there are never any new(er) characters in Big Two comics.....here's your chance to put your money where your mouth is. :)The writing isn't quite as crisp as normal as Paul Dini only came up with the "story" and left the Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs to write the script.

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-68702132053118277872010-05-21T03:22:00.000-07:002010-05-21T04:38:46.493-07:00

Publication Date: July 2010Writer: Jeff ParkerArt: Gabriel HardmanColors: Elizabeth BreitweiserReview: Those buggers are Marvel have done it again..... I am really loving every Marvel title I've picked up for awhile and Atlas was no exception. I had not planned to get this, but saw it in the LCS and had heard great things about Gabriel Hardman's art and figured I'd give it a try.I wouldn't say

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-84591498973342742162010-05-20T16:16:00.000-07:002010-05-20T16:35:06.420-07:00

Publication Date: July 2010Writer: Mike CareyPencils: Greg LandInks: Jay LeistenColors: Justin PonsorReview: I feel like Second Coming really got its mojo back with this issue. We had kind of stalled out in the middle portion around the death of Nightcrawler and had a couple of issues where it was clear that Bastion was up to something.....we just didn't know what it is.Well.....it is now very

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-45640352139863055182010-05-20T03:48:00.000-07:002010-05-20T03:50:27.562-07:00

I reviewed Invincible Iron Man #26 over at WCBR (I've become their "Iron Man guy"). It is a pretty good issue, but I wish that Iron Man could fight someone who wasn't in armor.Invincible Iron Man #26 reviewed at WCBR

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-11185406157448142022010-05-19T18:13:00.000-07:002010-05-19T18:31:12.940-07:00

Publication Date: July 2010Writer: Brian Michael BendisPencils: John Romita, Jr.Inks: Klaus JansonColors: Dean WhiteReview: I've never been an Avengers fan. When I read as a kid in the 1980's, I read X-Men, Spider-Man, Daredevil and a few other Marvel things. I picked up a few Avengers related titles, but they never really connected with me. When I got back into comics a few years ago, the

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-45917258639440630472010-05-18T03:24:00.001-07:002010-05-18T04:42:03.891-07:00

Publication Date: May 2010Writer: Luca BlenginoPencils: Luca ErbettaInks: Fabio BonoColors: Filippo RizzuReview: Not having ever been a Spawn reader, I was a little worried AFTER I'd preordered this series to hear that it was a spin-off from Spawn......But, no worries. You needen't have ever read an single issue of Spawn to appreciate and enjoy this first issue.The basic set up is that Sam and

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-18661897047704723472010-05-18T02:57:00.000-07:002010-05-18T03:20:47.050-07:00

Publication Date: May 2010Writer: Nathan EdmondsonArt: Brett WeldeleReview: The first issue of The Light introduced us to the basic concept of the series and the characters. The plot revolves around some sort of virus that is in the power grid and travels through artificial lights. If people look at the light, it infects them and they burst into flames in about 10 seconds. As you can imagine,

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-78609590761841881472010-05-17T18:20:00.000-07:002010-05-17T18:33:05.365-07:00

Publication Date: July 2010Writer: Gail SimoneArt: Ed BenesColors: Nei RuffinoReview: This was a kinda like it, but not enough to keep getting it issue. I really like Gail Simone's work on Secret Six and have enjoyed her work on Birds of Prey in the past. I also really like a few of the Birds, namely Oracle and Huntress. I did enjoy the parts of this issue that I thought would be good: Oracle

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-19576108155814169182010-05-17T17:47:00.000-07:002010-05-17T18:19:08.571-07:00

Publication Date: July 2010Writer: Paul JenkinsPencils: Tom RaneyInks: Scott HannaColors: Val StaplesReview: Ugh....this was a bad comic from a conceptual standpoint. It pains me to say that a little bit because I've enjoyed some of Paul Jenkins past work and I think his Flogging a Dead Horse is one of the funniest and best written blogs out there. The art is pretty solid too as Raney/Hanna/

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-37237869548224185122010-05-17T16:55:00.000-07:002010-05-17T17:43:12.661-07:00

Publication Date: July 2010Writer: Warren EllisArtist: Kaare AndrewsColors: Frank D'ArmataReview: This was a refreshing change of pace..... While we are still waiting for the "normal" Astonishing X-Men to finish up its most recent arc, having not shipped since December 2009, we get this separate title with a similar title: Xenogenesis vs. Exogenetic.The first thing you notice about this issue is

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-77389441075063480292010-05-17T02:55:00.000-07:002010-05-17T03:16:33.281-07:00

Publication Date: June 2010Writer: Brian Michael BendisPencils: Bryan Hitch w/ Stuart ImmonenInks: Butch Guice w/ Andrew Currie & Karl StoryColors: Paul Mounts w/ Justin Ponsor & Rain BeredoReview: As readers of the blog know, I've never been an Avengers reader. Even as a kid I didn't read many. I had one buddy who was super-into Hawkeye and I'd borrow an issue here or there, but I never liked

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-80119363489394806052010-05-16T18:52:00.000-07:002010-05-16T19:19:24.253-07:00

Publication Date: July 2010Writer: Bryan Q. MillerPencils: Lee Garbett & Pere PerezInks: Jonathan Glapion, Rodney Ramos & Pere PerezColors: Guy MajorReview: I've loved Batgirl since it came out last fall. Comics like this are really fun. Comics like the Rucka/JH Williams Detective run are fun, but everyone knows about those and it is really fun to find something like this that may not even sell

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083842008525862764.post-79571154755725887222010-05-16T18:25:00.000-07:002010-05-16T18:46:53.320-07:00

Publication Date: July 2010Writer: Tony DanielArt: Guillem MarchColors: Tomeu MoreyReview: I think I really didn't enjoy this current Batman arc very much. Let me explain why...... I read a LOT of comics every month. Probably ~60 new issues and a fair number of back issues to boot. Too many comics? Perhaps, but the effect is that I just don't have the time or desire to go back through a

Dean Stellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010941125983619030noreply@blogger.com