In Theaters: Devil (2010)

"I was living in a devil town,
didn't know it was a devil town.
Oh Lord, it really brings me down about the devil town."
-Daniel Johnston

Got around to seeing Devil Monday after finally emerging from the basement I spent all weekend in playing Halo: Reach. It wasn't a film I was dying to see but the trailer and hearing the director & producer duo of the film (John and Drew Dowdle respectively) talk about it at Chicago Comic Con was enough to get me to see it in theaters, and I am glad I did.

The general premise of the film is that five people become trapped in an elevator and one of them may or may not be the title character. Not an overly complicated idea but greatly done in this film as a thriller/mystery with a dash of police procedural. It would fall flat on its face though with out the excellent cast. Headlined by Chris Messina and Logan Marshall-Green, this ensemble of recognizable performers, but non-house hold names really hold their own. Although with any film, movie magic played quite a large role as well.

Watching a film take place in primarily a small elevator would become boring and tiresome fast if not for the creative and interesting techniques the film utilizes. Ranging from multiple point of view shots, getting inside each character, to total black outs of the screen, bringing about the fear of the unknown, the viewer is constantly wondering who is perpetrating these events and why. These combined with the excellent sound mixing sustain the thrilling atmosphere all the way to credits.

I really enjoyed the film, enough so to give it a 4 out of 5 stars and as long as your next expecting the greatest film of all time I think you'll enjoy it as well. To those out there who have been staying away from it after not enjoying Shyamalan's last few films (The Last Air Bender, The Happening, The Village), keep in mind he only wrote the story and produced, so he didn't control anywhere near as much in this film and its more reminiscent of his earlier better films (The Sixth Sense, Signs, Lady in the Water.)

Wednesday Pickups 9/15/10

This week's books (plus a few from previous weeks) were amazing! Add those to a few other goodies and it going to be quite lengthy post today, so grab your beverage of choice and turn on some Dido to set the mood.


First up is our fortnightly does of brightness, Brightest Day #10. This issue focuses on Aqualad and one of my favorite new odd couples, Firestorm. Both stories begin to heat up and boil (double bad pun useage for the win) as one pulls a semi-Darth Vader while the other brings back one of the best characters from Blackest Night (hint: his new name is so stupid its awesome.) Keeping up with quility of work this series has been putting out can't be easy task of this band of artists but they some how manage it. Art is still awesome, with a particularly striking cover, and going with only two story lines per issue is really helping the writing to shine.

Staying in the DCU but heading into a future (the future is a lot harder to get to), we have Batman Beyond #4 of 6. Terry meets up with a former partner of Bruce's and sees the real cost of the working with him while the new Catwoman shows she is not a one trick pussycat. Oh yeah, and the new Hush reveals his or her identity! I am going to reserve judgment on that till the end of the mini but still really enjoying the book. One (of the many) things the creative team, lead by Adam Beechen at the type writer and Ryan Benjamin on the pencils, is good at is subtly making references to the TV show. Both in the story and in the visuals it is their for long time fans to appreciate but doesn't exclude those who may just be getting into the Batman Beyond world.

Moving from the dark and grim future of Gotham City to the dark and grim future of the Marvel universe we have Marvel Universe vs. The Punisher #4 of 4. While I was some what skeptical about this mini at first it really ended up being an enjoyable read. Part dark comedy, part "true" Punisher story, this tale doesn't try to redefine Frank but show him in his true light in another world. This final issue really brings it all together nicely and satisfies with out making you desire a sequel. However, I do hope Jonathan Maberry and Goran Parlov team up for something else soon.

Meanwhile back in the current Marvel universe things are going almost as badly for our favorite band of young mutants in New Mutants #17. Illyana feels "a disturbance in the force" and realizes young Pixie has been kidnapped by General Ulysses, his unit, and "the babies." Taking charge, she leads the team against these Limbo-hardened warriors and by issue's end things are going so well. Have to start off by saying how much I love this cover! Not sure if it is how strong and colorful the image looks or my obsession with young Russian women with awesome names but Dave Wilkins gives us a cover you can't help but notice on the stands. As for everything inside the cover, awesome as usual. Can't wait to see what happens with these "babies" when everything is said and done. Also loved how Cypher nonchalantly translates everything said in limboese in the book, just adds to my fondness for him and Magick and gratefulness at having them both back in the X-verse.

