Smallville: Absolute Justice 2-hour TV movie review

As an infrequent watcher of television shows with the tendency of acknowledging the existence of serialized dramas, but never wanting to jump on the band wagon while it’s still moving, I have never paid much mind to Smallville. Of course I’ve known about the show since its inception. Being an avid comic reader and fan of the comic medium and its other forms of media I appreciate the existence of a show like Smallville. I think with this show, I have always imagined that the first several years might have been a little drawn out and possibly boring. It seems like forever had passed before Clark Kent had any connection with the famous S that would one day become the iconic symbol plastered on his chest. Perhaps I have never really watched the show because I have never been the biggest Superman fan, though just like any other comic reader, I appreciate and love him. It is in the rule book of fandom after all.

With all that said, this review of February 5th’s 2-hour TV movie Smallville: Absolute Justice comes from the perspective of a life long fan of DC Comics, not as a die-hard Smallville enthusiast. Though I must admit, when The Flash was first introduced to the series, I was right there in front of my television eager to see a rendition of the “Scarlet Speedster” even if I scratched my head to the realization that they used Bart Allen as The Flash. When I first heard last season that The Legion of Superheroes were going to be on the show, I made sure to catch that episode too. Now yet again, when I found out that they were going to incorporate the Justice Society of America into the show I was more than giddy. Seeing Dr. Fate and Hawkman in full costume in the initial trailer for this episode made me promise myself that I will glue myself to my television for two hours even if it was going to be on a Friday night. For any DC fan, it was an exciting two hours to appreciate seeing some of your favorite characters mentioned or shown on television.

The episode starts off with an interaction between Chloe and Sylvester Pemberton, The Star-Spangled Kid. In his attempt to ask for help and give warning for the future, they are attacked by someone who has ice powers who ends up killing Pemberton. We then find Wesley Dodds, The Sandman, alone in his home having a dream about the attacks before being attacked himself. It becomes clear that someone is hunting the members of the Justice Society of America. They leave a smeared calling card saying only JSA on it for the authorities to find taunting any hero who would see it on the news. The most exciting scene for any DC fan was the flashback involving the arrests of the members of the JSA in the past, thus disbanding the team. I know I sat on my bed uttering Alan Scott’s name in anticipation, having a face of excitement when his hand grasped a bar in his prison cell with a Green Lantern ring visible. Though with that little Easter egg (which there were numerous ones present for fans i.e. Dr. Fate mumbling Hourman‘s name, seeing the original Red Tornado, etc.) one has to wonder why he couldn’t just use his ring to get out of prison. Perhaps because heroes aren’t supposed to defy the law (unless they’re Captain America) or perhaps because 24 hours had passed and his ring needed a recharge. To regress, this scene displayed why nobody knew of the existence of the JSA or their legacy.

Clark’s stroll through the JSA museum was a nice treat. I wish we got to see more members of the team in full costume besides Star Girl; who would be the first of a new generation to take on the mantle of a fallen JSA member, Hawkman, and Dr. Fate. The good news is that by the end of the episode Hawkman does mention that there are twelve members still alive and plans to go search for them, so there is a possibility that we could see more of the team on Smallville one day. The villain of the episode turns out to be the modern day Icicle who is hunting down the JSA for putting his father in a vegetative state a decade prior. Just like any DC fan, I anticipated the tension between Hawkman and Green Arrow who famously are at ends with each other in the comics. They bicker just like they are meant to and we even get an origin story about Hawkman and Hawkgirl. The advice he gives to Green Arrow about love was a nice nod to his relationship to Black Canary. The episode bands an unreferenced Justice League of America with an unnamed Superman, Green Arrow, Martian Manhunter, Hawkman, Star Girl, and Dr. Fate banding to stop Icicle from enacting his vengeance. The incorporation that Icicle is just a pawn working for Amanda Waller and Checkmate was a nice little twist. I personally smiled when she uttered; “welcome to the Suicide Squad.”

You can tell that DC powerhouse Geoff John’s put a lot of love in writing this episode. For those who are unaware of who he is, he is the current writer of Green Lantern, the mastermind behind DC’s Infinite Crisis; and their current event, the stellar Blackest Night. He has also had writing duties on nearly every character in the DC universe. So much of Absolute Justice was taken from the comics, properly providing the general public with knowledge of all these great characters. It was an enjoyable two hours spent being proud to be a DC fan. My only wish is that a few of the older JSA members may have appeared in full costume at the end of the episode instead of Hawkman declaring that he wants to find them and have the family back together. With an episode about legacies, family, and teaching and embracing a new generation, Smallville has opened itself to the path of truly involving the next generation of heroes once they are ready to accept their roles. It seems like in the world of Smallville, the inception of the Justice League of America is more than a possibility once Clark is ready to embrace his destiny as Superman.

