Necrosha The Gathering

Writer: Craig Kyle & Christopher Yost
Artists: Ibraim Roberson, SotoColor's L. Molinar, Gabriel Hernandez Walta, Leonardo Manco, SotoColor's C. Fidler, Kalman Andrasofszky, Cam Smith, SotoColor's J. Roberts, Mateus Santolouco
Pub: Marvel
Pub Date: Feb 2010

Only bought this because of Walta's art. He's got a great style. Not to knock the other artists of course, they're a bonus.

Saga of the Swamp Thing # 21

Writer: Alan Moore

Artists: Stephen Bissette, John Totleben, Tatjana Wood

Publisher: DC

Published: February 1984

The last few years I've been guilty of buying comics based on art alone. Story was always important, but art became even more important. Often the artwork or cover art will dictate if I buy a comic. If the story's good, then that's just a bonus.

After reading a recent 5 issue mini series, which I bought based on the cover art, I was forcibly reminded of how important, nay, vital, story is. Directly after finishing reading the last issue of this mini series, I picked up my Vol 1. Saga of the Swamp Thing and broke into the first issue of this collection. Reading it was like a fresh rain during a drought.

The art is fantastic, and I love it, but in one small paragraph, Alan Moore reminded me of how great prose can be. Below is an excerpt:

(Setup - Swamp Thing origin: Alec Holland is working on a top secret bio-plant formula. The experiment is sabotaged, with Holland and his wife killed during an explosion. Alec flings himself into the swamp, covered in his formula. This transforms Alec into the Swamp Thing. He then tries to restore his humanity. Swamp Thing is later killed, frozen, and in the possession of the Sunderland Corp. The excerpt is regarding Swamp Things rebirth and anger at the person who has held him captive.)

The old man shouldn't be in any real danger at all...

...as long as the creature hasn't read my notes.

But if he has read my notes...

You see, throughout his miserable existence, the only thing that could have kept him sane was the hope that he might one day regain his humanity...the knowledge that under all the slime he was still Alec Holland. But if he's read my notes he'll know that just isn't true. He isn't Alec Holland. He never will be Alec Holland. He never was Alec Holland.

He's just a ghost. A ghost dressed in weeds. I wonder how he'll take it? And I wonder how the old man will take it...when the doors won't open?

He'll pound. He'll hammer. He'll wheeze and he'll scream and he will not be able to comprehend how this could be happening to him...the old reptile.

And will there be blood? I don't know. I don't know if there will be blood. It isn't important. It won't spoil things if there is no blood. The blood doesn't matter. Just the dying.

The dying's all that matters.

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

Scalped # 12

Writer: Jason Aaron

Artist: John Paul Leon

Colours: Giulia Brusco

Publisher: Vertigo

Published: February 2008

My town's local public library is a great place. They have DVD's, CDs, a huge assortment of books, magazines, but more importantly they have a pretty decent selection of graphic novels. The library has Paul Pope's Heavy Liquid, Darwyn Cooke's Selina's Big Score, Alan Moore's run on Swamp Thing, Grant Morrison's WE3 - we'll as you can see they got's the greats....however, they also have Jason Aaron and R.M. Guera's Scalped; which catapults this great selection to a spectacular selection.

Being fairly on-top of the comic scene, I am ashamed to say that this series has slipped under my radar...boy am I grateful for my library! Scalped is a story about a group of individuals on the Prairie Rose Reservation. It is dark, crime-noir story, filled with murder, deception, lust, betrayal, pride, heritage, drugs, and well, you get the point. Aside from these basic noir elements, what makes this series so great, is that Aaron has brought Aboriginal Americans to the forefront of his story. In 12 issues, Aaron has covered government interference vs. autonomy, measuring one's aboriginal status in fractions, spirit totems, protests, reservations vs. prisons, and remembering one's heritage, no matter at what price that memory costs.

In issue 12, Aaron and guest artist John Paul Leon deliver a standalone story to bring new readers up to speed on Dashiell Bad Horse's situation. The story consists of Dash caught in vicious dreams of his past, present, and possible future.

Of key note, in six pages, Dash relives and experiences

horrific events of Aboriginal American history. He is confronted with hate, prejudice, murder, theft, foreign disease, and ultimately, the importance of heritage and unity. I don't want to give away too much, but let me just say that the image below is enough to drive home the fact that Scalped is a great series that merits immediate attention.

