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Posted on Dec 31, 2004 - 06:14 PM by Admin |
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Christmas has come and gone, but the comic book stack from the Comic Book Wednesday before Christmas has just landed on The Fan Man’s desk! Somehow, I must’ve made Santa’s “Nice List” because it was a huge week for great new releases! Green Lantern Hal Jordan’s “Rebirth” continues! The debut of Green Arrow’s new Speedy! “Avengers Disassembled” spills over into the pages of Excalibur! And Identity Crisis spills over into the pages of Manhunter! These big events and more are all part of This Week’s 10 Best!
1. Astonishing X-Men #7 (Marvel) -
The Fan Man’s Rave:
The best new series of 2004 just continues to get better! Writer Josh Whedon’s opening storyline has come to a close, and many Comic Fanatics were left wondering what this superb X-writer had up his sleeve next? Could Whedon’s next storyline live up to his opening salvo? Well, judging by this first chapter of that new storyline…you betcha!
This issue finds the X-Men trying to improve their public image by taking on a huge threat in New York. When a huge monster crawls out of the ground and begins tearing up the city, the X-Men arrive to save the day! There’s just one problem: a threat of this magnitude is usually reserved for the likes of the Fantastic Four! So, we - the Comic Fanatics - end up the true winners as we’re treated to a Whedon written/John Cassaday illustrated X-Men/Fantastic Four team-up!
Don’t think for a second that Whedon gets away by serving up a simple team-up/monster fight - which is one of the best, by the way! Elsewhere in these pages, Whedon is planting the seeds for other adventures. A character from the previous storyline makes a shocking reappearance with news that the X-Men are being watched closely, because one of them is destined to destroy the Breakworld. Meanwhile, one of students of the Xavier Institute may be unleashing a new world of trouble onto the X-Men!
If you are a fan of Whedon’s handling of the X-Men - and I am! - you will love this issue! Comic Fanatics are treated to some incredible characterization and insight in this issue, including Kitty Pryde torturing herself because she feels like she has moved too fast with the returning Colossus. Whedon goes on to give amazing insight to the thoughts of each X-Man while in battle. While Colossus’ mind is on the battle and Kitty’s mind is on Colossus, Wolverine’s only thought? “I really like beer.”
Once again, Whedon delivers some sharp, snappy dialogue between the X-Men. Even more enjoyable this time around? Whedon incorporates that delightful dialogue into the X-Men’s team up with the Fantastic Four! Let me be the first to tell you that the Astonishing X-Men isn’t the only team that Whedon can write with flair!
Whedon throws in a few Hollywood blockbuster-like moments in this issue - especially Colossus’ means of transportation. These events and so much more are brought to amazing life by the stunning art of Cassaday! If you have been following this title, you already know how well Cassaday illustrates the X-Men. In this issue, you’ll discover how well Cassaday illustrates Marvel’s first team, the Fantastic Four! I have already come to the conclusion that this is an artist who can do no wrong!
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The Fan Man’s Rant:
Maybe not for the youngest readers, this is an otherwise rant free issue. Whedon and Cassaday follow up their opening story arc with a strong comic which promises to lead to even stronger stories!
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The Play By Play:
As this issue opens, the X-Men have been dispatched to take care of a rather large problem in New York. A large monster has crawled out of the ground and has started tearing up the city. With Colossus “surfing” on top of the X-Jet, the X-Men swoop onto the scene.
As the X-Men engage the monster, New York’s resident monster handlers arrive on the scene - the Fantastic Four! A little upset that the X-Men are handling their gig, the Fantastic Four still teams up with them to drive the monster back below ground.
Thinking the high profile public service will boost their image, the X-Men return home, only to be stunned to find their rescue efforts buried deep in the TV newscast. Meanwhile, trouble is brewing for the X-Men in the form of a character from the previous storyline, who is looking out for the Breakworld. And tragedy strikes the Xavier Institute…and may signal the arrival of even more trouble!
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2. Dead@17: Revolution #2 (Viper Comics) -
The Fan Man’s Rave:
Josh Howard’s Dead@17 is one of the greatest creations to hit the comic book scene in decades. Howard’s addictive story and wonderful art make Dead@17 a story that I simply can’t get enough of. One miniseries - or one issue - is never enough! Howard and Viper Comics have me hooked…and I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m a Dead@17 addict!
This latest Dead@17 miniseries finds Nara Kilday and Noel Raddemer in search of Violet Grey, who was possessed by the demon Bolabogg. Along the way, Nara and Noel run into a trap. Surrounded by Feeders, it looks like Noel and Nara have reached the end of their journey…until they receive the surprise assistance of Joan, a woman from Noel’s past who not only knows a secret concerning Nara, but is also the leader of Heaven’s Militia - the group responsible for the assassination of Senator Alcasan…whom they believe is Bolobogg in human form!
