Comic Reviews 7/30/12

Here In Bongo Congo

     Since our good readers have been coping as best they can with the recent heatwave, Good King Leonardo has decreed that we try to beat this never-ending summer heat with some refreshing new comic books.  So let's check-out some of the latest cool offerings from the new comic book shelves:

 

Batman #11

Publisher:  D.C. Comics

Scott Snyder: Writer

Greg Capullo: Pencils

Jonathan Glapion: Inks

Fco Plascencia: Colors

 

     The multi-issue "Night Of The Owls" storyline that's been unfolding in The New 52 reboot of Batman concludes in this month's issue #11.  I reviewed an earlier installment in the saga, which introduces to the Batman storyverse a seemingly omnipotent evil organization called The Court Of Owls, which has been secretly operating in Gotham for several generations, using costumed operatives known as "Talons," as a kind of anti-Batman group of costumed evildoers.  The storyline is the creation of A-list writer Scott Snyder with pencils by Greg Capullo, inks by Jonathan Glapion and colors by Fco Plascencia.

 

     The issue #11 wrap-up story segment unfolds in two parts.  Part One presents a final battle confrontation between Batman and a powerful Talon who is revealed as Gotham politician Lincoln March.  March is under the belief that he's actually Thomas Wayne, Jr. the long-lost brother of Bruce Wayne who Bruce believes died in a childhood accident.  Part two of the tale takes place in the aftermath of the big battle; as Bruce recuperates from major injuries, he and Dick Grayson/Robin hold an extended dialogue regarding the vagueness of Lincoln's claim as well as the mystery of Lincoln disappearing at the end of the mega-fight.  The discussion concludes with the dynamic duo making peace regarding some lingering issues between the pair, as well as leaving the threat of the Court Of Owls and the mystery of Lincoln March's true identity open for consideration in future issues of Batman.

 

      Since I've only read one previous Court of Owls story, I was concerned that issue #11 wouldn't hold-up as a stand-alone issue to read.  Happily, the issue works very well both on its own and as a satisfying conclusion to the ongoing saga.  During the past few years, writer Scott Snyder has contributed some major new lore to the Batman storyverse and he's hit another homerun here with the concept of "The Owls."  I loved the twist of a potential evil Wayne brother confronting Bruce Wayne/Batman, and enjoyed very much the ambiguity of the situation; there's a nice emphasis here that the lost brother story could be true or false, and it will be up to future Batman issues to either put Lincoln's belief to rest as a grand allusion or alternately welcome him to the extended Batman family as the latest bad sheep of the family (maybe he can be roommates with the bratty Damian version of Robin!).

 

     Its important to also acknowledge a second story in this issue, scripted by the writing partnership of Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV.  Entitled "The Fall Of The House Of Wayne," its an elequent and emotional tale alternating present-day and flashback scenes that connect Batman's faithful butler Alfred as well as Alfred's father Jarvis to the multi-generational struggle between the Batman family and The Owls.  So a definite thumbs-up positive review recommendation for The Good DC Reader to enjoy this high quality issue #11 of Batman both as a satisfying conclusion to the current Owls storyarc and as an entertaining standalone Batman comic tale.

 

 

Batman Annual #1

Publisher: D.C. Comics

Scott Snyder & James Tynion IV

Jason Fabok: Art

Peter Steigerwald: Colors

 

     DC's latest Batman Annual features a story in which Batman fights his well-known supervillain foe Mister Freeze.  The plot also connects somewhat with the ongoing Night Of The Owls event that concludes in the regular monthly issue #11 reviewed above.    Scott Snyder writes this story in partnership with James Tynion IV, with art by Jason Fabok and colors by Peter Steigerwald.

 

    The story in this Annual issue, entitled "Night Of The Owls-First Snow," is bracketed front and end with flashbacks to an event in Mr. Freeze's childhood during a snowy winter in Lincoln, Nebraska.  The bulk of the tale consists of a traditional-style confrontation between Freeze and The Caped Crusader.  After an extended thriller scene in which our villain escapes from the infamous Arkham Asylum, Freeze has an even lengthier confrontation with Batman, Nightwing and the bratty Damien version of Robin.  The goal of Freeze's effort is to seize from control from Bruce Wayne of the frozen body of Freeze's terminally ill wife Nora so she can be thawed, cured and restored to life with an antidote that Freeze initially developed for The Court of Owls.  I don't want to be a story spoiler and reveal how this plan concludes, beyond mentioning that there's a very interesting surprise plot twist that concludes the storyline.  The Annual plotline wraps-up with a two-page return to the childhood flashback that began the story, also providing an unexpected plot twist to the backstory segment of the tale.

 

     The creative team does an excellent job of providing us with a feature-length annual story that works well on three counts.  First, we're treated to a solid story addition to the long-running set of tales featuring Batman's battles with one of his more traditional foes.  There's even a brief appearance by The Penguin in the midst of this situation that adds an additional nice retro flair to the story.  Secondly, the art team's style and coloring is pitch perfect for portraying the impact of Batman's cold warrior foe.  I actually felt cold reading some of the more visually frosty scenes in this issue.  And third but hardly least, the writing team's surprise plot twist is both unexpected and among the best story surprises that I've read in any comic book over the past few years.  I actually fell for the deliberate writer's trap of sympathizing for Freeze's longing for his lost wife while wondering why Bruce Wayne was seemingly in the wrong in this scenario, until the plot twist revealed the true meaning of the storyline.

 

     So another worthy thumbs-up recommendation is due for this new issue comic book that succeeds on three counts: providing an entertaining Batman tale, presenting top-notch graphic visuals and perhaps most importantly, giving us all a chilled Mr. Freeze feel that we could all use in the middle of The Great Heatwave of 2012!

 

Sunset: First Look

Publisher: Image Comics/Top Cow Productions, Inc.

Christos Gage: Writer

Jorge Lucas: Art

     Image Comics and Top Cow Productions have just published a comic issue offering a first look at a portion of a new graphic novel entitled "Sunset."  The creator-owned production is written by Christos Gage with art by Jorge Lucas.  For the affordable price of $1.00, the comic book apparently presents the first 22 pages of a book-length tale that is also currently available in original hardcover format.

     The plot centers on Nick Bellamy, a California retiree who, together with his housekeeper, cares for his apparently Altzeimer-afflicted aged wife.  The stoic Nick clearly sees society as having declined in civility, as on a trip to the local supermarket he encounters several crass and extremely rude younger folk.  Nick's errand is interrupted by three mobsters who confront him to collect money that he supposedly took from their boss decades earlier.  The story explodes into a slaughterfest, as Nick kills his attackers in an unexpected display of sharp reflexes and visciousness, then returns home to slaughter more bad guys who had killed his wife and the housekeeper while waiting for Nick's return.  The preview issue concludes with Nick torching his house and setting-off to confront the mobster responsible for the attack.

     I was not entertained by this comic book, for a few reasons.  First, in characterization and story concept, Sunset is a carbon copy of the acclaimed 2008 movie "Grand Torino," which starred Clint Eastwood as an aged loner in a very similar life circumstance, i.e., American society has declined to sucky incivility and only one senior citizen continues to comport himself with personal grace and dignity.  Secondly, after viewing the high quality of the Eastwood film, its jarring to see the same tale painted-over with heavy layers of blood and gore.  And third, the black-and-white art combined with Jorge Lucas's particular graphic style is a very uncomfortable viewing experience.  It didn't take long for me to dread turning the page to continue squinting at this difficult visual presentation.

     I'm a huge fan of Worcester native Chris Gage's prolific and high quality comic book scripting, particularly his excellent work at Marvel.  But while Gage's scripting here is professional and strong, the negatives outlined above tip the balance in this instance into a negative review recommendation.  If you're a fan of Gage's work in general, feel free to add this comic book and/or the accompanying graphic novel to your collection as another example of his body of work.  But if you're just looking for a stand-alone, summertime thriller or noir-style comic book read, I'd recommend searching further along the new issues shelves for another title.

The Massive #2

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Brian Wood: Writer

Kristian Donaldson: Art

Dave Stewart: Colors

     Dark Horse Comics is in the middle of publishing a three-issue premier story arc for a new science fiction series entitled The Massive.  The series follows the dramatic struggles of a band of seafaring environmentalists struggling to survive in a post-crash world.  Issue #1 kicks-off the three-part story entitled "Landfall," establishing the concept that the global environment and world social order has collapsed following a series of unexplained environmental mega-disasters.  The Ninth Wave oceanic activist group is patrolling the Bering Strait searching for their lost sister ship called The Massive when they're attacked by Siberian pirates.  Sub-plots established in issue #1 included the pirate attack and mysteries surrounding both the fate of The Massive and the cause of the world-wide collapse.  The series is scripted by Brian Wood with art by Kristian Donaldson and colors by Dave Stewart.

     Issue #2 advances the plot in three alternating storythreads.  A new subplot focuses on the struggles of The Ninth Wave activists one year ago at the start of the world-wide collapse.  Group leader Israel Callum leads the battered team into Hong Kong harbor in search of fuel and supplies within the partly-submerged city.  Action ensues as the team has a deadly confrontation with local residents struggling to establish a new social order.  The additional two subplots continue story elements from issue #1, further progressing the Siberian pirate confrontation and the slow revealing of the details of the world-wide collapse.  By issue's end, the crew has discovered a bit more about the origins of the pirate attack, while a few of the environmentalists begin crossing the Bering Strait to seek help in what's left of Alaska.

