Saturday, July 31, 2010

News & Events for 8/4/10

Shadowland & Brightest Day continues, Deadpool #1000!

Ahoy hoy! How is everyone doing this fine morning/afternoon/evening (whenever you happen to be reading this)? Oh, why we are splendid! Thank you for keeping us in mind. A few little highlights from this week and then it's on to all the news and new books coming at you this week.

First and foremost, a special thank you to John and Danielle Ruiz, Lou Manna, and Robert Agnello for coming down for their respective book signings. We hope you enjoyed their company as much as we did. Secondly, we would also like to congratulate local artist Evan Dorkin and his co-creator Jill Thompson on winning the Eisner award for their work on Beasts of Burden at this year's San Diego Comic Con. Congrats! If you haven't picked up their book yet, get on it! It's now available in a beautiful hardcover collection for only $19.99 and totally worth it!

Anyways, there are some great books coming out this week so make sure you survey the list on the right carefully before making your choices and remember that if you can't make it to the store week to week we do offer a pull list service. And, of course, special orders are always welcome out of the Previews catalog (the new one just came out this past week) so don't be afraid to ask us to order something for you. Have a great weekend and we'll see you at the shop!



OUR TOP 5 PICKS FOR THIS WEEK:




SCOTT PILGRIM VS THE WORLD TAILGATE PARTY



One of the biggest books of the last few years is finally getting the big screen treatment and in honor of this momentous occasion we'll be having another of our very wonderful tailgate parties! The movie in question? Scott Pilgrim vs. the World! If you haven't read this epic 6 part series then you're really doing yourself a disservice. This is easily one of the most fun books to come out in a long time and I can't wait to see if this film can capture the book's magic.

SO, with that said, the event will be kicking off on Thursday, August 12th @ 9PM. All you have to do is get your ticket for the midnight showing of the movie that night and then come down to the store for some free food, drinks and of course our special sale where everything in the store will be between 15% - 70% off! This is going to be one of the best ones we've ever had, I can feel it in my bones I tells ya! So make sure you don't miss it!

MARTIN RIVAS EP RELEASE TAILGATE PARTY

It's been a few months since we've turned Comic Book Jones into a music venue but I'm happy to report that on Friday, August 13th starting @ 9pm we'll be welcoming back Martin Rivas for a special in-store performance in celebration of his newest EP, The Convalescence. For those of you who don't know Martin Rivas is Socko's brother and he's an extremely talented singer and musician. If you don't believe me, come and see for yourself! His newest record is fantastic and you'll be able to hear a ton of his stuff if you come and join us.

We'll be running this event just like a tailgate party with free food and drinks and a special sale so make sure you come down to the store, pick up a copy of the record, hang out and let Marty speak to your soul through his music!

This N' That

And now another edition of This N' That!

At the Visionaries panel on Thursday afternoon at Comic-Con International: San Diego, Joss Whedon finally made it official. He is directing Marvel's big-screen team movie, "Avengers."
Whedon, asked about his involvement with the film, said, "the 'Avengers' directing job is not an official thing from Marvel but ...I'm making it official RIGHT NOW!"
His script is still in early stages He's still writing an outline.
The Avengers will see Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, and others from their respective movies coming together to form a super-powered team, and is due for a 2012 release.



“Batman Under The Red Hood” was released this week on DVD and BluRay. I had a chance to see it and I am declaring it a MUST BUY! In my (not so) humble opinion this latest entry into the DC animated universe is second only to New Frontier as the BEST DC animated feature to date. Without giving any of the plot away you get Batman, joker, Robin, Nightwing, Ras Al Ghul AND a visit from an old friend in a non stop 70 minute treat that is not only action packed but emotionally wrenching! Don’t walk…RUN…buy it!!







Everyone’s favorite (well MY favorite anyway) Geek Goddess Olivia Munn, co-host of G4 TV’s Attack Of the Show is on the verge of career breakout and a real shot at stardom. The hip, funny 30 year old model, writer, and comedienne who made diving into over sized chocolate pudding pies in a French maid’s uniform, must see TV is joining the cast of Chuck this season. Her new book “Suck It Wonder Woman! The Misadventures Of Hollywood geek” is a best seller and the lovely Ms. Munn is also the “Senior Asian Correspondent” on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” Unlike many poseurs, Olivia really IS a geek, just like us! So stand up and give a cheer for one of our own who is about to hit it very big!



The very last NON Wimpy TV vampire in history will be appearing at this fall’s NY Comic Con! James Marsters, better known to Buffy The Vampire Slayer fans, as Spike is, not only going to be signing at comic Con but will be doing a show with his band. Marsters has been very busy since the demise of Buffy. He appeared as Braniac in several episodes of Smallville (which he will reprise this season) and has a recurring role on the Battlestar galactic prequel “Caprica” , and is slated to appear in the pilot of CBS reboot of the classic “Hawaii Five-0”. Let’s all make sure to catch William the Bloody’s act at Comic Con in October!


It’s almost August and I had this odd feeling that something was missing from my life! Then I realized that, for the first time in nearly a decade there is no new season of 24 to look forward too! To which I give a big HARUMPH!



For those of you who have not tried it yet, I give a hearty recommendation to Top Cow’s new title, Velocity. I am not normally a “speedster” fan but this book has a chance to be something special. GREAT artwork and a central character that actually LOOKS like she can run! Give it a try.


