Burpee's Comic Book Asylum

Burpee's Comic Book Asylum The Weekly Show

2009-06-30T14:23:00.003-08:00

Alright, so this episode has some startling earth shaking news! well not really. It WILL change the way things work around here though. Stay tuned to the next episode for more on how this will all shake out. Meantime enjoy the final episode completely overflowing with questions!

Burpee's Comic Book Asylum The Weekly Show 4.3!

2009-06-29T16:23:00.001-08:00

Sorry for the day wait here it is 4.3! Questions as well as overall title of the week for 6/17/09!

Burpee's Comic Book Asylum Episode 4.2

2009-06-27T16:15:00.003-08:00

Here is episode 4.2! This wraps up the reviews portion and also has the best of the week selections for 6/17/09. And yes I noticed the end credits the addy for the blog is misspelled. Did that real quick. Poorly Edited is what it says right? Well that's what I give. :)

Burpee's Comic Book Asylum The Weekly Show

2009-06-26T12:38:00.002-08:00

Episode 4.1 has arrived! Michael Jackson, Transformers 2, and comic book reviews. Kind of a nice assortment today huh? Do try and avoid sticking a knife into an electrical socket after watching this. It's bad but is it really that bad?

Burpee's Comic Book Asylum The Weekly Show 3.3

2009-06-22T19:10:00.002-08:00

Alright, here is 3.3! It wraps the episode up with a few more questions and answers as well as some other odds and ends. Next week we'll be back on track with the episodes and in the mean time we'll do some blogging as well. So enjoy and sorry for the nosebleeds!

Burpee's Comic Book Asylum The Weekly Show 3.2!

2009-06-21T11:05:00.003-08:00

Here's part two of episode three ladies and gentlemen. Do be warned though side effects include, bleeding eyes, lack of laughter, terrible gas and some squirts. Otherwise enjoy!

100 Posts!

2009-06-20T21:27:00.003-08:00

Holy Shit! Never thought i'd get to 100 posts let alone have this evolve the way it has into being predominately a weekly video program that is nearing 1,000 views. Good stuff. I'd like to thank all of you that torture your bleeding eyes by watching me make a fool of myself for your pleasure. I'd be lying if I said I didn't appreciate seeing all the comments and receiving the questions. So thank you and to persuade you from encouraging my ass to do another 100 posts I present to you Burpee's Comic Book Asylum The Weekly Show Episode 3.1!

Thanks again everyone and stay tuned tomorrow for episode 3.2

Burpee's Comic Book Asylum The Weekly Show!

2009-06-14T16:41:00.003-08:00

The fourth and final part of episode 2 has arrived! Find out who won for Best Writing and Overall Title for the week of 6/3/09! Also, questions and answers! So what are you waiting for? Hit the play button already!

Burpee's Comic Book Asylum The Weekly Show 2.3!

2009-06-13T14:53:00.003-08:00

So here is episode 2.3! This one wraps up the reviews and starts us on the best of stuff. You'll get the Best Cover and Best Arting of the week (6/3/09) right here!

Come by the same Burp place at the same Burp time and i'll have 2.4 up. It will include Best Writing and Overall Title of the week for 6/3/09 as well as a question for me and a question for you! So don't miss it! Lots of!!!!!!!!

Burpee's Comic Book Asylum The Weekly Show 2.2!

2009-06-12T14:46:00.003-08:00

Episode 2.2 away! So this portion is mostly reviews and me drop kicking hookers. Well, one of those does not occur but maybe it would help get me some hits so i'll look into it. Anywho...2.3 will be up tomorrow and it starts us out on the best of the best as it pertains to titles I picked up on 6/3/09. So stay tuned tomorrow for Best writing, Best Cover, Best Arting and Best Overall Title for that week. I look forward to coming onto your screen and sharing some time with you. We don't get enough time together don't you agree? Well damn it we don't. Hugs and kisses.

Burpee's Comic Book Asylum The Weekly Show 2.1!

2009-06-11T16:13:00.002-08:00

Alright, here we go Inmates! Episode 2 is live and ready to go. This first part has some opinions on Marvel rumors as well as a few reviews of titles released last week. So enjoy and come back tomorrow for part two which will include more reviews.

P.S. This weeks show clocks in at around 40mins so there will actually be 4 parts!

Pull List Tuesday!

2009-06-09T14:42:00.004-08:00

Well today is Tuesday so here is my pull list for this week. Whats everyone else out there got?

At the suggestion of one my subscribers on YouTube I may check these two Avatar titles out:

Absolution #0 - Going with this solely based on the cover looking sweet and it costing under $2.00. Not sure but I figure i'll thumb through it.

Anna Mercury 2 #1 - I heard good things about the first Anna Mercury so interested to see what it is all about.

Then the rest as usual:

Batman #687 - As one of the few people who actually enjoyed Judd Winick's last run on Batman I will be picking this up for sure. Should be fun to see him write Dick in the batsuit. That is Dick Grayson, not a dick on the suit. Not like the nipples in the Schumaker movies.

Booster Gold #21 - Think i'm reaching the end of the road with this title. I have a feeling it might get canceled soon though so i'd hate to quit if it's going under anyway. Still haven't read the last issue so maybe it is better than it was two months ago...

Flash: Rebirth #3 -Interested to see if the cliffhanger from last issue is going to stick. I highly doubt it will. If it does stick is this like Hal/Spectre to anyone else?

Green Lantern Corps #37 - Looking forward to this. We're getting so close to Blackest Night I can feel the wood in my pants growing. Fangasm coming soon!

JSA vs Kobra #1 - Not sure if i'm going to get this but it has the JSA so I have a hard time not getting it. Also, the Kobra one-shot it feeds out of was kind of fun.

Red Robin #1 - Christopher Yost with Tim running around as Red Robin? Yes please! How many more teens can Yost kill? I hope the answer is many more cause that formula works for him. Tim looking for Bruce around the world should be a blast.

Amazing Spider-Man #597 - American Son has been a fun run so i'm looking forward to seeing where this whole Harry in a Iron Man style armor is going.

Beta Ray Bill: Godhunter #1: Beta Ray Bill what else needs to be said?!

Deadpool #11 - Another title I was enjoying a lot more at its start but now find only so-so. Would like this title to stop crossing over and guest starring other characters in other titles. Let's get more Deadpool running amuck please.

Fantastic Four #567 - This story has sucked. Period. Completest.

Uncanny X-Men #511 - The end of a terrible arc. It has to get better right? At least we get a fucking break from Land. Thank Odin's Fuckin' Beard!

Uncanny X-Men First Class Special - Looking forward to this as we make the transition to the All New All Different X-Men in the First Class series. Skottie Young cover is awesome!

War of Kings: Savage World of Skaar - I think this is the end of it all for Planet Skaar which makes me sad and seems like a huge waste. I have loved the adventures on that planet and will be there for the end for sure.

Wolverine #74 - Loved the first part of this and I am looking forward to more Adam Kubert Wolvie. Interested to see if the initial story sticks with the daily format or where it will go from there.

X-Factor #44 - Great title if you aren't picking it up correct that shit Inmates. With the ending we got last week this should be some fun at least for fun nostalgic sakes.

X-Men Forever #1 -Speaking of nostalgic fun this title is all about that. I love me some Claremont X-Men. When I first got into the X-Men it was through the cartoon and that was about the time Claremont was doing the first 3 issues of X-Men with Jim Lee. So this will continue where I began my X-Men reading. This excites me greatly and makes me feel like i'm in 4th grade again! Time to bust out the Spider-Man marshmallow cereal and X-Men fruit snacks! The kind with the white and red Gambit ace of spades card shapes! If you know what i'm talking about then you are super cool too!

So that is my lsit for this week. What do you hae on it Inmates? What's your meds for the week?

The Burpee List

2009-06-08T14:15:00.007-08:00

I decided that there is a lot of things I want to see happen in comics. I realized this after reading the newest issue of Ultimate Spider-Man. I had strong feelings about the way that series ended but I noticed many others did so I didn't feel like beating a dead horse. Well not too much anyway. So instead I decided to make a list of things i'd love to see happen and here is the first of many.

The return of Maggott: I really want to see this character come back. I know he isn't fandoms favorite and probably not even ten peoples favorite but Maggott was a character I really enjoyed. I thought he had an awesome aesthetic and a really twisted and unique power. A character that I thought for sure would have been an awesome memeber of Grant Morrison's New X-Men run. Unfortunately, he got a lame death off panel in the mutant concentration camp in the old Weapon X title. A death that was never even brought up by the other X-Men he served with. So that kind of sucked to me.

How do you bring back a character who is dead though? Well, shit people! Dead characters come back all the time. This character especially has a built in easy return. He left one of his two maggot's, either Eenie or Meenie, to a young boy. I always thought it would have been cool to have the left over maggot, which was Maggott's internal stomach and digestive system essentially, turn into a fly that then lays an egg that is the reborn Maggott character. It would be creepy and nasty and oh so much fun. Then Maggott of course would have two new Maggott's for a digestive system. He would also lose the accent which writers stated they had too much of a problem with.

I always imagined this story would be a twisted ride and a decent hit with me writing it. If Marvel wanted it to be a mega hit they could put a big name behind it like Grant Morrison, Garth Ennis or Warren Ellis any of these writers could do this story as twisted as it needs to be done for it to work. On art I would either put Frank Quietly or Jerome Opena as I think either of these guys could knock this project out of the park.

Lastly and most importantly I would make this mini a MAX title. Give it to any of the above mentioned guys and let them run wild with a metal maggot that turns into a fly and then leaves an egg that hatches a mutant who then has two metal maggots burst through his chest to find food that they then bring back to him by diving back into his chest. If that doesn't grab yout as a weird enough it could be awesome as a MAX title I am not sure what will.

Anyway, that is but the first on a list of things I want to see happen in comics before I die. What else is on the list? Join me every Monday to see more of The Burpee List!

Burpee's Comic Book Asylum The weekly Show 1.3!

2009-06-06T14:49:00.003-08:00

Here is the third and final part of the first of the weekly episodes. This last part is different from the first and a little slower but important none the less as it gives you the ability to let me know how you'd like this show to shape up.Next weeks should be 200% better and I hope you'll come back to see how this develops. To all of you that have given this a try and gotten behind it I appreciate it and look forward to doing more of these! Also, get those questions in if you want them answered.

Burpee's Comic Book Asylum The Weekly Show episode 1.2

2009-06-05T15:05:00.005-08:00

Here is part two of the new Burpee's Comic Book Asylum Show! Also, I have been sufficiently convinced not to name the show. It will be hence forth simply be called Burpee's Comic Book Asylum or, if you like, Burpee's Comic Book Asylum The Show. Lastly, I am really getting the format nailed down so look forward to next weeks as it will be cleaner and less helter skelter! Yay!

Enjoy! Or puke your choice!

Burpee's Comic Book Asylum The Weekly Show

2009-06-04T16:24:00.002-08:00

Here is part one of the new Burpee's Comic Book Asylum Show! Thinking it may need a name. Any suggestions let me have them. Can't guarantee i'll use it but feel free. Enjoy part one! Or use it for purposes of torture. Your call!

Burpee's Comic Book Asylum The weekly Show!

2009-06-04T16:12:00.002-08:00

Well, as the title tells you were going weekly show style. In a site with no consistency lets see if we can provide some! From here on out the weekly video reviews will now transform into a weekly 30 min show that will come out on Thursdays! It will be broken into 3 parts and will be released with Part 1 hitting Thursdays, Part 2 on Fridays and the final part coming on Saturdays. Each segment will be roughly 10 minutes.

The show will take some time to really get a groove but when it does it should be a lot of fun. It will have a Q&A segment, reviews, best of's, commentary on comics and products related to comics and a whole lot more. So stay tuned the first one will hit in a few!

As for the rest of the blog I am thinking of doing daily topics such as Classic Comic Mondays or something of the sort. So with videos airing Thurs-Sat I would just have written blogs Sunday through Wednesday. So i'll get the topics locked down and then pass them on your way. Should be getting crazy around here soon so sit back with a tasty beverage and watch the sparks fly. Hopefully we don't go down like the Hindenburg.

Comics For This Week...

2009-06-02T21:55:00.003-08:00

Here are the titles on my pull list and some thoughts on them.

Batman and Robin #1 - Probably the title I am most excited for this week. Love the pairing of Morrison and Quietly and can't wait to see what they do here. Coming off an instantly classic run on All-Star Superman they have a lot to live up to but I really think they can do it. This title should be an instant divider amongst Bat fans. Based on art it seems they will go more campy and outlandish than what most Bat titles have been in the last two decades and this may piss some off but for me I am actually looking forward to it. For those who are pissed remember this is comics and it's all cyclical.

Secret Six #10 - What can I say this title has been excellent as of late. Last issue gave us RagRobin and I can't wait to see what this issue brings us. Hopefully more disturbingly appealing things!

Superman: The World of New Krypton #4 - Green Lanterns! Other than that I could care less for this title if it was handing out blowjobs.

Amazing Spider-Man #596 - Normie as one of his Father's pet Avengers? Normie a new father? Aunt May engaged? There is a lot going on here and all of it is some serious fun. Can't wait for this title as usual.

Astonishing Tales #5 - Looking forward to Wolvie and Punisher story as well as Mojo. Arno Stark though is a sack of shit and I hope he dies at the end of this story. Is this the last issue with Arno? By Odin's beard I sure hope so!

Captain Britain and MI:13 Annual - First and only annual for this title. I am sure it will be as good as the title but it's sad knowing it's almost done. Having said that this is a great issue cause it is basically a bonus issue for fans of the title!

Dark Avengers #5 - I go back and forth on this title. For 3.99 I really feel this title needs to bring a little bit more to the table than it does. Last issue was a little more fun than the rest but I still am not sold. Well I guess I might be cause I am purchasing it.

Deadpool: Suicide Kings #3 - Not sure how I feel about this title cause all the issues that have come out so far are chillin like a villain in my pull box still. Maybe pick this up on Friday when I get my first summer check.

Exiles #3 - Maggott was in the last issue so i'm still riding that high. This issue has a lot to live up to after last issues inclusion of Maggott so we'll just have to see what happens.

Mighty Avengers #25 - Last issue was the first issue since Slott took over that I actually enjoyed the title. I must say I am anxiously awaiting Thor's inclusion in this title. No he hasn't been announced as being an upcoming member or even a guest appearance but with Loki pulling strings here it is only a matter of time before ole' Goldilocks comes looking to beat some bitches up!

New Avengers: The Reunion #4 - Another title that has every issue chillin in my pull box. Can't say much but that I am interested in checking out the dynamic they set up between the two main characters.

New Mutants #2 - Loved the first issue and am uber stoked for this next issue. Legion! Last time I read something with Legion in it I was just getting into X-Men and the Age of Apocolypse was launching so based on my love for the AOA I have love for Legion.

Skaar: Son of Hulk #11 - Love this title but I fear it is about to head into a downward spiral as Skaar comes to Earth. If i'm wrong I am stoked if not well I could stand to save some money here so either way a win win for the Burpee!

Ultimate Spider-Man #133 - Expect a decent sized review on this one after tomorrow. This is the title that got me into Spider-Man along with JMS's run. Before that I had heard so much about clones and nasties like that so I dared not enter the Spidey universe other than enjoying the awesome 90's cartoon. Really hoping this is a great issue and that when it relaunches it's worth sticking around for.

Ultimatum #4 - I actually have been really enjoying this. Like Ult. Spidey I am still waiting to see if this is a great jumping off point or the beginning of a new friendship for me and the Ultimate Universe that has felt a little stagnant of recent.

War of Kings #4 - This has been very meh for me. Hope it picks up or I may be nearing my end on some of the cosmic Marvel stuff. We shall see.

So what's on your list?!

Best of 5/20/09 (Cover, Artist, Writer, Overall Title)

2009-05-31T18:04:00.002-08:00

Here we have the best of the best for 5/20/09. Consume with your eyes and ears then vomit with your mouth I know I did.

Video Reviews for 5/20/09

2009-05-29T17:18:00.003-08:00

Here is some more focused video reviews for the week of 5/20/09 eat em up please cause we can't have any leftovers.

Quick Reviews!

2009-05-28T15:02:00.003-08:00

Here are the quick reviews for some of the titles I picked up on 5/20/09. There are more to come but I figured i'd get this out here now so as to leave you with something while I edit and tweak the rest of them. So please do enjoy ladies and germs!

Burpee's Fave-5 Villains

2009-05-27T14:16:00.012-08:00

So I watch a lot of basketball and they constantly do a feature during the half time shows called The T-Mobile Fave-5 where the commentators pick their fave-5 of a certain topic. An example being Barkley's Fave-5 point guards of all time or something of that nature. It's a feature that can be a lot of fun. So I am going to hijack it here!

My fave-5 will have nothing to do with sports though. Instead, I would like to do Burpee's Fave-5 Villains! So i'll list my favorite 5 and give a little info on why they are in my top 5 favorites list. So without further ado let's do!

5. Apocalypse - When I first got into X-Men it was because of the awesome 90's cartoon. During the first season there was a shadowy villain that seemed to be absolutely all powerful and all together badass. His name was Apocalypse. This guy was so evil that characters were so concerned with his far reaching effects on Earth that they came back from the future just to try and eliminate his ass. That would mean he was the biggest threat there was as I didn't see anyone coming back from the future for any other bad guys.

Then when I transfered my love of the X-Men cartoon into comics it was just in time to see the beginning of the Age of Apocalypse. This was such an epic change to the landscape of the X-Titles and who was the baddest mother fucker yet again? Apocalypse that's who. So my love for the character became even greater.

In recent times the character hasn't been well taken care of though unfortunately. Peter Milligan's run on X-Men was an especially low point for the once mightiest ruler of an alternate future. Recently he has been brought into the picture as a piece of the Messiah War crossover. If he will be handled well or not is still in question though.

4. Sabertooth - Stone cold killer without a care. One of the only guys to consistently be able to hand Wolverine his ass on multiple occasions. Plus he used to have a sweet ass costume. What is not to love?!

Sabertooth through the 90's was one of the baddest men on the planet. A mutant who had no alliance to any man, woman or species. He'd just as easily kill another mutant as a human. Point in case being his role with the Marauders who outright slaughtered the Morlocks.

Sabertooth though is another character who as of late has been trashed. A couple years ago in a god awful story by Jeph Loeb he was beheaded by Wolverine and is now supposedly dead to make way for someone even more evil Romulus. This whole storyline for me is a bunch of bullshit. Fuck Romulus it's time to bring back Sabertooth more pissed than ever after having his fucking head loped off like a common loser. Bring him back and put him back in his costume pictured here. Then let him go on a killing spree to get back at Wolvie.

3. Sentinels -Much like Apocalypse I was introduced to the Sentinels during the first season of the 90's X-Men cartoon. I was instantly in love. Giant robots with lasers shooting from their hands that fly around snagging mutants to terminate them. How could any 4th grader not love that shit. I know I was hooked.

Not only were they a cool idea but they had an awesome aesthetic. The giant purple and pink bots should have looked ridiculous but instead they always looked all the more lethal for being able to pull off such a terrible color combo. They have had many interpretations but my favorite will always be the ones from the cartoon.

The Sentinels since I came into comics have done anything but fade away. They have been a continual presence whether it be during Operation: Zero Tolerance with Bastion or even recently as good guy mechs for the O.N.E. program. Their worst offense by far is their role in the destruction of the mutant island Genosha where they annihilated an enormous chunk of the mutant population.The Sentinels are one consistent piece of the X-Men mythos which are for the most part anything but consistent.

2. Magneto - If you like smart conflicted characters. If you like the X-Men than this is a character that undoubtedly is one you enjoy as much as me. A holocaust survivor with so many family issues he makes the entire series of Jerry Springer shows look like a Disney flick.

