Monthly Archives: February 2014

Teen Titans Go! #1 and #2 Review

DC Comics, , , ,

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Teen Titans Go! was released a few months ago on DC Comics Digital First platform.  Although I am happy the series has now been released as print media, my children are even more excited.  We prefer print, so these two books were at the top of our comic list last week.

Both issues contain two stories each, and they are all funny and entertaining.  Dialogue is just as enjoyable as watching the cartoon itself on Cartoon Network.

The stories are well-written, and the art is superb.  The characters in the book are no different than their portrayals on television.  Robin is still controlling, Starfire is loveable, Raven is dark and gloomy, and Cyborg and Beast Boy are still best buddies who like to eat and joke around.

In the first story of Teen Titans Go! #1, Cyborg is determined to find out who keeps stealing his sandwiches out of the refrigerator.  Here are a couple of my favorite panels from the story.  Robin conducts his own investigation.

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In the second story, Robin and Beast Boy make a bet on the mini-golf course, and Beast Boy is determined to win Robin’s cape.  Cyborg instigates during the entire game.  I mentioned the superb artwork earlier.  I love the detailed facial expressions.  Check out Cyborg’s expressions as he instigates the shenanigans between Beast Boy and Robin.

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Meanwhile, Starfire and Raven are having their own adventure on the mini-golf course.  Starfire gets a little carried away while playing golf.  The two of them venture off into an arcade where Raven sees a stuffed animal she wants.

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Starfire asks Raven about the claw that’s supposed to grab the prize.  I’m not spoiling it here, you’ll just have to read it for yourself to find out what really happened.

In the first story of issue #2, Starfire signs the team up as contestants on Jump City’s Got Your Talent Right Here.  Robin opposes, but does he change his mind?

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Yes he does!

The panel of judges include one my favorite villains in the DC Universe.

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In the second story, Captain Cold blasts Robin into a block of ice.  Now the team has to come up with ways to try to free Robin.

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Sholly Fisch is the writer of this fun-filled title.  Fun character interactions, and family-friendly action/adventure.

The art team consists of Ben Bates (art, issue #1), Lea Hernandez  (art, issue #2), and Dan Hipp (cover).  Great visual storytellers.  You don’t even need text to know what’s going on in the stories.

If your kids watch Teen Titans Go! on Cartoon Network, then they will definitely want to read the books, as well.  Even if they’re not watching the cartoon, they will still appreciate this comic book.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

I highly recommend this all-ages comic book.  There is no doubt that Teen Titans Go! gets  5/5 stars.

She-Hulk #1 Review

Marvel Comics, ,

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Writer:  Charles Soule
Art:  Javier Pulido
Colors:  Muntsa Vicente

She-Hulk is a title I had been hyped about for months.  Unfortunately, that excitement vanished before I even finished reading its debut issue.

The story begins with Jennifer Walters, aka She-Hulk, going up for her first annual review at a law firm.  Not only was she told she would not be getting a bonus, she was also informed that she was only hired for her ties to superheroes.

She later meets a potential client who is looking for someone to represent her in a case against Tony Stark.  After being put on the run-around by Starks attorneys, Jennifer decided that it was time for She-Hulk to pay him a visit.

The story was quirky and too comical, not at all what I expected from a She-Hulk title.  I read that Soule intends for the book to be fun, but I would like to see She-Hulk utilized in a more aggressive and mature way.

I was greatly disappointed with the art.  Instead of an attractive woman with a voluptuous body, Jennifer Walters looks like a green, and lanky, alien lady.

INSTEAD OF HER LOOKING LIKE THIS:

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AND THIS:

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I WOULD PREFER THAT SHE-HULK WOULD LOOK SOMETHING LIKE THIS:

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OR THIS:

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OR EVEN THIS:

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I won’t be reading beyond this issue, as I felt as if I was reading the Sunday comics in the newspaper.

Too bad Red She-Hulk was cancelled.  I enjoyed the story and the art, especially Betty Ross, aka Red She-Hulk, appearance.

Verdict (drum roll please)
I wasn’t impressed at all by this title. I’m giving it 3/5 stars.

