Review: Fantastic Four #1 & FF #1

Fantastic Four #1 & FF #1, Marvel Comics - Written by Matt Fraction with art by Mark Bagely and Mike Allred.

As First Issues go Fantastic Four #1 felt more like FF #0. There’s a set-up and a premise but no real plot to speak of.

That said, the only thing you really need to glean from this story, titled “Unstable”, can be found in two separate, but related, bits of dialogue uttered by Mr. Fantastic himself, Reed Richards. The first bit, which comes almost half-way through the book, is “Uh-oh.” The second comes in the very last panel. Looking sincerely at his wife, Reed says, “Trust me.”

Now, coming from any normal person, those two phrases would be completely innocuous at best and only marginally significant at worst. But when spoken by some one who is, arguably, the smartest person on the planet, and who has a tendency to put curiosity ahead of caution and discovery before discretion, well those four little syllables are sure to spell BIG  TROUBLE!

Great set up

Story – 6 ½ unstable molecules. Art – 8 ½ dimensional portals.

This brings us quite literally to FF #1.

Here we are treated to the expected “gathering of the team” story, but interspersed with delightful little vignettess of the Future Foundation Kids taking turns to explain just what the Future Foundation means to them. As humorous as these were, my favorite scene in this issue is the one where Ben Grimm (the Thing) is trying to recruit Jennifer Walters (She-Hulk) in the gym. 

While I am not a huge fan of Mike Allred’s more cartoony style, I think he did a passable job here though his “tech” could use some better detail. He manages to get a more realistic feel to his drawings on this book, and in at least one panel, She-Hulk looked quite beautiful. 

Worth Checking Out!

Story – 8 floating heads; Art – 7 white jumpsuits.

You Can Find Fantastic Four, FF and lots of other cool comic books at

http://www.superherocomicbooks.com

Series Review: Marvel Now - All-New X-Men

All-New X-Men # 1 to 3 Marvel Comics - Written by Brian Michael Bendis (whom, I believe is having his middle name legally changed to Marvel) and drawn by the incomparable Stuart Immomen, who I have been a fan of since his days on Legion of Super-Heroes.

Wow, I really wanted to hate this one but I just can’t, even if for no other reason the humanity (that’s right, I said humanity) of Hank McCoy, better known to most as the furry, blue X-Man, the Beast.

We see him, faced with his own imminent demise that is being brought on by the same, self-inflicted process that first turned him blue and furry. He is contemplating the recent actions of his former leader and team-mate, Scott Summers (Cyclops). Anxious about the future of Mutant-kind, he comes up with a desperate, almost feverish, ploy to stop Scott from his current path. A path which Hank fears may cost the lives and/or reputations of Mutants the world over.

To this end, Dr. McCoy enlists the help of the original X-men, bringing them from the past to our present day. His hope, that their innocence, their youthful attitude and their unwavering dedication to Professor Xavier’s dream, will be a reminder to Summers of what he has become, as well as what he abandoned to get there.

At first the younger X-Men are reluctant, even incredulous. But, when they witness firsthand just how far their team-mate and leader has fallen, in typical fashion, they fly headlong into a confrontation that is sure to be fraught with un-foreseen consequences.

Can’t wait to see where this one goes.

Story - 7 time paradoxes; Art - 7 optic blasts.

Find All of Marvel's NOW titles, and lots of other great comic books at 

Review: Marvel Now – Thunderbolts # 1

Thunderbolts #1 Marvel Comics – This latest version of the Thunderbolts, Written by Daniel Way with art by Steve Dillon, is a departure from its previous incarnations because of the make-up of the team. Instead of convicted criminals forced into service, this team is comprised of mercenaries and volunteers.

While I’m not that familiar with Daniel Way’s work, I know him by his reputation. He has left a considerable mark on the Marvel Universe over the past decade, writing many of their edgier books, including a 50 issue run on Wolverine: Origins and all 63 issues of the Deadpool series that just ended. The new Thunderbolts series marks his fifth collaboration with Artist Steve Dillon, who is no stranger to the dark side of the Marvel Universe himself.