Last up from Marvel is 1 Month 2 Live #3 of 5. This week Dennis Sykes, or Flux as he was recently dubbed, goes adventuring with Marvel's first family while his family drift further apart. Really liked Shane White's art in this issue, has that classic Fantastic Four feel to it and goes with the adventure. An interesting guest-star of the week type tale, this book is consistently fun and the creative team changes keep the reader vested as well, but I am not sure how its going to finish up in two issues with out feeling rushed or losing impact. Hopefully I will be pleasantly surprised.

Changing companies to other dying protagnist, we have 5 Days To Die #3 of 5. Contiuing this weekly noir tale Ray confronts Mr. Hoverman but doesn't get his revenge just yet. Is revenge really warranted though, is Frank even seeing reality anymore after his injury? Meanwhile, in the hospital his daughter wakes up and is not to thrilled about his absence. Really digging the art on this book, its dark tones with occasional red splashed panels creates a feel not available anywhere else on the stands. While I feel like I know where right where this one is going, there still might be a surprise or two in store, and I am sticking around to see it to its bloody finale.

From one bloody tale to another, we have Hack/Slash: My First Maniac #3 & 4 of 4 (missed 3 at some point resulting in this little double feature this week.) Cassie Hack gets to the bottom of the happenings at the old Fig Farm and finds her place in this monster filled world. For my first venture into the Hack/Slash books this mini really pulled me in. Full of sexy babes, horror film humor, and character development this book delivers on all fronts. Already looking at picking up some of the collected editions and I can tell by the covers I am in for a treat. If you like horror movies or like to laugh at them, I can't recommend this book enough. I am sure it will be out in trade paper back soon enough, and be showcasing a provocative new cover no doubt.

Next up is another $1 preview comic from Radical, Mata Hari. A fictional tale based on the real person, famous during World War I as a performer turned "double agent" or government scapegoat depending on who you ask. Not only does this comic feature beautiful art but its page and panel layout is amazing. Busy pages line up and flow perfectly with out seeming crowed and over stuff. The story of this book is interesting as well, featuring an article at the end of the comic by the author and why he had to write this tale. Mata Hari is set as a hardcover graphic novel release in spring 2011 and I will definitely be picking it up then. The only problem I see with it is their release of this preview so early, closer to the release of the actual book would seemingly have gotten them much more sales from buzz about it.

Last to books of this week both come Vertigo and both are awesome, yes I realize saying something is from Vertigo and is awesome is redundant but some people don't know this yet and need to be converted. First up is Joe the Barbarian #7 of 8. In this penultimate chapter, Joe finally gets to the item that could make every thing right again but will it work for both worlds? I've said it before but this mini-series is just chock full of awesomeness! From all the classic heroes we see doing battle to the the mirroring of the real world in his world to the humorous mythical names given to locations, this one has all the makings of a great dream-scape adventure. Can't wait to see how it all wraps up in the next and final issue.

Last book, and no suprise as pick of the week since its no longer competing with Day Tripper, is The Unwritten #17. Taking a different approach with this issue, Mike Carey and Peter Gross present us with a choose your own adventure comic. Complete with non-sequential pages and choices that lead to different endings, this is just another example of how special and unique this comic is. It goes places other haven't or won't all while telling an engrossing narrative. The art, both interior and covers, is amazing as well of which this month's cover is a fine example. If your not already reading this comic, seriously stop reading and go check out the first collected volume!

That brings us to the end of my comics for the week but I also bought a few other things which you might find of interest.


First up is the Halo Reach Limited Edition set. I wouldn't call myself a huge Halo fan but I do enjoy the campaigns as well the multiplayer modes of all the ones I have played. The real reason I wanted to pick this up/showcase it here (besides playing it obviously) is how sweet this set really is. First is all comes in a black box type case which goes well with this game being about the fall of Reach In addition to the case it comes with a journal of one of the supporting characters in the game that dives deep into the creation of the Spartans as well as the research happening on reach. Now they could have just produced it like a normal book and it would have been fine but it is made to look like an actual journal down to the page feel and sketches inside! Going even beyond that, tons of little news stories or memos are stuffed into the journal and can be taken out, some of which I arranged in the picture below but I couldn't even fit all of them on the table. As some of you might now, I have a fondness for movie or game collector's editions I can easily say this is one of the finest I have ever seen.