In this issue, Nara - and Comic Fanatics - are faced with some shocking revelations and surprises! Nara finds Violet in the last place she was expecting…and Violet isn’t the same anymore! Meanwhile, Nara confronts Noel, demanding to know if he is her father! The answer to this one will shock Dead@17 fans! Oh, and don’t forget about Nara’s friends she left behind, Hazy and Elijah. These two teens make a shocking discovery of their own!
This issue is a strong follow up to the first issue of this new miniseries. Howard delivers a story of The X-Files quality, with plenty of twists, turns and shocking revelations. One of the great strengths of every Dead@17 comic has been Howard’s characterization of Nara and her co-stars. Howard makes the reader care deeply for these characters, and does so even more here by adding more depth to both Nara and Noel.
If Howard’s characterization doesn’t make you fall for Nara and the overall story, his art will! At times, a little Manga-esque. At times, a little cartoony - but in a good way. And always, extremely cute! Howard delivers good girl/bad girl art without resorting to eye-candy, top-heavy, bursting-from-their-costumes beauties. Howard has a definitive style that sets the tone for each and every Dead@17 comic book!
If you still need another reason to buy this book, allow me to point you in the direction of Viper’s next big hit, which is previewed in the back of this issue: Oddly Normal by Otis Frampton. This sneak peek introduces us to a lovable character with the unfortunate name of “Oddly Normal”, an abnormal gal with abnormal problems…like the fact she has green hair, pointed ears and she is half-witch! This one looks like an early bet for surprise hit of 2005!
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The Fan Man’s Rant:
Due to mild language, this is not an all ages read. No rants here. Josh Howard delivers another superb comic book that continues to surprise me with each new issue. It’s books like Dead@17 that make this industry so much better!
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The Play By Play:
As this issue opens, Nara Kilday is approached by her newest ally, Joan - the leader of Heaven’s Militia. Joan reveals that she has been watching Nara and her adventures, and thinks she would be a great asset to the Militia. Then Joan drops a bombshell! The gal that Nara and Noel Raddemer has been searching for? She is in the possession of Joan and Heaven’s Militia!
As Joan shows Nara the missing Violet Grey, she explains that the girl is now near-comatose. Apparently, Violet is no longer possessed by the demon Bolabogg, after she was found in Arizona, heavily traumatized…after apparently giving birth! Meanwhile, the two friends Nara left behind - Hazy and Elijah - make a discovery that will change their lives forever!
Nara meets up with Noel, who wants to know if Joan has brainwashed her. However, Nara wants the answer to one burning question - is Noel her father! Noel is forced to give Nara the answer…and you won’t believe the truth of Nara’s parentage! Meanwhile, it appears that Heaven’s Militia was less than successful with their assassination…
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3. Manhunter #5 (DC) -
The Fan Man’s Rave:
This is one of those series that took me by surprise in 2004. In fact, I almost missed this one, if not for the astute eye of my comic book guy. Five issues in, and this series stands out from any comic DC - or any publisher - is currently putting on the shelves. Writer Marc Andreyko has produced a comic with a totally unlovable - yet still intriguing - heroine that keeps me coming back for more!
Andreyko’s Manhunter is not only a totally new character…this Manhunter is also of a different gender! By day, Kate Spencer is one of the best federal prosecutors in America. By night, Kate becomes the new Manhunter and takes justice into her own hands for super villains who beat the legal system.
So far, Kate has made herself a target of the super villain community by killing Copperhead. Seeking revenge for his dead pal, Shadow Thief tried to put an end to the career of the new Manhunter…and nearly came close to ending both their lives! In this issue, Kate will regret not finishing what she started with Shadow Thief!
Since Kate’s near disastrous run in with Shadow Thief, the villain has gained the notorious reputation as the man who murdered Firestorm. Shadow Thief has gone on the run…right to his old friend Copperhead! Wait a minute! Didn’t Kate kill Copperhead?! Then, what is Kate doing fighting for her life in this issue against Shadow Thief AND Copperhead?!
Andreyko continues to build Kate’s character and, like a horrific car wreck, you just can’t look away! While Kate is still a tough as nails character you will love to hate, Andreyko begins to make the reader feel sympathy for her in this issue. With her son in the hospital - as the result of her carelessness - Kate’s ex-husband takes steps to make sure she stays away from her son. The shell cracks momentarily, and we can see that despite her many flaws, Kate is still a loving single mother.
Andreyko also shows us a new side of Kate in this issue. Always on top of her game both in and out of costume, we get to see Kate caught off guard and more than a little nervous when members of the Justice League drop by her office! And if you think Kate is nervous then, wait until you see her reaction when she almost runs into the Justice League as Manhunter!
There are so many things I could rave about when it comes to this comic, so I’ll drop in one more. Andreyko has given this book even more character with the addition of Kate’s new “weapons master”, a genius ex-con named Dylan. Kate clearly has Dylan over a barrel, but he comes through in a remarkable - if not slightly frightened-for-his-life kinda way!