The story is set up perfectly as a First Issue, artfully introducing the cast, giving us glimpses into their backgrounds and personalities without revealing too much. While a little thin on plot, there is enough of a story to make the end satisfying.

Art wise? Well, Steve Dillon is the uncontested Master of the “Sneer”, which should serve him well with this cast of characters. Dillon’s realistic style is well suited to this "Grim-and-Gritty" type of book. His pencils are very tight and his inking and shading are flawless. I really like the old-school rectangular panel layouts, as well. This is some of his best work since Preacher.

Tastes good like a first issue should.

Story - 8 Snarls; Art - 8 Grimaces

Find all of Marvel Comic's NOW titles and may more cool comic books at 

http://www.superherocomicbooks.com

Series Review: Epic Kill

Epic Kill Image Comics - This series by Rafaele Ienco, began as a five issue mini-series but has now made the transition to ongoing series with the release of the current issue, #6.

Epic Kill first introduces us to a young girl named Song; a pretty name for a pretty girl, whose almost dainty appearance belies her deadly skills. She is, in fact, a living weapon which has been honed to perfection, then aimed at a very valuable and significant target. Her trainer/handler is her Grandfather, and he has prepared her for a very singular purpose, that of taking down the man he holds responsible for... something.

While her goal is clearly homicide, it is not entirely clear, at least at first, just what her purpose and motivations are. There is, however, no questioning her resolve from the very beginning; nothing and no one can divert her from her mission.

What also becomes quickly apparent is that her deep programming has adversely affected her mind. At times she has trouble discerning reality from fantasy. She seems to act from pure instinct rather than conscious effort.

When we finally learn who her target is, the tone is set for the rest of the series.  It becomes obvious that after all that Song has done, there is no way she will be allowed to simply walk away.

If you enjoy stories of intrigue and conspiracy, that have lots of great action, with characters that can prevail against overwhelming odds, Then Epic Kill is the comic book for you.

8½ Roundhouse Kicks!

Find All of Image Comics' Great Creator-Owned Series at 

http://www.superherocomicbooks.com

Series Review: Batman, the Dark Knight

Batman, the Dark Knight DC Comics - In the midst of all the excitement over Death of the Family, and all the critical acclaim for creators, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo, one Bat Book has been largely overlooked.

While the Court of Owls flock and nest and scheme to regain what they lost, and the Joker plots  madness and mayhem on the grandest of scales, deep in the darkest corners of Gotham City, the most twisted of Batman villains are digging into the darkest corners the very psyche of Batman himself. Batman, the Dark Knight's current story arc, which began with issue ten is written by Gregg Hurwitz and drawn by David Finch. The tale features none other than that Master of Fear, that Potentate of Terror, the Ever Frightening Scarecrow!

In the opening scene of issue 10 we are witness to Professor Jonathon Crane's latest descent into the depths of his particular psychosis as he is graphically depicted sewing his own lips together in a bizarre imitation of his namesake.  As the story progresses we are given glimpses of Crane’s  ongoing childhood abuse, perpetrated upon him by his own father, in the name of scientific research.

An interesting side plot concerns the continually evolving relationship between Bruce Wayne and his son Damian, and it creates a sharp counterpoint to Crane’s deplorable past.

Along the way there is, of course the obligatory death trap and the inevitable escape, with Scarecrow apparently destroyed in a fire, but then we learn that the villain is still alive and his plot has yet to reach fruition, as another, unexpected player is brought into the game.

I highly recommend this series to all fans of the Bat. It is my current favorite of all the Bat Family of books.

9 bat-a-rangs!

You Can Find All of the Titles in DC Comics Batman Line at 

http://www.superherocomicbooks.com

Robyn Hood with a Twist

This isn’t your average Prince of Thieves; in fact, it’s a Princess. In Zenescope’s invigorating tale of Robyn Hood, everything and everyone has a sinister twist that keeps the reader on edge waiting in anticipation for the next riveting event to affront our heroine.