Next to Halo Reach is an impulse buy graphic novel/memoir from this week, Drinking at the Movies by Julia Wertz. Can't say to much about this one, as I haven't gotten around to reading it yet but the cover and title really drew me in. Flipping through it in the store really sold, while it was simply illustrated I just got this cool personal feel from the writing. Looking forward to sitting down with it in the next few days, maybe even tonight.

Last is yet another example of my sickness in collecting collector's editions, the Alan Wake Limited Edition. I haven't tired the game at all and actually no very little about it outside its comparisons to Twin Peaks but just couldn't pass up this awesome looking edition on sale. This one, all shown in the picture below, comes with a novel "written" by the main character in the game about the happenings in the game, the soundtrack of the game, some bonus downloads for your Xbox 360, not to mention the game itself. On top of that, it comes packed in what looks like an over sized book (the protagonist is a writer.) Not quite as awesome as the Reach set but very cool indeed.


Well, that is it for this week. You know the routine, any comment is greatly appreciated. Suggestions, critiques, and even off color jokes are all accepted. If your not the type to comment email is also an option, send them to talesofthegeeklanterncorps@gmail.com Untill next time, stay literate my friends.

-The least interesting comic reader in the world

Thursday Pickups 9/9/10

Huge bunch of books this week so lets jump right in.


First up is 5 Days To Die #2 of 5 from IDW. Continuing with the same black & white (and red) noir feel they started with, Andy Schmidt and Chee's tale of the dead and dying goes even further down the rabbit hole. These action scenes are spectacularly drawn and colored while the story gets darker and darker. I'm sold on the rest of the series but a smart man might wait for a trade since its only 5 issues.

Sticking with dying protagonists we have 1 Month 2 Live #2 of 5. Marvel opts go a different route and change up the creative team for each issue. Digging the art of Koi Turnball & Shawn Moll over that of the first issue's team. Not the best book out there but the story and art team changing are enough to keep me with the book for the remaining three issues. Still can't believe Marvel and IDW managed to put these similar concept books out at the same time, some one had to pull some shenanigans.

Getting into the regular books, we start with Ultimate Avengers 3 #2. While Steve Dillion's art is better than that of (season) 2, it still doesn't have that "Ultimate U feel" in my opinion. The solid, bright colors just seem to go against what the universe and this book are primarily about. I am still sticking on the book however since the story line is grabbing me with everyone turning into a vampire, now if only they manage to keep them that way it would be a true ultimate universe.

As for my review of X-Men #3 a lot of the same comments can be copied and pasted, except about the art. Enjoying this art for the X-Men: Curse of the Mutants storyline, had the right mix of color for varying personnel and locations and makes some really dynamic panels pop that much more. I am a little worried the story is just for event shock and awe, and will have no lasting effects what so ever but I guess we will have to wait and see on this one.

Staying with our favorite mutants we have X-Force: Sex + Violence #3 of 3. Think I wrote it pretty clearly in the review of the last two issues, but I love every thing about this mini. The art, story, covers, dialogue, sex appeal, ect are all of the charts for awesomeness. Seems like a fitting good bye to this X-Force and time to start praying that Deadpool doesn't make me hate the new book.

Moving over to DC we'll start off with Batman and Robin #14. Definitely starting to warm up to Frazer Irving's art. While I still don't love it his panels of the Joker, Black Mask, and Professor Pyg are really eye catching and iconic. Morrison's story is still my favorite part of this book and keeps me coming back for more each month. How he has Dick filling Batman's cowl, just nails the character spot on for me and can't wait to see how he handle's Bruce's return.

Changing birds we have Red Robin #16. Still my favorite bat-book and character, Fabian Nicieza and Marcus To have really been doing great things on this book. The core of Tim Drake to me is that he is constantly growing, most of the time it is emotionally with all that he goes through but his skills and plans are right up there as well. Nicieza creates a perfect story atmosphere for this while To art shows it perfectly. Probably the most under-rated bat-book as well, so if your a bat fan and not reading it please give it a chance. Looks like #17 in two months will make for a good jumping on point *hint hint*.