This issue is an artistic joy to behold. From the stunning Jae Lee cover to the amazing interior art of Jesús Saiz, this is one of the better looking comics on the shelves today. The new Manhunter gets a slightly upgraded costume in this issue, and Saiz makes it look stunning! In and out of costume, Saiz gets across to the reader that Kate is a take-no-gruff-from-anyone character, and still manages to make her look tough - for a brief moment or two - when the Justice League comes calling! And speaking of the Justice League, wait until you see Saiz’s take on Vixen!
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The Fan Man’s Rant:
Due to mild language and violence, this is not an all ages read. No rants here. And, if you notice the cover, this is an “Identity Crisis Tie-In.” For once, a book lives up to the billing! And the good news? The Identity Crisis tie-in doesn’t end here! It appears more Identity Crisis goodness will spill over into the next issue or two!
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The Play By Play:
As this issue opens, the new Manhunter is fighting for her life against a male Cheetah in an Old West town! And once the male Cheetah is dealt with, Solomon Grundy comes calling…followed by another Manhunter!?! In actuality, it’s all a training exercise set up by Kate Spencer’s new “weapons master”, Dylan. Dylan even springs for new costume alterations which will allow Kate to track the one who got away - Shadow Thief!
Kate returns to her civilian life in hopes of seeing her injured son in the hospital. However, Kate misses visiting hours…but doesn’t miss her ex-husband, who informs her that he has gotten a court order and will be suing for full custody of their son!
The following day, Kate’s bad week takes a weird turn when she is visited in her office by members of the Justice League, who are looking for Shadow Thief because he murdered Firestorm. A little shaken up by the visit, Kate heads out that night as Manhunter to track down Shadow Thief. Luckily, Kate finds Shadow Thief. Unluckily…Kate also finds the supposedly dead Copperhead!
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4. New Thunderbolts #3 (Marvel) -
The Fan Man’s Rave:
New Thunderbolts has been one of the most welcomed returns of 2004! Gone are the “Fight Club” rejects - which was a good story, but was NEVER the Thunderbolts! Back in action? The old school goodness of some of Marvel’s villains-turned-superheroes under the direction of one of the old school masters, writer Fabian Nicieza…with some “heavy thinking” from another old school master, writer Kurt Busiek!
When it comes to old school super-team goodness, no other book comes close to New Thunderbolts. Reminding this ole Comic Fanatic of some of the finer issues of Defenders, Avengers and the original Thunderbolts, this new series combines the old school goodness of team books that have come before with modern Marvel continuity.
Over the course of the first few issues, Mach IV has been forming a new team of Thunderbolts. Fresh out of prison, Abner Jenkins recruits his former teammates Songbird and Atlas, along with newcomer Blizzard. Soon joining the newly formed team are folks like Speed Demon, Joystick and Captain Marvel, who hasn’t been seen since Atlas knocked him into the ocean! In this issue, the team’s newest member joins - perhaps the most surprising member yet!
It appeared at the end of the previous issue that most of the Thunderbolts, Reed Richards and Namor had been caught in an explosion that threatened to level the United Nations. Now, we all know that Nicieza wouldn’t kill off the majority of this new team…this early! So, in this issue, we discover that Songbird and Atlas are holding the building together from the inside, while Mach IV receives the surprise assistance of Code: Blue and Spider-Man on the outside! Meanwhile, the Thunderbolts’ mysterious benefactor is asked to bring in the team’s newest member to save the day! Now, if only someone could save the Thunderbolts’ benefactor!
Nicieza delivers another action-packed superhero comic filled with plenty of happenings behind the scenes that will undoubtedly set the stage for future storylines, including next month’s visit by Wolverine! And in true Thunderbolts fashion, the reader is never quite sure who to root for! You’re never quite sure just how good the good guys are. The only thing for sure here is that if you are a fan of superhero team comics, you won’t find any finer than New Thunderbolts!
Big props also go out to Marvel for not making a big deal out of the guest appearance by Spider-Man. Sure, that little announcement would have probably sold a few more copies. As it is, Spidey’s guest appearance came as a complete and welcome surprise, and totally fit the story. If you are a continuity fan like myself, you will appreciate the little things in this book that reflect what’s going on in the Marvel Universe, namely what happens here that will set up a tie-in with the current storyline in Wolverine.
Artist Tom Grummett illustrates another fine comic book, almost making me forget that this is the team that Mark Bagley first made his own. Grummett is illustrating the work of his illustrious career within these pages, and the Marvel Universe has rarely looked better! The only thing more exciting than seeing a Grummett illustrated Spider-Man? The promise of seeing Grummett illustrating Wolverine in the next issue! Oh, and the Thunderbolts look pretty good, too!
