tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53722504940015232282024-03-13T04:53:07.704-07:00DJ Sloofus's Baaadaaaassssss Blog!The Comic Book Hatershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514275193466516903noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372250494001523228.post-1043408099478040972009-08-06T13:58:00.000-07:002009-08-06T13:58:00.140-07:00Jeff Lemire's THE NOBODY<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://westfieldcomics.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/The-Nobody-Cover.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 395px; height: 600px;" src="http://westfieldcomics.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/The-Nobody-Cover.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Let's hope Jeff Lemire doesn't sink into the same cesspool that David Lapham is apparently wallowing in. Both are writer/artists, both come from true indie publishing backgrounds, and both worked primarily in black and white. And both, sadly, made the jump to DC's Vertigo line.<div>To say that Lapham's post-Stray Bullets (his indie title) work has been a letdown would be like saying the Hindenburg was a letdown. Let's face it: his major publisher work has been terrible. This is Lemire's first work for Vertigo, and instead of a monthly series, he's started off with a standalone graphic novel. The NOBODY is pretty much a modern day retelling of the H.G. Wells classic, "The Invisible Man." Certain changes from the original have been made, such as the setting now being a small rural town in the midwest, the main character (Griffen) is nowhere near as big of a dick as he was in the novel, and (spoiler alert!) it ends differently. At least, I think it does. I read the Wells' original quite a few years ago, now.</div><div>Thankfully, all in all, this is a pretty good book. Lemire's previous works, the Essex Country books and Lost Dogs, have all been a bit melancholic and slow-paced, to say the least. Not to say that they weren't good; I'm a big fan of his indie stuff, and this new title is at least as good, if not waaaaay better. It's much more fast-paced, and has somewhat of a 'big budget' vibe to it. Which is not to detract from the quality of the work itself; none of these changes come at the expense of his talents. </div><div>Lemire's next series for DC is coming out soon. In fact, it may already be out. It's about some kid with antlers or some shit like that. So far, he's batting a thousand, so I have high hopes for the new book (whose name escapes me). Unfortunately, I didn't order it because I figured I'd just wait for the trades. Most people probably feel the same way, and the book might die a slow death on the vine. Let's hope not. </div>The Comic Book Hatershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514275193466516903noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372250494001523228.post-65222277870365415332009-08-05T20:54:00.000-07:002009-08-05T20:54:00.960-07:00Wednesday Comics!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.comicartcommunity.com/gallery/data/media/32/WEDNESDAY_COMICS.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 900px; height: 1105px;" src="http://www.comicartcommunity.com/gallery/data/media/32/WEDNESDAY_COMICS.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.comicartcommunity.com/gallery/data/media/32/WEDNESDAY_COMICS.jpg"></a>Alright, I just got my stack of comics on Monday, and they were all books released during July. Therefore, I've only read the first two issues of DC's new anthology, Wednesday Comics. Think of it this way: you're living in my future, if you've read the title consistently, week by week. Fear not; I'll get there soon, time soldier!<div>Getting back to point, Wednesday Comics is a great title. As many individuals on my "trust list" will verify, I am a long-time fan of old school newspaper comics. The giant, oversized (by today's standards), colorful "broadsheets" are wonderful works of art of a bygone era. This latest DC project really does manage to bring back some of that vibe, at least as anyone who's still alive today can verify.</div><div>The opening, cover-title character (and it really does hit you, how large this sheet is. A true wonder to behold), of course, is Batman. And the team of Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso are a great combo for the front cover, incidentally. They manage to get the two essential elements of a vintage strip: a consistent, bewildering art style, and a compelling, tension-building plot. They manage to knock it out of the park from the very first chapter. </div><div>Dave Gibbons is usually a bit of a dullard in my book. Sure, he was good on Watchmen, and his style, though not to my tastes, does have its merits. Overall, I just don't care for his stuff. Especially not if, as in this case, he's not the artist... but the writer.</div><div>Ye Gods, throw in the mix that it's Kamandi, which probably stands as one of my all-time favorite Kirby creations. But somehow, despite all of this, he manages to pull it off. Gibbons, along with stellar artist (nay, 'illustrator') Ryan Sook, stands as a convincing Hal Foster/"Prince Valiant" homage. </div><div>Sadly, some others fail to reach such heights. In fact, it seems like many aren't even trying. The shitty Green Lantern story seems like it's just "page 1" of any GL comic, and the Wonder Woman image was such a clusterfuck that I couldn't even tell what the Hell was going on. </div><div>Lots of other drek was contained, but there were also several more gems. The Kyle Baker Hawkman tail (heh) is psychotic, and much darker than anything he's done in recent years. I guess "Nat Turner" was pretty bleak, but wasn't it inspiring, too? I never got to the end of it. Nevertheless, even his artwork here is much different. He's doing a more realistic style, and seems to be relying less on computers. Or, knowing Baker, he just figured out how to do a 'more realistic style' on a computer. Either way is fine with me; everything Baker does is always top-notch.