Fan Expo 2010 - Hellblazer # 250

Writers: Brian Azzarello, Jamie Delano, Dave Gibbons, China Mieville, Peter Milligan
Artists: Rafael Grampa, David Lloyd, Sean Phillips, Giuseppe Gamuncoli, Stefano Landini, Edie Campbell
Publisher: Vertigo
Published: February 2009

This should be my final entry on the Fan Expo...I think so at any rate...

Before the discussion with Darwyn Cooke, another popular crime writer hosted a talk: Brian Azzarello. I enjoyed the discussion. I've only read a few works of his, namely, The Joker, Broken City, a few other stand alone stories, and this issue. Overall I wouldn't call myself a dedicated fan...it's nothing personal...his writing overall just doesn't connect with me...however his work ethic is admirable and he comes across as a nice and opinionated guy.

From what I gathered in the discussion, he's a hard working chap who enjoys writing down-and-dirty crime stories. Some things of note during his talk were his dislike of continuity comics, his dislike of the Joker becoming a popular anti-hero, and his approach to making sure his stories have an invisible plot. In regards to his Joker statement, I'm glad I went to the discussion, considering after I first read his and Bermjo's take on the Joker I was left confused, dissatisfied, and unable to appreciate it.

Which was a subtle goal of theirs.


Azzarello and Bermjo don't like that the Joker is becoming so popular and well-liked that he's almost becoming an anti-hero. The Joker is not being recognized as the psychopath, schitzo killer that he is and thus as a character he's losing credibility. Knowing this was their intention, I now realize that my initial distaste after reading The Joker was not because of a poorly conceived book, but because unconsciously I wanted to root for the Joker, when in actuality, the Joker is the last person you want to root for.

Anyway, enough on Brian and Bermjo...I'm sure they're doing alright for attention!

I picked up Hellblazer #250 because of R. Grampa. He's the shit. His art is graphically insane! Over the next year or so I can guarantee that in the world of comics, it's going to be Grampa, Grampa, Grampa!

In Grampa and Azzarellos tale, John Constantine has been hired to remove a decades old curse. All he needs are some dedicated fans and a goat. Let the magic begin!

The rest of the comic has a variety of solid tales that are pretty awesome - but don't take my word for it! Go get it because once Grampa really hits it, his back log is going to be super hot shit!



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Wolverine Saudade

Scalped #12

Mesmo Delivery

Writer/Artist: Rafael Grampa
Colours: Rafael Grampa & Marcus Penna
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Published: February 2010

If I reviewed comics professionally, this would be my quote:

"Blazingly spectacular. A dark twisted stop over ticket into the 'do not enter'. Non-refundable."

Ha ha, okay, I'm not a great 'quoter', but I really want to express how much I love this comic. I can't remember the last time I read a comic and was so excited I couldn't sleep. My enthusiasm for Mesmo Delivery is on par with how I felt after watching Oldboy. I was shocked, amazed, repulsed, fanatically joyous, grossed out. I could go on...but I don't want to over hype things.

The story follows an Elvis impersonator and a desperate ex-boxer driving a delivery truck. They stop for gas. All hell breaks loose.

Note 1: Definitely not for the kiddies.
Note 2: In case folks haven't noticed, any post with the tag "* Edit" has an image I have created from panels within the comic. I have time to do these right now, and it helps to keep me interested. Hope you like 'em.
Note 3: Here's a link for a preview PDF from it's initial publisher, AdHouse.





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Futurama #38

Miracleman #1

Doctor Strange & Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment

Writer: Roger Stern

Artist: Michael Mignola

Colors: Mark Badger

Publisher: Marvel

Published: 1989

Been a while...watching a lot of Glee...yeah I admit it. I am so conflicted by this show. There are so many things I dislike, yet I can't stop watching it. I've watched 18 episodes in 4 days! I can't stand the lip synching, the non-teen cast, the ridiculous plot lines and manipulative storytelling...and I'm really tormented by the sterilization of songs I like...yet I can't turn away...after this post, I'm gonna watch more. However the show really is a triumph...no matter how twisted it gets and no matter how manipulated I feel, I root for these characters. This feeling reminds me of todays comic: Doctor Strange and Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment.