Mighty Avengers #6 Review

Marvel Comics, , , , , , ,

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Published by Marvel Comics, Mighty Avengers is a character-driven series.  The series  focuses on the interpersonal relationships of the predominantly minority-led superhero team, led by Luke Cage.

Written by Al Ewing, Mighty Avengers #6 is filled with crisp dialogue, and excellent character interactions.  I especially like the interaction between Luke Cage and Blue Marvel.  I also liked the mishaps of Kenny Driscoll, leading up to Falcon’s intro.

I plan to continue reading the series, especially to learn more about Power Man’s abilities.

The art team consists of Valerio Schiti (artist), Frank D’Armata (colors), Greg Land and D’Armata (cover).  Characters are realistically drawn, and I especially like their facial expressions.  They actually match the dialogue.  I didn’t like Luke Cage’s appearance at first.  I felt he looked too hip-hop.  I didn’t care for the ripped jeans, unlaced shoes, chain loop hanging from his belt, and all those rings on his fingers.  But I didn’t complain much, because I know that just because you dress a certain way, doesn’t mean that you behave in that fashion.  And the Mighty Avengers is a team of intellectual characters.

When I blogged about the debut issue, I stated that Marvel had set this title up for failure.  I still feel that way, but Marvel is not acting alone.  There’s someone else that’s also setting  up Mighty Avengers to fail, its readers.

Supporters of this title need to spread the word about the book.  Get on your blogs, Twitter, Facebook, Tumbler, message boards, and other social media sites and get the word out about this book.  Post about your favorite characters or scenes.  This is a character-driven series.  Talk about their interpersonal relationships.

There is always someone looking for new comics to read, and this is our chance to make sure that this title lands in the hands of those readers.

We all know that Marvel will cancel a title in a split second, so we need to bust our asses and get the word out about this awesome book, before it heads to that damn chopping block.

We also need to make sure that we talk about the creative team.  Al Ewing is a great writer.  We are six issues into the series, but he’s still in the shadows.  That’s because people are so busy complaining about Land, and Monica Rambeau’s hair.

Speaking of message boards, stop posting a bunch of nonsense and talk about your favorite comic books before they get CANCELLED.  I rarely visit message boards.  When I do visit, I don’t always comment because I don’t see any interesting discussions.

That was the case recently.  I went to a message board to interact with other fans about the current issue.  There was nearly 40 pages of discussion about the current issue, but the majority of the posts were in reference to Monica’s new hairstyle.

If you are a poster on message boards, please post something of intelligence about your favorite comic books.  Many site visitors feel compelled to comment, so this is your chance to facilitate a constructive discussion.

I posted a link to my blog post about Monica’s hair, and of course most of the responses I received were sarcastic.  Yes I said to leave Monica alone, and she should be left alone.  Talk about the damn story, not a hairstyle.

Bring Ewing out of the shadows, and put him up on a pedestal.  He’s an excellent writer, and it’s time to spread the word about his work.   Schiti is a great artist, and hell, even Land’s art is not unbearable.

I have supported Mighty Avengers since the first issue, and I will continue to support it.  I am going to tweet, Facebook, Tumblr, and blog about this book until I get tired.  I will take a 5-second break, then continue to tweet, Facebook, Tumblr and blog.

I created my Tumblr account a few weeks ago.  I still don’t know what I’m doing, but at least I know how to publish a post.  That’s one more social media site for me to blast my support for my favorite comic books.

I also discuss comic books at the comic shop.  That’s a great way to interact with the store owners, employees, and customers.

Comic book readers, there are people looking for comics to read.  Not just new readers, but readers looking for a jump-on point.  We can help them out by spreading the word about our favorite comics, especially low-profile titles.

Verdict (drum roll please)

Mighty Avengers is an excellent character-driven book that I strongly recommend.  This issue gets 5/5 stars.

Monica Rambeau: What’s Hair Got to do With it?

Marvel Comics, My Rants and Tantrums, , , , , , , , ,

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I knew from the beginning that Mighty Avengers, the predominantly minority-led superhero team by Marvel Comics, would draw a lot of slack.  But what I didn’t expect was negative comments about Monica Rambeau’s new appearance, specifically her new hairstyle, to pour in by the masses.