-Babyface Jones!

OFF WITH THE TOP OF MY HEAD!!!

WHAT UP WORLD!

First and foremost, how rad is the new site? Amazing. Lauren Monardo did such a great job. Did you see the picture she did of Dr. Strange whacking Socko and Tiger with his "STAFF"!.. Now, this week was a lot lighter than last week's blast of funny book madness but this week had some serious ISH hit the fan and hard. I hope you've got you're umbrella's ready cause the blood is raining down.

First up to bat is "SIEGE"..



SIEGE #2 (OF 4)

Last issue was pretty big. The assault on Asgard began and Norman Osborn's plan to rid the earth of the Asgardian's was in full effect. This issue I feel like I can't really say what the big "Boom" in the issue is because it's so big I want you to find out for yourselves and have the same "NO F***IN WAY!" that I did when I read it. The Sentry is really becoming something of a bigger anomaly than we all thought he was. Norman makes a call that none of us saw coming and Thor lays the smack down.
My favorite part of this issue is the rally call that Steve Rogers gives to the Avengers about how "He doesn't care who put Norman Osborn in power or how but he needs to be removed." This is similar to the events that led to Steve becoming Captain America back in World War II. I like how Bendis is almost comparing Norman Osborn to Hitler. Two madmen with their own agenda's twisting people's opinions by mass media hypnosis. The battle is underway and Osborn isn't ready for the real battle that's to come.

5 out of 5 about to get smashed in the face with a shield



SIEGE EMBEDDED #2 (OF 4)

Ben Urich, Volstagg and Will Stern are trying to get Volstagg back to Broxton, Oklahoma so that he can answer to the Broxton Police for his crimes in Chicago. HAMMER has the entire state under lock down as the trio continue their travels. Todd Keller is on site at Tinker Air Force Base where HAMMER is staging their forces preparing for the attack on Asgard. Broadcasting his show on site in an attempt to spin Norman Osborn's actions in a favorable light, Todd learns first hand that things aren't what they seem as he interviews a robot Iron Patriot instead of Osborn himself. Agent Abrams of Hammer explains to Keller that Osborn has approved journalists on every ship telling the story of how Norman Osborn took the initiative to strike back against the Asgardians for the "attack" at Soldiers Field.
Volstagg gets seen as HAMMER scans the cars waiting to get through a check-point and he gets to "relieve some stress". Ben and Will get arrested and taken to Tinker Air Force Base and manage to escape.
This miniseries is really cool because it shows how in real life that the media can be used to sway people's views and opinions on matters that they aren't fully aware of all the details. I like how Todd Keller is the spokesman for Norman Osborn and his campaign. The fact that Osborn is using an already established television "know it all" as his puppet is a really smart move on his part. Osborn knows if people found out about what his real motives for everything were, he'd get hung on national television.

5 out of 5 Norse Gods reading fashion magazines.

With those being the only two books dealing with SIEGE, lets head over to the Ultimate Universe.



Ultimate X #1

Finally Art Adams is back on an ongoing book after how many years of just drawing covers! That's the first of many compelling attributes that make you want to read this book. So, it's been months after the events of "ULTIMATUM" and mutants are being hunted, killed or arrested, guess who just found out they were the son of one of the most famous mutants; James Hudson.
After crashing his car in a race, James learns that he has his father's healing factor and after a visit from Kitty Pryde, he also learns that the parents he's always lived with aren't his natural parents and that he also has claws and he can put metal over them.
I was a little leary about this series but like I said before since Art Adams is drawing it and with Jeph Loeb writing it, this series has a lot of potential.
I'm really excited to see what happens with this series because it's a new ongoing and I think it's the replacement for "ULTIMATE X-MEN".

5 out of 5 you've got red on you!

Now, lets head over to the DCU for some "BLACKEST NIGHT" tie-ins.



BLACKEST NIGHT: WONDER WOMAN #3 (OF 3)

I really hate that this was just a miniseries because the combination of Greg Rucka, Nicola Scott and Nei Ruffino is just a match made in heaven.
This is a really fast issue and before you know it it's over. Diana is reveling in the power she has been deputized with temporarily. She's been told so many times by Hal, John, Kyle and Guy how amazing it feels to have such power at your fingertips but to actually have it, Diana is like a person who get's drunk for the first time. She doesn't know what to do first. She talks with Carol Ferris and the two head into battle against the Black Lanterns. First up is Maxwell Lord, who made me laugh because they first thing he says when he sees Diana is "Hey everybody look, my girlfriend's here." He quickly get's dispatched but Diana has to deal with something bigger than Max, she gets attacked by Red Lantern Mera who took Diana's attack on her when Diana was a Black Lantern really personal.
After a tussle and and getting wrapped with the golden lasso, the two come to terms and head off with the rest of the different corps.
Like I said, I'm sad to see this mini end because not only is it a good story but the team of Rucka, Scott and Ruffino is awesome.