     This is a suspenseful and entertaining sci-fi adventure series that works well for several reasons.  The best thing that this series has going for it is the strong writing skills of A-list scripter Brian Woods.  Woods avoids the easy trap of environmental preachiness, using the main event of worldwide collapse as an always close backdrop while he focuses on unfolding a traditional thriller adventure tale.  His cast of characters are diverse and well-rounded, from group leader Israel Callum through the main and supporting cast members.  I particularly enjoyed the air of mystery saturating this tale; at every twist and turn there are one or more mysteries thrown at the reader, from the origins of the world disaster to the mystery of the missing ship, all the way down to the vague personal backgrounds and hidden secrets of just about every crew member.

     There's a lot of engrossing entertainment in the first two issues of this series, so much so that I'm wondering how the creative team is going to give us any sense of story arc completeness with only one more monthly issue remaining in this brief kick-off three-part story arc.  But in the hands of this skilled creative team, I'm confident that the initial story conclusion in next month's issue #3 will establish enough goings-on to carry this title into worthwhile additional monthly story adventures.  So get on down to That's Entertainment and add this very enjoyable science fiction adventure series to your always-growing summertime new issues reading pile!

Contest Winner Announcement!!!

      Our latest contest challenged you to correctly identify the few players in Major League Baseball history who have actually played all nine (9) field positions in only one game.  And our contest winner is (drumroll, please)...Ray Loughlin III, who correctly identified the five following players who have achieved the rare feat: Bert Campaneris (A's, 1965), Cesar Tovar (Twins, 1968), Jose Oquendo (Cardinals, 1988), Scott Shelden (Rangers, 2000) and Shane Halter (Tigers, 2000).  Congratulations to Ray, who wins our first prize $10.00 gift certificate to That's Entertainment!!!

New Contest Challenge Announcement!!!

     Since we're in the middle of the baseball season, let's stick with baseball for our new contest.  Our latest contest challenge is an off-beat Red Sox trivia question suggested by Ray Loughlin, Jr., father of our contest winner above.  Your new challenge is to e-mail us at Gordon_A@msn.com no later than Wednesday, August 8 listing as many Red Sox players as you can find in the history of the team whose last name is the same as a Massachusetts city or town.  Whoever correctly lists the most players in this category will win our first prize $10.00 gift certificate to That's Entertainment.  In the event of multiple entries of lists with the same number of correct players, the winner will be selected from among those entries via a roll of the dice.  Please note that our first prize $10.00 gift certificate to That's Entertainment is redeemable for regular retail merchandise or in-store ongoing specials, only.

     That's all for now, so have two great 2012 London Olympics-watching and comic book reading weeks and see you again on Friday, August 10 Here In Bongo Congo!

Comic Reviews 7/13/12

Here In Bongo Congo

     Good King Leonardo has decreed that we kick-off this week's column with a review of a new nonfiction book on the current status of the comic book industry, followed by reviews of three new comic book titles.  So let's get right to our reading material and see what these new publications are all about:

 

 

Comic-Con And The Business Of Pop Culture

Publisher: McGraw Hill

Rob Salkowitz: Author

 

    McGraw Hill has just published a new non-fiction book that examines both the flagship San Diego Comic-Con and the wider issue of the future of comic books within the ever-changing world of the global multimedia entertainment system.  The investigation is authored by Rob Salkowitz, a self-confessed 40-something comic fanboy who also happens to be an experienced business technology consultant, futurist and instructor in the Digital Media program at the University of Washington.

 

     Even non-fanboys and fangirls are aware of the rise of comics in the past generation to a lucrative position at the center of American popular culture.  Salkowitz begins his investigation by initially charting that ascension, centering upon the evolution of San Diego Comic-Con from a small 1970 funny book show to today's multi-media Hollywood extravaganza that attracts at least 130,000 attendees every July for a four-day mega-media blitz. The story quickly shifts to the July 2011 Comic-Con, in which Salkowitz and his fellow fan wife Eunice immerse themselves in the San Diego transmedia experience that crossconnects and ultimately dwarfs the traditional comic book industry with all forms of modern-day technological visual delivery at a global scale.

 

     Its a dizzying trip through Comic-Con, as Salkowitz deftly lays-out the complexity, depth and color of an industry that on the one hand has exploded with Hollywood corporate commitment and funding while on the opposite extreme experiences ever more balkanization and confusing fragmentation, as new technologies accelerate such trends as hands-on fan involvement, print-on-demand production and creator-owned properties that all jostle for attention and ultimate domination of the comics industry.

 

     However, the theme of the book isn't Comic-Con in and of itself, but rather how the San Diego experience encapsulates the bigger struggles occuring in 2012 for the heart and soul of the general comics-related entertainment industry.  Such megatrends as Hollywood embracing big-budget comic movie productions and digital comic book downloading have moved comics into what Salkowitz calls the world of "transmedia."  As such, in the transmedia environment, the traditional Batman comic book is now interlinked with Batman movies, animated t.v. shows, digital downloads, fan-based creative endeavors and of course video games, such as the "Lego Batman 2" game which received a positive review just this morning in my local town newspaper.  The result is a dizzying choice of ever-changing entertainment options, all of which accelerate the decline of the traditional back issue comic-collecting hobby as well as a nationwide plummeting of sales for monthly new issue, traditional print comic books.

 

     The strength of this investigation is two-fold.  First, we're treated to many interesting facts about how we got to the current crossroads in the comics industry as well as facts regarding the current state of the genre.  My favorite nugget culled from this information category is a fascinating explanation of how the comic book publishing industry back in the 1980's completely ruined the "training," so to speak, of comics reading within the general populace by abandoning traditional pharmacy sales in order to sole-source sales through emerging speciality comics shops.  This lessening of common retail outlets offering comics took parental purchase power out of the sales picture, as parents were more inclined to buy their youngsters comics during routine family shopping excursions as opposed to going out of their way to visit the unfamiliar new concept of specialty shops.

 

     Secondly and more importantly, Salkowitz brings his professional corporate analysis skills to bear in analyzing the comics industry's future place in the ever-expanding transmedia world.  Using the management technique of scenario planning, he postulates four potential future paths for the health of the comics industry.  Creatively labeling these scenarios as Endless Summer, Infinite Crisis, The Expanding Multiverse and Ghost World, these hypothetical futures range from positive comics expansion into the new transmedia alternatives to negative decline into a niche specialty hobby on par with antiquing or poetry reading.  Salkowitz emphasizes that no one scenario will be predictive of the true future, but rather elements of two or more of these alternatives will likely blend into a true future reality for the industry.

 

     Beyond the obvious conclusion that this book is a fun and entertaining read for all of comic fandom, this is an important book in many respects; similar to its subject matter, Salkowitz's investigation transcends the niche of comicdom, interconnecting our fun hobby with wider societal and popular culture issues.  There are very valuable lessons offered here on understanding such interconnected subjects as the global economy, ever-accelerating advances in popular technology and communication, mass media and the traditional genres of art and creativity.  "Comic Con And The Business Of Pop Culture" itself even transcends traditional publishing sales categories, with its subject matter making it a worthy and valuable addition to reading lists on corporate management, futurism and sociology.  The book breaks new ground in our understanding of the overdrive characterizing today's popular culture and as such deserves to be at the very top of any recommended reading list, from summer reading to management references to academic reading lists.

 

     So take advantage of the various methodologies explored in the book: whether by traditional bookstore or internet purchase, whether in traditional print format or Kindle/I-Pad/Whatever, by all means purchase and read a copy of this groundbreaking work that illuminates all that is happening right now in the fast-paced and ever-shifting world of American and global popular culture.

 

 

Atomic Robo #1 (Volume 7)

Publisher: Red 5 Comics

Brian Clevinger: Writer

Scott Wegener: Art

Nick Filardi: Colors

     Everyone's favorite sentient robot is back this month with the premier issue #1 in Volume 7 of Atomic Robo, published by Red 5 Comics.  For the uninitiated, Atomic Robo was created in 1923 by Thomas Edison's inventor rival Nichola Tesla.  As the genius head of Tesladyne research corporation, Robo has globespanning science/explorer/thriller adventures.  The extremely popular series is well-known for three elements: dry wit/tongue-in-cheek humor, the clever story element of setting each 5-issue story volume in a different post-1920's historical era and the sporadic appearance of Dr. Dinosaur, one of the more entertaining idiot villains in current comic book publishing.  Atomic Robo is the creation of writer Brian Clevinger, artist Scott Wegener and colorist Nick Filardi.