Living in Canada, and having lived in a town that was less than 10km away from a First Nations Reservation, I have had many opportunities to consider what life may be like for a First Nations person. However, before I start, I want to preface my thoughts with the fact that although I may think and imagine what life is like for a First Nations person, I can never actually know or understand what that life is like....

Nevertheless, from what I do know and understand, if I were to imagine myself in the same shoes as a First Nations person, I know for fact that I would be in a very negative mood. First, being segregated into reservations is a negative for me. I don't like being told were to live. Second, if I were to leave, I don't like being told there will be consequences, be it social, financial or otherwise. Third, I don't like that on government forms I am constantly confronted with the "aboriginal" check box. Fourthly, I don't like the idea that political posts that work with Aboriginals are called 'Indian Affairs.' Fifthly, I don't like that children who attend schools with aboriginals don't see aboriginals as classmates, but see their aboriginal classmates as just aboriginals.

Maybe I'm the biased one and my frustrations are unfounded, but one thing I do think is valid is that a persons identity and self worth can never be fully realized as long as someone else is telling them what they are and what they should do.

Mr. Monster # 1: Origins

Writer/Artist: Michael T. Gilbert
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Published: February 1988

Another kick ass cover! Equal parts Batman-esque jumbled up with a fish creature dealio. The story revolves around Mister Monster losing the love of his life due to the demands of killing monsters. In the issue he uses a homemade flamethrower. Can't beat that.

Epic Illustrated # 22: Marada the She-Wolf in 'Wizard's Masque'

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artist: John Bolton
Publisher: Marvel
Published: February 1984

Epic was a relatively short lived magazine published by Marvel. It allowed Marvel to avoid the Comics Code and create stories of a more mature theme. Issue # 22 has a number of stories, but it also has Marada the She-Wolf battling the most dreaded of monsters: the tentacled Gyatria. While sleeping, Marada's companion Arianrhod attempts to create a portal to whisk herself home. Unfortunately for her she opens door that lets things pass that should not pass.


Marada attacks the beast, only to be dragged to the spaces in between spaces. (Ugh, I can't believe I just wrote that!)

The beast transports Marada to what appears to be a land right out of Arabian Nights. It is here that she befriends Taric Redhand (who just so happens to cop a feel during a battle.)
But don't worry folks, he gets his just reward for such an indiscretion!


Before his untimely death, he advised Marada to seek out Jaffar the Wizard:




Too bad for Marada though.

Just goes to show: Can't never trust a wizard named Jaffar.




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Wolverine # 70

Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Steve McNiven
Publisher: Marvel
Published: February 2009

If you're a Wolverine fan (like I am), then this is the issue for you.







6 words: The Shit Has Hit The Fan.

Solo # 8: Teddy Kristiansen

Writers: Teddy Kristiansen, Neil Gaiman, Steven Seagle
Artist: Teddy Kristiansen
Publisher: DC
Published: February 2006

Today being the first of the month, I just had to get another Solo issue on this site. Teddy Kristiansen is not the typical comic cartoonist. His artwork doesn't have the snap, crackle, and pop of Jack Kirby or the polish of Alex Ross, but instead has a dreamy surreal quality...each panel is more like a single painting.

There are 5 stories included in this Solo issue. The first one has Deadman in a sentimental mood. The second has a missionary being saved from headhunters by quoting from the good book, Wuthering Heights. The third tale is about a humid summer crush, and the fourth is about ruins. Finally the last tale is about some explorers in Antarctica being trapped and the story follows their decline and eventual deaths.

I must admit I was a bit disappointed with this Solo issue. I'm not a huge fan of painted comics, (aside from Kingdom Come and Brereton work), and I found the stories "tried too hard." But much like Pokemon, I gotta have em' all!

Fantastic Four: Ilsla De La Muerte!

Writer: Tom Beland
Artist: Juan Doe
Publisher: Marvel
Published: February 2008

The FF delivers in this issue!

Ben Grimm takes a 3 day vacation every year and he never tells anyone where he goes. Of course, this annoys Johnny to no end. Once Ben is gone, Johnny persuades Sue to pester Richard to find out where he goes. Turns out Ben goes to Puerto Rico every year. The remaining FF crash his vacation, much to Things chagrin. Too bad for Ben, not only does he have to deal with the invasive FF, but the mysterious El Chupacabras have returned to Puerto Rico to claim what is theirs.

Oh, and Mole Man is involved. I have only a handful of Fantastic Four comics and at least half of them have the damn Mole Man. I can't seem to get away from the guy!