Our story begins in the city of Bree within the Zenescope realm of Myst, where a tyrant rules and the townsfolk have all but given up hope for a savior. Meanwhile back on Earth our savior to be is “the new kid” in an upper class high school. After years of bouncing from one foster home to another it is apparent to Robyn that she just does not fit in.

Robyn is a fierce, independent, take no prisoners kind of girl. She has no qualms about taking on bullies, and sticking up for the underdogs. For Robyn though, it’s not so much about helping people as it is about teaching the bullies a lesson. This attitude ends up causing her more harm than she expected; an experience she will not soon forget.

Robyn is unaware of her true origins, but she is about to get a lesson of her own.

Don’t miss your chance to join Robyn on what is sure to be an epic adventure.

 - Barbie66

You can find Robyn Hood and other great comic books from Zenescope at 

http://www.superherocomicbooks.com

What Are You Afraid Of?

Horror comic books have been around since the early 1940’s, reaching there peak in the 1950’s and our currently making a resounding comeback in 2012. The 1950s was a great time for horror comics. Superheroes had worn themselves out. The 15 minutes of fame were over for funny talking animals. And, although the "next big things", Romance and Western comics started at that time, during the early Cold War era, horror comics reigned supreme.

As an avid reader of horror comic books, I asked myself what is it that attracts people to horrorcomic books, the gore, the violence, the sex or just the pure delight in mayhem. Personally, I think it is all of these things wrapped up in one horrific package.

Horror comic books dominated the market in the early 50’s, until the government intervened declaring that horror comics contributed to juvenile delinquency.

Fredric Wertham, a German- American psychiatrist, published in 1954 a book, Seduction of the Innocent that created alarm in parents that fired them up, causing them to campaign a war in congress against horror comic books. Wertham believed that the violence and hidden sexual themes depicted in horror comic books enticed young readers to commit juvenile crimes. Thus the Comics Code Authority was born, leading to a government ban on, “lurid, unsavory, gruesome illustrations."

In my opinion, Wertham only added fuel to the fire, making the banned comics more desirable than ever. People of all walks love reading something there not suppose to. A good example of this phenomenon would be “The Satanic Verses” by Salmin Rushdi. 

This book was banned in every Muslim-controlled country, but millions of Muslims read it. Every mother knows that telling a child they can’t have or do something only makes them want it more. We do not outgrow this type of curiosity when we become adults.

This impulse along with the spine-tingling chills, and the anticipation of violence and imminent death, is what attract us to horror stories. After all, it is when faced with death, that we feel most alive. Just ask any daredevil or thrill-seeker. We also experience a sense of relief that we ourselves are not the victims.

The modern era of horror stories began with Mary Shelley and Bram Stoker, the torch has been passed from generation to generation through writers like Stephen King, Joe Lansdale and Clive Barker, all of whom have made significant contributions to the field of horror comics.

Reaffirm your love of life by picking up some horror comics today.

Barbie66

You can find lots of great horror comics and other comics, too at http://www.superherocomicbooks.com

Kelly Sue DeConnick: A Writer to Watch

I usually focus my reviews on a particular book or series. But right now I’d like to talk about a particular creator, in this case a writer.

Her name is Kelly Sue DeConnick.

Kelly Sue is currently the writer on Captain Marvel as well as the Dark Horse series, Ghost. She has also begun writing Avengers Assemble beginning with issue #9.

Although her list of writing credits is impressive, I’m a newcomer to the Kelly-Sue fan club, but I am quickly becoming its most devoted member.

What is it that makes her a great writer? 

Maybe its how her dialogue sequences feel so natural, or the way she is able to convey the emotions and personality of her characters through their words and actions instead of  a narrative exposition.

She writes about believable people in a believable way, but manages to make them larger than life.

A good example of what I’m talking about is the conversation that takes place between Carol Danvers and Steve Rogers in issue #1 of Captain Marvel. Steve (Captain America) explains to Carol (still going by Ms. Marvel) not only why she deserves the title of Captain Marvel, but what she has done to earn that mantle. Her eventual acceptance of his quiet logic is a moment I found both moving and exhilarating.