</div><div>On a more humorous note, the second installment of the Superman page was a real pisser. It was about, basically, Superman meeting Batman on a rooftop so he could vent a little. Maybe he was hoping Batman could console him in some way; who knows. Anyway, it ends with ol' Supes looking especially dejecting, flying away, whining out "waah, why would I ever think I could talk to you about my problems!" Or, legally speaking, something to that extent.</div><div>One area of high-concern for average citizens is the price. At four bucks a pop, that adds up to about $16 a month. Is that worth your almighty entertainment dollar? I would have to say, sadly, 'no.' Throw in the online discount available at several comic book distributers, and you can suddenly start talking turkey. It sure as sugar was worth about $8.43, tax-free! Viva la Newspaperancci!</div>The Comic Book Hatershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514275193466516903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372250494001523228.post-37941155367281887412009-08-04T20:39:00.000-07:002009-08-04T20:39:00.491-07:00Millar/Hitch on/off Fantastic Four<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/12-05-2007%2009%3B24%3B55AM.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 517px;" src="http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/12-05-2007%2009%3B24%3B55AM.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I haven't been paying attention; has anyone made a stink about how terrible the Millar and Hitch "Fantastic Four" run was? Christ Almighty, the only thing I even remember from it is that I dreadfully wanted to forget reading it. When I received my month's fix of funnybooks yesterday, I couldn't help but notice (especially since I always double-check the box's contents against the invoice. You'd be surprised how often these so-called 'mistakes' occur. You really would), much to my surprise, that there was not one... but two issues of the Millar/Hitch FF. Even better, they were the two final issues of the "Doctor Doom" story, which had proved to be the best of their run. Overall, this series has been a string of boring, monotonous scenes of the characters in their private lives. Hey, I'm all for characterization, but this shit ain't Hamlet! Even he knew when to die. <div>Only, it really wasn't two new issues of the Millar/Hitch FF. Because the two creators didn't even bother to show up. For chapters three and four, Millar is merely credited as "story," with someone else doing script. At least he phoned it in; Hitch didn't even show up for the final issue, and barely contributed content to chapter three. </div><div>You know, when Marvel announced this 'historic' team working on this historic title, it was all secrecy and "whoop-dee-doo" fanfare once it was finally revealed. What a shitty thing to do. These creators could have at least honored their commitment to a twelve issue storyline. If you're announcing twelve issues, deliver twelve. Don't move on to other things.</div><div>It might sound ironic that I'm complaining about not getting more of something I hated, but allow me to explain. As bad as the comic has been, even multiplied by ten or twelve, would still not reek as rancidly as the trash they delivered in place of the aforementioned creative team.<br />Now, before anyone raises the old "can you do any better" flag, heed these words: No, I doubt I could make a better Fantastic Four comic. Of course I can't. But I'm not expecting anyone to pay me to do it, either.</div>The Comic Book Hatershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514275193466516903noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372250494001523228.post-25305681695931930972009-08-03T20:31:00.001-07:002009-08-03T20:38:55.714-07:00IDW's Darwyn Cooke's Richard's Stark's PARKER<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://forbiddenplanet.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/parkercover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 446px; height: 656px;" src="http://forbiddenplanet.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/parkercover.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Holy Shit. I just read this graphic novel, in one sitting, earlier this afternoon. I usually never use that fancy term, 'graphic novel,' but this case seems somewhat appropriate. In the hands of Cooke, this adaptation of a 60's crime novel transfers mediums seamlessly. The extended opening segment (and a good deal of interior content) is wordless, while other segments are what appear to be straight-up illustrations accompanying the original text. A third approach, naturally, comes in traditional comic format.<div><br /></div><div>What an amazing work. I've never read the early 60's novel it was based on, but I'm thankful as fuck that IDW and Cooke will be furthering their adaptations of the series. Seriously; this was a great comic. I highly suggest you get a copy and read it. And the printing is beautiful.... don't rely on some shitty online scanned-in version. Get the real deal. Fans of grit, early-60's 'men-tality,' and the crime genre in general will all find something of merit within these covers. </div>The Comic Book Hatershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514275193466516903noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372250494001523228.post-37342092529099550852009-02-16T04:20:00.000-08:002009-02-16T04:20:00.373-08:00Comic of the Year!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whatisdeepfried.com/weaponbrown/blockheadswar_splash.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 322px; height: 500px;" src="http://www.whatisdeepfried.com/weaponbrown/blockheadswar_splash.