Tag Archives: comics

Scooby-Doo Team-Up #1 Review

DC Comics, , , ,

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Scooby-Doo has been one of my favorite cartoons since childhood, and I frequently buy the comic for my kids. When I learned the gang would be teaming-up with Batman and Robin in the debut issue, by DC Comics, I quickly thought of their team-up in the cartoon years ago. Daphne even mentions their run-in with the dynamic duo in this issue.

Scooby-Doo and the gang are on a hunt for a giant, flying bat-looking creature, when they run into Batman and Robin, who are already on its’ trail. They learn from the dynamic duo that the half-man, half-bat is Man-Bat. He is extremely dangerous because he’s more animal than human, when in bat form.

Meanwhile, the gang foils a robbery attempt by three Man-Bat imposters. In their attempt to capture a fourth imposter, the gang and the dynamic duo quickly realizes it’s the real Man-Bat. Batman and Robin have ONE vial of antidote, meaning they only have ONE shot at Man-Bat to administer it successfully.

This all-ages, easy-to-follow story was written by Sholly Fisch. Funny dialogue and character interactions. I especially liked how Robin checked Freddy for using his catchphrase!

Great artwork by Dario Brizuela. Definitely no complaints in this area. Original looking characters that I’ve loved since childhood.

I plan to buy future issues of this title for my kids, and myself of course. You can never go wrong with Scooby-Doo, one of the most beloved cartoon characters.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

I highly recommend this title, especially for those with young children. It’s perfect for storytime.

Harley Quinn #0 Review

DC Comics, ,

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I had to read this story twice. The first time was a straight read. The second, with pen and paper in hand, was to list the names of all the artists in the story. I counted 15. So I skimmed it a third time to make sure I didn’t overlook anyone. This went on for almost an hour. It reminded me of the Hidden Pictures page in the Highlights magazine, that I read as a child. I nearly drove myself crazy then, and now. But nowhere near as crazy as Harley Quinn.

Harley Quinn gets to decide who will be the artist for her solo series, and 17 artists are in the running. From the elites to the lesser known, this book contains what I have to call an all-star cast of artists. It is amazing to see so many different styles of artwork within a few pages.

Awwwww, isn’t that cute? I’m looking at Art Baltazar’s Tiny Titans page. Again. That’s because they’re so adorable. My kids (and myself) love Tiny Titans, but I’m not going to show this page to them. They would fight over the book, and want it in their collections of Tiny Titans comics and sketch cards. Then they would hound me to get Baltazar’s signature at the next comic convention, even though they already have tons of signed books and sketches by him. But I wouldn’t mind because the Tiny Titans are so doggone cute and adorable. By the way, the italicized is my mommy voice!

Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti are the creative writers of this hilarious title. They broke the fourth wall, and I don’t think anyone else could have done it better. Their wedding panels are funny. If Conner can throw a punch like that in reality, then Palmiotti needs to forever be on his best behavior.

I don’t have any complaints at all about Harley Quinn’s debut issue. She was her usual crazy and funny self. And if you know Harley Quinn, then you know she had to take a few people out.

I loved all the artwork in this issue. I’m not familiar with all the artists, but there’s a few whose work I wouldn’t mind following. A very impressive page is that of Jeremy Roberts, an up-and-coming artist. I didn’t know he was the winner of the contest until I decided to Google the winner before I typed this post. His art is finely detailed, and I love Harley Quinn’s look. I would love to see his work in future issues of this title.

There were 17 artists that contributed to this issue, but when I looked at the credits inside, I counted two additional names. I like to give credit where it’s due, so I’m going to list all the artists that worked on this book.

  • Amanda Conner
  • Becky Cloonan
  • Tony s. Daniel
  • Sandu Florea
  • Stephane Roux
  • Dan Panosian
  • Walter Simonson
  • Jim Lee
  • Scott Williams
  • Bruce Timm
  • Charlie Adlard
  • Adam Hughes
  • Art Baltazar
  • Tradd Moore
  • Dave Johnson
  • Jeremy Roberts
  • Sam Kieth
  • Darwyn Cooke
  • Chad Hardin

Whew! There goes that Highlights moment again, making sure I didn’t miss anyone.

While reading this comic, I saw panels where the coloring was familiar. I quickly turned to the credits and saw the name I was looking for, Alex Sollazzo. I didn’t know Sollazzo was contributing to this book, but I knew it was his work. Now that’s worthy of an applause.