Another example would be the diner scene in Ghost #1 when Mary (if that’s really her name) explains why “…wherever I come from, I’m preeeetty sure it wasn't heaven.” We see apparently normal people discussing decidedly un-normal events in the sort-of matter-of-fact manner that only those who have experienced such events, can do.

When I learned Kelly Sue was taking over as writer on Avengers Assemble – well, let’s just say I haven’t looked forward to an “Avengers” comic with this much anticipation since Roger Stern’s “Masters of Evil” story-arc that destroyed the original Avengers mansion back in the ‘Seventies. I enjoy finding comic creators that re-kindle that kind of excitement in me.

Over the years, I have had the pleasure of seeing many writers, who’s work I admire, become icons of the industry, writers like Warren Ellis, Grant Morrison and Ed Brubaker to name a few.

Kelly Sue DeConnick is destined to join that group.

I hope she keeps writing for a long, long time.

You can find all of the great titles mentioned above, as well as many more cool comic books at http://www.superherocomicbooks.com

What's New at Zenescope Entertainment: A Wise Editorial Decision

I would like to applaud Tony Brusha and Ralph Tedesco, co-founders of Zenescope Entertainment for their decision to include a non-cheesecake variant cover for all their comics.

While I don’t mind a little cleavage on my covers, I can see how some people might think that the content of the books is just more of the same, when in fact they are anything but.

This marketing decision should go along way toward making Zenescope's entire line more accessible for everyone.

One Zenescope series that you may have overlooked is Wonderland.

Wonderland and its accompanying collection of one shot and min-series, chronicles the life of Callie Liddle, daughter of Alice Liddle whom we all know so well from the writings of Lewis Carroll.

But this is no children’s tale.

The characters may seem familiar, but writer Raven Gregory puts a sinister, even deadly twist on them that will make you shudder 

Callie managed to escape Wonderland but its denizens want her back, and if abducting her daughter Violet is what it takes than that’s what they’ll do.

Wonderland #4 comes out on Halloween and you should be able to find the earlier issues at your local store or on line.

I highly recommend that you give this one a try.

You can find Wonderland and lots of other great comic books at http://www.superherocomicbooks.com

Review: Godstorm #1

Godstorm #1 Zenescope – This issue introduces us to one of Zeus’ children, a young man named Julian, who works as an enforcer for a crime lord. It soon becomes apparent that he doesn't like his job or his boss. Its just as apparent that he is unaware of his lineage or the fact that he is more than human.

We are given glimpses of his earlier life that do well to illustrate his character and his motivations. The prologue then offers us a hint of trouble to come and sets things up nicely for issue #2.

Despite the previous zero release this still feels like a first issue. Pat Shands writing is on par with the earlier one-shot prequels; I’m really interested to see where he takes this.

Jason Johnson’s pencils somehow manage to be tight and sketchy at the same time, in a style bordering on cartoony, but it works well with the storyline. I especially liked the “school bus” scene. It was very realistic.

Overall, Godstorm #1 is a good “first” issue that whetted my appetite like a first issue should. 

8 lightning bolts

Find all of Zenescope's great titles and lots of other cool comic books at http://www.superherocomicbooks.com

Series Review: Unwritten

Unwritten DC Vertigo – What can I say about this series that hasn’t already been said by writers much more talented than I am. 

Brian K. Vaughn, author of Y: The Last Man said it was “A wish-I’d-thought-of-it premise...”, and that “Mike Carey and Peter Gross are doing the very best work of their lives.”

Ed Brubaker, writer on Captain America and Winter Soldier and creator of Fatale said that it “…makes me jealous.”

Eisner Award winning author Bill Willingham said, “ by the first page… I was intrigued…by page 3, I knew I’d be finishing the issue. Two pages later I knew I would be a fan and loyal reader…”

That is high praise to earn from one’s peers, and it is well deserved.

Carey and Gross have crafted a tale that turns history on its ear, exposing a conspiracy that has existed for millennia; one that has managed to control the world by controlling how people perceive it.

But Unwritten is much more than that.

It is a treatise on the power of stories and the collective beliefs they engender.

