Comic Book Pulls: 10312012

Happy Halloween, folks! New Comic Book Wednesday is upon us. I am wondering if the guys at the comic book shop are dressing up today. That would be sweet. I dressed as Clark Kent today: glasses, shirt, Superman tie, and the Superman shirt underneath. Super!

Anywhosis, here are my pulls for the week. On the DC side, I'm looking forward to (what else?) the release of the Superman: Earth One Volume 2 graphic novel. And on the Marvel side of the fence, I am curious about the variation on the Marvel Team-Up with A Plus X #1. This is a series spinning out of the successful miniseries Avengers vs. X-Men. (Trick or) Treat yourself to some comics today and satisfy that literary sweet tooth.

Title	Publisher
A PLUS X #1 NOW	Marvel
ACTION COMICS ANNUAL #1	DC
AQUAMAN #13	DC
AVENGING SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL #1	Marvel
AVX CONSEQUENCES #4	Marvel
BATGIRL ANNUAL #1	DC
CAPTAIN MARVEL #6	Marvel
JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK ANNUAL #1	DC
MIGHTY THOR #22 BURNS	Marvel
SUPERMAN EARTH ONE HC VOL 02	DC
SWAMP THING ANNUAL #1	DC
ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #16.1	Marvel
ULTIMATE COMICS X-MEN #18 UWS	Marvel
WINTER SOLDIER #12	Marvel
WOLVERINE AND X-MEN #19	Marvel
X-MEN LEGACY #275	Marvel

Flyboard

Ok. This has got to be the coolest thing in the world. Ever. Like if Namor and Iron Man had babies...

Comic Of The Week: 10282012

I am still trying to catch up on my comics reading. So far, I am about a week and a half behind. Sounds like a nice problem to have. I just need to avoid potential spoilers and comic reviews of the stuff I have yet to read. However, I did make a point of reading an issue that came out Wednesday. Punisher War Zone #1.
The Punisher series ended a couple of weeks ago, and we now have a bit of a sequel to that series and a prequel to the new Thunderbolts series. War Zone is a five-issue limited series that pits Frank Castle against The Avengers.
The feeling is that he has been operating far too long and with disastrous consequences. The latest being the death of policemen at his hands, which, of course, is not true. The Avengers feel that Punisher is one of those issues that is beneath their scope. Spider-man convinces them otherwise with backing from Captain America. And that is all I will spoil for you.
The story kind of reminds me of the Justice League storyline where Batman has contingency plans for each of his super-powered team mates if they should ever go rogue. Only this is in reverse. As a normal human, does Castle have what it takes to take down Earth's Mightiest Heroes? This should be a fun read from Greg Rucka.
Something to think about: Is Wolverine really any different than Punisher? The only difference I see is that he is sanctioned by multiple teams. So it must be alright? Why does Cap endorse or condone Wolverine, but take issue with Punisher?
Punisher War Zone #1 is available in your local comic shop or digitally on www.Comixology.com.

LAW: 10282012

The artist of the week is Queensrÿche with Revolution Calling. This song has never been more apropos than it is now. The crumbling, untrustworthy pillars of society: politics, religion, and the media. "I used to trust the media to tell us the truth... who do you trust when everyone's a crook?" I don't have a dog in any political fight. But I do consider myself a realist. Politics and religion along with the instigating media will be the cause of this country's next Civil War. The media holds the puppet strings... Oh, golly. I sound like those Doomsday conspiracy theorists holding their placards stating, "The end is nigh." And this is why folks should never discuss politics and religion in public. Everyone sounds like a kook to someone out there.

Enjoy the music, folks. That's what it's all about. Viva la revolucion!