Switching gears and going all intergalactic planetary we have Green Lantern #57, a Brightest Day tie-in. Art is still amazing! Mahnke pencils are being handled very well by a team of inkers to bring us this vibrant book each month and it is well worth the price for that alone. Johns story while still pretty good has been waning a little bit in this title but I am holding out hope that it could really change right back around any issue now.

Moving on to the shining star of Brightest Day, we have Justice League: Generation Lost #9. If you've been reading the blog, you know I love this title. Great humor, characters, story, and art all in one team book. While a lot of DC team's have been sliding off my pull list, this one is standing firm at the top. If your in the same spot, fill the gap with this book. You won't regret it.

Last book of the DCU this week is Booster Gold #36. A great companion read to Generation Lost (sharing a main character and all) this one delivers on a lot of the same cylinders but goes delightfully over the top on the humor. Probably starting to sound like a broken record, but this is yet one more super hero book you should be checking out.

From Bongo Comics we have Comic Book Guy: The Comic Book #3 of 5. Classic Simpsons art with some great nerd humor. Still not as memorable as the first issue but descent enough to finish out the mini.

First Vertigo book of the week is American Vampire #6. Shifting the locale a bit from the first arc but Scott Snyder is still delivering in the story department. Rafel Albuquerque's art is great as always. Strange deaths begin happening in the growing Sin City of Vegas in the 1930s and newly appointed police Chief Cashel McCogan is hot on the trail (that is an awesome character name by the way.) It does feel a little shorter with out a co-feature from King but I am Snyder will have us all forgetting about those days in no time at all.

Coming it at runner up this week is Kill Shakespeare #5. Still loving everything about this book! Despite not knowing the in depth stories of all Shakespeare's characters, this book manages to present enough of them for new readers to get the character and still enjoy the book. Andy Belaner's art flows seamlessly from panel to panel, demanding your attention until the last page. I think this book would look even better in a slightly over-sized hardcover collected edition, hope one of those comes out soon.

Last and best is the pick of the week, Daytripper #10 of 10. In this final chapter of Bras' life Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba leave us and him with the perfect ending. While I hate for this book to end, all great things must at some point and I am glad the book did hear. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a comic this much every single time it came out, as evidenced in being my pick of the week every time its available. Now to start the wait for the collected edition which I am sure I will be buying in mass to give out to people. If you still have managed to some how not check out this book, GET ON THAT!!!

Well that is it for this week, a little later than normal but I think the massive size allows for that. Be sure to comment with and thoughts, critiques, or recommendations. Always up for trying out new comics.

Coming Soon: HOWL (2010)

Thanks to the fine folks over at Ain't It Cool News, I got to attend a preview screening of HOWL, staring James Franco, tonight which was followed by a question and answer session with the film's co-directors and co-writers, Rob Epstein and Jeffery Friedman.

For those not familiar with the subject of the film, HOWL is a poem written/performed by Allen Ginsberg in 1956. While it gained some popularity on merit alone among the beat poet community, it came into the national (and world eye) when the company that published it was charged with producing and selling obscene material due to the adult language, sexual acts, and drug use the poem spoke of. I was first exposed to it in a college literature class and while I didn't immediately fall in love with the poem, its uniqueness and my teacher's lessons brought about a through enjoyment of it.

The film features three main, inter-cutting story lines to create a film practically as unique as the poem it comes from. The first is Allen Ginsberg, played by James Franco, reading Howl while accompanying animations amaze the viewer, not just by illustrating the words but capturing their emotion and metaphors perfectly. Next are re-enacted scenes from the obscenity trial, featuring Jon Hamm and David Strathaim as opposing counsel, to examine both the conflicting critical thoughts on the poem as well as the censorship in question and on art in general. Lastly is an interview with Franco's Ginsberg, exposing not just his views on Howl but poetry, life, love, censorship, politics, and art. Blending these three narratives, Epstein and Friedman create a film that not only is spectacular to watch and loose yourself in but defies genre classification.