Its an adventure story about a boy wizard who overcomes incredible odds to survive a secret society's attempt to discredit, then kill him.

Its an allegory about what can be accomplished with the strength of belief.

It’s a chronicle of great men and moments of literature as seen through the eyes of one man.

Unwritten embraces the future of writing while paying homage to its past. If you are a writer, a reader or just some one who enjoys having their way of thinking prodded repeatedly, “Unwritten” is the book for you.

You can find all of DC's comics at http://www.superherocomicbooks.com

Review: Ex Sanguine # 1

Ex Sanguine #1 Dark Horse -  I found this story to be a bit puzzling at first, but the characters were interesting enough to make me want to know more. Thankfully, my curiosity was rewarded by the end of the book.

Tim Seely with the help of Josh Emmons, weaves an intricate tale of murder and blood-lust. The plot builds up layer upon layer, with each turn of the page taking us deeper into the world of the story.

Tim’s art - which is every bit as good as his writing - is perfectly suited to the subject matter, as well.  I especially liked his rather unorthodox portrayal of a vampire; no sparkles here. In fact, this vampire is down-right ugly. 

Ex Sanguine is a sort-of romance, sort-of detective story, that puts an interesting spin on the currently popular trends involving vampires and their behavior. In Mr. Seely’s own words it is “Kind of Dexter meets True Blood…”

Overall a good read. I’m definitely on board for issue #2. 8 corpses.

You can find all of Dark Horse great Horror comics at http://www.superherocomicbooks.com

Review: Phantom Stranger # 0 & 1

Phantom Stranger # 0 & 1 DC Comics - The Stranger has always been one of my favorite characters, so I was pleased when I learned that DC was giving him his own book. 

The Zero issue was spun directly of last May’s New 52 FCBD Special. The origin story is well done, and though It never comes right out and says so its pretty obvious who The Phantom Stranger started out as. 

Fast-forward to the late twentieth century, and we get a front row seat to the birth of another well-known mystical DC character.  The Stranger’s connection to and the cosequences of this event are important story points that I will not divulge here, but Dan Didio has crafted a intriguing tale steeped in religious tradition as well as DC Universe history.

Onto Phantom Stranger # 1. It’s now present day or recent past, and this time we are re-introduced to not one but two of DC’s mystical characters. Another solid read and if I haven’t said so before, gorgeous art by Brent Anderson and Philip Tan.

I’m starting to feel like I have a handle on this series… and then I read the last two pages!

“This is a game changer”, I say to myself as I gather up my brain matter.

Sorry, no spoilers here.

Buy it.

You won’t regret it. 

Story and Art 10 pieces of silver (each).

You will find Phantom Stranger and lots of other great comic books from DC Comics at http://www.superherocomicbooks.com/dc-comic-books

Review: Point of Impact

Point of Impact # 1 Image Comics - This is an intriguing crime noir piece, very suited to the black & white art. I found the characters to be well defined and their motivations, for the most part, clear. It is the murdered woman at the center of the story that is apparently much more than those who know her are aware of. That is where the mystery lies as the lives of three people who knew her - but not each other - collide at the “point of impact”.

The meaning of the title itself evolves with the story and recurs throughout the tale, both visually and thematically. The writing and the art meld in a way that makes you forget you’re reading words and looking at lines on paper, until it becomes almost cinematic. If this were to be made into a movie, the opening sequence, alone, would have the critics standing on their seats.

Author Jay Faerber is an established comic creator with an impressive collection of credits, too numerous to list. His most recent work is his currently running series, Near Death, another crime drama, also from Image - and one my personal favorites. He has a good feel and the right voice for this genre, and I hope he keeps at it.

Artist, Koray Kuranel, a newcomer to the field, displays a strong sense of composition and storytelling. His panels flow nicely and his line work is excellent. He uses negative space and lighting to convey motion and sound in a way that I found remarkable. If I had to find one flaw, it would be that his perspective is sometimes a little flat. Otherwise, this is a great effort from a young talent with a long career ahead of him.

Overall Point of Impact was so good I read it twice.

Story 9 cuts; Art 8 bruises.