4 out of 5 Wonder Woman likes Bondage.



The Question #37

I must say, I'm really disappointed in this the last of the "final issues" dealing with "BLACKEST NIGHT". Renee Montoya, Professor Tot and Lady Shiva all have something they want answered by Charlie aka The Question. Shiva shows up to fight a Black Lantern, Professor Tot wants to know the answers of life and death and Renee just wants her friend back. Charlie comes back and begins to fight all three when Lady Shiva tells them that they need to let go of all emotions they have for Charlie and that in doing so, they'll disappear and he'll be blind to them. They all focus on losing their emotions and say their goodbyes.
This was probably the most boring and really useless of the bunch. I really didn't enjoy it and I don't see what this has to do with anything other than resurrecting the original Question as a Black Lantern.

1 out of 5 gun shot Lady Shiva

now onto a book I think everyone should check out.



LEGENDS THE ENCHANTED #0

This zero issue leads into the graphic novel coming out later this year from Radical Comics and creator, artist and writer Nick Percival. This is Nick's attempt at doing his spin on the classic fairy tales. It's very dirty, slimey and oozes techno organics. We meet Jack from Jack and the beanstalk as one of his many titles as the giant killer. He uses magic beans as a drug that helps him heal and gives him a boost while fighting off a pair of giants. We then meet a tree like Pinocchio who is being tortured and set on fire. We also meet Red Riding Hood who kills some techno wolves with her sickles.
Nick's artwork is very similar to Simon Bisley's. His style is very dirty and techno organic, with a twist of realism. I can't wait for the graphic novel to come out because the story is very interesting and the artwork is amazing. I recommend everyone pick this issue up considering the fact that it's only a dollar.

5 out of 5 greasy, bloody decapitated giants.

THAT'S ALL FOLKS.

NEWS & EVENTS FOR THE WEEK OF 2/10/10

WEBSITE HAS BEEN RELAUNCHED!

The biggest news of the week is undoubtedly the relaunching of our website! We've been hard at work making it a little flashier and easier for you to navigate. One of the cooler new features we've implemented is a brand spanking new events calender so you can always keep up with the crazy events we constantly have at the store. Don't take my word for it though, head to comicbookjones.com for all the latest and tear through the site yourself. In the near future we'll also have a forum and other community based features for you to use to share your love of comics, ideas or just plain make friends within this great community we've carved out for ourselves. And, of course, old favorites are still there such as the create a pull list. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Special thanks to Lauren Monardo for the fantastic job she's done.

One other word of advice before you continue, Choker #1's release date has been pushed up to come out this week (instead of the day of the signing) and since it is a particularly light week, make sure that you don't miss the opportunity to check out what is sure to be one of the year's hottest books. And don't forget, both Ben McCool and Ben Templesmith will be here at Comic Book Jones kicking off their United States tour in support of the book, don't miss it! More info below!

THE MIGHTY VIN PODCAST @ COMIC BOOK JONES

This week we're also hosting a podcast by The Mighty Vin! This is a dry run and this is something we hope to continue doing in the future. You can expect a wide variety of guests as well as a comics feature with none other than Socko Jones. Here's the rest of the show's info from the Mighty Vin himself:

Comic Book Jones and DockStreet.com Presents: "The Mighty Vin Show" Podcast recorded LIVE February 10th at 6pm @ Comic Book Jones and up a few days later on the internets for download and listening pleasure.

The podcast will consist of interests and guests from the local community such as bands/live sets, comics, personalities, and of course, occasional guests from the world of comic books.

This will be a "test show" of sorts. Come check it out and show some support and it will almost definitely become a weekly thing (FREE live music/guests/podcast/possible giveaways and fun times every Wednesday night at CBJ? WHAT!!!).

