Monthly Archive for July, 2010

The Week of July 26th

Published on July 26, 2010 in Comics and Cons. 0 Comments

If this week’s e-mail sounds wrong or there is a plethora of typos, grammatical errors I apologize.  LATE night restoring the Espresso Machine to its former glory.  Long process and I know more now than I could have ever wanted to know about the inner workings of a damn coffee making machine… but the taste of the espresso just can’t be beat.  You hear that StarF#cks!!?!!  Up yours!  OH, yeah… I’m in a punchy mood, so, let’s get started…

Comic Con, What, you weren’t there either?…

So…. A big thing happened in the world of comics this last week and the only people who seemed to care were everyone who doesn’t collect comics.  I exaggerate (no never), but does it seem like that?

I got asked by coffee customers, hockey teammates, my mom, my sister, the check out lady at Dahl’s, random acquaintances that barely register above strangers… “OH, that comic con thing is going on out in San Diego.”

I always responded as politely as possible (at least at first) with something in the vein of “eh, yeah, okay… I’ll hear about everything eventually.”  The blank stare back of assuredness as to how they should continue with the conversation eventually would lead to them asking if I had ever been or ever wanted to go.  And in all honesty, I can say, “I really don’t want to go and be a part of that circus.”

They really need to rename it The San Diego Entertainment and Comic Related Expo… because that pretty much sums up what it has become over the last five years.

And, maybe I just don’t care about all the other media related “stuff” that now goes on in San Diego, so, I tend to tune it out.  Not to say there wasn’t some great announcements and, whathaveyou, but I think this goes back to my problem with geek being cool.  Kind of a “Ah, Man, who let all these losers in the room?  Can’t we just read our funny books in peace?”

Nonetheless, a million and one things were announced this weekend, far more than I could EVER hope to follow, even if I wanted too.  Besides, we’ll find out about them all eventually when they appear in Previews.  (August’s issue comes out Wednesday… hint hint hint.)

I’m not linking anything.  I’m just telling you to go to Bleedingcool.com and you can see it all for yourself.

Here are the headlines of stuff Kyle thought was “awe-some,” his words not mine.

*Crossed Ongoing series to kick off with Garth Ennis!

*Comic Con Trailer for The Walking Dead (might want to check AMC for this one – I saw a bootleg of bad quality)

*Max Brooks to write World War 2 Graphic Novel for Avatar

*Marvel Confirms End of Brand New Day, Bi-Weekly Amazing Spider-man – if you understand what this means, please tell me.  Urgh!

*Paramount Option Max Brooks’ Zombie Survival Guide and Recorded Attacks

*Karl Urban is Judge Dredd  (shut up, Kyle, we are including it)

*The Goon Movie trailer/clip – this is great, now it just needs to get made!

*Marvel to Publish Cross Gen

*Karen Berger Confirms DC Characters to Leave Vertigo

*DC to publish Absolute WE3 with new pages of art and story.

*Morrison is awesome – Kyle!!

*Possibility of Flex Mentallo finally seeing collected form?  Possibly.

Rich Johnston also posted “the Best Quote from San Diego” from a LARGE breasted Lady Death, “I’m sorry I’m late.  I’m rooming with six slave Leias and they needed help with their bikinis.”

Kyle thinks this is the best quote; “Me and Geoff Johns sell lots of comic books at DC, and no one’s every said ‘Don’t do that,’ because they know it sells good. There are certain segments of fandom that say that my work is difficult, but it’s the best-selling stuff in the business and has been for 20 years. So I’m not going to change.” – Grant Morrison

F#%& the Westboro Baptist Bigots and Hatemongers!…

Okay… Something truly fantastic did happen in San Diego!

The Westboro Baptists descended on Comic Con in San Diego like villains of in a Captain America comic last week with fear, hate and ignorance.  However, Cap wasn’t available, so, comic nerds and cos-play dorks defended truth, justice and the True American way… in their own way!

Now, I grew to really not be able to stand these self righteous son’s of b#tches after they protested Ronnie James Dio’s public memorial a couple months back (actually I’ve despised them for a lot longer, but protesting the almighty Dio, grrrrrr!!) So, the fact that a bunch of comic people, my people, our people, took the cause up and made them look like complete pathetic fools… that is pretty awesome.  Hooray for doing something to foster open mindedness and acceptance of ALL people.  Good job.