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a>Well, that title might still go to the last Acme volume, but a close runner up has got to be <a href="http://www.whatisdeepfried.com/">Weapon Brown: Blockhead's War #1</a>. It's by Jason Yungbluth, and the Comic Book Haters dedicated an <a href="http://www.vimeo.com/1846272">indie video spotlight episode</a> to the previous issue, Weapon Brown. <div>The first issue introduced the basic concept: Charlie Brown and the gang re-envisioned as post-apocalyptic, Mad Max meets Terminator surface dwellers. It was bleak, it was sick, and it was fun. Although the characters were doing horrible, horrible things and committing horrible, horrible acts, it never felt like it was sacrilegious towards the original Schulz creations. </div><div>While the first Weapon Brown was a solid read, bordering on awesome, this latest offering goes above and beyond. It delves beyond the Peanuts pantheon, an introduces permutations of various other strip characters. Most predominately featured are the gang from Beetle Bailey, who do battle with Ol' Charlie from their uber-violet tank. </div><div>Peppered throughout are lots of other cameos, including an extremely disturbing depiction of Alley Oop. It's the "Top Ten" of newspaper strips, but oddly enough the majority of them are of mainstream characters from the last thirty years or so. Come to think of it, there are a lot of older characters represented (including a McKay, Segar, and the aforementioned Hamlin). </div><div>The best parts about it, though, are not the homages. The story itself is a solid, 1980's vibe, dark sci-fi story. But it's over the top. The closest thing I can compare it to is the early 1990's DC comic, "Lobo's Paramilitary Christmas Special." When that came out, it blew me away. Kieth Giffen really pushed the limits of a mainstream comic of the times, and Simon Bisley was the perfect madman to see it through. This comic has that same gut-punch feel to it; it really shocks you while instilling the urge to cheer. </div><div>It's awesome. Yungbluth is an incredible cartoonist, and he really knows how to work the medium. The characters are consistent, the pacing is impeccable, and the facial expressions are exactly what they should be. The fact that it's a dead-on satire as well is just awesome fucking icing on an awesome fucking cake. What a great comic!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">PS Please, if you're just going to leave a comment saying "Fuck you Sloofus, how dare you actually enjoy a comic this much? You are an asshole!," just fuck yourself instead. Capice?</span></span></div>The Comic Book Hatershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514275193466516903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372250494001523228.post-11768730979948749232009-02-04T13:25:00.000-08:002009-02-04T13:35:30.644-08:00Marvel Zombies 3 4<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://heavyink.com/images/covers/SEP08/MSEP082354.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 342px;" src="http://heavyink.com/images/covers/SEP08/MSEP082354.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a>What the fuck is it with Marvel Zombies? What is it that makes it so goddamn compelling? Is it the fact that the concept is built around two iconic creations (or, at least 'interpretations'), both germinating in the 1960s? Could it be the raw power of Sean Phillips' artwork (on the previous series)? Or is it just the fact that seeing a Jack Kirby creation rip into the jugular of another and start feasting is just too fucking cool?<div>Whatever it is, it works. I really enjoyed the very first Marvel Zombies series, but by the most recent output I had become a little waned. Who can blame me; how much Marvel Zombie can one man take? When I found myself flipping through an issue of Marvel Zombies vs. Army of Darkness, a title which doesn't even seem to make grammatical sense, I knew I was in too deep. I had to get out.</div><div>Enter DCBS and their damned 75% off sales. Certain titles are featured, usually a first issue. Marvel Zombies volume 3, written by Fred van Lente (of the excellent <a href="http://www.eviltwincomics.com/cbc.html">Comic Book Comics</a> series) and some new penciller were taking over. I was prepared to hope it got me through at least one crap; anything more than that was icing on the shitcake.</div><div>Well, it turns out I loved it. What a great fucking series! I daresay, it may be the best of the lot. Nah... the first series is still the best, but this one was fucking great. Well worth checking into when it comes out in collected form, and I hear a fourth one is already solicited. Keep 'em coming! Until they get boring....</div><div><br /></div>The Comic Book Hatershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514275193466516903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372250494001523228.post-12955267027136522732009-01-27T04:06:00.000-08:002009-01-27T04:06:01.100-08:00Vertigo Shmertigo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wordinfo.info/words/images/Emperor-4th-childpoints.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 488px;" src="http://www.wordinfo.info/words/images/Emperor-4th-childpoints.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a>I defy they nature, Gods, and speak unto thee: Has Vertigo ever published a great comic book? Not counting comics that were republished (or reprinted) under their banner, that is. For example, "Vertigo" republished Alan Moore's seminal run on Swamp Thing, both as individual issues and collections. Midway through Neil Gaiman's popularized Sandman series, the Vertigo label came into being. <div>As a branch of DC, it quickly became known as a spotlight for various British creators, most of whom emphasized surreal, metaphysical, and symbolic elements in lieu of plot, characterization, and enjoyability. Later on, it became known as a spotlight for American creators who tried to mimic that exact formula, without ever understanding it (or, without understanding that there's nothing to understand about it). Now, who knows what the fuck they are publishing. I have to admit that I have not read the majority of Vertigo's output, but I defy anyone to provide an example of a "Great" Vertigo comic. Just as a forewarning: I am already convinced that Transmetropolitan (which technically isn't even a Vertigo title), Preacher, Starman, Y the Last Man, and just about any other 'major' work is anything from detestable to enjoyable, but never 'Great.' I welcome your comments. Just send along an email. </div>The Comic Book Hatershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514275193466516903noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372250494001523228.post-21799464098838353362009-01-26T04:20:00.000-08:002009-01-26T04:20:01.089-08:00Bukowski: Ding of the Creeps<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pokerimages.com/images/newimages/Charles_Bukowski_1976.