This week's guests include:

-Musician Matt Wilson (www.myspace.com/theradiantradish)
-Talking Head/Editor-In-Chief of Dog And Pony Show/Local Filmmaker Carlo Montagnino (www.daps.tv)
-Local band The Seconds (www.myspace.com/thesecondsnyc

COMIC BOOK JONES PRESENTS MOVIE NIGHT @ THE CARGO CAFE Starting on Monday, February 8th, Socko Jones will be hosting Monday Night Movies down at the Cargo Cafe! This will take place place the second Monday of every month. The first movie you ask? Creep Show! The event starts @ 10PM. The Cargo Cafe is a great place for food and drinks (located at 120 Bay Street) and if you've got your secret society membership card the first drink is on the house! Don't miss it! DJ SOCKO JONES RETURNS TO MARTINI RED ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH On Friday, February 12th DJ Socko Jones will be making his return to the dance floor for the first time in over three years at Martini Red located at 372 Van Duzer Street. He'll be starting up at around 10:00pm and pumping out the funk, soul and other body shaking danceables until well into the evening. The first drink is on the house if you've got your Comic Book Jones Secret Society card and there will be other drink specials throughout the night. Don't miss it! FIRST EVER CBJ COMIC OLYMPICS COMPETITION In honor of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver we will be holding a similar competition on Saturday, February 20th - the first ever CBJ Comic Olympics! What the hell am I talking about? What kind of crazy idea is this now? Let me tell you. On that day starting at 9:00pm we'll be hosting a variety of different comic themed competitions and events such as Long Box Lifting, Issue Sorting, Bag & Board Time Trial and many more! Prizes will be given out to all winners and participants! Contestants will hail from places like Krypton, Latveria and other far off worlds! If you're interested please RSVP with us at the store or via e-mail. Please make sure that you register before 8:00pm on February 20th so that we have a good idea of what to expect, but if you can call or e-mail us well beforehand. There will be a special discount for all participants throughout the evening.

The Heart Of Star Trek

Sometimes I really do believe that “Everything I’ve Learned, I’ve Learned From Star Trek”

Consider this quote from the Original series episode “Who Mourns For Adonais”. The Enterprise is held captive by an entity calling itself Apollo and actually seems to BE the Greek God of Light and The Sun. during the course of the drama, Kirk and the landing party consisting of himself, McCoy, Scotty, Chekov and A&A officer Lt. Carolyn Palamas come in conflict with Apollo who insists that the crew stay and worship him …well…forever. In true Star Trek fashion the lovely Carolyn falls in love with Apollo (this takes about 15 minutes). However, in order to defeat Apollo, Kirk needs her to spurn her lover. GOOD conflict. Below is what he tells her:

KIRK: “Give me your hand. Your hand. Now feel that. Human flesh against human flesh. We’re the same. We share the same history, the same heritage, the same lives. We’re tied together beyond any untying. Man or woman, it makes no difference. We’re human. We couldn’t escape from each other even if we wanted to. That’s how you do it, Lieutenant. By remembering who and what you are. A bit of flesh and blood afloat in a universe without end. The only thing that’s truly yours is the rest of humanity. That’s where our duty lies.”

Those words always resonated with me beyond the context of the episode and even of Star Trek. But those words are at the CORE of what Star Trek is all about. Star Trek endures and resonates with it’s audience because it’s central message, when it is done right, centers around people and our connection to one another. Star trek has never really been about gadgets or starships. It has always been about the human condition. (Rather like Shakespeare in that way, only easier to read!)

Now think about those words in light of the recent disaster in Haiti….” That’s how you do it, Lieutenant. By remembering who and what you are. A bit of flesh and blood afloat in a universe without end. The only thing that’s truly yours is the rest of humanity. That’s where our duty lies.”

It resonates…it applies and it demands our attention and action because we ARE tied to the people in Haiti simply because we are all human beings. Not a bad message to get from a 44 year old TV show.

For me…for many people who have been Star Trek fans going all the way back to 1966, it is the humanity of the show that keeps us coming back. Jim Kirk is correct. We are just a bit of flesh and blood afloat in a universe without end. All you need to do is take a look at a photo of the Earth as seen from space to see that.

Unlike in the Indiana Jones movies, the earth from space has NO borders or lines on it’s surface. It is just ONE planet. A planet where humans currently hold stewardship, and all we have that we can truly call our own IS each other. Someday…soon I think our species will evolve to the point where the borders on our maps will go away as well and we will be one planet in our dealings with one another as a species. Someday humans WILL venture out into the Cosmos. It is in our nature to expand and explore. I really do believe that when we build our own starships and encounter other species that we will find that (to quote Kirk yet again) “Everyone is human”. And that we will be philosophically closer to Federation ideals than to Klingons.

The essential message of Star Trek’s creator, Gene Rodenberry , is that humanity has a positive future of limitless possibilities. I, for one, find that far more appealing that the post apocalyptic vision that permeates so much of the genre. Most Star Trek fans feel the same way. Of course the road to Cosmic Citizenship will not be without many risks and Star Trek addresses this as well. Consider this from “Return To Tomorrow”.