My favorite signs are the ones saying “God Loves Gay Robin” and “The Cylons Destroyed the 12 Colonies for their Sins!”

For more, check out Bleedingcool.com

Goon Clip!!!…

No, seriously this was great.  It isn’t a trailer, but more like a film clip.  The movie isn’t official yet, as the producer, David Fincher, is looking for a studio for it.  Paul Giamatti is set to voice Frankie, and though at first I was unsure, the full clip pushes all doubts out of my head.  This was great.

Holy Comic Shipment Batman!!..

This week is a monster.  I think it has a lot to do with the fact Comic Con was last weekend.  I would hope the bastards weren’t selling before the actual on sale date (sting of expletives deleted) ‘cause that would REALLY piss me off!!  SO… nearly everything is in this week.  Especially irritating is the DC stock coming this week… GL, GL Corps, Justice League America, Green Arrow and Flash (all Brightest Day tie in books) as well as Wonder Woman, Action Comics (which the start of this story line – with Lex Luthor as the main character – was REALLY good) and Return of Bruce Wayne.

Not to let some of the smaller presses off the hook, Aspen’s Scourge #0, Jeff Smith’s RASL #8 or Walking Dead TP Volume 12, amazingly made it in time for Comic Con… but not the original on sale date, hmmmm.

Add in what shipped last week with “special in time for Comic Con” printing, like Scott Pilgrim, and the above mentioned Walking Dead again makes me wonder about who comics are for anymore…

But Who Cares!?!… Good books this week makes for a smorgasbord of comics, so we’ll see you later this week.

The Week of July 19th

Published on July 19, 2010 in Comics, Cons and Reviews-comics. 0 Comments

Going to be an abbreviated Weekly as I was in Chicago at Iron Maiden and drove all night to get back this morning.  Any ill effects were well worth it as Maiden is still one of THE premier live acts you would ever have the chance to see.  Up the Irons!

Superhero Movies Suck!!…

Yes, Matt, we know what you think, is what you wanted to say, but HA!  I have proof now!!  Like pictures showing the undeniable proof that Bigfoot is real or that a UFO is actually…  alright bad examples, but these are like hard fact.

Did you see the new Green Lantern suit?  I found it here and man it is CRAP! But if that wasn’t bad enough, try Odin or even the scene from Asgrad I found over at BleedingCool.com.  Are they trying to ruin this stuff, because I can’t come up with a better explanation.  I like being proven right.

Speaking of Bleeding Cool…

Rich Johnston’s site is by far the most enjoyable comic “news” site on the web and over the last few years it has really exploded in size and content.  I rarely go to anywhere else.  It was his site that I found out about the impending protest of by the Westboro Baptist Church, the (multiple expletives covered up) who have protest US Soldier funerals, Hate Crime victim funerals and Ronnie James Dio’s funeral all because these closeted bigots think… I’m actually so confused as to what they think I don’t want to try and spell it out.  None the less, they will be protesting… Yep, The San Diego Comic Con.  Why?  Not really sure, I think it is because there will be gay creators or a comic with a homosexual in it might get sold there.  I really do not know.

So, Johnston has been mocking them in preparation for his counter protest.  He has shirts made up and is encouraging some of his ten ways to counter protest the protesters.  He really  does have a great site and I SO want one of those T-shirts.

By the way… Is anyone going to Comic Con this year?

I’m just wondering.  I’ve heard of no one, so if you are let me know or tell me how it was when you get back.

Presale Tickets available for 3XWrestling’s King of Des Moines…

A TOURNAMENT (best idea in pro-wrestling) that you just don’t see enough of to crown The King of Des Moines, August 6th at the Des Moines Social Club.  I’ll have more next week, but advance tickets are only $12 for adults.  A couple more newbies went last month and had a blast, consider it.

Review of X-Men: Second Coming #2…

Employee Tia is back with another review (Thanks, ‘cause I seriously do not have it in me today) about a mutant book.  A pretty big one that came out last week.  Again, SPOILERS AHEAD!