He is without a doubt the single most important nemesis to the X-Men and the counterpoint to everything they stand for. He is a character that you actually feel for and understand. Had any of us had to suffer through what he did whose to say we wouldn't want to protect our species at all cost. In modern X-Men days with Cyclops in the lead he is actually closer to the current M.O. of the X-Men than ever before. Cyclops has almost adopted the same beliefs as Magneto. Protecting his species at all costs.

Magneto is overall one of the more fleshed out characters in comics. He is a rarity in that depending on how you view it you could almost put him on a heroes list. At times he has even been put in the position of siding with the angels.

Magneto has been staying under the radar as of late but seems to be slowly working his way back into the limelight as he has been seen recently with the High Evolutionary. Interesting to see where this goes as he appears to have his powers back. But is he the mutant messiah he used to be? Is he even considered a mutant anymore? Only time will tell.

1. Joker - This guy is just plain the shit! Growing up I watched many a Adam West Batman and found the Joker to just be wacky and all together amazing. This guys was insane and didn't give a shit. While this was surely a goofier version than most it was still iconic as hell.

Then when I was 5 years old the first Tim Burton/Michael Keaton Batman came out with Jack Nicholson as the Joker. My father took me to see this incredibly twisted version of the character and everything changed for me. What was I seeing? This wasn't my Joker that I knew. This was something darker and more twisted. I didn't quite understand what I was seeing but I knew it was a game changer.

Not long after that the best Joker of all time appeared. The Batman Animated Series came around and Mark Hamil was on vocals. The voice and the character seemed to be an incredible mix between the two iterations of the character that I had loved at different periods in my life. Hamil's laugh is still the best there has ever been for the character.

As time passed I stumbled upon Alan Moore and Brian Bolland's The Killing Joke. This is THE Joker story people. While the Joker's origin has man different versions this is the one that will always be the real one for me. It was an amazing story that firmly placed the Joker as the opposite of Batman. Instead of facing the adversity and loss that was presented to him with hate and dark brooding, like Bruce Wayne chose to, he instead chose to laugh. This established them as Drama and Comedy. With neither really knowing how they would function without the other.

Recently, the Joker has really reached new heights with his role in the movie The Dark Knight. The late Heath Ledger played the character so well that he even placed Jack Nicholson's version in a secondary role which is something I think few could have ever foreseen. Unfortunately, with the death of Ledger we will never get the opportunity to see the character shine quite like that ever again.

What does the future hold for the Joker? Who knows with certainty. The only thing we all know for sure is there are many gags and laughs sure to come. Followed by death with a smile.

There you have it Burpee's Fave-5 Villains! Who are your favorites? Click the rant button and let me know.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine game review

2009-05-23T21:18:00.002-08:00

So here is my thoughts on he PS3 version of X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Anyone else played this at all on any platform? If so i'd love o know what you thought of it cause I don't know anyone else besides my buddies and I who have played it.

Best of 5/13/09 (Cover, Artist, Writer, Overall Title)

2009-05-23T13:31:00.002-08:00

These are my selections for best of the best. These are based on titles I picked up last week for. I am sure some of these won't be agreeable to some but these are what they are suckas! Check em out and rant if you feel like it.

Video Quick Reviews!

2009-05-22T15:12:00.002-08:00

Here are some quick reviews for titles that I just haven't had time to post reviews for. There's a variety here and some are older than others but all are from the last couple of months. So enjoy them. I should also have my choices for best artist, writer, cover and overall title up tomorrow. It will be a video blog as well. Lots of videos this week ladies and gentlemen!

We're back and with videos!

2009-05-21T14:54:00.002-08:00

Back in action. Got the DSL out and the Clearwire working! So I am in the process of editing vids and posting them on YouTube. So check back here and i'll get the vids posted and ready to go! To start out here are the video reviews for books I picked up last week. So effectively 5/13/09 video reviews! Enjoy! Lots of !!!!!! cause my internet is back!

Video Reviews for 5/13/09

No internet!

2009-05-20T11:11:00.002-08:00

Hey everyone sorry about the lack of anything! My internet has been busted and I can't connect. Right now I am able to piggyback a neighbors unprotected wireless network on my wife's laptop but that is not even close to a consistent thing. I really hope to have this shit fixed in a few days. So stay tuned and stay patient.

Batman: Brave and the Bold - Aquaman

2009-05-13T19:49:00.006-08:00

Batman: Brave and the Bold is one of those cartoons that is able to appeal to both the younger and older audience in such a seamless way. Despite being pretty goofy and campy it finds a way to be some excellent programing.

Today I found myself watching some episodes from the show that I had on my DVR. They were episodes that I had seen but really wanted to see again. They were episodes that featured Brave and the Bold's take on Aquaman. He is easily my favorite character in this show. His portrayal in this show is so ridiculous and over the top, just like a lot of the things in this show, but yet is one of the most enjoyable renditions of the character I have ever seen.

Aquaman is played here as an aloof King who brags consistently about his greatness. His interactions with some of the more "intelligent" characters of the show are the best. In one episode Atom and he must enter Batman's body to fight a sickness that Batman has picked up from Chemo puking on him in battle. Through out the journey in the Bat Aquaman steals he spotlight by calling on an anti body that comes flying in like a seahorse. He names it Platelet and loves it as if it was a trusty steed. At one point the thing is smothering his stupid ass and he's telling it hoe much he likes hugs while it continues to smother him. Atom points out that Platelet is actually trying to destroy him as it seems him as a foreign body in Batman's body. Aquaman's response? "Sure feels like a hug to me!". Classic stuff here.

If you have seen this show then you know what is so great about this Aquaman. If you don't then it's really hard to get across without you having seen it. It is hard to say that this iteration would work in the printed world of the DCU but it's really tempting to want to rally behind it. As I said earlier I really enjoy this version more than any other that I have seen or read.

Anyone else enjoy this show as much as me? Any other favorites from the show? My other favorites behind Aquaman would have to be Guy Gardner, G'Nort and of course Batman. Hit up the rant to weigh in on the subject.

DC Showcase

2009-05-13T10:24:00.004-08:00

So I recently started reading my first DC Showcase tpb. It's DC Showcase Green Lantern volume 1. I gotta say these things are pretty fucking sweet. This thing has 500 pages and a cover cost of $9.99. You divide that out and you'll surely see that is an astounding deal. I noticed that not all DC Showcase are priced this way but I think the highest priced volume I saw was $16.99 which is still an awesome deal for 500 pages.

Anyway, this thing is Bible sized and starts out with the earliest appearances of the Green Lantern Hal Jordan back in 1959's DC Showcase #22 and carries on through 62's Green Lantern #17. It's amazing to read this stuff 50 years later and see how much things have changed in the world of comics. I also hadn't realized that by the time Blackest Night wraps it will be Hal Jordan's 50th anniversary. I hope DC will acknowledge this.

This thing is all black and white but honestly I think that is great. Sometimes with the old 50+ years comic back issues the coloring really doesn't do the original pencils justice. Reading this I am really digging Gil Kane's art. The writing by John Broome is very standard for the time. An example being that the same plot lines are drilled into you every issue. Such as initially every story involves Hal battling something that just happens to be yellow. The color yellow must have been hella prevalent back in the late 50's early 60's cause I swear I don't run into that much yellow in a fucking week. Either way these are some really fun stories.

These DC Showcase books are great for a quick read when your bored. Problem is you start reading them and the next thing you know your 40 pages into it. I tend to read it while i'm pooping or at work with nothing to do. These really are the best shit novels in existence. Just toss it on the back of the toilet and come back to it the next time you gotta drop a deuce. I used to do the same thing with Marvel's Essentials. Marvel's Essentials though cost a tad more. (Isn't nice to get to know me a little more than you want to?)

Anyone else reading these? If not i'd suggest picking them up. They may seem a little hokey cause of their age and era but they really are a lot simpler and fun then some of the heavier shit nowadays. It's also a lot of fun to get to the beginnings of your favorite characters since very few can afford to buy the single issues that this behemoth collects.

If you are reading them or have read them before can anyone suggest some other fun Showcases to read? I'll clearly try and finish out the Green Lantern stuff but aside from that i'm not sure. Others I saw that piqued my interest were Justice League, Batman, Superman and Legion of Superheroes. So if you got anything to suggest just slap the rant link below and drop me a suggestion. Appreciate it in advance.

What's on my pull list this week?

2009-05-12T11:45:00.002-08:00

This week there are a total of eleven comics on my pull list. This list has been getting shorter due to budgetary concerns but that's cool. Picking up only the good stuff can only be a good thing right? Anyway, here is my pull list and some thoughts on each.

Booster Gold #20 - Going to be honest and admit that I still haven't gotten the last issue of this from my pull box at Bosco's yet. Which means this will probably be joining #19 in the box instead of coming home to my collection.

Captain Britain and MI: 13 #13 -Same as above unfortunately.

Deadpool: Suicide Kings #2 - Starting a trend here as this is the same as the other two.

GeNext United #1 - I enjoyed the first series but i'm not 100% sold on picking this one up. I am going to have to glance through it and see if it piques my interest before I drop $3.99 on the bastard. Probably will pass on it and maybe get something from the box.

Green Lantern Corps #36 - This baby is coming home for sure. Can't wait to see Sinestro and Daughter dearest talk it out. This is a great comic in the midst of building to what appears to be a great event. If you aren't reading this do yourself a favor and pick up the trades and get caught up.

Secret Six #9 - This is a title that I keep telling myself to just go ahead and drop. I can't do it though. Each issue has been good and entertaining. Who knows though maybe this will be the issue that kills it for me but I doubt it. I like the premise that some of the 6 want to take up Bat's mantle. I sure hope one of the members who wants to do so has crazy hair and can fit in a tiny box way smaller than he is. That would be some serious hilarity. Batdoll!

Secret Warriors #4 - This series is off to a great start. Last issue was my least favorite of the series so far. Yet it was still better than a lot of stuff out there. Hopefully this issue keeps the title going on it's path of awesomeness.

Ultimate Spider-Man #132 - Getting closer to being done with the Ultimate Universe? I think I might be. Unless they do something awesome to hook me i'll probably be using this opportunity to relieve my wallet of some extra titles by just saying no to New Ultimate. In the mean time I am enjoying the close of this volume of the Ult. U. Ultimatum has been enjoyable for me despite some peoples utter distaste for it.

Umbrella Academy: Dallas #6 - Dallas has been way better than the original UA in my opinion. It seems like Dallas got better and better as the series went on. I really hope it isn't too long in between UA minis cause i'm really interested in seeing more of these characters.

Wolverine #73 - Two stories! One issue! None of which is the end of Old Man Logan. can anyone else say filler before the relaunch of Dark Wolverine. I'll still be buying it don't get me wrong. I am weak for the X-Verse stuff. But come on already and wrap OML up please. Also when Dark Wolverine ends can we get Wolverine relaunched under its original numbering? That would be awesome.

X-Factor #43 - Consistently great title. Cliffhangers, adventure, future stories, Layla and PAD writing like his life depended on it. This is one of the GREAT titles at Marvel right now. Pick it up I now I will be.

Video Reviews #1.2

2009-05-11T22:22:00.002-08:00

Here's the second part of the first set of video reviews here at the Asylum. Enjoy and feel free to Rant below whether you agree or disagree on something. Thanks for checking the reviews out and i'll have more up later in the week once i've had a chance to peruse this weeks offerings.

Video Reviews #1.1

2009-05-11T12:11:00.002-08:00

Here is the first video review. This is #1.1 and #1.2 will be up later or tomorrow depending on when I get it edited and posted. I hope you all enjoy it and leave me some feedback in the rants section or on Twitter @BrandonBurpee as the feedback will help me refine this process. Thanks and here it is.

Tour of The Man Room!

2009-05-10T16:11:00.003-08:00

So here it is the first video on Burpee's Comic Book Asylum! It's a tour of my Man Room. So here it is and I apologize for the cruddy nature of it. First one though so hopefully it will get better. We shall see.

So without further ado...

Videos!

2009-05-10T15:53:00.002-08:00

I am currently working on adding videos to the Asylum. I intend to add video reviews, commentary, and sometimes just random stuff. Hopefully it is something that will be enjoyable. If not i'll stop...well actually if it isn't i'll probably continue anyway. So stay tuned!

Insane Afterthoughts #3

2009-05-08T14:21:00.002-08:00

Alright, here are some quick reviews and thoughts on titles that I have picked up recently. Feel free to agree or disagree by clicking on the rant button below. Or just ignore it as I would and just msg me on Twitter or some such nonsense.

Cable #14 - So far this crossover sucks. The only thing it has done consistently so far is let me down every issue. This had some serious potential but instead of enjoying it all I can think as I am reading them is, "How many issues is this x-over?", that is never a good sign. The art is ok and so is the writing bu the whole concept just seems to much in too little. Returning Stryfe and Apocalypse would have been awesome had there been some buildup but here wasn't. Interested to see how this ends and that is about it. Anyone know how many issues this is supposed to be? Seriously, I have no clue. C

Amazing Spider-Man #593 - Enjoyable issue but nothing amazing. Man I am really bad about shying away from the obvious puns aren't I? This issue deals with a multitude of things one of which is Peter having o now live with he fact that he has seen J. Jonah Jameson Sr. knocking the dust off Aunt May's whoohoo. Seriously, it's disturbing. Maybe even too much for the Asylum. Good read though. B

War of Kings #3 - Another ok issue but nothing blockbuster. This might be the beginning of the end of the cosmic crossovers. It just isn't hitting the marks like it's predecessors did. Not even close. It does have a really cool moment with Gladiator though. C-

Flash: Rebirth #2 - WTF is with that last page?! Really? I seriously think that it's a swerve but if it isn't this has turned into a huge let down. It's Geoff Johns though and I will give that man all the credit and belief in the world. If he says he knows what he's doing i'll follow. Art is very pretty in this baby. C-

Exiles #2 - Maggott returns! Yes, you read that right! It's a small part but he's there for a few pages. I am a huge Maggott fan and feel he would be an awesome character if given to the right team but I know I am in the minority on that one. Even more reason I enjoyed his use here. This issue guaranteed I will stick around through the entire series. Thanks Jeff Parker for using him. Even more importantly though thanks goes to Asst. Editor Jordan D. White who Jeff Parker told me on Twitter was the man who suggested Maggott's use. Also it was a fun issue. ;) A+++

Title of the Month: April

2009-05-07T14:05:00.003-08:00

So it's that time again to declare one title better than the rest. One title that for whatever the reason may be, I felt, provided me with my moneys full worth. So criteria for this is just pure and simply that I enjoyed the shit out of it for whatever reason. So awaaaaaaay we go!

This month I choose Ghost Rider #34. In a surprise upset over Green Lantern #40 I chose this title. While Green Lantern was a great book with writing and art that were well worth the money paid for admission it just wasn't as good as Ghost Rider was. Green Lantern is in the middle of an epic run that is leading into Blackest Night and as amazing as it is it is a piece of a larger story and isn't a surprise issue or a key issue. So when it comes down to issue to issue comparison Ghost Rider wins.

Why does Ghost Rider #34 win? Why is it better than all the rest? Well the art for starters on this book is amazing. From pencils to coloring it is done with the volume turned to 10. One of my problems with GL #40 is that the pencils looked superb but once the coloring and inking were thrown in I felt it lost a lot in translation. Ghost Rider didn't suffer from this at all. The art was such an asset that it was able to tell the story without words in some places for pages.

The writing here was also hard to match. As I stated earlier in the Write Stuff feature Jason Aaron mastered the dark comedy aspect of writing in this issue. The gruesome trucker was so perfectly offset with the humor he provided that it seemed so easy. It isn't though and many B horror movies can attest to this statement. Aaron routinely provides this type of writing but in this issue in particular he nails down the one and done dark humor. If he could bottle this and sell it...wait he did and it's called Ghost Rider #34.

It's really sad that this title will be wrapping up in an upcoming miniseries and then going on hiatus. At least that is what Joe Q had to say in the last Joe Friday's at myspace.com. Hopefully when and if it returns Aaron will be asked to come back and work some more of his magic on the character and mythos. Until then this is the title of the month for April.

The Write Stuff for April

2009-05-06T22:00:00.004-08:00

April presented us with all kinds of stories and all kinds of written word. Some very good and some very bad. Here in the Asylum I like to focus on the good in things. It's better for fanperson therapy to not dwell on what we don't like but to instead promote what we do enjoy. Not enough of that in fandom I think. Mini soapbox aside here are the titles I feel their writers should be applauded for.

3. Thor #601 - J. Michael Straczynski is a fantastic character writer. He proves this yet again with the latest issue of Thor. He tackles some very iconic characters and does an amazing job of nailing down their voices. He gives us a Thor who is struggling to come to terms with his current situation of being cast out of Asgard. Doom being greedy and dark. Loki being the best trickster he can be. Last, but not least he gives us drunk rage filled Volstagg!

Loki is, I think, being handled the best he has ever been that I have read. Loki in his female form is one devious ass bitch. He is playing all angles and sides. He reminds me very much so of Ben Linus from Lost. Anyone who watches Lost will see what i'm saying. Anyone who isn't watching Lost do yourself a favor and jump off a building. Well...maybe you could just buy the first season. Anyway, Straczynski's Loki is money. So money and he knows it!

If you aren't reading Thor you really need to get on board or some day your going to be picking up one of those Straczynski on Thor hardbacks with the complete series wishing you had picked this up all those years ago. I'm not playing. Go pick that shit up right now then come back and finish this column and thank me.

2. Ghost Rider #34 - Alright so Jason Aaron has consistently given us a crazy book with his run on Ghost Rider. We've had Bible quoting killers, shotgun wielding nuns on motorcycles and much much more. This issue Aaron tops himself. He brings back a trucker who has made a deal with a devil and lets him square off with one of the flame heads.

The satanic trucker is absolute gold. His killing of the hippies is classic as is his driving with a head as a hood ornament for his truck. This title has enough dark humor to make you chuckle but also enough twisted shit to make you grimace. Blending these elements is not as easy as Aaron makes it seem. Many a cheesy product has been produced in entertainment mediums trying to do just what he is doing here. Not only is he doing it but he is setting some serious standards.

This issue is one of the last for this series and I am really sad to hear about that. This is a title that I was really close to dropping early on and thank the maker every day that I didn't. This is one of those titles that sneaks up on me every month and then i'm surprised that I am surprised it did.

1. Green Lantern #40 - Mr. Geoff Johns well done sir. You have now been bringing it every issue 40 issues straight. He has also placed Hal Jordan into the role of the best superhero in the DCU. I know this is a strong statement but I think it is justifiable. Which event were you more excited for Final Crisis or Blackest Night? While Blackest Night still hasn't dropped into our laps Final Crisis has and I certainly was not impressed. So now Blackest Night is coming and the buzz for it is off the chain. It revolves around the Lantern Corps of the galaxy not Superman, not Batman, not Wonder Woman. Green Lantern.

Geoff Johns gives us a great look at the Orange Lantern(s) here and we find that as is appropriate for the Greed Corps there is but one ring bearer who creates other Lanterns out of other Corps' Lanterns. Johns has given us yet another character who is fleshed out and has a lasting ability. Another character that I am sure other writers would love to play with and use in their sandbox. Another character that DC would like to make an action figure for and that I would like to put on my shelf.

This is a great title and I am getting more and more excited for the money shot that this is building to. If Blackest Night simply stays small and keeps its focus like Johns has done all along with this title it can only succeed.

Art of the Month

2009-05-06T14:02:00.006-08:00

The titles with the best art this month of April were actually really difficult to choose. There was some really good looking stuff out this month. I mean plenty of dime pieces. In the end though I can't choose them all. Well, I actually could I suppose as this is my blog and I can do as I please. I didn't though ok?! Only three remain! Here they are.