The colorists in this issue include:

  • Paul Mounts
  • Tomeu Morey
  • John Kalisz
  • Lovern Kindzierski
  • Alex Sinclair
  • Lee Loughridge
  • Dave Stewart
  • Alex Sollazzo

There is no doubt I enjoyed this issue. I plan to read the first story arc, at least to see where it’s going. And I hope that Conner and Palmiotti were lying when they swore to stop breaking the fourth wall.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

I am recommending this title for now. If my recommendation change after reading the next few issues, I will post and state my reasons. But I have a strong feeling this title will stick around for a long time.

Daredevil: Dark Knights #6 Review

Marvel Comics, ,

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If you are a fan of Misty Knight, then you definitely want to read Daredevil Dark Knights #6.  In this issue, Daredevil and the Jackie Brown of comics team-up, by chance, to take down a kingpin.  And thanks to Misty Knight, I read a Daredevil comic for the first time.

This story is action packed.  An FBI agent assigned to protect Attorney Matt Murdock, aka Daredevil, and a murder witness, has been murdered.  The witness was kidnapped.  From here on out you get nonstop action, as Daredevil and Misty goes to battle against the kingpin’s hired henchmen.  And kick-ass Misty is throwing down in a bikini and flip-flops.

I enjoyed reading this humorous issue.  Daredevil and Misty Knight are beating the crap out thugs, while flirting with each other the entire time.  There’s  a strong attraction between these two, and neither of them are hiding it.

Jimmy Palmiotti is the writer of this well-written script.  Dialogue between Daredevil and Misty are humorous, yet sensual.  The story also is easy-to-follow and it will leave you wanting more.

Great artwork by Thony Silas (pencils), Nelson Decastro (inks) and Antonio Fabela (colors).  I have no complaints at all in this area, and I especially like the fight scenes.

I enjoyed this issue and there’s no doubt I will be reading the next one.  I try to follow characters I enjoy reading about.  Misty Knight is one of those characters and I  definitely plan to support her by reading the rest of the story arc.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

I highly recommend the team-up of Daredevil and Misty Knight.

Captain Ultimate Review

Monkeybrain Comics, ,

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When I learned that Joey Esposito was the co-writer on this title, I immediately knew this comic would be just as fun and engaging as his tweets.  Currently on its fourth issue, Captain Ultimate, by Monkeybrain Comics, grabbed my attention while reading its debut issue.

Captain Ultimate was the world’s greatest superhero, until he disappeared.  As time passed, he pretty much became a has-been.  Even his comic book ended up in the quarter box at the comic shop.  Milo, a spunky young boy, bought the Captain Ultimate comic, not afraid to admit that he still believed in the missing hero.  When the city was nearly destroyed by the giant robot octopus alien monster, Milo was the only person that stood up to the monster.  Even the Super Revenging Society, the city’s superhero team, left the scene.  Milo’s belief in Captain Ultimate was so strong, that he appeared out of nowhere (this is where my eyes watered).

The second issue was even funnier than the first.  Dr. Destruction attacks Milo, and it’s Captain Ultimate to the rescue.  Because of Milo’s bravery, Captain Ultimate asks Milo’s parents if he can be the hero’s sidekick.  Milos’ dad is excited.  But his mom, well let’s just say she’s a mom.  Protective and threatening.  Things a typical mom (like myself) would say.  Captain Ultimate leaves Ulti-Mutt, a big and slobbery, strong but friendly dog, for the family’s protection.

Meanwhile, the Super Revenging Society is furious that Captain Ultimate is getting all the attention.  They have lost their movie, book, and licensing deals.  Even their agent has kicked them to the curb.  The Jealous Society, I mean Super Revenging Society, make plans to dig up some dirt on the handsome superhero that has super powers and a nice looking mustache.  Yes, they’re actually jealous of Captain Ultimate’s mustache!

Issue three reveals the origin of Captain Ultimate.  I won’t spoil it, but I’ll say that his belt was created in the future and was meant to be worn only by someone worthy of its power.

Esposito co-writes this hilarious, all ages comic with Benjamin Bailey.  Great character interactions.  There’s a lot of funny dialogue, and I especially like the Super Revenging Society.  The story is also easy to follow.

The stories are brought to life by Boy “Boykoesh” Akkerman  (artist) and Ed Ryzowski (colors).  Thanks to the Super Revenging Society, I can no longer look at Captain Ultimate without staring at his mustache! Great visual storytellers.  I especially liked the giant robot octopus alien monster.