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 274px; height: 400px;" src="http://www.pokerimages.com/images/newimages/Charles_Bukowski_1976.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>I recently obtained a large collection of audio recordings by Charles Bukowski. They're either "spoken word," "live poetry," or "really shitty a cappella" in nature; the exact categorization eludes me. I must say, going in, that I am a big fan of Charles Bukowski's prose. All of his novels were at least good, some were great, and they're all pretty much interchangeable. The man could say in ten words what took other writers twice as many chapters. <div>Having said that, I am certainly no fan of Bukowski's poems. As no slight to him, I should point out that I'm not a fan of anyone's poems. I feel about poetry the way Schooly G feels about comic books, and that's putting it lightly. So on these collections, there's some good stuff, and some dull stuff. Half of them seem like he's just a rank old (or, rather, young) drunk, rambling into a recorder as he tries to recount a story. Then, there are selections where he's obviously reading something he'd previously written. Most likely, of course, on a bar napkin or used handkerchief. </div><div>But, despite all of this, there's something great about these. They're charming, they have an underground class, and they are the blueprint for a future generation's consciousness. From that perspective, these things are great. You can find them on a torrent site somewhere. </div>The Comic Book Hatershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514275193466516903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372250494001523228.post-65661115050692756362009-01-20T04:20:00.000-08:002009-01-20T04:20:00.141-08:00Looking at Watching the Watchmen<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51xdAu%2BHzGL._SL500_.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 378px; height: 500px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51xdAu%2BHzGL._SL500_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>I recently picked up the WATCHMEN 'behind the scenes' compilation of Dave Gibbons' (and, to a lesser extent Alan Moore's) preliminary ideas, sketches, roughs, alternates, and promotional pieces. This isn't just a magazine; it's a $50, oversized hardcover. It contains just about every doodle Gibbons did for the series, and a lot of less-polished pieces, as well.<div>Throughout the novel, the phrase "Qui Epsidoes Epstedes?" is repeated. Well, that's probably not how it's spelled, but who really speaks Latin anymore, anyway? Regardless, another common Latin phrase pops to mind: Caveat Emptor. I'm pretty sure I got that one right, and I'm pretty sure it means "If you get screwed, it's your own damn fault." Take heed of those words before purchasing this compendium of redundancy, irrelevancy, and minutiae. Now, I certainly recognize the fact that Watchmen is a decent comic, and without a doubt it was an influential one as well. I'm on record several times, stating that it's not my favorite Moore work. Nonetheless, I can enjoy the comic on it's own merits. But what I can't enjoy, really, is this latest book. </div><div>In addition to most of the material being thubnails, breakdowns and very rough sketches, there's a smattering of text pieces by Gibbons. To tell the truth, I haven't even read all of them yet, because they're scattered, packed between endless pages of dullutry. </div><div>Don't let this book dissuade your enjoyment of Watchmen, the original graphic novel. It really is a good book, but this just seems to extraneous and unnecessary. From a historic viewpoint, and for graphic artists, it may hold more of an appeal. It's without a doubt a valid collection; just not one that really holds up well as a narrative read. Kind of like watching your date pluck her mole hairs that afternoon. </div><div><br /></div>The Comic Book Hatershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514275193466516903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372250494001523228.post-8859740544412329592009-01-19T16:20:00.000-08:002009-01-19T16:20:00.458-08:00Creepy as Fuck!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.darkhorse.com/covers/300/15/15542.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 384px;" src="http://images.darkhorse.com/covers/300/15/15542.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><a href="http://www.darkhorse.com">Dark Horse</a> has recently begun reprinting the Warren horror mag, Creepy. Last night I began reading volume two, which contains issues 6 through 10. Many of these stories have been reprinted before, mostly in later issues of Creepy itself. At least, I think they have. They all tend to blend together after awhile.<div>Which, fortunately, is not meant to be taken as an insult. At least, not necessarily. I mean, they do blend together, but they're still all pretty cool. The same can pretty much be said for EC as well, from whom this publisher owed an inestimable debt. Not only from a torch-passing, traditionalist point of view, but from a literal one as well. Several of the artists who worked for Warren also drove the EC line to its infamous legacy. My favorite, Johnny Craig, was once again published alongside Reed Crandall, Wally Wood, and many other EC stalwarts. </div><div>The stories are a little more "modern" than the EC stuff, though there is still an abundance of standard vampire, werewolf and ghost fare. Still and all, it's way better than anything being published today. The stories aren't all home runs, but the artwork is great throughout. </div>The Comic Book Hatershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514275193466516903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372250494001523228.post-45504061002571415152009-01-16T16:05:00.000-08:002009-01-16T16:18:53.097-08:00All Hail Segar!