Marvel’s 5 issue Ultimatum mini-series is released on November 5, and is a cross-over event, with repercussions affecting the entire Ultimate universe. Marvel think you should read it. Here’s why.
Mags sure looks comfortable doesn’t he?
Top Cowabunga!
Now you can skate to the comic shop with reckless abandon and declare your love for Darkness, Savage Dragon or Witchblade at the same time! “Get out of my way!” you’ll scream as you tear past dordling pedestrians. “I’m a comic reader and I need my fix!” Anyway, Top Cow are releasing some perty decks in conjunction with Graphic Image Skateboards. Below is the official press release.
Top Cow Productions, Inc. and Graphic Image Skateboards are proud to announce new Witchblade and Darkness skateboards are available for purchase starting November 1, 2008. Pre-orders are now being accepted.
These skateboards are available as deck only, complete with trucks and wheels, and are made from seven plies of hard rock maple and feature high-resolution graphics that are nothing short of spectacular. A very limited number of skateboards are available signed by Top Cow Productions founder and CEO Marc Silvestri, who co-created Witchblade and The Darkness.
“The partnership with Top Cow is simply surreal to me,” marveled Andrew Brousseau, founder of Graphic Image Skateboards. “When Image and Top Cow were founded back in 1992, it really revitalized for me the excitement that was once found in visiting the local comic book store. And so in partnering up with Top Cow today to make skateboards, I really feel it’s an incredible opportunity to revitalize the excitement that was once found in buying a new skateboard deck.”
“We’re absolutely thrilled by this partnership,” exclaimed Top Cow President Matt Hawkins. “Graphic Image Skateboards produce fine, quality decks and we’re more than happy to lend our characters to their line.”
Graphic Image Skateboards also has a Savage Dragon deck available, based on the character created by Erik Larsen and published by Image Central, which, along with Todd McFarlane Productions and Top Cow, make up Image Comics.
For all pricing and pre-order inquires please contact Andrew Brousseau at abrousseau@mts.net, or visit www.graphicimageskateboards.com.
Various Batman Reviews
So how would you like your Bat today? Grim and gritty or light hearted and witty? The double edged sword of having multiple titles for popular characters like DC’s Batman and Superman and Marvel’s Spider-Man and Wolverine is that there is an interpretation for everyone. Hardcore fans and unsure parents looking for something kid-friendly can both be satisfied. The danger is that the intent of the character; their core can be compromised. I’m afraid that’s the case with this month’s Batman selection. After having just read Batman Confidential #22, Secret Six #2 and Detective Comics #849 in quick succession I realise that the Dark Knight is not always himself from one title to the next. This is a bad month to make this comparison, as usually different writers can handle the same character/s fine, and here I want to make the point about characters other than Bats, but the difference is certainly noticeable.
Let’s start with Confidential. The premise being that this is a look back at the cowled one’s early days allows me to look at it with some grace. I love Scott McDaniel’s (Nightwing) pencils, and always have, and any return of his to the Bat world is a welcome one. That Ryan Sook cover is great too (with a nice cameo from editor Mike Carlin as the guard), though Joker’s lame Monopoly reference (“Hey! We didn’t pass ‘Go!'”) is indicative of the trouble that lies within. Joker just isn’t himself. He’s more annoying than scary, and with the causing-trouble-from-within-a-cell storyline similar to the Dark Knight film it doesn’t scream originality. TV writer Andrew Kreisberg handles the pacing and plot well enough, but the fact that Joker is more like Superman villain The Prankster, isn’t helping. This is the first part of a new story arc and details the first time Bats bought Joker into Gotham police custody. Great idea right there and hopefully in future issues the maniac we all know and love will truly reveal himself. For now it’s bad banter and unfunny jokes (even a toilet gag!) And how the Joker convinces a stranger to kill herself with his one allowed phone call is almost absurd. However, the fact that he has no fingerprints thanks to his life transforming acid bath makes sense and I’m surprised no-one’s thought of it before, as far as I know. Bats is done well here I must say, with all the seriousness and minimal speech he needs.