Fresh off our overlapping introduction to X-Men vs. Vampires, we’re finally treated to the conclusion of the Second Coming crossover. This is, quite honestly, the most thoroughly satisfying ending I could have ever asked for.
Chapter One opens immediately following Cable’s unexpected and emotional death, Hope’s annihilation of Bastion and impressive revelation of her power spectrum.
In the wake of this epic battle, things slowly being to normalize (as much as they can) on Nation X. We get some classic ‘X-Men medical bay’ humor featuring Dr. Nemesis, Beast, (handless) Hellion and Karma, while Magneto falls back into his role as a mentor. The character has been so enjoyable to read since his arrival at Nation X, and we’re provided with a prime example of his new wisdom and compassion as he comforts a justifiably shaken Hope with the phrase “It is sometimes beneficial to be thought of as dangerous”. However brief, the exchange carries immense weight as Hope has shown herself as someone to potentially be feared.
The artwork by Ibraim Roberson is beautiful and effective – particularly the full page of Hope clutching the only physical remains of Cable.
Chapter Two begins with a poignant flashback which takes place at a time when Cable and Hope were still leaping through time, as Hope struggles with fears of Cable’s death following a particularly harrowing battle. He assures her, though, that she won’t be “getting rid of me THAT easy”.
The flashback is heart-wrenching, as the very next page takes us to Cable’s funeral. Now, personally, any X-Man’s funeral is emotional for me, but watching Cyclops break down and weep over his dead son’s casket, and hearing Hope speak of the three blessings a soldier prays for- and then imploring that “nobody needs to cry for Nathan Summers” was just too much. Mike Carey captured a beautiful and touching moment here, and I was moved to tears.
One of my favorite moments featured Prodigy and some of the younger students wondering if perhaps they should comfort Hope, but realizing that, given her immense potential, and ability to essentially have any mutant’s power, she may already know everything they want to say. As a New X-Men: Academy X fan, I sincerely appreciated their presence (especially Prodigy), however brief, in this issue.
The post-funeral meeting between Rogue and Cyclops both bores and annoys me.  Scott is still in ‘General Summers’ mode it seems, and his banishment of Rogue from the combat roster is pretty harsh. He sees her as “the worst kind of loose cannon,” …yet wants her to stick around to babysit Hope? Luckily, we see in the previews for future issues that she’s not simply resigned to that boring task.
Chapter Three…is drawn by Greg Land, and that means that every woman looks like a stripper or model (Editor note – could this have anything to do with his “use” of photo reference?) and every character is looking at you, out of the page.
Awkward artwork aside, this was a generally touchy chapter for me, as I’m still reeling from Nightcrawler’s death… along with Wolverine.
Here he is, trying to drink away his sorrow, when Storm comes in to lecture him about X-Force and why it was wrong. I love Logan’s defense of his team, though. It was honest and very true to the character. Now that X-Force has been essentially disbanded, and Logan has the duty of telling X-23 (who is now apparently a 25-year-old supermodel?) that she’s off the team and that should start following her own orders for the first time in her life. I’m interested to see her develop a new role within the X-Men, perhaps off a combat team. As Cyclops “officially” disbands the previous team…they reveal Wolverine’s new, secret X-Force! Psylocke, Archangel, Deadpool and Fantomex! I let out a little fangirl yelp at this page. Everyone is armed to the teeth and ready for action, and as a fan, I’m ready for the undoubtedly hilarious action that this new “Uncanny X-Force” will bring. It’s a really different feel from the first X-Force where the more feral, instinctual mutants were utilized.

After that amazing reveal, we’re forced to read a couple pages of Hank McCoy whining and  leaving, though I appreciated Namor’s defense of ‘his people.’ Clearly, the Bastion battle has altered his view of the X-Men…at least for the time being, and this pleases me.
One of my favorite moments of the issue may have been an afterthought for the writers, but seeing Namor ‘play’ basketball was just priceless.