3. Thor #601 - Marko Djurdjevic brought the nasty for this issue. By nasty I mean good stuff. His art is such a great fit for this title and I swear every issue gets just a tad bit better. The pages that focused on Loki and Doom were a favorite of mine in this issue. The way he draws Dr. Doom is just an awesome bomb igniting in my retinas. I would really like to see him continue to do more with Doom. If this issue is any indication this is a good possibility.

2. Ghost Rider #34 - The art in this issue really made the story work. The premise is so ridiculous, yet brilliant, that it requires a specific style of art to accompany it. This is that art. Tony Moore's art is so strong that when it comes down to bike vs truck the art does most of the talking as the dialogue disappears. From flaming skulls to hippy bus massacre's Moore draws it all and does it in the most hellacious yet stunning way. I am really disappointed that this title is going on hiatus after the mini that follows it. The art has been so good for all 34 issues it will be a shame to not have this to look forward to each month.

1. Baman: Battle for the Cowl #2 - Now I know this is big action art and there isn't anything especially artsy per se but god damn this shit is gorgeous. Tony Daniels is hitting the mark with every unforgivingly gorgeous page. Black Mask standing over the rooftops of Gotham City reveling in the destruction he caused is just so evil looking!I have said it before and I will say it again this is a big blockbuster style mini and the art is just perfect for it. It has that Jim Lee feel but with its own hint of dark and evil. Tim vs Jason Todd Batman, if that is who it is, was a vicious free for all that was extremely enjoyable. Tim using a crowbar on him in one panel was so subtle yet fucked up. I wish Jason would have mentioned just how ironic it was for him to be getting beat with a crowbar by a Robin this time instead of the Joker. Anyway that will be covered a little more later.

So here you have it the best art in a title this month goes to Tony Daniel on Batman: Battle for the Cowl.

Cover of the Month

2009-05-05T23:21:00.008-08:00

So in selecting my favorite cover of April I was able to narrow it down to three lucky covers. Well not really lucky as much as awesome. The reason these covers were picked were for no other reason than because I liked them. I will attempt to explain why I enjoyed the covers but sometimes you just like something because you like it. You know what I mean? So check out my favorite three from this month then feel free to Rant and let me know what covers you enjoyed in the month of April.

3. Amazing Spider-Man #592 - In recent years I haven't been the biggest Quesada art fan. I think the guy is the best EIC out there and Marvel owes him a Stan Lee style debt, well maybe not that much but close, but his art doesn't always appeal to me. His variant covers for New Avengers were terrible and made Wolverine look like a nasty nad.

The cover for this issue though I found highly enjoyable. The shading is spectacular and the movement of the figure looks amazing. Sorry had to. Overall there is just that beauty to it that draws the eyes to it. Great way to make a memorable cover or at least sell an issue. Either way great success on this cover.

2. Thor #601 - God damn this cover is pretty. The shear scope of Thor walking away from the hovering Asgard is just awe inspiring. The hazy cloud cover or fog s a great effect. The mute colors do a great job as a stark contrast to Thor's billowing red cape. While the cover is simple in design and even detail it is designed superbly.

This title has a consistently beautiful cover every month. Scratch that. This title has a consistently beautiful cover when it actually comes out. These covers are an excellent addition to the great art and stories supplied with this title.

Also enjoyable and amazingly awesome is the variant for this issue which you can see here. It almost was my cover of the month it is so fantastic!

1. JSA #26 -This cover was about the best way to end the Geoff Johns era of Justice Society of America. To say that he reinvigorated the title and it's characters would be a devastating understatement. So what better way than to say goodbye than bringing back the best cover artist the title had during Johns run? Oh how about having said artist, Alex Ross, do a three cover piece that is a great shot of all the characters that made Johns' run amazing. The characters that he made speak to us in such a familial and endearing way.

The Norman Rockwell camaraderie of the shot has just the perfect feel as if the characters are taking a picture to send off with Johns as he parts way with the team he has led for so long now. So for nostalgic purposes I really enjoyed this cover the most out of all the other offerings this month.

Insane Afterthoughts #2

2009-05-04T12:53:00.003-08:00

So here are my insane afterthoughts of the titles I have read recently. Sorry these were kinda infrequent, not that anyone really noticed i'm sure, but here are the newest batch.

Kick-Ass #6 - This is one title that I feel is getting better every issue. Kinda saw the ending coming but not because it was easily expected but instead because of the superb art. In the panel where Kick-Ass leaves the car of Red Mist you can read the betrayal all over Red Mists face. Also quite enjoyable was the origin of Big Daddy and Hit-Girl. That was some twisted shit that as a parent is so appalling to me that it draws my ass right in. B

X-Factor #42 - Peter David continues this great arc that is keeping fans of the title waiting for more shock endings and awesome plot twists. I am really digging the future time line that seems to be in thick of the Summers Rebellion that has long been hinted at in the X-Titles. The last page was both unexpected and also kind of odd looking. Is that Fryer Tuck in the last page with a metal arm? Oh wait no that's....B+

Immortal Iron Fist #25 - One more to go in this arc and it has been a fun one. This romp through the 8th City has shown us some crazy Immortal Weapons brawls and now in this issue we get Iron Fist vs Iron Fist. Well after the initial fight we do anyway. This series is doing a great job of building a mythology around it that makes it compelling and important to fans which should help it to stick around. B+

Dark Reign: The Cabal - This was a sweet mix of stories that involve villainous dreams and recaps of characters histories. The best one of the group by far is the initial story that takes place in Dr. Doom's imagination as it runs wild dissecting and destroying the other members of the cabal and the world leading to Doom being supreme ruler. B -

Mighty Avengers #24 - This issue was much better than the previous ones in my opinion. I really disliked the initial arc but the art is much more enjoyable and the writing seems more fluid in this issue. Perhaps Slott has hit his stride or maybe I just needed to be warmed up to the title itself. Either way this title went from being an issue away from being dropped to back on the pull list. C+

Dark Avengers #4 - Alright so I know this title is called DARK Avengers but man I really am getting worn out by the ridiculously dark art. The inking and shading are just so dark I feel like I need to turn on the fucking light just to see it. Would it hurt to use a little less ink? The stuff with the Sentry was killer. The Sentry coming back from that action and seeing Osborn's face is priceless and the terror there makes me want to see Sentry go heel permanently. What a force he would be in the Marvel U if he was bat shit crazy evil. C-

Madman Atomic Comics #15 - As usual I really enjoy Allred's art. The vintage wackiness of it is so unique and fun that it just always stands out to me. It makes me really want to see some more X-Statix! The story isn't always on par with his art I feel though. This issue was a point in case of that. While it was fun it was also nothing spectacular. The Bowie style cover is pretty cool as well. C

Guardians of the Galaxy #13 - I am really tired of the briefing panels. It was a neat idea at first but it has been drained of all enjoyability. Was hoping to see more of the Starjammers but I can forgive that. When the teams split up all I could think was how awesome this title would be if it revolved around the Rocket Raccoon led team. That is an off the meds kinda team I would love to read about. Otherwise this really wasn't all that noteworthy. D+

Uncanny X-Men #509 - Alright so i'm not going to lie. As much as I am not a fan of Greg Land's interior art on this title he does put together a nice cover. The split Psylocke cover is pretty that is for sure. Now on the inside I lose all interest. Not interested in Psylocke in her original body. Not interested in the overly cheesy art that results in every fucking person smiling. Not even a variety of smiles. They all have big toothy white smiles. Lame-O. Also the writing seems kinda comical and as if fraction is playing up to the cheese ball fluff art. Not a fan of this at all. F

Legion of 3 Worlds #4 - Geoff Johns is awesome. George Perez is awesome. Put them together you get awesome right? Unfortunately not the case. While not terrible it isn't what I would hope for from two top tier creators. This issue wins me over though. The return of Bart Allen was a huge to everyone who hadn't already read Flash: Rebirth. Wait what was that? Most people read that? Oh yeah that's right. Nice one fucking that surprise DC. There is another surprise return that more than makes up for it for me. One of my favorite characters returns here and it really was a surprise. Who returned? Let me list some of my favorite dead characters Maggott, Superboy, Bruce Wayne and Hawkman (who may or may not have even been dead in the first place based on DC revisionist theory). I'll let you guess which one came back in this issue. C

FCBD 09'

2009-05-02T19:25:00.004-08:00

Free Comic Book Day 2009 has now come and gone. It was a lot of fun for me and my family and I hope it was fun for all of you. Picked up some great stuff today and was impressed by a couple titles I don't usually read but may just have to check out. Also, my 8 month old son was able to get some comics of his own from FCBD as was my wife. So all in all a great day where the sun was shining bright here in Anchorage, AK.

So what did we pick up today? Well here's the list of books my family collectively brought home:

-=Laura=-
Love and Capes (Maerkle Press)
Archie presents The Mighty Archie Art Players ( Archie Comics)
-=Dex=-
DC Kids Mega Sampler (DC)
Star Wars Clone Wars (Dark Horse)
-=Myself=-
Atomic Robo (Red 5)
Blackest Night (DC)
Avengers (Marvel)
The Stuff of Legend (Th3rd World Studios)
Attack of the Alterna Zombies (Alterna)

So a nice mix of books with something for everyone. Can't really speak on my wife's selections as I have no interest in reading either of those titles. I really dislike Archie, always have, and while I have heard some great stuff about Love and Capes it just isn't my bag.

Dex's books that we grabbed him were pretty cool. The DC kids sampler is great cause it has a little of everything. While all the books, no matter how kid friendly they are, are over my 8 month old sons head he'll get them eventually and this is a great starting point for him. The Tiny Titans stuff is awesome I really do enjoy those quite a bit despite the younger market it is aimed toward. I'm pretty sure i'm not alone on that either.

The Star Wars one I thumbed through but didn't read. It had some other stuff in it besides Star Wars as well like Usagi Yojimbo and Emily the Strange. A nice sampling but nothing so compelling I felt the need to read them. Again great stuff for him at some point though and while he couldn't read them once I bagged and boarded them he sure enjoyed them as you can see.

Now the books I got had some things I have never read, some things I have read a little of and some things I follow consistently. All of them were very good and presented themselves in a way to hook new readers but yet not alienate the long termers. So here is a break down.

Atomic Robo - Great fun title. Will probably get the trades of these. Nothing I need to pick up each month but would probably be a great read in trades. The art was clean and as I said the story was fun. A dinosaur vs a robot is always fun. When the dinosaur has a Coleman cooler strapped to his back it's even better! The extra content was cool too but would have preferred more Atomic Robo.

Avengers - This was pretty cool. The small size of the book was really odd to me at first but as I was reading it I kinda grew to enjoy the smaller book size. It would really fuck up the bag and board system if they switched permanently but it was kinda cool. Maybe a way to help keep prices low? I enjoyed the story and the art but one thing I really would have enjoyed more of is THOR! He's front and center on the cover but inside he is relegated to getting his ass kicked and verbally bitch smacking Norman Osborn. The last part is cool but getting his ass kicked is soooo below the god of thunder.

Blackest Night - This was pretty damn awesome. It hinted at some serious stuff. Bat Zombie potential?! Dibney Zombies?! Aqua Zombie?! This is going to be fucking crazy people and I am not sure I can wait until July 15th! The art was a real seller on this super free book. The back section detailing the different Lanterns was also very helpful and cool. Especially if this whole story was new to you and this was your first shot at it. Oh yeah and lets not forget the Black Lantern Oath. That was pretty awesome.

The Stuff of Legends - Honestly never heard of this but the cover drew me in and I took it home with me. I wasn't disappointed one iota. This is a title I intend to pic up when it hits shelves. It was like Toy Story goes to hell to save the toy owner. Looks pretty rad. Dark yet charming is the best description I can give it.

Attack of the Alerna Zombies - Haven't had a chance to read through it yet but it looks cool. I had seen the solicitation for Jesus Hates Zombies but wasn't sure about it so didn't get it. Que FCBD 09' now I can try it for free and maybe go pick it up afterwards. What is really great about this FCBD offering is the unique format. It is built like a trade and not a standard comic. Nothing else available today looked anything like it which is a great marketing strategy on the part of Alterna. I'll let you know what the inside of this bitch is like when i'm done.

So there you have it my FCBD booty. My favorite of the day would probably have to be Blackest Night as it actually tied into continuity in a meaningful way. Sure Avengers tied into continuity as well but it was more a one in done which could be ignored in the future. Blackest Night had some new stuff that moved us forward and clsoer to that event.

Well i'm now looking forward to FCBD 10'! What did everyone else get? Anything I should have got that I didn't? Let me know on twitter or just rant below.

I'm back baby!

2009-04-30T16:20:00.002-08:00

Alright, I know that I have been hella lax on getting content up and I am sorry. Finals are now over for me and the summer is coming. Tomorrow after I get off work I will start the content flowing again.

This weekend I intend to name the books of April in categories of art, writing, and overall. As well as cover some Delicious Free Comic Book Day stuff. If you aren't aware of FCBD click on that link and check it out. It has where to find stores, what comics will be free and much more to help you out. I personally am taking the day off and bringing the fam to my LCS Bosco's! Should be great fun. If you get out there and have a good time share with me what your FCBD was like in the rants section.

Alright, good being on here again and those 4 of you who kept coming back despite the lack of content I owe you a pint of the liquid of your choosing!

See ya in the panels.

Is Dolly Parton Black Canary?!

2009-04-23T12:21:00.008-08:00

So I picked up the new issue of Green Arrow and Black Canary,which was #19, last week and wasn't that impressed with it. I really liked the issues leading into it but l kinda felt let down by this one. That though is not the biggest problem I have with this issue.

One of the usual things i like to do here is give a run down of my favorite covers each week. This time though instead I would like to just share my least favorite cover of the YEAR so far. If you have this issue feel free to pull it out and take a gander with me.

To start this cover has been changed form its original solicitation. Here is the solicitation version
to the left here. And the actual to the right here. (I apologize for the the quality of the actual one but I took it with my Iphone because I couldn't find an actual one online.)

So as you can tell the faces on Black Canary are different as well as the hair on Cupid. Also the coloring is slightly different. Not sure why the change but change it did.

Now that isn't my issue with the cover either. My issue is that when you take a closer look at Black Canary's face and body things just are weird looking. If you have the issue to look at I would suggest doing so. Otherwise I have a closer look pic from my Iphone here to the right. Now if we are all looking at the picture lets share things that are odd. 1.) That is one ugly pissed off woman face, 2.) Those are some giant breasticles, 3.) That is one hideously skinny waist to have such huge breasticles that were pointed out in point 2, and finally 4.)The way the bottom of Black Canary's costume comes down into here southern region it almost looks like it is a slight man bulge. Altogether, these points make for a nasty ass cover.

Now what the hell was with the title of this entry? Well take a look at the body presented to us for Black canary. Now check out this picture of Dolly Parton to the left here. Don't they look eerily similar. I think so. Big tits small waste weathered blonde head. Yep, DC now has Dolly Parton playing the part of Black canary. Well, for this cover anyway.

What's everyone think? Fair assessment of the cover? Anyone else see the Dolly Parton resemblance?

Looking for a partner!

2009-04-22T14:43:00.003-08:00

Alright, so not sure why I haven't tried this yet but figured I would. I am looking for an artist who would like to help develop a project that we can try and get out there. I can write but am no help on the art side of things. I am open to any type of project that the artist is comfortable to work with. I would be at my best though with horror, humor, and super heroes. Combining all of those would be gold. If you are an artist and are interested you can reach me in any of these ways:

Email: Burpee714@gmail.com
Twitter: BrandonBurpee
or simply click rant below and leave me your info

If you are interested and have a deviantart page or something I can look at that would be great. I am also prepared to share some of my ideas if you want to hear them so we can asses how well we can work together. I really want to make this happen so if you do to then hit me up!

Insane Afterthoughts #1

2009-04-17T19:01:00.003-08:00

Alright so Insane Afterthoughts is the new name for my short reviews. Needed something that fit more with the Asylum and yet also showed that we were reviewing. So Insane Afterthoughts it is for now! Or for those who think this is stupid and dislike my reviews, most i'm assuming fit in this category, feel free to call this the Inane Afterthoughts! Like anything else here though I may change this. Wouldn't be the first time and wont be the last. So awaaaaaaaay we goooooo!

Secret Six #8 - Based on the sheer fact that we were served up a double date issue with Deadshot I am thinking decent grade here. Gail Simone provides a fun issue that still keeps all the characters voices intact yet gives us something completely different compared to what has come before in the past 7 issues. I also enjoyed seeing Scandal meeting back up with the stripper Knockout. Interested to see where this whole plot is going. Good issue but nothing amazing. B

Green Arrow and Black Canary #19 - I have been loving the hell out of this arc and was really looking forward to how it all would end. I came away fairly disappointed unfortunately. The train scene was neat and the stuff with Merlyn was pretty good but I just wanted and expected more from this. I honestly can't even tell you what I wanted out of it. I just know I don't feel that I got it. C

Incognito #3 - This is shaping up to be really good. I have enjoyed it thus far and each issue pulls back the curtain a little more and we get a greater glimpse of the world as it is in this title. The main character is written so well that as big of a scum as he is you really feel for him as he is being taken advantage of by his friend. After this issue I can only imagine things are going to get crazier and crazier as he has now been outed. The art here is also sufficiently dark and helps to lend that foreboding feeling a title like this should have. B

Captain America #49 - WTF was this? I thought this issue was supposed to be the biggest thing since the death of Cap. I understand this was probably setting something up but what? the last couple of pages were confusing as shit and did not leave me with an OH SHIT! moment like I was expecting. I was drooling as I opened this book because the solicit had built my need to read this issue into a total rage and instead I was left with my nothing but a limp dick. It's pretty looking though. D

Green Lantern Corps #35 - The last page was off the chain! I can't wait for the next issue. Also, am I the only one who loved the idea of Arkillo carrying his tongue around his neck?! Great visual image in that panel. I seriously am super fucking amped for Blackest Night. DC better not let me down like they have been so brilliant at lately. B

X-Men Legacy #223 - Alright so fast approaching the end of this portion of Legacy. I was hoping they would drop the Legacy sub header but if what i'm hearing is right it will be staying on there. Anyway, that has nothing to do with the issue at hand. Gotta say Carey has done more for Rogue than anyone else in quite some time. He really seems to ahve a great grasp on her. i can't wait to see who everyone is looking at on the last page there. The art continues to be a shining part of this book. interested to see how they close this all out. B

My pull list for the week...

2009-04-15T11:58:00.002-08:00

So this is what is on my pull list this week. Some will stay in the box and some will come home with me. Also hoping to get some out of my box this week so i'll post a final list of what I got this week later. For now though these are the new books this week i'll be pulling.

DC

Green Arrow/Black Canary #19 - This title has been great as of late. Andrew Kinsberg and Mike Norton have been dishing out the goods since they took over and the current storyline has been both twisted and fun.

Green Lantern Corp # 35 - Green Lanterns, Blackest Night Prelude, Red Lanterns, Guy Gardner...you sold yet? I know I am.

Marvel

Amazing Spider-Man #591 - Last issue was old school fun and left us with a cliffhanger that may or may not shake some things up depending on where they go this week. This was my title of the week two weeks ago so we'll see if it can keep up the quality.

Captain America #49 - Are we really forty-nine issues into Brubaker's run? Incredible. This has been an epic run that I hope continues for quite some time. Plus this is supposedly, according to the solicits, going to be the biggest issue since #25 and the death of Steve Rogers. That is a mighty big claim Marvel. We fanpeople will be the judges of that.

Incognito #3 - This is another Brubaker gem. Enjoying every page of it.

Punisher #4 - I love he art on this book. Jerome Opena's art is a perfect match for a title that features nitty gritty characters like the Punisher and the Hood. Love seeing those to characters feud. Match made in heaven...well maybe hell.

Beta Ray Bill One-Shot - Love Beta Ray Bill. This is tagged as a Secret Invasion book. A little late? Anyway Bill's here so I am too.