Detective Comics, or ‘Tec as it’s also known, is DC’s flagship book effectively, and thankfully it soars high. Another TV writer, Paul Dini tells the penultimate tale of the Batman R.I.P tie-in, Hearts of Hush. This is a great book and has been for a long time. So far, Dini hasn’t put a foot wrong and with his career as a toon and comics writer in the DCU he knows Batman and co. well. Joker is here too, briefly, and more in character, as he cheers when Bats beats Scarecrow in Arkham. Last month’s cliffhanger with Selina Kyle (Catwoman) laid out on an operating table, with her heart out was a real teaser. Here the tale continues as Batman looks for answers and a solution to keep Selina alive, as she barely is for now, with Hush’s machinery. It was a shame to see Catwoman’s series end recently. Her last two issues were great and DC gave her some great arcs. Hopefully she’ll make guest appearances in ‘Tec for a while and then we can have Green Arrow and Black Canary as well as Batman and Catwoman books. Hmm…
Dustin Nguyen is another great Bat artist and has been showing of late that his covers are just as gorgeous, with a touch of Dave McKean influence in this ish. Mr. Terrific and Dr. Mid-Nite from the JSA drop by too and don’t look out of place in this dark tale, which basically involves lots of running and punching as Bats gets angrier. Hush knows what I’ve always thought; Catwoman is Bruce Wayne’s real love, even if he won’t admit it. Hush is an interesting character and it’s fantastic to see that he’s still being used after Jeph Loeb’s and Jim Lee’s intro of the character from a few years ago. With flashbacks to his wildly different upbringing than Bruce’s and the last few pages which reveal Hush’s true, long reaching plan, this will be a book to keep your eyes on, especially to see how it ties into R.I.P’s conclusion. Grab a sneak peek here.
Lastly, Secret Six #2. Well, we get our first glimpse, of sorts, of last issue’s freak in a box, Bane continues to amuse but still stay barley in character, and Batman and Catman have a chat and a brawl on a rooftop (where all of Batman’s dialogue seems to take place). This is a fun book and shows, along with it’s originator, Villains United, two things: 1. That Gail Simone can create an original title that the DCU really needs and 2. Penciller Nicola Scott is sure to have a bright future. The Bat and Cat discussion is basically two guys sticking their chests out, but does seem oddly disjointed in their last page together. However even with their discussion of Batman’s breakfast choices, Simone still shows that Bats is a character with a big enough heart and mind to compliment his fists. He knows what’s going on, and wants everyone to know it.
The other highlight of this month is Action Comics #870, the fantastic Braniac finale. Yes, DC leaked Jonathan Kent’s death to the mainstream media first (as did Marvel with Cap’s death almost two years ago) but if it brings people to the LCS, then it has my support. I always liked Superman’s earthly parents. They fit in well, though Pa hasn’t lasted long on film and TV so it really only affects the comics readers. Who knows, he may come back, but it wouldn’t really work as he’s not a superhero or villain. It’s a great book nonetheless, with golden boy Geoff Johns and the graceful pencils of Gary Frank adding much emotional depth to this story.
Marvel’s Mystery Image No. 2
After the hero-centric teaser image, we now have a villain-centric piece. It is accompanied only with the text, “Are You Ready To Villain Up?” It seems obvious now that these two images are to promote Marvel’s kid friendly cartoon, or comic, or both, probably to go along with Hasbro’s kidified Super Hero Squad toys. For now, gaze at the cutesiness of Juggernaut, Doctor Doom and the little limbed/ big headed awesomeness of the always fun M.O.D.O.K.
Marvel’s Mystery Image
Marvel have a recent history of releasing teaser images and letting fans scratch their heads. The latest one was to promote their Noir series which re-imagines Spider-Man, the X-Men and Daredevil in a typical old school noir setting, and will be released in December. The image below, released yesterday seems more obvious. Marvel are getting in on DC’s game and getting kiddy and cutesy. All we know is that apart from the familiar characters such as Hulk, Spidey and Wolvie, there’s also some new Lobster Boy type creation. The tag-line is, “Are You Ready To Hero Up?” I think I am.