Monica Rambeau, aka Spectrum, is a beautiful, intelligent, strong, and determined  African-American woman.  I am also an African-American female, with hair of black texture.  Monica is representing to the fullest.  So if you’re talking about her, then you’re also talking about me.

In case you don’t already know, this blog consists of my HONEST comic reviews, and my HONEST rants and tantrums.  Every blog post consists of my thoughts only, because I am not influenced by anyone.

I am literally shocked by the comments that I have been reading since Mighty Avengers debut issue.  Out of 20+ pages of this wonderfully crafted comic, written by Al Ewing, the only thing a lot of people mention is Monica’s hair.  The haters and complainers of Mighty Avengers are complaining about Monica’s new hairstyle, as if her hair is a character.  Last I checked, hair didn’t talk or fight.  Well at least mine don’t.

What disturbs me, most of all, is the fact that I can tell that MOST of those comments about Monica’s hair are not even written by African-Americans.

First of all, what the hell does Monica’s hair has to do with anything?

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 Nothing at all.

How is it affecting her role in comics?  It’s not.

Second, please stop with the notion that we (black women) relax our hair to conform to the standards of white beauty, because that’s just a pile of bullshit.  Black women have worn relaxed hairstyles for years.  We relax our hair to make it straight, just as white women perm their hair to make it curly.

And as for the mother mentioning the “burn” in the current issue, and above picture, a relaxer is a chemical.  Chemicals burn irritated skin, especially relaxers that contain dye.  So if you scratch your scalp before a relaxer application, it becomes irritated, and a possible burning sensation from the relaxer dye may occur.

So fucking  what Monica Rambeau is no longer wearing braids and a damn trench coat.  Getting rid of braids, afro, and opting to relax our hair instead, does not make us less black.

I read comments that stated a lot of black women like to stay natural, stick to our culture.  Well that may be the case, but for those women.  It’s not like that for all of us.

The main reason black women relax their hair is manageability/flexibility.  Relaxed hair is easier to comb and style, and we’re not spending a lot of time in the mirror trying to “make do.”

Hair of black texture is coarse and dry.  Our hair comes in three grades, fine (or good hair), medium, and coarse.  My hair is medium grade, and I haven’t relaxed it in almost a year.  But so what, it’s my choice.  Just like it’s Al Ewing, Greg Land, and Valerio Schiti’s choice to design Monica’s appearance however they like.

Let’s take a look at Misty Knight.

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Hairstyles, just like clothing, has to appropriately fit the occasion.  Misty Knight, the African-American badass from The Fearless Defenders does not have the same abilities as Monica.  She’s neither a beam of light, nor does she fly in the air.  She kicks ass on the ground.  Therefore, Misty’s braids and ponytail is befitting to her appearance in the comic.

On the other hand, I definitely would not want to look up and see Monica flying around with braids or a ‘fro.  That would look totally ridiculous.  Just as ridiculous as all those silly comments I read.

In other words, leave Monica Rambeau the hell alone.

With Schiti as the artist for the current issue, I thought maybe there would be more comments on his work, and Ewing’s writing.  And less negative comments about Land’s work and Monica’s hair.  I was wrong.

After reading the dialogue between Monica and the mother, I just knew all this nonsense about her hair would cease.  Wrong again.

I like to visit comic message boards to interact with other comic fans.  I don’t always comment, but I like to read a variety of posts and comments.  But lately I’ve found it hard to find intellectual discussions about some of my favorite comic books, especially Mighty Avengers.

By the way, if you think black women wearing straightened hair is conforming to white society, then wait until this summer when I attend the 2014 World TSC Conference in Washington, D.C.  My hair is going to be waist-length, silky-smooth and straight.

Since black heroes are not allowed to change their hairstyles,

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then I guess Luke Cage should still look like this:

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Super Corporate Heroes (Vol. 1): Sticky Fingers Review

7 Robots, , , , , ,

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The title, Super Corporate Heroes, tells it all.  This hilarious comic, the first of four volumes by indie comic publisher, 7 Robots, Inc., grabbed my attention within the first pages.