     The new multi-issue story arc is entitled "The Flying She-Devils Of The Pacific."  Set in 1951, the issue #1 plot unfolds in three acts.  Act One is an extended fight scene; as Robo tests an early jetfighter prototype, he stumbles into an airbattle between two groups of high tech air combatants.  Act Two unfolds after Robo is shot-down and rescued by one side from the battle.  The premise unfolds that the rescuers are a group of former South Pacific female WW II Allied soldiers who went AWOL after the war, apparently continuing combat against a similar group of Japanese deserters.  Everyone's using high tech weaponry designed by a few eccentric inventors affiliated with each side of the fight.  Act Three focuses on the Japanese side of the secret war, as in a bridge to next month's issue #2 story segment, the Japanese forces successfully complete phase one of a new strategy to finally win the 6-year-long post-WW II conflict.

     I'm an unabashed major fan of all things Atomic Robo, from the artwork to the humor to the highly entertaining personalities of Robo and his regular support characters, so its doubtful that I would stray from heaping high praise on any new issue of this title.  However, there are a few story elements within Volume 7 that differentiate the current storyline from the previous story volumes and are worth noting.  First-up is a deeper layer of story detail and dialogue than found in previous Robo issues.  I've been frustrated at times by the quickness of earlier Robo tales, fast-paced with minimal story narrative and dialogue.  There's a lot more story meat in this issue, giving the reader the feel of almost two story segments in one issue.  A second element worth noting is the plot premise itself.  Hats-off is due to writer Brian Clevinger for coming-up with a very fresh and unique WW II spin-off storyline.  There's a fun science fiction feel to the story concept of a secret WW II conflict continuing in the South Pacific for years after the real-world 1945 end of the war.  It should be fun to see where this fictional history takes us in upcoming story segments.

     Our third interesting story element is an emphasis on strong female characters carrying the storyline.  Atomic Robo has always been a comic title that features strong women, whether they're brilliant Tesladyne scientists or fellow adventurers who rescue Robo and save the day as much as their male counterparts.  This story element is featured even more front-and-center in this tale, with issue #1 introducing some very entertaining individual women characters who together comprise the all-female Allied fighting forces against the seemingly all-male Japanese military forces.  These three story elements combine with the usual high quality of this title to produce the most entertaining volume yet of this remarkable and just-plain-fun comic book adventure series.  So an obvious thumbs-up positive review recommendation to get onboard with issue #1 of this latest Robo volume and while you're at it, check-out the back issues and graphic reprint compilations of the first six volumes, all available at That's Entertainment!

Winter Soldier #7

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Ed Brubaker: Writer

Michael Lark: Pencils

Brian Theis & Stefano Gaudiano: Inks

Bettie Breitweiser: Colors

     Marvel Comics is currently up to issue #7 of its Winter Soldier title.  As all Good Marvel Readers know, the Winter Soldier is a current-day persona of Captain America's sidekick James "Bucky" Barnes, who was revived by Soviet agents after his initial WWII death and brainwashed to serve as a Cold War Soviet assassin.  These days, a memory-restored Bucky/Winter Soldier has espionage adventures working with his sidekick the Black Widow/Natasha Romanov in coordination with U.S. spy services.  This comic book title is currently scripted by A-list writer Ed Brubaker with pencils by Michael Lark, inks by Brian Theis and Stefano Gaudiano, and colors by Bettie Breitweiser.

     Issue #7 is part two of a multi-issue story arc entitled "Broken Arrow."  A page one narrative summarizes the story so far, explaining that rogue former Soviet agent Leonid Novokov whom Bucky had mentored in his bad old days is on the attack, killing former stand-ins of the Winter Soldier on order to flush Bucky out into an open confrontation.  In the first half of the issue, our duo, in partnership with CIA Agent Sitwell, follow Novokov's trail of carnage as he kidnaps an American research scientist.  When the Black Widow discovers a secret past of the scientist relevant to her own personal history, the action ramps-up in the second part of the tale, as the good guys conduct a fast-paced raid on the suspected location of their prey.  After a dramatic car chase, the story segment ends in a cliffhanger to issue #8, as Novokov both springs a trap and reveals an unexpected motive for his actions.

     This is a very entertaining non-mega event comic book, of the high quality that I've come to expect from comics creator Ed Brubaker.  In many ways, Brubaker is the legimate Marvel heir to the late, great Gene Colan, consistently delivering serious thriller stories that blend real world situations with various Marvel hero characters in a visually-pleasing cinematic graphic style.  Reading this comic book is a visual experience akin to watching an entertaining television or movie spy thriller.  While the entire creative team deserves credit, a particular shout-out is due to colorist Bettie Breitweiser, whose color pallette and shadings are pitch perfect for the tone of this style of spy adventure.

     Again, I don't want to be a spoilsport and reveal any specifics, but there's a host of entertaining twists and plot surprises scattered throughout this issue.  Those story gems, combined with the writing and artwork quality detailed above, ultimately mix together to produce a very satisfying hero/thriller adventure tale.  So yet another positive thumbs-up review recommendation to definitely include this enjoyable comic book in your ever-growing pile of summertime new comic books.

The Tick #100: The Tick Meets Invincible

Publisher: New England Comics Press

Benito Cereno: Writer

Les McClaine: Art

     There's an issue #100 special edition of The Tick currently on the new issues shelves.  Many fans are no doubt aware of the colorful background story to the origin of this popular character.  The Tick was created by 18-year-old Ben Edlund in 1986 as a newsletter mascot for Norwood-based New England Comics.  When Edland further produced a few black-and-white issues for the comic shop, the character took-off huge, eventually going national and crossing genres from nationwide comic book sales to a three-season Fox network animated series, culminating with a short-lived 2001 live-action Fox series starring well-known comic actor Patrick Warburton in the title role.  The Tick is an iconic parody of superhero comics, with our good-hearted oddball hero fighting crime to the sound of his nonsensical battle cry of "Spoon!"  Issue #100 is written by Benito Cereno with art by Les McClaine.

     The issue #100 story is entitled "Nigh-Invincible" and co-stars the Robert Kirkman/Cory Walker-created superhero Invincible.  The goofy plot kicks-off with a local turf war breaking-out between rival villain gangs respectively led by Tick perennial villain Chairface and Martin Of Mars, a new villain leader in Town.  When Martin uses a weapon to pull Invincible to our timeline from an alternate reality, its up to the new dynamic duo, assisted by Tick's regular cast of sidekicks, to take-on the new baddie and his gang of blob creatures.  When Martin of Mars accidentally kills the Tick's best buddy Arthur, our hero goes nuts, following Martin back to Mars and with the assistance of Invincible, dispatching the villain in a wacky and mega-scale way.  The issue ends with a surprise twist that will surely lead to the happy return to life of Arthur in the next Tick issue.

     I was quickly won over to this highly entertaining and funny comic book for a few reasons, the first being the top notch humor and storytelling.  The current creative team of writer Benito Cereno and artist Les McClaine just plainly know what they're doing, producing a sharp superhero parody that transcends the regional publishing roots of this title, placing the Tick on par with the best of the funny stuff out there in the wide world of comic book publishing.  A second shout-out is due for the quality of the parody details; in addition to the basic funniness, there's an effective element of superhero satire throughout the issue.  My favorite item in this category is the persona of Martin The Martian, who's clearly a buffed tribute to the pint-sized Martian featured in many classic Bugs Bunny cartoons.  He even delivers the familiar "this makes me angry, very angry indeed..." line from those classic Bugs/Martian confrontations.

     A third tip-of-the-review-hat is deserved for the filler material that follows the 24-page main story.  This oversized anniversary issue is stuffed with articles, columns, previous cover reproductions and sketch/panel reprints well-worth the bargain $6.99 issue price.  My favorite bit of anniversary news gleaned from this material is the dual confession of writer Cereno and publisher George Suarez that this isn't really a 100th anniversary issue!  When one adds-up all of the previous tick issues under various title runs, there's slightly over 100, but what the heck, since there are "at least 99 issues of The Tick prior to this one," why not throw a summertime party and crown the latest issue with the official 100th title designation as the centerpiece for a mid-summer celebration!  That's a wacky philosophy that you gotta love and only adds to the campiness and humor of this Tick special edition.  So by all means, load-up on some summertime laughs with this enjoyable riff on superheroing starring our likeable hero buddy from nearby Norton, Massachusetts!

Contest Winner Announcement!!!

     Our latest contest challenge was for you to pitch to us your favorite current television series within the science fiction/fantasy/horror genre.  The Bongo Congo Panel of Contest Judges received several fine and worthy series nominations, all of which are interesting shows within the genre.  And our winner is (drumroll, please)...Stan Hosmer, who wins with his nomination of Doctor Who as his favorite science fiction t.v. series.  Stan explains that he loves the backstory, the rotating cast of companions and imaginative creatures/villains and how the main character manages to remain a mystery in many ways.  He also admires the fantastic way that the show's creators cover for themselves when whenever there's a substitution of the actor who plays the character of Dr. Who himself.

     For those of you unfamiliar with the show, the series began in 1963 and is the longest-running science fiction television show in the world.  The role of the Doctor has been played by 11 different actors over the years, with the change in person cleverly explained as the good Doctor "regenerating" himself with new features and a new personality.  Congratulations to Stan who wins our first prize $10.00 gift certificate to That's Entertainment!

New Contest Challenge Announcement!!!