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3194/2918061910_2185dee122.jpg?v=0"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3194/2918061910_2185dee122.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>Man oh manaholic, this is a fucking awesome book. This, the third volume of <a href="http://www.fantagraphics.com">Fantagraphics</a>' re-reprinting of the complete E.C. Segar <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Popeye</span>, is a tome to worship at the altar of. They've wisely decided to forego the dozen or so years of "Thimble Theater" which preceded these strips, instead jumping straight to the Popeye years. Hopefully, after the remaining three years are reprinted, they'll go back and revisit the earlier material. <div>First and foremost, the craft itself is impeccable. Most of these 30's and 40's cartoonists (or cartoonist teams, when you count ghost creators) could seamlessly create entire worlds in which absolutely everything existed in their own flawless (and individual) style. Segar is no exception. Everything, from the throw rugs and lamp shades to the thugs' noses and beards, looks like it belongs in Popeye's world, and nowhere else. Throw on top of that a riveting storyline, and you've got funnybook (or funnystrip) gold. Gold! <div>Please note, by "riveting storyline," I'm not exactly talking about a Vonnegut narrative, but it's thrilling nonetheless. As an artifact of its literary time period, it ranks among the best. The scope and epic themes of the book blend the expansiveness of a Russian novel with the slapstick timing of a Marx Brothers routine. All in all, it's probably not something that would be appreciated by the novice comic enthusiast, but sooner or later, the genius cannot be avoided. All hail Segar!</div></div>The Comic Book Hatershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514275193466516903noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372250494001523228.post-9627835212054712072009-01-08T09:22:00.000-08:002009-01-07T13:30:45.065-08:00The End of the Secret Invasion<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/object/142/14272011/secret-invasion-8_cover-artboxart_160w.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 240px;" src="http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/object/142/14272011/secret-invasion-8_cover-artboxart_160w.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What is it about Brian Michael Bendis that is so compelling? Although I generally never trust anyone with three names, I am consistently suckered into buying his books. Usually it's about a fifty fifty shot at being halfway decent, but plenty of them have been true turds. It seems like the more he hypes his particular books (and believe me, he hypes the fuck out of his books) the more they suck. As if “House of M” wasn't blissfully stupid (and mundane) enough, along comes this stinky of a flusher.<br />Let's assume the basic jist of it all is familiar enough to everyone: the Skrulls have been secretly living amongst us, as several prominent individuals, unbenownst to all. You know; exactly like Battlestar Galactica. Except Battlestar Galactica took four seasons before it started suckimg; Secret Invasion claims that title in about three pages. And this, book eight of eight, was particularly abysmal. Nothing even happens; this is the aftermath. Bendis obviously worships at the altar of the 80's Marvel niche he's been mining for all these years, but he hasn't mastered this one simple concept: those comics were able to present an epilogue in one page. Sometimes, even, only one panel! Why should he offer up this final “chapter” for three or four bucks? What kind of bullshit is this, anyway? Write for the trade if you want to, but then just sell us the trade. Who's to expect an entire comic is just going to be people wiping the sweat off themselves and running around saying “Boy, glad that's over!” Total shit. </span>The Comic Book Hatershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514275193466516903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372250494001523228.post-54461085201870584222009-01-07T13:30:00.000-08:002009-01-07T13:34:47.381-08:00Daredevil 114“Lady Bullseye: Part 4”<br />Though “Secret Invasion” may suck ass, credit has to go to Brian Michael Bendis for his staggering run on Daredevil a few years back. It really was a reinvigorating experience, and it comes close to rivalling the Miller/Janson run of the early 1980's. When Ed Brubaker announced he was taking it over, who could be upset? Brubaker's taken several other titles to pretty steep peaks, and Daredevil seems like the Marvel title he was destined to inherit. <br />Thankfully, he has taken the baton and kept the pace. Actually, there have been a few dull spots along Brubaker's run, but for the most part it's been one of the best superhero comics going. This current storyline is another high point, featuring some bitch who is inspired by Bullseye, and is fucking up Matt Murdock's life. It seems like everyone is always trying to not only defeat Daredevil, but also must crush the man's entire life. No wonder he's going crazy all the time. <br />Anyway, superhero comic fans that aren't currently reading this title should give it a looksee. Anyone else (i.e., non-superhero fans) wouldn't exactly be thrilled. After all, it's a Daredevil comic book. But a good one!The Comic Book Hatershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514275193466516903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372250494001523228.post-45715182653289343162008-10-17T17:38:00.000-07:002008-10-17T17:48:28.162-07:00IWC<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/410Sd-pcaOL._SL500_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 231px; height: 346px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/410Sd-pcaOL._SL500_.