Fraud

So I have probably spent most of the week waiting for my new check / debit card to come in the mail. Bills to pay, gifts to buy, life, etc. These things have been on hold for the week. Why? Somehow, someone got my debit card info and charged it for a purchase on sleazy-date. Not sure what the heck that is or how this sextrovert (yeah, I just made that up. You're welcome, Daniel Webster.) got my info. But I had to declare fraud and get a new card sent to me. A little bit of a hassle. But the hassle isn't what upsets me.
The idea that folks feel they are entitled to take your stuff is what gets me. Or steal your identity. It really is like Bizarro going around posing as Superman. Wearing your financial identity and performing uncharacteristic deeds with your hard-earned money.
Here's a thought. If you need a sleazy date so terribly, get a job. And not the "blow" kind.

Be careful out there, folks. 'Tis the season...

Comic Book Pulls: 10242012

Another Comic Book Wednesday is upon us! The spin-off from The Court of Owls storyline in Batman starts officially in Talon #1 on the DC side. And on Marvel's end, The Avengers go after Frank Castle in the miniseries Punisher: War Zone.

Here's to a Happy Humpday, folks! Here are the items on my pull list for today.

Title	Publisher
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #696	Marvel
AVENGERS #32 AXFO	Marvel
AVX CONSEQUENCES #3	Marvel
BATMAN THE DARK KNIGHT #13	DC
CAPTAIN AMERICA #19	Marvel
CAPTAIN AMERICA AND BLACK WIDOW #638	Marvel
FLASH #13	DC
GAMBIT #4	Marvel
I VAMPIRE #13	DC
INCREDIBLE HULK #15	Marvel
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #527	Marvel
JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #13	DC
PUNISHER WAR ZONE #1	Marvel
SAVAGE HAWKMAN #13	DC
SECRET AVENGERS #33	Marvel
SUPERMAN #13	DC
TALON #1	DC
ULTIMATE COMICS ULTIMATES #17 UWS	Marvel
WOLVERINE #315	Marvel
X-TREME X-MEN #5	Marvel

Comic Of The Week: 10212012

So I've been a little behind on my comic book reading. I still haven't finished the previous week's pulls, and I've only read one issue from last week. One reason for that is I've been catching up on my digital comic collection. I'm also way behind on those, too.

Comixology recently had a sale on Green Arrow comics. And as a part of that, they sold the Green Lantern / Green Arrow series from the early 70s for $0.99 each. I could not pass that up. These issues are the Neal Adams / Dennis O'Neil team-up on these characters.

Socially relevant for its time, these issues tackled issues such as race relations and the population boom of the time. Green Lantern was the right-wing hero teamed up with the liberal left-wing Green Arrow. Along for the ride are one of the Guardians of Oa and Black Canary. I'd like to say that the issues were balanced and unbiased, but they clearly had a left-wing slant on things. And that's ok. I don't have any particular dog in any political fight. I'm about as neutral as they come. Although, I would like the price of gas to go back down.

This series is a classic. I highly recommend checking them out at your local comic shop for the trade paperback versions, if they have it. Or you can download them digitally from www.comixology.com.

Hopefully, next week, I will be a little more caught up, and I will have a more current comic of the week. Take care, folks.

LAW: 10212012

This week's artist is one of my all-time favorite bands. Led Zeppelin are legends. Period. The song that really digs to the core of my soul is Since I've Been Loving You. It sounds so hauntingly romantic. Page's guitar sounds as if it's pining away for a lost love. And of course, Plant's vocals are impressive as always, playing the Cyrano de Bergerac for Plant's guitar. Untouchable. Enjoy, folks.

Arrow

Two episodes in, and I think I like the new CW show, Arrow. Based on the DC Comics hero Green Arrow, the network decided to do a Smallville take on the Emerald Archer. So far, so good.

This incarnation is darker than the one we saw on Smallville. And the violence is showcased a little more, too. But that makes sense. A hero relying on  weaponry and fisticuffs is not going to be as flashy as Superman, who relies on speed and super powers.