Next we have this little tidbit from Fox news. It looks like the Man Of Steel has saved some real life people in need! The Man of Steel turned into a golden godsend for one family about to lose their home to foreclosure, MyFoxBoston reported.

While packing up their belongings amid foreclosure proceedings against their home, the anonymous family discovered an original edition of Action Comics #1 -- the first appearance of Superman, and the most valuable comic ever printed.

The comic book, first released in June 1938, is worth about $250,000 and has saved the family from financial ruin, MyFoxBoston reported. Some well-preserved copies have sold for over $1 million.

The home has been in the family's possession since the 1950s, and they believe the wife's father may have secured the comic away in a box in their basement in the 1950s, where it lay untouched for half a century.

But just in the nick of time they discovered the super-valuable comic, which they hope to auction off shortly.

The couple reached out to a comic collector and dealer in New York who said they're "still a little shell-shocked about finding this book," the station reported.

"I was so nervous when I realized what it was worth," a member of the family told the collector, according to a report in Asylum.com. "I know I am very fortunate, but I will be greatly relieved when this book finds a new home."



Several sources, including The Superman Homepage (http://www.supermanhomepage.com/) are reporting that the next DC Animated feature to go into production will be an adaptation of the Eisner Award winning All Star Superman! This 12 issue series was released in 2005 and centered around the Man Of Steel’s reaction to the news that he had only one more year to live. All Star Superman was a huge fan favorite and should generate a lot of buzz in the months to come!


And…The Tick is STILL cancelled!

That’s 30!

Mitch

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Action #1 Retro review

The single most important event in the entire history of comic books is the publication of Action #1 in June of 1938. All of the millions and millions of comics printed since…the movies…TV Shows…radio programs…T-shirts…lunch boxes…video games….toys and countless other forms of merchandise…ALL of it sprung from a single ten cent comic with a new type of character created by two young boys from Cleveland named Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster and published by a former soft core pornographer named Harry Donenfeld.
Think about that. Action #1 was the source…the well spring for a hobby that has just celebrated itself at the San Diego Comic Con with well over 100,000 attendees.
In just the past year two copies of Action #1 have sold for over one million dollars.
Most importantly, Action #1 gave us Superman. Nothing would ever be the same. It is safe to say that, without this watershed event, it is very likely that our hobby would be very different today…if it existed at all.
While many, if not most comic fans have read that first Superman story, very few are familiar with the entire issue. The 64 page wonder that IS Action #1. So right here, we are going to step into our time machine and go back to the newsstand that used to occupy the corner of 34th and Lexington Avenue, fork over a dime for a copy and read it (SLOWLY) while we sip on cold Chocolate Egg Creams!
Yes my friends …THIS is an Action #1 RETRO REVIEW!!!


Imagine being a 10 year old boy back in 1939. You have never seen Star Wars. You know nothing about “superheroes” because they don’ exist yet. The word “computer” means nothing to you. Out of nowhere the cover of Action #1 catches your eye! A powerful figure clad in blue, red and yellow, with a flowing cape carries a car over his head. Smashing it into a small hill, pieces of the car flying into the air. He scatters the crooks who run, literally, for their lives.
WOW! What a cover! This particular cover has been copied and paid homage to many times over the years. It remains THE iconic cover in all of comics.

Above Buffy the Vampire Slayer pays Homage to Action #1…and very stylishly to boot!
Inside that cover is a promotional contest that engages the reader to color in the splash page for the black and white Chuck Dawson feature. (Yes, early Golden Age comics often had features in black and white!) The ad promises a cash prize of ONE WHOLE DOLLAR for the 25 best entries!

The lead story is, of course the first appearance of SUPERMAN!

As a distant planet is destroyed by old age, a scientist places his infant son in a space capsule and launches it toward Earth. The capsule is found by a passing motorist, who brings the baby to an orphanage, where the child astounds the attendants with his superhuman powers. Young Clark Kent, can jump over buildings, lift enormous weights, and run faster than a freight train. His skin is impenetrable. Clark dedicates himself to serve humanity as Superman, the champion of the oppressed.

In his first adventure, Superman learns that an innocent woman named Evelyn Curry is to be executed for murder. He captures the real murderess, and delivers her, bound and gagged, to the governor's mansion. He breaks through the door to confront the governor, and convinces him to call off the execution at the last minute.

At the Daily Star, where Clark works as a reporter, he's given the assignment to cover the stories about a man with amazing strength named Superman. He hears a tip about a wife-beating, and rushes off to cover it -- then changes into Superman, and stops the man before he kills his wife.

Returning to the Daily Star, Superman asks fellow reporter Lois Lane out on a date; she accepts out of pity. A thug named Butch tries to cut in while Clark and Lois are dancing. To protect his secret identity, Clark pretends to be a cowardly weakling. Convinced that Clark is a spineless worm, Lois slaps Butch and walks out. Enraged, Butch and his friends leave the club and take Lois prisoner. Superman spots them and gives chase, smashing the car with his bare hands. He picks Lois up into his arms and carries her to safety. She's astonished, and the next morning, she tells her editor about her experience with Superman.