Uncanny X-Men #508 - Other than the amazing X-Club I have been fairly uninterested in this title. Just seems like there is so much going on but yet so little. Does that make sense to anyone else reading this title?

X-Factor #42 - Every week that I see this is coming out I have a fabulous geekgasm! This book is the rocks. After the cliffhangers we have been given the last couple of issues I am super stoked to see what we get here. Plus the Summers Rebellion! That is if everything is what it seems.

X-Men: Legacy #223 - So this is supposed to be the beginning of he end for this stint of Legacy. I wish once this was done they would just go back to X-Men. No reason to continually add and remove these sub headers and adjectives . This story is good but I am honestly more excited to see where this all goes when this is all done. What will be the status of this title?

So that is my list. My list gets shorter every week it seems. Very few DC yet again this week. Probably one of the smaller DC weeks I have had in years. What is everyone else getting?

Title of the Week for 4/8/09

2009-04-14T12:20:00.006-08:00

So this week I got a pretty small amount of what came out and quite a bit went into the box. For this reason the weeks list of best titles is pretty small. Instead of five this week we have but two. The two this week though were pretty good IMHO. So... shall we?

Green Lantern #39(w/ Geoff Johns, a/ Philip Tan) - The art in this issue was off the chain! Philip Tan is bringing his A-game here and then some. Every time I turned the page I found myself spending some obscene amount of time eye balling the art. Not only was the art fantastic the coloring and the inks made the pencils all the more gorgeous. Every piece of the art team here deserves some love.

The writing wasn't as amazing as the art but it was still solid. Even when Johns doesn't seem to be on the top of his game he still is better than most out there. (This issue wasn't an example of Johns not bringing the written word to the page well by any means I just wanted to bring that thought to light.) Johns continues here to build the different Corps. and the Blue definitely is becoming my second favorite. Johns continues here to build an epic run on a title that will forever be connected to the character of the Green Lantern. His run here is a run that will be looked upon in the same ranks as Claremont and the X-Men characters.

Now this was a setup issue and thus there was a lot going on but nothing Earth shaking. We get a little more on the Orange Lanterns but not too much. Also, a little more of the Blue Lanterns plans for Hal Jordan come into focus. To top it all of we get the intro of a new law in the Book of OA. Overall, this has the making of an excellent arc leading into Blackest Night.

Batman: Battle for the Cowl #2 (w and a/Tony Daniel) - This has been a fun title. It, like the first issue, has some top notch art. This title also keeps the summer blockbuster feel to it that it began in the first issue. There is still a lot going on that and I have a hard time believing that it can all be neatly wrapped up in the next issue. Well, it might be but not in a way that will be pleasing to those reading this mini. I think what will happen is that instead of wrapping this up neatly next issue it will instead just set the status quo then bleed into the new titles. Making this more of a starting point than it's own story between two eras of the Batman franchise. If that is the case that would be a better alternative to wrapping it all up in one issue and coming across as rushed.

Tony Daniels ability to write as well as do art on this book should open some eyes that may not have been open to this man's talent. Hopefully we will get more opportunities to see Daniels on both chores again in the near future. I personally would like to see him on a Hawkman title pulling double duty. Am I the only one who can see the beauty that would be that book? Maybe.

This issue has a fun battle between two Batmans as well as Catwoman and a Batman meeting and mingling. Also, we get more of Black Mask shaking the beehive in Gotham City and serving up a steaming plate of misdirection. The end of the issue is where the battle of the would be Batmen and it was a lot of fun to see the two go at it.

While we know the identity of one of the Batmen and assume the other I am hoping there will be a twist coming. I almost feel like it's really strange that we have not seen the Joker through all of this. Then we get to the Batmen fight and the uber violent Batman gets pummeled by Robin/Batman with a crowbar which would be mighty ironic if the uber violent Batman turns out to be Joker. Then during that battle uber violent Batman with a bloody smiling mouth starts to laugh in a manner consistent with the Joker. While Jason Todd is believed to be UV Batman i'm not 100% sure of this. When was the last time Jason Todd stopped being a prick and turned into a manically laughing madman? Never? That's what I thought. Seems more consistent to have Redhood/Joker running around causing carnage as Batman. Even if i'm wrong it's fun to think about.

Oh and the one page of art with Black Mask reveling in the destruction of Gotham was a great shot and really made me wish they would use the Black Mask character in the next Batman movie. He would be a great villain that would work amazingly well in the movie universe that has been created for Batman.

So which is the title of the week? Well the two made it tough to decide that goes without saying. Since I do have to pick one as it's title of the week and not titles of the week i'm going to go ahead and go with...

Batman: Battle for the Cowl #2

I chose this because it was just overall a fun read and really has the feeling of being important. GL #39 seemed important too but much more in a setup kind of way. The fact that GL #39 was the start of that arc and was a bit slower hurt it this week when compared to the action packed Battle for the Cowl #2. I enjoyed the overall package of BftC more this week. It also left us with a cliffhanger that I am sure few really bought into but it was still effective as a last page cliffhanger. I am excited for the next issue and look forward to seeing if it can live up to its two predecessors.

Agree disagree? Feel free to rant about it below.

Title of the Week for 4/1/09

2009-04-10T15:31:00.003-08:00

So the title I most enjoyed last week was easily Amazing Spider-Man #590. Everything in this issue was enjoyable. The art of Barry Kitson and the writing of Dan Slott is a match that I hope we see more often. The whole story reads as an old fashioned fun story. No brooding bad guys, no drama with the normal cast and no lady issues. It is a great way to shift gears after the darkly intense issues we've been presented with in the last few months. While those issues were great they make an issue like this that much better.

This issue basically revolves around Spidey and the Fantastic Four and a prior visit to the Macroverse they made. They end up saving some inhabitants and all the while Spidey does so without a mask. Now, cut to sometime later and this same area is calling for help from these heroes specifically. Of course they go but there is a problem with the situation to Johnny. He remembers Spidey not wearing a mask and for the life of him he can't remember what he looked like. Then to top it off they find statues glorifying them all but Spidey's is mask less and the face is worn off. So Johnny demands the truth but a reluctant Spidey refuses. Johnny though burns the mask of his face and Spidey is potentially exposed. Potentially...

One of the best scenes here is Reed trying without success to convince the others to let the villainy they witness go on because they don't want to interact. Uatu protocols he calls it. Though in succession they all leave Reed standing there as they rush in to help. Great scene that was a lot of fun.

Another great scene where the art and writing are in fantastic sync is Spidey questioning a villain he has webbed to a wall. He explains how Norman's darker times can make him darker as well. He draws in closely and looks very menacing. Then with a great shot of the villains eye you see Spidey's reflection as the villain panics. Spidey then swings away as the villain screams of the wedgie that Spidey has given him while he's webbed to the wall. Classic and fun Spidey rendered quite well.

The only gripe I had about this issue was Spidey unmasking for the Fantastic four. Just the week before we had Spidey doing it for his New Avengers teammates. Granted this issue, in a very Human Torch fashion, Johnny pushes the subject and forces Spidey to unmask. For whatever reason he unmasks he still does and it is all very quick considering how even quicker the identity subject was washed away along with the marriage. This could really start to pick at the festering wounds of the fanboys and fangirls who really dislike Brand New Day. Also, the whole worn face on the statue of Spidey in the Macroverse implies Belasco's reach and the deal stretch into areas that maybe he wouldn't even have influence on.

It is to be noted that we don't know for sure that he has been unmasked to be Peter Parker. As I said earlier this issue has that real old school team-up vibe and at the end of the issue all we see is a shot of the mask on the floor and the Torch saying, "NO WAY! NO FREAKIN WAY!", to a neck down shot of Spidey. That leaves this open to the old school twist where something happens and no identity is revelaed. Another mask underneath? Some Chameleon face putty? Who knows. I'll be there for the next issue I know that much though. I suggest you be there as well Inmates.

I Take It Back!

2009-04-10T15:22:00.004-08:00

Alright so in the previous entry I was critical of Jeff Parker's Exiles relaunch. I may have jumped the gun here. I complained like a whiny fanboy that the Blink in that title did not appear to be the original Blink from the original Exiles series. I had various reasons for believing so. I also stated that she seemed kind of fishy as no background was given for her.

Well it turns out I was wrong and that it is indeed her. I found this out by getting on Twitter and tweeting Jeff Parker. This was the conversation which was short and sweet.

Me: Is that not the original Blink?
Jeff Parker: It is her. Watch her closely!

So there you have it. I humbly apologize and will indeed keep an eye on things.

Oh yeah and just for the record Jeff Parker is a real nice guy. Every time I have tweeted him I have gotten a response. It usually takes a bit but he gets back to me and is always pretty helpful and friendly.

Two Big Disappointments

2009-04-09T12:09:00.003-08:00

Alright so this week marked the release of two titles that I really hoped would be good despite a bad feeling I had about both of them. Those titles are the relaunch of Exiles and the first issue of Wolverine: Weapon X. Both titles had great potential but neither came through for me at all.

First off is Exiles #1 this is the start of what was supposed to be an Exiles relaunch bringing Blink back into the fold. In interviews i've read with writer Jeff Parker he has stated that this would indeed be the Blink that was the leader of the Exiles in the first series. This is clearly not the case when you read the issue. This Blink has no clue what the Talus is and no recognition of Morph or the timebroker concept.

This could end up being the same Blink with some kind of memory loss but that would be a cheap cop out. Something is surly not what it seems when it comes to this Blink. If you notice she is the only one who does not get a back story and near death. She is just there in the field with the rest of them when Morph lays out the premise of the title for them. So I will implore a wait and see mentality because the last page was pretty damn cool but Marvel has really missed a great opportunity here to return this title to its original greatness.

Wolverine: Weapon X i'm sad to say disappointed me as well. The fact that Jason Aaron has been writing a stellar Ghost Rider title and also wrote the fan favorite Wolverine arc "Get Mystique" left me feeling like this had great potential. It still may get better but as of now this title is pretty sub par in the quality department.

The dialogue was pretty atrocious. In particular the train scene was miserable. Wolverine cuts a guys hand off and he says, "I'm going to lay down now" or something of that sort? Come on that's a Deadpool comic not a Wolverine comic.

Also, Aaron's interpretation of the character of Wolverine here was terrible. It seems like he thinks Logan is Hancock with claws. Passed out on a train and going way over the top to stop a mugging. A factor that seems to be truly lost on writers anymore is that Wolverine is a noble character. He doesn't just chop muggers hands off and then roll on. I mean that guy probably bled to death and Wolverine just moved along. Just ridiculous on top of ridiculous here.

One up side for the Wolverine: Weapon X title is that artist Ron Garney must be a fan of the 90's cartoon as Wolverine in his civvies was decked out in the same outfit that Wolverine from the cartoon wore consistently throughout the series. That I appreciated. ;)

Anyone else read these and find themselves less than satisfied? Neither was terrible but neither met expectations. Let me know what you think Inmates.

Comic Pull List For 4/8/09

2009-04-08T12:23:00.002-08:00

This is what I have on my pull list for this week. Some will end up in my box due to lack of funds as has been consistent since the volcano decided to jack up the hotel occupancy thus jacking up my wallets occupancy. Anyway though....

DC

Batman: Battle For The Cowl #2 - Hoping it looks as Jim Lee like as the last one. Hopefully it can accomplish a quarter of what it had setup last issue cause there is way too much going on to be just wrapped up in the third issue.
Booster Gold #19 - Probably gonna box it. Sad to say but true.
Green Lantern #39 - The mother load this week son! Can't fucking wait!
Secret Six #8 - Another box candidate.
Superman The World of New Krypton #2 - Not sure but probably boxing this bitch.

Marvel

Captain Britain and MI:13 #12 - Great title and now it has Doom and Dracula hells to the yeah!
Deadpool: Suicide Kings One-Shot - Not sure if i'll be getting this. Need to take a peak under the cover first to be sold.
Exiles #1 - Don't screw this one up Marvel. The first was so damn cool. The last was utter trash on top of a pile of shit on top of baby diapers exploding with baby feces. Yes...that bad!
Ultimate Wolverine Vs Hulk #4 - Lenil Yu is the only thing keeping me going on this one.
Wolverine: Weapon X #1 - Another Wolverine title? Ok, but only cause I am a moron and I buy stuff like this when there is better stuff out there.

Teen Titans and JLA what happened?!

2009-04-07T16:38:00.005-08:00

So anyone who has been reading either of these titles for more than three years knows that these titles have both fallen on hard times. Like the economy they keep on dropping further instead of entering into some form of recovery. What could happen to two titles that started out so strong upon their relaunches? How do you go about fixing whats wrong? Here are my ideas.

1. Bring Back Top Talent

First things first and that is putting creative teams on these titles that are A-List and nothing less. When these titles originally relaunched this is exactly what they had. Geoff Johns on Teen Titans and Brad Meltzer on JLA drove those titles. Letting untested writers and artists or even a team that is simply ok is not enough. These are two of DC's premier titles/teams they should be treated with caviar and champagne.
Having said this DC may be fixing this problem on at least one of the titles. Rumors are that JLA may be gaining the creative team of Geoff Johns and Jim Lee. This would be an amazing team and would surely post this title at the top of the charts.

2. Bring Back The Big Boys and Girls

Alright so sometimes having a few off beat second or even third tier characters on one of these titles works. Having a character on the team who may not be a regular top notch player can help to give the reader an in to the team that they can relate to someone a little more normal like them. Filling the team with characters like this is a huge mistake.
Unfortunately, filling a team with second and third tier characters appears to be DC's plan of action with these titles. On look at the cover of Teen Titans #69 proves my point. While there are some interesting characters on there the majority are near unknowns to the uninitiated. This should not happen. This team should have all the best sidekicks or underage heroes as well as classic Teen Titans members.

3. Slim Down The Line

This last one helps Teen Titans more but it could also be beneficial to JLA. I would say it's time to let the Titans title go. It has been terrible lately and when it comes to importance Teen Titans should be far more important. So cut it loose and let the members disperse to other things.

If Your So Smart You Build a Team!

I will! So this is just for fun but this is how I would personally fix the two problems i've listed.

Teen Titans
Written By - Marv Wolfman
Penciled By - Mark Bagley
Cast- Cyborg(Leader), Starfire, Wonder Girl, Kid Flash, Blue Beetle, Miss Martian, Ravager and Firestorm.
This would give you an A-List writer/artist team and a cast that contains classic members as well as modern favorites. It would also add a new element in Firestorm. This team could change to include other members as the status of the DC universe shifts more. Eventually you could bring in the new Robin for instance.

JLA
Written By - Geoff Johns
Penciled By -Jim Lee
Cast - Wonder Woman (Leader), Green Lantern (Hal Jordan), Hawkman, Flash (Barry Allen), Black Canary, Green Arrow and Supergirl.
This would fix the creative team issue without doubt. This team is also based on the status of the DCU so the omission of Batman(Dead) and Superman(Off world) are due to those stories. Once these stories resolve themselves I would place these characters back on the teams. Bringing in Superman to replace Supergirl and eventually Batman, whether it be the new one or Bruce, would solidify this roster as the heavy hitters of the DCU again.

So this is what I would do to fix these things. I am but a lonely fanboy/blogger though so what do I know? Anyone like what I have here or have arguments? Please feel free to rant. Check ya later Inmates.

Infinite Crisis on Earth Real?

2009-04-07T13:10:00.003-08:00

Alright so I saw this online and it instantly reminded me of Alexander Luthor from Infinite Crisis trying to form his Earth again. The giant hand of Alexander. So is this proof of a real Crisis in reality? Will people start coming back from the dead because some Superboy is going to punch something and the ripples will change history? We'll just have to wait and see.

Until then here is the pic. It's a nebula and the blue stuff is emanating from it. Looks a lot like a world smashing hand though to me.

Short Reviews

2009-04-05T08:07:00.003-08:00

Amazing Spider-Man #590 - I really enjoyed this one. It is a lot lighter in feel than what we've been getting from Spidey lately. Don't get me wrong I have been enjoying the other darker more character driven stuff but a little change of pace never hurt. This is as I said a fairly light fun jaunt with the FF. The art was great and the writing was fun. The conversation is especially crisp between Johnny and Pete. This is a title that most disagreed with when the new direction took place, me included, but this has proven a lot of people wrong and has continually been worth my money three times a month. Although I must say that the end unless changed by the end of last issue will have some people screaming foul when this even is coupled with the latest issue of New Avengers. To soon? I think maybe so. Still great stuff though! A

Flash: Rebirth #1 - The cover on this baby is pure fire! The interior art is just as great. The story is not. For as much hype as this has received and given the fact that this is the return of a character that many thought would stay dead this just seemed kinda flat to me. This was by no means a bad issue but it wasn't amazing like it should have been. Perhaps it was over hyped? Did I expect to much? I just figured return of an epic long dead character with the team who single handedly brought back Hal Jordan and made the Green Lantern characters a huge part of DC would have nailed this. Not quite. C

Captain America Comics - This was a fun little one shot that reminds us that Steve Rogers was the man. That he was a patriot and a hardass even before he was all HGH'd...I mean Super Soldiered up. The art by Marcos Martin especially was fantastic. The art was clean and crisp but included plenty o detail. The splash pages in this thing were phenomenal. A-

Invincible Iron Man #12 - In this issue Pepper Pots the Iron Maiden! Catching planes and doing damage with all her protective/defensive armor. Then quickly without a fight or use of any of these "superior" defensive technologies surrenders to H.A.M.M.E.R. agents. Wait what?! Also Maria Hill is turned into a Super Sexy Shield Zombie! Or is that Super Sexy Hydra Zombie?! Who can keep the affairs of SHIELD straight these days. Ok well anyway certain plot holes aside this was a decent read. B-

Justice Society of America #25 - So we see Johns starting to wrap up his run on JSA here. The end is nigh Johns JSA fans. It' sad to see but it was a great ride. In the end of this we have Marvel's no more and Shazam pissed as hell. Oh and also Shazam gets Black Adam and Isis stoned. Well of sorts that is. ;) Overall a wrap up issue that doesn't represent what Johns has done for this title for so long. Worth your money just not the best. B-

War of Kings #2 - So unlike the two previous Marvel space epics this series has yet to give that WOW moment. In the others there was some big reveal that sent us spinning Annhilius, Galactus imprisoned, Phalanx controlled by Ultron and so on. Here we get nothing of the sort. While it is still a good story it isn't what had hoped for. Granted this is not called Annihilation 3 so I shouldn't have expected anything like the other two. If anything my high expectations go to show that the team of DnA have established themselves as amazing writers when it comes to Marvel's space characters and people expect big things when they see their names on a space event comic. C+

Cable #13 - This like War of Kings was disappointing. Messiah Complex was an awesome ride from start to finish that really shook things up. Messiah War has not been anything of the sort. I have found it so far to be boring and a slow ride that I almost wish I had never gotten on. There are still more issues so maybe it will get better but so far the future is indeed bleak. Well, for this crossover anyway. D+

Secret Warriors #3 - This is a title with some heat. It really has had some excellent moments. Fury's dinner date where he gets put in his place is one of those moments. While this issue hasn't been like the other two issues with a crazy reveal or return of a character it does provide strong storytelling and compelling characters. B+

Astonishing Tales #3 - Now this is how you do an Anthology. Short entertaining stories with different flavors in each of them. Hopefully in the future we will see stories with longer and short parts. Marvel Comics Presents' mistake was that its parts were just too long. With some shorter stories that rotate through you can easily reintroduce old characters with a new fresh twist or just plain tell great stories with existing characters when they wont fit anywhere else. B

Umbrella Academy #4 & #5 - This has been some wackiness. This thing is loony tunes and enjoyable as shit. The two issues here provided a wide breadth of substance. We have Vietnam and sugared up killers as well as time travel. This has been a fun ride like its predecessor and I or one hope Way and Ba come back to do another of the sort. B+ and A respectively.