With the writer and director pair coming from mostly documentary work, most would try to classify it as an artistic bio-pic but it really transcends that. The film, instead breathes new life not only into Ginsberg or the court transcripts, but the poem itself making for a truly unique experience. The themes of sexuality, oppression, judgment, and heartbreak are just a few of the subjects covered sensationally in the poem and film, making the latter not just a regular adaptation but one that also beats with its own visual heart. It wouldn't be so though, without numerous other factors at work outside of narrative.

Acting in the film is phenomenal, with James Franco yet again proving how great he is at capturing the essence of real people. I first saw it a made-for-tv James Dean bio-pic (a film the directors also mentioned as enjoying him in), and while I haven't seen Milk I am sure it was prevalent there as well. Following at a close second is the astounding animations of the poem. Their fluid movement, great color, and the particular style really leaves one dazzled. While I could go on and gush about more of the film, such as the greatness of its score, I will leave somethings for you to discover when you see it.

Should come as no surprise if you have read the review so far but I am giving this one a 5 our of 5 stars, and it has quickly jumped to being one of my favorites of the year. Can't be too surprised though since it is yet another film being distributed by Oscilloscope Laboratories, they really know how to pick them (at least for my taste anyways.) While I know some people will still see this film and the poem as obscene, I encourage everyone to go check it out. Might open your perspective up on some things.

REVIEWFLIX: The Exploding Girl (2010)

(Usual deal, reviewing a film I recently watched and the title links to it on netflix if you want to add it to your queue. Leading off with the DVD art instead of a poster this time because I love the look of it so much.)


Not sure how many of you have heard of this film, but I have been looking forward to seeing it for quite a while. First heard about it via a feature article in Filmmaker back in late 2009/early 2010 and really enjoyed the director's (Bradley Rust Gray) commentary on film-making, collaboration, and inspiration. That said, first thing I did after work Tuesday (day of its DVD release) was load it up on the Netflix Instant and enjoyed every minute of it.

The film centers on Ivy, played amazingly by Zoe Kazan, as she comes back home for spring break and deals with the transition from teen/child to being an adult. Dealing with everything from relationships to illness to friendships on a mature level, Ivy goes through a transition that we rarely see featured in a serious/dramatic film and that some us are not to far removed from. ;) While this simple story and brilliant performance were enough to satisfy me, the camera work brought the film to a higher level of greatness.

Shot with a long of long lenses and shots the film brings us in to Ivy's life without letting us in all the way, following in line with the film and how Zoe keeps people at a distance. These couple with suffocating close ups when she is alone in her room on the phone or waiting for it to ring, capturing her frustration precisely and keeping the viewer invested in her relationships. While all these things were great about the film the one shot you just barley see, as the camera respects her privacy, and have been expecting most of the film is one of the most memorable. Relating to the viewer that while we know her and are invested in her life, we don't really "know" her and aren't automatically privy to extreme situations.

A solid film that is going to stay with me for quite a while, I am giving it 4 out of 5 stars. I know its probably not for everyone but if anything in my review sparked your interest I highly recommend you check it out. Another solid film distributed by Oscilloscope Laboratories, and you have to love how all of their films are available on Netflix instant the day they are released.

Wednesday Pickups 9/1/10

Not a ton of books this week but all were pretty solid with no disappointments, which always makes for a good week.


Jumping right in with out only helping of DC this week, we have Brightest Day #9. Turning into solid book every other week, not sure if I just grew accustomed to the pace or they picked it up a bit but it works. Really liked the art and both main story lines of the issue (Martian Manhunter meeting up Smokey the Bear in guise of Green Arrow and Black Manta becoming Darth Vader) are getting better. Still not on the level of 52 but it is a good Bimonthly book none the less.

Next up is Five Days To Die #1 of 5 from IDW. An interesting Noiresque thriller in which our protagonist (Ray Crisara) gets a unofficial expiration date in the first issue. Really enjoyed the art (done by Chee, don't ask me) and looking forward to where the story goes. Hopefully we will get some more splash pages like the ones in this first issue, gorgeous destruction.