Now, I’d like to say a few words about crime comics in general. In the early days of comics, genres other than superheroes, commanded a much wider audience, Westerns and crime dramas were two of the most prevalent. Over the years the “capes” audience grew until these and other types almost disappeared from the shelves. Thanks to some great writers and artists they are beginning to make a comeback. Crime comics especially are becoming popular with fans that have become jaded by constant crossovers, re-boots, re-launches and resurrections. I believe there are a number of other reasons as well for their rise in popularity. Too begin with; most are set in the real world, or a reasonable approximation. A good example would be Sin City, set in an imaginary town yet there are no fantastic or supernatural elements that come into play. Some currently popular crime comics are the above mentioned Near Death, Robert Kirkman’s Thief of Thieves, and IDW’s Steed and Mrs. Peel. Anyone of these is worth looking into if you need a break from capes and code-names. I’m sure your local comic book shop owner could suggest some others as well.

You can find Point of Impact and many other great crime comic books from Image Comics and other publishers at http://www.superherocomicbooks.com

Review: of Evil Ernie #1

Evil Ernie #1 from Dynamite Entertainment - As origin stories go, this one was serviceable but not remarkable. The plot was easy enough to follow and the writer does not insult the readers’ intelligence by over-explaining or filling in all the details, but he didn’t break any new ground either.

As far as the character of Ernie, I never read the original Chaos Comics series by Brian Pulido and Steven Hughes, but I know that his initial origin involved Lady Death who was also a Chaos character back then. Since she is currently owned by Boundless Comics, Jess Blaze Snider had to rework the story without her.

The opening sequence needed to be expanded a little, I would have liked to see more of a transition as the father was apparently possessed by a demon. I actually had to re-read that before I got it, and I’m usually pretty quick on the up-swing.

As for the art, though it was decent, I found it to be a little inconsistent at times. In some of the tight panels, I wasn’t entirely sure what I was looking at. And when some of the characters were shown from odd angles, I had a hard time telling them apart.

Overall Evil Ernie # 1 was a fast paced read that didn’t really sell me on a second look. 

Story & Art 5 stabs out of 10.

You can find Evil Ernie and all of Dynamite Entertainments great comic books at http://www.superherocomicbooks.com

Why You Should be Reading Zenescope

Myths, Legends, Fairy Tales and Folklore.  Without most of us even being aware of it, these things help to shape our society and direct our moral compass. Even more inspiring than our history or our laws are the stories that we pass down from one generation to the next. Some are cautionary tales designed to reveal the consequences of wrong actions.  Some are heroic sagas that demonstrate the value of good deeds and self-sacrifice. They are stories of archetypal characters that recur time and again in our literature and other art forms.

It is these stories that are the meat and mead of Zenescope Entertainment. Within the pages of Zenescope’s “Grimm Fairy Tales” and its companion titles, they are redefining the stories that we all know so well, that we have come to take them for granted. In each issue, beloved characters like Goldilocks, Red Riding Hood, Alice, Peter Pan and many others, get sinister revisions that make them more suited to these modern times. In addition, there are tales reveal the secret histories of places like Wonderland, Never Land and Sherwood Forest, fleshing-out the backgrounds of many of the iconic characters that dwell within these magical locales.

Now Zenescope is poised to do the same for Greek Mythology as they have for European Folklore.  With recent one-shots featuring the likes of Zeus, Aphrodite, Ares, Neptune and others, as well as the new Godstorm series, they have begun to weave a tapestry of intertwining destinies, and schemes within schemes as they and the other Gods of Olympus vie with one another for ultimate power and control.

But they’re not stopping there. Be on the lookout for Zenescope versions of Robin Hood, Sleepy Hollow and more in the coming months. And White Dragon Comics will be bringing it all to you. Check out Zenescope Entertainment now. We have dozens of Zenescope titles in stock and dozens more available for pre-order.

http://www.superherocomicbooks.com

Halloween Comics/Better than Candy

Plan big this year. Halloween is one of the most popular holidays celebrated. Second, to Christmas, this holiday is full of tradition, superstition, and just plain old fun. Children and adults count down the days to Halloween. What other holiday can you dress up as your favorite superhero, cartoon character, idol, actor or actress and yes even your favorite politician.