Marvel Sagas

2009-04-04T16:18:00.004-08:00

So I recently picked up a copy of New Mutants Saga from my LCS. I have all but 6 issues from the original New Mutants run and have a good deal of the X-Force stuff that followed. Despite that I still read through the Saga issue and found it to be, like all the other Sagas that Marvel puts out, a genius idea.

With the various Saga issues Marvel is doing something that no other publisher is doing. Granted some companies do recap books but nobody does these recap issues like Marvel. They are easy to follow, comprehensive and most of all they are totally fucking free!

Whether Marvel is trying to launch a new series staring existing characters or they are about to launch a major event they have been consistent in putting one of the Saga books out. They catch fans up on all relevant material so fans, new and old alike, can stay in the game. In an age where a large amount of continuity is perceived as a hindrance in drawing new fans Marvel has found a great way to say, "Hey! Look continuity ain't so scary! This is all you need to know!". I've even offered these up to my Wife knowing she could easily read these then get in on some of the stuff I read. (So far constantly declined. She fell off the comic scene after Y: The Last Man)

So I guess I just wanted to drop some props for Marvel. It seems the internet is used so much for abusing the creators and publishers when often times they are doing great things like this and don't get any respect for it at all. So I just wanted to say good job Marvel and thank you!

Green Lantern Tattoos

2009-04-03T13:06:00.007-08:00

Alright so earlier in the week I posted a pics of my comic book related tattoos. One of those was a Green Lantern tattoo which I got with two other friends. I said I would try and get up shots of the other two. I was successful in getting a shot of one of them.

So here's mine again

And here's Matt's which you can kinda see the crack at the top of the lantern symbol inside the circle. A closer shot (which I didn't get) would show you the crack goes into the symbol almost to the middle of it.

So there are two of the three. If I can ever get a shot of the other one I will post it as well. Anyway there you go. Anyone else part of the Corps and have themselves tagged with the symbol of Willpower?

Cover of the week for 4/1/09

2009-04-03T11:56:00.004-08:00

Here are my favorite covers from this week. I have picked them based upon a few factors. Each factor is worth 5 points and the points are totaled to give the cover a rating. Those factors are:

Style - Is it unique and something new or just classic and clean.
Pop - How much does it pop out to the readers eyes when it's sitting on the shelf.
Relevance - How relevant is the cover to what is actually happening inside the book.
Iconic Value - Is this a cover that will stand out over the course of time or is it neat but nothing legendary.

On to the covers!

4. Captain America Comics One-Shot (Marcos Martin)

Style - Upon first glance this is clearly Marcos Martin work. It has that Golden Age flavor. It's very clean but also has plenty of detail. Adding the sketch Hitler in the background to give it the portrait look was also a very nice touch. I also like the transparent trade dress and Timely Comics logo. Adds to that 70th Anniversary feel. 4/5
Pop - As much as I enjoy Marcos Martin work and as much as I like this cover there isn't much pop here. You get that initial woah Cap's punching out Nazis thing but that fades rather quickly. It is lacking something that screams look at me! 2/5
Relevance - This actually has nothing to do with the interior. Between the covers is about Steve Rogers and has little of Captain America. Most of this (95%) is about scrawny Steve Rogers showing his American spirit. 1/5
Iconic Value -Everyone loves some cap punching Nazis! With Marcos Martin's art the punching Nazis aspect is only that much more enjoyable. While it may not be an image that will be held in the forebrain forever it does look rather iconic as that is the whole purpose of the cover. 3/5
SPRI Total 10/20

3. Astonishing Tales #3 (Kenneth Rocafort)

Style - Rocafort's art is something that has been blowing up my brain. I really enjoy it and think it is dynamic and original. I can't think of another artist whose art looks like this. It has the sketchiness of a Lenil Yu but it is far from the same style at all. He draws a mean Mojo, a menacing Iron Man, and a gorgeous Spider-Woman. It is a beauty of a cover. 4/5
Pop - It doesn't really have a ton of pop besides being really gorgeous. What it does have though is a Spider-Woman that fanboys will eat up and then look inside for more of. Only to be disappointed that Rocafort doesn't do her story. Or the ones with any characters on the cover for that matter. 2/5
Relevance - all three characters do appear inside. None of them together though. As an anthology title this cover works great though because it gives you an overlay if you will of what the interior holds. 3/5
Iconic Value - Not very iconic at all. It is gorgeous and it has the static poses of an iconic cover. It even has the whole hero and hot heroine with the villain thing going but it just doesn't pull in the iconic factor. 1/5
SPRI Total 10/20

The New Mutants Saga (Diogenes Neves, Danny Miki and John Rauch)

Style - This is one awesome full cover shot. When done right one of these types of covers can really make a book. When the book is free it only makes it that much more awesome. Neves renders some great New Mutants. Anyone know is he the upcoming artist for the title? If so i'm in. Sunspot especially looks fantastic. 4/5
Pop - The cover is a wraparound that has the New Mutants squad jumping out at you. It also has much going on in the background behind the characters jumping out. It's a beautiful non complicated piece that draws the reader in. It isn't a high end pop factor but wraparound covers definitely add some juice to the pop factor. 3/5
Relevance - Well it is a group shot of the New Mutants. The interior isn't a new comic but rather one of the great Saga issues Marvel has been doing that gives you a quick narrative on the history of the characters. This is an intro book and what better way to introduce the characters than in a clean simple, "here they are don't they look awesome?!", kind of way. 3/5
Iconic Value - This isn't really iconic as much as a hey here they are they look cool read this then buy up our title cause Marvel loves money sort of cover. This really is a beautiful cover but it is a generic New Mutants pose off cover. 2/5
SPRI Total 12/20

The Flash: Rebirth #1 (Ethan Van Sciver and Moose Braumann)

Style - To quote Paris Hilton, "That's hot!". Now that I have channeled my inner celebutante we return to the review. Seriously this cover is SEXY. There lightning/speed effect coupled with Flash suiting up is fantastic. Van Sciver's work looks like it has stepped it up for this book. 4/5
Pop - This pops like popcorn. It is everywhere. The lightning/speed effect just draws the eye in and dares you to trace the lightning all over the cover with your eyes. It's amazingly vibrant. 5/5
Relevance - The cover shows what appears to be a newly recharged Barry Allen pulling his boots on. He looks like he is about to get out there and tear up some asphalt dragging some Rouges along with him. This cover screams, "I'm back!", which is exactly what this issue is all about. The return of Barry Allen returns here people and this covers brings that to the table. 4/5
Iconic Value - Th return of Barry Allen should feel huge. This cover presents that and more. Barry pulling his boots on and returning to action is something that many fans have clamored decades for. This cover is for them. This cover will be remembered by all who have waited for this and even those who just pick this up to see what its all about. (as if anyone doesn't know what this title is when they see it). 5/5
SPRI Total 18/20

So there you have it the first cover of the week for April is Flash:Rebirth by Ethan Van Scriver and Moose Braumann. Check in next week to see what covers will make the list.

Agree? Disagree? Feel free to click rant and rant away!

Issue with Posting Rants

2009-04-02T20:37:00.002-08:00

It was brought to my attention by one of the Inmates that the Rants(replies) portion of the posts weren't working. I fixed this and appreciate the heads up very much. The inmate who helped me runs a great blog where you can list and buy comics. It's called The Comic Book Listings Blog.

So check there and who knows you might find those issues you've been missing. Thanks again Inmates and start the ranting!

Title of the Mont: March 2009

2009-04-02T14:38:00.004-08:00

So the title of the month for March came down to Ghost Rider #33, X-Force #13, and X-Men: Kingbreaker #4. The number one title of the month out of these three for me was a pretty easy choice. While I thought All were really great reads I did feel that Ghost Rider #33 was the third best of the group. While I really enjoyed the art and the story it didn't bring me personally as much excitement as the other two did.

Now the final two were both X-Cellent X-Titles. I'm sorry I know that was wrong but I just had to do it. Just this once. But seriously lets be honest here. Both had some similarities. Both titles involve X-Men doing things that aren't really the norm. You have Kingbreaker with the Starjammer X-Men and X-Force with the stabby stab stabbing of things. Both also act as great lead ins to what are supposed to be pretty important Marvel crossovers. Both have excellent writing (it is Yost on both) and also amazing art. When it comes down to it though I have to say that the winner is...

X-Force #13

I chose this over Kingbreaker because this title just seems to be the most relevant X-Title to the Mutant books at Marvel right now. All roads lead through this title if you will. We had plots from all the books in here as well as looks at characters that fans really want to see like Boom-Boom, Prodigy, Hellion, and Surge. It also is the lead in to the second part of what is supposed to be one of the biggest X-Crossover in ages as part of the Messiah Trilogy.

The art is fantastic, the writing was great, the story is important, it leaves us with a hell of a cliffhanger and overall demands to be picked up and eye balled like the dirty little thing it is. All of that is a good thing mind you.

So it's the winner! Agree? disagree? Please bring the praise and the rage. Just click on rant and leave your rant for me. I will respond and defend myself if need be. ;)

My pull list for the week...

2009-03-31T22:03:00.002-08:00

So this week is kind of a small week. Perfect timing for a small week as I had some car troubles this week and so i'm operating at the low end of the money spectrum. Only going to be able to get a few books tomorrow for this reason so I am also glad that this weeks selection of books isn't that full of stuff I HAVE to have. So baring more volcanic activity fucking up my ability to get comics tomorrow here is my list.

Must Gets

Flash: Rebirth #1 - Looking forward to this. Geoff Johns and Ethan VanSciver on a title staring a classic hero with the word Rebirth in it means another word MONEY! So Money and we all know it.

Justice Society of America #25 - Geoff Johns' run on this title is almost at an end. Until then I am going to eat up whats left of the run like a fat kid whose snuck out of fat camp and found a Sizzler.

Amazing Spider-Man #590 - A title that week in and week out has been strong. Don't even have to say it again but I hate the lack of MJ/Pete but these are some great stories.

Cable #13 - Hoping the continuation of the Messiah War story will be strong and contain enough action and dram for it to live up to the amazing Messiah Complex.

Captain America: Marvel 70th Anniversary Special - Four words. Marcos Martin on art.

Invincible Iron Man #12 - Great storyline going on here. Can't wait to see more with Pepper Pots/Iron Maiden.

War of Kings #2 - New Starjammers, Emperor Vulcan, Shiar, Nova, Gyradians of the Galaxy. This is a big one and so far has brought its A game.

Going Into The Box

Teen Titans #69 - This title used to be one of my favorites. I can't quite drop it but I don't feel the urgency to snatch it up quick like either.

Astonishing Tales #3 - This one was a hard choice to put in the box. I really want my Mojo but lack of money means lack of money.

Avengers/Invaders #9 - Honestly just riding the wave out on this one. To deep to quit but not enjoying to say the least.

Deadpool #9 - Good stuff but it can wait.

New Avengers: Reunion #2 - Not sure about this one but I like Ronin/Hawkeye/Clint and am very interested by Mockingbird.

Secret Warriors #3 - This title has been awesome and I wouldn't be surprised if it actually ends up coming down to getting this and putting Iron Man in the box instead. Who comes home will depend on what I see when I flip through the two of them tomorrow.

March 2009 Cover of the Month

2009-03-31T21:51:00.004-08:00

The cover of the month for March came down to three nominees. Those nominees are Action Comics #875 by Andrew Robinson, X-Force #13 by Clayton Crain and Daredevil #117 by Marko Djurdjevic. The winner of the month for this month is.......

The cover to Action Comics #875 had the highest SPRI Total of all titles this month. I really enjoyed this cover. Despite the fact that I have since dropped this title from lack of interest I really really like the cover. The frosty blue and searing red mix into an amazing two color combo. It's a very haunting cover. Don't really have any fancy pants arts terms to use here. Just plain like it. Winner of March 2009 Cover of the Month Award it is!

My Tattoos

2009-03-31T18:47:00.005-08:00

Every tattoo has a story. Every tattoo has a meaning as well. I figured i'd put up some pictures of my tattoos and share the stories that produced them and the meaning of them as well.

The newest of my two comic related tattoos is a Green Lantern tattoo. I got it on my left forearm. I got this one with two friends of mine. The reason for this one was two fold. The first being that I enjoy the Green Lantern character and enjoy the Willpower idea behind the symbol. Having it on my forearm kept it in a place where I could easily see it and remind myself to keep strength in hard times.
The second reason and the more important reason to the other two guys was because we all used to use a bong we called Green Lantern. It was a homemade glass wine distiller that we hung a green glow stick in. It would light up the whole room while we got all lit up. I used to recite the GL oath before "recharging my ring" with it. We all loved that bong and had a lot of great times while using it and after using it.
Well, as all things of that nature seem to do it got broken one day. My buddy Matt broke it and thus his tattoo has a nice crack in it. I'll try to get a pic of his up sometime soon. Maybe tomorrow. What's sweet is all of our tattoos have slight differences a lot like the GL Corps and their uniforms. Getting these done together created our own GL Corps and linked us for lives as friends.

My first tattoo, and my favorite, is my Joker tattoo. It's clearly based on Brian Bolland's work from his and Alan Moore's Killing Joke. It is a panel straight from the comic. I even kept the HAHAHA in the background. You can't really see it in the picture as well as you can in person. The HAHA portion goes from a dark orange to red as you work toward the waist of the Joker. The HAHA is actually the negative space and so the spacing between the letters is what is actually colored.
I took liberties with the panel and changed the color of the suit. Instead of the black suit I made it the traditional Joker purple, green and orange. I also added the bola and removed the standard style tie. The only thing it's missing, I wish I had added it as well, is the deadly flower on the lapel.
This tattoo was something I got because I enjoyed the story it came from and I have always loved the Joker. I grew up watching the old Adam West Batman show and fell in love with the Joker there. Then at five years old the first Tim Burton Batman came out and my Dad took me to see it. Deal was done at that point. The Joker was insane and totally unruly. For a kid it doesn't get much better.
As this was my first tattoo I was super fucking nervous. I think I took like 6 nervous pees before I even sat down. To get myself chilled out I smoked a bowl before I got there. (As you can tell I used to smoke a decent amount of pot before I was married with child. That's all changed now) The artist wasn't to into the tattoo at first and I could tell. After I sat down and he got the equipment going he started playing some tunes. Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon came on and "Speak to Me/Breathe played. During that a maniacal laugh sounds. The artist smiled and said to me, "Ok, now i'm ready for this. Now I want to do something wicked!". Now this is something that I will have for the rest of my life. I love it and I enjoy carrying this masterpiece with me to the grave.

Well those are my tats and the stories behind them. Anyone else got comic tattoos? If so leave a rant with a link to a pic and i'll put it up here on the Asylum. Or just email a pic to me along with a story about it. Looking forward to some tats Inmates!

Sweet Cover Art + Some Ranting For The Sake of Ranting

2009-03-31T17:07:00.005-08:00

Let me start out by saying I am not the biggest fan of this Wolverine appreciation month concept. The idea to give most if not all Marvel comics a Wolverine variant for a month is ridiculous. This character isn't over exposed enough? I do love some Wolverine like most do but enough is enough. I especially dislike that the covers have nothing to do with the title.

Having said that some of them look pretty cool. Such as this one for Ms. Marvel #38

Pretty damn sweet cover. Just wish it had been used for an X-Men title or one of the ten Wolverine titles. Just seems a waste to use as a variant cover for a non related title.

Comic Book Diaries - Movie Review

2009-03-31T15:36:00.003-08:00

So I saw this movie, Comic Book Diaries, on instant Netflix and thought the premise seemed like fun. It is a cool preference. It just isn't a cool flick.

The main problem with this movie is that it tries too hard to be Clerks. It has the low-budget feel and the overly wordy script that reflects on a place in the world that one might not be entirely pleased with. What it doesn't have is talent or originality. The low-budget camera work is something you can get used to but the forced dialogue and the constant music in the background no matter the scene really grates after only a few minutes.

I will admit I didn't make it to the end but I highly doubt you will either Inmates. So if you see this somewhere avoid it like you would an infectious disease. It is just that bad.

Changes Yet Again!

2009-03-31T15:13:00.002-08:00

So I know there have already been changes to this blog on a few occasions. That isn't going to stop anytime soon. Currently the average hits has been under what it was a few weeks ago so I really think I need to do something more with this. Not sure where this will take us Inmates but I know we aren't calling it quits. I think we are just going to have to start slamming things against padded walls and see if them stick. So stay tuned as over the course of this week i'll try some new things and maybe bring back some old. Who knows?!

My favorite covers of the week 3/25/09...

2009-03-27T18:46:00.012-08:00

Here are my favorite covers from this week. I have picked them based upon a few factors. Each factor is worth 5 points and the points are totaled to give the cover a rating. Those factors are:

Style - Is it unique and something new or just classic and clean.
Pop - How much does it pop out to the readers eyes when it's sitting on the shelf.
Relevance - How relevant is the cover to what is actually happening inside the book.
Iconic Value - Is this a cover that will stand out over the course of time or is it neat but nothing legendary.

Without further ado here we go:

4. Messiah War One-Shot (Kaare Andrews)

Style - The style fits the direness of the title very well. It is very dark and decrepit. The look of Archangel in the background is a very haunting image and works well as a focal point for the eye in the background. 4/5
Pop - Almost everything that helps this title in the style category hurts it here in the pop category. It does have some great A-List characters from the x-books here which will draw some readers to look at it. The dark drab colors though doesn't really make it immediately appealing. 2/5
Relevance - It has a majority of the characters from this arc in what appears to be a wasteland much like the future that appears under the cover. This is about where it ends. 2/5
Iconic Value - It is a great visual piece of art. Very dark and brooding and it sets a great tone for this story arc. It has some great characters in a great pose looking half dead. Iconic? Wouldn't go that far. I would say it will probably be one of the more memorable covers from this crossover though. 3/5
SPRI Total 11/20

3. Amazing Spider-Man #589 (Chirs Eliopolous, Klaus Janson and Dean White)

Style - This cover takes a chance and I dig it. While there isn't much art it has flavor nonetheless. The large font with Spidey's hand coming out of it is really a neat idea. It stands out from its peers on the shelves. Name one other book that looks anything like this. No matter whether you think that's a good thing or a bad thing. It still has a style of it's own. 3/5
Pop - Again because of its uniqueness it pop quite a bit. Enough to get you to buy it? Not so sure. But pop it has in spades. If you walk by it you are sure to take a few seconds to let your peepers take a look at it. 4/5
Relevance - Well i'll be damned if the Spot doesn't return here so i'd say the relevance is through the roof. 5/5
Iconic Value - It isn't iconic as much as it has a real retro unique feel to it. I can't get give it a ton of marks here but it definitely deserves some credit for trying. 2/5
SPRI Total 14/20

Justice League of America # 31 (Ed Benes and Brian Miller)

Style - Pretty cool cover with the big three walking away. Really dig the torn JLA flag billowing over their heads. Always enjoy when a logo can be incorporated into a cover as more than just a static logo stamped at the top. Definitely seems to show the end of an era here. 3/5
Pop - Anytime you have the big three on a cover there is immediate pop. The fact that things look so bleak yet you have a little sun coming up only adds more pop. The JLA flag up top is a really nice touch that adds a little more flair to it as well. 4/5
Relevance - All three of these characters are now out of the title as the cover implies. The cover does a great job of implying the end of an era and on the inside this is exactly what is going on. 4/5
Iconic Value - For this era of JLA this is a very iconic and well done cover. While we all know that these three will be back at some point right now they are out. Since this title was relaunched it has been an uber power team but this looks to be shifting. So i'd say for the era that is now passing this is iconic as it marks the end. 4/5
SPRI Total 15/20

Daredevil #117 (Marko Djurdjevic)

Style - Love the look of this cover. DD and Kingpin meeting in a graveyard and shaking hands. Great stuff. Scream deal with the devil. Which is the devil though? Very Faustian. The light coming in from the background really brings the dark nature of the foreground into focus and gives it that highlighted effect as your eyes are drawn right there. 3/5
Pop - DD and Kingpin shaking hands in a graveyard is great. The light surrounding them brings your eyes onto them immediately and makes you think, "Now why the hell would these two be shaking hands?!". I know it did for me. I then popped the sucker open and consumed it with my eyes. 4/5
Relevance - This scene is in there. It happens at the end as it should too. The cover makes you want to see it and they make you wait till the end to see it. Oh and it's worth it. 5/5
Iconic Value - DD and Kingpin shaking hands. Mortal enemies seemingly making a gentleman's agreement. It is beautifully rendered. I think it will be remembered for awhile. 4/5
SPRI Total 16/20

Let me know what you think Inmates and tune in next week as we start on April! Just as a refresher the final three nominees for Cover of March are Action Comics #875 by Andrew Robinson, X-Force #13 by Clayton Crain and Daredevil #117 by Marko Djurdjevic.

