Category Archives: Marvel Comics

My Brief Jump in the Stan Lee Mix

Marvel Comics, Uncategorized, , , , , , ,

I learned of the passing of Stan Lee earlier this afternoon.  My son texted me from school to tell me.  I was too heartbroken at the time to read any articles about it.  Here it is hours later and I am still upset.

I am pretty sure the internet is being flooded with condolences and memories from comic book fans around the world.  Well I am adding to that mix.

Stan Lee was the creator and co-creator of many comic book superheroes and villains.  Thor and the Hulk have been two of my favorite Marvel Comics superheroes since I was a child.  Both comic book characters were created by Stan.  Doctor Octopus, Doctor Strange, Loki, Kingpin, and Black Panther are also favorite comic book characters of mine by Marvel that were either created, or co-created, by Stan.

My family met Stan “The Man” Lee at the Detroit Fanfare, a comic book convention in Dearborn Michigan, in 2010.  Not only was that the first year for Detroit Fanfare, it was also Stan Lee’s first time in Michigan in 20 years.

We had VIP tickets which included autographs, photo ops, and Stan’s Q&A panel.  Stan signed my Spider-Man omnibus.  We took a family photo and a photo with just Stan and my son, who was 8 years-old at the time.

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I saw Stan three years later at Motor City Comic-Con in Novi, Michigan.  It was hot outside and the line was wrapped around the building.  Stan was met by a round of applause as he exited his vehicle and entered the building.  I was especially loud because he walked right in front of me.

Okay.  I am ending this blog post here because the tears are coming back.

Today is a sad day for the comic book community.  We have lost one of our greatest superheroes of all time, Stan Lee.

Stan Lee will be forever missed but never forgotten.

Excelsior!

P.S.  If you are a true comic book fan then you will NOT rush to list your Stan Lee signed items on eBay.  Cherish them because they can never be replaced.

Know What You’re Watching Before Watching

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I am back from my comic book blog hiatus and I’m starting with one of my random temper tantrums.  This is a no bars hold blog post.  Anything goes.  You have been warned.

I remember watching Deadpool movie at the theater two years ago.  As expected, it was packed.  Lines wrapped around every which way.  Being the comic book fan that I am, I tried my best to ignore critic reviews.

However I did lash out a couple of times on social media because I got fed up with people dogging the movie.  It was obvious they hadn’t taken the time to read upon who Deadpool is and what he is all about.  I am a diehard fan of the Merc with a Mouth.  He is one of my favorite Marvel comic book characters and I have been reading and collecting his comic books for the past seven or eight years.

I appreciated Deadpool movie just like I appreciate the upcoming Black Panther movie which will be released in North America this Friday, February 16, 2018.

Just as a lot of people went into movie theaters without prior knowledge of Deadpool, I can already tell that this will also be the case about Black Panther, another Marvel Comics character.

I am beyond sick and tired of all the chaos surrounding Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Black Panther movie.  Folks are literally turning this movie into something that it is not, a BLACK movie.

People saw Black Panther in Civil War and got carried away.  They acted as if that was the first time the world had seen a black superhero.  Now folks are running around buying costumes and outfits to wear while watching the movie.  Private screenings are even being held at one of the theaters I frequent.  They want you to dress up and the media will be there.

A lot of black people are getting carried away for real and it’s driving me crazy.  This is because folks are not taking the time to read upon and learn about King T’Challa, aka Black Panther.

I am tired of reading social media posts where we (blacks) finally have something of our own.  They are telling us to take all our family and friends to see the movie so we can support and represent.

As a lifelong comic book fan I am easily irritated about the drama surrounding the Black Panther movie.  One lady posted asking if anyone is taking their kids to see the movie.  Um, why wouldn’t they take them?

I read a comment wondering if there will be racial undertones in the movie.  Someone responded that it’s not likely because Quentin Tarntino didn’t have anything to do with it.

Someone posted that we finally have a movie about us, but that it was written by a white man and owned by a white company (Marvel Comics).  Therefore our money is lining the white man’s pockets.

Okay.  This is where I, a black female and comic book nerd, must draw the line.

  1. King T’Challa, aka Black Panther, is a black superhero comic book character by Marvel Comics.  He was created by two white men, Stan Lee and the late Jack Kirby.  He made his first appearance in Fantastic Four #52 in 1966.
  2. He is ruler and protector of Wakanda which is a hidden, technologically advanced country in Africa.
  3. He holds an Avenger card.  Yes, Black Panther is an Avenger.
  4. If you really want to support and represent then don’t stop at the movie.  Continue supporting Black Panther by reading his comic book series.  Published by Marvel Comics, you can purchase print comic books at your local comic shop (LCS) or digital comics at Comixology.  You might want to check out Comixology’s website as soon as possible because their Black Panther graphic novels are on sale for ridiculously low prices.
  5. And support Falcon’s comic book series while you’re at it.  Luke Cage has his own series, but it’s heading to the chopping block.  I’m mad as heck because that title is on my pull list at my LCS.