Kirk: “Risk…risk is our business. That’s what this starship is all about. That’s why we’re aboard her”

Kirk’s face absolutely lights up when he delivers those lines. He relishes the challenge to learn new things. To expand the borders of our knowledge….To Boldly Go Where No One Has Gone Before….

That’s 30!...(oh and Live Long and Prosper!)
Mitch

NEWS & EVENTS FOR THE WEEK OF 2/3/10

MAGIC THE GATHERING WORLDWAKE RELEASE PARTY THIS WEEK!

Ah, what a week! Special thanks to both Jacob Chabot and Chris "G" Giarrusso for coming down to the store and hanging out with us all day! They signed lots of books and did a ton of awesome sketches and we can't thank them enough. And, of course, thanks to all of you who came down in support, this is but the first in a long line of great things planned for this year.

As I write this, February is just around the corner and we've got a slew of cool things going on this month which I will gladly inform you of right now. First off is our Magic the Gathering Worldwake Release Party/Tournament followed by Socko's first movie night at the Cargo Cafe, the first ever CBJ Olympics event, the unbelievable signing with Ben McCool and Ben Templesmith in celebration of Choker, and the Alterna Comics Anniversary Showcase. More information on all this stuff can be found below so keep reading!

MAGIC THE GATHERING WORLDWAKE RELEASE PARTY

Worldwake hits this week! To celebrate we'll be having a release party on Friday, February 5th starting at 5:00pm. This will be a sealed deck tournament where the entry fee is $30, this gets you 6 packs. Registration starts at 4:00pm. There will be plenty of promos and cool prizes to go along to the winners so make sure you come by. Also, for the entire night all cards and card supplies will be 10% off! We'll have plenty of boxes and for sale as well as "buy a box" promotions. If you know you will be coming please RSVP so that we can get a proper head count, you can do this by e-mailing or calling us (comicbookjones@gmail.com / 718-448-1234). Please arrive on time! Friday! Friday! Friday!

COMIC BOOK JONES PRESENTS
MOVIES NIGHT @ THE CARGO CAFE

Starting on Monday, February 8th, Socko Jones will be hosting Monday Night Movies down at the Cargo Cafe! This will take place place the second Monday of every month. The first movie you ask? Creep Show! The event starts @ 10PM. The Cargo Cafe is a great place for food and drinks (located at 120 Bay Street) and if you've got your secret society membership card the first drink is on the house! Don't miss it!

FIRST EVER CBJ COMIC OLYMPICS COMPETITION

In honor of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver we will be holding a similar competition on Saturday, February 20th - the first ever CBJ Comic Olympics! What the hell am I talking about? What kind of crazy idea is this now? Let me tell you. On that day we'll be hosting a variety of different comic themed competitions and events such as Long Box Lifting, Issue Sorting, Bag & Board Time Trial and many more! Prizes will be given out to winners and participants! Contestants will hail from places like Krypton, Latveria and other far off worlds! If you're interested please RSVP with us at the store or via e-mail. We'll have more information on this event over the next week so keep it right here for more info to come.

OFFICIAL CHOKER RELEASE PARTY AND SIGNING!


This is going to be one for the ages folks so make sure you don't miss it! Choker is sure to be one of the hottest books of the year and we are extremely proud to announce that we will be hosting both writer Ben McCool and artist Ben Templesmith for a signing and release party on the date of the book's release on Wednesday, February 24th! This is Ben McCool's comic writing debut and, of course, you all know Ben Templesmith who is known for his works on 30 Days of Night, Wormwood, Fell, Welcome to Hoxford and Dead Space just to name a few. They'll be here signing all day and this will be followed by an after party with the serving of drinks and an in-store performance by none other than Captain Ahab & the Sea Crackens! P.S - I've read an advance copy of the first issue and it's amazing! Be sure to check out the preview in Walking Dead #69!

R. BEAST'S OUT OF LOVE WEB COMIC

Everyone's favorite web comic is back! After a long hibernation, R.Beast's Out of Love has returned to offer you more craziness and intrigue from the mind of Joseph Frontirre. I love this web comic and if you haven't checked it out yet you'll be pleased to know that the entire thing is available for your reading pleasure. New pages are added (just about) every week! Just click on the image below for an instant transport!

OFF WITH THE TOP OF MY HEAD!!

What up world?!

Damn this week in comics was HUGE! I think just about every Marvel and DC book hit the shelves this week. So much to talk about so little space. Let's get into it.