Reading the final pages, I start getting excited all over again! Emma, in diamond form, walks towards Hope at a bonfire… when it suddenly flares up into the shape of…The Phoenix Force! Granted, we all expected this, and pretty much knew there was some going to be some kind of Hope/Jean/Phoenix tie-in, but it didn’t stop me from getting goosebumps at Hope’s knowing smirk before The Phoenix harkens her to ‘Prepare.” To be honest, I always have wanted to barf at the prospects of Hope being Jean, or Jean coming back to life via Hope, or some equally ridiculous way to bring Jean Grey in to the story. I was left completely satisfied with the way that Hope and The Phoenix were ultimately brought together.  Emma frantically runs to tell Cyclops what she’s seen, when Scott immediately quiets her.
Five little lights pop up on Cerebra. Five potential new mutants, and five hopes for the future of the species. Tears welled-up in my eyes as Scott uttered “We were right.”
For an X-Men fan, this was just too overwhelming, as I wholeheartedly believe that absolutely nothing could get us more excited than the prospect of new mutants.
Terry Dodson was a great choice for the art this chapter, as he has an undeniable talent at creating subtle facial expressions that translate seamlessly to the reader.
As I said before, this was ultimately the most satisfying ending to any X-crossover I’ve ever read. Between four different writers, and four different artists, they managed to not only create a cohesive story that came full-circle for all characters involved, but to also integrate an inspiring new beginning for the fans.

Matt’s comments – I have to agree.  His has been a very good crossover with good potential in all of the X-books right now.  If you feel unsatisfied with one of the “family” books, especially at Marvel, you might give an X-Book a try.

The Week of July 12th

Published on July 12, 2010 in Comics, Cons, Events, Matt's stupid ramblings and Reviews-comics. 0 Comments

Thank You…

The shop as well as the furry friends at Animal Lifeline want to thank everyone who came out for our Merry X-Mas Event last Thursday.  I was really impressed with the generosity and giving that was shown.  Animal Lifeline collected over $150 in cash donations and nearly $300 in physical donations (every day stuff they need to run the shelter.)  Fantastic!!

I think everyone had a nice time hanging out and socializing as well as just dropping in with donations.  This is what blew me away – the people who heard about the event and as one friend told me, “you had me at supporting animals.”

It was also a good day for us, sales-wise too, so, that helps as well.  Really give me hope for a big Geeky X-Mas this December.

Future events – We’ll have something in a few weeks, probably just a come, hang out and have a beer (and buy comics) “event.”  We will also have something in August to celebrate our eighth anniversary too.  After that… who knows?  If you have an idea, let me know.

Top Ten Lists Updating…

I am going about updating our Top Ten lists.  A customer recommended it as a good way for them to see what is worth reading (or at least what we read) but, It has been a while.  So, check the website soon and then leave your list in the comments section.  I like seeing what you think too.

New Podcast, up and waiting… tonight.

Later Monday the latest Comic Illuminati podcast will rise without warning on an unsuspecting public, from a dungeon beneath the streets of Des Moines.  Igor has been working diligently on this even longer and more ubiquitous.  (That is a triple word score for blogging!!)

You can find it over at www.youtube/user/southsiderstudios.  Go and be enlightened!

Has anyone checked Marvel for AD/HD?…  Matt’s Rant of the Week

Seriously, Marvel Chill The F#ck Out!

You are acting like a hyperactive child that can’t figure can’t sit still, concentrate or pay attention for two seconds.

Why am I so irritated THIS WEEK at the industry “leader” you ask?  Oh, let me try to explain.

Last week (Just Plain) X-Men #1 came out and launched the next event, Curse of the Mutants… before the last big X-event, Second Coming, had even finished.  It didn’t necessarily spoil anything, but I find it annoying to read the start of a new chapter before you’ve read the end of the last one.  Let us finish our salad before we get the main course.

A schedule, real and solid with a thing called an editor overseeing it, might have helped avoid this, but the X-books have good editors and have always come out on a good steady schedule (well, except that Asstonishing X-Men book, but no one remembers that.)  Does this mean it was pushed by the heads of Marvel to come out when it did, but why would you do that?  I don’t know, I was being rhetorical.

Also last week, Shadowland #1 was released.  This is the new Daredevil centered event (with plenty of crossovers and mini-series, see below for more.)  More so a big EVENT then Curse of the Mutants, which should probably be described as a story line with extra, related books coming out.