The story follows two of Marvel's biggest and most powerful characters. One dedicated to life, the other to the subjugation of life: Doctor Strange and Doctor Doom. They each compete in a ritualistic magical competition and it's bizarre prize forces Dr. Strange to aid Dr. Doom on an insane quest into Hades itself to battle Mephisto (which is the Marvel equivalent of Satan).

On the surface this comes across as just another adventure in the Marvel U. But, inside this seemingly everyday tale beats a story of redemption, sympathy, and the need to win-no-matter-the-price for one of Marvels darkest and most evil characters.

Dr. Doom makes for a great bad guy; but he's still a bad guy. He's evil, narcissistic, manipulative, destructive, murderous, but in this tale, I root for him, all the way.

*Note: This is my first graphic novel review on Comix-365. Up until now I've avoided graphic novels, mainly because I've been adamant to focus on single issues. There are a number of reasons for this, but as of today, I'll try to post some graphic novels or collected works, especially ones that were intended to be graphic novels or are hard to find as singles.

Here's a link to some reviews I did for Chapters on a bunch of graphic novels and other stuff if you're interested.

Daughters of the Dragon # 1 of 6

Writer: Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray
Artist: Khari Evans
Publisher: Marvel
Published: March 2006

Running a bit behind...Daughters of the Dragon has Colleen Wing & Misty Knight working as bailbondswomen. However some of their clients (see below), end up stealing from someone they shouldn't steal from, and Misty and Colleen are forced to clean up the mess.

Spider-Man the Manga # 3

Writer/Artist: Ryoichi Ikegami
Translators: Mutsumi Masuda & C.B. Cebulski
Publisher: Marvel
Published: January 1998

The manga version of Spider-Man is pretty cool. It sticks fairly close to the Spider-man ethos. Peter Parker is Yu Komari. In issue # 3 Komari is lamenting his latest defeat at the electric hands of Electro. Meanwhile, Electro is realizing that his lust for money carries a larger price tag then he could ever imagine.


Classic Peter Parker Manga style:
Electro paying the impossible price:
Classic Spider-Man Remorse:

At my old job I met a customer named Peter Parker. When I asked his name he said his first name no problem, but then slightly mumbled his last name. I never said a word. After we were done talking, I kinda felt bad for the guy. He has to live with the name of one of the most famous fictional characters in comic history. However, unlike his comic alter ego, this guy doesn't get to be Spider-Man on the side, swinging from building to building, saving lives, and bringing joy to people. Oh well, I'm sure at the end of the day he'll be alright. Hell, maybe his nickname is Spidey. I can see this guy being good on the bb court. He'd be blasting through defenses, rebounding like a mad nun, and scoring 3 pointers left right and center, all the while, the crowd is shouting: "Go Spidey! Go Spidey!" Yeah, this Peter Parker will be alright.

Daredevil # 186

Writer: Frank Miller
Artist: Klaus Janson
Publisher: Marvel
Published: September 1982

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!!

Today it's a comic on everyone's favorite blind defender of justice (who just so happens to be Irish). Issue # 186 is a perfect issue to celebrate a day more often or not responsible for the first quarter of the years stupidities because it has one of the stupidest villains I've ever seen: The Stilt Man!!


Who is easily defeated by Daredevil by fiddling with the balance do-hicky. (I personally would have swept the leg.)

Crash!!


Who? Daredevil or Stilt Man?

Forlorn Funnies # 1

Writer/Artist: Paul Hornschemeier
Publisher: Absense of Ink Comic Press
Published: June 2002

The store attendant that sold me this issue is a sarcastic douche bag - and if that big haired prick is reading this - I stand behind my statement you 1950's greaser asshole cast off wannabe.