First up to bat is this week's "BLACKEST NIGHT" tie-ins.



GREEN LANTERN #50

Wow! That's what I really have to say about this issue. Knee deep in battling The Black Lanterns, Hal Jordan and company face off against the mother of all Black Lanterns, The Spectre. Attempting to defeat him using the light from every ring, Hal comes to the realization that the only thing that can stop him is Parallax. He explains how The Guardians divided Parallax's essence among four lanterns, Hal then proceeds to allow himself to become possessed by the creature. This issue was huge. From start to finish, it had me laughing and cheering on the characters as they battle for their lives. My favorite part was when Larfleeze was trying to get his Orange ring back from Lex Luthor and Luthor's only response was "s'mine". Blackest Night as a whole is really taking these characters to the extreme with so many references to past titles and story lines. This so far has to be the best and my favorite tie-in thus far.

5 out of 5 scared, shaking Scarecrows.



BLACKEST NIGHT: JSA #2 (OF 3)

Trapped inside the Brownstone as Mr. Terrific attempts to create a light that can defeat the horde of Black Lanterns outside trying to get in, his teammates battle for their lives. Liberty Belle, Atom Smasher and Powergirl are all the victims of a plot to allow one of their re-animated loved ones in the brownstone. What could be so important that Damage would blow up his fellow Black Lanterns? Easy, Superman Earth-2's body that can be reconnected by replacing his Black Ring.
This mini isn't half bad, being a fan of The JSA, I enjoy how James Robinson is utilizing the veterans and their ability to react wisely in bad situations. The only thing I don't really care for is that these mini-series don't make reference to the other ones. Fact in point, Earth-2 Lois Lane and Earth-2 Superman were both in "Blackest Night: Superman" mini, yet no one said to anyone else "Hey if you see them, they're playing an act, don't fall for it. Just kill them."? I mean come on, the Flash made his rounds telling everyone about the Black Lanterns, isn't anyone passing any other information?? And another thing, Didn't Bill Willingham blow up the brownstone in the core JSA book like 2 issues ago??

3 out of 5 Blown up Brownstones



THE ATOM AND HAWKMAN #46

Probably one of the best if not the best "last issue" dealing with Blackest Night. Ray Palmer's entire life since he met Jean Loring has been about nothing more than her. He felt that she could make his life whole and give him some meaning. This is the reason he is granted the Indigo Ring for Compassion. Through all the torment she put him through he still always loved her and had to shrink away to deal with it, now he's got the responsibility of protecting Indigo-1 while she makes contact with the rest of her tribe in an attempt to bring every member of every Corps to Earth for the final battle. Hawkman and Hawkgirl play a pivotal role as Ray's design for the perfect couple and the true meaning of love everlasting. This issue is a really deep issue dealing with Ray and his love for Jean and his compassion for her. Anyone who's ever had their heart broken can relate to this issue and it's got zombie's running around.

5 out of 5 sappy love stories

Moving right along, let's check in on this weeks X-Over, Necrosha



X-FORCE #23

Senyaka, Wither, Blink and Eli Bard have been sent to Utopia to recover the blade that will make Selene a goddess. Wolverine, Archangel, Warpath and Domino aren't going to let that happen without a fight. Meanwhile, Rahne is dying from the baby she's carrying. Hrimhari asks Hela to save Elixir so that he can save Rahne and the baby. Warpath goes to give Eli Bard the blade and is transported with them back to Genosha. Emma Frost tells Wolverine and company that they are going to Genosha and that they are to kill everyone there. The story is heating up and it's really getting good. I thought this was a cheap excuse for Marvel to bring back so many long dead characters but apparently it's a way to just have a reason for X-Force to kill everyone all over again. My one big complaint is that Clayton Crain's artwork is so dark that you kinda get lost as to what's going on visually. If this issue were straight pencils, I think it would've been a lot better. I still wonder, in all of the mutants that Selene brought back, how come she didn't bring Jean Grey back? or for that matter any of the mutants that died in the New X-Men book? We saw Laurie from New X-Men show up in Astonishing as a bio sentinel.

3 out of 5 I miss Jean Grey



X-MEN LEGACY #232

On Muir Island with the newly resurrected Proteus, Psylocke, Magneto, Colossus, Rogue, Husk, Trance and Nightcrawler try to save and possibly dis-possess Blindfold and Destiny from Proteus' control. One by one they all fall due to Proteus' new power of controlling more than one person at a time.
I have to say, I don't really understand what this has to do with Selene and "Necrosha" as a whole. Proteus did come back because he has some kind of link to Destiny since they both died on Muir Island but other than that, it seems like an excuse to bring a long dead villain back into the picture. My other problem with this story line and with the X-Books is that they have no continuity. Magneto and company are all on Utopia over in Uncanny, yet in every other X-book everyone is doing something else or part of the battle in "Necrosha". I think Marvel really needs to take a lesson from the Superman titles and notice how when one thing happens in one book they reference it in or it has an affect in the other books.