I also liked that we don't get too bogged down into the pre-Arrow days like we did with Clark in Smallville. Right out of the gate, our hero is in costume. And it appears that the villains might be as well. China White was visually pleasing to see in the second episode. I just wish she had more screen time. Deadshot looks to be an interesting design from what I could see in the ad for the next episode. And I am hoping Deathstroke will not disappoint. I think we got a glimpse of his mask on the island in the pilot.

Arrow is no Smallville. And that's ok. The actor who portrayed him in Smallville wouldn't be able to have that show's fans make the leap to a darker portrayal. And that's ok, too. I just hope the series has Smalville's longevity.

Pumpcake

The attached photo is another baking Besterpiece. Pumpkin Dump Cake. Or as I like to call it... Pumpcake. The folks at work seemed to enjoy it. I will add it to my repertoire, for sure.

I love this time of year. Baking for friends and loved ones is becoming a hobby that ranks up there with comic collecting.

Have a swell one.

Comic Book Pulls: 10172012



 New Comic Book Wednesday makes for a Happy Humpday! Here are my pulls for the week. I am looking forward to picking up Marvel Now Point One. This starts off a new era for Marvel, a la DC's New 52 relaunch last year. Pick these up at your local comic book shop or digitally on www.comixology.com. Have a great one! Up, up, and away!

Title	Publisher
AVX CONSEQUENCES #2	Marvel
BATWOMAN #13	DC
BEFORE WATCHMEN MINUTEMEN #4 (MR)	DC
CAPTAIN MARVEL #5	Marvel
DAREDEVIL #19	Marvel
DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #13	DC
HAWKEYE #3	Marvel
JUSTICE LEAGUE #13	DC
MARVEL NOW POINT ONE #1 NOW	Marvel
MIGHTY THOR #21 BURNS	Marvel
NEW AVENGERS #31 AXFO	Marvel
NIGHTWING #13	DC
PETER CANNON THUNDERBOLT #2	Dynamite
ULTIMATE COMICS IRON MAN #1	Marvel
ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #16 UWS	Marvel
UNCANNY X-MEN #20 AXFO	Marvel
VENOM #26	Marvel
WONDER WOMAN #13	DC

Deadpool

Ok, Marvel. You may have redeemed yourself after that poor Marvel Heroes trailer. Looking forward to this one.

Spoiled

I think I've been spoiled by DC Universe Online for PS3. This new MMO for Marvel Heroes on PS3 is not impressing me that much. The graphics look really bland. Plus, you don't get to create your own heroes? Seriously?

LAW: 10072012

I have always been a big fan of Eric Benet's voice. The man can sing. No doubt. However, I am not a fan of his self-proclaimed sex addiction. Using this diagnosis as an excuse for cheating is like me saying I cheated on my diet with cheesecake because it whispered sweet nothings in my ear. Mmmmm. Cheesecake. Anyway, I appreciate his candor in the song Harriet Jones. He admits to doing his best at a monogamous relationship, however the "pretty, pretty girls won't let me be." Surely, he has got to be poking fun at his publicized sex addiction, much like George Michael did with his public restroom escapades in his video Outside. If so, it is humorous. If not, I still dig the song. Very catchy. I don't have to agree with the ethics of an artist to enjoy his work. Have a great week, folks.

Comic Of The Week: 10142012

This week's pick puts the "comic" in comic book. Avenging Spider-Man #13 is flippin' hilarious. One word (hyphenated): Hypno-Hustler! Additionally, this issue is a continuation of a team-up between Spidey and Deadpool. Deadpool is funny enough, but the addition of a C-list supervillain that hasn't been seen since the disco era is a formula for laugh out loud hilarity. This issue puts the funny back in funny books. One of the best scenes in the comic has Spidey trying to figure out the trigger word to keep Deadpool from killing him: Ryan Reynolds. Just classic.

After a serious year of reading all the Avengers vs. X-Men and various tie-ins, it was really nice to read a comic and smile. Pick up a copy of Avenging Spider-Man #13 at your local comic book shop or digitally at www.comixology.com. 