Over at Marvel we have a somewhat similar concept in 1 Month 2 Live #1 of 5, but takes it in a drastically different direction. After an being exposed to bio-hazardous materials Dennis Sykes seems to have only a short time left to live but on the plus sides, he seems to have developed a special power as a well. This book looks to feature a who's who of marvel characters and talent, hopefully making for a unique collaborative experience and not a train wreck. First issue was enough to keep me interested and eventually pick up #2, not to much more than that though. Looking forward to what the other writer's and artist's bring to the table.

From death to death to death, we head over to Marvel Universe vs. The Punisher #3 of 4. We find out why Patient Zero wanted to meet with Frank and the story takes a few interesting turns at the end of the issue. I am enjoying this book, while it may not be the best one it is a fun little survivor tale. Some nice visuals in this issue from when the virus first broke out (except for Lady Deathstrike being drawn how she appeared in X-Men 2, that really bugged me for some reason.) Also wondering how this is all going to get wrapped up in the last issue, I am putting my money on a high body count.

Continuing out mini marathon of Marvel mini-series we have Avengers: The Children's Crusade #2 of 9. Still digging the book. In this issue, a bit of a battle ensues between friendlies (never saw it coming), another relative makes a quick appearance, and cliff hanger that definitely changed where I think the book is going. Only complaint is that Wolverine's character seems a little off but other than that, its a great read.

Moving over to Marvel's imprint Icon, we have Scarlet #2. Still really digging this book as well. The breaking of the fourth wall in this book just draws me in more than the comedy books its traditionally done it. Alex Maleev's art is gorgeously textured bringing out the grungy details of every person and location. Only second issue so still time to jump on this one before it takes off. Very close to being my pick of the week but the next title just barely edged it out.

Hawkeye & Mockingbird #4 is the top of the stack this week, and well deserved it is. Loving this book more and more each issue! A fun spy/action book that more people really need to check out. Jim McCann is handling ever character expertly while David Lopez's pencils glue your eyes to every page with their classic yet solid feel. Predicable? A bit, but that isn't always a bad thing. It keeps the book enjoyably entertaining rather than try to throw the reader off with multiple twists and shocking moments. If your a fan of either character or just in the market for a fun read I strongly urge you to give this dynamic duo a chance.

Well that is it for this week's books. Got tons of other posts I am working on so be on the lookout for those soon and better stack up on the snacks for next week's reviews, the list is currently at 13 books and could still rise.

Wednesday Pickups 8/25/10

Not a whole lot to go over this week but the break it gave my wallet was much appreciated.



First up is Teen Titans #86. Still not wowing me despite the new developments in the story and the second feature is thankfully almost over. Like I said before I am going to hang around to check out the up coming changes with Damien showing up and what not but if there is no improvement, going to have to cut the book loose.

Moving over to one of my new favorite DC books, we have Justice League: Generation Lost #8. Continuing to love everything about this book! The story, the characters, the art, the humor; all are top notch. A fun DC book that readers, both new and old can enjoy.

Lastly the pick of the week comes from Marvel with one of their oldest characters back in his own series, Namor: The First Mutant #1. Wasn't sure I was picking it up till I flipped through it at the shop (Amazing Fantasy Books and Comics in Tinley Park, Illinois for those of you not in the now) and saw Ariel Olivetti's art. Enjoyed his work on some of the Punisher comics I've read but I think he really shines drawing Namor and underwater vampires in this book. Also, I've always had for the character, probably because I love how he is constantly angry and acts superior to everyone (reminds me of a younger me, perhaps even a few years older me.) Add that together plus its relation to whats going on in X-Men and I am sold for at least the near future.

That's all folks. Next week looks to have not many more books so hopefully I review alot of my stuff from Wizard World Chicago.

Coming Soon: The People vs. George Lucas (2010)

The highlight of my Wizard World Chicago Comic Con experience this year by far was getting to see an awesome documentary making the festival rounds currently, The People vs. George Lucas. This doc humorously examines the controversial (geek) issue of George Lucas' crimes against his fan base (the special editions, the prequels, the merchandising, etc.)