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The Fan Man’s Rant:
Maybe a little too violent for the youngest of readers. The only rant that I have is the same one I had for the last issue. As enjoyable as this new series has been, it would have been even more enjoyable had Marvel not tipped their hats by including the final team roster on the recap page before these members were even introduced. Initially, half the fun of this new series was guessing who would be on the team.
The only other rant that I have concerns Captain Marvel. After making a dramatic entrance - and an even more dramatic exit - in the first issue, Marv hasn’t been seen since. Marv made such an impression on me as a member of this team in the short time he was around, I’m wanting this character back…and soon!
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The Play By Play:
As this issue opens, Fathom Five strikes back at the surface world by severing their communications. This surprise attack catches the Thunderbolts’ mysterious benefactor by surprise, while he is concerned about whether or not his team is alive at the United Nations…and totally unaware of a shadowy figure watching him from outside his window!
At the U.N., Mach IV watches on from outside while his team, Reed Richards and Namor fight for their lives inside the burning and collapsing building. Mach IV receives the surprise assistance of Code: Blue and Spider-Man, who knows the hero as the former villain named the Beetle. As Spider-Man and Code: Blue work to save innocent victims, Mach IV places a top secret call to his team’s benefactor…and requests the team’s newest member be sent in to save the day!
As Reed, Namor and most of the Thunderbolts get members of the U.N. to safety, Songbird and Atlas fight against radiation to keep the building from collapsing. Just when it appears that the Thunderbolts are about to be down two members, the team’s newest member drops in - literally - to save the day! Now, who will save the team’s mysterious benefactor when that shadowy figure drops in to make his point?!
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5. Green Lantern: Rebirth #3 (DC) -
The Fan Man’s Rave:
Three issues in and this miniseries is amazing me like no other - not even Identity Crisis! Writer Geoff Johns and artist Ethan Van Sciver have produced one of the biggest runaway hits of 2004! Don’t believe me? There is a reason why each new issue has sold out BEFORE it hit spinner racks, and there is a reason why the first issue of this miniseries has now gone to a fourth printing! Let me be the first to warn you - this issue is no exception! This one? Better than the first two!
Johns is a brilliant writer, and this miniseries has made me see that more than anything else this scribe has written. Johns is clearly a writer who is well versed in comic book history and continuity. Most importantly, Johns is a writer who respects what has come before, no matter what book or character he writes. No “disassembling” here! Johns takes what has come before, builds on it, fleshes it out and revitalizes it - both for new readers and us longtime Comic Fanatics, who are so particular about the continuity of our favorite characters.
The one thing that I was really worried about coming into this miniseries was Johns simply doing away with Green Lantern Kyle Rayner. I’m a lifelong Green Lantern fan. While I’m a fan of nearly every ring-wielder, Hal Jordan has always been my favorite. But, over the past few years, Kyle has grown on me. Well, it appears that Johns is taking on the daunting task of pleasing ALL Green Lantern fans here!
If you haven’t read Green Lantern: Rebirth #2 yet, stop here. This review will spoil some of the events in that issue.
Johns went right for the jugular as this miniseries began, with Kyle returning from space with a mysterious coffin-looking object. In the previous issue, Johns left Comic Fanatics stunned and slack-jawed when he revealed what was in the coffin…the body of Hal Jordan, Parallax! In this issue, Johns pulls out all the stops, changing the way Green Lantern fans will look at their favorite heroes forever!
For years, Green Lantern fans have been aware of the Green Lantern rings’ weakness to the color yellow. However, for some reason, Kyle’s ring has never had this impurity. In this issue, not only does Johns explain why Kyle’s ring is immune to yellow, he also explains why the other Green Lanterns’ rings have this impurity! As if that’s not enough for longtime Green Lantern fans, Johns explains why and how Hal went around the bend and became Parallax!
Due to the impurity in the rings, all Green Lanterns aside from Kyle have gone on the rampage, with only Kyle and Ganthet knowing the truth of the matter! And the true cause for this impurity is fighting the Spectre for possession of Hal Jordan! Meanwhile, prepare yourself for a last page stunner when you discover who is responsible for releasing this impurity again! Wow!
If you have ever been a Green Lantern fan or if you are just a fan of the DC Universe in general, you MUST NOT miss this issue! Johns crams enough action, intrigue and surprises into this issue to fill an entire miniseries! This is definitely the one comic that Green Lantern fans MUST own!
Completing this complete package is the art of Ethan Van Sciver. Van Sciver’s work has never looked this good! Green Lantern: Rebirth is definitely a superstar-making miniseries for an artist, and Van Sciver fits that moniker perfectly! Cover to cover, this is one of the most impressive and expressive comics I have ever laid eyes on. And if you are wanting a little hint about what’s in store for you in this issue, look closely at Van Sciver’s take on Parallax on the cover!
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The Fan Man’s Rant:
Due to mild language and a little violence, this is not an all ages read. No rants here! This is without a doubt one of the best comics I read in 2004! And so far, Johns is doing an excellent job of pleasing all Green Lantern fans and even managing to remove the tarnish on Hal Jordan’s name.