This year make your Halloween treats extra special with Comic Books. Diamond publishing has produced several kid-friendly comic books justfor Halloween. These comics are sugar free, guilt free, and less expensive than candy while producing a much better result. Instead of teeth rotting, hyper activity, and extra calories, you’ll get a treat that last for years, helps in teaching children to read, and provides entertainment that makes the brain grow.

This year Diamond has produced ten new titles, they include a variety of familiar characters, like Ghostbusters, Strawberry Shortcake and Adventure Time, and new favorites too, like Axe-Cop, Littlest Zombie and Cow Boy. These 6” x 9”, full-color Mini Comics ship in bundles of twenty, for less than the average costs of a bag of Halloween candy. Again, they are a much healthier option to candy because they will not melt, or cause bellyaches or cavities; instead, they will delight children and encourage them to read.

Be the most popular house on the street this Halloween! Order your Mini Comics today at White Dragon Comics.http://www.superherocomicbooks.com

Crossed Badlands

"In morals what begins in fear usually ends in wickedness; in religion what begins in fear usually ends in fanaticism. Fear, either as a principle or a motive, is the beginning of all evil." - Anna Jameson

Do you think you know wickedness, evil, and depravity when you see it? Are you one of those who thinks they've seen it all and nothing can shock you? Well, you haven’t read Crossed then.

Never before have I read a comic book that made me feel like I should wash my hands and rinse my eyes after finishing it. Crossed makes me feel that dirty; not for reading it, but for enjoying the %^&* out of it! As I cringe at one panel, I can’t wait to turn the page to see what sick and twisted event will happen next.

One of the best examples of horror fiction to hit the stands in recent years, Crossed: Badlands is set in a world where insanity reigns free and decency is a lost virtue; where a contagious disease turns the infected into homicidal maniacs and civilization is all but forgotten.

Ultimately, Crossed: Badlands is about needs and desires, and what can happen to those desires when all inhibitions are removed. Living among the insane, it’s easier to connect to the craziness that lies just beneath our own surface.

You can check out the latest issues of Crossed: Badlands at White Dragon Comics.

We have prompt service and low shipping rates.

 - barbie 66

http://www.superherocomicbooks.com

Avengers The Movie

Marvel finally gets it right. After the disappointment of Ghostrider, I was not feeling to optimistic about going to see the Avengers, but after seeing the movie I have say I’m impressed.

Writer/director Joss Whedon nails Avengers. The story pays homage to the very first Avengers story in comic books, recently reprinted in Marvel’s The Coming of the Avengers. The original tale involved Ironman, Thor and the Hulk stopping Loki from overtaking the Earth. Whedon adds the newer characters Black Widow and Hawkeye filling in for original members, Wasp and Ant Man.

While the writer/director could have easily focused on the “Big Guns”, I’m happy to say that all of the characters received fair treatment and equal screen time. As for the actors, each in their turn had their “moment” and portrayed their roles superbly. Rising above the others, however, were Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner. Jackson with his usual grit, seemed born to play the one-eyed commander. Ruffalo was successfully able to personify the withdrawn and reluctant side of Banner while still getting his noble spirit across.

One piece of advice make sure you’re the last person to leave the theater, or you will miss out on, not only the set-up for the next movie, but a delightful final denouement.

Barbie66

White Dragon Comics

Grimm Fairy Tales Presents Wonderland

Grimm Fairy Tales Presents Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland continues in this all-new story by writer Raven Gregory and artist Robert Gill. Wonderland #1 releases July 2^nd, and I for one am sitting on the edge of my seat in anticipation, for this is going to be an on-going series. Up until now, the Tales of Wonderland have been told in a sequence of mini-series and one-shots. All of these except the current, “Call of Wonderland” have been collected and our currently available in trade paperback form.