3 out of 5 Puppet Colossus

The "SIEGE" tie-in's are rolling in and here we go.



NEW AVENGERS #61

The Hood has been given the Norn Stones by Loki. He now tells his crew that he can boost their powers and they can get back at the Avengers. They roam around looking for the Avengers. That's pretty much this issue summed up right there. I'm a HUGE Avengers fan but this issue really doesn't deserve the "SIEGE BANNER" and it really had nothing to do with "SIEGE" at all. I'm sure Bendis has something up his sleeve as far as The Hood and his crew go but right now he's shooting blanks. Also, another issue that has come out that has STEVE ROGERS in it yet, his "CAPTAIN AMERICA: REBORN #5" just came out this week so technically he shouldn't even be there but he is. I'm really unhappy with that to the point I don't even want him in any part of anything right now. I'm one of the people who liked Bucky as Cap but let me shut up because I am going to review "CAPTAIN AMERICA: REBORN #5".

2 OUT OF 5 MAN I WISH THIS WOULD STOP SUCKING.



AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #32

Finally a book that really has something to do with "SIEGE". Taskmaster is all about getting his kill on and making a name for himself in the big leagues. Night Thrasher and the rest of The Avengers Resistance put two and two together and realize that Norman Osborn made the U-Foes go after Volstagg and basically recreated Stamford and the superhero civil war all over again.
This was a great issue, Taskmaster trying to step up his game and make a name for himself among the great like Norman Osborn and Dr.Doom is awesome. I've always liked his character and I always kinda thought that most writers underused him and made him too jokey. Now years later, he's not trying to take over the world, he's trying to run side by side with the villains who will. Diamondback following everyone as they all attack Thor to save her cover and at the same time try to save Thor because she knows they'll need in the end battle is great. She's heading in the same direction as Speedball.

4 out of 5 get your kills on!

Onto "FALL OF THE HULKS"!



RED HULK #1

This issue takes place before last weeks Incredible Hulk #606, LAME! It should have come out first in my opinion. When Dr. Doom is attacked by the Hulk and you got all excited but then you got frustrated because it turned out it was the "Cosmic Hulk", well this is the issue that explains how he got there in the first place. Red Hulk along with A-Bomb head into an A.I.M base where "Cosmic Hulk" is being stored. You come to find out that The Mad Thinker was given the idea to build him because of "The Cosmos Automaton", a device built by Galactus that would have someone or something build a sentient device to record the planet and report back to him about it. Luckily, Galactus hasn't used this in years since it can be distorted and he began using "Heralds".
I like the fact that they're really digging deep into the Hulk's history for this story. I don't like that this issue should've come out last week and I should be talking about "Incredible Hulk #606" this week.

3 out of 5 Badly colored Jack Kirby Galactus'

NOW SOME STUFF I REALLY HATED THIS WEEK....



CAPTAIN AMERICA: REBORN #5

WOW WHAT A PIECE OF S***! After all the hype and the planning and plotting and making specific moves towards bringing Steve Rogers back all they had to do was implant the Red Skull's psyche into Steve's body, let the two of them fight, have Steve beat his ass, send Red Skull back into the machine body Zola built for him and have a giant missle blow it up!? That's all it took to kill the Red Skull and bring Steve Rogers back!? CRap! Oh wait Steve has been back since early December according to "The Dark Avengers Annual #1". Come on guys this was just bad all around. It wasn't even a cool idea to have him bounce around his life in some weird dream sequence. I would've liked it better if he just stayed dead and got brought back to life at the end of "SIEGE" when The Sentry turns out to be Jesus Christ. I'm sorry but this was a waste of time and money and I don't think you should buy this and if you did well I'm sorry. You now own a colorful piece of toilet paper.

-1 out of 5 MAKE MINE BUCKY!

and continuing my rant..