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The Play By Play:
You’re not going to get much of a “Play By Play” here, because most of what I could tell you would spoil this fine comic. What I can tell you: Due to a weakness to yellow, John Stewart, Guy Gardner and Kilowog have succumbed to the “impurity.” Only Kyle Rayner - whose ring doesn’t have this flaw - and Ganthet know the truth! Meanwhile, this “impurity” is fighting the Spectre for sole possession of Hal Jordan…and wait until you see who released this “impurity” on the Green Lanterns!
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6. X-Force #5 (Marvel) -
The Fan Man’s Rave:
I know what you’re thinking…“Fan Man, you’ve been into the HEAVILY spiked eggnog!” No such luck! I guess it’s time to come clean and step out of the closet…I’m a big Rob Liefeld fan! And by virtue of that admission, I’m also a huge fan of X-Force. So, when Marvel announced that X-Force would be making a brief comeback, I was ecstatic…until I read the first few issues of this now-announced-as-a-miniseries miniseries. Well, this issue is not only the best of this new volume, but also good enough to earn a spot on This Week’s 10 Best…and make me publicly admit my love for X-Force and Liefeld’s art!
I have never made a secret out of the fact that Cable has always been one of my favorite comic book characters. However, it seemed that this character was created for three purposes: 1. To battle Apocalypse. 2. To be a mysterious X-character. And 3. To carry bigger than life guns. Well, after Cable’s parentage was revealed, after he defeated Apocalypse and then became a non-gun-toting Kung-Fu-like wandering teacher, it seemed that Cable had lost a sense of purpose. Not anymore!
Liefeld and scripter Fabian Nicieza have brought Cable back to the basics and have given this character a new mission in life - stopping a mutant-killing evil known as the Skornn. In the future, a war between humanity and mutants has escalated, with the mutants gaining the upper hand. To turn the tide, humanity has sent agents back in time to revive the Skornn, who can only be stopped by a sword known as the Five Fingers Of Annihilation. But the humanity of the future never accounted for Cable and his former team, X-Force. However, not every former member of X-Force decides to side with Cable…
Without Cannonball and Sunspot, Cable and the rest of X-Force break into The Watchtower, an anti-mutant medical research facility, to free Caliban. However, Caliban has his hands full…as he is in the midst of battling Wolverine! To complicate matters, Deadpool has also arrived on the scene! And to throw everything completely into chaos…Stryfe has returned with Cannonball and Sunspot!
In this issue, we learn the shocking secret of Stryfe. Originally, Stryfe was the evil clone of Cable, but we all know the original Stryfe died…right?! Well, let me just say that this isn’t THAT Stryfe. This one is even more shocking! And props to Liefeld and Nicieza for explaining how this person can be Stryfe, before I could even get the question out of my mouth!
We also finally see the Skornn in action in this issue. When this mutant killing menace makes an appearance in New York, the resident New York City monster hunters step up to the plate - the Fantastic Four…or at least Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm! And as much as I enjoyed this issue, it looks like the final issue of this miniseries will be the one to buy! Cable and Stryfe fighting side by side?! Plus, X-Force, Wolverine, Deadpool, the Thing and the Human Torch versus the Skornn! Place your bets now!
This issue is much more than a 90s nostalgia trip. Yeah, I admit to being one of those who had every card in every bagged copy of X-Force #1, but I loved Liefeld’s art and the whole concept of Cable and X-Force. Still do. And I can’t even chalk this up to being a young Comic Fanatic, since I was buying this stuff when I was twenty-something. Done right - i.e., without tons of variant covers - there will always be a place for an X-Force/Cable comic book…at least in this Comic Fanatic’s collection!
When it comes to Liefeld’s art, you either love the style or hate it. Personally, I love it. Being slightly older and slightly more knowledgeable about what I’m looking at, I can see the flaws, but it doesn’t make me like Liefeld’s work any less. Liefeld will always have a style that has the potential to drag in new Comic Fanatics. I know many Comic Fanatics who were first introduced to comics via Liefeld’s work in New Mutants/X-Force. That is something an artist should take great pride in.
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The Fan Man’s Rant:
No real reason why this couldn’t be an all ages read. Only a few rants. First, there are at least two pages in this issue that look unfinished. The art actually looks blurry. Liefeld takes enough grief without adding more fuel to the fire with something like this.
The other rant? That it took five issues to get this miniseries to the X-Force that I knew, loved and expected to see again. After reading the first four issues, it came as no surprise that Marvel has now announced that this is a 6 issue miniseries, with a follow up three issue Shatterstar miniseries on the way. If the first four issues were as good as this issue, X-Force would be back - bigger, better and ongoing!