Clark is given an assignment to go to San Monte, a war-torn South American republic. First, he goes to Washington, D.C., where he spies a slick lobbyist, Alex Greer, trying to convince Senator Barrows to involve the US in a war with Europe. Superman grabs Greer, and demands to know who he's working for. Greer refuses to talk, so Superman jumps up to the top of the Capitol building, and threatens to smash Greer to the ground. To be continued

The story is frenetic…disjointed and illustrated in a minimalist style that borders on chicken scratch. Yet all of the elements of the modern superhero are there. The energy and the color are there. This first Superman tale reads like an old Warner’s Brothers Jimmy Cagney movie. The Man of Steel is not battling super powered foes, aliens from space or Dinosaurs. He is dealing with corruption, wife beaters, and hoods. It is the perfect Depression era power fantasy. Not only did it resonate with the youth of the time, the story actually remains fresh and fun to this day.
The next feature is Chuck Dawson (he of the coloring contest!). It is standard western fare written and illustrated by Homer Fleming. Chuck’s father had been killed by bad guys who then took over his ranch, The Circle D. After returning growing to maturity on his Uncle’s spread in Wyoming, Chuck returns to settle the score!! As I said this is standard western fare. However, the art work is first rate. In fact it is much better than Shuster’s work in the Superman feature. Perhaps the lack of color, which often obscured the fine lines of the artist, had something to do with it. None the less, Chuck Dawson is a very well drawn strip.

Next up, and in color(!), is Zatara by Fred Guardineer
“Champion of Law and order. The World’s greatest Magician and his faithful assistant, Tong (you can’t make this stuff up!), have dedicated their lives to wiping out the forces of Outlawry(?) led by the beautiful woman criminal and Zarara’s arch-enemy, “the Tigress’. Now they are atempting to solve “The Mystery Of The Freight Train Robberies”
Like his daughter, the MUCH yummier Zatanna, Zatara conjures by speaking backwards. Which is about the only thing worth noting about this story. For some reason early comics were heavily populated by crime fighting magicians and Zatara is pretty much the standard spell casting do-gooder.

“South Sea Strategy” by “Captain Frank Thomas” is a two page prose filler about an island jungle, kidnapped beauty and the hero who plans to rescue her. Text pages were required in order for comics publishers to qualify for Fourth Class mailing rates. This practice continued into the 1960’s when I was starting to collect myself. I never read them. Neither did any kid I knew. Nuff said!

Sticky-Mitt Stimpson is a comedy strip featuring an inept thief who manages to get nearly the entire police force on his tail when he snatches an orange from a local street vendor. It has that Mutt and Jeff/Gasoline Alley sort of look and is a rather delightful diversion. I could easily see this as a Sunday Newspaper strip of the time.

The next feature is entitled “The Adventures Of Marco Polo” by Svel Elven and details the travels of the real life explorer as a young man in the year 1271. His party runs afoul of Babylonian Warships and his quest to deliver the Pope’s greetings and two Priests to the Khan Of Tartary to impart their knowledge of Europe. Think “Classics illustrated” and you have a pretty good idea about the look and how it reads. This strip is not bad for what it is, but seems out of place in Action. The artwork for this strip is more on the higher level of the newspaper strips of the time. (Comic book art was for the most part inferior to newspaper strip art. The best artists made much more money doing their work for the more prestigious news papers)
Next up is Fred Guardineer’s “Pep” Morgan, A Joe Palooka precursor about a boxer (Pep) and how he foils a crooked boxers attempt to cheat his way to victory. Boxing movies were very popular in Hollywood at that time so the inclusion of a boxing strip in an “Action” comic makes perfect sense. Guardineer actually does a much better job writing AND illustrating Pep Morgan than he did with Zatara. In fact it looks as if at least some of Pep Morgan was produced by a “ghost” artist as was common practice at the time.


Scoop Scanlon Five Star Reporter is another black and white effort, this time by Will Ely. As I mentioned earlier, early comics often had black and white features in with the color work. This was often done so that printing deadlines could be met. In the late 30’s the “crusading reporter” was extremely popular in films , pulps and novels. Said crusading reporters spent less time writing than they did beating up n the bad guys. So it went with “Scoop” in this standard actioner. Eli looks to have borrowed something of the look of Chester Gould’s “Dick Tracy”. While his lines are softer than Gould’s, you can see the square jawed Tracy in the profile of Scoop Scanlon.

The final feature in Action #1 is “Tex Thompson” by Bernard Baily. Tex, having struck it rich in oil, travels the world in search of adventure. His first appearance here follows, Tex to England where he runs afoul of a beautiful murderess. Tex is notable because he would later take on the Identities of Mr. America and The Americommando!

Finally the inside back cover is Odds N ends by Moldoff which is a series of small sports oriented cartoons. It features Lou Gehrig who had not yet played his 2,000th consecutive game!

The rear outside cover features offerings from Johnson Smith & Company, purveyors of novelties! I love this stuff. You can buy all sorts of great novelties for a few sense. Want to learn to tap dance/ Want to throw your voice? Need Bulldog fish hooks? Johnson Smith is your man!!
So there it is. Action #1 cover to cover! Some of this book…well ALL of this book may seem simplistic and even amateurish by today’s standards but every comic that has been published since owes it’s existence to Action #1 and there is not a single superhero that does not borrow at least something from this first Superman strip.