ROBOCOP #1

New from Dynamite Entertainment comes a great cult film gone bad comic.
This book is supposed to pick up right after the first film.
So, how come "The Old Man" is some crazy vegetable with all these tubes and such coming out of him? At the end of the movie, He says to Robocop "Nice shooting there son, you got a name?" and Robocop replied "Murphy", roll credits.
Edwina Odenkirk takes over for the recently deceased Dick Jones and begins the ED-209B program in which she walks into Robocop's precinct and tells all the cops they're fired and they've been replaced.
How come this isn't how it went down in the second movie?
They even state that the ED-209 program was stopped and they wanted to try continuing research into another Robocop, hence why Kain the villain in the second film gets the robot makeover.
Why aren't they talking about the fact that the "Nuke" drug is taking over Detroit and ruining lives along with the economy falling apart?
Why are you telling a story that has nothing to do with the film series yet you're using it as a reference?
I know it's only the first issue but Edwina as the main "villain" doesn't make me want to read on neither does a battalion of ED-209B's that you know for a fact will kill everyone regardless of programming. I can go on and on and on. This book stinks.

-1 out of 5 sucky prequel sequels.

This n’ That

I love two things with a passion that borders on….well passionate. Comic books and Baseball! With the Jets, sadly passing from the scene this past Sunday two thoughts hit my brain at the same instant (causing lights to flicker all up and down my block!):

What comics are coming out this week and…

How many days until pitchers and catchers.?

With that said how about these Babe Ruth comics! What a perfect marriage of comics and baseball THAT is! We tend to think of comics as being all about action/ adventure , superheroes and even romance. BUT during the 40’s and 50’s SPORTS comics had their niche as well.

Comics and baseball. It doesn’t GET any better! Go Yanks in 2010!!!




Since the first Wing Commander Game for the PC back in 1990, gamers have been looking for a truly interactive “movie” A game in which plot cut scenes and action move so seamlessly that the player becomes totally immersed in the action. This has been a Holy Grail of sorts with games such as Resident Evil, Silent Hill and Assassin’s Creed coming close. But until now there has been no TRULY interactive game/movie hybrid. I say “until now” because the wait is OVER. I sat down with Mass Effect 2 last night and after playing through the first couple of missions I have to say that THIS game is a near perfect blending of cinematic plot and character development and game play goodness!

The characters are not just avatars to move the action along. They are fully fleshed out INDIVIDUALS and your choices have a very direct impact on how the well written plot unfolds. You have to strain to pick up where an in game cut scene ends and the combat begins. Accessing your inventory, powers and weapons uses the wheel system similar to Dragon Age and is completely non intrusive, so you always feel like you are IN the game. It says here that Mass Effect will be THE game of 2010!


Unabashed plugs!

The Flash gets his own title in April!

Black Widow gets HER own title in April!
Image is coming out with a Noir meets alien book called TURF in April that looks VERY interesting. The preview pages look wonderful and if you like the Marvel “Noir” books this may be up your alley. I know that I am going to jump on this!


See the boys (and girls) at CBJ and make sure you get ‘em on your pull list!!!

And while I am plugging I see that Power Girl #7 was only #95 in sales for October!!! Come on boys and girls! How many times have I mentioned that this is one of the funniest, sexiest and slam-bang ACTIONEST (is that a word??) titles on the shelves. Buy one! Buy TWO….I promise it’s like potato chips! You can’t read just one!!!

Do you really want to make HER mad at you??!!

Captain America Reborn #6 finally hit the stands this week. Not Brubaker’s strongest work but still pretty darn good! Of course I am thrilled that Steve Rogers is back (though due to scheduling issues he has actually BEEN back for a couple of months now). My daughter always likes to point out that I prefer the GOOD good guys like Cap and Superman to the BAD good guys like Punisher. Well that IS true but especially so with Cap.

I had left comic collecting after the “crash” in the mid-90’s, not long after the death and resurrection of Superman. I packed up about 30 long boxes that represented my collection and gave them an honored place in an elevated and dry spot in my basement, thinking that I was done with them for good. Pass them on to Alyx (someday the grand kids) and spend my golden years watching endless Star Trek and Buffy re-runs while eating chille with my fingers, drinking beer and exploring new methods of flatulence. It would have been an honorable enough passing into old age but LO!

(and how many times have you seen the word “Lo” lately?)

In 2007, on my way to work I was leafing through the Daily News and saw the earth shaking article that said Cap was going to DIE in issue #25!. “GREAT SCOTT!” I blurted…(it might have been Holey Moley or even It’s Clobberin’ Time but I digress) and ran out to get a copy…and who was this Brubaker guy anyway??

Well like any addict, all it took was ONE comic and I was BACK collecting comics at a record pace. So now three years ( and 12 MORE long boxes later) Cap and I are both back together, my wife is threatening to throw both me AND the comics out if I don’t move the boxes deeper into the basement, and I am not YET eating chille with my fingers.

You might say I was saved by Captain America!

That’s 30!

Mitch