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The Play By Play:
As this issue opens, the Shi’ar Imperium get the news that the Skornn lives again. As the Shi’ar make plans to head to Earth, the Skornn is making its move against mutants in the Hellfire Club in Manhattan!
At The Watchtower, Cable and X-Force run into Stryfe, who is backed up by two of their own - Cannonball and Sunspot! Stryfe even shows Cable and X-Force how he was able to sway their former members to his side by removing his mask to reveal that he isn’t Cable’s evil clone…but rather a surprising character from the future!
Back in New York, the Thing and the Human Torch take the fight to the Skornn, only to discover that they are sorely outmatched. As the Skornn moves in for the kill, Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm wish for backup…and their wish is granted in the most stunning fashion!
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7. Living With Zombies #1 (Frightworld Studios) -
The Fan Man’s Rave:
Here’s the surprise book of the week! I almost missed this one, but I’m glad I didn’t! This was one that I noticed on Diamond’s Shipping List and I made a comment over on our forum, asking if anyone knew anything about this book. Being the huge zombie fanatic that I am, anything with the word “zombie” in it naturally catches my eye. Well, the always wise folks on the forum provided me with a link, and my all-knowing comic book guy provided me with a copy…and this may be one of the most pleasant surprises of 2004!
Now, the interior of this comic advertises Living With Zombies as “This Planet’s Greatest Comic!” Well, I’m not sure about that claim, but this book is without a doubt the funniest look at the zombie genre I have ever seen! Imagine if you will “Beavis and Butthead Meet Dawn of the Dead!” If creators C. Matthew Billman and Christopher M. Herndon ever took this project to Hollywood - and they’d have to be brain-dead zombies not to! - “Shaun of the Dead” would have a run for its money!
Living With Zombies begins like many of the classic zombie tales - a zombie outbreak has occurred through unknown circumstances. But that’s where any similarities between this book and ANY other zombie tale ends! If you have the post-holiday blues and are in dire need of a good laugh, prepare to laugh your pants off with this book…which will fit right in with this story’s theme!
Billman and Herndon place themselves into this book as the “heroes”…for lack of a better word. I’m not sure how much of these creators’ actual characters went into their comic book equivalents, but the reader will instantly take to these two hapless, would-be zombie slayers. While Chris thinks a zombie horde is a cool way to reenact years of video game zombie killing, Billman loses his pants and underwear because of the horde of flesh-eaters in a classic case of the old Bill Cosby routine “First you say it, then you do it!”
The comic book Chris is a man after my own heart, more concerned about his dog - Poop Dog - becoming a zombie than his girlfriend. In the funniest moment in the book, Chris discovers Poop Dog is alive, well and “clean”, and even gets some of “dem’ kisses”! I’m a dog person with more than a few Boston terriers and constantly tease my wife about her allowing one of them to lick her face. After this scene, I was laughing out loud…and my wife was wondering why I was looking at her and laughing even more!
In this first issue, the adventures of Billman and Chris in a zombie infested world are just beginning. But Billman and Herndon - the creators - have a whole world of potential and promise ahead of them. I sure hope this book from Frightworld Studios is a monthly ongoing series because not only do I need this hilarious zombie fix on a monthly basis, I never want this story to end! This debut issue is THAT good!
This twisted, terrific and hilarious tale is perfectly complimented with black and white art that reminds me a lot of the work of Keith Giffen. I could have stood a whole lot more gore, but that’s only because folks like Tony Moore, Charlie Adlard and Kieron Dwyer have spoiled me. The art found here is uniquely suitable for this hilarity, and makes this book truly stand out from the masses…like it should!
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The Fan Man’s Rant:
Due to language, a little gore and the comic book Herndon running through most of the issue pantless - with hairy legs and butt for all to see - this is not an all ages read. No real rants here, although I would have enjoyed this book even more if most of it wasn’t already available online. However, Billman and Herndon throw in enough extras not found online to make this one a bargain at twice the price!
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The Play By Play:
As this issue opens, Billman interrupts Chris’ zombie videogame playing to inform his pal that real life zombies are on their street - slow ones, thank God! While Chris thinks this is a cool opportunity to test his videogame skills, Billman has to deal with his bowels’ reaction to the real life frights!
Chris refuses to let Billman borrow any of his pants, so pantless and feeling breezy, Billman joins Chris in the yard as his friend looks for his dog, Poop Dog. As Billman torments the neighbors’ zombie child, Chris finds Poop Dog alive, well and clean!
After stomping his first zombie, Chris keeps his priorities in line by checking on his girlfriend after making sure Poop Dog is fine. Maybe Chris should have checked on his gal first…Then there’s the matter of some very familiar zombies who have shown up at the door!
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8. Excalibur #8 (Marvel) -
The Fan Man’s Rave:
When Marvel announced this title, the old Excalibur fan in me rejoiced. However, this is not THAT Excalibur. For lack of a better word, this series has been the Professor Xavier book. And it seems that in each issue, writer Chris Claremont manages to throw in something to hook me for the next issue. This issue may be one of the sleeper hits of 2004, and one of the books to have for a big event planned in 2005!
