Tag Archives: comic books

Where do I Begin?

Uncategorized,

Hello!

I am finally back from my very long comic book reading and blogging hiatus. I did not expect to be away this long. Actually, I didn’t realize I was away 3 years! Wow. That’s a long time, huh?

Anyway, I haven’t read a comic book in so long that I don’t even know where to begin. I am ready to jump back on the bandwagon, but I have no idea what’s going on in the world of comics right now. I’m off work tomorrow so maybe I’ll go to the comic shop and buy a book or two.

Any ideas or suggestions for comics I should be reading these days? Marvel, DC, Image, Zenescope, Archie, etc.? Let me know by commenting below or sending me an email.

It’s good to be back.

Know What You’re Watching Before Watching

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

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.

Sonic Boom #1 Review

Archie Comics, ,

sonicboom1

Dr. Eggman is at it again, harassing and out to destroy Sonic and his friends.

And someone, or something, has stolen Tails’ house!

Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic Universe are popular comic books in my home.  And after reading Sonic Boom #1, there is no doubt that this new, ongoing monthly series, by Archie Comics, will also be a hit with my family.

Ian Flynn is the writer of this fun, all-ages comic.  Excellent script with hilarious character interactions.  Very easy-to-read and follow.

Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy.  Our beloved characters in the Sonic Universe.  However, Flynn has added a new character, Sticks the Badger, to the series.  Sticks is cute and funny, but she has one problem in this issue.  She does not like her introduction, but Sonic quickly offered reassurance.  Thanks a lot Jack Morelli (letterer)!

The creative art team consists of Evan Stanley (pencils), Rick Bryant (inks), and Matt Herms (colors).  Beautiful artwork with plenty of fine details and pretty, bright colors, especially since the story takes place outdoors.  Wonderful cover by Patrick Spaziante.
The perfect team of visual storytellers.

Although I enjoyed all of the characters in this title, it was Sticks and Knuckles that stole the show for me.  I already said that Sticks is cute and funny.  However, Knuckles is funny, but he appears to not be the sharpest tack in the box.  It’s as if he doesn’t know A from B.

sonicboom1a

See what I mean?

And while you’re reading the entertaining dialogue between Amy and Knuckles, take a good look at the art.  Notice how Sonic walks right off the page.  Amazing, huh?!  I love that panel.

I plan to read a few more issues to see where the story is headed, especially after what happened on the last page.  People of all ages love Sonic the Hedgehog.  I should know, my son reads and collects Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic Universe.  And I occasionally read them as well.  Sonic Boom will be treated no differently.  But I have a feeling that I may get attached to this one, and will end up collecting it for myself (shhh, don’t tell my son).

Sonic Boom #1 was released October 29, 2014.

VERDICT (drum roll please) 

I strongly recommend this new title which rightfully deserves 5/5 stars.

Trinity of Sin #1 Review

DC Comics, , , , , , , ,

trinityofsin1

The Phantom Stranger, Pandora, and The Question.  The three greatest historical sinners have teamed up to save the world, or have they?  Trinity of Sin, DC Comics new ongoing monthly series, has already caught my attention with its amazing debut issue.

  • The Phantom Stranger – Traitor
  • Pandora – Opened a box and released ALL of the world’s sins and evils
  • The Question – Has no recollection of his crimes.  Memory erased by the Council of Eternity at sentencing.  The Council even erased his face!  Fueled by anger and hatred.

As a supernatural and comic book fan, I can honestly say that Trinity of Sin is a comic book worth giving a chance.  With DC Comics titles that stole my heart such as Demon Knights, Constantine, Justice League Dark, Pandora, and The Phantom Stranger, there was no doubt in my mind that I wouldn’t get hooked on this title.

J.M. DeMatteis is the writer.  Great script.  Perfect timing, not hard to follow.  Great character interactions.  Loads of suspense, monsters, and black magic.

The astounding visuals are provided by Yvel Guichet (pencils), Jason Gorder (inks), and Gabe Eltaeb (colors).  I have nothing but the highest of praise for this team of visual storytelling.

Take a look at the following panels from the creative art team.  I included a page from Question, Phantom Stranger and Pandora, as they each face their terrifying monsters.  Note Eltaeb’s coloring.  Beautiful, yet amazingly frightening.

trinityofsin1a

trinityofsin1b

trinityofsin1c

There is no doubt I will continue to read Trinity of Sin, a supernatural title that is already living up to its expectations.  If you are a fan of comic books, supernatural, magic, and entertaining stories, then you definitely need to read this new series.

Even if you are not a comic book reader, give Trinity of Sin a try anyway.  I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

I highly recommend Trinity of Sin, the new ongoing monthly comic book series by DC Comics.  I am giving this issue what it rightfully deserves, 5/5 stars.

Do You Read Comics or Not?

My Rants and Tantrums, ,

BEWARE!  I am in full rant mode.  No holds barred in this post.  I run an honest blog, therefore I am voicing my honest opinions.  Consider yourself warned.

I am stepping up on my soapbox to address a very important issue, comic reading.

I have a serious question.  Do you read comic books or not?  I am often told by people that they read comics.  Some may say they used to read them.  But most of them actually say they read, as in present tense, comics.

  • Demon Knights
  • Red She-Hulk
  • Trinity of Sin:  Pandora
  • Trinity of Sin:  The Phantom Stranger
  • Elektra
  • The Fearless Defenders
  • New Warriors
  • All-New Ghost Rider

If you are reading comics, then why in the hell are the above titles cancelled, getting cancelled, or being placed on notice?  There are plenty of other cancelled books, but my frustration level increases with each title I type. There is no reason for any of those books to face the chopping block.