Marvel is pretty good about sending out promo-pieces like the post cards (though you can’t mail them, hmmm, has anyone else realized this?) full retail promo posters and mini give away posters.  They are all advertising that costs Marvel money and retailers very little.  I think there are a few customers who really like this stuff and I do think it all helps to promote the books, at least a little.

But last week, the day Shadowland came out, we got our postcards and posters.  A little late out of the gates in promoting with postcards and the posters had the last page (the big reveal I’m not going to talk about because it is a major spoiler) on the bloody poster!  Wait, why would you want to give away the ending of your comic… by giving it away as a mini-poster?  To me this is a terrible way to market your big summer crossover.

Are they, Marvel’s marketing people, so geared with the internet and other mass media that they can’t see the forest through the trees?  It doesn’t help the books to downplay the end of the big story, by already moving onto the next big thing or giving away the ending to, what, get me to read the beginning?  I have seen Marvel’s events start to sell very poorly as they have started churning them out at a faster pace.  They have become so obsessed with the sales on the first issue, they give up on sales at the end of the preceding one, that was probably overlapped.  I won’t even get into the increasing number of mini-series with characters who already have a book out.  Does Moonknight need TWO titles, even if one is a mini-series?  In the old days, an EVENT was done to help a failing book by Crossing over with it, not having a separate mini-series.  This does not bode well.

DC doesn’t get a free pass.  They are not perfect in any sense, but at the very least they don’t act like hyperactive spazes.  For example, they were starting promo work for Brightest Day (a natural follow to Blackest Night) before the end of BN, but they did it through a very subtle promo art campaign.  They also didn’t jump the gun and release the start of one before the end of the other… or at least they haven’t yet and the Brightest Day EVENT is helping to sell other SERIES, not additional mini-series.

Nonetheless, if Marvel was my kid, I would be getting it checked out and on some serious heavy drugs.

Shadowland… If you want it, you GOT to let me know!

So, speaking of Shadowland… um has anyone seen all the crazy amount of mini-series and one-shots Marvel is putting out with this?  It is, frankly, insane.  I like Daredevil, I’ve read hornhead for a long time, but can a mini-series/crossover tied to a character who, historically, hasn’t sold that well really pull in a need for eight interconnected one-shots and mini-series?  We shall see.

And the reason I ask, is because we are NOT going to take a bath on this (don’t know if you knew it or not, but paper does not moisturize the skin so well.)  We will have some of these (especially issue ones) on sale, but not in huge amounts.  If you want them, I would let me know BEFORE they arrive.

Here is a Shadowland checklist:

Shadowland 1-5

Daredevil 508-512

Shadowland: Blood on the Streets 1-4

Shadowland: Bullseye One-Shot

Shadowland: Daughters of the Shadow 1-3

Shadowland: Moon Knight 1-3

Shadowland: Power Man 1-4

Shadowland: Elektra One-Shot

Shadowland: Ghost Rider One-Shot

Thunderbolts 148, 149

Shadowland: Spider-Man One-Shot

But was issue one any good?

Eh, I thought it was a lot of set up.  Probably won’t know until the Daredevil issue comes out this week.  I can’t tell you the big reveal at the end, but it is a Daredevil character changer.  I don’t know, I’ve been reading Daredevil month in and month out for a long time.  I like the character as a smart, loner-lawyer type, but I know that change is important and the direction Andy Diggle has taken DD has been interesting if nothing else.  This isn’t a huge recommendation or help, but I will be reading it and seeing it to its end, good or bad.

That is Shadowland, now on to Curse of the Mutants…

Same thing goes for a bunch of these books too.  The Curse, isn’t as bad as Shadowland in volume, but some of these will sell even less then the Shadowland stuff.  Here is a list:

(Just Plain) X-Men – Ongoing

X-Men: Curse of the Mutants – Blade

X-Men: Curse of the Mutants – Smoke and Blood

X-Men: Curse of the Mutants – Storm and Gambit

X-related, but not necessarily Vampire Curse stuff:

X-23 – Ongoing

Wolverine – Ongoing

Daken – Ongoing

Matt’s second rant…

(exasperated sigh)

You know what, I need a cleansing of my comic pallet.  How about something I already know is good.