Taking an unbiased view in this war, the film takes playful jabs at the fans who have become more than obsessed with the Star Wars mythos as well as George himself who has fueled the fan hatred for himself on more than one occasion. Covering everything from the the original trilogy not being released for this generation (dvds/blu-rays) to why this man has inspired so many only now to be despised by a lot of them, this popcorn documentary takes a look at something real with out being to serious making it accessible to everyone, not just us Star Wars nerds.

On the technical side this documentary also does something a little bit different, hopefully to be seen more in the future. Back in 2007 when the film began production a website was set up to build buzz as well as accept footage from Star Wars fans around the world to be included in the film. So in addition to showing the opinions of people like nerd-film critic Chris Gore and famous author Neil Gaiman the viewer is treated to the rants and recreations of tons of fans.

The People vs. George Lucas is a brilliant 5 out 5 stars in my opinion. Engages the audience, makes them laugh while thinking, and delivers a complete film. I highly recommend checking this film out if you get the chance, even if you aren't a huge Star Wars fan this film will help you see what all the hype is about. At the comic con screening, we also got to enjoy a worthwhile Q and A session with Director Alexandre O. Philippe and producer Robert Muratore, who both really showed a passion to the film and subject matter so much so that I will definitely be checking out what ever they get into next. So go see the film if it makes it a festival around you and if not add it to your netflix queue or amazon wish list immediately so you get to it on dvd when it makes it there.

Wednesday Pickups 8/18/10

Still back logged from Wizard World Chicago but I was finally able to finish last weeks books.


First up is Brightest Day #8. Spectacular art as usual but more of slow burn issue focusing on Martian Manhunter and the Hawks. While I didn't enjoy it as much as the last couple, I do see the necessity in advancing these stories in one lump some to advance the all encompassing story. Looking forward to the next issue in two weeks which will feature the return of Black Manta, although I have read very little involving the character I always liked him for some reason.

Next we head off world with Green Lantern Corps #51, a Brightest Day tie-in. I can't get enough of Adrian Syaf's art in this book, he is really knocking it out of the park each month. On the story side Bedard is holding is own as well making me anxiously await the final chapter of Revolt of the Alpha Lanterns. He just better not pull what he did on Exiles and lure me in with some good stories only to end up killing off a great in a weak story.

Heading into DC's future we have Batman Beyond #3 of 6. Still an awesome read! Love everything about returning to the Beyond world, the new characters as well as some old friends including one I don't was ever featured in the TV show. Adam Beechen and Ryan Benjamin are putting out an awesome mini, hopefully sales will convince DC to make it a regular monthly. Can't recommend this enough if you liked Batman Beyond when it was on.

Over as Bongo Comics, we have Comic Book Guy: The Comic Book #2 of 5. Not as much of a laugh out loud issue at the first one but it was still descent. Next issue looks like its going to pick back up though with a geek/nerd civil war.

First up from Marvel is Secret Avengers #4. The conclusion to Secret Histories and what a fantastic one it is. Brubaker and Deodato Jr. are handling this motley crew of characters very well and are keeping me coming back for more each issue. Also looking forward to finding out more about this Thorndrake character.

In 28 Days Lat... I mean Marvel Universe vs. The Punisher #2 of 4, Frank takes down one heavy hitter only to be visited by the dreaded "Patient Zero". An fun read despite it similarities to other stories.

Starting off the X-books and making its first appearance on the blog is Wolverine: Weapon X #16. Not a series I am regularly reading but this issue is a stand alone story focusing on Wolverine dealing with Nightcrawler's death. Examines their odd couple friendship over the years in a delightful manner, really glad I ended up picking it up.

Up next is Uncanny X-Men #527. Keeping the awesomeness rolling from Second Coming Uncanny is building its way back up to one of my favorite X-books (despite still being behind the pick of the week.) Art and story are both great with Terry Dodson's covers complimenting both quite well. Looking forward to finding out what Shaw is up to.

Pick of the week is New Mutants #16 written by Zeb Wells and drawn by Leonard Kirk. This issue tells the origins of General Ulysses and his unit, why they were limbo in the first place, and how they ended up stranded their for 26 years. Love this little back story issue and looking forward to where they are going from here. Was also pleased to see that it tied in to X-Infernus a little bit but not to much to throw of someone who never read that mini. If you kept reading one X-book after Second Coming, I sure hope this was it.