Pulp Tales Review
Anthology tales are usually a hit and miss affair. Creators have the danger of trying different styles, or dusting out a random story from the bottom of their desk drawer. These may work, but that’s not always the case. Unfortunately brevity is not something a lot of current writers are skilled in, whereas their web-comic cousins are skilled indeed at using less than 22 pages to tell an enchanting story.
Saying all that, the new one-shot Pulp Tales, from BOOM! Studios thankfully works. Of course, just like any comic grab bag, you don’t know exactly what you’re going to get and the short tales contained within have to cross as many genres as possible, so readers will find at least one story they adore. This issue comes with two covers, from Ben Templesmith and Josh Medors (Fused, 30 Days of Night.) The latter version is a slightly higher price, but that’s a good thing, as this is a benefit book for Medors who was recently diagnosed with cancer, and ALL proceeds will go to supporting him and his family.
The first tale, Bluejacket is written by 76’s B.Clay Moore and Seth Peck, with art by Chris Samnee. It shows a paranormal team as they fight a werejaguar and welcome Dr. Nicole Shaw to their ranks, as the first woman in Bluejacket’s 75 year history. It combines elements of The X-Files and Doc Savage, with a pinch of Hellboy’s B.P.R.D thrown in for good measure. And it all works. The team consists of the requesite strongman, nerd, adventurer and Dr. Shaw, the token female. Not a panel is wasted creating a glimpse of this world, and it reeks (in a good way) of good old fashioned heroism, when baddies were beaten with fists and dames were kissed hard on the lips.
Joshua Fialkov (the madcap P.U.N.K.S) with glorious old-school art by Andy B, craft an obvious Lone Ranger homage with their story about Newt Lawman and Running Bear as they make a stand against some angry Apaches. The standout here is the art. Reminiscent of Mike Allred, it’s all grand gestures in technicolour. I’d love top see more of this guy.
The Crescent Flame by Kody Chamberlain (also from P.U.N.K.S) is set in New Orleans in 1952. A young man by the name of Harry managed to capture a photo of The Crescent Flame’s latest heroic act and now has to face the consequences. More like an illustrated prose piece told in third person, in the style of an old radio serial, it’s a nice departure from the rest of the more traditional stories before it. Rendered in blue for exteriors, and red for the dark room scenes, it’s also an effective showcase of moody colouring.
Tony Fleecs tells the story of overweight gumshoe Crash Winters in typical pulp fashion. On the trail of deceased movie star Susan Stevens he fumbles his way to a secret and a cute cliffhanger, in the most cartoony fashion in the book.
Limbo’s Assassin follows brutal enforcer Carl Henderson and is the most pulp-ish story here. A prose piece with black and white illustrations by Sarah Wilkinson, there is also a mysterious (though not for long) girl, lots of shooting goons and blood loss. All this means its tailor made for fans of Sin City, but with a supernatural twist. Some may be tempted to skip through all the text, but stick with it. It’s worth it.
Each one of these tales is presented like a random selection from a world that’s been established for some time, but that’s not a distraction. They all have enough charm and diversity to be entertaining in the few pages they’re allowed. Pulp Tales is also a great example of the numerous writing and art styles inherent in today’s indie stars. Each creator brings an approach blatantly differently from the others, yet they also lovingly play with the conventions of classic pulp and superhero tales. Be entertained and maybe discover a new fave creator and you’ll feel good at the same time by supporting a young artist in a time of need. The 24 pager goes on sale on October 8.
Image: Never Late Again!
Well, at least as far as Robert Kirkman is concerned. The new Image partner is certainly confident, and giving his fans what they want – trustworthy release dates. That’s not something even the Big Two can guarantee. Gotta love the guy. He’s clearly passionate about keeping comics readers happy, and creating new ones at the same time. From Image’s press release:
Starting this January, Robert Kirkman gives his books the one thing fans have demanded for years – guaranteed ship dates!