Richard Stark’s Parker: Man with the Getaway Face…

There is a book coming this week that every single person should read.  It is a preview book from IDW called Richard Stark’s Parker: The Man with the Getaway Face.  This is a prelude to The Outfit, the new hardcover coming in this fall.

The Outfit will be the “sequel” to The Hunter, one of the best received graphic novels of 2009.  It was one of the two best things I, personally, read last year.  The adaptation of Richard Stark’s Parker novels are done entirely by Darwyn Cooke and seriously is some of the best art, writing and style you will find in ANY comic you will EVER READ!

Here is the best part, the comic is 8” by 12”, 24 pages and only $2.00!!  I’ve read it already and can say this is a fantastic piece of art and literature combination.  If you are looking for something new, pick it up.

The story will appear in the graphic novel The Outfit and because of this I will make the offer, you buy this and want to return it when you pick up The Outfit HC, I will give you a dollar off the price (which will probably be $24.99 – a steal for how good these books are.)

I sold out of the first run of the Hunter multiple times, because, frankly, I underestimated the demand.  If you want to make sure you get The Outfit the day or week it comes out, please let me know so I can pre-order it and it will be waiting for you.

Comic Show this coming weekend…

The Comic Book Marketplace is Saturday, July 17 from 10am to 5pm at the Adventureland Inn in Altoona, same place
as the 2009 Comic Book I-CON and the 2010 I-CON which is November 13.  Admission is free.  There will be no creators, costumed fans or 501st at this event, just a good old fashion comic book show with plenty of dealers.

The Week of July 5th

Published on July 5, 2010 in Events and Reviews-comics. 0 Comments

Quick reminder, due to the holiday observed on Monday, comics are pushed back  a day to Thursday.

Merry X-Men Day!  X-Mas in July…

Thursday from 4 to 8 is Merry X-Men Day.

We will have presents, contests, costumes, an X-Tree, Santa and his elf, FREE Beer, egg nog (maybe), 3XWrestlers including a Mad Dog, real dogs, discounts and some give aways.

Pretty much everything you could possibly want.  Here are some more specific details:

We are going to celebrate the holiday of giving by doing just that.  Animal Lifeline, the no kill shelter here on the South Side of Des Moines could always use some extra help.  Just recently they took in a few abused and neglected animals who are looking at a long, but what should be successful, recovery.

We are going to give presents to everyone who gives a donation or supplies needed by Animal Lifeline and that list of supplies is:

Liquid Laundry Soap – Dish Soap – Bleach

Clorox Anywhere Spray Cleaner

Tall Kitchen Garbage Bags – Lawn and Leaf Garbage Bags

Zip Loc Storage Bags-Gallon Size – Paper Towels – Toilet Paper – Kleenex Tissues

Endust Spray – Air Wick Fresh Matic Ultra Refills

Sponges – Dobie Scrubbers – Bottle brushes

Copy Machine Paper – Postage Stamps – #10 Envelopes

We are going to have some light fun with a few coloring contests and other activities.  I have been told to say costumes are encouraged.  Tia and a few others will be dressing up X-Men style and Santa, though slimmed down due to an extensive off season work out regiment, will be there with one of his elf workers.  We’ll have a drink special or two, some snacks, a bunch of discounts on merchandise and as always free beer.

What am I forgetting…. OH, Right, the reason we decided on this day.  There will also be a big book released that day, X-Men #1.  We are participating with the official Marvel party, just doing it a little different.  Because we are part of their party we got the book a few days early and I gave it to the resident mutant lover for a review…

X-Men #1, A Review by Tia Rodenmyer…

NOTE – There are some spoilers in this review.  You are warned.

Like many fans, I was extremely nervous when I heard that the new X-Men title was going to feature, of all things, vampires. Granted, I am not a huge ‘vamp’ fan in general, and, additionally, I know next to nothing about the vampire mythos in the 616 (That’s code for main Marvel Universe – editor Matty) – but I was more concerned about how they could possibly provide a reason for the X-Men to even care about vampires.
Reading the first issue of this new X-Men book did very little to alter my pre-conceived notions about the title. However, I was relieved to find that it doesn’t reveal any clues to the outcome of Second Coming.
The story opens on Pixie and the powerless Jubilee chatting in an open, public square. A mysterious stranger approaches in a gimp mask, promptly removes his clothes, says something quite ominous, and proceeds to explode- covering little Jubilee in…something.