Well that is it for this week but I should have a lot more posts up in the next few days covering all that was Wizard World Chicago, except for Blaggo's hair. Leave some feedback or suggestions below if you feel like it.

Wednesday Pickups 8/11/10

Not a huge stack this week but do to a busy weekend posting this a little late once again. Hope either next week or the week after I will get back to a regular posting, somewhere between Sunday and Monday night. To make up for that however I have arranged this week's comics in perfect order for overlapping segues!

First up is ultra foxy and graphic X-Force: Sex+Violence #2 of 3. After dispensing with their attackers from the end of last issue, Domino comes clean about the whole reason they are after her which leads to Wolverine and her shacking up. Reallying digging this mini series. Perfectly self con tainted from the rest of the X-Universe and shows in spectacular detail the blood, gore, and sex the other X-books only hint at to remain available for most ages. Not an X-Men comic you would give to a child but a fun read for the older fans. SPOILER: Wolverine and Domino don't have as much class as Batman and Black Canary, they take the costume and masks off.

Staying in the X-World we move over to X-Men #2, Curse of the Vampires Part 2. A good issue but I (among others from what I've read) find Blade not hesitant enough about a crazy scheme to take down vampires. Art is still a bit fun and dark, a good mixture for the plot, and it should be an interesting ride to see exactly how this "plan" works. One complaint though with this being billed as the book that puts the X-Men in more of the mainstream Marvel U, it actually just lumps it in with the another sectioned off part ala Vampires.

Making the switch from Blade hunting down vampires to Ultimate Blade doing so we have Ultimate Avengers 3 #1. I am digging Steve Dillion art on this season... I mean volume a lot more than Leinil Yu's from the last volume. Story-wise it has picked up a lot (but I have always dug the vampire stuff as opposed to Ghost Rider) and it should be interesting to see if the people shown as vamps/bitten by vamps in this issue remain so.

Jumping through universes, dimensions, and time we have Booster Gold #35. What can I say, I am loving the funny and old-school adventuring feel of this book. A DC fastball special, yet another person realizing this isn't the right Booster from this time period, and a gun that hurls moons are just a few of the fantastic elements that make this book a must read. While I didn't really get into Booster Gold till these last couple years I picture this as the type of comic JLI was and why people liked it so much.

Going on another adventure with the man in blue and gold we move over to Justice League: Generation Lost #7, a Brightest Day tie-in. A perfect double feature with the previous comic, the crew attempt to infiltrate the CHECKMATE headquarters but of course they seem to lack the A-Team factor where the plan comes together. Just another solid, funny book with Max Lord as the perfect villain.

Sticking with Brightest Day, we have it's latest tie in Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #1. Great GL style art, excellent inking from Cam Smith, mixed with a ominous first issue makes for an interesting new Lantern book. Will definitely be adding it to the regular rotation, mostly for the art but also to see where this mission takes Guy, Ganthet, Atrocitus, and hopefully Sodam Yat.

Hoping over to one of my favorite comic double features we have Vertigo's The Unwritten #16. Bringing some of the resolution we have been looking for since the beginning of the book, it also tacks on a few new questions for the future. Can't say enough great things about this book! Art is great with fantastic covers such as this one and the story just sucks you in. Also another great page full of fictional Internet articles and social networking about the events, I always love that in a comic for some reason.

Part two of the Vertigo double feature and pick of the week is Daytripper #9 (tear, tear, only one issue left.) What can I wrote that I haven't already, I love this book! Phenomenal art, themes, story, characters, etc. I can't wait till this is collected so I can force everyone I know to read it easily. The final issue will be interesting though, with the issue almost seeming like the perfect ending. While that is it for comics, one additional pick up was made which I talked about in my last post.


Got an awesome Blu-Ray/DVD combo in the mail from Oscilloscope Labs, The Messenger. Last post has my more complete thoughts about the film and distribution company but in short I love them both, check them out if you get a chance. That is it for this week but next week is sure to be a monster stack with all my weekly books and all the goodies I pick up at Wizard World Chicago. Might do a post about the event itself as well, hoping to see some awesome films, get into great panels, and see some great cos-play. I will be going as Shadowcat.

Just kidding...



but seriously I will be.