“That’s right, kids, this time it’s for real,” said Kirkman. “Every single one of my titles – WALKING DEAD, INVINCIBLE, ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN and BRIT – will now be guaranteed to ship by their solicited date. This isn’t an empty promise and I’ve taken that extra step of hiring Aubrey Sitterson, an editor for my entire line, a guy you may know from his days at Marvel.”
Aubrey Sitterson, who first worked with Kirkman on titles such as THE IRREDEEMABLE ANT-MAN and MARVEL TEAM-UP, has been quietly working with Kirkman for the last several months, ensuring the upcoming resolicited books hit their target date.
Sitterson said, “I spent years wrangling Robert at the House of Ideas. Now, I’m champing at the bit to crack the whip and mix whatever metaphors necessary to get every last one of his books out on time – no exceptions and no excuses!”
The guaranteed ship dates will begin this January, with ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN #12, BRIT #12, INVINCIBLE #58 and THE WALKING DEAD #57.
Kirkman and Marz at the Station
In my continuing effort of shameless promotion, here is my article about Walking Dead & Invincible creator Robert Kirkman’s recent plea for creator-owned properties, and my interview with legendary writer Ron Marz about his groovy new series Dragon Prince. There’s also my review of Station #3, BOOM!’s excellent thriller in a space station title.
Mercy Thompson: Homecoming Preview
Next month is the launch of the four issue mini-series, Mercy Thompson: Homecoming from Dabel Brothers. Written by Mercy creator/novelist Patricia Biggs it is a prequel to the novels and finds the titular mechanic and supernatural expert facing vampires, werewolves and even the horrors of a job interview.
A new Mercy novel, Bone Crossed will be released in February of next year, so now’s the time to familiarise yourself with this heroine of three novels (the last one of which reached #1 on the New York Times Bestseller List) and now – comics! Below are a few random pages of text-free interior art from Francis Tsai (Marvel Adventures).
Zero-G #1 Review
I know this book has been getting its praise, from the likes of Stan Lee (in his typically enthusiastic way) and Steve Niles, but I can only assume they’ve been privy to all of the issues. I’m not saying this is a bad book. Far from it. It’s just that this opening salvo is not entirely original, but a firm foundation is certainly there so I can only hope that it continues to build upon this issue to create a fully immersive sci-fi tale.
Produced by Top Cow and Spacedog Entertainment, Zero-G is written by Alex Zamm, with art by Jason Badower. This is undoubtedly their biggest book to date and could be a great launching point for long lasting careers if this series takes off. It’s a suitable showcase for the talents of both men.
It begins with NASA geologist Atom Weaver’s discovery of a rock. A big, valuable rock. Or asteroid, rather. One named Z-1492. If it was up to me, I’d name asteroids after people, like hurricanes, instead of numbering them, but anyway. Good old Z-1492 is on a course for earth, or at least close enough to it, and because of this a unique window of opportunity is present to examine its rich mineral deposits. So full of natural resources is the humongous rock that it could effectively cause a shift in the balance of power for whoever manages to mine it first. The US government try and keep this to themselves, but good news travels fast and soon the race is on between nations, corporations, and moguls like billionaire Bill Barron, to make the most of this rare chance at worldly wealth.
Atom agrees to 17 months of training against his better judgement to be a part of the 9 man crew sent from NASA to claim its stake, and he soon regrets it. The team arrive to find the Chinese have beaten them to it, but that still doesn’t explain the presence of caves, which upon further investigation leads them to the discovery of the asteroid’s original miners. And they’re not human. However the crew don’t seem taken aback at all upon witnessing what I assume is humanity’s first encounter with extra-terrestrials.
With a tale that is part Armageddon and part Aliens surprises are few and far between. By issue’s end, one crew member is dead, and the team’s ship has been mysteriously sabotaged, leaving them stranded. Sci-fi fans will see those twists coming a mile away, but keeping in mind that this is the set-up issue, more genuine surprises must be on their way over the next few installments. There is certainly enough here to make an interesting story, but one that will undoubtedly pay off in the coming months.