LAW: 10142012

Lisa Stansfield has a voice that forces you to want to fall in love with her. Smooth and mellow, she lures you in with a subtle seduction that has you enraptured and wanting more by the end of the song. She reminds me of a female George Michael. This song is one of my faves from her. All Woman by Lisa Stansfield. Yes, you are, Ms. Stansfield. Yes. You. Are.

Enjoy.

Comic Book Pulls: 10102012

And here are my pulls for today. On the Marvel side, I'm really looking forward to the new ongoing title, Uncanny Avengers. For DC, I'm eagerly awaiting Phantom Stranger. You can purchase these at your local comic book shop or digitally at www.comixology.com. Have a great day, folks! Excelsior! ;)

Title	Publisher
AVENGERS #31 AXFO	Marvel
AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #13	Marvel
AVX CONSEQUENCES #1	Marvel
BATGIRL #13	DC
BATMAN #13	DC
BATMAN AND ROBIN #13	DC
BEFORE WATCHMEN DR MANHATTAN #2 (MR)	DC
CAPTAIN AMERICA #18	Marvel
DEATHSTROKE #13	DC
FANTASTIC FOUR #611	Marvel
FIRST X-MEN #3	Marvel
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #526	Marvel
MARVEL UNIVERSE AVENGERS EARTHS HEROES #7	Marvel
PHANTOM STRANGER #1	DC
PUNK ROCK JESUS #4 (MR)	DC
RED SHE-HULK #58 NOW	Marvel
SCARLET SPIDER #10	Marvel
SECRET AVENGERS #32	Marvel
SUICIDE SQUAD #13	DC
TEAM 7 #1	DC
ULTIMATE COMICS X-MEN #17 UWS	Marvel
UNCANNY AVENGERS #1 NOW	Marvel
WOLVERINE #314	Marvel
WOLVERINE AND THE X-MEN #18 AVX	Marvel

Comic Of The Week: 10062012

This when's pick is DC Comics' Earth 2 #5. This title has consistently been a favorite of mine. The art is beautifully done. And the characterization of the "wonders" is excellent.

This version (so far) of the Justice Society is awesome: The Flash, Green Lantern, The Atom, and Hawkgirl. And their first villain is none other than Solomon Grundy. The reimagining of these characters is fun to read.

Grundy is not the mindless hulk we're used to. As an agent of The Grey, he is sent to purge the earth of all life so that the planet can be reborn. Humans' time on the earth is ending, as they've proven they cannot take care of it.

This title looks into the world as it experiences its second generation of heroes after the death of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman at the hands of Darkseid. The rise of these new heroes is really well done.

Pick up Earth 2 #5 at your local comic shop or digitally at www.Comixology.com. Enjoy.

Comic Book Pulls: 10032012

New comic book Wednesday! My pulls are listed below. On the DC side of things, I am really looking forward to Green Lantern #13 starting off the Rise of the Third Army storyline and continuing with the new Lantern, Simon Baz. Phantom Stranger #1 also has my interest. And with Marvel, I am excited for the conclusion of the Avengers vs. X-Men event in Avengers vs. X-Men #12 and AVX VS #6. Have a great Humpday, folks!

Title	Publisher
ACTION COMICS #13	DC
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #695	Marvel
ANIMAL MAN #13	DC
AVENGERS VS X-MEN #12 AVX	Marvel
AVX VS #6	Marvel
BATWING #13	DC
BEFORE WATCHMEN RORSCHACH #2 (MR)	DC
DEFENDERS #11	Marvel
DETECTIVE COMICS #13	DC
DIAL H #5	DC
EARTH 2 #5	DC
GREEN ARROW #13	DC
GREEN LANTERN #13	DC
MINIMUM CARNAGE ALPHA #1	Marvel
PHANTOM STRANGER #1	DC
SWAMP THING #13	DC
UNCANNY X-FORCE #32	Marvel
UNCANNY X-MEN #19 AVX	Marvel