There is a difference between like and read.  If you tell me that you like comic books, then I will just simply say okay.  But if you tell me that you read comics, then be prepared for me to engage in conversation, starting with asking which comics you read.

AVENGERS, X-MEN, SPIDER-MAN, BATMAN, SUPERMAN, WONDER WOMAN.

Some readers only stick to the Big 2 titles.  That is fine, but keep in mind that there are more comic books from these publishers, besides the big guns listed above, screaming for a purchase on the store shelves.  I should know, I read A LOT of them.

We need to stop crying over the fact that Monica Rambeau decided to ditch her trench coat and dookie braids, and support the hell out of Mighty Avengers.

And now we’re throwing hissy fits because Magneto is bald.  So the f**k what?  Magneto is a great comic book, and we need to support that one as well.

If you truly read comics, then you should have no problem telling me what you read when I ask you.  Instead I mostly hear, “Well I, uh, used to read…”  Hold it right there.  You DO NOT read comics.  You USED to read comics.

If I am asked what comics I am reading, I will easily ramble off several titles, walk away, turn around and say, “Oh yeah.”  Then ramble off one or two more titles.

Don’t believe me?

  • Morning Glories
  • Constantine
  • Justice League
  • Justice League Dark
  • Wonder Woman
  • Harley Quinn
  • Thor:  God of Thunder
  • Ms. Marvel
  • Moon Knight
  • Magneto
  • Punisher
  • Deadpool
  • Loki:  Agent of Asgard
  • Mighty Avengers
  • Afterlife with Archie
  • Sex Criminals
  • Grimm Fairy Tales of Terror

Those are the comic books I read every month.  That does not include mini-series like Super Secret Crisis War, or Helsing.

There are a variety of comic books on the shelves besides mainstream superhero titles.

Do you like horror, supernatural and fantasy?  Then check out comic books by Zenescope.  Titles like the newly released Tales of Terror, and their flagship title, Grimm Fairy Tales are excellent choices.  Wonderland is also a good choice.

DC Comics offer great titles like Justice League Dark and Constantine.

Image Comics offers Ghosted, Five Ghosts, Morning Glories, and several more wonderful books.

If you like sick and bizarre, then you will want titles by Avatar Press, like Crossed.

BOOM! Studios and Archie Comics offer a lot of fun comic books.

Don’t forget Valiant and Dark Horse.

I don’t care whether you read your comic books in print or digital format, we need to pre-order, consistently read, and spread the word. Blog, tweet, Facebook, Tumblr, and whatever else social media platform you use. Just get the word out about your favorite comics.

And another thing. Stop commenting and/or complaining on the feeds and timelines of creators if you’re not reading their books.

People attend comic conventions by the thousands. I wonder how many of them actually read comics. I’m guessing not too many. If so, then there wouldn’t be all those low book sales and cancellations.

I’m thinking about attending a couple of conventions and doing a survey. I’m going to ask as many people as I can if they read comics, and the titles.

Especially all those girls that walk around in costumes. I really want to ask them if they even know anything about the characters they’re cosplaying.

There are too many low title sales, and too many cancellations. We can put an end to it by reading and spreading the word.

I know that I talked a lot of smack in this post, but that’s alright. At least I backed it all up.

Grimm Tales of Terror: A Must-Read Horror Comic

Zenescope Entertainment, , , , , , , , , ,

Grimm Tales of Terror #1 Publisher: Zenescope Writer: Ralph Tedesco Art: Antonio Bifulco Colors: Marco Lesko
Grimm Tales of Terror Publisher: Zenescope
Writer: Ralph Tedesco
Art: Antonio Bifulco
Colors: Marco Lesko

Zenescope has returned to its’ stomping grounds with Grimm Tales of Terror, a newly released, ongoing monthly horror comic series.  Inspired by Twilight Zone, Creepshow, and Tales from the Crypt, Zenescope, publisher of classic tales with horror and supernatural twists, already has my full attention.

Currently on its second issue, the Grimm Tales of Terror horror anthology was on my pulls list from day one.  The above picture is one of the covers to the first issue.  I pre-ordered that specific cover from my local comic shop, but for some reason it was not in my box.  The book wasn’t even on the shelf.  I was livid, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying a title from one of my favorite publishers.  Although I prefer print format for my comic books, I went ahead and ordered it digitally from Comixology.

Written by Ralph Tedesco, the stories so far have given me the chills.  Very Creepshow and Tales from the Crypt style.  Great scripts with the perfect blend of horror and dark humor.

The amazingly terrifying art comes from the creative team of Antonia Bifulco (art) and Marco Lesko (colors).  The gory and horrific creature panels are so beautiful, horror fans will become instant fiends.

Grimm Tales of Terror is a must-read for both horror comic readers, and horror fans in general.  You will definitely be frightened and entertained at the same time.

As a lifelong horror fan, and a fan of the above three classic, horror anthology television shows since childhood, there is no doubt that I will become, and remain, a fan of Grimm Tales of Terror.

By the way, don’t let the covers fool you.  If you don’t know by now, let me tell you.  Zenescope is also known for its’ exotic covers.  Scantily clad women.  That is not what’s inside their comic books.  You get exactly what you read in the descriptions and previews.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

I am giving this title what it deserves, 5/5 stars.