Shit that was a bit harsh I guess...but the guy is still an asshole. I suppose I've had worse experiences dealing with comic shop employees. Back in Fredericton NB the manager of the comic shop I attended seemed to be always giving me a hard time. I thought it was personal. For instance, whenever I entered the store the manager always eyeballed me, acting as if I was going to rob the joint, always following me around. Never mind I was there at least 3 to 4 times every week. I once asked the manager to hold a comic for me that was coming in the next shipment. He said to me he wouldn't do it because 'they don't hold comics for customers who only buy one comic.' Fine, I thought, and let it go. Another time, I asked one of the employees if I could open the $1 comics to peruse them and he said ok, but then in comes the manager, and he instantly blurts out I have done wrong and that I shouldn't be opening the comics.

There were a few other instances that pissed me off, but there not worth going into, but there is one instance that is worth sharing. I hadn't been to the store for about a year, (I wasn't living in Fredericton anymore), and during a visit I went back to pick up a few comics. I had chosen a selection, and I went to the front desk and asked the manager that I had bought comics from for years if I could open them in front of him so I could decide which ones I wanted. He said he wouldn't allow it because he didn't want to put them back. I said I'd put them back. Then he just said no he wouldn't allow me. I said "you know you're going to lose a sale because of this" and he said "I am aware of that." I then bitched that I had been buying comics from him for years, grumbled to myself, bought half the selection, and left.

I was pretty irritated, but as I look back, I can't blame the guy. This is because he's nearly blind. Now don't think I'm forgiving him out of pity, 'cause I'm not. It's because I woke up and realized that he has a uniquely shitty situation. He works in a comic store full of sorts of tiny things and he can't see. He probably has developed different defense mechanisms to help him run the store, and his interaction with me probably wasn't personal. He probably didn't know I was a regular customer because he couldn't see me clearly. Plus, Fredericton has more than its fair share of jerks and he probably has been ripped off by assholes, so he treats everyone with suspicion when it comes to his comics. When I asked him to let me open some comics, his first worry was probably that I would steal them. I know that would be my worry if I were in his shoes. Anyway I was in the wrong and I've accepted that, but as for the big haired dick weed that works at the current shop I go to, he has no excuse for being a prick. Fuck him.

Forlorn Funnies is an experimental comic that has several different stories blended together. The first story has a 'bad bad man' attempting to kill the wrong man and failing, whereupon he then heads home to read "Thesaurus The Literate Dinosaur." The bad man then heads to town to score some lovin' and during his walk the art/story transitions to a lonely young woman watching Mr. Dangerous on TV, which then transitions into Mr. Dangerous world as his show is axed, which then transitions again into a fast food diner where he is offered a job to dress up as a woman, which transitions again into the life of a character who has a complicated crush on his neighbor.

I really liked the transitions between tales. Check out the transition between the bad man tale to the lonely woman's story.

Spidey Super Stories # 33

Writer: Jim Salicrup
Artists: Win Mortimer, Don Perlin, Mike Esposito
Publisher: Marvel & The Electric Company
Published: April 1978

Today's issue has The Friendly Neighbor Hood Spider-Man battling it out with Hulk, The Kangaroo, and the Schemer.

The first tale has Peter Parker and Mary Jane attending the local carnival. Hulk is nearby and he hears laughing. Thinking he is getting laughed at, he storms the carnival. Good thing Spidey is there to take care of things! He ends up dousing Hulk in laughing gas as Hulk looks at himself in a fun house mirror, which causes Hulk to think he is laughing at himself. Once he realizes 'the joke' the Hulk bounds off.

The second tale has Peter Parker getting his ass handed to him by The Kangaroo. The Kangaroo is an Ozzy who hated life in normal civilization, so he intergrated himself in the Kangaroo society. He ate what they ate, jumped like they jump, and so on...The story ends with the Kangaroo knocking out Spidey, then mentioning that all his life he has been a loser, and then getting knocked out by a guitar being smashed over his head. He ends up living in the Zoo with other kangaroos...he's still a loser, but he's happy. There's a moral there...

Finally the last tale has Peter Parker and Aunt May on vacation in the Grand Canyon. Only problem is that the Grand Canyon has been turned into a trash dump, and giant postcards are hiding the trash. The Schemer is the cause of this dastardly, (dare I say) scheme. Spidey has to clean things up by knocking the Schemer's giant sized fly shaped helicopter out of the sky with a giant fly swatter.