Quick Reviews!

2009-03-26T22:58:00.003-08:00

I figured why not do some quick reviews on stuff that came out this week as well as stuff I finally got out of my pull box called Limbo. So here we go!

Ms. Marvel #37 - Eh...not much here worth gushing over that's for sure. Probably one of my least favorite of the run. Plus come on Carol is as dead as Batman, Elvis and Tupac. Art was not very good either. Hopefully this is going somewhere better. D-

Guardians of the Galaxy #11 - Story was alright. The philosophical waxing was the best part. Loved Drax's explanation of how the Marvel Universe works basically. Pretty cool. Art was weak. C

X-Infernus #4 - Some great Nightcrawler in here. Variant cover with Illyana is gorgeous! Didn't mind the art but nothing I would write home from the Asylum about. Some development with Pixie and the not so surprise return of a chick whose brother calls her Snowflake. Fun read but nothing monumental. C+

Skaar Son of Hulk #9 - Again this title doesn't disappoint. Good art made great by the inkers and colorists. Pak does a great job with the story and leaves us with an ending that should take better pay off and be more than a shock ending that falls flatter than the Silver Surfer's board. B

Thunderbolts #130 - Didn't mind it as a Deadpool comic. The problem is this is a Thunderbolts comic. So while I was hoping for a Thunderbolts comic with a much edgier but yet deranged Deadpool I instead received a dumbass TBolts team who came across as way to comical for them to be taken serious when this whole thing is over. D

X-Men: Kingbreaker #4 - Awesome mini that serves as a great lead in to War of Kings. Everything here was top notch from words to pictures. Only thing lacking here for me was the cover. Didn't dig it too much at all. I would love to see the same team do a Starjammers book when War of Kings is finished. Oh and where oh where did that damned Phoenix Force soar off to? That should be interesting. A

Dardevil: Man Without Fear #116 - Brubaker + Aja = please sir may I have another. This team should make books forever. This is a Miller/Hitch combo IMHO. Their Iron Fist was spectacular and so was this. This is one of the first DD books I have ever purchased and I will be coming back. I know Aja isn't the regular artist but that's cool they hooked me for an arc at least. I also know Brubaker is leaving but we will deal with that when the time comes. Kingpin I feel bad for you brotha I really do. Now it's time for that sweet sweet revenge. A

X-Force/Cable Messiah War One-Shot - This was a mixed bag. Did a great job of setting the event up through recap and the action was great. The Bishop and Stryfe stuff to me was just lame ass. Did not enjoy that interpretation of Stryfe at all. Maybe I missed something here but since when is Stryfe a mix of Gambit and Wolverine. Hanging out in a bar after killing everyone and then just acting charming instead of psycho crazy ass regal like?! Blah! Bishop also is getting a weak rap here and coming off more and more like a lame ass D-List villian. The hint at the return of Apocalypse was sooooo enticing though! C+

Captain America #48 - Good stuff. Wrapped this arc up nicely. This was my least favorite arc during Brubaker's run but this was the best issue of it by far. I actually quite enjoyed it. Wish the arc would have been this good. The stuff at the end with Black Widow and Bucky Cap and Namor had way too much cheese factor for me though. B

New Avengers #51 - Wasn't a fan of all the art changes. Bachalo's stuff was my least favorite part of this issue. The stuff with Spidey unmasking AGAIN was done well but still was lame. I really thought he might leave i'm gonna be honest. I would have probably prefered it. It kind of invalidates a lot of what has happened since Brand New Day. That statement might endear itself to some though I realize this. The leadership stuff was good though I did dig Luke leading. Oh and an we make Dr. Strange the wicked badass he is again soon. Please? C+

Wolverine Origins #34 - Cool cover and great art. Writing wasn't too shabby either. Overall I enjoyed this for what it was which was a lot of action as this arc comes to the end next issue. Wasn't a huge fan of all the X-Men getting their asses handed to them by Daken though. I mean I know Marvel is building him up but at what expense? C+

Late night musings...

2009-03-26T22:48:00.002-08:00

So I was sitting here thinking and I have decided to drop the Top 5 Writers and Artists of the week features. Didn't feel like they were anything special and thus not worth doing. If you disagree or just want to chime in I changed the poll to coincide with this change.

I will continue doing cover reviews because they are unique. I will also be keeping Top 5 Titles of the week because it's a good feature for people who aren't sure if a title is worth picking up. Plus I like doing that one. ;)

So there you have it shit keeps changing and we keep evolving. Maybe the features that replace it will be stronger and more likely to hold everyone's, including mine, attention and keep them coming back. Only time will tell.

I'll speak at ya later Inmates!

Wolverine and the X-Men Series Review...

2009-03-26T14:15:00.004-08:00

*****SPOILERS*****

So I just finished watching season 1's final episode of Wolverine and the X-Men. This show is fucking awesome! From beginning to end this show can't seem to find a way to disappoint. Granted it follows its own continuity but trust me you'll like it.

I myself am a huge fan of the Fox X-Men animated series but I have to admit this show gives it one hell of a run for its money. Had the Fox series not been such a staple of my childhood I may have had to even give this one the edge. It just has so many, "oh shit! no way!" moments.

We are constantly shown fan favorite characters through out the season that will make most X-Fans flip their wigs. Here are some of the characters:

All pictured in the accompanying image
Hellfire Club
Archangel/Angel
Blink
Apocalypse
New X-Men galore
Mr. Sinister
Sentinels
Marauders
Polaris
Quicksilver
Scarlet Witch
Marrow
Bishop
Vanisher
Domino

Honestly just to many too list.

The season focuses on Xavier disappearing and turning up in the future. While this honestly seems very much like a Zordon and the Power Rangers relationship, with Xavier's body living in a tube in stasis and using floating head talking to communicate, it is pretty cool. The other two main plots are finding Jean who also vanished as well as the looming threat of the Sentinels and government backed mutant roundups.

As the season progresses though the gears shift in crazy ways that no one will see coming and everyone will enjoy. The show twists constantly and turns viewers on their heads as new characters come in and out and new menaces rear their heads. The last episode itself is a huge twist. The very end of the episode should have all X-Men fans who have been enjoying the books since at least the mid 90's shitting their pants in anticipation of the next season. I know I was and still am.

So check this show out if you haven't already and let me know what you all think. I promise you won't be let down by this animated masterpiece.

Few Things...

2009-03-26T13:09:00.003-08:00

Alright so the comic gods have decided to grant me my books today. Despite volcano ash and downed flights coming into Anchorage, Alaska comics have arrived! So hopefully in the near future I can get some features up.

Next, I put up a poll on the side. I know it is difficult to read but I have no clue how to change the color of the font on the stupid thing. So it is what it is. If everyone could take the time to vote it would be a big help. Trying to decide what features should stay and which should go in favor of new stuff.

Lastly, I am thinking of adding a weekly video feature to the blog. Haven't nailed down 100% what it would involve but would love some input on what you Inmates would like to see. So those 5 of you that come here let me know!

Alright keep checking back and we'll talk some fucking comics!

Well damn!

2009-03-25T13:33:00.003-08:00

Alright so I wont get my comics today it seems. Yet again comics weren't shipped on time to the great city of Anchorage, Alaska. I am sure the volcano eruption will be blamed but sad excuses are all that is. Don't the shipping people understand I know face withdrawals. Ah the headaches are setting in! Bastards!

Top 5 Titles for week of 3/18/09

2009-03-25T11:50:00.005-08:00

Alright last category for the week of 3/18/09 here. Much like the other two this is a shorty.

5. X-Men Legacy #222 - This title had top artist and writer nods. Placing 5th for artist and 5th for writer. This has been a fun title that has done a lot of tweaking of the X-Universe. Some has been for the worse some has been for the better. This issue was one of the betters as we are seeing a lot of development with the characters of Rogue and Gambit.

4. Wolverine: Old Man Logan #71 - This crazy look at the potential future of our favorite hairy Canadian canucklehead has been a great joy ride. This title was awarded 2nd in artists and 4th in writers for this week. This issue pushed the story forward finally after a bit of time where it felt like this title was just going to be a more violent road trip movie. The end of this issue could potentially change the whole direction of this story.

3. Amazing Spider-Man #588 - 3rd for covers and 2nd for writing gets this title in at the 3rd spot for title of the week. While it obviously had writing and covers I enjoy the art was also great. Any other week and it probably would have been a top 5. It actually was 6th on my list so there is that. Really enjoyed all the elements of this title and where it left us going forward into the future. It left many stories available such as where does the whole Lily/Menace and Harry/Goblin relationship go?!

2. X-Factor #41 - Pulled down 3rd for covers and 3rd for writing. Lot going on here. Rahne has some good moments. Madrox and Layla together in the future. Don't want to go into much detail here because PAD as been so eager to keep people from spoiling things. Just believe me this has been a great title recently and this title ratchets it up another level.

1. X-Force #13 - Death, destruction and New X-Men appearances galore! This title was nominated in all three categories. 1st in covers, 3rd in artists, and 1st in writing. The trio of Kyle, Yost and Crain are pumping out some great stuff. This title almost seems like the main x-title honestly. It ties into more of the other x-titles than any other book does and it seems to be one of the highest quality on a consistent basis.

So the two titles of the week so far this month are Ghost Rider #33 and X-Force #13. Stay tuned later in the week to find out the last title of the week for March.

Top 5 Writers for the week of 3/18/09

2009-03-25T11:25:00.003-08:00

This will be another short and sweet one. This week we should be back on track and doing it the old way. But who knows how we'll do it. Maybe people like it better this way?! Let me know what you think people. So here we go top writers!

5. Mike Carey (X-Men: Legacy #222) - So this was a really good issue. Starting to get somewhere I think. Rogues characterization has been really spot on as has Gambits. I love seeing those two characters written well. I just hope this arc concludes with the two of them being part of a new X-Men team lead by Xavier. Who knows where Carey is going with this though. I'll be there to find out though and that's in very large part to the writing here.

4. Mark Millar (Wolverine: Old Man Logan #71) - This has been a really great arc. While it doesn't take place in continuity it still has me connected to the characters. It still has me feeling slightly sad when something happens to a character like Hawkeye who gets an abrupt ending to his story here. Hopefully now though berserker Wolverine will make his return and Millar as we know can write that quite well.

3. Peter David (X-Factor #41) - Let this title never end! PAD has been amazing here. This title has been good since the start. For a bit there it was good but nothing great. Almost resting on its laurels. Not anymore the last few issues have provided us with twists, turns, and killer cliffhanger endings. This is a book that only seems to get better issue after issue. Can't wait for the next one after the way PAD left us hanging on the last one!

2. Marc Guggenheim (Amazing Spider-Man #588) - While I really miss the MJ and Peter relationship I gotta admit I have enjoyed these stories set in Brand New Day. The Spidey Brain-Trust now know as the Web-Heads are why. Guggenheim has given us a great character arc here and provides plenty of action as well. This issue in particular was a heart breaker but so is the life of Peter and those who surround him.

1. Craig Kyle and Chris Yost (X-Force #13) - These guys plus an X-Title is guaranteed gold for Marvel and fans. They are amazing writers and you can tell by the way they off characters but still fanboys keep coming back. This issue was no exception a they rid another mutant from the world with the promise that two more could go next issue. They can do the blood and gore fighting like no other but they also have touching moments with Rahne here that should keep everyone happy.

So there you go! We now have two of our three nominees for Writer of the Month. First being Peter Tomasi (Green Lantern Corps) and now Craig Kyle and Chris Yost (X-Force). Stay tuned later this week as I run down this weeks top 5 and we get our last nominee!

Top 5 Artists for the week of 3/18/09

2009-03-25T11:14:00.002-08:00

I know these are wicked late! I will do these sweet and to the point.

5. Scott Eaton (X-Men: Legacy #222) - This was some dynamic stuff that I really enjoyed. Nothing off the charts amazing but still some really enjoyable art.

4. Jerome Opena (Punisher #3) - This art is awesome! I love the sketchiness to it. It is perfect for a Punisher title. It is just amazingly raw. I also LOVE the way he draws the Hood. Would love to see a Hood book with Opena on art chores.

3. Clayton Crain (X-Force #13) - Again like I stated with the covers I really like his stuff. The digital painting technique is different from a lot of what is going on at the big two currently. It is gritty and works really well with whats going on here in X-Force.

2 Steve Mcniven (Wolverine: Old Man Logan #71) - McNiven is something fantastic. He is such a great artist when it comes to the dynamic event feeling books. He just has the whole big blockbuster feel while maintaining the integrity of detail and emotion.

1. David Finch (Ultimatum #3) - While the title is amazingly out of control ridiculous I have enjoyed it. I have especially enjoyed the art here. Finch has brought his A-Game every time out and this is no exception. The panel with Giant Man biting off Blob's head then spitting it out was fan-fucking-tastic!

So there you have it. So as far as nominees go for March's Artist of The Month we now have Tony Moore (Ghost Rider) and David Finch (Ultimatum). One more artist this week and then we will review and pick the Artist of the Month.

Comics For This Week...

2009-03-24T18:40:00.003-08:00

So here are the books on my to get list this week. Some will end up in my pull box while some from previous weeks will probably come out of the box but this is my list of what I feel is worth picking up from this weeks releases.

Coming Home No Questions Asked:

Justice League of America #31 - Probably my last for this title for a bit though. Seems like the big three will be leaving the team and a few of the Milestone characters will be coming over which I could care less about. Unless this issue is absolutely killer that will be the end for this one. It's the only reason it comes home this week.

Amazing Spider-Man #589 - Digging the new Spider-Man stuff still. Not sure why MJ couldn't have been left as his wife but still loving the stories.

Captain America #48 - So far the weakest arc of Brubaker's run but still good stuff. This is consistently one of my favorite titles. Love me some Bucky Cap.

Immortal Iron Fist #24 - Another Iron Fist already? Awesome! This one always come home when it releases. Great title that is well worth the money.

Mighty Avengers #23 - This one is like JLA not really digging it and may be the last one unless this issue proves me wrong and hooks me. Coming home tomorrow just to find out.

Ms. Marvel #37 - Love the title. Brian Reed usually never disappoints. Interested having said that to see how this title is with a new lady in the Ms. Marvel uniform.

New Avengers #51 - Can't wait to see who the new Sorcerer Supreme is! This is a consistently out of this park hit with me. No complaints at all.

Skaar: Son of Hulk #9 - Great title that keeps me coming back. Love the art especially. The muted colors and the perfect fantasy vibe with a hulk is a great mix. Feel like Planet Hulk never ended when I read this.

Messiah War Prologue: Can't wait for this one! Loved Messiah Complex and this is the second part of the Messiah trilogy. Hopefully we will see some real progress with the stories of Cable, Hope and especially Bishop.

X-Infernus #4 - This has been a fun mini and I am interested to see how they close this one out. Hoping for no casualties from the New X-Men class.

X-Men: Kingbreaker #4 - Going to miss this one. The art has been fantastic. The writing has been great. I really love the X-Men infused Starjammers and hope they stick around in some capacity.

X-Men: Sword of Braddocks - As has been pointed out in a previous post I am looking forward to this. I am a fan of Psylocke and can't wait till she comes back to the 616 proper. While I love Claremont I am excited this is his last story with her for awhile.

X-Men: Bishop Mini #2 - Enjoying seeing the future from Bishop's POV. Interested to see what has brought him to the point we are at in the Messiah trilogy. Bishop is one of my favorite X-Men so I hope he comes out better than he is going into this one. I wanna be able to break out the Bishop Was Right shirts.

Going in The Box:

Wonder Woman #30 - Gotta get the last one from the box before I get this one. Another title I will probably be dropping. Just waiting till the end of this long arc. The whole Genocide thing has been just plain flat for me.

Umbrella Academy #5 - Gotta get the previous one from the box. This is a fun title it just unfortunately gets shifted to the box because of all the other things out this week.

Fantastic Four #585 - Just waiting for the new team to come on board. Not my favorite run on this title.

Guardians of the Galaxy #12 - Another one I enjoy but gets shifted to the box because of all the other stuff out this box or that is currently in my box that needs to come out.

Nova #23 - Good title but gotta get the last one from my box. Wish it didn't have to go in but a big week means sacrifices.

Thunderbolts #130 - Gotta get the last one from my box. Fun title though. Love G.I. Ant-Man sleaze bag.

Not Sure Whether to Get or Not:

Dark Reign: Elektra #1 - Art looks cool. Character is fun. Just not sure if it is going to be worth the $3.99 price of admission. Better be something real spectacular.

So as anyone who comes to this blog can tell I am an X-Men fan. So a lot of X-Men this week. Also the trend continues with less and less DC titles every week. It is a real shame as I was on a huge DC kick after Infinite Crisis and 52. Looking forward to reading this weeks titles.

Psylocke Returns Where?!

2009-03-23T13:11:00.004-08:00

So it's been teased that Psylocke would be returning to the Marvel 616 proper soon. This week the one shot that is supposed to make her transition from Exiles back is released. Today though some early solicitations were released for the June releasing X-Titles and this is what the solicitation for Uncanny 512 says:

As the X-Men reel from the return of one of the greatest X-Ladies, Beast and Angel take the X-Club back to 1906 to investigate the origins of the mutant species as we know it. See the earliest stages of the Hellfire Club and the very first Sentinel ever! This story is not to be missed!

Pretty sure that's Psylocke they are talking about. Not convinced? How about this cover! Gotta say this is exciting as it would appear Psylocke and Warren are together... on a team at least that is. The X-Club! Fantastic! Love the quirky X-Club and their crazy science adventures. It has been my favorite part of Uncanny without fail. Psylocke will be a great addition and should add a new twist to the group considering her and Warrens relationship. Looking forward to this.

Branching out...

2009-03-22T12:40:00.003-08:00

So I put up my cover reviews at ProjectFanboy.com and they put it on the frontpage in the special features section. I'll be trying to put some of my stuff over there as well as here so do check them out.

My Favorite Covers of the Week...

2009-03-19T21:31:00.011-08:00

Here are my favorite 5 covers from this week. I have picked them based upon a few factors. Each factor is worth 5 points and the points are totaled to give the cover a rating. Those factors are:

Style - Is it unique and something new or just classic and clean.
Pop - How much does it pop out to the readers eyes when it's sitting on the shelf.
Relevance - How relevant is the cover to what is actually happening inside the book.
Iconic Value - Is this a cover that will stand out over the course of time or is it neat but nothing legendary.