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Man, oh man. Irvine Welsh, where hae ye gawne? I just finished reading his latest novel (about a week ago or so), and the sullen feeling of disappointment is still clinging to me. I sometimes shower four times a day, trying to rid myself of it.<br />If you don't know who Welsh is, well, he wrote the novel (and, I think, screenplay) "Trainspotting." If you don't know what that is, well, it's about junkies in Scotland. It was a great novel and a great movie, and kicked off a very successful run for Welsh. The next handful of books he put out were great; he really knocked them out of the park. About eight years ago or so, sadly, he started to slip.<br />This latest novel, "Crime," certainly isn't his worst. It is, though, his saddest. And not 'sad' as in emotional-response levels; just 'sad' like watching your uncle fall down the steps on Memorial Day.<br />Too sad to even continue writing about.The Comic Book Hatershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514275193466516903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372250494001523228.post-72319112751459877752008-08-24T18:37:00.000-07:002008-08-24T18:44:14.485-07:00Batman Movie Review!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://wabcmsal.org/pastorblog/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/Two%20Face.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://wabcmsal.org/pastorblog/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/Two%20Face.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I watched about four or five minutes of Batman Forever on TV today (I got a sweet new set). Two things struck me as being a little strange. First, why is "Two face" called 'two-face'? Technically, he doesn't even have one complete face. Let's face it; if he were a real person and he only had one of his alleged two "faces," he would probably be known around town as "half-face," not "full-face" or any derivative thereof. To claim that the man has two faces is just laughable.<br />Secondly, doesn't the stately Wayne Manor have a dryer? In the scene following the Two Face/Riddler introduction (to each other) that I caught, young Master Dick (what a strange title) does a whole French Debutante dance number with his laundry, much to the shock of an onlooking Alfred. The moves all revolve around him fastidiously lining his dripping garments upon a clothes line that runs across the laundry room in Bruce's swingin' bachelor mansion. It was a totally bizarre scene (in both film terms and colloquialisms) from the get-go. Not sure what they were going for, but it gives some creedence to Wertham's argument. Anyway, I can't believe he doesn't have a dryer. Get with the times, man.The Comic Book Hatershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514275193466516903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372250494001523228.post-25817279119694192712008-08-15T16:53:00.000-07:002008-08-15T16:54:44.633-07:00A little well-earned R&RI'll be on vacation for the next week. If you need to contact me, please write to: Your Anus, c/o your taint.The Comic Book Hatershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514275193466516903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372250494001523228.post-55009268310913034072008-08-13T10:10:00.000-07:002008-08-13T10:21:33.563-07:00The World of Steve Ditko<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/121/ditkodx2.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/121/ditkodx2.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a>Yesterday, I finished reading the new biography of Steve Ditko, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Strange-Stranger-World-Steve-Ditko/dp/1560979216/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1218647536&sr=8-1">Strange and Stranger</a>." Now, needless to say, I am a huge fan of Steve Ditko. In fact, to a certain extent I like him much better than Jack Kirby. Ditko's seminal run on "The Amazing Spider-Man" ranks as one of my all-time favorite comic series. It was spot-on, and this book does a good job of painting some background information about the time period and the extent of Ditko's involvement.<br />Some folks have been criticizing this book; the same group that criticized the recent Evanier biography of Kirby. I've enjoyed both books, and the artwork reproductions have been wonderful. If I had one complaint about the Ditko book, it's that it could have used some more original repros, as opposed to primarily comic scans. Then again, maybe there were a lot; I can't really remember right now. I know that the Kirby one had a ton of rare shit, though.<br />Anyway, sure, this isn't as extensive as Harvey's recent bio of Milton Caniff, but it sure was a pleasure to read through. It's a shame that Ditko's obsession with Ayn Rand and Objectivism pretty much shattered his career. Then again, his style was so diametric to that prevalent during the 1980s, he probably wouldn't have lasted, anyway. Another interesting point that author Blake Bell drives home (at one point, even breaking the objectivist voice of an impartial narrator) of how much original artwork Ditko has, and the approximate value thereof.<br />All in all, a fine read.The Comic Book Hatershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514275193466516903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372250494001523228.post-51323121303478736552008-08-08T08:32:00.001-07:002008-08-13T10:10:06.082-07:00War Heroes: MIA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.majorspoilers.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04a/warheroes_01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.majorspoilers.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04a/warheroes_01.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Well, I'm usually tickled pink with my service from DCBS (the Discount Comic Book Service, natch!). This month, however, I was only tickled a light shade of magenta. You see, when I received my monthly batch of funnybooks, one was missing. And it wasn't just a mere, lame old comic that was missing; it was one I was looking forward to for quite some time. Specifically, Mark Millar's "War Heroes" number one.