Speaking of Stan Lee, I dug up this picture of us for attention.

What I don’t understand is that I have been made fun of for years because I read and collect comic books.  Now these same folks are breaking their necks to see the movie.

I don’t care for drama.  I love my Marvel Comics, but I am not planning on watching the movie until at least two weeks after it opens.

For those of you that don’t know about King T’Challa, then read this before heading to the movie theater.  When you get there, leave the drama at the front door and just watch and enjoy the damn movie.

The Prowler #1 Now Review

Marvel Comics, ,

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This new comic book series is a spin-off from Marvel Comics latest Spider-Man event, Clone Conspiracy.  I am coming off a year-long comic book reading hiatus, so I had to put myself back into the comics loop.  I chose Prowler #1 because of the story’s description and its attention-grabbing cover.  I was instantly hooked after reading this debut issue.

The Jackal has somehow conquered death and is back on the scene.  He might also have discovered a way to achieve eternal life.  Apparently Jackal has brought several characters, villains of course, back to life and is giving them a new beginning at New U.

Previously killed by the “new” Electro, Prowler was also given a new life and fresh start thanks to Jackal and his cloning technology.  Prowler works for Jackal as head of security to keep the villains in check.  However, Prowler doesn’t like to be cooped up inside New U all the time so he occasionally slips out behind Jackal’s back to get some fresh air.  In this issue, he takes off to thwart a robbery attempt.

Not ready for his technology to be revealed, Jackal tells Prowler that he can’t come and go as he please.  Then he sends Prowler on a mission to find the culprit that has been trying to hack into his systems.  On his way to see Madame Web, also given a new life by Jackal, for information about the hacker(s), Prowler runs into Electro at New U.  There was a heated exchange between the two and Electro asked Prowler if he knew why Jackal brought him back to life.

Prowler continues on to his mission and all hell begins to break loose.

Sean Ryan is the creative writer of this new comic book series.  Phenomenal story set-up.  Great dialogue and character interactions.  Excellent character distinctions, especially Electro.  Pacing is on target, the story is easy-to-follow.

Great visuals by Javier Saltares and Jamal Campbell.  No complaints at all in this area.  I especially like Prowler’s costume, purple is my favorite color!

  • Is the Jackal still a villain, or is a humanitarian now?
  • Jackal asked Prowler if he took his medicine.  Just what is this medicine he has to take on a daily basis?  Is it for high blood pressure?  Is it a psychotropic medication?  Or is Prowler being kept alive by this medicine?
  • What is Jackal up to and what is his motive for bringing Hobie Brown aka Prowler back to life and using him as head of security?

These are questions I am excited about learning the answers to, therefore I definitely plan to read the next issue of The Prowler.  At this point I don’t know if The Prowler, rated teens and above, is an ongoing series or miniseries.  I haven’t had time to check into that piece just yet.

The Prowler #1 was released on October 26, 2016.

VERDICT (drum roll please)
I highly recommend this title.  It is an excellent jump on point for new and returning comic book readers.  I give this debut issue  5/5 stars.

 

The Punisher #16 Review

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I would have to be as crazy as Deadpool to even consider taking down The Punisher, a dangerous vigilante who’s armed with big guns and explosives.  Even the Howling Commandos, the special ops unit with secret orders to take him down, couldn’t do it.

In case you don’t already know, Frank Castle, aka The Punisher, was a Marine, husband and father.  When his family was killed by accident, during a mob hit, he became a bitter and fierce vigilante.

I had to set my comic book reading aside for a minute a few months ago.  Unfortunately, The Punisher was one of the comics I was reading every month.  However I started back reading it at issue #13, when I read a tweet about the Howling Commandos taking Frank Castle’s only remaining relative and her family, as hostage.  Well, knowing how violent and aggressive skullguy can get, I had no choice but to jump back on.

I can briefly tell you what I know since I jumped back on to one of my favorite Marvel comic book titles.

Punisher had plans to rid Los Angeles of Dos Soles, a dangerous and powerful gang.  The Howling Commandos intercepted and captured him.  Punisher became suspicious of who was giving the elite combat unit their orders and why.  He was able to convince the team leader to release him so that he could find the truth behind the madness.

In the current issue, skullguy makes his way to Washington to find the perpetrator that put the hit out on him.  When Punisher confronts the perpetrator, he not only gets his questions answered, he also learns that he’s not working alone.

Punisher is eventually spotted and makes a run for it, but his escape gets halted by a prominent figure.  I try not to give spoilers, but I can’t help but to give one when I discuss the art.

Nathan Edmondson is the creative writer of this mature, action-packed title.  Very intense scripting.  Fast-paced, but not difficult to follow.  Strong, solid characters with sharp dialogue.  Lots of aggression, violence, and political corruption.