We find out later that Jubilee was the vampires’ target, and also the X-Men’s link to the vamps. Come to find out, the ‘vampire virus’ is actually manufactured, and the means by which these vampires procreate. It’s no mystery at all that Jubilee will become a vampire, albeit slowly… and very emotionally. This begs the question will Cyclops choose to provide sanctuary for vamp-ilee, or will she become too much of a liability?
Nothing real earth-shattering is revealed in this issue, but it provides plenty of reasons for fans to keep reading. There are a lot of mysteries to be resolved in later issues, and they’ve baited us nicely. We’re treated to some enjoyably scathing quips from Dr. Nemesis, and some quality team action featuring Wolverine, Pixie and Angel.
Eye roll moment o’ the issue — A new vampire cleverly suggesting that Wolverine might be more effective had his claws been made of wood.
On the art chores, Paco Medina did an effective job of creating a slightly darker ambiance for our slightly darker story.

Like I said, I was more than apprehensive about this new plot…and I still am – but cheers to Marvel for not making this the train wreck it completely could have been…at least yet.

Thanks Tia.  I have to agree, the book wasn’t real huge in any way, but sets up a lot of plot that is going to affect books all around the X-universe… once the second coming gets rapped up.  Oh, right… that story the one that has been really good.  Hey!  Marvel, you hyperactive freaks, you need to pick up the toys you were playing with before you get any more out!  You can’t have any pudding unless you eat your meat!

I can’t believe I am saying this… I… like reading… X-books?  Oh, a little piece of my soul just died… or was returned to its 15 year old state.

It’s a Wonder, Woman!!…

OH, Brother.  There are a lot of people freaking out about issue #600 of Wonder Woman.  Most of it centers around the changing of her costume to a much more modern look, but nearly all of the people on the war path are losing sight of a much bigger picture.  BUT, I’m getting ahead of myself.

So, last week the freakishly numbered (unless you read Marvel comics) Wonder Woman #600 hit stands.  In it is the prologue to Odyssey, the first story in J. Michael Straczynski (writer) and Don Kramer’s (artist) run on the series.  It is important to note Wonder Woman sales had fallen an pretty hard times of late with so many other DC stars picking up sales.

At our shop, WW, considered one of the three big heroes at DC, sells slightly more than a third the copies of the best selling Superman book and Superman sells about a third of Batman (and Robin.)  This is pretty close to the national numbers.  Why is this important to note?  Stracznski’s arch is causing controversy because of some big changes… shock… to try and increase sales!!!

In this new arch, Wonder Woman has lost her bathing suit look (and the stars on it) and has gone to a black tights smaller tiara and jacket look… very 90’s, but of course, because Jim Lee designed it.  Personally, I don’t think it is too bad.  It is modern and would look good on the big screen (groan.)

What I don’t like is that Jim Lee was the one who had to redesign it.  I guess he is the only one who could, he is so good and does so many… books… on a regular… WAIT, he doesn’t work on anything right now!?!  OH, so this is another Marvel-like move, just like when Captain America’s costume was redesigned by Alex Ross, another person who doesn’t work on anything, but is so important that he… should… why is he so important?  I guess I feel the artist working on the book should have some input on this change, at least these guys (and in WW’s case, Don Kramer is a HELL of a good artist) are actually doing the monthly work.  BUT I DIGRESS… and no one is angry about this important stuff.  Back to the more unhappy… readers?

In this new arch, Stracznski is writing what has been called a reboot, but I don’t think we know the full story yet.  In it Wonder Woman looks to be in a very All Star or Ultimate restart, but an Oracle asks if she has always felt lost and that “the world you see isn’t always the world that is, or has been.”  This Oracle also refers to gods (writers) “changing the rhythm” for their own purposes, interests and amusement.  There is a slight explanation of some of this new continuity, but I don’t want to give everything away.  It sounds pretty definite that this is not the new status quo, forever.

We need to remember this will all be fixed in the end, but you know that, I know that, but the freaks out there… well, Fox News said it is a “Globalized” new outfit and made sure to point out the loss of the flag motif.