So here are the top 5:

5. Deadpool : Games of Death - (Greg Land with Justin Ponsor)

Style - Typical Greg Land style here. Well minus a female. Pretty goofy not taking itself to serious. funny but nothing special style wise. 2/5
Pop - It definitely stands out. I mean you got the merc with a mouth firing off a handgun holding a teddy bear. That surely has some pop factor to it. 3/5
Relevance - Well actually none at all. There is no carnival or teddy bears inside. 0/5
Iconic Value - It's Deadpool in a pose that only Deadpool could pull off. He looks badass holding a teddy bear. Pretty classic. 3/5
SPRI Total 8/20

4. Ultimatum #3 - (David Finch, Danny Miki, Steve Firchow)

Style - Static pose down shot done gorgeously by Finch. Colors and inking enhance it quite a deal and provides a very beautiful shot that fits together with the other covers from Ultimatum. The Magneto eye glow effect is a great touch. 3/5
Pop - It's gorgeous like I said and it stands out because you see the whole Brotherhood in one shot with Magneto eyes a glowing in the background and Sabertooth roiding out in the foreground. 3/5
Relevance - Not much. Sure you see some of these guys in the interior but you get no clue as to what is going on inside from the cover. I mean Quicksilver in the background is even dead by this issue. 0/5
Iconic Value - As far as iconic value goes it is extremely iconic for the Ultimate Universe. This title is the end of the Ultimate Universe as we know it and this is a great shot of some the hardest evil mutants the Ultimate U has to offer. Great way to showcase these guys before obliterating the Universe and some, if not all of them, along the way. 5/5
SPRI Total 11/20

3. Amazing Spider-Man #588 - (John Romita Jr., Klaus Janson, Dean White)

Style - This is a very classic looking John Romita Jr. style. There is something about JRJR's style that just seems classic when it is attached to Spidey. The image is very dark and haunting and is rendered very well by JRJR. It even has newspaper in the image that tells you what the story is about. Nice touch. 4/5
Pop - It doesn't pop so much for me. While I think it is well done by JRJR and is yet another classic Spidey image done by him it doesn't really sell the book you know what I mean? Nothing really flashy about it. 2/5
Relevance - It's relevant alright. As I mentioned above the newspaper on the cover even tells you what is happening inside the cover and a little of what happened before. It's a great cover that tells you all you need to know about the interior. Pretty neat way to recap on the cover without really being overt about it. 5/5
Iconic Value - It's JRJR and I would argue just about all of his covers are iconic in some way because he does Spidey so well. Long into the future I think JRJR will be remembered as one of the best ever to draw Spidey. Having said that this is not the most iconic of all the drawings he has done and surely not the most memorable. 2/5
SPRI Total 13/20

2. X-Factor #41 (David Yardin with Nathan Fairbain)

Style - Very foreboding and dark. Th Sentinel looks great seemingly preparing to destroy Madrox and his multiples. The sheer panic on Madrox and the dupes is great and I love the interior of the Sentinel's mouth the detail is fantastic. 3/5
Pop - You have a giant Sentinel in the background with its chest, eyes, and mouth glowing with energy. In such a dark cover these elements really make it stand out. It draws your eyes in and then you see Madrox and the dupes and the terror they are experiencing. 4/5
Relevance - It's got Madrox and a Sentinel. Both are inside in some capacity. Maybe not the same as this exact image but its close enough. It definitely gives you a damn good idea of whats inside and does not disappoint. 4/5
Iconic Value - Pretty iconic Sentinel. Probably one of the more iconic images of the series so far in my opinion. Maybe not iconic in a everyone will remember it forever sort of way but still pretty chilling and memorable. 3/5
SPRI Total 14/20

1. X-Force #13 - (Clayton Crane)

Style - I think Clayton Crain's style is currently extremely unique. Crain's digital painting style is very dark, I mean VERY dark, and just stands apart from the crowd. This cover is no exception 4/5
Pop - This cover pops right out there. First you have a character in front of the logo which automatically sets it apart from other things on the shelf that have a static logo in the top of the image. Second you have everything shot to hell in the image including the previously mentioned logo. Then you have the antagonist standing over the members of the team who all have her crazy weird Jason mask on and are bound. Looks pretty dire and makes you want to crack the book open fairly quickly. 4/5
Relevance - This scene does not happen in the book but it figuratively is very relevant. Leper queen is in control and she has these guys right where she wants them. This is a downer issue, in a great way, and this cover captures all of that. 4/5
Iconic Value - Not a lot of iconic value on this one. It is though one of the cooler covers for this series which makes it a little iconic for this book. It's an image I will remember when I think of this book. 3/5
SPRI Total 15/20

Let me know what you think Inmates and tune in next week as we review another five covers and pick the last nominee for cover of the month. Just as a refresher the two nominees so far are Action Comics #875 by Andrew Robinson and X-Force #13 by Clayton Crain.

Blackest Night Superman Revealed!

2009-03-19T14:49:00.005-08:00

Spoiler if you don't want to know what Black Lantern Superman and Martian Manhunter will look like

So Newsarama posted a slide show of DC Direct items coming in the future. One of the slides was some Blackest Night figures. While we had seen most of these one of them had been originally blacked out. That being a Superman Black Lantern that was left up to imagination. Well not anymore. The picture revealed not only what appears to be Black Lantern Superman but also Black Lantern Martian Manhunter. They look pretty damn cool. An awesome figure line in general. This is kind of big news. Here it is:
Again credit Newsarma for posting it first.

On a complete aside...

2009-03-18T23:42:00.003-08:00

The movie sucked but Jennifer Garner was hot as hell in that suit. That is all.

Creative Teams for Bat Titles

2009-03-18T23:35:00.002-08:00

June will also see the return of Judd Winick as the writer of Batman and the debuts of Red Robin by Christopher Yost and Ramon Bachs, Batman: Streets of Gotham by Paul Dini and Dustin Nguyen and Gotham City Sirens by Dini and Guillem March.

Starting in June the Bat titles see a relaunch of sorts with new titles and new characters taking the mantles of others. What wasn't clear was who would be taking over all the titles. While we knew some creators on some of the titles a clearer list has been given. Judd Winick is the writer of Batman, Red Robin will be by Christopher Yost and Ramon Bachs, Batman: Streets of Gotham by Paul Dini and Dustin Nguyen and Gotham City Sirens also by Dini with Guillem March.

I am especially looking forward to Yost on Red Robin as he is consistently a bringing quality work to the titles he is on. What about you Inmates? Any of this sound good to you?

New Look For the Asylum

2009-03-18T15:22:00.000-08:00

Trying out this new look for the asylum let me know what you think everyone. Also if anyone can tell me how to change the image next to the beginning of the post I would be much in your debt. Hope you Inmates like the new look for the Asylum.

New Comic Day 3/18/09!!!!

2009-03-18T11:28:00.000-08:00

Well today is that day that we all wait for ladies and gentlemen. New Comic Day! The day where no matter how hard the economy is hitting your wallet you can still justify dropping 3-4 bucks on some paper with pretty pictures and words in it. All held together with three staples. Yours and mine visual crack.

In looking at the shipping list it appears to be X-Men week. Just about every x-title under the sun comes out this week. Not complaining just wish it was a little more spread out so there wont be a week where there are no x-titles.

So what am I picking up from this weeks offerings? Whats going in the box? Let's take a look.

Taking Home:

Amazing Spider-Man #588
Amazing Spider-Man: Extra #3
Dark Avengers #3
Thunderbolts #130
Punisher #3
Ultimate X-Men #100
Ultimatum #3
Uncanny X-Men #507
Wolverine #71
Wolverine: Origins #34
X-Factor #41
X-Force #13
X-Men Kingbreaker #4
X-Men: Legacy #222
Young X-Men #12

Pull Box:

Azrael: Death's Dark Knight #1
Supergirl #39
Deadpool Annual: Games of Death
Spider-Man Noir #4

So most of it's coming home with me this week.

Gotta say I am noticing a trend. It seems that most of my comics are now Marvel. For awhile there I was getting a pretty equal amount from the big two but as money has gotten tighter I find myself looking to drop titles and mostly they end up being DC. I really think the quality of their books has decreased a fair amount in the last couple of years. Exceptions of course for anything written by Geoff Johns. If Marvel ever snagged him DC would be in for some serious hurt.

Well things can change and sometimes comics don't come in so we will see if this list changes or not. I'll try and get on later tonight with some thoughts and what not on this weeks bounty. So all five of you that come here and the two of you that follow check back and see whats what!

Top 5 Titles for week of 3/11/09

2009-03-17T13:32:00.000-08:00

Alright so this one is like the writers and artists features. The choice of the top 5 titles is based around how well overall the comic was put together. This includes, cover, art, writing, coloring, inking and anything else that goes into making a comic what it is. So here are the first 5 comics of the week here on Burpee's Comic Book Asylum.

5. The Immortal Iron Fist #23 - This is a title that is consistently good. When Matt Fraction left I was sure the quality would drop at least a touch. That didn't happen and the title has maintained it's unique Kung Fu flavor in a comic universe filled with capes. Helping this title get onto the list was writer Duane Swierczynski. He placed 4th on the writers of the week list this week as well. Clever ideas like morse code messages of blood are something you just don't find in other titles. The art does go back and forth with me on whether or not I really enjoy it but I believe I still just miss Aja's art. Overall this is a consistently solid title that has earned its spot in the top 5.

4. The Invincible Iron Man #11 - World's Most Wanted has been a solid story with solid storytelling. This title also had a writer who made the top writers list with Matt fraction ranking 3rd. It also like the number 5 title has a clever means of communication in the pages. Tony Stark within the pages sets up a gmail account to ping his soldiers in the field. While I wont describe it here, as I wouldn't do it the service the story does, it is well worth picking up in stores to find out yourself. The art as usual with Salvador Larroca is solid as well but unlike the writing there is nothing new or amazing involved.

3. Batman: Battle for the Cowl #1 - Great kick off for a mini. I am not sure if this will wrap up all too nicely as there seems to be more going on then can fit in three issues. It is a great starting point none the less. It also marks the return of Black Mask who Daniels renders in his art superbly by really giving him the creepy evil feel he deserves. Tony Daniel does both writing and art chores here and does a fantastic job with both. His writing and art bring forward that blockbuster feel that this title needs. This title picked up nods in two categories this month. It's nominations being in best cover and best art receiving 3rd and 2nd respectively.

2. Green Lantern Corps #34 - Sitting at number two because of its consistency throughout its 34 issue run and also because of the strong performance of this issue in particular. Peter Tomasi presents a story that has both character moments as well as an epic fight for the ages. Artist Patrick Gleason's pencils bring all of these moments to life with an amazing flair. The stand out scenes of the issue come from the Mongul and Arkillo fight which is done so well you almost wish it had taken up the whole issue. The story also moves along the plot as we get ever closer to Blackest Night which I know a lot of fans including myself are dying to get to. This title also bolsters a stacked list of nods this week. Placing 5th for cover, 1st for writing and 5th for art.

1. Ghost Rider #33 - I must admit this was a title that a year ago I really contemplated dropping. What a mistake that would have been as this is easily one of my most looked forward to titles every month. Ghost Rider has never been a character I much enjoyed beyond his obvious visual appeal but Jason Aaron has really made this character shine. He has done the same with this single issue that focuses on Caretaker. It really sets her story into motion and makes her less of a background character and more of a main cast member. Tony Moore on art is fabulous as usual as well. His rendering of the different ghost Riders in this issue were great and left me wanting to see more of each of them. I almost wish they would have a tales of Ghost Rider book that covered some of the Ghost Riders of past. This title received nominations in all three categories this week. Placing 4th in covers, 2nd in writing and 1st in art. A well rounded performance that demanded this title be placed on the list.

Top 5 Artists for the week of 3/11/09

2009-03-17T10:56:00.000-08:00

So this is obviously like the top 5 Writers list but with artists for the books in which I read for the week of 3/11/09. Not all are always going to be from that shipping week but instead what I have purchased and read that week. So without further ado here we go.

5. Patrick Gleason (Green Lantern Corps) - So Gleason in Green Lantern Corps #34 provided us with one brutal fight scene between Mongul and Arkillo. Leveling cities, rubble falling around them and blood oh yes there was blood. He also gave us great character interactions. He did a great job of conveying Sodam's anger. The green glowing eyes and chest on the opening page would not have been as effective had Gleason not provided such a great figure. I also really enjoyed his Kryb stuff. Very creepy with the crying children left alone. Although we have to go back to the fight between Arkillo and Mongul. The final shot with Mongul triumphant holding Arkillo's tongue is amazing. What a shot. Mongul looks as dominant as ever and clearly comes across as no joke.

4. Jorge Molina w/ Adrian Syuf (Nightcrawler Manifest Destiny One-Shot) - While the one shot itself was anything but revolutionary the art was quite enjoyable. Molina is credited as getting help from Syuf but I am not sure who did what. For the purpose of this I am going to give credit to Molina as he seems to be the main guy according to the credits. Molina did a great job of capturing Nightcawler's swashbuckling spirit. It has been a long time since I have seen a Nightcrawler I liked this much. I would love to see him tackle something a little more high profile to see what else he has to offer.

3. Ron Lim (Skaar Son of Hulk) - I gotta say Lim's art on this title is one of my favorites monthly. Not sure what exactly it is but his art mixed with the wonderful coloring job done on this book make it very stunning to flip through. It definitely brings with it that fantasy feel that I usually am not as big into but for me it really works here on this title.

2. Tony Daniel (Batman: Battle for the Cowl) - I know that Daniels art isn't something you would find in a art house. It is that big blockbuster event kind of art. Clean lines, dramatic poses and things of that sort. That is exactly what kind of book Battle for the Cowl is so it works wonderfully. He definitely seems to be channeling some Jim Lee here but it looks great. His rendering of Black Mask just might be my favorite of the character as he just looks fucking terribly evil.

1. Tony Moore (Ghost Rider) - This is another title that utilizes more of a muted color palette and I enjoy it a great deal. The detail in Moore's art is what really does it for me. Every time I read it I am absolutely enthralled with the environments of the panels. His ability to capture emotion is something else that seems to set him apart from many of his peers. I strongly believe that Moore is at the beginning of a meteoric rise at Marvel and if they don't utilize him correctly over time DC will. Until that time he is a solid fit for Ghost Rider. I wouldn't mind seeing him on Iron Fist for a stint.

Stay tuned weekly as we continue this feature. At the end of the month an artist will be declared artist of the month. For this month Tony Moore is the first nominee. Here's looking forward to next week.

Top 5 Writers for the week of 3/11/09

2009-03-14T19:50:00.001-08:00

Starting here we kick off a weekly feature where I rate the top 5 writers of the week. The format will change slowly over time as I decide how best to do these so stick with me and I'll get it down.

So here are this weeks Top 5:

5. Greg Pak (Skaar Son of Hulk) - Pak has done such an incredible job building the world of Sakar that it will be a shame if once the upcoming event which sees Skaar come to Earth finishes he doesn't return back there. To let such a world that is a character unto itself go to waste would be a great disservice to the stories told by Pak. From his Hulk run that started there to the current issue of Skaar Son of Hulk #8 Pak has consistently added new and compelling elements to the story of the planet and its inhabitants. This is a title that I think if done by anyone else would have floundered in a large and disastrous way. Pak though having created it has such a wealth of stories it seems that he has a genuine love for the creations he has put to page. Personally at some point I would like to see him get a crack at Thor and the gods of Asgard.

4. Duane Swierczynski (Immortal Iron Fist) - The story of the weapons traveling to the Eighth City has been a lot like everything to come from this title since its inception in that it has done nothing but kick ass. Great ideas here and ways to have the characters interact without necessarily having them come face to face. From taping Morse code through walls to having it written in blood on the arena floor to build a plan of escape Swierczynski finds inventive ways to make a compelling and action packed story. In a matter of two issues he has made an old man who just might be the first Iron Fist into a three dimensional character by giving us his origin as well as showing his need to gain his freedom. All of this while still moving the main story along and showing us that Davos is still the bastard we knew he was all along.

3. Matt Fraction (The Invincible Iron Man) - So the story so far is that Tony is on the run from Osborn and Pepper now has an Iron Maiden suit I suppose you could call it. While the story isn't anything revolutionary the way in which Tony orchestrates his soldiers by having them use a soccer mom email account to ping each other is a brilliant fucking idea. Where he came up with this is beyond me but I can assure you I am jealous. Word is he set up the email as well but someone dicked it up and it is now inaccessible. If Fraction can keep this title as creative and fun as he has since he joined it we may be seeing a long run with him as the mouth of Tony Stark.

2. Jason Aaron (Ghost Rider) - So here Aaron does a great job of introducing many new Ghost Riders that could easily have their stories told all while giving the Caretaker character focus, purpose, and a voice. While she will surely remain a secondary character in the title her she assumes the role of star. Front and center throughout the title she poses as the voice and Aaron builds her into a believable character that I am excited to follow. Ghost Rider is consistently one of the crazier more inventive titles challenging religious stand points and using incredibly unique characters to do so. Gun carrying, motorcycle riding nuns. Need I say more. Great stuff from a guy who is about to launch a new Wolverine title. His stock is on the rise to say the least.

1. Peter Tomasi (Green Lantern Corps) - Tomasi was able to add character development to the new Ion as well as further a relationship (which had me thinking well guess we are going to need another freezer). Oh and there was also this huge badass battle in which Mongul expressed his dominance by ripping out Arkillo's fucking tongue and declaring that Arkillo was not to be heard from from here on out. Great sequence at the end of a visceral fight. Tomasi does get the added benefit of working within the buildup to Blackest Night but much credit to him for making Green Lantern Corps feel like a primary title and not a backup to Green Lantern proper. This tends to be what happens to titles like this but Tomasi has consistently made this title just as entertaining as GL. All these things combined make Peter Tomasi the writer of the week.

Stay tuned weekly as we continue this feature. At the end of the month a writer will be declared writer of the month. For this month Peter Tomasi is the first nominee. Here's looking forward to next week.

My Favorite Covers of the Week...

2009-03-12T15:23:00.000-08:00

Here are my favorite 5 covers from this week. I have picked them based upon a few factors. Each factor is worth 5 points and the points are totaled to give the cover a rating Some of those factors are:

Style - Is it unique and something new or just classic and clean.
Pop - How much does it pop out to the readers eyes when it's sitting on the shelf.

Relevance - How relevant is the cover to what is actually happening inside the book.
Iconic Value - Is this a cover that will stand out over the course of time or is it neat but nothing legendary.

So without further ado here are the top 5:

5. Green Lantern Corps #34 (Cover By Patrick Gleason)

Style - It's gritty as all hell that is for sure. Love seeing Arkillo is still missing his finger. Very brutal very well done. Nothing to unique though. 3/5
Pop - It definitely jumps out to you and says hey look at me some shit is going on here that you really should see. It is an action cover that draws the eye. 4/5
Relevance - The cover features a great fight from the issue. It portrays the viciousness of that battle and does not lead the reader astray from what to expect inside. 5/5
Iconic Value - While it is a great cover it does not have the lasting ability to be remembered as one of the greats. In the end it is just another fight cover despite its great quality. 0/5
SPRI Total 12/20

4. Ghost Rider #33 (Cover By Arthur Suydam)

Style - Nice dark style for the cover. The Caretaker appears very haunting and focused. Classic Suydam work. 4/5
Pop - It definitely stands out to the reader but it isn't bright and flashy so it wont draw all the eyes. It will be appreciated by those who like Suydam's art though as it is one of his recent best. 3/5
Relevance - Great static pose with the main character of the issue. Does not tell us a lot of what happens inside but it lets us know that the main character is Caretaker. 3/5
Iconic Value - It all depends on how the character of the Caretaker evolves and whether or not she becomes a larger part of the Marvel tapestry. As it stands now though it is the most iconic of her. 3/5
SPRI Total 13/20

3. Astonishing Tales #2 (Cover By Kenneth Rocafort)

Style - This is a unique style that I really enjoy. It takes the sketchiness of Lenil Yu and makes it a tad cleaner but keeps the grit. The way the characters are posed really makes for a great layout. 4/5
Pop - It doesn't really pop out all that much. It has the Punisher and Wolverine though which will surely draw readers eyes to it. Interestingly and too its credit instead of having Wolverine (Marvel's cash cow) front and center they use the Punisher. 3/5
Relevance - This is a hard one to rate based on the fact that it is an anthology. It really is only relevant to one story in the whole thing. This sadly hurts it's overall rating. 3/5
Iconic Value - It has some iconic value for sure. It is a great static image. It has two great Marvel characters that everyone loves to see together. Will be people remember this always? Probably not. Will people remember it when they see it? Most certainly. 3/5
SPRI Total 13/20 Despite the tie with Ghost Rider I gave this the nod for the 3rd spot because I prefer it over the other just barely.