That’s 30!

Mitch

Saturday, July 24, 2010

NEWS & EVENTS FOR WEEK OF 7/28/10

Huge DC week, Wolverine Origins finale & Walking Dead Vol 12 TP! YES!

The releases this week are so great I don't even know where to start! First and foremost, Walking Dead Vol 12! YES! It's always a celebration when the newest collection comes out. So, so good! If you haven't started reading this series, plain and simply - you're a fool. It's soon to be a hit TV show on AMC so be in the know and read it before it's release in October.

That aside, we have a ton of Brightest Day/Green Lantern tie-ins coming out this week and a whole slew of great Marvel titles, including my personal favorite Punisher Max! Get those lists ready and be prepared for a heap of solid reading. In the meantime, check out the rest of this mailer for a healthy dose of events happening at CBJ this summer. We have a bunch of store signings spearheaded by local talent and a couple of really awesome tailgate parties on the way so make sure you get all the info.



OUR TOP 5 PICKS FOR THIS WEEK:




SCOTT PILGRIM VS THE WORLD TAILGATE PARTY



One of the biggest books of the last few years is finally getting the big screen treatment and in honor of this momentous occasion we'll be having another of our very wonderful tailgate parties! The movie in question? Scott Pilgrim vs. the World! If you haven't read this epic 6 part series then you're really doing yourself a disservice. This is easily one of the most fun books to come out in a long time and I can't wait to see if this film can capture the book's magic.

SO, with that said, the event will be kicking off on Thursday, August 12th @ 9PM. All you have to do is get your ticket for the midnight showing of the movie that night and then come down to the store for some free food, drinks and of course our special sale where everything in the store will be between 15% - 70% off! This is going to be one of the best ones we've ever had, I can feel it in my bones I tells ya! So make sure you don't miss it!

BAND OF INNOCENCE SIGNING
W/LOU MANNA & ROBERT AGNELLO




On Wednesday, July 28th we are very pleased to welcome artist Lou Manna and writer Robert Agenllo to the store to promote their new graphic novel, Band of Innocence. Lou Manna has worked in the comic industry for years illustrating books such as Legion of Superheroes, Young All-Stars, Infinity Inc, and the Phantom as well as a handful of other great titles. This will be Robert Agnello's first graphic novel and we'd love nothing more than to give them both a very warm reception at the store. So come down to the store, check out a new book, get it signed and be sure to pick up some sketches as well. They will be here signing from 6pm - 9pm. More info to come!

MARTIN RIVAS EP RELEASE TAILGATE PARTY

It's been a few months since we've turned Comic Book Jones into a music venue but I'm happy to report that on Friday, August 13th starting @ 9pm we'll be welcoming back Martin Rivas for a special in-store performance in celebration of his newest EP, The Convalescence. For those of you who don't know Martin Rivas is Socko's brother and he's an extremely talented singer and musician. If you don't believe me, come and see for yourself! His newest record is fantastic and you'll be able to hear a ton of his stuff if you come and join us.

We'll be running this event just like a tailgate party with free food and drinks and a special sale so make sure you come down to the store, pick up a copy of the record, hang out and let Marty speak to your soul through his music!

ROB MORGANBESSER IN-STORE SIGNING!

On Saturday, August 14th starting at 1pm, come down to the store to meet author Robert Morganbesser, have a nice chat with him and pick up one of his many fiction compilations we have for sale here at the store - Tales of the Norse Gods, Startling Stories and Zombies In Time & Space! All are great and contain a wide array of different stories from a handful of authors. This event is all about supporting local talent so please come and show your support! We'll have plenty of copies of all the books on hand and I can speak from personal experience when I tell you that Rob makes for some wonderful conversation! Don't miss it!

SHIPPING UPDATES

Amazing Spider-Man #639 - 8/4/10 (Old Date 7/28/10)
Astonishing X-Men #35 - 8/11/10 (Old Date 7/28/10)
Avengers Academy #3 - 8/11/10 (Old Date 8/4/10)
Batman Return of Bruce Wayne #5 - 8/25/10 (Old Date 8/11/10)
Captain America #608 - 8/4/10 (Old Date 7/28/10)
Dark Wolverine #89 - 8/11/10 (Old Date 8/4/10)
Dark Wolverine #90 - 8/11/10 (Old Date 8/18/10)
Deadpool Wade Wilsons War #3 - 8/4/10 (Old Date 7/28/10)
Doomwar #6 - 8/4/10 (Old Date 7/28/10)
Ex Machine #50 - 8/11/10 (Old Date 7/28/10)
Kick Ass 2 #1 - 8/11/10 (Old Date 8/4/10)

Monday, July 19, 2010

OFF WITH THE TOP OF MY HEAD!!

WHAT UP WORLD?!

Back for another session of my ranting and raving about what I thought was good and what I thought sucked this week in comics. Not a gigantic week so there isn't much to chat about and since my co-blogger Holmes aka Mitch wrote about "Superman #701", there's even less for me to say..so I figured since I have the time and the fam over at CBJ allow me to, I'd like to point out to everyone that my friends band STABBING EDEN is going on tour starting this Thursday 7/22, with their first date being on Staten Island. I'm filling in for their singer for this tour so you should really make it a point to come out and hang with me before we leave.
Here's the fliers for the shows.




if you've never heard them check them out on myspace.
myspace.com/stabbingedenduo
and while your at it go check out my band who are going to start recording 5 new songs while I'm away!!!
myspace.com/thegrievingprocess

alright enough shameless self promotion.