Good times.

Batman: Harley Quinn

Writer: Paul Dini
Artist: Yvel Guichet
Publisher: DC
Published: 1999

Harley Quinn is one of the few characters that can hold a candle to Joker. She doesn't try to outwit him, out-crazy him, or out-murder him. She just tries to love him, and it's this crazy love that, well, makes her crazy. How can one love someone who can never know what love is? Harley knows....

This issue picks up during Cataclysm. Poison Ivy is on 'farm patrol' and is in charge with helping to feed the citizens of Gotham. During one of her trips of harvesting, she happens upon a beat up Harley Quinn. After rescuing her, Ivy finds out that Joker tried to kill Harley (imagine that: the crazy killer clown guilty of attempted murder). Harley doesn't take too kindly to this act, and after some healing and powering up thanks to Ivy's anti-plant poison serum, Harley starts her most diabolical plan: to kill the Joker!

Now, I don't want to give away the ending of this one, but if you've paid attention to the first paragraph, it's pretty much spelled out for ya.


Crazy In Love

Joker's Asylum: Dark Knight of the Scarecrow

Writer: Joe Harris
Artist: Juan Doe
Publisher: DC
Published: July 2008

When the Dark Knight hit theaters, so did Joker's Asylum, and just like theater patrons got caught up in Ledgers Joker, so did I get caught in DC Joker's Asylum. My favorite so far has been Scarecrow's story.

The story is like a teenage horror slasher film, with a group of teenage kids planning to play a evil trick on the 'unpopular' kid. The unpopular kid just so happens to visit a psychiatrist, who also just so happens to be Dr. Jonathan Crane (aka The Scarecrow). The story unfolds like a bad nightmare, with the popular kids getting more than their just desserts.

What a liked most about this issue was the fact that though Jonathan Crane is an evil man, on the surface, he was doing a kind thing by helping out his patient. We've all been to high school, and have been unwittingly caught up in the popularity game. At one point or another, we've all been on the shitty end of the school popularity spectrum, so to see some vengeance exacted out on the popular kids does bring some ounce of joy, but at the same time, what Crane does is still wrong. This feeling is the same feeling I get every time I watch Dexter.

Here's a guy who is a serial killer, but because he kills evil people, is what he does justified?
Short answer: no.
Long and complicated answer that satisfies our human need for vengeance and revenge: yes.

So I can't justify what Crane does in this issue, but I can certainly enjoy the hell out of it from a base level.

Gumby's Winter Fun Special

Writer: Steve Purcell
Artist: Art Adams
Colorist: Rick Taylor
Publisher: Comico The Comic Company
Published: December 1988

Now here's an odd one. We got Gumby and Pokey helping to rescue trapped toy miners who have been captured by Mole People, who then recruit Gumby and Pokey to save Ray Crabbe (aka Santa Claus) who has been captured by Beelzebub and is interned in Heck.

Ok, let that sink in...toy miners...Mole People...Santa...Beelzebub...Heck...Gumby & Pokey.

I know what you're thinking: "Awesome". Me too.The toy miners were pretty neat. The miners have to dig around in the earth, harvesting toys, but the toys can't be given out to kids right away because they are unrefined and unprocessed. The Earth has different pockets of toys, from plush toys to Etch-A-Sketchs. Oh also Gumby and Pokey own a giant robotic insect shaped drill. The Mole People are responsible for cooling the overheating Earth, and Heck is a land filled with 24/7 advertisements, concerts that don't end, forced gluttony, and Santa looks like a biker while Satan looks like the Lord of Darkness. The best part of the whole issue was when Gumby and Pokey are in Heck rescuing Santa, they start to melt cause it's so hot. By the end of the rescue, the little Mole girl, Natasha, has to carry them out in buckets. Oh, too funny!

One last thing I forgot: the issue ends with Santa piloting a giant Gumby Gundam Mech to battle giant monsters.

Jurassic Park in 1988? Gumby you're ahead of your time!