<br />I buy pretty much everything Millar does. As far as mainstream superhero comics go, he's the best. Yeah, I said it; he's the best. The best currently churning out a half dozen titles per month, anyway. Naturally I was excited to see the beginning of his latest series. I was even more excited when I read that this series was based on Mark's rejected premise for "Ultimates 3." I can't imagine why the fuck Marvel would reject one of his storylines, especially for a series he pretty much started from scratch and shot to the top of the charts. Especially especially if they were going to replace it with something by that sentimental old hack, Jeph Loeb. But I digress.<br />The problem is, apparantly, that Diamond "shorted" orders on War Heroes #1, so I didn't get one. This really sucks, especially since I pre-ordered this damn book about seven months ago (alright, it was probably only three or four, but you get the picture). I'm reminded of that Jerry Seinfeld routine about taking reservations versus holding reservations. They took my reservation, but they sure as hell didn't hold it.<br />I'm guessing that DCBS is not really at fault here, and that Diamond fucked up. Who knows; maybe Image did. All I know is, I went to a few comic shops last month while I was on vacation in Boston, and I saw plenty of copies of War Heroes sitting around. I could have picked any of them up, but I put each one back on the shelf, knowing that my copy would be awaiting me at the end of the month. Guess I was wrong.<br />One more thing: Waaaaaahhh! Just thought I'd beat the name-callers to the punch. I realize how big of a baby I am being.<br /><br />UPDATE: I got the comic in Philly last weekend. It sucked.The Comic Book Hatershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514275193466516903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372250494001523228.post-1696042076631618202008-08-02T19:47:00.000-07:002008-08-02T19:51:42.881-07:00Book Reviewed!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.j-dogs.com/menuimages/55373HOT%20DOG.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.j-dogs.com/menuimages/55373HOT%20DOG.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>How long do you think you'll be able to read this particular blog entry? Let's face it; time is pretty cheap these days. Have you seen ninety percent of what passes as entertainment on the internet these days? If you actually have seen ninety percent, that's amazing. I mean, really; the internet is pretty much endless. It's like the universe and the solar system and all that space-shit combined. It never ends. Kind of like this blog entry.<br />If you're still reading this blog entry (heretofore mentioned as "BE-Blog Entry"), don't pat yourself on the back just yet. It's a boring entry, and the fact that you've made it this far is really nothing to congratulate yourself about. Especially since, though originally intended to be a never-ending, tedious, long-winded diatribe, this entry simply ends withoutThe Comic Book Hatershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514275193466516903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372250494001523228.post-13855544084318405662008-07-09T10:45:00.000-07:002008-07-09T10:50:39.542-07:00Death of Death Note<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://z.about.com/d/manga/1/0/8/6/-/-/DeathNote_Anime_Cast_500.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://z.about.com/d/manga/1/0/8/6/-/-/DeathNote_Anime_Cast_500.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I thought I would never do it, but I am almost finished watching Death Note. Yes, it's an anime. Yes, it's ridiculous. Yes, it kicks ass. This show really has nothing that would appeal to me in its separate parts, but throw them all together and it's compelling as hell. Basically, some Japanese kid gets the ability to kill people by writing their name in a notebook. There are 37 episodes in total, and I'm up to 33 or 34. To tell you the truth, there's really not much to say about it. It's compelling and enjoyable, but if I didn't make a solemn promise to update this blog a few times each week, I probably wouldn't even bother writing about it. Oh well; enjoy the picture.The Comic Book Hatershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514275193466516903noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372250494001523228.post-1995539194811595462008-07-08T07:27:00.000-07:002008-07-08T07:34:33.185-07:00Pulling Out!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/content/images/2008/02/06/main_gang_396x222.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/content/images/2008/02/06/main_gang_396x222.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I recently finished watching the second season of the BBC (I think it's from the BBC; anyway, it's British) comedy, "Pulling." I don't think it's on in the states, though it may be on BBC America. It's a pretty simple concept, really: a woman gets "cold feet" and leaves her husband, pretty much at the altar, and the two of them try to adjust to this drastic event.<br />To look at it objectively, it's the same basic premise as Friends or Sex in the City, at least I assume it is. I've never actually seen an entire episode of either of those two shows, but what I have seen sucks ass. Pulling not only doesn't suck ass, it actually kicks it! It is one of the rawest shows on (or not on) TV, and the fact that it's primarily comprised of females makes it even more surprising. Nothing against the ladies, you know I love them, but they don't usually make me laugh. And that's no reason to stop trying, sweethearts. Anyway, the situations and interactions these three psycopaths (four, if you count Carl, the lead character's ex-fiance) are continually hysterical. Definitely worth checking out if you're a fan of the Office, Peep Show, or Ideal.The Comic Book Hatershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514275193466516903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372250494001523228.post-64380537432394402802008-07-07T11:55:00.000-07:002008-07-08T07:27:29.164-07:00Futurama Returns Returns!