X-FILES / 30 DAYS OF NIGHT #1

After the horrible cinematic mess that was the last X-Files movie, Steve Niles and Adam Jones take everyone's favorite FBI agents and does them justice..and on top of that he throws in those damn pesky Vampires that keep showing up in Alaska.
As it always is with Mulder and Scully, a strange case is put in front of them and as always they have to pick apart the pieces and put everything together, only this time around they're going to be going head first against an ancient threat that will not back down and has the means to not only eradicate them but everyone involved to keep their existence secret.
In this first issue the dialogue between Mulder and Scully was nothing short of classic X-Files conversations. Mulder being the pessimist conspiracy theorist takes what he sees at the crime scene and already begins to make his assumptions about who or what they're up against as Scully being the level headed straight-woman, doesn't want to jump to conclusions but at the same time doesn't want to dismiss her partner's instincts because he's usually right.
Steve Niles and Adam Jones do an excellent job of creating a state of panic and intrigue as the story just kicks off and who knows what will happen. I'm just excited to see Niles writing a 30 Days of Night story again and to mix in two of the best non powered heroes just ups to ante.
Tom Mandrake is handling the art duties and this is one of his defining moments. His sequences of the arctic tundra and the bloody crime scene just sends chills up your spine to think that something is out in the blinding white snow hunting humans.
If you're a fan of either X-Files or 30 days, i strongly suggest you get this book ASAP because if not you're missing out on something big here.

5 out of 5!!



SECOND COMING REVELATIONS: HELLBOUND #3 (OF 3)

What a colossal waste of a mini-series and characters! I'm sorry but I really hated this last issue. Harvey Tolibao's artwork is awesome and Chris Yost is a great writer, I don't know what the hell happened but somewhere along the way things got jerked and the end of this story sucked!
The team consisting of Pixie, Gambit, Dazzler, Northstar, Anole, Cannonball and Trance travel to Limbo in search of Magik who was hit with some kind of magic bomb by Bastion that bound her and sent her headfirst into Limbo.
Gambit gets overcome by whatever evil Apocalypse infected him with almost 5 years ago and his Death persona takes over and infects Dazzler and Northstar. Magik is being held captive as Pixie is tempted to kill her by N'astirh who wants her soulsword and complete control over Limbo once again.
This story is like a left over from X-Infernus with Second Coming thrown in just to get people more interested in it. In all honesty, I think this should have been a short three issue story arc in New Mutants than making it a miniseries that really failed to have anything to do with the story it was being associated with.
The only thing I really liked about this mini was that Cannonball as a character has really stepped up to the plate and is finally being written like someone who's been training his whole life to become a leader. You can really see how Chris Yost is taking elements of Cyclops and Cable and instilling them in Cannonball's demeanor. Instead of failing to lead the team or not know what to do, when the going got tough, he stood up and fought and with some serious conviction. I really hope this carries over into New Mutants and we get to see more of him being a strong leader and not so much as an indecisive leader-to-be.

3 out of 5



SECOND COMING #2

The final chapter of this epic storyline finally comes to an end. Cable is dead, Hope saved the X-Men and destroyed Bastion. Where do you go from there, simple now you look back on everything that's happened and pass judgment on everyone's decisions while attending to the wounded.
Hope copes with the passing of Cable and must now find her place amongst a group of people she doesn't even know and somehow fit into this mold they've created for her being the Mutant Messiah. This story has really shaped her as a character because she has gone from a small child on the run from Bishop to a skilled soldier to a savior in such a short amount of time, she's yet to have a chance to find out who she is herself. She's been told since day one when to run, when to sleep, when to eat and more or less how to think. Now is the time she finally has the chance to grow on her own and she's scared because the only person she could turn to is gone.
With Cable gone and everyone feeling sorry for themselves, they all begin reflecting back on the past year or so. Wolverine is taking it the hardest out of everyone because not only did he lose two friends, he potentially corrupted other people into a world or espionage and murder that he sought to escape when he joined the X-Men. It's interesting to see this point of view from a character that for so long was a "kill first, ask questions later" kinda guy, who now in retrospect is not only trying to atone for his sins but trying not to make the same mistakes or put other people on the same path that he's once walked.
With all of that said and everyone looking at one another differently in lieu of recent events, Cyclops dismantles X-Force and has Wolverine tell everyone to move on and forget the things they were asked to do for the betterment of Mutant kind. Wolverine in typical fashion disbands the group only to create his own version of X-Force with just one rule "Tell no one."
Cyclops stepped up as the head of his species and really came through when the chips were down, albeit at a cost of friendships and trust, he made the decisions that no one else was capable of being convicted enough to make. In doing so, he alienated himself from Emma and a majority of the team but sometimes you can't please everyone with what you feel is right.
At the end, the biggest shocks were delivered. Emma bared witness to what could potentially become a serious problem in the future as Hope standing by a fire showed signs of THE PHOENIX FORCE!!
AND.....
Five new Mutant signatures showed on Cerebra. The Mutant species may not be on the verge of extinction after all. We'll have to wait and see what comes about in the next couple of months.