Badower’s art has a subtle Steve McNiven flavour to it, using few lines but much realism. It fits well and the costume design and facial expressions are diverse enough to easily keep track of the large cast. However, if you’re still stuck, the last few pages of this 36 pager include a handy guide. Annette Kwok’s colours are pitch perfect from earth to space, and she manages to make Badower’s pencils even more majestic on the asteroid setting. It’s a mighty fine looking hunk of drifting minerals and looks like a scary alien place to be, as I’m sure the cast will discover in the next three issues.
24 Hour Comics Day
Now this is a good idea. The most eminent writer/artist/legendary author Scott McCloud created the event in 2004 and it has been steamrolling its way across the world since. The aim is to create a 24 page comic book within 24 consecutive hours. By the way, if you’re a comics fan and haven’t read any of McCloud’s intelligent books on the history and complexities of comics such as Understanding Comics, you must. He’s also the guy that created the Google Chrome promo.
Over 1200 dedicated artists participated last year, in 18 countries. It’s too late to enter for this year’s event, but if you go to the official site, you’ll be able to witness an event in your area, on Saturday October 18-19. As for me, I’ll be here in sunny Fremantle in Western Australia filming it, chatting to doodlers, dribblers and scribblers alike, and just generally being inspired by the mayhem and raw creativity enveloping me. Or something. It should be a great day.
Witchblade #121 Review
I’m a recent convert to this title, after the awesome Vol. 5 TPB and the even more awesome talents of artist Stjepan Sejic. Writer Ron Marz continues to build upon the mystical gauntlet’s mythos and shows once again that his deft hand is capable of fitting in to any genre.
Dancer Dani Baptiste (absent in this ish) is now, thanks to the recent events of the First Born arc, the wielder of half of the Witchblade, while long-time cop Sara Pezzini wields its twin. However, that doesn’t mean Sara has half of the trouble to deal with. Although in this issue, the first of the three part Crown Heights story arc, the only time Sara breaks out the blade is not in the midst of a frantic battle, but in the shower with her lover, fellow cop, Patrick Gleason.
The pair travel to Brooklyn’s Orthodox Jewish community, specifically the Chabad-Lubavitch sect to investigate a rabbi’s gruesome murder, while tip-toeing around sensitive race issues at the same time. Meanwhile journalist Gretch tries to convince her editor of the existence of the Witchblade to run it on the front page, and hounds Sara until she gets some answers, which it looks like she just may get in following issues.
Although there is no fighting or hectic action to speak of, Marz still captivates with his swift pace and well crafted intrigue. Once again, the art is gorgeous. Sejic’s beautifully rendered figures add much realism. He also adds nice touches like soft focus backgrounds, reflections on windshields, and sunlight pouring into downtown streets. All this gives the book the grandeur of a Michael Bay film in comic book format. Top Cow are blessed to have an artist of Sejic’s talent on their roster.
The cover sums this issue up perfectly – Sara in full Witchblade get-up surrounded by staid priests. It’s like Witness, if Harrison Ford was a beautiful woman operating a powerful supernatural weapon. Future issues will certainly ramp up the action, as secrets are uncovered and the tight Jewish community reveals its true colours. For now, this first issue is a classy set-up.
Wolverine: Origins #28 Review
It seems everyone’s getting in on the act. Batman, Hulk and Wolverine are all fathers now, though the two Bruce’s (Wayne and Banner) sons seem to be estranged from their pops. Wolverine may not be a great father, but at least he’s able to bond with his kid. Well, Daken isn’t a kid anymore, though he certainly resembles his dad. Daken is the son of Wolvie and his one-time wife, Itsu. As is traditional with superhero’s lovers, she died. Raised in Japan, Daken grew up, learnt who his father was and came to blame him for his mother’s death. Thanks to the events of the last issue Wolverine now has the opportunity to start from scratch with his son, as Daken reawakens in a cave with amnesia.
Wolverine is a character that I’m always sceptical of. Like Venom and The Punisher, he seemed to suffer from overuse at one point, with more series, one-shots and cross-overs than he deserved. That seems even more true now. However, Marvel aren’t stupid. They know that he’s the most popular X-Man, and they also know that when his solo film premieres next year, this similarly titled series will hopefully ride its coat tails to a greater audience.