If you want to read some of the comments, including one who says in so many words that the costume is Communist, from uniformed morons check out a list of them Rich Johnston compiled over at BleedingCool.com.  (They will make you shake your head at how dumb non-comic book readers can be about our hobby.)

Thing is, Wonder Woman is NOT from the United States, she is NOT a citizen.  She isn’t even on her own world in this storyline!  OH, but they would have known that if they would have actually read the comic, not just reported on a single image from a press release.

It is so much more important that the book is getting a big push and a major writer on it, but that isn’t controversial.  DC might be creating buzz, but it is not a the right kind of push this book needs, but with bad sales, I guess any increase and hype is good.

Now let’s see if the hype leads to a good long term storyline that keeps people coming back and helps justify Wonder Woman being called one of DC’s big three.

I-Cubs and 3XWrestling Tickets…

Part of the festivities on Thursday will be your last chance to get tickets for either the discounted General admission tickets for Sunday’s I-Cubs game or the advanced (and discounted) tickets for 3XWrestling’s big five year anniversary show Friday.

The I-Cubs tickets are only $5.00 each and are good for the Sunday, July 11th game at 1:00.  The Cubs will be taking on the New Orleans Zephyrs and all proceeds of the ticket sale go to Animal Life Line.  For more information on Animal Life Line, check out their website www.animal-lifeline.com


3XWrestling is celebrating a major birthday this Friday and we have pre-sale tickets available through Thursday night.  3X is a local promotion with local wrestlers putting in their bumps (and some serious ones at that) for a good entertaining night out at the Des Moines Social Club.  This week’s even starts at 7:30, with doors opening at 7:00.

I’ve been featuring a match a week, but as I only have one more week to go before the big event, we are going to have to do a speed round.  The full card can be found here 3XWrestling.com.

Over the last few months, a huge feud has developed with the baby faces of 3X and The premier villains of the organization, The Gentleman’s Club.  The GC is in the vein of old school villain groups like the Four Horsemen.  Running around and prescribing to be better than the regular Joe wrestling fan.  Currently that group is made up of Brian Ash, Gage Octane and the 3XW Tag Team Champions “Delicious” Devin Carter and Casanova, as well as their manager Todd Countryman.  These four heals are absolutely perfect in their villainy.  Dirty cheap shots, underhanded cheating and flamboyant mockery of their opponents… they have it all and on a side note, some of them even dress the part.  Carter has the “best” ring attire I have ever seen.  But, hey, I love a good villain!

Why do I make such a point of these troublemakers, because they are two of the three big matches I’ve yet to bring up in past conversation.  One is the six man tag match containing Octane, Carter and Casanova vs. “The Anarchist” Arik Cannon and the return of the Northstar Express.  If you have never seen the Express wrestle, you are in for a treat, these guys are fantastic.  This will be a real test of Countryman’s managing skills to pull off a victory by hook or by crook.

The other Gentleman’s Club throwdown is between Brian Ash, long time 3X Champion and Mark Sterling, former member of the GC.  This match will be the most like a backstreet brawl with both superstars needing to prove and maybe settle something.

However, the biggest match of the night is for the 3XWresling Heavyweight Championship and pits the villainous “Rebel” and current champ Jeremy Wyatt versus Rory Fox in a ladder match!

This will be Wyatt’s second ladder match at an anniversary event after he was unable to beat Tyler Cook for the Pure Wrestling Championship last year.  Though he lost, his performance was spectacular and is easily one of the best matches I’ve seen at a 3X event.  I expect this year’s to be even better as Rory Fox is no slouch in the ring.  A big boy with Ultimate Warrior ring presence (without the Warrior’s douchiness,) Fox will put up a huge challenge for “The Rebel” to keep his title.  Thing is, Jeremy Wyatt, with supreme cockiness not seen in wrestling (Des Moines or otherwise) is a great athlete.  Not huge in the strength like an Ash or Mad Dog, he can perform moves you wish you could see in the WWE.  He is the total package of pro-wrestling and rightly deserves his title.  This will be THE match of the night.

I hope you can make the event.  I’ll be there, in the back, with plenty of extra beer.  See you there.