5 out of 5!!!!

Thursday, July 15, 2010

How Do You Keep The Music Playing?


How do you not run out of new things to say about Superman? After all, the Man Of Steel has been with us since 1938. He has fought every sort of battle and always come out on top. Hell, even death didn’t kill him! Superman has become SO powerful and SO ingrained in our culture that we often take him for granted. Most of the collectors I know don’t even read Superman on a regular basis. He is just sort of…there like Mickey Mouse or Charlie Brown. Not forgotten but not relevant either.

That is about to change.


Following the events depicted in the New Krypton and War of the Superman Story Arcs, J. Michael Straczynski is taking Superman in a whole new direction with his “Grounded” storyline that will be running through Superman #712.


Superman’s greatest “power” has always been his Humanity. Yes, he can leap tall buildings in a single bound, bend steel in his bare hands, change the course of Mighty Rivers…all that jazz. So can a lot of other spandex clad heroes. What sets Clark apart is how HUMAN he is. He really cares about people. He is not driven by trauma to do what he does like Batman…or even Spider-Man. Superman is and has always been driven by his love of people. He just wants to help.


Following the New Krypton storyline, “Grounded” (which kicked off in issue #700) depicts Superman's return to Earth after residing on New Krypton. Exiting a congressional hearing about the "Hundred Minute War," he is confronted with the notion that he has grown disconnected from everyday Americans he has been committed to watching over, and doesn't truly know what his adopted people are like anymore. Feeling a responsibility to his adopted homeland, and wanting to reconnect to his greatest power he begins a long journey where he will walk across the United States to reconnect with the everyday people he is committed to protecting.


Issue #701 hit the stands this week and Straczynski has composed a touching and insightful first chapter on Superman’s walk about. The Man of Steel starts his cross country trek in Philadelphia, moving from the suburbs through the city and out on the road again. Along the way he speaks to reporters, stops at a diner, runs off some local drug runners and shares some candy with a child. He then comes across a police line in the city. A young woman is going to jump from the ledge of a tall building and commit suicide. The police think Superman is going to just leap in and grab her. Instead, Clark simply listens to her. He talks with her and STAYS with her. He uses his greatest power and ultimately saves the girl in one of the single most touching panels you will see in a comic book for years. (Eddy Barrows artwork is both grand and poignant at the same time). Everything that Superman does in Philly would seem somehow…smaller than what he normally does. No bullets bounce off his chest, there are no great displays of his strength or invulnerability. What he does in this story is HELP people…in a very personal way. You can see he is emotionally effected by the girl’s hopelessness, delighted by a small child offering him candy, earnest when the locals tell him about the drug dealers who have set up shop across the street. He is flexing his truest power, his humanity.


Straczynski is, in effect, taking Superman back to his roots. Kal-El may have been born on Krypton but CLARK is of this earth. He was “born” and raised in Smallville and is as human as you and I. Superman is also uniquely American and it is fitting that his walk about is across the United States. Yes, Superman helps all people, everywhere but his core values are American. Truth, justice and The American Way are, after all, the Superman Mantra. He represents the best of what it is to be American.


Superman #701 is a wonderful read and I am anxiously waiting for the next chapter. I hope you all come along on Superman’s journey as well.


I should stop right here to strongly suggest that, if you haven’t already read the afore mentioned New Krypton and War Of The Supermen issues, that you do so as soon as you can. While not necessary for you to enjoy the current Straczynski arc, they were grand, epic, and some of the very best Superman books in the last twenty years. They are well worth your time and will provide perspective on Superman’s motivations in the Grounded storyline. However, even if you don’t go back to those issues “Grounded’ is a perfect jumping in point for new readers, so if you have not read Superman or if you have left the books, now is a great time to start!


That’s 30!


Mitch

Monday, July 12, 2010

OFF WITH THE TOP OF MY HEAD!!

WHAT UP WORLD?!
Another amazing week in comics this past week and so much to talk about. I just want to jump right into it because...I've got something to say.



X-Men #1

Wow, it's really been 20 years since Jim Lee and Chris Claremont launched X-Men #1. Time flies when your a mutant. Anyways, this week saw the launch of a brand new series simply called "X-Men". Following the blockbuster "Second Coming" story and "The Death of Dracula one shot", This new book starts off with a literal bang as the Vampires of the Marvel Universe let everyone know they're still alive and kicking.
If you've never read the Blade series that came out a couple of years ago where Blade was on the verge of finally killing off all Vampires and was tricked into re-birthing them back into existence, I strongly suggest doing your homework before checking out this book and the massive story that's soon to follow it.
I'll be completely honest I really didn't care for the "Death of Dracula one shot" and I was really very annoyed with how all of a sudden these different sects and aspects of the Vampire world showed up without any prior history. Okay, I got over it and read this new issue of X-Men and actually really enjoyed it. The fact that it's a new X-men book aside, writer Victor Gischler (Deadpool Merc with a mouth) is comparing the dying Mutant species with The Vampire species makes a lot of sense. That and the fact that the X-Men have had a long history with the Vampire King and his kind just adds so much to the story. Dracula being gone leaves endless possibilities.
Without giving away too much, the delivery system in which The Vampires infect normal people with Vampire blood is genius. Have a big diesel Vampire walk into a crowded area and explode from exposure to sunlight, literally spilling his guts all over everyone and everything.
I highly recommend that you do your homework before jumping into this book and the "Curse of the mutants" story just so you know what's going on without questioning "what the hell happened before this?"