From the beginning, Claremont has managed to hook and surprise me by bringing back the “real” Magneto as a permanent cast member and partner of Professor X. While the team of mutants that Professor X and Magneto formed around them has yet to strike any chords with me, Claremont has continued to pepper in a few characters to keep me hooked.
Claremont has included a mutant featured prominently in the last few issues of X-Treme X-Men: Callisto (even thought I still don’t like her new tentacled look). Just when I talked myself into dropping this title, Claremont went and included one of my favorite characters from the classic “Age Of Apocalypse” storyline - the Dark Beast. So what does Claremont do in this issue that earns it a spot on This Week’s 10 Best? Well, let’s just say that Claremont picks up the pieces of one of Marvel’s biggest storylines of 2004...and quite possibly lays the foundation for one of Marvel’s biggest storylines in 2005!
In a surprising in-continuity twist, Claremont deals with the some of the big events of “Avengers Disassembled.” If you didn’t like the outcome of “Avengers Disassembled” - and as a lifelong Avengers fan, I was less than pleased about it - give this issue a look! Marvel should have slapped one of those “Avengers Disassembled” tie-in tags on the cover of this one. Out of all the books they labeled with that tag, THIS book has more to do with “Avengers Disassembled” than any of them!
One of the mainstays of this book - and one of the reasons I continue to read it - has been Claremont’s portrayal of the friendship between Professor X and Magneto. Claremont makes it clear that even though these two have been longtime rivals, they have a clear respect and believable friendship between them. However, in this issue, Claremont throws the reader a curve. If you were one of those who thought Magneto was less powerful and peaceful…wait until you see how this one ends!
I have to admit that some of the characters in this book are starting to grow on me. The cutie named Wicked and the female Sentinel named Karima Shapandar are both very promising characters that I really want to see more of. And adding the Dark Beast to the cast opens doors to all kinds of possibilities - as a villain or a villain-turned-hero. Plus, this Beast doesn’t look like a reject from “Beauty & the Beast”!
Artist Aaron Lopresti is illustrating some of the best work of his career in this book, and that’s saying a lot when you are talking about such a talented artist. Lopresti gives each character a distinctive, unique look. Professor X and Magneto both look older - without being senior citizen old - and almost regal. Dark Beast has never looked more diabolical. And the ladies are all stunners, without being disproportioned, 90s eye-candy rejects.
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The Fan Man’s Rant:
No real reason why this couldn’t be an all ages read. No rants here. This is one of the stronger issues of this young series, and the next issue only promises to be better! If you have heard about Marvel’s 2005 event called “The House Of M”, don’t miss this issue! “Avengers Disassembled” spins into this issue…and the foundation for “The House Of M” is laid right here!
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The Play By Play:
As this issue opens, Professor Xavier and Magneto overlook the rebuilding of Genosha. As rubble is cleared and buildings rebuilt, Professor X tries to convince Unus and his band of outlaws to join with them in the rebuilding efforts.
Elsewhere, the Sentinel known as Karima Shapandar checks in on their prisoners, including the very talkative Dark Beast. As one of the Trolls breaks out, it appears the “warden” will soon have to live up to her directive and kill mutants. However, Professor X projects a psychic projection on himself into the prison to make a stunning offer to the unhappy prisoners!
As Professor X and Callisto head out to look for survivors in Hammer Bay, Magneto is left in charge. Using the time to rebuild some of Genosha with Shola, Magneto’s good mood is spoiled by a television report covering the events at Avengers Mansion. And you will never believe what Magneto does when he believes his children are in danger!
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9. Green Arrow #45 (DC) -
The Fan Man’s Rave:
Let’s face it. Many Comic Fanatics will be snatching up this book because of the revelation that Green Arrow’s ward Mia has H.I.V or the fact that she takes up the mantle of Speedy. For me? The reason this book earned a spot on This Week’s 10 Best? The final showdown between Oliver Queen and Brick - one of the greatest fights you’ll see in comics this year!
Writer Judd Winick wraps up the “New Blood” storyline in the most shocking of ways. While it should come as no surprise - thanks to the stunning Marcos Martin cover - Mia takes up the mantle of Speedy and decides to make a difference fighting alongside Green Arrow. What will take you by surprise is how Winick wraps up the Brick saga with a showdown between the would-be kingpin of Star City and Ollie!
Winick captures the toughness of Ollie perfectly, making this character come across tougher than Clint Eastwood and Charles Bronson rolled into one! When Ollie walks right into the heart of Brick’s operation and challenges the villain to go one on one with him, not only does the reader sense the coolness of Green Arrow, the reader also believes that Ollie can take down the unbeatable foe!
