Book of the Week 3/12/08 Mighty Avengers #10

Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils by Mark Bagley
Inks by Danny Miki & Allen Martinez
Coloring by Justin Ponsor
Letters by Dave Lanphear

I've been talking about Mighty Avengers for quite a while now I finally have the chance to pick it as book of the week. I'm especially happy to pick this issue because, well this issue reminded me so much of why I love comics in the first place.

The issue picks with Tony Stark, Doom and the Sentry stuck in the past and reading through this book was exactly like reading a book in the 80's/early 90's. Marvel went back to the old school printing and coloring. Bagley did an amazing job of drawing characters as he did 10+ years ago and it's amazing to see how far comics have come since then.

I'm not sure if this story arc was planned by Bendis originally or just came along after the trouble with Frank Cho but I haven't enjoyed a single issue like this since.....well since I went back and read some of my old issues.

Another note about this storyline is that I feel like it's going to matter in the long run. So far it seems like it's pretty self-contained which I like but I also feel like Bendis is foreshadowing some things for us. Stark trying to figure out if Doom is a skrull. Doom and Tony talking about the advances in his armor and again, the fragile mental state of the Sentry.

All in all, this was just a great issue and I've said it on the podcast many times and I'll say it again here. Go pick up this book. It's well worth it!

Watchmen publicity shots!

With recent adaptations like 300 and Sin City showing that epic comic stories can come to the big screen, I have faith and hope that Watchmen will not disappoint. Here are some publicity shots recently released of the characters and now I'm really starting to look forward to this film.

Book of the Week 3/5/08 Northlanders:Sven the Returned #4

Written by Brian Wood
Art by Davide Gianfelice
Colors by Dave McCaig


Whew, there were some enjoyable books this week! This week I have to give credit where credit is due and admit that Brian Wood's foul mouthed viking saga really has me hooked now. One part historical fiction, one part action/intrigue story, the flow of the book is really gripping. I've talked about this comic several times on the show and I think the story is really now hitting its stride.


While I didn't notice it at first, somewhere along the line, I've really grown to...not exactly enjoy the characters, but become incredibly interested in what happens to them. Their motivations aren't noble and while there are clear villains, there are no real "good" guys. Now that I think about it, the main characters are reminiscent of 70s-movie anti-heroes, who lived in a very grey moral area. After a brief action packed intro, Wood spends most of this issue delving into Sven's real reason for coming back to his homeland and trying to regain his family's fortune. The character of the archer is also gradually becoming more of a main figure in the book which I'm very happy about. She adds a sliver of emotion to a very cold landscape. The scene which sold me on this book though involved the death of two characters who have rarely been in the entire series. However, their deaths solidify the sad state of Sven's homeland and finally seem to rock his inner core to elicit some character growth. All in all, I was captivated by this issue.


Gianfelice's art is solid. While not quite realistic and not quite animated, it seems a little loose at times. On other titles that may be a bad thing but with this story, it tends to add to the rugged look of the environment. This seems to be intentional as contrasted between shots of the main setting where the art is gritty and the flashbacks of Sven in Constantinople where both the scenery and characters are much smoother, In general, both the art and colors echo the feel of the book, having a weathered and dirty look to it.


I haven't heard much talk of this title but I'm glad I've been able to pick up on this book. With only four issues in, it shouldn't be too hard to find the back issues and be caught up. This one is definitely worth the ride.

Weekly Review Podcast Episode 30- Thor #6

I picked Thor #6 as the book of the week because it's one of the most beautiful books out there and the story is surprisingly deep and fulfilling. Eric and I also discuss the first true epilogue to Messiah Complex in X-Men:Legacy #208, Eric was actually moved by All Star Batman & Robin #9 and we touch on JSA #13, Kick-Ass #1 and more. We finish the podcast off with our review of The New Frontier animated movie. Can it possibly live up to the book?

Subscribe on itunes here!


Or download the podcast directly here
(right click....save as)

New Iron Man trailer

The new Iron Man trailer premiered with Lost tonight and this movie keeps looking better and better. Judge for yourselves below.

Book of the Week 2/28/08 Thor #6

Written by J. Michael Straczynski
Pencils by Oliver Coipel
Inks by Mark Morales
Colors by Laura Martin
Letters by Chris Eliopoulos

I've basically been gushing about this book since it came out and I said it once and I'll say it again, I never even considered buying a Thor Book before six months ago but now I'm hooked. JMS has done a wonderful job of rebooting the god of thunder and using him in the modern age. Thor isn't on Asgard, he's on Earth and the first five issues have dealt with him making a decision on behalf of the rest of the gods and just what will that decision be.

We see Thor's choice in this issue and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. Just when I think that the book may falter and lose its way, JMS really comes through and changes things. It's just been announced that JMS is no longer exclusive to Marvel so I don't know where that's going to leave Thor. Perhaps he's still going on with the book or maybe he's leaving but I really hope that's not the case because this has become one of the books that I'm most excited to read every month.

I can't forget to mention Oliver Coipel's art because that's what made me want to try this title in the first place and its been stellar through this whole arc. Coipel's art is subtle yet strikingly beautiful, it's not the kind of art that you would expect from a Thor book but it's also the perfect fit. This was Coipel's last issue and while I'm expecting good things from Marko Djurdjevic, I'm really going to miss Oliver. I've been a huge fan of his since Avengers and House of M and I'll buy anything he does.

I don't hear a lot of people talk about this book....I actually don't hear anyone talking about it so I hope by reading this, you'll give the book a shot. This isn't the typical gods at war Thor book in years past. This book is centered around emotion, relationships and being a part of something special.

Try this book out, you won't be sorry.

Weekly Review Podcast Episode 29- Checkmate #23

We have an all comic review show this week and Eric chose Checkmate #23 as the book of the week and is wondering why he hasn't been reading this book more. We also discuss Justice League of America, Countdown, Robin, Mighty Avengers and more!

Subscribe on itunes here!


Or download the podcast directly here
(right click....save as)