4 out of 5



X-FORCE #28

The 13th chapter of the 14 chapter blockbuster that is "Second Coming". So much happens in such a short amount of time it's almost unfair that Marvel didn't make this the last chapter and a double sized issue. After battling back the seemingly endless army of future Nimrod Sentinels and being trapped within Bastion's containment bubble, The X-Men finally have a fighting chance because of Cable and X-Force jumping into the future and stopping everything at the source.
Bastion stands by and watches as everything he's plotted and planned falls apart because of Hope and her adopted father Cable.
In a final effort to save his friends, Cable finally gives in to the Techno Organic Virus that's plagued him his whole life and lets it consume him so he can act like a buffer to allow X-Force to jump back through the time stream. Sadly, once everyone is through he explodes as the portal closes.
This fuels Bastion and Hope to have the final showdown that we've all been waiting for.
Hope finally displays her powers as she remembers everything Cable said to her about how and when she would know it was time to unleash what she's got inside her.
I think that since way back in "Messiah Complex" when Rogue touched Hope with bare skin, that Hope not only absorbed Rogue's inner voices of all the people she's come into contact with but also some of Rogue's mutant powers making her able to tap into Mutants around her and copy and use their abilities.
The final outcome is more or less what we all expected, Hope defeats Bastion and destroys him and his minions as well as piercing a hole in his containment bubble and freeing everyone. The mutant messiah has finally been exposed and helped her people from extinction.
What does this mean for Hope? What does this mean for the X-Men? What does this mean for the world outside that the X-Men have a member of biblical proportions? Only time will tell and there is still another chapter to the story to be told this week in "Second Coming #2".

5 out of 5



BRIGHTEST DAY #5

Let’s look at these stories one at a time. First off, the Hawks. Of the three stories that we touch on this issue, this is the one that seems most divorced from everything that’s going on. There’s some good battle scenes here, which make these scenes better, but the question of what’s going on with Hawkworld is not, at the moment, as compelling as the other two stories. In the Aquaman and Mera storyline, Aquaman goes nuts on an oil rig, bringing him into conflict with some new characters and bringing out a truly surprising revelation about Mera. This storyline is a good bit more interesting. Aquaman himself is clearly being affected by the fallout of Blackest Night, and those changes are actually a bit frightening. The Mera reveal comes out of nowhere, and considering how many fans the character picked up during Blackest Night, it’ll be very interesting to gauge the reaction to this one.

The Deadman stuff, though, is easily the strongest in the book. Hawk’s insistence that Boston Brand use his power to bring his brother back to life leads to a couple of interesting moments. The ring itself (or perhaps it’s the Lantern, or the Entity – whoever is talking to Boston) also starts to develop a bit of a personality of its own beyond just giving commands. This also seems to be the story that’s most directly connected with the Big Mystery of why these twelve characters came back from the dead, and with the news that this question will be answered very soon, this seems to be the channel we’re going to take to get there. Boston has always been a cool character, but watching this story through his eyes has made him a great one.

3 out of 5



AVENGERS: THE CHILDREN'S CRUSADE #1 (OF 9)

YES! FINALLY AFTER SUCH A LONG WAIT ALLAN HEINBERG AND JIMMY CHEUNG ARE BACK AND WRITING ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS AGAIN!! Albeit, it's only a mini-series finally chronicling the search for the Scarlet Witch since her disappearance after "House of M", but it finally brings the pair back together and working on one of if not the best comic Marvel had/has to offer. Wiccan and Speed are the supposed children of the Scarlet Witch and Vision. The two boys show the same powers as their mother and uncle Quicksilver.
It now being "THE HEROIC AGE" and The Avengers being back to full strength, Captain America brings in Wiccan after a display of his powers, fearful that he may unknowingly cause a catastrophic event such as his "mother" did when saying "No More Mutants." This being a teen team book, of course the rest of the Young Avengers won't have their teammate Wiccan locked up and tested. They stage a jailbreak and free their friend from the non captive captivity that he was being held in. The team decides that the best course of action is to prove to the Avengers and the world that The Scarlet Witch was under someone's control and didn't willingly de-power 85% of the world's mutants.
This comic has it all, action, drama, laughs, love and of course ALLAN HEINBERG AND JIMMY CHEUNG working on the YOUNG AVENGERS!
I think this is going to be the next big book to read so if you passed it up for whatever reason, go back and get this comic NOW!!!!

5 out of 5!~!!!!!!!



SHADOWLAND #1 (OF 5)

When you find yourself quoting lines from a comic to friends and family, that's when you know you've got an awesome comic in your hands. Shadowland has been building up for months in the pages of Daredevil and finally after a long wait it's all come to fruition. Matt Murdock had been through so much in the past couple of months, from losing his wife, his life and now becoming the leader of the Hand, things have gone in a dramatically different direction that all of us thought it would.
Things are really looking like Matt is going the way of Anakin Skywalker by giving in to the dark side head first. The Avengers want him to know that they've got his back but if he steps out of line they'll be the first one's to put him down, so who better to send out to speak with him than his long time friends, Luke Cage and Iron Fist. They arrive as Matt and his fellow Hand ninja's are chasing after Bullseye, recently escaping transport on his way to the Vault Prison. Matt says the best line in the comic after being asked by his so-called friends if he needs help.."Do you pledge your undying allegiance to The Hand?"
Andy Diggle has really gone above and beyond with his recent run on Daredevil and with Shadowland really taking everything back to basics and making it a true battle for New York, everyone should be reading this comic and if you're not I think it's time you sat down and read the past 6 months of Daredevil, Daredevil: The List and then read Shadowland #1 and I think you might be hooked.