In this alternate reality, non-profit superheroes is a thing of the past, thanks to powerful companies and wealthy lobbyists.  Superheroes are now required to have a license, and work for an insurance company.  Superhero, Inc. is a large insurance company, and is the only company registered to legally distribute superhero licenses.

The superheroes work for Superhero, Inc. and they receive a paycheck.  They receive their assignments from the call center dispatchers.

People have to pay to be rescued.  If they don’t have rescue insurance, then they are offered a selection of packages by the rescuing superhero.  And superheroes are required to not perform a rescue if a purchase is not made.

The pages below are from the beginning of this hilarious mini-series.  Sir Shroud has to go over the legalities, before he can rescue a man from a burning building.

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The people are able to pay by cash and credit cards.  Personal checks are not accepted.  The superheroes travel with a credit card reader, and they even print receipts.

When people don’t make their insurance payments on-time, they are paid a visit by the insurance collectors, Meerkat and Big Brother.  You are forced to pay one way or another.  In other words, pay or die.

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You have to pay even if you don’t use your rescue(s).  You sign a legal contract when purchasing rescue insurance.  Therefore you are bound by its terms.  The man in the picture above, getting tortured by Meerkat, refused to pay because he didn’t use any of his rescues.

The package rates are so high, that you’re probably better off handing your wallet over to a thief.

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In the case above, the victim compared the price of rescue insurance to the amount the robber tried to steal from him.  The robber said he only wanted whatever was in the wallet.  Since the amount in the wallet was less than rescue insurance, the guy happily gave the robber his wallet!

I was impressed after reading Super Corporate Heroes (Vol 1): Sticky Fingers.  Miguel Guerra and his better half, Suzy Dias, are the writers of this phenomenal story.  Character interactions are amazing.  Although this is a superhero comedy, dialogue is motivational, strong and realistic.  Guerra and Dias mixed comedy with real-life situations, and produced a great story that will have you laughing, angry, and crying at the same time.

Guerra also provided the visuals.  The panels are drawn to perfection and finely detailed.  Character facial expressions are so life-like, my emotions were sparked several times.  When I look at the cute, but arrogant American Icon (who’s always smiling, by the way) I just want to punch him.  Blue Collar can easily generate sympathy from caring and compassionate females.  He’s hardworking and runs his body to the ground, trying to stay afloat with his finances.  I just want to give him a consoling hug.

If you’re looking for new comics to read, I highly suggest that you jump on this indie comic.  This title focuses heavily on politics, about who gets what in a society.  Discrimination, wage inequality, corporate greed and control, and monopoly are some of the themes in this comic.

Some of my favorite characters are:

  • Wyatt Lewis, aka American Icon.  Known as the World’s Strongest Hero, American Icon is the face of Superhero, Inc.  He also receives the highest pay.  But this pretty boy is also the bad boy of the industry.  Some of his many allegations include rape, assault, public urination, and being drunk in public.  I probably don’t even need to mention the paternity suits.
  • Ms. Titanium.  Beautiful, aggressive.  Stronger than American Icon.  Performs more rescues than American Icon, but gets paid less.  American Icon’s pay is twice that of Ms. Titanium’s.
  • Spinlar.  Part spider, part fly.  Very fast.  Has the super ability of shooting webs from his butt!
  • Jack Clementine, aka Blue Collar.  Divorced father of young children.  Works a lot of overtime to pay attorney fees, alimony and child support.  To make ends meet, he takes any job the company gives him, even performing at kids birthday parties.
  • Thomas Walters.  The original American Icon.  Has been in legal battle with Superhero, Inc. over 15 years.  Claims the company stole his identity and profits without his consent.  Walters never registered to be a licensed superhero, so his superhero identity went past the statute of limitation, and into the public domain.  At least that’s how the defendants see it.

With any superhero story, there has to be a villain.  Invisible Hand is the mastermind behind all the mass chaos.  He’s incredibly wealthy, powerful, controlling, and possess superhuman abilities.

For more information on this title or Guerra and Dias’ other creations, feel free to visit their website at www.7robots.com.

I definitely plan to read the entire series.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

There is no doubt that I strongly recommend this mini-series.  Super Corporate Heroes (Vol 1):  Sticky Fingers gets 5/5 stars.