I am enjoying this title so far.  It’s a family friendly comic, a story that I can read to my children.  I have two kids and both of them are boys.  Captain Ultimate is focused on a male youth, so I’m sure we will be reading future issues of this title.  Currently I’m slightly behind on my comic reading, but I plan to read the latest issue within the next few days.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

I highly recommend this title for readers of all ages.

My Two Cents Worth on Superior Spider-Man

Marvel Comics, My Rants and Tantrums, , , ,

The internet is full of mixed reactions among comic fans in regards to Dr. Otto Octavius taking over Peter Parker’s body and memory, becoming Superior Spider-Man. I have read a countless number of compliments and complaints, but I don’t read too much of why fans either like, love or hate Superior Spider-Man. A lot of fans feel that it was time for a change. Others hate it simply because Peter Parker is dead.

I began reading Spider-Man at Amazing Spider-Man #698. So after reading 20 issues of Superior Spider-Man, I feel that it’s time for me to step up on my soapbox and give my two-cent input on this controversial subject. I’m not going to just say I like Doc Ock as Superior Spider-Man, I’m going to tell you why.

First of all, I have never wished death upon a person, fiction or reality. So I will simply say that I AM GLAD THAT PETER PARKER IS OUT OF THE PICTURE, BECAUSE I HAVE NEVER LIKED PETER PARKER. I didn’t like him when I was child watching him on Electric Company, and I don’t think I have ever read any of his comics while growing up. I never liked Peter because he talked too much. He was too friendly, and should have been pounding the heck out of all those villains over the years. He was also irresponsible. There was no reason for him to not have his Doctorate Degree. I wish I was only one credit and thesis away from a Doctorate. Peter Parker sickens me. I have always been hard on myself, self disciplined and an over-achiever with no time for goofing off. Peter could have, and should have, done better. I know these may be minor reasons to some, but everyone has his or her own perspectives.

Sometime towards the end of last year, a retailer tweeted about Amazing Spider-Man #698. He tweeted several times that comic fans needed to read that issue. He also tweeted that retailers needed to make sure they had an abundant supply. I called my husband and told him that I thought something was going to happen to Spider-Man because of the tweets. I was pretty new to Twitter, so I really didn’t know who to trust, or if it was a false hype. I contacted my comic shop and requested a copy be placed in my pulls.

I was speechless after reading ASM #698. I contacted the comic shop, requested ASM #699, ASM #700 and Superior Spider-Man for my pulls. I remember being anxious at work because I wanted to read ASM #698. I had the book on my desk but I didn’t want to get into trouble. I like my books to remain intact, so instead of peeling off the little sticker to reveal the digital code, I took a 15 minute break and ordered it digitally. Yes, I paid for it twice.

Doc Ock is one of my favorite villains in the Marvel Universe because he’s a brainiac. Genius. Over-achiever. Strategist. He is the perfect Spider-Man in my eyes and here’s why.

Discovered Vulture’s minions were children. Upon this shocking discovery, Doc Ock began to have flashbacks of his abusive childhood by his father. Where some villains would have dealt harshly with these young boys, he turned them over to Children Protective Services.

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Anna Maria Marconi. When Otto realized that Peter Parker was one credit and a thesis short of his Doctorate Degree, he became enraged and enrolled in college. Otto met and became a study partner with Anna, a young and pretty graduate student. Otto likes her because she’s assertive and a brainiac like himself. He doesn’t even mind that she’s a little person (I wonder if he really likes her or if he’s using her). When the school jocks, Brad and Justin, teased Anna, they were dealt with, Superior Spider-Man style.

I have always been teased. I am always teased about my name (believe me when I say I’ve heard it all from Creature Feature to LaCROTCHa). I have always been called a nerd, geek, brainiac and goody two-shoes.

The worst tease, and I hate it with a passion, is being told I “talk like a white girl.” I have been dealing with this crap since childhood from classmates and co-workers. But it hurts even more hearing it from my own family members. To this day, I’m still being told this by family members and co-workers. Not one of them has ever told me what a white girl talks like. It hurts like heck, but they don’t know any better. They don’t know that not all black people use slang and curse words in their everyday language (SARCASM INTENDED).

I don’t condone Spidey for what he did to Brad and Justin, but I have to admit that I admire him for what he did. It was also funny!

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Cardiac and Spider-Man save the life of a child. Amy Chen, a young girl with severe brain damage, was taking a turn for the worse due to one of Doc Ock’s schemes. There was only one treatment plan for Amy, surgery performed with Doc Ock’s neurolitic scanner. Cardiac stole the scanner, but not without a fight from Spider-Man. When Spider-Man learned the true reason for Cardiac’s use for the scanner, he performed the surgery himself on Amy. This story was, and still is, a tear-jerker.