     Given that we're in the dog days of summer baseball with our Red Sox mired at the bottom of the AL East Division, the Bongo Congo Panel of Contest Judges has decided to try and cheer-up fans with a baseball trivia contest.  Your challenge is to e-mail us at Gordon_A@msn.com no later than Wednesday, July 25 with the answer to the following question: What are the names of the few Major League Baseball players who have actually played all nine field positions in the course of one game (that includes pitcher and catcher!).  Believe it or not, the situation has occurred more than one time.  As always, in the event of multiple correct entries, our contest winner will be chosen via a roll of the dice.  Please note that our first prize $10.00 gift certificate to That's Entertainment is redeemable for regular retail merchandise or in-store ongoing specials, only.

     That's all for now, so have two great summertime weather and comic book reading weeks and see you again on Friday, July 27 Here In Bongo Congo!

Comic Reviews 6/29/12

Here In Bongo Congo

     Good King Leonardo has decreed that we review four interesting new comic books this week, so let's get right to it and see what these new titles are all about:

 

Before Watchmen: Minutemen #1

Publisher: D.C. Comics

Darwyn Cooke: Writer and Artist

Phil Noto: Colors

     DC Comics has just launched a new interconnected mini-series of comic book titles set within the storyverse of the acclaimed Watchmen graphic novel.  I don't think that I need to detail the background of Watchmen, as there probably isn't a fanboy or fangirl on the planet who isn't at least minimally aware of the iconic and unique superhero series created in the 1980's by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons.  The idea here is to feature a prequel series starring The Minutemen, the 1940's-era group of superheros featured in the graphic novel (and subsequent movie) who were succeeded a generation later by the Watchmen group of heroes.  Watchmen members also star in this series, in stories set prior to the era of the original graphic series.  I chose to review the kick-off issue of the Minutemen title, which is written and drawn by a-list comic book creator Darwyn Cooke with colors by Phil Noto.

       Issue #1 begins a multi-issue story arc entitled "The Minute Of Truth."  The plot begins with the present-day reminiscences of elderly former Minuteman The Nite Owl as he muses over the draft of a tell-all book about his superhero experiences.  The bulk of the issue consists of an extended flashback to 1939; in a series of vignettes, each member of the Minutemen is introduced at the very start of their young careers.  Thus we see the early efforts of Hooded Justice, Sally Jupitor, The Nite Owl, Eddy Blake, Byron Lewis, Dollar Bill, Avenging Angel and Nelson Gardner as they each in turn jumpstart their respective solo crimefighting careers.  The issue concludes with a focus on Nelson Gardner as he reaches out to the other individuals with the suggestion that they team-up into the Minutemen.

     Creator Darwyn Cooke is both smart and skilled enough to avoid trying to match the literary quality of the classic Watchmen series.  Instead, he expands the range of that world using his own unique artistic and narrative style to add a new comic book flavor to the Watchmen franchise. The result is high quality entertainment, an interpretation of the world-of-Watchmen that's less grand and epic than the original, but frankly filled with a lot more basic comic book storytelling entertainment.  Credit is also due to Cooke for structuring the kick-off issue as a series of mini-vignettes revealing the early days of each Minuteman team member.  It all serves as both a fun read and an excellent briefing on who these folks are, prior to next month's issue when they start to gather for team adventure.

     In addition to the Minutemen title in this series, DC has released first issues of Before Watchmen titles starring Nite Owl himself and two of the actual Watchmen, both Silk Spectre and the infamous Comedian.  I'm personally looking forward to next checking-out Silk Spectre #1, given that Darwyn Cooke and fellow A-list creator Amanda Connor team-up to produce what potentially could be a gem of a title. Word on the street is that Watchmen creator Alan Moore is furious the DC is exercising their publishing rights and producing this prequel series. That's a shame, for while I respect the creator's feelings, this is a harmless and enjoyable addition to the Watchman storyverse.  So a definite positive thumbs-up review recommendation to kick-off the start of your comic book reading summer by diving-into Minutemen and the other connected titles in DC's new Before Watchmen event series!

Fury Max #2

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Garth Ennis: Writer

Goran Parlov: Art

Lee Loughridge: Colors

     The Max Comics imprint published by Marvel Comics recently began publishing a new Nick Fury comic book title.  For the uninitiated, Marvel created the Max comics line in 2001 in order to publish a line of adult story-themed titles, with content equivalent to that of an R-rated movie.  Previous Nick Fury titles within the imprint have been heavily criticized by Nick Fury creator Stan Lee as needlessly over-the-top violent and gory.  This latest Fury series is set in 1950's French-controlled Indochina, with Fury as an American agent assigned to advise the French in the well-known colonial war that evolved into the Vietnam War in the 1960's.  The title is scripted by Garth Ennis of "Hellblazer" and "Preacher" fame, with art by Goran Parlov and colors by Lee Loughridge.

     The title of this multi-issue story arc is "My War Gone By."  Issue #2 interweaves two sub-plots that began in the previous premier issue.  One storythread focuses on the interactions between Fury, visiting American Congressman "Pug" McClusky and his sexy staffer Shirley Defabio, with whom Fury falls into a heavy sexual relationship.  This storythread focuses both on the passionate personal relationship and the trio engaging in diplomatic maneuvering with the French authorities.  Our second plotline is more action-oriented, as Fury and his military attache George Hatherly get out into the countryside into the thick of the wartime action.  This storythread dominates the second half of the issue by unfolding a very detailed battle sequence which climaxes with a major act of bravery by Hatherly.

     This is a wonderful new Nick Fury character interpretation to add to the decades-long archive of Nick Fury titles. Whether or not its in reaction to Stan Lee's criticism, the excessive gore and violence of the earlier Max Fury title is missing.  In the hands of A-list writer Garth Ennis, this latest Fury is the perfect blend of the well-known curmudgeon of a career warrior acting-out in a more adult-world setting.  Ennis seamlessly blends the use of adult language and heavy sexuality with the traditional Fury character without the oft-repeated mistake of many adult-themed comics, of overshadowing basic storytelling elements with gore, sex or strong language just for its own sake.  The result is a perfect-pitch Nick Fury tale that feels much more real-world than the average non-superhero comic book tale.

     A tip-of-the-review hat is also due to the creative team for two additional story features.  The first is the art team's graphic style, which is both fresh and very appropriate for this type of military adventure comic book.  The second is the skill that writter Ennis brings in weaving a story theme into the plot regarding the difficulty of comfortably separating good and evil in wartime situations.  This issue is effectively and dramatically illustrated in the ongoing hateful relationship between Fury's good guy attache Hathaway and Sergeant Steinhoff, an unrepentent German Nazi now advising the French colonial forces and pairing with Fury and Hathaway in the current wartime scene.

     So another worthy positive review recommendation is deserved for this new title.  Whether you're a fan of Nick Fury himself or just looking for a military adventure-themed comic book, you'll be highly entertained by this very well-crafted new addition to the military adventure comic book genre.

All Star Western #7

Publisher: D.C. Comics

Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray: Writers

Moritat: Artist

Gabriel Bautista: Colors

     DC Comics's "New 52" re-boot of All Star Western is currently up to issue #7.  This is the third version published by DC over the years of this well-know western comic book series.  It currently connects with the "Night Of The Owls" Batman publishing event by presenting an multi-issue story arc starring Jonah Hex, Amadeus Arkham and other 19th century-era familiar DC characters in an Old West adventure taking place in historical Gotham City.  The series is co-written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray with art by Moritat and Gabriel Bautista.

    The ongoing story is entitled "Vengeance In The Big Easy" and advances the multi-issue tale by advancing the plot in three acts.  Act One tosses the reader into the thick of an ongoing battle between good and bad guys in "The Big Easy" of New Orleans that seems to be a culmination of an adventure that mostly played-out in the previous issue. For several pages, a group of heroes that includes Jonah Hex and the masked adventurer duo of Nighthawk and Cinnamon struggle with and eventually subdue a crew of masked and ordinary bad guys.  Act Two occurs hours after the battle, as Jonah Hex has a confrontation with a mysterious 19th century version of one of the masked owl baddies familiar to readers of the main "Night Of The Owls" Batman storyline. Our final Act Three shifts the plot back to 19th century Gotham City, in which a Wild West adventurer named Tallulah Black confronts a gathering of Gotham's power elite, including a Bruce Wayne ancestor, to seek revenge for a western land grab scheme. The episode ends in a bridge to issue #10 as Jonah Hex and friends wade-into the confrontation.

     While this is an interesting and entertaining slice of the 19th century historical period of the DC Universe, the issue could really use a brief kick-off summary narrative of the storyline to-date; this is one of the more difficult comic books that I've come across in awhile to fully decipher all of the story elements without the aid of a brief narrative link to the previous story installments.  Still, its a very fun read, with a plot of the usual high quality from the A-list writing partnership of Palmiotti and Gray, as well as excellent western-genre story art from Moritat and Bautista.  However, its clear that the one-shot reader such as myself is missing-out on appreciating a lot of the little nuances along with the full texture and depth of this multi-issue story arc.  One nuance that's worth mentioning and actually is understandable for the casual reader is a hilarious mid-issue discussion of a past marriage of Jonah Hex, the details of which I'll leave for readers to fully enjoy themselves.