To prepare myself for the new upcoming journey in Wonderland, I dug out all of my collections of Alice in Wonderland to reread, which has greatly added to my anticipation.  If your familiar with the story, you know it left off with Calie (Alice’s daughter) and Violet (Calie’s daughter) escaping from and destroying the portal between Wonderland and our world. Supposedly Calie killed The Mad Hatter, (Calie’s brother John) before she closed the portal and her grandfather the man that started all of this madness was killed by John (The Mad Hatter).

According to the previews I have read, “Wonderland #1” will pick up where it left off with Calie and Violet, here is the synopsis provided by the publisher:

“Calie Liddle is Back!
And the on-going series that every Zenescope fan has been waiting for is finally here.
When Calie escaped from Wonderland she wanted to believe she was finally free from the realm of madness.
She wanted to believe she could live a normal life.
But she was wrong.
Now Calie and her daughter Violet are on the run...
Meanwhile, a child returns from a carnival with a special hat that will change everything.”

Save money, do not miss out on the upcoming Hit Wonderland #1.  Pre-order at White Dragon Comics: Wonderland #1.

Epic Kill #1 of 5 (Image, 2012)

Song, a beautiful name, Song, a beautiful girl, a girl who has the uncanny knack of looking weak and helpless. But that is a ploy to draw you in close. For hidden inside this façade of innocence, is walking death.

Song is only beginning to understand who she is and what she was trained for. She awakens in a school for troubled girls not sure of who she is, how she ended up there, or what her purpose in life is. Events quickly escalate and it does not take long for Song to begin to realize who she is and what she has to do.

This book is a great example of the kind of work we come to expect from Image Comics. Relentless action, deepening mysteries, a wide spread conspiracy and a beautiful but deadly young girl; with these ingredients Raffaele Ienco has crafted a tale both literary and cinematic. With all the threads the creator has dangled, it will be interesting to see how he ties them all together in just five issues.

Don’t miss one electrifying issue, Epic Kill is sure to be a wild ride. Issue one is available now and subsequent issues can be pre-ordered at White Dragon Comics – http://www.superherocomicbooks.com

Reading and Writing: Relics of our past?

Reading and writing are these relics of our past, something we forgot or just let slip away as we became parents trying to cope with everyday stresses of life? In an age when the Internet, text messaging, video games and brain-siphoning phone applications provide unending entertainment, is it any wonder that the common adult, teenager, or child expresses no interest in using their imagination for a self-produced experience like reading?

This is an age where “no child left behind” means leaving our children even further behind and slowing down students who may be able to excel if they do not get bored waiting for teachers to challenge them.   The fault does not lie with the teachers, however. Budget cuts have increased class sizes forcing teachers to commit time to slower students who need more attention. Is it any wonder that bright children turn their interests to things other than academics?

It is obvious that the shortage of good teachers in this country is staggering and from my limited view of the educational system, it is becoming obvious that by having the best in technology at their fingertips, teachers may be ill equipped to encourage kids to use their minds. You can teach all the sentence diagramming and grammar tools that you want, but practice makes perfect and these students practice by regurgitating text acronyms to each other four hundred times a day. There are many out there afraid that Spanish is taking over as the national language, but what I fear most is technology taking over as the national language. When I meet someone 25 years or younger that can speak in complete sentences and articulate themselves without an LMAO or LOL and then leaving with a BBL I rejoice and shake their hand, but sadly this is often not the case.

As parents and role models, we have the ability to help our children overcome technology and budget cuts, that slow the learning process and make our children lazy, comic books. Comic books are designed with an even ratio of words to pictures. Since we use one side of the brain to process language, and the other side to appreciate art, this allows both sides of the brain to function at equal levels, simultaneously, strengthening the neural connections between them. Comic books are also very topical in their subject matter, often covering themes like bullying, intolerance, and ethical behavior. The characters display traits like courage, bravery, compassion, loyalty and a strong sense of what’s right. Thanks to TV and Hollywood you have a perfect way to introduce your child to reading. Simply hand them a comic book and ask them if they would like to know more about their favorite movie or cartoon super hero.

You can find all of the latest, hottest superheroes in formats for children of any age at White Dragon Comics