This was a great issue though, even if it has the Mole Man. The art was *ahem* fantastic, and all the characters mannerisms were dead on. Plus, this was a Ben Grim comic, so it got into that whole 'being accepted' thing, and even manages to mention the other quintessential Ben Grimm issue "This Man...This Monster." What a great issue.

The Savage Sensational She-Hulk # 3 AKA # 100

Writer: Dan Slott, Stan Lee, John Byrne
Artists: Juan Bobillo, Paul Pelletier & Rick Magyar, Scott Kolins, Mike Vossburg, Amanda Conner & Jimmy Palmiotti, Ron Frenz , Joe Sinnott & Sal Buscema, Mike Mayhew, Don Simpson, Le Weeks, Eric Powell, Tom Grummett & Gary Erskine, John Buscema & Chic Stone, John Byrne
Publisher: Marvel
Published: February 2006

Issue # 100 of my 365 run. Hard to believe that I was able to actually stick it out this long. Just so people know, I got this idea from my girlfriend who told me about people who take a picture of themselves everyday for a year and post it on the internet. I thought the idea was neat, but I didn't have the right amount of narcissism to do that, so I thought I would instead talk comics everyday. Hopefully I drive this "bug" out of me and I can start focusing on more important matters like world peas and developing my dream home, Baconland™. It'll be like MJ's Neverland ranch, but instead of inviting at-risk youth to stay with me to find inner peace, I'll be cooking and packaging at-risk youth for wholesal - um, what I mean is I'll have them fight each other to the death in a bacon paradise. Then I'll cook and package the losers.

I know, I know, sick...but they were at-risk from the start, so you can't get upset with me for profiting on the risk they face EVERY. DAY. OF. THEIR. LIVES.

Support your local youth shelter.

The 100 issue has She-Hulk on trial for messing with the Timeline to try and warn Hawkeye of his future doom. The entire Marvel Universe who has ever had anything to do with She-Hulk is brought forth to testify and vouch for her, cause if the trial finds her guilty - she'll be erased from time! The issue pretty much goes on to have witnesses come forth and describe an event where the outcome could not have been achieve if it were not for She-Hulk's help. One of the funniest segments of the trial is when Razorback goes on to describe how She-Hulk was able to defeat the Piratasaurs when her spacesuit was destroyed and her *ahem* bare chest distracted them to the point they drove into an asteroid. Too funny.

The remaing issue has reprints of the first issues of The Savage She-Hulk and The Sensational She-Hulk. Marvel, more so than DC has always included old reprints in new issues, especially for annuals and one-shots. When I was a kid, I hated this, but now that I'm a bit older, I think it's a great idea. It lets fans see the old issues that started it all without having to shell out the big bucks.

I've recently heard that She-Hulk has been canceled again. Don't worry folks though, I'm sure she'll be hulking back in no time soon. Even Marvel.com jokes about it: "She's been savage. She's been sensational. She's been an avenger. She's been a lawyer. She's been a bounty-hunter. But there's one thing She-Hulk has always been, in all of her many series... cancelled. But it hasn't stopped her yet!"Happy 100th!

Solo # 2: Richard Corben

Writers: Richard Corben, John Arcudi
Artist: Richard Corben
Publisher: DC
Published: February 2005

The second issue of Solo follows up the stellar opening by Sale. This issue has Richard Corben, the Master of the Grotesque, strutting his stuff. There are five tales, four as stand alone stories set outside the DC universe, and one concerning the Spectre.

The first four tales are classic Corben stuff, violence, forbidden treasures, and things never appearing as they are. The first tale has an imminent archaeologist in search of a forbidden treasure. He is met by a beautiful local, who warns him not to seek the treasure. By this time, bandits raid her home, knock the archaeologist out, and force her to lead them to the treasure...too bad for them, she's a mummy who ends up killing them. Suckas! As for the archaeologist, he wakes up and runs to the treasure room, only to have the door close behind him, trapping him forever. So as you can see, no happy endings here, and just desserts delivered courtesy of Corben.

The last tale about Spectre is a great read. It has Jim Corrigan (the human host to THE WRATH OF GOD - THE SPECTRE), following up a tip from a dead man as to the whereabouts of a killer. The dead man hopes his act of kindness will earn him a spot in Heaven, and The Spectre will get to enforce justice - holy style! Another spectacular issue from a spectacular series!