     There's also a brief back-up tale in this issue starring the duo of Nighthawk and Cinnamon.  That secondary story plot does stand-alone very well on its own two feet.  So while I'm giving this comic book a deserved thumbs-up positive review recommendation, its with the caveat that The Good DC Reader consider backpedaling to check-out one or two of the previous month's issues of All Star Western, in order to fully appreciate this segment of the multi-issue story arc.  However, if you're not able to do so, this is still an entertaining enough western genre comic book to read in its own right.

The Ravagers #1

Publisher: D.C. Comics

Howard Mackie: Writer

Ian Churchill: Art

Norm Rapmund & Ian Churchill: Inks

Alex Sollazzo: Colors

     Among the newly-issued comic books within DC's "Second Wave" of titles that both follow-up and tweak the "New 52" publishing event is a series entitled "The Ravagers."  Issue #1 continues an origin story begun in the recent Teen Titans #9 comic book, presenting a new group of Teen Heroes led by Dr. Caitlin Fairchild, a good-looking scientist who rescued the superpowered teens from a prison lab and attempts to form the ragtag fugitives into a working team.  The new title is scripted by Howard Mackie with art by Ian Churchill, inks by Norm Rapmund and Ian Churchill and colors by Alex Sollazo.

     The new adventure plot, entitled "Children Of Destiny," consists of a one issue-length scene detailing the group's attempt to survive their initial prison lab break, as they make a stand in the icy nowhere of northern Alaska.  The issue #1 story segment mixes equal portions of battle action and emotional angst.  On the battle side of the story, both the main group of fugitives and various breakaway members fight separate battles against their seemingly relentless and overpowering prison lab pursuers.  The angst pie is split in half and shared respectively by Dr. Fairchild and a brother-sister duo of fugitives.  Dr. Fairchild muses throughout the issue in a narrative voice in which she expresses her insecurities in getting these meta-human teens to both respect her and follow her leadership, while the superpowered siblings struggle with balancing their thirst for revenge vs. fleeing to safety.  Without being a detail spoiler, the issue concludes with a very dramatic and risky last-ditch effort by the group to evade their close-at-hand pursuers.

     Similar to the All Star Western title reviewed above, I have a mixed reaction to this comic book, which ultimately lands the issue in qualified positive review territory.  On the plus side, I'm intrigued by this fresh mix of Teen Titan-like heroes, mixing a few familiar young heroes such as Beast Boy and Terra with some fresh meta-humans, all led by an implausibly sexy young scientist who looks like a redhaired version of Power Girl, if Power Girl picked-up a science Ph.D and worked undercover in an evil science lab.  There's enough kitsch and story potential in that premise alone to last at least 12 issue's worth of storytelling.  But writer Howard Mackie's plot is too loaded with overly lengthy, plodding scenes in which the teen characters hash over the details of every felt emotion or impulse.  Its like watching a few scenes from Beverly Hills 90210 stuck on an endless repeated loop.  Note to creative team: less can be so much more when exploring teen angst and issues of insecurities, especially in a comic book adventure with superpowered bad guys hot on the good guy's meta-human tails.

     Teenaged readers can probably relate better to that level of teen emotional introspection, so for those readers I'd recommend that they dive-into reading and enjoying this latest new teen-aged group of powered teens.  For post-teenaged adult readers, I'd recommend checking-out this new title for the curiosity of seeing the membership of this new team.  But unless the story approach matures in an issue or two, I can't forsee the average mature comic book reader (is that phrase a potential contradiction in terms?) becoming a loyal monthly reader of this new series.

Contest Winner Announcement!!!

     Our current contest challenged you to identify which popular science fiction/fantasy/horror genre television character died in a popular t.v. series and ended up with the cheesy epitaph "She Saved The World A Lot" on her gravestone.  We had several correct entries, so via a roll of the dice our contest winner is (drumroll, please)...Christopher Begley, who correctly named the well-known Buffy Summers of "Buffy The Vampire" fame as our heroine-with-the-oddball-gravestone.  For the uninitiated, Buffy died saving the world (once again!) at the end of Season 5, then was resurrected at the beginning of Season 6 for two more television season's worth of vampire slaying/loving and demon fighting.  Congrats to Christopher, who wins our first prize $10.00 gift certificate to That's Entertainment!

New Contest Announcement!!!

     Our above contest inspired the Bongo Congo Panel Of Contest Judges to announce another television-based contest.  As such, your new challenge is to e-mail us at Gordon_A@msn.com no later than Wednesday, July 11 identifying your favorite television series currently on-air within the science fiction, fantasy and/or horror genres.  Besides naming the show, tell us a bit about why this show rises above the pack as your favorite series.  Remember, we want a show that's currently on-air, anywhere from this past television season onward.  We'll hold a future contest asking for favorite shows from the past.  Please note that our first prize $10.00 gift certificate to That's Entertainment is redeemable for regular retail merchandise or in-store ongoing specials, only.

     That's all for now, so have two great summertime Red Sox watching and comic book reading weeks and see you again on July 13 Here In Bongo Congo!

Comic Reviews 6/9/12

Here In Bongo Congo

     Good King Leonardo has decreed that its another Official Eclectic Week Here In Bongo Congo, so let's review a wide variety of comic book titles for this week's four reviews:

G.I. Combat #1

Publisher: D.C. Comics

J.T. Krul, Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti: Writers

Ariel Olivetti & Dan Panosian: Art

Rob Schwager: Colors

     D.C. Comics has recently premiered several new titles as part of its "Second Wave" marketing event, which adjusts the publishing inventory of its "New 52" titles after one year of that grouping of DC comic books being published.  One of the Second Wave titles is the return of the Silver Age iconic army comic book, "G.I. Combat."  Issue #1 features two stories, each of which kicks-off a respective multi-issue story arc.  The first tale is a science fiction/military adventure written by J.T. Krul with art by Ariel Olivetti and the second story is an Unknown Soldier feature scripted by the A-list writing duo of Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti, with art by Dan Panosian and colors by Rob Schwager.

     The main feature story is entitled "The War That Time Forgot" and is a retake of the classic comic book/science fiction plotline of modern-day soldiers fighting dangerous dinosaurs.  In this instance, the setting is North Korea; when U.S. intelligence monitoring discovers a dead communications zone in that country, a U.S. Special Forces team is sent-in to investigate.  When the Special Forces coptor convoy is attacked by prehistoric pterodactyls, only two soldiers survive to wander the woods and wonder how prehistoric creatures are alive and kicking.  The issue #1 story segment ends in a dramatic two-page, single scene spread, as the pair stumble into an all-out battle between local North Korean troops and a herd of giant dinosaurs including T Rex's.  Our second story is a reinterpretation of the origins of The Unknown Soldier.  In this version of his story, our anonymous hero comes of age on the Afghanistan battlefield.  After his initial battlefield heroism and resulting facial mutiliation, the Soldier comes to the attention of the Army brass.  Via flashback, he details his military history, progressing from the death of his family in a London terrorist attack to failing the medical exam for U.S. Army enlistment and finally enlisting in the South African Army, thereby gaining access to fighting in the war against terrorism overseas.  The initial story segment concludes with our hero being informed that he's being recruited by U.S. intelligence for bigger and better action in next month's issue #2 story segment.

     DC's G.I. Combat title has a long publication history as well as a distinguished reputation for bringing a wide variety of military genre storytelling to generations of comic book reading fans.  I'm pleased to write that this latest installment succeeds in maintaining that level of story quality and tradition.  "The War That Time Forgot" walks a well-worn trail with yet another retelling of the often-presented soldiers-vs.-dinos comic book tale.  Yet the creative team avoids the hack retread trap by making a strong effort to update the story details into our present-day world.  The story's relevant setting within the ongoing real-world U.S.-North Korean tension, combined with the current events details of today's Special Forces operations makes for a fresh and entertaining re-telling of this type of sci-fi/military adventure.  It should be interesting to see how future segments of this story arc mix the dinosaur sub-plot with the emerging sub-plot of U.S. military forces operating (and stranded) in a hostile country's terrritory.  The Unknown Soldier back-up story is even more entertaining than the feature tale.  There's no comic book writing partnership better these days than Gray and Palmiotti, and their skills are on full display here with sharp dialogue, engrossing story details and a just-plain-refreshing re-boot of the Unknown Soldier story concept to fit our modern world.

      My only constructive criticism is that the editors should have flipped the order of these two tales.  Without taking anything away from the fun and quality of "The War That Time Forgot," in the hands of Gray and Palmiotti there's just more story detail, dialogue and substance to The Unknown Soldier tale, resulting in a story that deserves the lead slot in this issue.  I suspect that DC made the decision to kick-off with the dinos-vs.-soldiers tale, along with its featured place on the issue #1 cover, to take advantage of the summertime movie blockbuster marketing strategy of featuring the more sci-fi genre fare that summertime and beach readers prefer this time of year.  Nothing wrong with that, given that we're still getting our fanboy and fangirl money's worth with both of these high quality stories in one comic book issue. So by all means get down to That's Entertainment and add this entertaining return of G.I. Combat to your very own
summertime comic book reading pile!