Impressive artwork by Mitch Gerads.  Fine details.  Great action scenes.  Realistic looking characters, especially the man of the hour, The Punisher.  Panels are dark and violent, yet surprising.  Earlier I stated that I try not to give spoilers.  Well I can’t help it this time.  Below is Gerads introduction of the character that Punisher will face-off with in the next issue.

punisher 16a

I like what Gerads did there.

I love a badass, which is why Punisher is one of my boyfriends in the Marvel Universe.  He’s strong, aggressive, extremely dangerous, and has a body that would make a lot of men here on Earth jealous.

There is no doubt that I will continue to read The Punisher.  I am aware that Marvel is about to start playing with the emotions of its’ comic book fans with the Secret Wars crossover.  I have not had the time to read into the event as much as I’d like to, so at this time I’m not sure what the fate of this series will be.

The Punisher #16 was released March 18, 2015.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

I strongly recommend The Punisher.  This issue gets 5/5 stars.

Avengers Undercover #1 Review

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This is a comic book that I went into blindly.  The title and its dark cover (Francesco Mattina) captured my attention.  At the time, I had no idea that Avengers Undercover was a sequel to Avengers Arena.

I wasn’t at all interested in Avengers Arena because it reminded me of Hunger Games.  I watched Hunger Games at the movie theater and hated it.  Children were forced to kill each other.  Avengers Arena was no different.  Arcade, a supervillain, kidnapped 16 superhuman teenagers and placed them in a deathmatch.  That sicko was amused by Murderworld, the name for this reality-type show, that was also aired on television.

Avengers Undercover follows the seven survivors of Murderworld.  However Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) appears to have a tight hold on Cullen Bloodstone, one of the survivors.  He is enraged and obsessed with seeking vengeance on Arcade.  Cullen tracks Arcade to Bagalia, a city that I would not want to live in, and home to Baron Zemo, leader of the Masters of Evil.  The remaining six discover Cullen’s plan and has to decide whether they should brave the dangers of Bagalia and bring Cullen home.

Dennis Hopeless is the writer of this All-New Marvel NOW! title.  Script and pacing are both flawless.  Great character interactions.  The survivors are young badasses, but it’s their distinct personalities and attitudes that hooked me.  Chase is already annoying the heck out of me, but he’s funny.  Cullen is a hardcore badass.  And Anachronism, well, let’s just say I’m still trying to figure him out.

Kev Walker is the artist, and Jean-Francois Beaulieu shows off his artistic skills with the colors.  I have nothing but praise for this great team of visual storytellers.

Avengers Undercover #5 was released last week, and it was the first comic book that I read that day.  The funny thing is, it’s on my husband’s pull list, not mine.  I went through a pile of his comics a couple of months ago.  That’s when the title and cover caught my attention (yes, a cover is a selling point).

I am caught up with this title, and I plan to continue reading this All-New Marvel NOW! series until I get bored.  By the way Hopeless is tearing this script up, I don’t see that happening anytime soon.

I will read Avengers Undercover anytime rather than Young Avengers.

VERDICT (drum roll please)
I strongly recommend this title, and I am giving it 5/5 stars.

Original Sin #1 Review

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Uatu the watcher, one of the most powerful beings in the Marvel Universe, has been murdered.  First of all, how is that even possible?  Second, who was bold enough to kill the Watcher, and what gun was large and powerful enough to blast a hole in his ginormous head?  The killer(s) even stole his eyes.

I would say the Watcher was caught off guard, but that would be silly of me.  Uatu was the Watcher, he saw EVERYTHING in the universe.

Nick Fury is the leader of a stellar cast of heroes and vigilants, including some of my favorites such as Black Widow, Thor, Black Panther, Dr. Strange, Punisher, Moon Knight, and Gamora, as they work endlessly to solve the greatest murder mystery in the history of comics.  Not just comic books by Marvel, but ALL COMICS.

Jason Aaron is the writer of this chilling eight-part mini-series, published by Marvel Comics.  Sharp dialogue with great character interactions.  Aaron created a diverse team of heroes and vigilantes, and I can’t wait to see them work as a team.  With snarks such as Punisher and Wolverine, I’m sure I’ll be laughing at some point.  Well I already did, the scenes with Punisher and Dr. Strange.  But for now, I need to focus on Aaron’s frightening script, because this is one murder mystery that is definitely getting my full attention.

The superb artwork was provided by Mike Deodato (artist) and Frank Martin (colors).  Their frightening panels match Aaron’s script perfectly.  I especially like that magnificent spread of the Watcher sprawled out on the floor with blood gushing from his eyes, and the gunshot wound to his head (I work in an ER so I’ve seen it all, nothing is gross to me).

I’m definitely going to read the entire the Original Sin mini-series.  However, I’m not going to read all of the tie-ins, just the titles I currently read.

VERDICT (drum roll please)
Original Sin is a great murder mystery that I strongly recommend.  Along with the art, the writing is sharp and gives that frightening feel that’s needed to appreciate this suspensful comic to the fullest.

I also recommend that you read Original Sin #0, it’s an introduction to Uatu the Watcher. 

Original Sin #1 gets 5/5 stars.