This is the first issue I’ve read of this series and it was a pleasant surprise. There’s enough action and cool moments here for long-time fans who’ve followed James Howlett’s illustrious career, or for those who just like him simply because of his bad attitude and cool costume. Primarily the story consists of flashbacks, including his final battle with Sabretooth, his brutal days in Canada’s Department H, and a lengthy look back at the Incredible Hulk # 180 fight with Jade Jaws himself, and Wendigo. Fans know this to be Wolvie’s first appearance although his costume is slightly different here, ie, no whiskers. His first meeting with Professor X is also an unexpected one, which is to be continued in X-Men: Original Sin #1.
Daniel Way has a firm understanding of the character and doesn’t rely on what others have done by making the clawed one almost a caricature. Way brings out Wolverine’s physical weakness, especially when fighting Hulk, and his emotional ones, all helped by suitably foreboding art. I haven’t looked at Mike Deodato’s interior work in a long time, but I was a fan of his glory days in the 1990s when he helped introduced Artemis in the pages of Wonder Woman. His pages were impressive then. They’re very impressive now. With a greater sense of realism than I’ve ever seen him use and a dynamism in page design, his figures are natural and moody, helped in no small part by him inking his own pencils. The Canadian mutant’s fight with Hulk is a thing of raw power. It’s the only time I’ve ever felt sorry for Wolvie.
Bordering on the need for a mature readers warning, there is plenty of vicious brawling in this issue, which makes sense considering this is effectively a series of lengthy flashbacks to Wolverine’s killing days prior to him joining the X-Men, and is a period in his life which hopefully still has some room left for further exploration.
As for Daken, well, hopefully he’ll become more than a novelty in Way’s hands and with Deodato along this book just may entice more ex-X-lovers to return to the fold.
Tales From The Farm Review
Another in my somewhat daunting pile of goodies from Comic-Con, Jeff Lemire’s book deserves its praise. Essex County Vol. 1 Tales From The Farm, to give it its full title, was published by Top Shelf last year. Ghost Stories and The Country Nurse are the two volumes that followed. All three are set in a farming community in Southwestern Ontario in Canada, and focus on the assorted characters who dwell there. Tales From The Farm is amazingly restrained in its beauty. With autobiographical comics, even loose ones like this, it can be difficult for writers to not thrown in the kitchen sink in order to increase its realism. Thankfully, Lemire knows better. As writer/artist it’s clear that he’s in charge and knows completely what he’s doing.
As for the story, it focuses on 10 year old Lester who recently lost his mother to cancer and is being raised by his Uncle Ken. It’s painfully obvious their relationship is a new and awkward one for both in moments where Lester chooses to watch the hockey game alone in his room rather than with his uncle and where Ken is unsure about how to deal with his nephew’s growing rebellion. Lemire’s skill lies just as much as in choosing what is not shown, as what is. In not over emphasising emotional moments, and giving us the barest of details he allows the characters to speak for themselves. With no narration it is merely the dialogue (of which there is little) to give us a peek into the hearts and minds of this pair. The only other character worth noting here is Jimmy Lebeuf, former hockey pro and man mountain who owns the local gas station and befriends Lester.
An orphan, a strained relationship, a misunderstood faded sports hero. You may be thinking that you’ve seen all this before. It sounds like the perfect ingredients for a independent film that makes critics swoon. However, there is more to it than that. Of course, sensitive comic fans will lap up any story with a comic loving outsider too, but its simplicity is its strength. That extends to the artwork as well. Using broad strokes helps convey the roughness of the two men in the story and the harsh terrain that surrounds them. Lemire sells the isolation of a remote town perfectly, and uses a lighter touch with more grey than black in the brief flashbacks of Lester’s dying Mum. A hand made comic from a 9 year old Lemire posing as Lester’s comic is also a nice touch, from the boy that never takes off his mask or cape. Well, almost never. A touching tale in the midst of tragedy and uncertainty, Tales From The Farm show that a boy’s imagination and curiosity can grow in the toughest of soils.
comicbookjesus 