Dorothy Of Oz Prequel #1

Publisher: IDW Publishing

Denton J. Tipton: Writer

Blair Shedd: Art

Joana Lafuente: Colors

     IDW Publishing has already published three monthly issues of its new Dorothy Of Oz Prequel title.  An inside-the-front-cover narrative explains that in a separate Dorothy Of Oz IDW title, our well-known fantasy heroine is magically transported back to Oz after her original safe return to Kansas that concluded her famous original storyline.  This prequel title documents adventures and developments in the Land of Oz that occur prior to Dorothy's second visit to the magical kingdom.  I decided to review the kick-off issue #1 of this new series, in order to get a good feel for the current multi-issue story arc from the beginning.  The comic book is scripted by Denton J. Tipton with art by Blair Shedd and colors by Joana Lafuente.

       The issue #1 story segment is entitled "The Jester and the Magic Sceptor."  The plot introduces a replacement evil character for the dead Wicked Witch Of The West, in the guise of her brother The Jester.  Settling-into her castle and taking control of her army of flying monkeys, The Jester plots to transform the witch's infamous broom into an all-powerful evil sceptor.  The midsection of the storyline details both his successful effort to steal the broom from the safety of The Emerald City and sleuthing at the crime scene by Dorothy's old pals the (formerly cowardly) Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow.  The final third of the comic book details The Jester's initial efforts to wield the Sceptor's evil power as he causes trouble in Munchkin Land, ultimately kidnapping the Munchkin Mayor as step one toward further shenanigans in issue #2.

     Over the past few years, there's been a run on comic book publishers mining the gold of the Wizard Of Oz story franchise for further adventures and/or reinterpretations of the original Frank L. Baum-authored storyverse that has become so ingrained in the fabric of American pop culture.  High quality examples that I've reviewed in the past year or two include Marvel's Dorothy of Oz limited series and Big Dog Ink's Legend Of Oz Wicked West, one of the best new comic industry titles of 2011.  Maybe I'm just a softie for all things Oz, but in general I've been very impressed with the quality of these efforts, as well as their success in balancing between sticking to the basics of Baum's Oz story universe and presenting fresh plots and story elements for new generations of readers.

     The new Dorothy Of Oz Prequel storyline further adds to the inventory of these high quality and entertaining efforts, for at least three reasons.  First, the series finds its own unique and unexplored niche in the Oz timeline, featuring a timeperiod just after the original story ended and filling-in that gap nicely for the second-coming-of-Dorothy storyline in IDW's other Dorothy title.  Secondly, the new Jester villain is creative and represents a nice direct link to his sister, the deceased Wicked Witch of the West.  Third, the creative team succeeds in balancing the atmosphere of the story so that its entertaining for both little kids and adults, alike.  The basic story details are entertaining for adult readers, while writer Denton J. Tipton throws in light jokes or pratfalls at just the right pace and moments so as not to dissuade younger kids from enjoying the story.  As such, unlike the inaccurate marketing for the Takio comic book reviewed in our last column, this title is truly a comic book for readers of all ages.

     So in sum, a positive thumbs-up review recommendation is well-deserved for this new Dorothy of Oz title to be added to your summertime new issues reading pile.  It offers a fun and refreshing light fantasy change-of-pace to mix-in with the many superhero genre comics that always dominate the summer season's reading lists and new issues shelves.

The Defenders #6

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Matt Fraction: Writer
Victor Ibanez: Art

Chris Sotomayer: Colors

      In December, Marvel began publishing a new version of The Defenders superhero team-up.  Silver Age fans will no doubt remember the iconic front cover of Marvel Feature #1, that introduced the original Defenders as a superhero trio consisting of Dr. Strange, The Submariner and The Hulk.  Since then, the team has undergone various team member adjustments as well as several title runs up to the latest incarnation of the group.  The current Defenders line-up consists of original members Dr. Strange and Namor/The Submariner along with new members The Silver Surfer, Iron Fist and the Red She-Hulk.  This month's issue #6 is scripted by Matt Fraction with art by Victor Ibanez and colors by Chris Sotomayor.

     A page one narrative in issue #6 catches-up the reader to previous developments in this ongoing multi-issue story arc.  To date, the team has stumbled upon two ancient machines that have the immense power of warping space and time.  Dr. Strange had discovered the technology's immeasurable potential as one of the devices read his mind and brought a deceased former girlfriend temporarily back to life.  The challenge of the machines deepens in issue #6 in the face of two parallel mysteries.  First, Iron Fist finds that several of his former superpowered collegues have been systematically murdered, with circumstances pointing to the machines as the cause.  Secondly, Iron Fist and The Silver Surfer stumble across research material that documents an unknown, early 20th century Avengers-like team of heroes who previously interacted with the machines.  It appears that the very public history of this older superhero team has been erased from society's memory, with the clues of this erasure again pointing to the machines.  The issue ends in a bridge to next month's story segment, as a surprise human protector of the technology arrives on the scene, leading Iron Fist to determine that The Defenders must shut-down the machines in order to save mankind.

     The Defenders has a lot going for it in adding an excellent multi-issue storyline to the very long history of Defenders comic books.  Three story elements stand-put for particular recognition.  The first is the new team make-up, which nicely blends the two original members with the three newcomers.  While the Red She-Hulk isn't featured in issue #6, I think she's a great new addition as the Hulk Family successor to the original Hulk.  I also liked learning that Betty Ross is the identity of this new member of the ever-growing Hulk clan.  Secondly, the science fiction element of this plot is original and very well-presented.  Writer Matt Fraction's skill in weaving a sci-fi based tale featuring omnipotent, reality-altering technology is on a par with writer Jonathan Hickman's sci-fi storytelling of the past few years in Marvel's Fantastic Four title, securing Marvel's place as the top publisher of new issue superhero comics that offer quality science fiction genre storylines for readers.  And third is a very effective humanizing of our heroes in this storyline.  While everyone displays their usual superhuman abilities, writer Fraction displays a light, down-to-earth side of some of our heroes, which results in making our heroes more sympathetic and relatable to readers.  Thus we see a Dr. Strange who has normal girlfriend struggles, a Silver Surfer who in his Earthly guise is trying to fit in as an ordinary small-town citizen, and an Iron Fist who has enough Everyman self-doubts in his life to rival Peter Parker/Spiderman in that category.

      A final shout-out must go out to the creative team's extremely entertaining two-page flashback montage that fills-in the reader regarding the team membership and adventures of the Avengers-like mystery team of historic heroes.  Maybe I've missed these folk in some previous Marvel comic book, but they're a new entity to me and they're presented so well in this story segment that I'm hooked on wanting to read more about these guys, hopefully in a comic book title all their own.  So for all of these reasons detailed above as well as lots more story details that I don't want to dwell on for fear of being a story spoiler, by all means all good Marvel readers should come home to the world of The Defenders with this high quality and entertaining latest version of the team.

Hell Yeah #1

Publisher: Image Comics

Joe Keatinge: Writer

Andre Szymanowicz: Art

Jason Lewis: Colors

     Image Comics has already published the first few issues of a new comic entitled Hell Yeah (The Last Generation Of Heroes).  I backtracked to April's issue #1 to get a good feel for this new title from its premier story segment.  April's issue is already in its second printing, which is a good indicator of a strong positive reader response to the new series.  This comic title presents its version of the theme of disaffected children of superheroes trying to make their way in the world, balancing their heritage with their desire to live the life of a normal human being. The title is written by Joe Keatinge with art by Andre Szymanowicz and colors by Jason Lewis.

     The kick-off story segment is set in Portland, Oregon and stars Benjamin, who has a normal father and a superpowered mother.  Benjamin himself harbors some limited powers of strength and endurance, and as such attends a local college for the children of superbeings.  The plot alternates between two subplots; one is a flashback sequence to the Kuwaiti War of 20 years ago, in which unknown superhumans mysteriously arrived on the scene, rescuing Ben's military dad from Iraqi capture.  The current-day subplot alternates between scenes of the superheroes transforming the world into an advanced society over the next 20 years and scenes of Ben's troubled life, as he struggles with violent tendencies that get him into trouble with his college's administration and his parents.  Issue #1 ends in a very dramatic story sequence, as three superpowered women suddenly confront Ben on-campus and announce that they've been searching for him because he's dead in all alternate realities.

     I enjoyed this comic book very much, in spite of a few structural flaws.  On the negative side, writer Keatinge boomerangs somewhat all over the story scene by cramming a few too many story concepts into one kick-off comic book issue.  After layering-in the themes of parental superhero angst, mysterious heroes arriving and changing the world and college-age soap opera drama, we're suddenly confronted with an extra plot layer of alternate reality sci-fi.  On the plus side, while it does feel a bit too cramped for one standard-sized comic book issue, it all somehow manages to coalesce into a logical and entertaining story progression.  I also liked two threads of story mystery woven throughout the tale:  first, the obvious unanswered question of just who the heck are these mysterious powered beings who appeared out of nowhere and secondly, a clever mystery regarding Benjamin's mother.  We never see her visually but only hear her off-stage and thus learn two things about her-Ben and his Dad are scared stiff that she has a murderous temper and both Mom and Dad are hiding a huge mystery regarding the true, hidden identity of their small family.  And as a final review comment, I'm very curious about the series title "Hell Yeah," which doesn't relate to the issue #1 storyline but hopefully will make sense as the plot moves forward.