5 out of 5



SCARLET #1

Scarlet is a comic that bares its stylized choices on its sleeve. Above all else, plot, characterization, and subtext, style is what readers will notice first when flipping through the debut of this Bendis and Maleev creator owned series. Bendis' usage of breaking the fourth wall and actually having the character speak directly to the reader as she tells her tale of how she got to where she is at the end of the issue is what really makes this book pop!

First off is the art by Alex Maleev. Since first pairing with Bendis on Daredevil, Maleev’s visual power has been among the most distinctive in the industry. He sticks with that signature look here, delivering the same photorealism under an embossed image filter that we’ve all grown to know and love. It’s a look that remains largely unmatched when it comes to conveying emotive facial expressions and believable streetscapes.

Surprisingly is the different method Bendis uses for the narrative. This isn’t the typical rapid-fire dialogue that he's used in almost every book he's worked on. Instead, it’s the decision to explain the story through the use of some very direct first person narration. In the language of casual conversation, Scarlet explains her dislike for corrupt cops and shameless street crime, inviting the reader to grab a gun and join the fun if you will.

All in all, Scarlet is nothing short of fun and a great read. Anyone looking for a new book to get onto, this is the perfect opportunity.

5 out of 5

Friday, July 9, 2010

NEWS & EVENTS FOR WEEK OF 7/14/10

SHADOWLAND IS UNDERWAY, MTG RELEASE & PRE-RELEASE THIS WEEK!

WOW, Shadowland kicked off this past week (along with a ton of other great titles) and I'm happy to report that it will continue with Daredevil #508 being released this week, summer comic fun for all! If you still haven't picked up issue #1 and/or you haven't been following the recent Daredevil story arc, do yourself a favor and start picking it up. Scarlet #1 was another great title that I highly recommend to anybody who is a fan of Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev, it's a fantastic original story and I can't wait for the next issue.

Anyway, a great big thank you to Dark Horse Comics for sending us a whole bunch of signed lithographs and posters in honor of us winning the "Best Comic Shop in NYC" contest they hosted on Facebook. There's some really cool stuff here so make sure you come and pick one up. They are completely free and it's on a first come first serve basis.

For all you Magic the Gathering fans don't forget that our 2011 Core Set Pre-Release Party is tomorrow, Saturday, July 10th and the Release Party will be held on Friday, July 16th. For more information on this and other stuff happening at the store, keep reading!



OUR TOP 5 PICKS FOR THIS WEEK:




MTG 2011 CORE SET PRE-RELEASE & RELEASE



It's time again for a new set of Magic the Gathering to be released! Starting in mid-July, players will be able to try their hands at the new MTG 2011 Core Set and take part in some great events at Comic Book Jones to commemorate it's release.

First off is the 2011 Core Set Pre-Release Party which will start at Noon on Saturday, July 10th and feature a draft style tournament. Entry is $15 and this gets you 3 packs of the new set before it hits shelves the following week. We will have special pre-release only promos, giveaways, and door prizes, including the card pictured to the right so make sure you come down to check it out!

The very next week we have the official 2011 Core Set Release Party starting at 4:00pm on Friday, July 16th which includes a sealed tournament. The cost is $30 and each player will receive 6 packs. As with the pre-release there will be special day only promos and giveaways and door prizes. On this day we will have plenty of booster packs, fat packs, intro packs and booster boxes for sale so make sure you come down to take advantage of all the new set has to offer. As with our out MTG booster boxes, prices are locked in at $120 per box.

Both tournaments are swiss style and have a cap of 15 players. Players will be awarded a spot to play on a first come first serve basis, so get here early if you have to!

MONSTER MUSH SIGNING W/JOHN RUIZ



On Saturday, July 21st we will be welcoming back artist John Ruiz and his daughter, colorist Danielle Ruiz, for a signing in honor of the newest issue of Monster Mush! After a bit of a hiatus he's back to offer another installment of the fan favorite all ages title! We will have plenty copies of the newest issue on hand so come down, get your books signed and be sure to grab some sketches while you're at it!

BAND OF INNOCENCE SIGNING
W/LOU MANNA & ROBERT AGNELLO



On Wednesday, July 28th we are very pleased to welcome artist Lou Manna and writer Robert Agenllo to the store to promote their new graphic novel, Band of Innocence. Lou Manna has worked in the comic industry for years illustrating books such as Legion of Superheroes, Young All-Stars, Infinity Inc, and the Phantom as well as a handful of other great titles. This will be Robert Agnello's first graphic novel and we'd love nothing more than to give them both a very warm reception at the store. So come down to the store, check out a new book, get it signed and be sure to pick up some sketches as well. They will be here signing from 6pm - 9pm. More info to come!