Now, don’t think for a second that Winick just offers up a fisticuffs-filled issue. Winick shines a fair amount of the spotlight on Mia and how she is coping with her illness. More importantly, Winick shows the reader how Ollie is dealing with Mia’s illness. And the scene when Mia approaches Ollie about becoming the new Speedy? One of the most emotion-packed scenes in comics in years! Well worth the price of admission in itself!
It’s with a little sadness that I write this review because this is the last issue for artist Phil Hester. Hester’s art has come to define this book for me, and made me a fan of anything else this talented creator has done. Hester turns in another fine performance in his finale. Green Arrow looks as tough and debonair as ever, while Mia as Speedy is just too cool and too cute! This book sure won’t be the same without Hester’s art. This artist will certainly be missed, but a selfish part of me hopes this frees Hester up to make Image’s Firebreather an ongoing series!
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The Fan Man’s Rant:
Due to language and violence, this is not an all ages read. No rants here. This storyline has ended up rivaling the Kevin Smith and Brad Meltzer storylines that kicked off this volume of Green Arrow. Some of Winick’s best writing to date!
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The Play By Play:
As this issue opens, Mia takes a brave approach at dealing with the fact she has H.I.V. While Mia addresses her own high school, Oliver Queen and Connor watch from the sidelines. Connor is proud of Mia, while Ollie seems to still be having trouble dealing with her illness.
Ollie finds a surprising way to deal with his troubled emotions by walking right into the heart of Brick’s operation and challenging him to step outside. The huge, indestructible Brick orders his men to let Ollie walk if by some fluke he wins, and the two foes square off one on one.
Even with a face full of arrows that don’t penetrate deep enough to do any real damage, Brick manages to beat Ollie to within an inch of his life! But Ollie has a trick arrow up his sleeve! And Mia has a trick of her own planned for Ollie when he arrives home!
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10. Battle Of The Planets: Princess #3 (Image/Top Cow) -
The Fan Man’s Rave:
I am an admitted Gatchaman addict! I love my G-Force and was saddened when Top Cow’s first Battle Of The Planets series came to an end. Always in need of my G-Force fix, I leap at any chance to pick up more Battle Of The Planets via Top Cow’s assorted one-shots and miniseries. When Top Cow announced that my favorite member of G-Force was getting her own 6 issue miniseries, I couldn’t have been happier!
Princess takes the spotlight, but not in the way I was expecting. Writer David Wohl initially had Princess on a solo mission to investigate the appearance of a mysterious idol in the Himalayas. When Princess ran into trouble, the rest of G-Force came to the rescue. Now, Princess gets called on the carpet by Chief Anderson for her mission failure. And the results aren’t pretty…and certainly aren’t what this old G-Force fan ever expected from Princess! Jason maybe! But Princess? Never!
Wohl shows us an unseen side of Princess in this issue. G-Force fans have always known the only gal on the team was a tough one, but no one had any idea Princess was THIS tough! Wait until you see Princess’ training session! And, more importantly, wait until you see Princess get in Mark‘s face! And in the midst of this toughness, we also see the tender, big sister side of Princess in her relationship with Keyop.
Don’t think for a second that this issue is strictly Princess getting her butt chewed out and her dealing with the consequences! What would a great G-Force tale be without the villainy of Spectra?! And wouldn’t you know it? Zoltar has another evil scheme up his sleeve to deal with G-Force once and for all! This time? Zoltar strikes right at the heart of G-Force…and may very well accomplish his evil goal!
I absolutely love the art in this miniseries and can’t say enough good things about artist Wilson Tortosa! The black and white format really shows off this talented artist’s impressive skills, capturing the fast flowing action of the book perfectly. G-Force has never looked better, especially Princess! Sure, I miss the green hair, but that sweet color cover by Tortosa and Sonia Oback will tide me over!
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The Fan Man’s Rant:
No real reason why this couldn’t be an all ages read. No rants here! This issue was a pleasant surprise for this old Gatchaman fan! Wohl showed me a side to Princess I had never imagined, and he - along with Tortosa’s amazing art - have left me wanting a new Battle Of The Planets ongoing series more than ever! But for now…this miniseries is a G-Force fan’s dream come true!
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The Play By Play:
As this issue opens, Princess is taking part in a training exercise. It soon becomes clear that Princess is not in the best of moods, as she pushes her training to dangerous levels. Princess’ mood doesn’t improve when she is summoned by Security Chief Anderson…for a reprimand on her failed solo mission.
Princess takes the slap on the wrist with nary a word…until Mark chimes in. In a Jason-like move, Princess explodes at Mark and quits the team! After saying a tearful goodbye to Keyop, Princess heads off to spend time with her friend Julie. Little does Princess know that she’s not alone on her little vacation…
Elsewhere, Zoltar is planning his next evil scheme, to make up for yet another one of his failures. Little does G-Force realize that a key ingredient to Zoltar’s plan is already in the heart of Center Neptune!
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