   

 There have been too many comic titles to easily count over the past decade that offer one or a combination of the story themes outlined above.  But credit is due to this particular creative team for reinvigorating a well-worn theme with a fresh approach to plot and characters.  Mix-into the recipe the mysteries presented in issue #1 and the end product is a decent, entertaining addition to this subgenre of superhero storytelling, well-worth the attention of readers.

Contest Winner Announcement!!!

     Our latest contest is our second annual Summer Movie Blockbuster Challenge, in which you pitched to us your pick for most anticipated movie of the 2012 summer movie season.  We had two excellent finalists and since one is a Marvel-based submittal and one is a DC Comics submittal, to avoid a Coke versus Pepsi decision, we're awarding both entries co-winner status.  And our co-winners are (drumroll, please)...Mike Dooley and Gregory Goding!  Mike was our First Annual Summer Movie Blockbuster Challenge winner last year with his Cowboys Vs. Aliens entry.  This year, Mike makes a strong case for "The Avengers" as the biggest mega-hit of summer 2012, writing that while there are many other strong movie contenders such as Men In Black 3 and Spider-Man, The Avengers is the ultimate culmination of so many previous individual hero Marvel Movies.  He further offers the intriguing idea of following-up this movie not with an Avengers sequel, but instead a Marvel/DC comic universe crossover event!  Co-winner Gregory takes the DC Comics route with his nomination of this summer's installment in the Batman franchise, "The Dark Knight Rises."  Gregory writes that while he thinks the movie won't top its predeccessor "The Dark Knight," the Bane villain character is very compelling and could equal Heath Ledger's Joker in character quality.  He adds that even if the movie quality isn't perfect, there's enough mega-hype marketing frenzy around it to push it to the top of the heap of Summer Movie Moneymaking Blockbusters (SMMB!).  Congrats to our co-winners, who each win a $10.00 gift certificate to our favorite summer blockbuster pop culture emporium, That's Entertainment!

New Contest Announcement!!!

     Our latest contest challenges you to email us at Gordon_A@msn.com with the correct answer to the following television series trivia question:  What popular television character in a science fiction/fantasy/horror genre t.v. series was killed at the end of Season 5 of the series and had the epitaph placed on her tombstone stating "She saved the world a lot"?  As always, in the event of multiple correct answers, our winner of the first prize $10.00 gift certificate to That's Entertainment will be selected from among the correct entries via a roll of the dice.  Please note that our first prize $10.00 gift certificate to That's Entertainment is redeemable for regular retail merchandise or in-store ongoing specials, only.

     That's all for now, so have two great Celtics play-off watching and comic book reading weeks and see you again on June 22 Here In Bongo Congo!

Comic Reviews 5/25/12

Here In Bongo Congo

     Good King Leonardo has noticed that there are lots of interesting-looking premier new comic titles on the That's Entertainment new issues shelves right now, so he's decreed that we review four of them this week.  So let's get going and see what these comic books are all about:
 

Mind The Gap #1

Publisher: Image Comics, Inc.

Jim McCann: Creator/Writer

Rodin Esquejo: Art

     First out of the gate this week among our non-superhero-themed comics is a new comic from Image Comics, Inc. entitled Mind The Gap.  The new series is the creation of writer Jim McCann with art by Rodin Esquejo.

     The introductory issue presents a double-sized 44-page story segment that alternates between two sub-plots.  The initial plotthread is a thriller mystery surrounding a whodunit violent assault on twenty-something New York theatre actress Elle, who is severely injured in a subway platform assault and brought in a coma to St. Francis Hospital.  As Elle's circle of friends and family gather at the hospital, various conflicts and bitter feelings among the gatherers are hinted at.  A larger conspriacy is also afoot, as we learn that the assault was part of a larger, to-date unnamed conspiracy.  Its also clear that one of the people in Elle's life is most likely behind the assault.  The second plotthread is more fantasy-oriented, as we track Elle through an out-of-body experience as she monitors the situation, floating around the hospital and interacting with both a supposed limbo guide named Bobby and some other out-of-body folks at the hospital.  The issue ends in an unexpected plot twist as Elle accidentally pops-into another comatose patient's body and begins to wake-up.

     While the basic plot idea here isn't bad, the overall story presentation is such a trainwreck that this comic title deserves a fast and furious thumbs-down negative review recommendation, for several reasons.  First-up is the poor quality story progression; panels and pages are very disjointed and lacking in logical story flow, to the point where we can't even sort-out who is phoning who in the first half of the tale as Elle's various contacts learn of her accident.  Our second glaring flaw is the cheesiness of the dialogue, as overly self-important characters make over-the-top dramatic statements that are cringe-worthy with every new pronouncement.  Third-up in awfulness is the presentation of Elle's out-of-body experience.  Since the out-of-body afterlife concept has been done to death (no pun intended) for years in film and fiction, the use of it here has to be presented in some fresh and creative manner in order to be entertaining.  Writer McKenna stumbles in the opposite direction here, giving us a tired set of "am I really dead?" cliches.  McCann also can't make-up his mind to develop Elle's experience as either a real post-life step or a figment of her injured mind, as such combining the possibility of either option into a puddle of confused mess.  Our fourth and most failed element is McCann's weak attempt to interweave song lyrics into the tale, choosing incredibly stale and unfitting songs and lyrics to the storyline.

     By issue's end, I couldn't help but visualize McCann as an older, baby-boom aged writer trying to be "hip" by blending a bunch of 1970's era story ideas into a modern-day comic book publication.  He lost my support by the issue's midpoint, when he uses one character to deliver a pretentious pitch how the old Pink Floyd song "Money" is the most unique and complex song of all time.  And as a final element of egotistical self-delusion, there's a self-congratulatory essay at the back of the book in which McCann dissects the "awesome" and "so many incredible moments" of his crappy tale as if he's just written a classic piece of American literature. 

     Its up to somebody else to deliver the dose of therapy that McCann needs to wake-up from his self-grandeur and accept this comic book for the failed piece of junk that it really is.  My role in this mess is to warn off all good readers from wasting money on this wreck and instead read one of the many decent-to-excellent comics currently available on the new issues shelves at That's Entertainment.  So I'll end this review by adding a question mark to the end of its title and providing an answer:  Mind The Gap?  Yes...yes I do very much and I'm pretty sure that you will, too.

Takio #1

Publisher: Marvel ICON Imprint

 Brian Michael Bendis: Writer

Michael Avon Oeming: Art

Nick Filardi: Colors

     Marvel's ICON Imprint has just released issue #1 in a new Takio comic book title.  The ICON Imprint allows Marvel to enter into publishing agreements with creator-owned comic book titles.  Takio is the creation of veteran collaborators Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming, well-known for their work on the popular Powers comic book series, along with colorist Nick Filardi. The current Takio title apparently is being published in follow-up to a graphic novel production from last year.  The series centers on teen girl Takio and her younger sister Olivia, members of a multi-racial adoptive family.  When an accident at a friend's house gives the girls superpowers, they become the only two superheroes in the entire world, while their friend Kelly Sue becomes a supervillain.  As an inside-the-front-cover blurb states, "now the sisters have to get along, save the world and get home by six...or they are so grounded!"

     The 28-page issue #1 story is divided into three segments.  Act One is a semi-humorous scene that features the girls using their telekinetic powers to foil a robbery at a local donut shop.  It's clear that as young superhero wannabe's they have a long way to go in mastering their powers, as well as honing their battle skills.  Act Two features our heroines addressing the secret identity issue, as the young Olivia is barely reined-in by teen sister Takai from revealing their powers on the local school playground.  Takai also focuses on putting the school rumormill to rest regarding the local sighting of our dynamic duo at the donut shop robbery scene.  And Act Three shifts the story focus over onto Kelly Sue; while Kelly Sue seems negative and ambivalent about the superpower situation, her scientist dad works hard to gain an understanding of how he accidentally empowered the three kids.  The issue ends in a dramatic bridge to issue #2, as Kelly Sue's dad, aided by U.S. government operatives, seeks to create a Captain America-style supersoldier using a serum extracted from a Kelly Sue blood sample.

     I got a kick out of this comic book, for a few reasons.  First, its really fun to read a quality comic book concept from Bendis and Oeming that's lighter in tone and attitude than most of their previous outings; granted, these two guys are at the pinnacle of comic book industry quality and success, but most of their story tellings have a very sharp, dark and adult-themed atmosphere.  While it usually results in a quality comic book, its refreshing and just plain interesting to see these guys stretch their creative envelope and try their hand at a lighter storytelling approach.  Secondly, the story concept is intriguing by taking the approach that this is a non-superhero, real-world version of reality.  As such, our heroes really are superpowered in a world in which the other heroes are figments of fanboy imaginations.  Third, I'm intrigued by the characterization of Takai's friend Kelly Sue.  While she's initially referred to as going the villain route with her new powers, at least in issue #1 she's just a kid who's ticked-off about the whole situation, sitting on the sidelines wishing none of it ever happened.  At this stage of the new series, she's actually the most sympathetic of the story characters.  It should be interesting to see if and how the creative team address Kelly Sue's ambivalence toward her powers and her two friends.