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://malnurturedsnay.net/files/beast.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://malnurturedsnay.net/files/beast.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Last week, the second full-length Futurama DVD movie came out. Being a huge fan of Futurama (much moreso than the Simpsons for the past several years), I naturally snatched it up. It seems like most people either love or hate Futurama, or love it but want to pretend they hate it. I know quite a few people like that. Well, like I said, I really enjoy the show, and eagerly awaited this film.<br />When Futurama returned from the grave with their first full-length a few seasons ago, it felt like a dream come true. That may be the single nerdiest thing I've ever said in my life, or it may be lightyears from the nerdiest thing I've ever said. I'd bet on the latter of the two. Anyway, it really got me psyched up, and it didn't let down. That first one, Bender's Big Score, started off on the slow side, but really picked up. By the end of the movie, my mind was blown.<br />Now, this movie wasn't as good as the previous one, but it still wasn't bad. Not enough Zoidberg for my tastes, but he still had some choice lines to parlay. That thing rocks!The Comic Book Hatershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514275193466516903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372250494001523228.post-78148181524399804582008-06-29T17:44:00.000-07:002008-06-29T18:02:35.321-07:00Technological Ice-Age Thawed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://news.filefront.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/grand-theft-auto-iv-screen.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://news.filefront.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/grand-theft-auto-iv-screen.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I recently leaped into the 1990s and purchased an X-Box 360. I haven't really been playing many video games for the past ten years or so, though I did purchase a used PS2 a few years back. Though I rarely played it, the incentive behind the purchase was clear: Grand Theft Auto III. Something about that game appealed to a primal instinct of sorts deep within me. I never got too far in it, but I enjoyed driving around killing people. Even that, sadly, got old after awhile.<br />Why, then, did I purchase an Xbox 360? Well, to tell you the truth, it was to network video files to my new television. But, being able to play video games is a real plus. The new Grand Theft Auto is so immense, however, that it's basically impossible for a novice like me to accomplish anything. If you care to fight me online, send me an Xbox message. I don't really know how to work it too well, though, so it may take me awhile to reply.The Comic Book Hatershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514275193466516903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372250494001523228.post-63643592292530385312008-06-17T13:32:00.000-07:002008-06-17T13:39:37.697-07:00Fuck Joseph Conrad<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.dondammassa.com/images/R674.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.dondammassa.com/images/R674.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Last weekend, I read "Heart of Darkness." Yeah, that's right, I put it in quotation marks because I categorize that as a short story, not a novel. In fact, I categorize it as a fucking piece of shit short story, lumped upon a pile of turdlings with some poo-cream whipped up on the top of it. That book fucking sucked.<br />It started out decent enough, with a dude named Marlow telling a story about his life. I mean, for the most part, his life was boring as shit, actually. If I lived a life as boring as his, I certainly wouldn't write a book about it. Technically, within the book, Marlow was telling his story to a group of captive audience members, but still. I wouldn't do that, either.<br />The only thing this dude did was sat on a boat, got shot at by natives, and talked to some asshole named Kurtz. And boy oh boy, let me tell you about Kurtz. Everybody throughout the book was like, "Ohhh, Kurtz is soooo fucking wonderful!" They basically kissed his ass nonstop, even going so far as to spread his wonderfulness when he wasn't even around. After all the buildup, I have to admit even I got wrapped up in the whole Kurtz phenom. I couldn't wait to meet the guy!<br />Then, when we finally get to see him, BAM! The dude is a total fucking loser. A real douche. The kind of dick that says he "doesn't want any of your nachos" when you're standing at the counter, but once you hit the table, he's all over them. Fuck Kurtz. And yeah, yeah, I guess I "get it." Kurtz is supposed to be a piece of shit, right? Maybe I'm reading too much into it. On the plus side, I finished it in just under two days. Which, I believe, is twice as long at that dirty bastard took to write it.The Comic Book Hatershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514275193466516903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5372250494001523228.post-7789425282484591062008-05-08T18:29:00.000-07:002008-05-08T18:32:23.920-07:00Time for a New PostIt's time for a new post. Here it is! Hope you enjoy it. Lots of people, who were given advance editions of this post, have replied very favorably to favorable-review seeking queries. It was great! they all bellowed. Some even threw roses at the feet of passersby, in the hopes of luring them into a cavern of sin.<br />Despite the fact that no clear thread, no glimpse of a symbolic theme of any kind, was noticed throughout the posting, it was agreed upon by all that this posting was indeed the pinnacle of its type.<br />All those in favor? Support your local dignitaries.<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Once again, no picture. The protest continues...</span></span>The Comic Book Hatershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14514275193466516903noreply@blogger.com1