My 7 year-old son has a rare condition, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC).  Although TSC is genetic, most of the cases are from the result of a spontaneous mutated cell, like my son. This disease causes tumors, called tubers, to form on body organs, such as the brain, heart, eyes, and kidneys.  It can cause seizures, loss of speech, autism, and behavior challenges. My son has several brain tumors, a history of seizures, and behavior challenges (aggressive, violent and destructive meltdowns).  He is also autistic (high-functioning) and developmentally delayed.  Currently there is no cure for TSC. But I would give almost anything to get my hands on that neurolitic scanner.

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Spider-bots and spider army. My next door neighbor is the city of Flint in the state of Michigan. Although Flint is a small city, it was the most violent city in America for 3 consecutive years, 2010, 2011 and 2012. I also work in the Emergency Department at a Level 1 Trauma Center in Flint. I have seen so many victims of violent crimes enter that department. Some make it out alive, others don’t. A few weeks ago, my co-workers ran past me carrying a 4 year-old child that had been shot. If only Spider-Man was here with his spider-bots, army and attitude. I’m pretty sure this small city would go back to being an unknown dot on the map.

I was attacked on my job three years ago. I am 5’1 and a white man 6’3, 300 lbs. tried to choke me before knocking me upside my head with his fist. He yelled that I was a nigger, nigger bitch, and a fucking slut several times. He also yelled that he hated me, and was going to kill me. I had no idea who that man was. I was sitting at my workstation on a quiet Saturday night when he attacked me out of nowhere. If Spider-Man was real, I know he would have found the attacker and dealt with him. Then maybe, just maybe, my anxiety, PTSD and nightmares would lessen.

Everyone has their own interpretation of a story, so I decided to share why I am enjoying this dark, funny, tear-jerking title. I can relate to several themes in Superior Spider-Man.

Yes, Dr. Otto Octavius is now Spider-Man. He may have blackmailed the mayor,

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and he may be a showboat,

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but he has a heart, and the will to help others.

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Doc Ock is not just Spider-Man. He is SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN. I applaud Marvel Comics, the creative team, and especially writer Dan Slott for such an outstanding, earth-shaking, internet breaking series. All the artists on this title deserve an applause as well, because they bring the stories to life with their amazing, I mean SUPERIOR, visuals.

Rat Queens #2 Review

Image Comics, , ,

ratqueens2

The phrase, “Don’t judge a book by its cover” does not apply to the cover of Rat Queens, a new comic series by Image Comics/Shadowline. Whether they’re drunk or sober, I wouldn’t go near any one of these kick ass battle maidens for anything. They might beat you down to a pulp at the blink of an eye.

The Queens are:

  • Violet – Dwarf, level-headed
  • Dee – Human, cleric, atheist, healing powers, level-headed
  • Hannah – Elf, mage, shows leadership, aggressive, hot-headed, full of attitude
  • Betty – Hobbit with a large sexual appetite, bubbly personality

In the debut issue of this dark, supernatural comedy, the Queens were thrown in the dungeon after a brawl. In exchange for their release, they had to complete a quest, getting rid of goblins from Hindman Cave. The female mercenaries arrived at the cave and found a ninja assassin waiting for them.

After defeating a giant troll in the current issue, the Queens realized a hit had been placed on them, and the other mercenary teams. By the way, I like Brother Ponies, they all wear ponytails! Now the Queens has to venture out on a quest of their own, find the person(s) who wants them dead.

The Queens are four hipster badass women that steps down to no one. They love bar brawls, getting drunk and mushrooms. They also have different personalities, which definitely shows in the dynamic script written by Kurtis J. Wiebe.

Being a fan of dark and the supernatural, it came as no surprise that I found the artwork, by Ron Upchurch, to be awesome. I especially like the fight scenes, and the giant, nasty-looking troll. I also like the fine details of the characters, in regards to appearance, facial expressions and especially height!

I knew from its debut issue that I would continue reading this entertaining comic to see where it’s going. I am already enjoying this title. Character interactions are funny, and I love Hanna’s aggressiveness. She’s full of attitude and will probably slice you in half just for looking at her the wrong way. And I think Betty is adorable. She may be diminutive in size, and wears a pretty (and sometimes drunk) smile, but she will gouge your eyes out, just like she did to that troll. If you like booze, bar brawls, and feisty kick-ass women, then Rat Queens is definitely for you.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

I recommend this title to mature readers of dark, supernatural and mythology.