     My only constructive criticism of Takai is the marketing pitch repeated throughout this issue that this is a new comic book series created "for readers of all ages."  Its an overblown and basically wrong conclusion.  This is clearly a title written at a level best enjoyed by readers up to the age of 18.  I can't believe that any post-18 aged reader with a normal sense of reading maturity would become a sincere regular fan of reading Takai.  I think it would be better to market it honestly, rather than try to lasso adult fans of the creative team into adding it to their reading pile.  But I could see parents reading the comic along with their children as a fun family experience.  So for fans in kid, teen and parent-child co-reading categories, here's a well-deserved, positive review recommendation to enjoy all of the good fun that's packed-into this new kid superhero-themed comic book title!

Trio #1

Publisher: IDW Publishing

John Byrne: Creator, Writer and Artist

Ronda Pattison: Colors

      IDW Publishing has just kicked-off a new superhero team comic book entitled "Trio."  The series is the creation of veteran A-list writer/artist John Byrne, with colors by Ronda Pattison.  Byrne continues his interesting pattern of offering new titles through IDW that resemble well-known, established comic book creations.  So in follow-up to "Next Men," his series with similarities to X-Men, Trio emulates the universe structure of The Fantastic Four.

     The issue #1 storyline serves the dual purpose of introducing the characters and premiering the initial story segment of a multi-issue story arc. As we're introduced to our threesome of superheroes, the character similarities to the FF are strong and obvious.  There's the Ben Grimm/Thing knock-off named "One," the cocky Johnny Storm-like "Two" and "Three," a Sue Storm female team member who has Mr. Fantastic's stretch power.  The tale kicks-off with the team foiling a mid-town Manhattan bank heist.  When "Three" is gravely injured, its up to the Thing-like "One" to stay at the scene to search for innocent victoms and fend-off the rabid media, while "Two" whisks the injured teammate back to their secret lab/headquarters for medical attention.  The story setting shifts in mid-issue, as we witness the rise of a Submariner-like sea threat in mid-ocean. In the wrap-up pages of issue #1, we learn the secret identity of "One," while the Namor-like sea baddie and his ocean hordes arrive dockside to attack The Big Apple in next month's issue #2.

     I thoroughly enjoyed reading this new title, for several reasons.  First, iconic veteran creator John Byrne does a dead-on job of emulating the Fantastic Four while adding fresh identity ingredients that prevent this title from becoming a cheap knock-off of its predecessor.  Sure we have another Thing, but he transforms at-will between human and behemoth, and his revealed secret identity is fresh and creative.  The Johnny Storm-like dude has youthful brashness and wit, but presents as an Edward Scissorhands-like knife-handed fighter instead of a firepowered hero, while the injured Three is a nice hybrid of Sue Storm and Reed Richards.  Secondly, there's an air of mystery here, with intriguing hints that the threesome are part of a wider organization that includes at least three additional players yet to be introduced.  Third, a shout-out is due to the writer side of Byrne's creative persona for his narrative style; avoiding the pretension and over-complexity too often seen in today's storytelling, Byrme gives-us a simple yet engrossing story narrative that pulls the reader into this finely-crafted new hero team's story universe.

     A fourth and final positive kudo goes to an element that I rarely-to-never comment on in these reviews, and that's the attitude of the writer.  Byrne is subtly tongue-in-cheek in this new title effort, in a way that only enhances the fun and success of Trio.  He's not laboring here to create a serious, stand-alone knock-off of the FF, but rather just having a lot of fun duplicating their concept in a light and entertaining manner.  The strategy is most evident in a wonderful Fred Hembeck-authored comic strip panel in the back of the issue, in which Hembeck confesses on Byrnes behalf that the X-Men/Next-Men and the Fantastic Four/Trio similarities are deliberate over-the-top knock-off efforts.  The end result is a respectful and enjoyable homage to the FF that's good enough to stand on its own as a fun comic book read.

     So whether you're a fan of the Fantastic Four or interested in reading about a new superhero team that respectfully stands atop the reputation of the iconic FF, you should be satisfied and entertained by this quality new superhero team title from the pen of John Byrne.

Mystery In Space #1

Publisher: D.C. Vertigo

Various Writers & Artists

     DC has just published a one-shot comic book issue through its Vertigo imprint entitled Mystery In Space.  The comic builds on the heritage of the Mystery In Space monthly title published by DC back in the Silver Age, which offered wonderful stand-alone outer space or alien-oriented science fiction tales.  By publishing through its Vertigo imprint, per a warning on the front cover, this one-shot issue offers several stories that include adult reader/mature reader story themes.  The issue is an oversize comic book packed with nine stories and priced at $7.99.  All nine stories have outer space and/or alien-human interaction themes and are the creation of a wide range of writers and artists. 

     For the sake of review space, I'll only highlight a few stories.  "Transmission" is an eight-page tale centering on an Earth expedition to an interstellar colony to contain a supposedly lethal virus.  As the story progresses, its revealed that both the expedition and all of humankind are controlled by human-created artificial intelligence run amok and the supposed virus is actually human ingenuity and desire for freedom.  How the crew and colonists deal with their overlord computer dictator as well as the outcome of their rebellion is not for me to spoil but rather for you to read and enjoy.  "Asleep To See You" is a brief and emotional romance, focusing on the heartbreak of two female lovers, as one chooses to travel the stars at the speed of light and one stays Earthbound, with the obvious consequences of one aging Earthbound while her partner stays youthful.  "Here Nor There" is an oddball tale of a husband and wife pair of oceanographers living in an undersea lab, whose dissolving marriage descends into venom and nastiness when one discovers an alien lifeform living in a submerged meteorite.

     DC Comics periodically publishes one-shot science fiction Mystery In Space collections, several which I've read and at least one of which I recommended in a previous positive review.  While there's nothing glaringly negative about this issue, there's also nothing top-notch in this issue either, so I'm giving this issue a mixed, fair-to-middling review recommendation.  On the plus side, we're treated to a wonderfully visual front cover of a steampunk sci-fi angel mechanically ploting the course of the cosmos.  In addition, the above-mentioned story "Transmission" is a very strong and entertaining tale with excellent visuals, a sense of mystery/tenseness and a satisfying conclusion.  Unfortunately, if you're a regular reader of science fiction, you'll find the additional eight tales ranging in quality from two godawful plot failures to a handful of stories that are just not well-presented or interesting.  The above-mentioned "Asleep To See You" is repetitive of so many sci-fi short stories published over the years on the same theme that it almost seems that it plagiarizes its predecessors.

     For the reader who's a newcomer to reading science fiction stories, either in print or graphic format, the compilation collection ain't great but is of average entertainment quality, and as such for that segment of the reading public I'd give the issue a moderate thumbs-up.  But for those readers who aren't rookie science fiction fan readers, the high quality of the story "Transmission" doesn't balance-out with the formulaic plots and carbon copy endings of the eight additional tales.  So bottom-line: newbie sci-fi readers might want to check-out this latest Mystery In Space story anthology, while veteran or faithful sci-fi genre readers would do well to skip this issue and drop an e-mail to Vertigo asking them to pour more creative juice into the mix of their next one-shot Mystery In Space science fiction story collection.  As a final review comment, both rookie and veteran sci-fi fans alike should peruse the That's Entertainment inventory for either Silver Age back issues or reprint compilations of the original Mystery In Space title, which still can't be beat for entertaining and high quality comic book sci-fi storytelling.

Contest Winner Announcement!!!

     Our latest contest was a creative math trivia challenge, asking you to answer the following: after the original group of 24 rabbits were released into the wild in Australia in 1859, how many Australian rabbit descendants did they multiply into within 6 years, by 1865.  And our contest winner is (drumroll, please)...Kevin Browne,  who correctly answered that within six years, the two dozen rabbits grew to an estimated population of two million...yes, that's right, TWO MILLION (!!!)...bunnies on the Australian continent.  We kid you not, that's the true answer!!!  Congratulations to Kevin for winning our first prize $10.00 gift certificate That's Entertainment, and we beg all good readers not to release any multiplying rabbits around these parts!

New Contest Announcement!!!

     Its the beginning of the annual summer blockbuster season, so the Bongo Congo panel of contest judges announce our 2nd Annual Most Anticipated Summer Blockbuster Movie Contest!  Same as last year, your challenge is to e-mail us at Gordon_A@msn.com no later than Wednesday, June 6 with your entry for which upcoming summer blockbuster movie you are most excited about and why you think it will be a summertime mega-hit.  Last summer's winning entry was from Mike Dooley with his pitch for the Sci-Fi Western film "Cowboys And Aliens."  So let's see what interesting cinematic gems you fanboys and fangirls suggest we keep an eye-out for at this summer's movie theatres!  Please note that our first prize $10.00 gift certificate to That's Entertainment is redeemable for regular retail merchandise or in-store ongoing specials, only.

     That's all for now, so have two great early summertime comic book reading weeks and see you again on June 8 Here In Bongo Congo!