2. Batman: Battle For The Cowl #1 (Cover By Tony Daniels)

Style - I really like the cover it is Daniels style but definitely feels as though it is playing off Jim Lee's Hush covers a bit. This time though Nightwing is at the forefront of the Bat troops. Nothing to unique here though very mainstream. 3/5
Pop - It stands out in that it has a lot of Bat characters that we all love. Nightwing standing in the foreground with everyone behind him really stands out and makes him look like A-List character he is and should be treated as. 5/5
Relevance - It really isn't a moment from the comic but it sets the tone for what we are bound to see which is a lot of characters from the Batman titles as we get a new status quo. So in that regard it has relevance but nothing that can be literally taken from the interior. 4/5
Iconic Value - High iconic value here. This is Nightwing as he presumably gets ready to take up the mantle of Batman. This is the beginning of what many assume is Nightwing running the show and these supporting characters falling in behind him. Add the riff on Lee's Hush cover and this is a great iconic Dick Grayson. 5/5
SPRI Total 17/20

1. Action Comics #875 (Cover By Andrew Robinson)

Style - This one has some great painted style. Love the colors and the figure placement. Overall this one comes across as very unique compared to the others that I got this week. 5/5
Pop - I think the blue and red colors used in this cover really give everything a great sense of pop. It grabs you and makes you look it all over. It is another one that grabs you and makes you want to thumb through it. 5/5
Relevance - It is the beginning of an arc that puts Flamebird and Nightwing as the new protagonists of the title so it does a good job of placing them in the front with the evils they face in the back. Not a literal scene from the title but still quite relevant. 4/5
Iconic Value - It has a very iconic feel but really doesn't accomplish much but looking very cool. It will be remembered as a cool cover but not one of the coolest of all time I think. 3/5
SPRI Total 17/20 Again despite a tie with Battle for the Cowl I gave this one the edge because it seemed more unique and different. Something about it I really enjoy and stayed with me as I read my books this week.

So there you have it my favorite covers this week. Stay tuned next week as we do it all over again. Then at the end of the month I will take the top covers from each week and crown a best cover of the month. Then again at the end of the year as we do cover of the year.

Morrison and Quietly the Dynamic Duo...

2009-03-11T18:25:00.001-08:00

DC has announced that Grant Morrison and Frank Quietly will re team on a new DC Batman title called Batman and Robin. Preview art was used for the DC Nation portion of their titles this week. This will come as great news to those who enjoyed All Star Superman (myself) and not so hot news for others (myself) considering that not so warm welcome for Final Crisis and Batman R.I.P. Either way I will be checking this out as the two together knocked ASS (All Star Superman) into the stratosphere. If they can reclaim any of that magic and apply it here this will be an event.

Comics for this week...

2009-03-11T16:45:00.000-08:00

So this is the list of comics I actually ended up getting this week:

Action Comics #875
Batman: Battle for the Cowl #1
Batman: Cacophony #3
Booster Gold #18
Green Arrow/Black Canary #18
Green Lantern Corps #34
Secret Six #7
Superman #685
Superman: World of New Krypton #1
Madman: Atomic Comics #14
Astonishing Tales #2
Captain Britain and MI: 13 #11
Deadpool #8
Ghost Rider #33
Immortal Iron Fist #23
Invincible Iron Man #11
Skaar Son of Hulk #8
Ultimate Wolverine Vs Hulk #3
X-Men Noir #4
X-Men: Nightcrawler One-Shot

I know some of this didn't come out this week and is old but I don't always get everything new the week it comes out. Some things go into my pull box to be picked up at a later date.

You can expect some short reviews either tonight or tomorrow and the rest later in the week.

Spider-Man's Fury?!

2009-03-11T15:53:00.000-08:00

So while I was at my LCS one of the guys who works there, Will, showed me this glorious piece of merchandise.
It is called Spider-Man's Fury. I kid you not. When he showed it to me all I could say was, "I hope you aren't going to ask me what that thing is!" Sure enough he did and we all laughed our asses off. But for all wondering it is actually a knife. Which brings another question I suppose. Since when did Spidey carry a knife for his fury?

Comic Buy List for The Week

2009-03-08T17:59:00.000-08:00

Action Comics #875
Batman: Battle for the Cowl #1
Booster Gold #18
Green Arrow/Black Canary #18
Green Lantern Corps #34
Titans #11
Astonishing Tales #2
Captain Britain and MI: 13 #11
Ghost Rider #33
Guardians of the Galaxy #11
Immortal Iron Fist #23
Invincible Iron Man #11
X-Men Noir #4
X-Men: Nightcrawler One-Shot

Watchmen Reviews

2009-03-08T17:31:00.000-08:00

Alright so I saw both the live action movie this weekend as well as the motion comic version. I'll start by reviewing the motion comic and then get to the main even the live action movie.

So the motion comic was pretty damn cool. It obviously was a very literal translation which is always nice. The motion comic was comprised of twelve chapters obviously one for each issue of the graphic novel. I really liked how they added effects or animated the panel itself so that it was kind of like a stop animation comic panel. Haven't seen many motion comics as I always thought it a stupid idea but this was a neat experience. I would be interested in checking out other ones now.
The only complaint I had was the voice acting. While most of it was alright I really was thrown off when it came to the women. This was all voice acted by a man and so to hear a man voice acting a female when it is quite obvious it was man was strange. This was especially true of conversations between Laurie and Dan. Talk about some awkward shit.
Overall though I would say this was a strong showing and I highly recommend it to those who enjoy these types of things or are just a fan of the Watchmen novel.

Now the main event. The long awaited and anticipated movie itself. This movie was long let me just start by saying that. This is not a complaint just a fact. The movie weighed in at a heavyweight time of about 2hrs and 40mins. It could have been longer honestly but I know most people would not go for that sort of thing so I can understand them not doing it.
I think the best way to go about reviewing this is the way I saw it described earlier today. It is kind of like the Lord of The Rings trilogy brought to film. There was stuff shifted around and some things cut all together. Overall though I would say the important stuff is in there and it is very true to the Watchmen as it was originally. Having said that though I wish they would have left some key character points in. The movie left out both Rorschach explaining how he came about the material for his mask and the first time he put it on as well as Hollis' death. Both of these things were disappointing to me.
I really liked a lot more of this movie then I disliked. One thing that seemed to throw the movie off for me was the music selection throughout the movie. While I understand its use as it relates to what the movie is trying to say I think some of the placements of the songs were just terrible. Mainly the use of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" during the sex scene in Archie between Dan and Laurie. That was just cheesy. Luckily the scene made up for it. ;) I think the music would not have been such an issue if the movie's trailers hadn't used such modern songs by rock bands like Smashing Pumpkins. The Smashing Pumpkins song set such a great tone to the trailer that when I got in and didn't get that kind of music it was a little unsettling and jarred me out of the experience for a bit. I got over it though.
To the point, I really enjoyed the movie and will be seeing it again without a doubt. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who complains about movies based on comics not sticking to the source material. This movie will not disappoint any of those people besides the Alan Moore purists. Those guys and gals can go back to hangin in the woods and practicing magic with Mr. Moore. So go see it!

Short Reviews #2

2009-03-05T15:34:00.000-09:00

Alright so it has been a little over a week and no update. I'm sorry and oh so ashamed of myself. Right, anyway...

So the way were going to do these reviews is to give the comics a rating based on a scale of 0 to 10. So pretty much the reviews will just get a DSM Rating of Crazy (DSM-RoC) from The Comic Book Asylum courtesy of Dr. Burpee.

X-Men/Spider-Man #4 - This was a great mini. I really enjoyed it and hope there is some follow up as it pertains to the big bad reveal. Really not a fan of the Xravin name though. Kinda weak if you ask me. Overall though between art and words this was a mini that was worth the money I spent on it. That is a rare thing lately it seems.
DSM-RoC of 45

Secret Warriors #2 - Liking this series. The big reveal from the first issue was neat but I wanna see how they play it before I pass full judgment yay or nay. This second issue had some neat features such as a seeming look at the future for the characters with the vision that one of the group is bound to eat some dirt. The return at the end was a welcome return but nothing to Earth shattering and no where near as twisty as the end of the first issue.
DSM-RoC of 9

War of Kings #1 - Dug the art dug the story. Bit disappointed at the lack of plot twists in this one. Past cosmic events (Annihilation and Annihilation 2) had a decent twist that set the tone for the series. Not much in that way here. Lots of great characters though and I love seeing some Gladiator commentary.
DSM-RoC of 12

Cable #12 - So Hope saves Cable and we finally get some insight into her inner workings. It's nice to see some fleshing out of this character as so far we know next to nothing. The art switch in here was odd and probably didn't need to occur. It did though so who cares I suppose. Really stoked for the next issue and the Messiah War crossover.
DSM-RoC of 8

New Avengers: The Reunion #1 - Not much changes here in this issue. A nice conversation between Bucky and Clint was probably the highlight of the issue to me. Overall not much to say about this issue as it really wasn't that great.
DSM-RoC of 4

JSA #24 - Awesomeness to the extreme. Love it. Love it. Love it. Billy with Courtney was great. enjoyed seeing the two interact on a heart to heart level. Really like the refresher on Billy and his parents history with Black Adam. Jerry Ordway's art was stellar too. The Origins and Omen backup feature was, like most of them have been, a great addition and got my interest piqued for what is coming in the series post Geoff Johns. Just when I wasn't sure about keeping on they bring me back into the fold solidly.
DSM-RoC of 60

Ultimate Spider-Man #131 - So Jonah has a change of heart on Spidey, Aunt May meets alter gender Peter, Dr. Strange's joint blows up spewing demons and other magic, and Hulk listens to Peter. Good issue with plenty of crazy.
DSM-RoC of 45

Ms. Marvel #36 - Wasn't too enthralled by this issue.
DSM-RoC of 3

Legion of Superheroes #50 - What was this about? Not what I was hoping for at all. Clearly slapped together. Amazingly though there was no price increase for this final/anniversary issue. What a mess
DSM-RoC of -30

Guardians of The Galaxy # 10 - Solid issue with plenty of action. Brad Walker's art fits nicely with the crowded action scenes as he has an eye for detail. You can view the crowded action scenes and still make out what Abnett and Lanning are trying to convey. Not quite Perez level here but solid. What the hell is in that cocoon?
DSm-RoC of 8

Captain America #47 - Brubaker and Captain America/Bucky equals great f'in comic. Can't complain here as Brubaker's iconic run on Cap pushes on. Natasha finding his suit should make for some fun later but for now I'm more interested to see what happens with Namor, Bucky, and Toro as the reunion of the Invaders continues to be one that isn't so much fun for them as it is for fans.
DSM-RoC of 73

Green Lantern #38 - OK so this issue was awesome. There is a but though. They really wrapped up the arc abruptly. I would have liked to have seen this stretched out a little longer. Loving the Blue Lanterns of Hope. The twist of needing a Green Lantern around to provide Willpower for them to be effective only made the Blue Lanterns more interesting. An interesting twist on the Lantern Corps and how they all interact. You have the Green Lanterns who had the weakness to Yellow and now you have Blue which is the opposite and requires the Green. Johns is really knocking this out of the park. The Origins and Omens backup hints at some things that if they are what they seem, which I am sure they will not be, then we are in for a fun ride with some potential casualties. Looking forward to it.
DSM-RoC of 200

Ratings are well thought out and are based upon writing, art, and other various factors.

Short Reviews #1

2009-02-27T19:39:00.000-09:00

So I read through some of this weeks offerings and so far I like what I've seen. So the way were going to do these reviews is to give the comics a rating based on a scale of 0 to 10. So pretty much the reviews will just get a DSM Rating of Crazy (DSM-RoC) from The Comic Book Asylum courtesy of Dr. Burpee.

Mighty Avengers #22 - Best part of this issue was Jarvis walking in on Jacosta with a Wasp between her legs.Other than that it really wasn't anything that crazy. The story seems to finally be coming more into focus but I'm not sure I care where its going. But I will admit I am biased because I'm not a big fan of classic avengers as I am of New Avengers ( I know I'm a fucking blasphemer). So overall I would say this gets a DSM-RoC of 3.

Thunderbolts #129 - Ok easy review. Norman Osborn and Ant Sleaze. Most excellent.
DSM-RoC of 13.

Wolverine Origins #33 - As I said before I have a love/hate with this title. I like the title's lofty goals of using all kinds of Wolvie pieced together memories into a working origin. Some of it though is kinda crazy stretched. So everyone named Hudson is related to Wolverine and is badgered by Romulus? What the hell?
DSM-RoC of 6.

X-Force #12 - Gotta say I really like the Kyle/Yost team. Their understanding of continuity and there constant use of the New X-Men characters keeps bringing me back for more. Oh and I am a fan of the Bastion character. Crazy last couple of pages in this one. I'm sure no damage done to the team but man that is a lot of civvies.
DSM-RoC of 34.

New Avengers #50 - Was looking forward to this and while it was good it could have been a bit better. The individual team members pages done by a specific artist each was an awesome feature. When I noticed that was what was going on I just kept repeating, "Please let there be AJA/Iron Fist and Wolvie/YU", and sure enough I got it! Also thrown into this issue was Ms. Marvel done by Horn. Oh that sounded pretty nasty, "Ms. Marvel done by Horn", just let that one sink in..wait sink in..I'm killing myself. Oh but close to that concept I heard a million fanboys collectively reach for the lotion and tissues when they reached the second page and got three panels of Ms. Marvel assuming the position with Cap Rubbing his chin checking it out. Seriously I have included the shot. Am I right or what?!

DSM RoC of 123

Ratings are well thought out and are based upon writing, art, and other various factors.

Finally Comics Came In

2009-02-26T16:36:00.000-09:00

Alright so my LCS got comics in today and I have finally picked them up. I will be back later to review what I got today. Catch you then Inmates!

I feel you Supes

2009-02-25T12:26:00.000-09:00

As a Father and Husband trying to remain myself and maintain my self image I can really relate to this image of Superman between his two worlds Earth and Krypton.

Oh Shit it's That Day Again!

2009-02-25T11:46:00.000-09:00

Oh baby it's Wednesday! Can't pick up all my comics today but I am going to get the most important ones. Well most important to me that is.

Let's see today I should be picking up:

Green Lantern #38 - This along with Green Lantern Corps are must pick ups. Geoff Johns is having such an epic run on this title and I am dying to get to Blackest Night thanks to the lead in stories we have been getting.

Justice Society of America #24 - Another Johns title that is a must read. Sadly though counting down to his final issue on the title.

Captain America #47 - Who would have though Bucky could be as cool as Steve?!

Mighty Avengers #22 - Gotta admit that I didn't really dig the first issue of Slott's run. I am more of a New Avengers guy than a classic Avengers guy. Never got into the Avengers title till Bendis got his hands on it.

Ms. Marvel #36 - They are going to kill Carol and replace her with Moonstone...still letting that sink in but Brian Reed has consistently made this an enjoyable read for me so I'm gonna stick with him and it. One complaint though is the current Ms. marvel costume will probably be going away fro awhile since Moonstone has been wearing the classic belly button exposing one with the cape. Oh well.

New Avengers #50 - Anniversary issue but for $5 it better be fucking spectacular. I am really hoping there is not some stupid ass backup reprint issue in there. Those reprint backups for an extra couple bucks is getting old.

Ultimate Spider-Man #131 - Kinda iffy on this whole Ultimatum thing. While contrary to many people at my LCS I actually have been enjoying the end of it all. I am just wondering when it is all said and done if Marvel hasn't given me a perfect out on the Ultimate U so I can save some cash.

Wolverine Origins #33 - I have such a love/hate relationship with this title. Been loving it lately though.

X-Force #12 - Can't wait for this one. It has a lot of things I love about the X-Verse in it that I can't get anywhere else. New X-Men kids, high action constantly, running plot lines with payoffs nearly every issue, and most importantly a lot of continuity is played with here in bringing in the big bads of the title. One of the best X-Titles currently by far.

Twitter

2009-02-25T11:22:00.000-09:00

So I have been adding comic book pros on Twitter to see if they drop hints or news items on there regarding there work. It appears more though that they use it to say weird things or discuss their day to day lives. At first I thought this was kind of lame but since I have found it often times to be pretty damn entertaining.

I also added other people such as MC Hammer and Shaq. It is interesting to see how they use it as well. So far Hammer has spent a whole day talking about talking in 3rd person. Now he has moved on to pushing evil from your life. I gotta tell you having grown up on his stuff this is ridiculously awesome to hear the Funky Headhunter drone on for 24 hours about 3rd person narrative. Shaq on the other hand used it early yesterday to play a game of tag where if someone touched him in the mall he was at they got free game tickets as long as they gave him their twitter name. Pretty neat.

Comic writers and artists on the other hand seem much more incline to talk about Taco's and music. Though there have been some funny moments such as Jason Aaron sharing some compliments from editor Axel Alonso, "You're no better a writer now than you were then". Good stuff.

There are some though who use it to promote projects. Bendis uses it to hype things as one would expect from the king of hype. Dennis Calero (X-Men Noir) also uses it to describe what he is working on even if it is in a way that doesn't give too many details.

Overall, Twitter is kind of a fun little bit of useless tech that results in hours, days, weeks, of legal online stalking. The twist though is that the pros are putting themselves out there to be stalked and actually feed the stalkers. Strange tech strange world.

If anyone joins let me know how you like it and what things you hear out there that surprises you.

Hang in there Inmates I'll talk to you all soon.

Now on Twitter!

2009-02-23T15:45:00.000-09:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that I am now on Twitter. Feel free to say hello and visit the Nuthouse on the twits. My name is BrandonBurpee

Thor #600

2009-02-20T12:55:00.000-09:00

Ok so let's get something clear here. Spoilers can and will happen at the Nuthouse so no complaining no bellyaching just come if you want and go if you don't.

Now onto the goodies! So Thor #600 was GODLY! The fights were epic the breaking of Thor's trusty hammer Mjöllnir was pretty damn awesome! Oh and the Avengers making an apperance at Thor's request as well. Well ok not the New Avengers or the Might but the Dark. Let me tell you this pisses ole Goldilocks off and he wails Normie for it. But let me summarize for you inmates:

Thor's Grandpa brought back by Loki
Thor and Grandpa knock over shit fighting each other
Thor calls for Avengers in the most epic of fashions
Dark Avengers show
Dark Avengers attack both
Thor whips everyone's ass
Thor busts his hammer over g-pa
Thor gets ousted by Loki and Baulder
Holy Shit lots of badassness

Also let's not forget the great back up material. The Stan Lee/ David Aja stuff was pretty neat.

Overall this has gotta be the best issue of that week maybe even the last two weeks....yep...last two weeks! I am going to go ahead and preemptivly, think information on WMD's preemptive, name this as the must read for February. You heard me right all the inmates have got to pick this up.

JMS and Copiel really have something going here. The synergy between the two is quite clear to the eyes. The layout for Thor calling on the Avengers was done in such an epic fashion that it left me mumbling to myself as I flipped the pages in anticipation. The Dark Avengers showing up was such a disappointment but not in a , "oh I feel cheated", way but instead as if you were in Thor's big ass God boots. You just kinda hear that waa waa waa as the bottom drops out. Can't wait to see where this storyline continues too. Now we have Thor banished, Baulder in charge, and Loki basically pulling Baulder's strings like an armored Norse marionette. Tre fantastic!

Thor #600 THE book of February!